The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a significant announcement ahead of the much-awaited T20I series against New Zealand. In a move aimed at bolstering the team’s coaching staff, former Pakistan all-rounder has been appointed as the head coach for the upcoming home series, that starts in Rawalpindi.

Experienced campaigner to coach Pakistan

PCB have announced the selection of ex-pacer Azhar Mahmood as the head coach of the men’s team for the forthcoming series. Mahmood brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, having previously served as both a player and a bowling coach for the Pakistan national team. During his tenure as the bowling coach from 2016 to 2019, Mahmood played a pivotal role in refining Pakistan’s bowling attack, contributing significantly to the team’s success on the international stage.

Having represented Pakistan in 164 international matches, Mahmood’s playing career is adorned with 162 wickets and 2421 runs. His deep understanding of the game coupled with his invaluable experience is expected to provide the Pakistani team with a strategic edge as they prepare to take on New Zealand in the upcoming T20I series.

“Former Pakistan fast bowler Azhar Mahmood has been named as the head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The matches will be played in Rawalpindi and Lahore from 18-27 April,” wrote PCB in an official media release.

Also READ: Pakistan captain Babar Azam addresses his strike rat?e concerns ahead of T20 World Cup 2024

Team management reorganization

In addition to the appointment of Mahmood as the head coach, the PCB have announced other key changes within the team management. Wahab Riaz has been appointed as the senior team manager, bringing his vast experience as a seasoned cricketer to the fore. Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Mohammad Yousuf will assume the role of batting coach, lending his expertise to the team’s batting lineup.

Furthermore, former spinner Saeed Ajmal, who previously served as the bowling coach during the tours of Australia and New Zealand, will continue in his role, further fortifying Pakistan’s coaching staff with his wealth of knowledge and experience.

Upcoming series

The T20I series against New Zea?land is slated to kick off on Thursday, April 18, at the? iconic Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The series, comprising five exhilarating matches, promises to be an exciting. The matches are scheduled to be played across Rawalpindi and Lahore from April 18 to April 27.

Also READ: Pakistan skipper Babar Azam picks the better T20 death bowler between? Naseem Shah and Jasprit Bumrah

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In the wake of Pakistan‘s disheartening performance in the ODI World Cup 2023, significant changes have been implemented within the cricketing ranks of the nation. The team’s skipper, Babar Azam, made a noteworthy decision to step down from the captaincy across all formats, signalli??ng a shift in leadership dynamics.

Additionally, the coaching staff underwent a significant alteration as Morne Morkel, the bowling coach, resigned from his role. To address the void left by Morkel’s departure, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have taken a strategic approach by enlisting the expertise of two veterans to mentor the Green team’s bowling attack.

The infusion of experience and knowledge from these cricketing stalwarts is anticipated to bring about a positive transformation, fostering the development and refinement of Pakistan’s bowling prowess in the international arena.

Pakistan’s new fast bowling coach

In a strategic move to fortify Pakistan’s pace bowling department, the cricket management has appointed former speedster Umar Gul as the pace bowling mentor for the team. Gul, a seasoned right-arm pacer, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having represented Pakistan in an impressive 237 matches and claiming 427 wi??ckets across various formats. His remarkable career, characterized by pace, skill and the ability to deliver? under pressure, positions the 41-year-old as an ideal mentor to nurture the next generation of fast bowlers.

Also READ: Pakistan announces 18-member squad for th?e upcoming Test tour of Australia

Pakistan’s new spin bowling coach

Assuming the responsibility for enhancing the spin bowling aptitude, Saeed Ajmal has been roped in as the new spin bowling coach. Ajmal brings a chunk of expertise to the role with an impressive track record of 447 wickets in 212 international matches. The 46-year-old’s valuable experience extends to the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he previously served as the spin bowling coach for Islamabad United.

Also READ: ICC announces venue change for the 2024 U-1??9 W?orld Cup

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The Asia Cup has been a battleground of cricketing excellence, where teams from the Asian subcontinent lock horns to claim supremacy. Pakistan is among those nations that have produced remarkable talents over the years in th?e event. The Men in?? Green have won two Asia Cup Titles so far.

The 16th edition of the Asia Cup is all set to commence on August 30, and six Asian nations will be participating in the tournament for the coveted trophy. On that note, let’s delve into the annals of cricket history and have a look at Pakistan’s Best All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI.

Pakistan’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI

1) Inzamam-ul-Haq (Batter)

A batting maestro with a calm demeanour, Inzamam-ul-Haq’s inclusion in the lineup is a no-brainer. Known for his majestic strokes and impeccable timing, he forms one-half of the opening partnership.

Inzamam’s stats in Asia Cup �?Mat?ches: 15 ?| Runs: 591 | Average: 59.10  | Centuries: 0 | Fifties: 6

2) Younis Khan (Batter)

A quintessential team player, Younis Khan’s solid technique and unwavering determination make him the perfect partner for Inzamam. His ability to anchor the innings while adapting to match situations is a testament to his greatness.

Younis�?stats in Asia Cup �?Matches: 14 | Runs: 546 | Average: 49.63 | Centuries: 2 | Fifties:?? 3

3) Shoaib Malik (Batter)

A versatile player, Shoaib Malik’s ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed earns him a pivotal spot in the middle order. His experience and tactical acumen make him a valuable asset.

Shoaib’s stats in Asia Cup �?Matches: 17 | Runs: 786 | Average: 65?.50  | Centuries: 3 | Fifties:? 3

Also READ: Pakistan announces an 18-man squad for? the Asia Cup 202??3 and Afghanistan ODIs

4) Misbah-ul-Haq (Batter)

A leader par excellence, Misbah-ul-Haq’s calm and composed captaincy earns him a place as the backbone of the middle order. His match awareness and ability to steer the team through pressure situations are second to none.

Misbah’s stats in Asia Cup �?Matches: 14 | Runs: 419 | Average: 46.55  | Centuri?es: 0 | Fifties: 5

5) Shahid Afridi (All-rounder/Captain)

The ‘Boom Boom’ Afridi brings his explosive batting and invaluable leg-spin prowess to the lineup. His ability to turn the tide of the game in an instant makes him a game-changer.

Afridi’s stats in Asia Cup �?Matches: 23 | Runs: 532 | Averag?e: 35??.46  | Centuries: 2 | Fifties: 1 | Wickets: 14

6) Mohammad Hafeez (All-rounder)

An all-rounder with a knack for crucial breakthroughs and calculated batting, Mohammad Hafeez adds depth to the lineup. His off-spin and dependable batting are key assets in the team’s quest for victory.

Hafeez’s stats in Asia Cup?? �?Matches: 9 | Runs: 493 | Average:  44.77 | Centuries: 1 | Fifties: 3 | Wickets: 8

7) Umar Akmal (Wicketkeeper/Batter)

A youthful spark in the lineup, Umar Akmal’s aggressive batting style and ability to clear the ropes make him a vital asset in the lower middle order.

Akmal’s stats in Asia Cup �?Matches: 11 | Runs: 5??10 | Average: 51.00  | Centuries: 1 | Fifties: 4

8) Abdul Razzaq (All-rounder)

A true all-rounder, Razzaq’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds unparalleled balance to the team. His power-hitting and wicket-taking knack make him a vital match-winner

Razzaq’s stats in Asia Cup: Matches: 11 | Wickets: 16 | Economy: 4?.28 | BBI: ??4/29

9) Saeed Ajmal (Bowler)

A magician with the ball, Saeed Ajmal’s mesmerizing spin and wicket-taking ability are integral to Pakistan’s success. His variations and control make him a true match-winner.

Saeed’s stats in Asia Cup: Matches: 12 | Wickets: 25 | ??Economy: 4.21 | BBI: 3/26

10) Wasim Akram (Bowler)

A living legend, Wasim Akram’s lethal swing bowling and deadly yorkers make him the pace spearhead of this formidable lineup. His ability to strike fear into the hearts of batters is unparalleled.

Akram’s stats in Asia Cup: Matches:? 12 | Wickets: 16 | Economy: 3.22 | BBI?: 4/19

11) Umar Gul (Bowler)

Renowned for his deadly reverse swing and accurate yorkers, Umar Gul’s ability to dismantle batting lineups at crucial junctures secures his spot in the XI.

Gul’s stats in Asia Cup: Matches: 11 |?? Wickets: 14 | Economy: 5.8??0 | BBI: 3/58

Also READ: Dominating the Decades: India’s All-Time Asia Cup ODI XI

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Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir who had the whole cricket fraternity in shock with his retirement call last year, has found himself again in the mix. After his farewell to international cricket, the left-armer had accused the bowling coach Waqar Younis and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq of harassing him.

The pacer further demanded the removal of the present management if the board wants him to make a co???meback.

Saeed Ajmal, former off-break bowler for Paki?stan, recently shared his take on the retirement episode of Amir.

In an interview with Cricket Pakistan (CA), the ex-player opined that Am??ir should not have hurled accusations at the tea?m management and should improve his performances.

“Whatever he is saying, it looks like he was dealt unfairly. But I don’t know what happened between him and the team management behind the scenes. He is saying that he will only play for Pakistan after Misbah and Waqar leave their posts as head coach and bowling coach,” Ajmal said.

“Aise logo ka aisa hi hota hai (such players suffer exactly this way). It is not right for a player to ask for the removal of a coach. Amir should focus on his performance and cement his place before making such demands,” the Faisalabad-born added.

Ajmal further asserted?? that Amir retired out of desperation and must stick to his decision.

“Amir had given his retirement out of desperation but now he is thinking of coming back. If he has made his decision to retire, then he should stick to it,” the 43-year-old stated.

Amir made his debut at the nascent age of 17 and was believed to be a bright prospect and was often compared to the great Wasim Akram.

However, the 29-year-old’s career took a turn when he got involved in a serious spot-fixing scandal and was banned for five years.

The Punjab born returned to cricket after serving his ban and played a huge role in Pakistan’s victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy.? Before bidding adieu to international cricket, Amir played 36 Tests, 61 One Day Internationals (ODI) and 50 T20Is an?d took 119, 81 and 59 in the respective formats.

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Former Pakistan bowler Saeed Ajmal was one of the rarest spinners who puzzled all the great batters and never really allowed batsmen to have a go at him. His mesmerizing ‘doosra’ – ability to give accurate flight and a mixture of pace – made him one of the most deadliest bowlers of his playing days.

Ajmal pl??ayed 35 Tests for Pakistan and picked up 178 wickets at an average of 28, with 11/111 being his best performance. Similarly, the leggie bagged 18??4 wickets from 113 ODIs and claimed 85 scalps in 64 T20Is.

Ajmal has also played a charity match between Rest of the World and MCC at Lords Cricket Ground in 2014 under the captaincy of India legend Sachin Tendulkar. While ROW XI had stars like Virender Sehwag, Kevin Pietersen, Adam Gilchrist, Yuvraj Singh, Shane Warne, and Shahid Afridi, veterans like Brian Lara, Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar were representing MCC.

Ajmal, who took a ?four-wicket haul in the match, recently recalled a funny incident involving himself and Tendulkar. The Faislabad-born revealed how the Mumbaikar came up to him and asked not to bowl seriously and consider it as a charity match.

“It was an MCC match. It’s supposed to be a friendly match. The players are required to spend some time in the middle because the longer the game goes on, the more funds will be collected. When the match started, I picked up four wickets in four overs,” Ajmal said in a video interaction with Cricket Pakistan.

“That’s when Sachin Tendulkar came running to me, and he said, ‘Saeed bhai, you are not supposed to play this match too seriously. This is a charity match. This is for the people who have come here to enjoy; they will have food, drinks. This match has to not get over before 6:30’,” he added.

“So I told him I was just bowling well to play positively. So he said, ‘ I agree with you, but this is a charity match, so funds have to be collected. So enjoy the match, play cricket and have fun’. So that’s what happened,” concluded Ajmal.

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On Saturday, August 15, while India was celebrating its 74th year of independence, an announcement that no one saw coming rocked the cricket-frenzy nation. MS Dhoni, just like that, bid adieu to international cricket. The news also brought ?an abrupt end to incessant speculations about h?is future.

For a whole lot of young players, Dhoni is more than a mere cricketer. Not many would have entertained an idea of a certain guy from a small, hilly town of Ranchi lead?ing his nation to two World Cup titles, an ICC Champions Trophy and carving his name in the annals of cricket history.

Dhoni, thus, symbolises a possibility for many such kids hailing from a? small town, middle-class backgroun?d and aspiring to don Men in Blue jersey in their life.

As ‘Captain Cool’ announced his retirement on Instagram, people from all walks of life thanked him for his service and wished good luck for his second innings.

Even Pakistani cricketers didn’t shy away from expressing their respect and admiration to the former Indian skipper. Shoaib Akhtar led the trend, followed by his colleagues like Shahid Afridi, Danish Kaneria and others.

Akhtar took to Twitter and wrote: “Mahendra Singh Dhoni retires from international cricket. The story of cricket will never be complete without him. Video tribute coming up shortly. What a legend! #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni”.

A man, an era, a person who changed the way the sport was played. We call him Mahendra Singh Dhoni. #DhoniRetires #mahendrasinghdhoni #Dhoni

Watch the full video here //t.co/jLtVsfjejG pic.twitter.com/hcdVi6F8MT

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) August 15, 2020

“One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains, congratulations on a great career MS Dhoni! All the best for your future,” tweeted Afridi.

One of the true legends of Indian cricket and one of the greatest captains, congratulations on a great career MS Dhoni! All the best for your future. //t.co/ruw8hQ5z8Z

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) August 15, 2020

Former Pakistan? leg spinner Danish Kaneria also penned a heartfelt message for the Indian legend.

“Main Pal Do Pal Ka Shayar Hun, Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani”! “My best wishes to most successful captain of Indian Cricket team @msdhoni for his future endeavours. World will miss the finisher!” wrote Kaneria.

“Main Pal Do ??Pal Ka Shayar Hun, Pal Do Pal Meri Kahani�?

My best wishes to most successful captain of Indian Cricket team @msdhoni for his future endeavours. World will miss the finisher! pic.twitter.com/yX5qFpir4u

— Danish Kaneria (@DanishKaneria61) August 15, 2020

Apart from them, former cricketers like Wasim Akr??am, Ramiz Raja and Saeed Ajmal among the others echoed the same sentiments regarding Dhoni’s retirement.

MSDhoni retires from ?international ??cricket! Great leader, great record, great entertainer and best in the world at a DRS read, but above all MS will be remembered for being a lead cast in Indian cricket’s iconic moments.

— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) August 15, 2020

@msdhoni one of my favourite Crickterers has bade adieu to international cricket.He was someone who came ,played and conquered. Won Indi??a T20 World Cup World Cup and ch?ampions trophy.Loved his daring style never afraid of the opposition.Go well Mahi whatever you do in life

— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) August 15, 2020

For many you have always been an inspiration & have been an exceptional performer for @BCCI. Indian team has achieved many glorious titles under your captaincy.I have also enjoyed playing with you. one of the most gentle & humble person. All the best bro @msdhoni pic.twitter.com/wy4umq2SAh

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) August 15, 2020

Congratulations on a super career @msdhoni an amazing cricketer and cricketing mind 👏🏽
All the best in your next chapter.

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) August 16, 2020

Congrats to @msdhoni on a wonderful cricketing career ! Was a pleasure watching you play . Good luck for your new career,legend 👍 pic.twitter.com/jSLpLCoLpj

— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) August 16, 2020

Go well in retirement @msdhoni 👏#GOAT

— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) August 16, 2020

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Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was an aggressive batsman. During his playing days, the left-handed batsman hardly duck his shoulders from involving in clashes on the field. And that’s the reason Gambhir was part of some of the most memorable battles on the cricket field. The attacking batsman was a fierce competitor. Several times, Gambhir had indulged into verbal exchanges with opposition players, especially with Pakistani cricketers.

Even after the retirement, Gambhir continues to be at loggerheads with former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi. Both the players had been involved in heated social media exchanges in the past. No one can forget Gambhir’s famous verbal altercation with Afridi during an ODI match at Kanpur’s Green Park stadium in 2007.

Recently, on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, Gambhir was asked to pick one Pakistan player he enjoyed playing against the most. The former Delhi opener didn’t pick Afridi; instead, he went with spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Ajmal was one of the best spinners to have played for Pakistan. His ability to bowl the deceptive Doosra troubled the best of the batsmen??. Gambhir termed Ajmal as someone tough to pick. Gambhir even rated Ajmal the toughest off-spinner he ever faced in his international career.

“One battle which I thoroughly enjoyed was against Saeed Ajmal. Because Ajmal was probably one of the toughest off-spinners I have faced, especially under lights as we couldn’t pick his Doosra. And the speed with which he used to bowl at, he was very very lethal,” said Gambhir.

However, during the chat, when Gambhir was asked to name one Pakistan player, he enjoyed verbal duels with the most, he indi??rectly mentioned Afridi.

“The world knows about that. I absolutely loved it and even now,” Gambhir said without taking Afridi’s name.

Gambhir made his debut for India in the year 2003. He has appeared for the national team in 58 Tests, 147 ODIs and 37 T20Is in which he has amassed 4154, 5238 and?? 932 runs, respectively.

The cricketer-turned-politician played vital roles in 2007 T20 World Cup where he finished as the second-highest scorer in the tournament. He had scored 227 runs in seven innings. He contributed 75 runs in the final against Pakistan which In??dia had won.

Gambhir had shown a similar commitment in the 2011 ODI World Cup final as well, which the ‘Men in Blue’ won by defeating Sri Lanka at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai. The 38-year-old scored 97 runs off 122 balls. The left-hander also led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to two Indian Premier League (IPL) titles in 2012 and 2014.

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Amid lockdown, many cricketers be it former or currently active players, are heading towards social media platforms to engage with their fans. Some are taking part in online chat sessions while some are coming up with their favourite players’ list who they rate them as the best in the business.

A few days ago, veteran Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh had revealed five batsmen whom he found worth challenging throughout his career. Latest on the trend is Bangladesh’s opening batsman Tamim Iqbal. The talented batsman has named three bowlers in world cricket who troubled him a lot.

Iqbal picked two spinners and one pacer from India, Pakistan and South Africa, respectively. The Chattogram-born named India’s Ravichandran Ashwin as one of the toughest bowlers he has faced. Apart from the offie, Iqbal also picked Pakistan’s veteran spinner Saeed Ajmal and former South African paceman Morne Morkel as the bowlers who were difficult to bat against.

The 31-year-old batsman firstly went with Ajmal and admitted that during the latter’s prime, he couldn’t pick the off-spinner at all.

“First, I would talk about Saeed Ajmal. When he was at his prime, I couldn’t read his deliveries. I had plenty of troubles while playing him,” said Tamim in an interview as quoted by Daily Star.

The Bangladeshi ODI captain then chose pacer Morkel and spinner Ashwin. He sai??d that it was challenging to face Morkel and Ashwin was pretty tricky to read.

“South Africa’s Morne Morkel was tough to face. Another one is Ravichandran Ashwin, who is one of the current players. Even he is difficult to read. I would like to take the names of these three cricketers as they are quality bowlers,” Iqbal added.

Iqbal has so?? far featured in 341 international matches for Bangladesh, in which he has accumulated 13,308 runs which is the highest by any Bangladeshi player in the history. Iqbal also has 23 hundreds and 81 half-centuries to his name in internation?al cricket.

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They say that a cat has nine lives,? but Ind?ian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar had five during the semi-final clash against Pakistan in the 2011 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan fielders kept?? dropping catch?es before their captain Shahid Afridi finally held one while Sachin already scoring 85.

Spinner Saeed Ajmal caught Tendulkar in f??ront of the st??umps, as the latter missed a straighter one. Sachin looked plumbed by all means, as standing umpire, Ian Gould decided to raise his finger.

However, after S??achin decided to review Gould’s decision, the verdict was overturned as ??the ball appeared to miss the leg stump.

The review befuddled many as the ball pitched in line and did not deviate enough after landing, to miss the leg stump.
Recently, Gould reflected on the decision made nine ??years back and stated that he would still give Tendulkar out, irrespective of the replays.

“When I gave him out at Mohali, I think this is out. I will sit here and guarantee you, if I see it again, I’d still give it out, simple as that. He talked to Gambhir and looked like?? he was going to walk out, and I’m thinking thank God for that, then he spun on his heels and made that T sign and the world stopped,�?Gould told BBC 5 Live Sport.

For several years, BCCI was not open to including DRS in bilateral ties due to inefficacies of the technology. The Indian board claimed that the technology is not 100% ?accurate to be adopted in all international games.

“Eventually, (third umpire) Billy Bowden told me ‘It’s missing leg, I need you to change your decision.�?W??ell, no disrespect to him, but I was watching on a 90-foot screen showing me it was missing leg by an inch so I didn’t really need his analysis,�?he added.

Sachin’s 85 runs helped India ?win the high-octane clash at Mohali as the Men in Blue progressed into the finals of the coveted tournament.

Tendul??kar was the lone warrior during India’s bid to post a challenging total. ??A late flurry from Suresh Raina also helped India cross 270.

“All I saw was a quicker ball from Ajmal and it thudded into t??he pads and went to square leg. It was just right, he��s out. Sorry, you’re out. I don’t care who you are, Sachin or anybody, you’re out. I was 110% confident when the referral w??as made that the batsman was out,�?concluded Gould.

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