Mohammad Kaif: “When Iftikhar Ahmed got to bat under pressure, the bat didn’t fire”
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Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif admitted he was extremely disappointed that Pakistan power-hitter Iftikhar Ahmed failed to fire in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Babar Azam: “The thing about the Pakistan team is that there is pressure. I know that Usman has left so many things, so all of that would be in the back of his mind. But he has made every effort”
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Pakistan limited overs captain Babar Azam has defended new batting sensation Usman Khan, saying he is giving his full effort despite not having impressed at the international level so far.
Mohammad Hafeez: “The pressure we’re putting on Shadab is to make him bowl four overs. I don’t think Shadab is currently in the mental state to be an international level bowler for four overs”
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Former Pakistan team director Mohammad Hafeez believes first-choice spinner Shadab Khan is currently not in the right mental state to bowl four overs in T20Is.
Mohammad Amir: “There was definitely pressure, especially since I was returning after a four-year break. I owe it to the team, especially Shaheen and Babar, for the support and confidence they provided during my comeback”
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Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has expressed his gratitude to limited overs captain Babar Azam and fellow left-arm seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi for their continual support.
Pakistan batsman Azam Khan: “I try to attack the best bowler of the opposing team. If I can attack the main bowler, others come under pressure”
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Pakistan big-hitting batsman Azam Khan said he always looks to attack the opposition team’s best bowler as it puts a lot of pressure on them.
Zaka Ashraf: “I suggested that he should focus on playing as a team member for Pakistan, as it was clear that he was finding it challenging to cope with the pressure of [the] captaincy”
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Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf confirmed that Babar Azam found it “challenging to cope with the pressure of [the] captaincy” prior to resigning in November 2023.
Mohammad Hafeez: “Shaheen Afridi’s death bowling is becoming a big concern now. He leaks too many runs and puts his team under pressure. I hope this does not become an issue for Pakistan cricket”
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Former Pakistan team director and interim head coach Mohammad Hafeez said recently removed T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi’s “death bowling is becoming a big concern now” as he is conceding too many runs.
Pakistan batsman Saud Shakeel: “Becoming a captain is a matter of pride. It’s not that I always wanted to become a captain, but if the opportunity arises, I will definitely accept it”
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Pakistan middle order batsman Saud Shakeel said if he is offered the chance to captain his country in any format, he will “definitely accept it.”
Ramiz Raja: “It takes time to form an opening pair. It’s not an easy task. So, if you have a pair, and they consistently kept you in the field during matches, what benefit did you get after breaking it?”
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Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his frustration towards the decision to break up the opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20Is.
Ravi Shastri: “I think the real problem for Shaheen is the pressure of being the spearhead of this Pakistan attack and without much support at the other end when it comes to pace”
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri pointed out that the “real problem” Shaheen Shah Afridi has is the vast amount of pressure on him to do everything as the spearhead of the Pakistan pace attack.
