Pakistan men's cricket team has been in dire straits after two back-to-back early exits from World Cup events. Their batters’ approach has been questioned of late, especially after their failure to go past the group stage in T20 World Cup 2024. However, Pakistan is not short of talent when it comes to fast bowlers. Raw pace comes naturally to them. Naseem Shah’s brother Ubaid who is taller than him is capable of bowling at good pace too. In a video that has went viral on social media, Ubaid Shah can be seen troubling limited-overs skipper Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman.
Ubaid’s numbers in Under-19 T20 World Cup 2024
Ubaid was Pakistan's highest wicket-taker in Undeer-19 World Cup 2024. He bagged 18 wickets from six games at an average of 12.39. Overall, he was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. His best bowling performance came against Bangladesh with five wickets for 44 runs. So far, he has played two List A and as many T20s but yet to pick a wicket.
PCB’s new directive for players, free hand to coaches
Meanwhile Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has shared a diktat for players telling them not to be involved in groupism and get ready for fitness tests every three months.
"There will be no compromise on discipline. There will be a zero-tolerance policy against players who violate discipline. There should be unity and consensus within the team. Grouping players will not be tolerated. Management should take strict action on grouping. Disciplinary players will not have a place in the team. Do not accept my recommendation about any player for breach of discipline," the PCB statement quoted Naqvi as saying.
Also, Naqvi gave head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie a free hand. He also included them in the selection committee.
"Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie are fully empowered. I have full confidence in them. Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie have been given a free hand. Hope both will give the best results," the PCB Chief said.
Babar not confirmed as limited overs captain
While Shan Masood has been named captain of the Test format, PCB is yet to confirm that Babar would continue to captain in the limited overs.
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