Pakistan Omit Mohammad Abbas in Second Test Amid Conditions Concerns Pakistan’s decision to bench Mohammad Abbas for the second Test against the West Indies sparked widespread speculation, with captain Babar Azam attributing the move to the nature of the pitch. The omission of Abbas, their most effective bowler in the first Test, overshadowed other selection changes, as the team sought to adapt to the conditions of the venue. Abbas, who had delivered a five-wicket haul in the opening Test, was left out despite his consistent performance over the past year, including eight wickets in the first match. Babar clarified that the decision was not due to any injury or form issues but rather the state of the pitch. He stated that the slow, low-paced surface would have diminished Abbas’s effectiveness, especially since the team opted to include two spinners—Sajid Khan—in the XI. Abbas, known for his ability to exploit pace and movement, typically operates in the mid-120s range, and the team likely felt a slower wicket would further reduce his impact. In contrast, Pakistan introduced Ubaid Shah, a fast bowler making his Test debut, and retained Mohammad Ali as the sole other seamer. However, Ali’s pace remains relatively low, with a ceiling of around 130s, making Abbas the clear choice in a direct comparison. Since his return to the team in December 2024, Abbas has been Pakistan’s most prolific pace bowler in Tests, taking 28 wickets at an average of 20.32. His economy rate of 2.86 has also been significantly better than Ali’s 3.63. Abbas’s adaptability to different conditions has been a key factor in his success. In six Tests in the UAE, he has taken 27 wickets at an average of 17.55, his best performance in any nation where he has played multiple Tests.#pakistan #west_indies #babar_azam #mohammad_abbas #sajid_khan
Composer Sajid Khan Escaped Getting Hit by Cricket Ball at IPL: ‘Bach Gaye Nawabsahab’ Music composer Sajid Khan, part of the duo Sajid-Wajid, narrowly avoided being struck by a cricket ball during an IPL match on May 18, 2026. The incident occurred during the Punjab Kings (PBKS) versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) game. Khan, who was seated in the stands, described the moment in a clip shared online. He recounted how a powerful ball nearly hit him but was deflected, leaving him with minor scratches and swelling. Khan credited his “sixth sense” and quick reflexes for avoiding a major injury. In the clip, Khan explained that the ball was “peeled off” and heading directly toward him. “I could see the ball was lying on the ground,” he said, adding that he initially thought he could catch it. However, he was seated on a chair, and his left foot became stuck, leaving him in a precarious position. “The ball was in front of my face,” he said, emphasizing the danger. Khan described his instinct to act swiftly. “I’ve seen so many movies and have done so many films. I got so much brain,” he said, recalling his decision to jump. “Don’t think. Just jump,” he told himself. He claimed that his jump prevented the ball from hitting his head or chest, though he did sustain a minor injury. “The ball got stuck on the rod above my seat, and it got torn,” he added, highlighting the force of the impact. Khan expressed relief at being saved, noting that if he had been hit, his work would have been “done.” He also humorously acknowledged the attention his incident received, stating, “People are making fun of me a lot. If you guys were there, your air would have become tight.#royal_challengers_bengaluru #punjab_kings #sajid_khan #wajid #iplt20
