England’s cricket team, led by captain Jos Buttler, is determined to rectify their performance in India after a disappointing World Cup campaign. They are focused on securing a spot in the 2025 Champions Trophy through a top-eight finish.
The 2019 World Cup champions managed to break a five-match losing streak with a convincing 160-run victory over the Netherlands in Pune, which lifted them from the bottom of the standings to seventh place with four points.
While currently ahead of the bottom three teams (Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Netherlands) based on net run rate, England is preparing for their final match in Kolkata against Pakistan, who hold the fifth position and will host the next edition of the eight-team Champions Trophy.
Jos Buttler expressed the team’s collective frustration but highlighted their unwavering commitment to improvement. He mentioned that despite not playing for the ultimate goal they had in mind, their upcoming match against Pakistan holds significant importance in their overall objectives.
Heading into the match with something substantial at stake, Buttler emphasized the team’s desire to perform at their best and make amends for their previous performances in India.
PCB Accepts Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Resignation Amid Conflict of Interest Controversy
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially accepted the resignation of former Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. He resigned on October 30 following allegations of his alleged involvement in a company, which raised concerns about a “conflict of interest.”
Inzamam, a former star cricketer, clarified that his resignation was not related to the performance of the national cricket team in the 2023 World Cup. Instead, it was in response to reports of a potential conflict of interest. The PCB initially set up a five-member investigation committee to address these concerns but did not accept Inzamam’s resignation at that time.
However, the PCB ultimately accepted Inzamam’s resignation, citing his critical statements against the cricket board in media interviews as a contributing factor. The Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson confirmed that PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf has approved the resignation.
Inzamam expressed his frustration with the PCB’s lack of response to his emails, stating that his lawyer had contacted the board, offering to cooperate if needed, but did not receive any response.
