Podcast · Sport

It’s Not Just Cricket

by It's Not Just Cricket · English · Sport

It’s Not Just Cricket’ is a podcast that does exactly what it says on the tin – it’s about cricket, but not just cricket! Azeem Rafiq - the man who rocked the sport in 2020 with his seismic revelations of racism - and experienced broadcaster Matt Kabir Floyd take an opinionated look at the big stori

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest: 16 Sep 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

16 Sep 2026 · 31 min

Do we judge Harry Brook unfairly?

Ben Stokes thinks we are too quick to criticise Harry Brook after he smashes another incredible century - is he right? And is he really more talented than Kevin Pietersen, as Stokes says? Brook will definitely be in England's Test top 7 against South Africa but who else will be? Is Jamie Smith's position under real threat now that Jordan Cox has shown how good he is behind the stumps? This episode is done to help raise money for Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) - please help us by donating via the Link provided in our Instagram Bios or through this episode's URL. Thanks a lot! Learn…

Play episodeWhatsApp Download

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

9 Sep 2026 · 40 min
Is KP the mentor a good idea & battle for the Big Bash
Kevin Pietersen has been brought in as England's white ball mentor - is this a stroke of genius or something that could go seriously wrong? At the same time over in Australia there is a big fight taking place over privatisation of the Big Bash - what caused it and how will it end? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4 Sep 2026 · 44 min
Another Pakistan meltdown
Some extraordinary things have happened in Pakistan cricket over the years but is sending home 9 players and coaches the biggest act of self harm yet? Why was Imam called out so publicly? Why was Ali Usman sent home? Is Aaquib Javed the real problem? Plus, is Ben Stokes about to show the world his real T20 capabilities and thoughts on a very messy situation at Hampshire with Scott Kuggeleijn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
26 Aug 2026 · 23 min
Why Brydon Carse SHOULDN'T be punished heavily
Another England player puts his foot in it and there are inevitable calls for the book to be thrown at Brydon Carse. But is what he did any worse than what some of his teammates have already done? Has the ECB backed itself into a corner by not punishing them heavily? Would it now be a weak move to target Carse? Meanwhile, Babar is back for the 2nd Test but Azeem is sticking to his bet that Pakistan won't pass 250 in the series! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19 Aug 2026 · 30 min
Bangladesh surging and was The Hundred a success?
Three Test series to talk about this week! What is behind Bangladesh's amazing rise in Test cricket? Is this Australia team finally over the hill? Is Rishabh Pant the biggest entertainer in cricket? And now that the first season of The Hundred post investment is done, we ask - was it a success? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 Aug 2026 · 27 min
Can this Pakistan cause England any problems?
With England in dire need of a series win in the post Stokes era, we take a closer look at the Pakistan squad that is about to arrive - is there any way they could cause a vulnerable English side some problems? Meanhile, the West Indies will have to go through the Qualifier tournament again to make it to next year's World Cup - should we no longer be surprised given how far they have fallen in recent years? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Aug 2026 · 47 min
All change for England
In the end, it's Stephen Fleming and Joe Root. Has Rob Key ultimately gone for the two best available options to lead the Test team forward? Is the biggest problem going to be how to replace Ben Stokes the cricketer, rather than Ben Stokes the captain? Meanwhile Stokes speaks out for the first time since retirement - the boys react to that and put The Hundred under the microscope...why are the crowds down on last season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
23 Jul 2026 · 22 min
Is Richard Dawson England's next coach?
If not Andy Flower or Justin Langer then who? Could the time now be right for Richard Dawson or Jonathan Trott to become England's next Test head coach?! Rumours swirl around Rohit Sharma's impending retirement but after rolling back the years at Lord's surely we haven't seen the last of him in an India shirt? And Ben Stokes' hundred overshadows The Hundred, what is the future for Stokes the cricketer? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
13 Jul 2026 · 31 min
England new coach options & Babar is back
So Brendon McCullum is no longer England's Test coach but who will replace him? Flower, Langer and Flintoff are amongst the leading contenders but could Mickey Arthur be a good option? India's T20 form has suddenly dropped off a cliff - is this just a blip or something more worrying? England's women finally get their long overdue Test match at Lord's but what purpose does Test cricket have in the women's game? And Babar Azam is Pakistan's Test captain again - is this the right move for him and the team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2 Jul 2026 · 30 min
Could Pope be the next Captain?!
So Ben Stokes is no longer an International cricketer but with no obvious candidates, who will replace him as Test captain?! Azeem's vote goes to Ollie Pope - is he really a viable option? Plus, is this finally the end for Rob Key and Brendon McCullum? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22 Jun 2026 · 37 min
Should Stokes and Atkinson have been suspended?
So Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson are back for the 3rd Test. But if they were cleared of any wrongdoing why did they have to miss the 2nd Test in the first place? Has Stokes been treated badly in all this when he should have been backed? Kohli and Rohit are in India's ODI squad to tour England but there's no room for Sooryavanshi...is this the right call? Should he not be rushed too quickly into the International set up to protect him? And the Women's T20 World Cup rolls on - the Aussies look back to their fearsome best but the smaller nations have pulled off some eye catching results - are the…
9 Jun 2026 · 33 min
What will happen to Stokes & Atkinson?
2 England players get in trouble at a nightclub again - could this be the end of Ben Stokes as Test Captain? If it is, can Harry Brook really be given the Captaincy in these circumstances? Meanwhile, a ruthless decision in India as Suryakumar Yadav is axed as Captain and dropped...but was it the right one? And get set for Sooryavanshi in England - if he makes his International debut, it will be an unforgettable moment in cricket history! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2 Jun 2026 · 37 min
A game changing IPL season & why Bashir shouldn't play
Another IPL season done but was this one that has changed the way T20 cricket is played? Times change but Virat Kohli is still at the top of the game - appreciate this genius while you can! Are we in danger of making spinners irrelevant though with pitches that don't turn at all?! Also on the menu - why the NZ series is must win for the BazBall era and why Shoaib Bashir should not be picked in the team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
22 May 2026 · 33 min
Gough's comments & Central Contracts
Darren Gough makes some controversial comments about not getting the England Selector role - but was it right to reveal what was said in a private conversation with Rob Key? Should England not have Central Contracts? And is the T20 Blast relevant anymore? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
14 May 2026 · 37 min
England Test squad is in!
England's Test squad has been announced and the boys are still arguing over Ollie Robinson's inclusion! Azeem also questions why Shoaib Bashir is in the squad and hopes Sonny Baker gets picked ahead of Robinson. Plus - are Bangladesh a better Test team than Pakistan right now and have the Gujarat Titans shown that to be a top T20 side all you need is a gun bowling attack and a strong Top 3? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 May 2026 · 30 min
Strike rate surge & Babar's evolution
IPL batting strikes rates have surged this year but don't write off the touch players just yet - the likes of Rahul, Kohli and Babar have been quietly evolving. Azeem names his young PSL players to watch and the boys look at a potentially messy situation developing in Australia - will the push to privatise the Big Bash cause a huge schism in Australian cricket? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
29 Apr 2026 · 45 min
Pick a T20 World XI & England Test XI
This week Azeem and Matt play selectors and attempt to pick a T20 World XI and an England Test XI for the 1st Test v New Zealand. Should Virat Kohli be in a T20 World XI even though he's not playing T20 internationals any more? Is it too early for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi?! Is Rashid Khan still the premier spinner in the world? Should Jacob Bethell be promoted to open the batting for England in Test cricket and who should take the wicket keeping gloves - Jamie Smith or James Rew? All these questions and a lot more are hotly debated in this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
27 Apr 2026 · 35 min
KP v Cook & Bellingham buys in!
Kevin Pietersen renews his war of words with Alastair Cook so who is in the right this time? Is Jacob Bethell better off sitting on the bench at the IPL or playing county cricket? And Jude Bellingham buys a stake in Birmingham Phoenix - is this a game changer for The Hundred?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
9 Apr 2026 · 33 min
England contenders state their case
Jamie Smith starts the county season with a scintillating hundred but can he play for England if he's not keeping for Surrey? Has James Rew jumped ahead of him in the queue after his early season form? Is Emilio Gay a contender to open the batting or will his technique be a problem at Test level? Plus - why do batters turn down singles and should Rajasthan Royals be taken very seriously this year?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2 Apr 2026 · 38 min
Blank canvas for England and how to ball tamper!
Plenty of England Test players have points to prove which could make for one of the most fascinating starts to a county season in years. Crawley, Duckett and Smith are all under the microscope, find out which of those Azeem thinks is most likely to keep his place. Then it's at look at who's impressed early on in the IPL and the controversies that are already blighting the PSL. Stand by for an admission from Azeem on ball tampering that will change the way you look at how a ball is shined forever! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
24 Mar 2026 · 28 min
Azeem applies for the England Selector job!
The boys react after it's announced that Rob Key and Brendon McCullum will keep their jobs and Azeem springs a big shock by saying he has applied for the vacant England Selector's role! Plus, how India's new T20 approach could have a big impact on this year's IPL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
19 Mar 2026 · 33 min
Livingstone hits out
After Liam Livingstone gives an explosive interview criticising the England hierarchy, the boys discuss if this is just sour grapes from a dropped player or does it highlight more worrying concerns about the way things are done by this England set up? If McCullum and Key stay in their posts, what needs to change to get England back on track? And some final thoughts on The Hundred squads - could we be in for a Southern Brave double this year?! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 Mar 2026 · 38 min
The Hundred Auction
It's an historic couple of days for The Hundred as it holds it's first ever live player auction. Does Abrar Ahmed getting bought by Sunrisers Leeds prove that Pakistani players are not barred from being selected? Is The Hundred now the leading women's competition in the world? Which squads are looking the most complete? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Did SA really choke & Eng v Ind preview
T20 World Cup Semi Final week! New Zealand demolish South Africa but was this really another choke from the Proteas? Is this finally the Black Caps' time? Would England be stupid to even think about dropping Buttler? Do Harry Brook's side really have a better spin attack than India, as Michael Vaughan says? Lots of questions to be answered, have a listen! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
25 Feb 2026 · 31 min
Pak players in The Hundred & Eng into the Semis....again!
Azeem and Matt look at the thorny issue of Pakistan players potentially not being selected on purpose for The Hundred - even if it was true, how could it be proven? Would the ECB actually be able to do anything about it anyway? At the T20 World Cup, England march into the Semi Finals courtesy of a truly sensational knock from Captain Brook - despite being nowhere near their best they are now just 2 wins away from glory. Meanwhile, all of a sudden, run away favourites India find themselves in the last chance saloon - could they really get knocked out of this home World Cup before the Semis?!…
20 Feb 2026 · 33 min
T20 World Cup roundup
The boys reflect on the big stories to come out of the T20 World Cup group stage. Should we not be surprised that Australia have been knocked out? Was South Africa v Afghanistan the best T20 match of all time? Is England's top batters not performing yet a good sign? How have the associates and smaller Test nations closed the gap on the big boys? Plus - Azeem and Matt argue over who they think will make the Semi Finals! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
12 Feb 2026 · 43 min
Carbs on race & his career...
Michael Carberry is back in the studio with Matt to pick through his long career before the discussion turns to race issues in cricket. Never one to mince his words, Carbs delivers some fascinating insight into why he thinks reports on racism make no difference and why we shouldn't forget about classism in any chats on race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
6 Feb 2026 · 36 min
The Pakistan boycott - an accident waiting to happen
The ICC have a big decision on their hands after Pakistan refuse to play India at the T20 World Cup. The boys discuss why this has happened, what the ICC might do to try to force the situation and what might happen next. Plus - England's part time spinners put on a show, why Azeem feels sorry for Harry Brook and one of the most bizarre stumpings you will ever see! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
3 Feb 2026 · 40 min
Michael Carberry on art, batting and the T20 WC
Top man Michael Carberry pops into the studio to tell us what he's been up to since retirement, why Joe Root should be in England's T20 side and which side he reckons could upset India and the World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
31 Jan 2026 · 26 min
Brook at his best & U19s in good shape
It's been a good few days for England as Harry Brook turns on the style and the T20 team start well. Azeem is also impressed by what he's seen at the Under 19 World Cup - are England's next generation ones to really keep an eye on? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About It’s Not Just Cricket

It’s Not Just Cricket is a English sport podcast from It's Not Just Cricket. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: It's Not Just Cricket
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 33 min
Latest episode: 16 Sep 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1743560200
Rights: MKF ENTERTAINMENT

RSS feed Apple Podcasts

More English sport

Take it with you

The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.