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  • Ask Nadeem Umer to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta: Shahid Afridi

    Ask Nadeem Umer to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta: Shahid Afridi

    Former captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has shown concern on consecutive defeats of Quetta Gladiators. Talking on a TV show, Afridi said that Sarfaraz Ahmed has to step down as captain of Quetta Gladiators.

    He said that Sarfaraz should play only as a team member and focus on his own performance first to manage the pressure upon him. Afridi added that the responsibility for Quetta’s consecutive defeats lies on team management who has no alternative captain.

    Responding to a question about Sarfaraz’s performance, Afridi cited an example from Islamabad United and said: “There should always be a player standing by on the bench who can take the place if the team falls short of any player.”

    “This strategy is nowhere to be seen in Quetta Gladiators”, he added.

    The former star cricketer also mentioned that several changes had been made in the team.

    While citing another example from Karachi Kings, he said that the team is not performing exceptionally well, however, its captain Imad Wasim can be seen performing and leading his team.

    The captain’s performance has an important role in the team’s performance, Afridi emphasised.

    He further added that Sarfaraz has played a number of matches for Pakistan and he performed very well in those matches.

    “Prior to the start of the league, I had talked to Nadeem Umar. He asked me for some advice. I had said the same then: Remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta as soon as possible but keep him as a team member so that as a player he could perform well and he could absorb the pressure of his own performance and enjoy his game-play’.”

    Quetta Gladiator squad for PSL 8
    Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jason Roy, Mohammad Hasnain, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Naveen ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Will Smeed, Naseem Shah, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hafeez, Umaid Asif, Muhammad Zahid, Abdul Bangalzai, Aimal Khan, Martin Guptill, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qais Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Dwaine Pretorius (partial replacement for Odean Smith), Will Jacks (partial replacement for Jason Roy), Nuwan Thushara (partial replacement for Naveen ul Haq)

  • PSL 8: Lahore Qalandars destroy Islamabad United by 110 runs

    PSL 8: Lahore Qalandars destroy Islamabad United by 110 runs

    Lahore Qalandars continued their winning streak on Monday, thrashing Islamabad United in the 16th fixture of PSL 8 by 110 runs at the Gaddafi stadium Lahore.

    Choosing to bat first, Qalandars set a massive target of 201 runs with the help of a sensational knock by young player Abdullah Shafique. Islamabad United’s strong batting lineup was eviscerated by Qalandars’ bowling attack, knocking them out in just 13.5 overs by conceding only 90 runs and a thrilling bowling display from David Wiese and Sikandar Raza.

    United, on the other hand, were left to revisit their planning.
    Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had the stumps flying against Peshawar Zalmi in his first over a day earlier, did not bowl another classic against United.
    In reply to the huge total, United could not establish a productive partnership after Gurbaz and Munro put up 56-2 in the powerplay.
    Zaman Khan gave Lahore a much-needed breakthrough after openers Colin Munro and Gurbaz (23) helped Islamabad make a good start.

    Zaman delivered a slow short bowl that was mistimed by Gurbaz and Fakhar Zaman took a blinder to send the Afghan batter back to the pavilion.

    Soon after Gurbaz’s departure, Shaheen introduced David Wiese, who got the better of Colin Munro, reducing Islamabad to 54-2.

    The left-handed batter scored 18 runs off 14 balls.

    In the next over, fiery pacer Haris Rauf struck as he sent Rassie van der Dussen (3) packing.

    Wiese delivered again as he sent Islamabad’s skipper Shadab Khan (4) back to the pavilion after a successful review.

    In a bid to shore up the run rate, Asif Ali went for a six but ended up getting caught by Haris off Rashid Khan.

    Wiese added to Islamabad’s miseries by trapping Azam Khan for an lbw. The wicket-keeper batter, who scored 96 runs against Quetta Gladiators in their previous match, was sent packing after he scored only four runs.

    The wizard Rashid claimed his second scalp of the evening by bowling out Tom Curran (10).

    For Lahore, Wiese claimed three wickets, while Rashid and Raza took two scalps each. Zaman and Haris secured a wicket each.

    Playing XI for both teams

    Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings (wk), Hussain Talat, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

    Islamabad United: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Colin Munro, Rassie van der Dussen, Shadab Khan (c), Azam Khan (wk), Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Tom Curran, Abrar Ahmed, Zeeshan Zameer, Hasan Ali

  • Fakhar Zaman rewarded with iPhone 14 and plot for a brilliant performance against Zalmi

    Fakhar Zaman rewarded with iPhone 14 and plot for a brilliant performance against Zalmi

    On Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Fakhar Zaman struck a jackpot with his impressive 96-run innings against Peshawar Zalmi.

    The explosive knock featured three boundaries and 10 maximums, propelling Lahore Qalandars to a 40-run victory.

    In recognition of his match-winning performance, the franchise awarded him a plot of land and an iPhone 14. Sameen Rana, the Chief Operating Officer of Lahore Qalandars, noted that Fakhar had been eagerly anticipating this reward and praised his exceptional play.

    Fakhar’s 96 runs were scored off 45 deliveries, and he was dismissed on the final delivery of the 18th over by Rovman Powell.

  • PSL 8: Eight CCTV cameras installed for security stolen from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium

    PSL 8: Eight CCTV cameras installed for security stolen from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium

    Several CCTV cameras, generator batteries, and fiber cables were stolen from Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The cameras, reportedly worth millions of rupees, were installed to monitor the Pakistan Super League (PSL 8) Lahore leg matches.

    The batteries of the generators that were installed for lighting in the stadium were also found missing. The theft has resulted in two cases being registered against the culprits at the Gulberg police station.

    It is important to mention that security measures for cricket matches held in Lahore have always been strict, particularly following the tragic terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

     The team was on their way from their hotel to the Gaddafi Stadium when the attack occurred, resulting in six players being wounded, along with six security personnel and two civilians losing their lives.

  • PSL 8: Karachi emerges as potential host city amid bill dispute

    PSL 8: Karachi emerges as potential host city amid bill dispute

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued an ultimatum to the Punjab government regarding the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches scheduled to be held in the province.

    Sources indicate that the PCB is contemplating relocating the Punjab-leg of PSL 8 to Karachi after receiving a bill of Rs450 million from the provincial government, which the PCB and PSL franchises have unanimously decided not to pay.

    If the bill is not waived before the deadline tomorrow, the matches will be officially moved to Karachi. A meeting between PCB and the Punjab government is scheduled for later today to address the matter.

    The PCB has reportedly started preparations for holding additional matches in Karachi, and the revised schedule has been discussed with the franchises. The deadlock may also result in white-ball matches between Pakistan and New Zealand in April and May being moved out of Punjab.

    Currently, Rawalpindi is set to host 11 fixtures and Lahore nine matches, including the closing ceremony, playoffs, and the final. The victorious team will not only lift the Supernova Trophy but will also receive a cheque of Rs120 million, while the runners-up will receive Rs48 million.

    Lahore Qalandars will attempt to achieve a back-to-back title win, while Islamabad United will strive to become the most successful side by winning the trophy for the third time.

  • Biopic on Dada: Ranbir Kapoor to play the role of Saurav Gangully

    Biopic on Dada: Ranbir Kapoor to play the role of Saurav Gangully

    Biopic on Dada: Ranbir Kapoor to play the role of Saurav Gangully

    Ranbir Kapoor has bagged another covered role, getting selected to portray Saurav Ganguly, the Dada of Indian cricket, in an upcoming biopic.

    Ganguly, considered one of the greatest Indian captains, played for his country from 1992 till 2008 when he retired from all formats of the game.

    After his retirement from cricket, Ganguly has remained involved in the sport as a commentator and administrator. He was the President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) from 2019 to 2021.

    Shooting of the biopic will start soon after the promotion of Ranbir Kapoor’s new film
    “Tu Jhuuti May Makaar” is over.

    Film makers have not announced the full cast yet but it is confirmed that Ranbir Kapoor will do the lead role. As per details, MS Dhoni, also known as Saurav Ganguly’s talent pick in 2006 series against Pakistan, will also be essayed in the film.

    The movie will be directed by filmmaker Hansal Mehta and produced by Shemaroo Entertainment in association with Joy Ganguly, Saurav Ganguly’s brother.
    The biopic is expected to showcase Ganguly’s journey as a cricketer and his rise to becoming the captain of the Indian cricket team. It will also delve into the controversies that he faced during his career, including the infamous 2002 feud with former Indian coach Greg Chappell.

  • ‘Grow up’: Twitter users are furious with Shoaib Akhtar after comments about Babar Azam go viral

    ‘Grow up’: Twitter users are furious with Shoaib Akhtar after comments about Babar Azam go viral

    Twitter is furious with Shoaib Akhtar after a clip of his comments about Babar Azam went viral.
    The former fast bowler gave an interview to Suno TV, where among many things he criticized current captain Babar Azam for not being able to communicate well with the media.
    “Babar Azam should be one of the biggest names of Pakistan. Why is he not one of the biggest names? It’s because he is not able to communicate.”

    He stressed that cricket is one job, and being able to communicate with the media is an important aspect. He then cited that as the reason he is still relevant along with other former cricket stars.

    “Cricket is one job, and media is another job…If you can’t speak, then I’m sorry you’re not going to be able to express your performances on the tv.. Why is it only me, Waseem bhai and Shahid bhai who are able to appear in ads?”

    As soon as this interview went viral on social media, fans came in defense of Azam and criticized the former player for his toxic and demoralizing comments for the current cricket team.

    Public speaking can be an essential part of your career but it shouldn’t completely define the kind of person you are. Users believe the Azam’s cricket career speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.

    “Narcissism and superiority complex at its best. Babar azam IS a brand despite his introverted nature. Go cry cuz that’s all you can do about it” another user wrote.

    https://twitter.com/Beybuspaki/status/1627653565832462336?s=20

    “He is already biggest brand, he is cricketer not actor , and he doesn’t need to do that useless things because his job is cricket and he is world no 1 in his job”, another user wrote in defence of the former “Men’s ODI ricketer of Year Award” winner

  • ‘Back-to-back weddings just coincidence’: Shadab addresses consecutive weddings in Pakistani team

    ‘Back-to-back weddings just coincidence’: Shadab addresses consecutive weddings in Pakistani team

    Shadab Khan tied the knot with former Test cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq’s daughter on February 9.

    “It’s a big moment for me and my family,” said Shadab Khan while talking about his wedding in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
    “To be honest, it happened all of a sudden. I was scheduled to travel to Australia but due to injury, I couldn’t. Meanwhile, this happened,” he said.

    “Haris Rauf and I were not prepared for marriage. Shaheen and Shan had already planned their marriage. Back-to-back weddings are just a coincidence,” he said while talking about the rapid fire weddings of team members.

    “A candid conversation with Shadab Khan on tying the knot. Congratulations to him!” wrote PCB while sharing the video of Shadab.

  • Najam Sethi wants Wahab Riaz to take oath as Punjab sports minister after PSL

    Najam Sethi wants Wahab Riaz to take oath as Punjab sports minister after PSL

    Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) Management Committee Chairman Najam Sethi has called Punjab caretaker Chief Minister (CM) Mohsin Naqvi to request him to delay the oath-taking ceremony of left-arm fast bowler Wahab Riaz as the caretaker Sports Minister of Punjab.

    The chairman was of the view that Riaz needs concentration as he is the only bowler to complete a century of wickets.

    Subsequently, Naqvi accepted Najam’s request, hence Riaz will take oath after the PSL’s eighth edition, which is going to start on February 13.

    Wahab Riaz is the new Punjab sports minister

    Last month, Riaz was named as the sports minister.

    The left-arm bowler has 237 wickets in 156 matches across cricketing formats. It is important to note that the 37-year-old bowler played for his country in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy

  • Here is the commentary panel for PSL Season 8

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday announced the star-studded commentary panel for Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 8. There will be a total of 15 commentators and 2 presenters.

    Here is the complete list of the commentators:

    Alan Wilkins, Bazid Khan, Danny Morrison, Daren Ganga, Dominic Cork, Mark Butcher, Nick Knight, Sana Mir, Sikandar Bakht, Simon Doull, Urooj Mumtaz, Vernon Philander and Waqar Younis, Marina Iqbal and Tariq Saeed. Erin Holland and Zainab Abbas will be the presenters.

    PSL will be played across four venues from 13 February to 19 March. The Multan and Karachi-leg matches will be held from 13-26 February, before the action shifts to Lahore and Rawalpindi where 20 matches will be played from 26 February to 19 March.