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  • Shahid Afridi reportedly to play for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022

    Shahid Afridi reportedly to play for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022

    Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi will reportedly be playing for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators. Nadeem Omar, who is the owner of the Quetta Gladiators, had confirmed the same.

    Read More – ‘The problem I have with Shahid [Afridi]…’, Shoaib Akhtar tells all

    Earlier in June, Afridi, who has played for Omar’s Galle Gladiators in Sri Lanka Premier League (SPL), had himself stated that he would like to be a part of the Quetta Gladiators franchise in his last PSL season in 2022. And, this news was even confirmed by Azam Khan, who is the manager of the Quetta Gladiators.

    “If the franchise [Multan Sultans] releases me, I will prefer to represent the Quetta Gladiators in my last season,” Afridi had said in an interview. You can also see a tweet about Shahid Afridi playing for the Quetta Gladiators below.

    The player draft for the 2022 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will take place in the second week of December. But then, the manager of the Multan Sultans and COO, Haider Azhar has revealed that Afridi being released by the franchise has not been confirmed as of now.

    Afridi has played 50 matches in the PSL and has scalped 44 wickets. With the bat, Afridi has smashed 465 runs in his PSL career. He has played with Multan Sultans in the last season and spent two seasons at Peshawar Zalmi and one at Karachi Kings. If he shifts to Gladiators, it will be his fourth team in the league.

  • Mohammad Rizwan praises young boy for making an ‘incredible’ sketch

    Mohammad Rizwan praises young boy for making an ‘incredible’ sketch

    Pakistan’s wicket keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has praised a boy from Gilgit Baltistan who made a sketch of him. While sharing the sketch on his own Instagram, the cricketer said that it is “incredible”.

    “Farhan Ali Macholvi, this is incredible. Thank you so much for your love & support. You are the pride of our Gilgit-Baltistan,” he wrote.

    The cricketer further said that the children are the assets of this nation and they will make Pakistan strong.

    “I strongly believe that our real assets are children. They will build a strong Pakistan. May you keep doing what you love.”

    The sketch shows Rizwan in the team’s green jersey, waving at fans, as he walks by with a bat tucked under his arm, helmet in hand.

    The 29-year-old cricketer won hearts of Pakistani fans with his prolific performance at the T20 World Cup 2021. He scored 281 runs in his six innings at the tournament while scoring a half century in his first ICC semi-final of his career.

    Rizwan became the first player in the history of the game to score 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year.

  • Pakistan to host 2025 Champions Trophy as ICC announces 8 tournaments, Ramiz cheers

    Pakistan to host 2025 Champions Trophy as ICC announces 8 tournaments, Ramiz cheers

    Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, which means that the Pakistan cricket team will defend its title in its own home ground. Pakistan won the last Champions Trophy in 2017.

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday confirmed the 14 host countries of the ICC men’s white ball events from 2024-2031. Eleven Full Members and three Associate Members have been selected to host two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy events.

    The USA and Namibia will host an ICC World Cup event for the first time. While Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have previously staged major events and will do so again over the next decade.

    The hosts were selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a Board sub-committee chaired by Martin Snedden along with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Skerritt. The ICC Board accepted the recommendations of the committee who conducted a thorough review of each bid along with the ICC management. A similar process to identify the hosts for ICC Women’s and U19s events for the next cycle will be undertaken early next year.

    Reacting to the development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja said, “It’s a matter of great pride and delight that Pakistan will be hosting ICC Champions Trophy 2025.”

    ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “We are delighted to have concluded this competitive bidding process for the first time for ICC events. To have 14 Members hosting 8 events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and I’d like to thank every Member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders.”

    “It is fantastic to be returning to so many previous hosts, but what is really exciting about this process is the countries who will stage ICC events for the first time including the USA which is a strategic growth market for us. This gives us the opportunity to deepen our connection with fans in traditional cricket nations and also reach new fans around the world.”

    2024 T20 World Cup: USA and West Indies

    2025 Champions Trophy: Pakistan

    2026 T20 World Cup: India and Sri Lanka

    2027 ODI World Cup: Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa

    2028 T20 World Cup: Australia and New Zealand

    2029 Champions Trophy: India

    2030 T20 World Cup: England, Ireland and Scotland

    2031 ODI World Cup: India and Bangladesh

    It should be noted that Pakistan is set to host Australia in 2022 and England will be visiting Pakistan next year with additional two T20Is that will be played in Pakistan after England’s chief Tom Harrison visited Pakistan.

  • ‘The word ‘Paki’ was used constantly’: Azeem Rafiq tells MPs of racism at Yorkshire

    ‘The word ‘Paki’ was used constantly’: Azeem Rafiq tells MPs of racism at Yorkshire

    English cricketer Azeem Rafiq has told MPs that racist terms were “used constantly” across his two spells at Yorkshire and no one in the leadership challenged them.

    Rafiq first alleged racial harassment and bullying against the county and accused them of institutional racism in September last year, with the club launching an investigation soon afterwards. However, their handling of it has been heavily criticised. They finally published summary findings of the investigation in September this year and, while the investigation found there was “no question” Rafiq had been subjected to racial harassment and bullying, no individuals faced disciplinary action.

    Rafiq told the digital, culture, media and sport committee on Tuesday: “Pretty early on at the club, I joined a dressing room full of my heroes, Michael Vaughan, Matthew Hoggard, part of the 2005 Ashes team. And it was just the most surreal moment for me.

    “Pretty early on, me and other people from an Asian background … there were comments such as ‘you’ll sit over there near the toilets’, ‘elephant washers’. The word ‘Paki’ was used constantly. And there just seemed to be an acceptance in the institution from the leaders and no one ever stamped it out.”

    Rafiq added: “All I wanted to do is play cricket and play for England and live my dream and live my family’s dream. In my first spell, I don’t really think I quite realised what it was. I think I was in denial.”

    While talking in a presser, he said: “I should never ever get treated the way I was treated. When I spoke, I should have been listened to. The game as a whole has a problem, with listening to the victim. There is no yeah buts to racism and there is no two-sides when it comes to racism.”

    Rafiq said the problem at Yorkshire was replicated “up and down the country”.

    Former England batter Ballance admitted using a “racial slur” towards Rafiq in a lengthy statement issued earlier this month, apologising but framing it as part of a long and deep friendship.

    Rafiq also alleged former England batter Alex Hales was involved.

    He said: “Gary and Alex Hales got really close to each other when they played for England together. I wasn’t present in that dressing room, but what I understand (is) that Alex went on to name his dog ‘Kevin’ because it was black. It’s disgusting how much of a joke it was.”

  • Pakistan names 20-member squad for Bangladesh Tests, including Imam

    Pakistan names 20-member squad for Bangladesh Tests, including Imam

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced 20-member squad for Bangladesh Test match series. Opener Imam-ul-Haq is making a comeback to the national team.

    The opener has been recalled on the back of a blistering form in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, where he has so far amassed 488 runs in five innings. Middle-order hitter Kamran Ghulam and off-spinner Bilal Asif likewise track down a spot in the 20-part crew.

    Bilal Asif has replaced leg-spinner Yasir Shah who is yet to fully recover from the thumb injury he suffered while playing in the domestic T20 tournament. Kamran also returns to the squad after being left out during Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies. Pacers Haris Rauf and Shahnawaz Dahani have been left out and will be allowed to travel back to Pakistan after the T20I leg of the tour.

    The first Test will take place in Chittagong from November 26 with the second match taking place in Dhaka between December 4-8.

    Pakistan squad:

    Babar Azam (captain), Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Bilal Asif, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Zahid Mahmood

  • Hardik Pandya opens up about ‘Rs5 crore watch’ seized by airport customs

    Hardik Pandya opens up about ‘Rs5 crore watch’ seized by airport customs

    Indian power hitter Hardik Pandya on Tuesday refuted reports that claimed two wrist watches worth Rs5 crore were seized from him at the Mumbai airport on his return from Dubai. He said that only one watch was worth Rs1.5 crore and had been taken for “proper valuation”.

    A report by news agency ANI on Tuesday said that two watches were seized by the Customs Department on Sunday night because Pandya allegedly did not have a bill for them.

    Denying the charges, Pandya posted a statement on Twitter saying, “I voluntarily went to Mumbai airport customs counter to declare the items brought by me and pay the requisite customs duty. Wrong perceptions have been floating around on social media regarding my declaration to customs at Mumbai airport, and I would like to clarify about what transpired.”

    “I had voluntarily declared all the items that I’d lawfully purchased from Dubai and was ready to pay whatever duties that needed to be paid. As a matter of fact, the customs department had asked for all purchase documents which were submitted; however customs is doing proper valuation for duty which I’ve already confirmed to pay,” he said.

    “The cost of the watch is approximately Rs1.5 crore and not Rs5 crore as per the rumours floating around on social media. I’m a law-abiding citizen of the country and I respect all government agencies. I’ve received all the cooperation from the Mumbai customs department and I’ve assured my full cooperation to them and will provide them with whatever legitimate documents they need to get this matter cleared. All allegations against me of crossing any legal boundaries are totally unfounded,” he added.

    The cricketer also said that he is a “law abiding citizen”, who respects all government agencies.

    Hardik was returning from Dubai after India wrapped up its stint at the T20 World Cup.

    According to ANI, Hardik Pandya’s brother, cricketer Krunal Pandya was also intercepted at the Mumbai International Airport over suspicion of being in possession of undisclosed gold and other valuables last year.

    Indian all-rounder Pandya is very much in the limelight for his hairstyle and body tattoo.

  • How would Shadab Khan look if he were a girl? Twitter has the answer

    How would Shadab Khan look if he were a girl? Twitter has the answer

    A picture has been circulating on social media of a girl who was spotted in the audience during the Pakistan vs Australia semi final which was played in Dubai last week.

    The girl in the picture resembles Pakistani spinner Shadab Khan, and some social media users are terming her as the cricketer’s doppelgänger.

    Have a look at the picture and the reactions:

    https://twitter.com/crackheadenerji/status/1459827088110895106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1459949177195147269%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es3_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samaa.tv%2Fentertainment%2F2021%2F11%2Ftwitter-has-found-shadab-khans-woman-lookalike%2F
    https://twitter.com/Serene_Sarcasm/status/1460017499613892611

    Shadab Khan took four wickets in the Pakistan vs Australia semi final and gave 26 runs.

  • ‘A little disgusting’: Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Australia’s celebration after T20 World Cup win

    ‘A little disgusting’: Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Australia’s celebration after T20 World Cup win

    Former cricketer turned analyst Shoaib Akhtar has expressed his displeasure with the way the Australian team celebrated after their T20 World Cup win.

    Read More – ICC receives criticism for not naming Babar Azam T20 World Cup ‘Player of the Tournament’

    Akhtar took to his social media accounts to react to the viral video of Aussie stars Matthew Wade and Marcus Stoinis chugging beer from a shoe. The former cricketer reckoned it was a ‘disgusting way of celebrating’ their most recent accomplishment.

    He wrote: “A little disgusting way of celebrating no??”

    The Australian men’s cricket made history on Sunday, November 14, at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium by clinching their maiden T20 World Cup title.

    The Aussie batters showcased exemplary batsmanship against a formidable Kiwi bowling attack to chase down a stiff total of 172 in the final clash.

    Mitchell Marsh starred with the bat for Australia with his unbeaten 77 and David Warner’s 53 off 38 balls helped the team down the Black Caps’ 173-run target. Marsh bagged Player of the Match award while Warner was awarded ‘Player of the Tournament’ award.

    The Rawalpindi Express was also present at the Dubai International Stadium to witness the final between the Aussies and Kiwis.

  • Babar Azam named captain of ICC’s Most Valuable Team of the Tournament

    Babar Azam named captain of ICC’s Most Valuable Team of the Tournament

    After leading Pakistan brilliantly in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, Babar Azam was named the skipper of ICC’s Team of the Tournament for the mega event. The announcement was made by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Monday after Australia won its maiden T20 World Cup title.

    As per details, players from six teams have been named in the Official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Upstox Most Valuable Team of the Tournament. It is for the first time that no Indian cricketer is included in the squad announced by the cricket governing body.

    Opening batter David Warner, leg-spinner Adam Zampa and seamer Josh Hazlewood all make the cut for Australia after helping steer their side to their first-ever T20 World Cup title.

    There are also spots for England ace Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper, Pakistan’s Babar Azam as captain, New Zealand left-armer Trent Boult and Sri Lanka star Wanindu Hasaranga – the tournament’s leading wicket-taker – in the line-up.

    Read More – ICC receives criticism for not naming Babar Azam T20 World Cup ‘Player of the Tournament’

    The side was pulled together by a selection panel featuring commentators, former international players and journalists Ian Bishop (Convener), Natalie Germanos, Shane Watson, Lawrence Booth – of Wisden, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday – and Shahid Hashmi of Agence France Presse.

    Commenting on the team, Ian Bishop said: “As with any team selection there will be varying opinions, and robust discussion on the final composition of the squad. The panel respects that, and we encourage the strong debate that will ensue.”

    He said that this team was incredibly difficult to select over such a highly competitive tournament and the selections were based predominantly on the Super 12 onward to the final.

    The team of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 (in batting order) is:

    David Warner (Australia) – 289 runs at 48.16

    Jos Buttler (wk) (England) – 269 runs at 89.66, five dismissals

    Babar Azam (Captain, Pakistan) – 303 runs at 60.60

    Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka) – 231 runs at 46.20

    Aiden Markram (South Africa) – 162 runs at 54.00

    Moeen Ali (England) – 92 runs at strike rate of 131.42, seven wickets at 11

    Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) – 16 wickets at 9.75

    Adam Zampa (Australia) – 13 wickets at 12.07

    Josh Hazlewood (Australia) – 11 wickets at 15.90

    Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 13 wickets at 13.30

    Anrich Nortje (South Africa) – nine wickets at 11.55

    Shaheen Afridi – seven wickets at 24.14

    Captaining the side at No 3 is Pakistan skipper Babar, who was the only batter to break the 300-run barrier throughout the duration of the competition.

    His 68 not out against arch-rivals India powered Pakistan to a memorable 10-wicket victory, while three further half-centuries in the Super 12 stages helped book his team’s slot in the semi-final against Australia.

  • ICC receives criticism for not naming Babar Azam T20 World Cup ‘Player of the Tournament’

    ICC receives criticism for not naming Babar Azam T20 World Cup ‘Player of the Tournament’

    Several people have criticised the decision to award David Warner the ‘Player of the Tournament’ at the T20 World Cup, with Babar Azam, the competition’s leading run scorer, going unrewarded.

    Babar’s campaign ended at the hands of Australia at the semi-final stage, but he had already had a tournament to remember. An unbeaten half-century in Pakistan’s opener sealed a historic 10-wicket win against India.

    He added three more fifties, meaning he sits tied with Matthew Hayden and Virat Kohli for the most half-centuries at a T20 World Cup, while only Kohli and Tillakaratne Dilshan have scored more runs at a single edition.

    Warner was 14 runs short from Babar, and only managed three half-centuries, falling one run short of the landmark against Pakistan in the semis. But he maintained a significantly higher strike-rate of 146.70, more than 20 runs per 100 balls higher than the Pakistan opener, and arguably made his runs at more high-impact intervals.

    Former Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar called the decision “unfair”.

    West Indies’ Sherfane Rutherford said he was “shocked” at the “tired decision”.

    https://twitter.com/SRutherford_50/status/1459945409254768645?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1459945409254768645%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwisden.com%2Fseries-stories%2Ft20-world-cup-2021%2Ftired-decision-icc-criticised-for-not-naming-babar-azam-as-t20-world-cup-player-of-the-tournament

    Leading run-scorers in Men’s T20 world cup 2021 are:

    Babar Azam: 303

    David Warner: 289

    Moahmmad Rizwan: 281

    Netizens were also unhappy that Kohli’s Player of the Tournament win in 2016 is an evidence that Babar should have been rewarded, as the Indian side was also knocked out in the semi-final, like Pakistan.

    https://twitter.com/RanaDanish92/status/1459954170958651393?s=20
    https://twitter.com/DennisCricket_/status/1460112407594868744?s=20
    https://twitter.com/michaelscottfc/status/1459943865042018304?s=20

    https://twitter.com/washimansari786/status/1459967110126333958?s=20

    Meanwhile, Australia made history on Sunday night by winning their first T20 World Cup when the Kangaroos trounced New Zealand by 8 wickets to win the final.

    Australian batter Mitchell Marsh was declared the Player of the Match for his unbeaten 77.