Tag: Cricket

  • Here’s how you can join the Pakistan cricket team

    Here’s how you can join the Pakistan cricket team

    Cricket is not just a sport but a reason for happiness, especially in Pakistan and India. Pakistanis are not happy with their current cricket team as they are unable to secure a trophy after the 2017 Champions Trophy. You can bring this happiness back to their faces if you have a real passion and talent for cricket.

    Almost every Pakistani has a dream to play for Pakistan, but the competition for cricket in the country is very high, so the dream of playing for Pakistan remains a dream. But don’t worry; we have a complete guide that will definitely help you choose the right way to fulfil your dream.

    After the Partition in 1947, Pakistan played its first international match in 1952 against the Republic of India in Lucknow, registering its first victory. Women’s cricket in Pakistan developed after 50 years of Partition in 1997.

    Cricket in Pakistan is governed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is a full-time member of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Pakistan regularly participates in international cricket series.

    Pakistan organized three major domestic cricket leagues, including the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, the Pakistan Cup (List A) and the National T20 Cup (Domestic T20). Apart from this, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is a huge opportunity for young players to be attracted to both national and international levels. PSL has produced many good players for Pakistan, like Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, Muhammad Haris, Saim Ayub and many others. Your performance in this event defines your selection for the national team.

    Here is how to start your cricket career:

    1-Focus on your skill:

    First of all, you must develop the skill that you want to become a bowler or a batter. Try to focus on both, but give privilege to the skill you wish to acquire, as well as on fencing and your fitness. Join a nearby cricket club or academy for basic and structural training. Participate in matches to gain experience and exposure. If you’re in school, college or university, try out for the cricket team; this can help you gain visibility.

    Stay Informed with cricket news, especially regarding team selections and trials. Networking with fellow cricketers and coaches can provide valuable insights and opportunities.

    Attend trials and camps organized by PCB or local cricket associations, and make sure your performances are consistent to catch the eye of coaches and selectors. If you’re young enough, aim to play in age-group tournaments (Under-15, Under-19).

    Attend trials and camps organized by PCB or local cricket associations, and make sure your performances are consistent to catch the eye of coaches and selectors. If you’re young enough, aim to play in age-group tournaments (Under-15, Under-19).

    As cricket at the school level is at its lowest, you must show your potential at lower levels, such as regional clubs and tournaments.

    Tip: Make sure the club or academy you have joined has strong connections with the regional and departmental teams so you can easily get the attraction.

    2- Make your presence on Domestic cricket

    To join the national team, you must have to play domestic cricket. PCB chairman Mohsi Naqvi has set domestic performance as a criterion for joining the national squad. Many professional teams represent companies like Habib Bank, PIA, Punjab Bank, etc and are known as departmental cricket teams. These teams participate in a domestic tournament called the Patron Cup. Apart from this, many regional teams participate in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy.

    3- Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

    The trophy is named after the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This trophy includes five regional and two departmental teams, including from Bahawalpur, Punjab, Karachi, North-West Frontier Province, Sindh, Combined Services, and Pakistan Railways.  

    4- Pakistan Cup

    The Pakistan Cup (Previously Pentangular One Day Cup) is another domestic List A cup. A total of six regional teams participated in this event.

    5- National T20 Cup

    The national T20 Cup is organized by PCB every year with the same structure as the Pakistan Cup. It is also one of the oldest T20 leagues in the world. Sialkot Stallion is one of the successful teams in this event, with six titles.  

    This event started in 2004-2005 and became one of Pakistan’s professional cricket leagues with 14 teams.

    Format: The 18 qualifying teams will be split into four groups of five. The top two teams from each group will move on to the Super 8 round. In this stage, the teams will be placed into one group of eight. The top four teams from this group will then advance to the knockout stage, which will include two semi-finals and a final.

    6- Pakistan Super League

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) is one of the leading cricket leagues in the world nowadays. This event includes six teams from the country: Lahore Qalandar, Peshawar Zalmi, Quetta Gladiators, Karachi Kings, Multan Sultans, and Islamabad United.

    Different franchise owners and investors own the whole team.

    Format: The format of this event is a double-robin in which teams have to compete against each other twice, with the top four teams qualifying for playoffs.

    To be a professional cricketer, you must have to play these leagues and local events to gain attention. Apart from this, PCB conducts camps in different parts of the country to find hidden talents. If you look at an example, you must see the story of national fast bowler Haris Rauf and how he was selected through Lahore Qalandrs trial camps for PSL.

    This process is not also as easy because of politics in clubs and local cricket. Apart from this, former cricketers have limited access to the board, while the decisions of the board are made by people who have no background in cricket.

    Former crickets must have their academies like Salman Butt, but many of them spend their time fighting and criticizing the national team on social media and TV channels instead of taking some positive steps.

    FAQs:

    1 What are the initial requirements to become a cricketer?

    To join professional cricket, you must develop your skills, like batting, bowling, fielding, and mental and physical fitness.

    2- How can I improve my cricket skills?

    You need to join a local cricket club or academy which regulary conducts cricket training and matches. You must have to be passionate about your game to become a good cricketer.

    3- Which one is the best cricket club in Lahore?

    Ludhiana GymKhana has a strong history of producing players like Wasim Akram.

    4- What is the salary in the PCB central contract?

    Salaries vary in categories. Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Muhammad Rizwan are placed in the A category, with a monthly salary of 45 lakhs.

  • Imran Khan lambasts Pakistan cricket team

    Imran Khan lambasts Pakistan cricket team

    Founder of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan has called Bangladesh’s whitewash of Pakistan cricket team the worst defeat and questioned the factors that destroyed national cricket within three years.

    Speaking to journalists at Adiala jail, Khan remarked, “Cricket is a technical game. The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should be a professional in cricket; Ramiz Raja, former Chairman of PCB, was not my relative but a non-amateur.”

    He explained that the Supreme Court of Pakistan is the last institution representing the country’s integrity; any effort to destroy the apex court will be turned into a nationwide protest movement.

    Talking about the military, he added, “The institution belongs to everyone, not just the army chief.”

    He pointed out that Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif, incumbent Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif, and President Asif Ali Zardari’s high-profile cases are frozen due to the pending Nationals Accountability Bureau (NAB) ruling.

  • Live: Weather update for Pakistan-Bangladesh Test from Rawalpindi cricket stadium

    Live: Weather update for Pakistan-Bangladesh Test from Rawalpindi cricket stadium

    Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan. Before the first Test match to be played in Rawalpindi, the toss was delayed due to the wet outfield, but now, considering the situation at the umpire’s ground, it has been decided to do the toss at 2 pm local time, while the game starts at 2:30.

    The first Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh has been delayed as the outfield in Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium remained wet after a spell of rain. The ground is being dried before being inspected again at 11:30 a.m.

    Earlier, both the teams arrived at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, with tight security provided on the highway while the teams left their hotels.

    During the teams’ movement, the Metro bus service was also completely suspended on the Rawalpindi to IJP Rawalpindi section.

    The first test match against Bangladesh is Pakistan Red Ball head coach Jason Gillespie’s first international assignment since his April appointment. It will also be Shaun Masood’s first Test match on home soil as captain. A new era will begin in red ball cricket.

    Pakistan Playing XI

    Abdullah Shafiq. Saim Ayub Shan Masood (Captain) Babar Azam. Saud Shakeel (Vice Captain), Muhammad Rizwan (Wicket Keeper), Salman Ali Agha. Shaheen Shah Afridi Naseem Shah Khurram Shahzad, and Muhammad Ali.

    Bangladesh Playing XI

    Najamul Hasan Shanto (captain), Hasan Mahmood, Laton Das, Mehdi Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqul Rahim, Naheed Rana, Naeem Hasan, Shadman Islam, Shakibul Hasan, Shariful Islam, Syed Khalid Ahmed, Taijoul Islam and Zakir Hasan.

  • Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Yumna Zaidi’s Nayab selected for Jaipur Film Festival

    Marking a milestone moment for Pakistan cinema, ‘Nayab’  has been selected for the Jaipur International Film Festival to be held in India from August 28 to 30.

    The recognition is a follow-up accomplishment to its recent success after the film won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes.  Directed by Umair Nasir Ali, Nayab also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category.

    The film is written by Basit Naqvi and Ali Abbas Naqvi The cast of the film includes Yumna Zaidi, Usama Khan, Ehteshamuddin, Faryal Mehmood Adnan Siddiqui, Mohammad Fawad Khan and Javed Sheikh.

    Umair Nasir Ali shared a story on his Instagram with the caption, “This Independence Day, we are delighted to share that Pakistan’s celebrations have become even more special with the official selection of our film “Nayab” at the 9th Jaipur International Film Festival in India., Nayab is a project close to our hearts, and this recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion of everyone involved. From our EPs to our Production Boys.

    Adding to this joy , our nation has also celebrated a remarkable achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics , where Arshad Nadeem secured a Gold Medal , surpassing India. These moments in cinema and sports fill us with immense pride as Pakistani continues to shine on the global stage.”

  • Naseem Shah’s sweet gesture moves Sonam Bajwa

    Naseem Shah’s sweet gesture moves Sonam Bajwa

    Indian actress Sonam Bajwa, a very focal fan of Pakistani actor Fawad Khan, has praised another Pakistani star. Bajwa was all praise for Pakistani fast bowler Naseem Shah when the pacer displayed kindness towards a young fan.

    A video circulated on social media showing Pakistan captain Babar Azam leaving the premises of what looks like their hotel lobby in a hurry, leaving a young fan in tears. Naseem Shah noticed the crying child and immediately stepped in to help. He gently said, “Rona nahi hai, theek hai?” Mein Babar Azam ka autograph bhi karta hun, theek hai,” the fast bowler gently asked the child. He then signed two autographs, his own and another one from Babar Azam.

    The child, still upset, pointed to the autograph and said, “Ye Babar Azam kay sign hai.” Naseem reassured him, “Haan yeh Babar Azam ka hai. Ab happy ok?”

    He then posed for pictures with the children, making sure they were happy.

    Sonam Bajwa shared the video of the heartwarming moment on her Instagram story with the caption, “This is so wholesome and cute  .”

  • Ijaz Ahmed’s racist rant slammed by cricket fans

    Ijaz Ahmed’s racist rant slammed by cricket fans

    Former Pakistani cricketer Ijaz Ahmad’s criticism of the recent poor performance by the Pakistan cricket team in the T-20 World Cup turned into a racist tirade against Pakhtoon players.

    Talking on the ARY NEWS programme Off The Record on Monday night, Ijaz said, “Almost 80 percent of Pakistan’s cricket team constitutes of players from remote areas or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Even if the team is made from Sindh, seven to eight players are Pathan. They have neither the education nor the exposure which is why these players cannot handle the pressure.”

    Given the already fragile religious and ethnic fault lines that exist in our nation, the statement from Ijaz Ahmad –who was once a sportsman– revealed a highly irresponsible and discriminatory attitude.

    Netizens were quick to condemn the racist remarks. Meanwhile, the owner of ARY News Salman Iqbal also condemned the racist remarks by Ijaz Ahmad saying that “It is not acceptable.”

  • Pakistan’s ‘Nayab’ wins at festival in Cannes

    Pakistan’s ‘Nayab’ wins at festival in Cannes

    Pakistani film ‘Nayab’ has won the ‘Best Foreign Film’ award at World Film Festival in Cannes. The film, directed by Umair Nasir Ali, also won the Best First Time Film Maker award in the feature film category. The film is written by Basit Naqvi, Ali Abbas Naqvi

    The story of the film is centered around a young woman determined to break stereotypes by playing cricket for Pakistan’s national team. Her brother, who was once a rising star himself, struggles with his past.

    The director posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Happy to share our film “Nayab” won Best Foreign Film and Best First Time Filmmaker (Feature) at the World Film Festival in Cannes – Remember the Future! April 2024 -Despite limited festival opportunities after commercial theatrical release locally and globally, these awards bring us great joy. Thanks to the entire Nayab Team for making “Nayab” possible! Specially @rumina_umair @aliabbasnaqvi88 & @m.basit.naqvi for being there since the inception of the idea which we started in 2019.”

    Yumna Zaidi who played the character of Nayab also posted a picture on her Instagram with the caption, “Nayab” my real star ”

    Note: The prestigious Cannes Film Festival ended on May 25. Don’t confuse it with the World Film Festival in Cannes, a separate monthly competition held in the same city.

  • Remember Dil se? Priety Zinta shares first photoshoot pictures

    Remember Dil se? Priety Zinta shares first photoshoot pictures

    Bollywood star Preity Zinta recently shared a precious memory from her early days in the industry on Instagram. The post featured a snapshot from her very first photoshoot at the age of 20.

    In the caption, Zinta confessed to feeling clueless about posing for the camera back then. She wrote, “was going through some old stuff n found this photo! OMG!!! My first photo shoot ever… I was all of 20 & I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the world … except how to pose for a photo shoot.”
    Her candid reflection resonated with fans, who appreciated her honesty and humility.

    Since her debut in the 1998 film ‘Dil Se,’ Preity Zinta has captivated audiences with her charm and talent. Alongside her successful acting career, she is also known for her philanthropy and advocacy work.

  • Imran Nazir’s battle against mercury poisoning

    Imran Nazir’s battle against mercury poisoning

    Imran Nazir, known as one of the most powerful hitters in Pakistan cricket history, recently opened up about his experience with mercury poisoning.
    He played a key role in Pakistan’s victory in the 2009 ICC World Twenty20. Despite facing injuries and inconsistency in form, Nazir remains a popular figure in cricket history.
    In an interview with host Imran Ashraf, he revealed that he suffered from mercury sickness for six and a half years because someone intentionally put the toxic metal in his food.
    Imran talked about how the disease started, thinking it was just regular pain from playing cricket. He said, “I thought it was normal, like when you swing a bat and your muscle gets a bit twisted.” But the pain got worse and spread to all his joints. Worried, he went to see a doctor, and when he got the test results, the doctors told him to go back to Pakistan right away.
    Mercury poisoning happens when mercury gets inside the body through eating, breathing, or touching. It can cause joint pain, problems with thinking, and damage to organs. Imran’s experience shows how tough it can be for people with this sickness, and it reminds us how important it is to stay strong and have support from others during difficult times.

    Imran went through a tough time when he found out about his illness. “The doctors couldn’t explain what happened.” Even after trying different treatments, like herbal and spiritual healing, Imran realised there wasn’t an easy fix. He said, “I had the idea that there is no cure for this disease.” But through it all, Imran stayed strong. He believed, “Whenever difficulties arrive, you must always stay strong. No one could have ever imagined what I went through.”
    For six and a half years, Imran battled his illness, spending all his money to fight it. He said, “I spent all the money I had during that time.”
    Imran also talked about how the disease affected his personal life, mentioning that people treated him differently. He explained, “When times were tough, I saw how people changed.” Despite facing questions about his health, Imran showed appreciation for his wife’s constant support and care. He said, “I salute her honesty and how she took care of me during those difficult times.”

  • Atif Aslam and THIS player exchange autographs

    Atif Aslam and THIS player exchange autographs

    If a superstar of Atif Aslam’s calibre has to get an autograph from a cricketer, who will he get it from?

    The answer may surprise you.

    The singer recently received an autograph from cricketer Azam Khan during Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9.  Azam Khan, representing Islamabad United, shared photos of their meeting on social media.

    In one photo, Khan is seen getting Atif Aslam’s autograph on his guitar, while another shows the cricketer and the singer standing together with their guitar and their bat. Azam Khan also extended his best wishes to Atif Aslam and prayed for him.

    In the caption of the Instagram post, Azam Khan included a few words from Atif Aslam’s past interview, where the singer said, “No matter what the world says, keep the faith.” Azam Khan expressed his feelings in the caption, saying, “Still feeling starstruck after meeting the phenomenal Atif Aslam! As a long-time fan, this moment is pure magic!”

    Azam Khan, the cricketer, also expressed his happiness at meeting the singer and stated that he still admires Atif Aslam’s amazing skills. He admitted to being a fan of Atif Aslam for a long time, and the meeting with the favorite singer was indeed a special magical moment.