Daren Sammy wrote on his Intagram: “Cricket took me all over the world enabling me to see and play in some amazing places. Pakistan is definitely one of these places. A place that always makes me feel at home. It’s such an honor to have received this prestigious award( Sitara-I-Pakistan) from the Government and people of Pakistan. Thank you.”
Former West Indian captain Daren Sammy has said that there is no security problem in Pakistan. He also expressed his disappointment at New Zealand cancelling its Pakistan series due to “security reasons”.
Speaking on Geo News programme ‘Naya Pakistan’, Sammy said that field experts are saying that if Pakistan is safe, then one should trust then. “I have been coming to Pakistan for the last 6 years, it has always been a good experience.”
While talking about New Zealand cancelling the tour, he said: “I was very disappointed with New Zealand’s decision. There is no security problem in Pakistan. I remember people used to ask me to go to Pakistan or not but now people ask me to go to Pakistan and play golf and eat.”
“نیوزی لینڈ کےفیصلے پربہت مایوسی ہوئی. پاکستان میں سیکورٹی کا کوئی مسئلہ نہیں. مجھے یاد ہےپہلےلوگ پوچھتےتھے پاکستان جائیں یا نہیں مگر اب لوگ پوچھتے ہیں پاکستان جاکر گالف کہاں کھیلیں کھانا کہاں کھائیں. “ ڈیرن سمی#GeoNews#NayaPakistanpic.twitter.com/lzmsQpExDV
He said that attacks have taken place in New Zealand and England, incidents have also been seen in Australia, and incidents are happening everywhere in the world but there is no noise. He also added that the situation in Pakistan has changed. “Earlier, people used to ask, is it safe to go to Pakistan? Now people ask where to go and eat in Pakistan.”
The New Zealand cricket team cancelled their tour shortly before the first ODI match against Pakistan on the grounds of security reasons, which has drawn frustration from cricket fans all over the world. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to take a strong stand against the New Zealand Cricket Board.
Taking to Twitter, PCB Chairman wrote: “Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.”
Crazy day it has been! Feel so sorry for the fans and our players. Walking out of the tour by taking a unilateral approach on a security threat is very frustrating. Especially when it’s not shared!! Which world is NZ living in??NZ will hear us at ICC.
Meanwhile, transnational cricketer including Daren Sammy, Michael Vaughan, Angelo Perera, Grant Elliot and Sherfane Rutherford also shared their views on the cancellation of the series.
Disappointed waking up to the news of the cancellation of the Pakistan Vs New Zealand series because of security issues.Over the last 6 years playing and visiting Pakistan has been one of the most enjoyable experiences. I’ve always felt safe. this is a massive blow to Pakistan ☹️
Such a shame for Pakistan Cricket .. These late call offs will damage the game hugely financially .. Hopefully security issues can be resolved to allow cricket to be played again in Pakistan .. !!
The black Caps were set to play three ODIs and five T20Is in Pindi and Lahore respectively.
New Zealand’s cricket board said arrangements were being made for the team’s departure back home, citing an escalation in threat levels and the advice of security advisors.
Daren Sammy has collaborated with a brand to get his very own perfume ’88 Special’.
Asgharali Perfumes has collaborated with the former West Indian captain to release a cologne honouring him called ’88 Special’.
“Infinite doses of passion. Available in UAE and Pakistan and coming soon to the USA & Caribbean,” wrote Sammy while introducing his fragrance on social media.
But this isn’t the first time that Sammy has talked about launching his fragrance. While talking to The Current in an exclusive interview, Daren said: “I am super happy to partner with Asgharali to create this amazing fragrance. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people through my playing and in the stadiums. It is my goal to continue this connection by creating a scent that will exhibit the passion, power, and pleasure that is within us all.”
“My desire is that people will feel like a champion; like everything is possible and that no matter where you started in life; greatness is in you. I’m already very happy with the new signature scents for men and women that Asgarali has created and the exquisite packaging design. I can’t wait to share it with you all,” he had added.
However, the new deal under the Daren Sammy trademark will include a signature fragrance for men and women.
Pakistan’s speedster Wahab Riaz has thanked Daren Sammy after receiving the new fragrance as a present.
“Thank you Skipper @darensammy88 for this lovely fragrance, I loved the packing and the bottle is as classy as you’re. Congratulations and all the best for this new innings. I’m sure you’ll rock it too, wrote Riaz on his Twitter.
West Indies cricket great Daren Sammy has shared that Shoaib Akhtar made him question himself on his debut that whether he wanted to play cricket again or not.
In an exclusive interview with The Current, Sammy shared many things about his experience with Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, Pakistan’s tour and hospitality, PSL memories and his debut.
Talking about his first encounter with Akhtar, he said: “When I made my debut for the West Indies in the Champions Trophy, I remember Pakistan playing West Indies at the Rose Bowl in Hampshire and they were opening with Mohammad Sami, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar.”
“I saw Shoaib Akhtar bowling a bouncer to Brian Lara and hit him in the head. Brian Lara fell back probably almost unconscious. I was sitting and I was 19 years old next to Dwayne Bravo. I literally questioned whether I wanted to play cricket again. Shoaib Akhtar did that to me,” said Sammy.
The former all-rounder further revealed that he told this story to Shoaib Akhtar himself a few days ago in Islamabad.
“I met him four days ago in Islamabad and I gave him that story. He said ‘Brian clipped him for four on the first ball’ and I guess that was his response. It was a joy to watch the Rawalpindi Express coming down with his hair flying. Shoaib Akhtar with his pace. In the current day, even though I am not playing I would pad up easily against any bowler and try to hit them out of the park,” he said.
Sammy further revealed that players touring Pakistan now ask about golf courses instead of questioning the security situation of the country.
Peshawar’s coach stated that bringing the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to Pakistan was the first step that paved the way for cricket’s revival in the country.
“I am not sure [when West Indies will visit Pakistan next], I have not checked the calendar. But I think we were about to a year before last year. I think now the teams are coming. I remember us taking a small step in the PSL two and getting to the finals in Lahore. I think that was a small step in the right direction,” Sammy said.
He believed that the questions regarding security are slowly diminishing from players’ minds while visiting Pakistan.
“Now Hashim Amla and I were having a conversation and I think Javed asks what the difference is between now and five years ago. I think the major difference coming to Pakistan now, four years ago players would be calling me and go ‘Darren, I am going over there [Pakistan], do you think we should go?’ When West Indies was coming the captain had to call me and go, ‘Man should I go on this tour?’. Now players asking where they can play golf and questions like can we go to dinner in these or these places. The quote-unquote threat of security, that is slowly diminishing from people’s minds and I think that is what we want,” he concluded.
Talking about his favourite memory from the PSL, Sammy shared that his favourite memory was when they clinched the the cup in the second season of PSL.
For more interesting revelations, watch the video here:
Peshawar Zalmi Head Coach Daren Sammy was spotted playing cricket with locals on the roads of Lahore.
After the abrupt end of the PSL 2021 due to an outbreak of COVID-19, Sammy is also an honorary citizen of Pakistan, opted to stay back in the country and experience it as a tourist. And one of those experiences include playing street cricket.
In a video posted on Peshawar Zalmi’s official account, the former West Indies player can be seen playing tape-ball cricket.
“Peshawar Zalmi Head Coach Daren Sammy stops on his way to play cricket with young cricketers in Lahore,” read the caption.
Sharing pictures, Sammy said: “Played some street tape ball cricket earlier in Lahore. Where’s next?”
Earlier, Afridi hosted a dinner in honour of Sammy and South African cricket great Hashim Amla. Captain of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Wahab Riaz and Kamran Akmal were also present at the feast.
Meanwhile, it is being reported that Wahab Riaz will now be captaining the team.
Darren Sammy has been named as new head coach of Peshawar Zalmi. Akram promoted as director cricket with additional role of the bowling coach. Sammy will also be available for selection as a player. Wahab Riaz takes over the role as new captain. pic.twitter.com/651IP6wWl9
Sammy was rested in the Zalmi’s last game against Karachi Kings on Monday. The decision was allegedly taken after Sammy’s struggled for form and fitness because of which Zalmi have descended to the fifth position on the PSL 2020 points table. Former Zalmi head coach Mohammad Akram had held a press conference in which he explained that resting players is nothing new, adding that Sammy was given a break to “work on his form and fitness.”
With the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League officially underway in Pakistan, there is little Pakistanis can talk about except cricket.
Former cricketer and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has been hosting some players and his old adversaries in his office. From Daren Sammy to Dean Jones, here is everyone who met the prime minister:
Vivian Richards said he was delighted to meet his friend again.
Shane Watson referred to PM Khan as his “cricket hero.”
This was incredibly special for me to meet and chat with one of my cricketing hero’s, the Great All-Rounder, Imran Khan. What an inspiring life he has lived on and off the cricket field!!! So amazing to hear Sir Viv, Greg Chappell and Imran relive the good old days!!! #dreampic.twitter.com/Zqz2jww7P8
Meanwhile, PM Khan congratulated Sammy on receiving honourary Pakistani citizenship and praised him for playing his role in helping to revive international cricket in the country.
In his meeting with Peshawar Zalmi, Khan remarked that he was happy that the whole Pakistan Super League (PSL) was being staged in Pakistan.
“People are happy too,” PM Imran is reported to have said. “It is encouraging to see the stadiums filled with enthusiastic spectators. This will send a positive message from Pakistan to the world.”
Karachi Kings’ coach Dean Jones and Peshawar Zalmi captain Darren Sammy retweeted a video of an upset Lahore Qalandar’s fan crying after his team’s defeat on Sunday against Islamabad United.
Jones took to twitter and asked the kid to support Kings and also offered him tickets to watch the cricket matches.
A video of a kid who supported Lahore Qalandars went viral on social media. The video shows a young boy sobbing over Sunday night’s defeat of Lahore Qalandars by Islamabad United who won the game by a wicket.
The kid was sad over Qalandars’ poor performance and Usman Shinwari, the man who bowled the last over in the game.
Lahore Qalandars lost both matches they played in PSL 5.
