Tag: fast bowler

  • Shaheen Afridi on controlling his anger during a match

    Shaheen Afridi on controlling his anger during a match

    Pakistan Cricket team frontline pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has recently talked about controlling his anger on the pitch during a match. Fast bowlers are known for their aggression and newly appointed Lahore Qalandars captain shared how he controls his anger after being given a leadership role.

    Talking to the media after a training session for the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) seventh edition, Shaheen said: “I must maintain my composure while working diligently to enhance my performance. If my performance improves, I will then be able to speak to others regarding their performance.”

    The 21-year-old speedster stated that as a captain, he makes sure that the entire team follows suit. “The responsibility increases,” he said, adding that while there is no pressure, the responsibility must still be taken up by the captain.

    “I am receiving a lot of assistance from Muhammad Hafeez. He is a senior member of the team. I ask him and learn what is favourable for me,” said the fast bowler.

    Speaking about the Lahore Qalandars’ pre-camp, Afridi stated that the camp was helpful because it allowed him to gain a better understanding of the players and their personal qualities, as well as to better understand him.

    Meanwhile, Afghan star Rashid Khan while talking to a private news channel, said that he is excited to play under Afridi’s leadership. “I will try to help him control his emotions during the match since he is also a Pathan,” he said.

    Rashid further added: “I will guide him on the field using my experience of leading Afghanistan in the past.”

    Last year in December, the pacer was appointed as the captain of the PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars ahead of the seventh edition of the league.

  • VIDEO: Haris Rauf celebrates wicket in BBL match by wiping hands, putting on mask

    VIDEO: Haris Rauf celebrates wicket in BBL match by wiping hands, putting on mask

    Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf is known for his quirky celebrations after he took Shahid Afridi’s wicket in Pakistan Super League (PSL). A video of the 28-year-old speedster is circulating on social media and burned the internet with his unique style of celebrating the wicket in Big Bash League (BBL).

    In Melbourne Stars jersey, the right-arm fast bowler came up with a ‘Covid-safe’ celebration, where he gestured to sanitise his hands and put on a mask after taking the wicket of Kurtis Patterson.

    It all happened during the third over of the BBL contest between Perth Scorchers vs Melbourne Stars. Rauf bowled a delivery that was angling away outside off stump, tempting Patterson to go for a cover drive. But the batter nicked it to the keeper Joe Clarke, which was followed by Rauf’s hilarious celebration.

    Rauf acted to take out sanitiser from his pocket moments after the umpire raise his finger. The Pakistan seamer then pulled out a mask and wore it, leaving his teammates and even the commentators in splits.

    Rauf finished with figures of 2 for 38 in his four overs as Perth Scorchers scored 117 runs off the last 10 overs to take their total to 196/3.

    Earlier, Rauf impressed his fans after taking a brilliant catch in his second match for the Stars.

  • Rizwan, Shaheen nominated for Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year

    Rizwan, Shaheen nominated for Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has nominated two Pakistani cricketers, wicket-keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi for the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year award. The nominees are selected for their match-winning knocks, sizzling spells, superhuman efforts and impeccable leadership in the cricket.

    Alongside Rizwan and Shaheen, England skipper Joe Root and Kiwi captain Kane Williamson are also included in the list.

    Shaheen had a memorable year, bagging 78 wickets in 36 internationals at an average of 22.20. He took 47 in Tests, 23 in T20Is and 8 in ODIs.

    He stunned the cricketing world with his impressive spells in the T20 World Cup in UAE. His 3/31 against India was the best spell of the competition which handed Pakistan their first win over India in the World Cup history.

    On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan was the best among the batters in T20I and Tests. He scored 1915 runs in 44 internationals at an average of 56.32 with 2 centuries. He is the highest run-getter of the year while he also registered the record of scoring most runs in 2021.

    Rizwan also upped his game in Test cricket, scoring 455 runs in nine matches at an average of 45.50. Most importantly though, he was consistent throughout the year and played a variety of roles across all formats – be it getting Pakistan off to flying starts in the T20Is or stabilising things with the lower order in Test cricket.

    Aggregating a staggering 1326 runs in only 29 matches, Rizwan struck at an average of 73.66 and a strike rate of 134.89.

    Apart from his exploits with the bat, he was as solid as ever behind the stumps, bagging 56 dismissals.

  • Hassan Ali charged for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in first T20I

    Hassan Ali charged for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in first T20I

    Pakistani pacer Hassan Ali has been charged for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct during the first T20I against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday.

    As per details, Hassan was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.”

    In addition to this, one demerit point has been added to the disciplinary record of Hassan, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period. The incident occurred in the 17th over of Bangladesh’s innings, when Hassan gave an inappropriate sendoff to batter Nurul Hasan after dismissing him behind the wicket.

    Meanwhile, in the same match the Bangladesh team has been fined 20 per cent of their match fees for maintaining a slow over-rate in the match as they were ruled to be one over short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

    Read More – Pakistan seals victory against Bangladesh in first T20I

    Hassan and Bangladesh captain Mahmudullah admitted the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed by Neeyamur Rashid of the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Referees and ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the Covid-19 interim playing regulations. There was no need for formal hearings.

    On-field umpires Sharfudoulla Ibne Shahid and Masudur Rahman, third umpire Gazi Sohel and fourth official Tanvir Ahmed levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

  • Video: Wasim Akram imitates Imran Khan in a hilarious throwback story

    Video: Wasim Akram imitates Imran Khan in a hilarious throwback story

    Recalling an old incident with Imran Khan, Wasim Akram shared a story about the current Prime Minister of Pakistan. The former left-arm veteran fast bowler often narrates hilarious incidents about PM Khan whenever he appears on television.

    Read More –

    Akram, who is currently doing a sports transmission on A Sports, recalled a hilarious incident from Pakistan’s tour to West Indies in the 1980s. Although, the 1992 world cup winning captain was one of the finest bowlers of his time, he had an off-day against the Caribbean.

    According to Wasim, the former captain was smashed for plenty of runs in his eight over bowling spell.

    “When the team went to practice the next day, Imran Khan saw the bowling figures on the scoreboard and stopped,” Akram said. Imitating PM Khan, Akram added that the skipper then asked Zakir Khan to remove the bowling figures from the scoreboard.

    The Sultan of swing was talking about the fourth one-day international of the 1988 series between Pakistan and West Indies. The Pakistan cricket team batted first and scored 271 runs in 43 overs. The Caribbean chased down the target in the 41st over with 7 wickets in hand. Imran Khan was the most expensive bowler as he conceded 76 runs in his 8 overs.

    This is not the first time that the former speedster has imitated anyone. Earlier, he also copied Haris Rauf from an incident in which he was being interviewed by Indian cricket host Anjum Chopra and she was speaking difficult Hindi with him. Haris was given Player of the match award for his prolific spell against the New Zealand team and he was finding it difficult to understand her, making weird expressions.

    Wasim imitated Rauf while host Fakhr-e-Alam was speaking Hindi for him. Have a look:

  • Fahad Mustafa sends pillows, mattress to Wahab Riaz

    Fahad Mustafa sends pillows, mattress to Wahab Riaz

    National cricket team player Wahab Riaz has thanked Pakistani actor Fahad Mustafa for sending him a mattress, two pillows and a blanket.

    The cricketer shared a screenshot of his conversation with the actor and extended love to him for the unique gift.

    He wrote: “Thank you @fahadmustafa26 bhai for the mattress, pillow and the blanket. You’re love!!”

    Fahad had asked Riaz if he needs anything. As a response, the cricketer requested the actor to send him mattress, two pillows and blanket in the studio.

    Wahab is currently doing sports transmission on A Sports with cricket greats Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq.

  • Haris Rauf gets Azam Khan’s wicket, celebrates in style at National T20 Cup

    Haris Rauf gets Azam Khan’s wicket, celebrates in style at National T20 Cup

    Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf, who is playing for Northern at the National T20 Cup, got Azam Khan’s wicket and celebrated in a unique style.

    The 27-year-old pacer bowled to the wicketkeepr batter and he hit a sixer. On the very next ball, Azam got out on an inside edge. After taking the wicket, Haris celebrated the wicket with a style of famous TikToker Khabane “Khaby” Lame, who reacts on lame videos of people and points out how it can be performed easily while pointing with his hands as it was very easy.

    The speedster imitating the TikToker can be seen in the video here:

    Meanwhile, an impressive batting performance earned Northern a five-wicket win over ATF Southern Punjab in the tenth match of the National T20 played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Wednesday night.

    All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz (player-of-the-match) made full use of two dropped chances as he scored an unbeaten 56 off 35 balls (six fours, two sixes) to spearhead his side’s 176-run chase.

    Musa Khan took three wickets for 40 runs, Mohammad Nawaz, Imad Wasim and Haris took a wicket apiece for Northern.

  • ‘Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye,’ says Wasim Akram after Amir announces availability

    ‘Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye,’ says Wasim Akram after Amir announces availability

    Former Pakistan speedster Wasim Akram is undoubtedly one of the biggest stars produced by Pakistan. The Sultan of Swing is rated highly by experts around the globe, not only for his cricketing achievements but for his understanding of the game as well. While talking about Mohammad Amir, Akram said that he is an experienced bowler and can be used if needed.

    As the recently announced T20 World Cup squad of Pakistan attracted a lot of criticism, it was impossible to ignore the views of someone like Akram. For this purpose, ARY News invited the former captain for a telephonic conversation to shed light on the squad announced by chief selector Mohammad Wasim on Tuesday.

    Interestingly, Akram backed the squad announced and requested everyone to stop the “harsh criticism on players such as Asif Ali and Azam Khan.”

    When Waseem Badami asked him about Amir, the former cricketer said: “As an ex-cricketer of Pakistan, I would want my country to win. Waqt par gadhay ko bhi baap bana laina chahiye, aggar uski zaroorat hai to usko rakho. [One has to pretend to honour even a fool when in need. If he is needed then he can be included.]”

    He also pointed out one of his good performances in Pakistan Super League (PSL) for Karachi Kings.

    The host pointed out that team can be changed before October 10 and Amir had issues with Waqar Younis and Misbah-ul-Haq and now that they are gone, is there any chance of him to be included in the T20 World Cup Squad? Akram said that there is no time left to review on including Amir in the team. “I think it’s too late for Amir to come back in the squad, in my opinion.”

    Badami insisted that the reason for his (Amir’s) retirement — Misbah and Waqar — are gone and they announced yesterday and now he is announcing about his availability, he can be included in the squad then. Akram said: “I can understand Waseem but the team has been announced now. But we don’t know who will be the new coach and if something exceptional happens and it depends on ifs and buts that which coach will come. Micky Arthur is one of the options and England’s Peter Moores is also a good option.”

    Read More – Misbah, Waqar resign from coaching positions ahead of T20 World Cup

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan One-Day squad alongside support staff members have departed for Islamabad from Lahore via bus. Team manager Mansoor Rana, interim Head Coach Saqlain Mushtaq and Assistant Coach Abdul Razzaq as well as trainer Drikus Saaiman are travelling with the group.

  • Dale Steyn announces retirement from cricket

    Dale Steyn announces retirement from cricket

    South African fast bowler Dale Steyn announced his retirement from all formats of cricket on Tuesday.

    He told ESPNcricinfo that his decision was prompted partly by the Covid-19 pandemic, and partly because, at 38, he is looking forward to “life starting again” after 18 years of professional cricket.

    “I guess Covid-19 kind of made me see things differently, it wasn’t fun anymore. And if it’s not fun then it’s not worth doing,” Steyn said.

    “Bittersweet but grateful,” he wrote in his social media post, as he thanked his family and teammates as well as journalists, fans.

    “It’s been 20 years of training, matches, travel, wins, losses, strapped feet, jet lag, joy, and brotherhood. There are too many stories to tell. Too many faces to thank.”

    “It’s been an incredible journey together,” he added.

    Replying to the speedster, South African goat Ab Devilliars said: “Great player, great man, amazing memories! You picked a good song to sign off my bud. Legend forever!”

    Steyn, South Africa’s highest Test wicket-taker with 439 strikes in 93 games, made his professional debut in 2003 in a first-class game for Northerns. He stepped away from the longest format two years ago, to concentrate on white-ball cricket. Since then, he has not played in any ODIs and only three T20Is, though he did have plans of playing in one more T20 World Cup.

    Many cricketers and notables related with cricket wrote comments for the South African great.

  • Younis Khan breaks silence on feud with Hassan Ali

    Younis Khan breaks silence on feud with Hassan Ali

    Younis Khan has finally broken his silence on a feud with Hassan Ali.

    According to reports, Khan said Ali had apologised to him after their heated exchange of words, and that the two had moved past the incident.

    “Hassan Ali apologised to me, and I had forgiven him,” Younis Khan said in a statement. “To play up the Hassan Ali incident [and use it] as a possible reason for my resignation comes as a surprise to me,” he added.

    Speaking about his resignation, Khan said he had kept silent over the matter in the larger interest of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Pakistani cricket. Khan clarified that it was PCB’s Strength and Conditioning Coach Yasir Malik who had requested him to speak to Hassan Ali about taking an ice bath.

    “I have never looked towards the PCB for a job or for any position,” he said. “I was approached for the position [of batting coach] by the Board,” added the former batsman.

    Senior Pakistan sports reporter Saj Sadiq tweeted about the spat between Younis Khan and Hassan Ali a few days ago, stating that a verbal fight between the two took place when Ali refused to take an ice bath as suggested by Khan.

    As per Sadiq, the altercation got to the point where the two had to be separated by coaching staff members and other team players. 

    A day earlier, Sadiq spoke more about the incident, saying that Khan had allegedly locked himself in a room and refused to talk to Ali, even after the fast bowler had apologised to him.

    The news of the heated exchange between the two was reported after Khan stepped down from his position as batting coach a few days ago.