Tag: fast bowler

  • Pat Cummins donates $50k for COVID-hit India

    Pat Cummins donates $50k for COVID-hit India

    Pat Cummins, who has enjoyed plenty of gripping battles with India on the cricket pitch, has delivered a classy show of unity with the struggling country as it faces one of the toughest fights in the nation’s history.

    The Australian fast bowler has pledged a generous $50,000 donation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘PM Cares Fund’ to supply oxygen to hospitals overwhelmed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    In a touching message posted on social media, Cummins announced the donation and urged fellow cricketers to donate as well.

    “India is a country I’ve come to love dearly over the years and the people here are some of the warmest and kindest I’ve ever met,” said Cummins. “To know so many are suffering so much at this time saddens me greatly.”

    Talking about the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), Cummins said: “There has been quite a bit of discussion over here as to whether it is appropriate for the IPL to continue while COVID-19 infection rates remain high. I’m advised that the Indian government is of the view that playing the IPL while the population is in lockdown provides a few hours of joy and respite each day at an otherwise difficult time for the country.”

    “As players, we are privileged to have a platform that allows us to reach millions of people that we can use for good. With that in mind, I have made a contribution to the ‘PM Cares Fund’, specifically to purchase oxygen supplies for India’s hospitals,” said Cummins, encouraging his fellow cricketers to contribute as well.

    “I will kick it off with $50,000,” said Cummins. “At times like this, it is easy to feel helpless. I’ve certainly felt that of late. But I hope by making this public appeal we can all channel our emotions into action that will bring light into people’s lives.

    “I know my donation isn’t much in the grand scheme of things, but I hope it will make a difference to someone,” he concluded.

    Cummins, who was the most-expensive foreign player purchased in the IPL auction, has repaid the faith with some impressive performances for the Knight Riders including striking an unbeaten 66 off 34 balls in a recent match.

    Meanwhile, India in the last four days has seen fresh COVID-19 cases numbering over 300,000 per day – the worst numbers of any country since the pandemic began. The nation has tallied nearly 17 million cases in total, and hospitals have been overrun in the latest wave of infections.

    While three Australian cricketers – Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, and Andrew Tye – abandoned the league and returned to Australia, Cummins opted to stay there and contribute towards the cause.

    IPL will continue its 2021 edition as per schedule, organisers said on Sunday, even as the tournament faced heavy criticism for the plan as India grapples with a massive surge in coronavirus cases.

  • Junaid Khan reportedly quitting Pakistan cricket

    Social media is abuzz with reports that Pakistani fast bowler Junaid Khan is considering quitting Pakistan cricket as he has offers from the USA and UK.

    According to numerous sports journalists, the left-arm fast bowler has offers from USA and UK for commercial cricket and he is going to meet top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before taking a big step.

    Another sports journalist claimed that domestic teams, KPK and Central Punjab preferred youngsters over Junaid and Kamran Akmal. Young pacers from KPK took their team into the finals this season while Akmal has been left out due to his relatively poor form.

    The pacer has represented Pakistan in 22 Test matches, 76 ODIs and 9 T20Is.

    Earlier, Kamran Akmal was also disappointed by the behavior of PCB as he was also left out of Pakistan Cup.

    Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir was not satisfied with the behaviour of PCB either and he announced his retirement from Pakistan cricket in December 2020. Sami Aslam had left Pakistan cricket in December and joined hands with USA cricket.

  • Haris Rauf leads 2020 with most T20 wickets

    Haris Rauf leads 2020 with most T20 wickets

    Pakistani right-arm fast bowler Haris Rauf has ended his 2020 with a bang, taking as many as 57 wickets and becomes leading wicket taker in the Twenty20 format.

    This year has been lucky for three pacers, which leads with Rauf taking 57 wickets in 35 innings. Shaheen Shah Afridi follows him with 52 wickets in hand, which he took in 37 innings and Mohammad Amir has also taken 42 wickets in 36 innings in the calendar year.

    Among Pakistan players, only Wahab Riaz was able to grab 60 wickets in 2019 and Azhar Mahmood took 60 wickets in 2013 and have claimed more T20 wickets in a calendar year than Rauf.

    Though the year has been very difficult due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Rauf has managed to show his class and skills. The 150 kilometres per hour speedster joined the National T20 side in January 2020.

    The 27-year-old recently took three wickets in the three T20I matches against New Zealand. He has also taken second most wickets in T20I this year.

    To celebrate his big achievement, Haris shared a picture of himself and Afridi chilling in New Zealand.

  • ‘Mighty India crumbling down’: Akhtar trolls India on shameful defeat

    ‘Mighty India crumbling down’: Akhtar trolls India on shameful defeat

    Shoaib Akhtar has trolled the Indian cricket team after their shameful defeat by Australia in Adelaide Saturday.

    “I woke up and saw the score 369. I couldn’t believe it. Then I washed my eyes and saw the score 36/9. I couldn’t believe it either & went back to sleep,” wrote the former fast bowler on social media.

    Later in a video, the pacer said, “Embarrassing loss, embarrassing batting. World’s mightiest batting crumbling down.”

    “Humara bhi record torr dia inho ne, 36 all out. This is a disgraceful and terrible performance,” he continued. “It happens in cricket and this is what will happen to you. Bear it and bear the criticism.”

    “Mighty India crashing down, crumbling down,” he added.

    Akhtar didn’t stop there and posted another video on Twitter with a caption, saying, “This will not be forgotten easily. Must come back very strongly from here. Theek thaak phentii pari hai.”

    Similarly, Wasim Akram also expressed his shock over the score, commenting: “What a spell by the Australians. Pace matters.”

    Meanwhile, Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Fawad Chaudhry also trolled the team by tweeting the hashtag ‘Australian Surgical Strike’.

    Australia’s world-class pace attack dismissed India for their lowest ever Test score of 36-9 in second innings of the opening Test Match of the series and defeated them chasing the target of 90 runs with eight wickets in hand.

    India started day three of the day-night Test on nine for one and with a 62-run lead, looking to build a competitive second innings total for Australia to chase. But their hopes were left in tatters after an exhibition of fast bowling by Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

    It was the last Australia will see of Virat Kohli batting this summer, with the captain missing the final three Tests to return home for the birth of his first child.

  • ‘I have been tortured’: Mohammad Amir announces retirement from international cricket

    ‘I have been tortured’: Mohammad Amir announces retirement from international cricket

    Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has said that he is retiring from international cricket.

    Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he will release a detailed statement sharing his reasons behind his retirement when he arrives back in Pakistan from Sri Lanka, where he has been playing for Galle Gladiators in the Lanka Premier League. However, he made it clear that he cannot continue playing under the current management which is why he made this announcement.

    “I have been tortured,” says Amir in the video.

    Amir, who had an impressive campaign for Galle Gladiators in Lanka Premier League, said he will be playing franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan. Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.

    “No, I am not going away from cricket. If you have seen the way the atmosphere over here and the way I have been sidelined,” said an emotional Amir. “I got a wake-up call there when I was not selected in 35 boys. If I don’t get selected in the 35-member squad, then it is a wake-up call for me.”

    “I don’t think I can play cricket under this management. I think I should leave cricket this time. I am being tortured mentally,” he continued. “I don’t think I can tolerate any more torture now. I have seen a lot of torture from 2010 to 2015. I was away from the game and sentenced for my mistake.”

    Read more – Kyun Nikala?: ‘Misbah Saab he bataa saktay hain,’ says Mohammad Amir

    According to a press release issued by PCB, Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan spoke with Amir this afternoon following reports that the fast bowler had announced his retirement from international cricket.

    The 29-year-old confirmed to the PCB chief executive that he has no desires or intensions of playing international cricket and as such, he should not be considered for future international matches.

    “This is a personal decision of Mohammad Amir, which the PCB respects, and as such, will not make any further comment on this matter at this stage,” stated the press release.

    Amir made his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match against England in June 2009 and was part of the team which won the 2009 T20 World Cup.

    However, his career went downhill after he was found guilty of spot-fixing and was banned for five years. He made his international comeback in 2015 and went on to play an instrumental role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017.

  • ‘I’d pick Mohammad Amir in every white ball game I’d coach’: Mickey Arthur

    ‘I’d pick Mohammad Amir in every white ball game I’d coach’: Mickey Arthur

    Former Pakistan Cricket Team coach Mickey Arthur, in an interview, talked about Mohammad Amir’s skills and experience, saying: “I definitely think that Amir has got a future in middle of his career. I still think that he is one of the best white ball bowlers around at the moment.”

    Appreciating Amir’s courage, he said, “The one thing I do like about Aamir is when there is a tough situation he wants the ball he doesn’t shy away from the tough situations.”

    “His execution is good. He still has got enough pace. He is a wise, more experienced player,” said Arthur.

    Concluding his remarks, he said, ”I would have Amir in any white ball cricket team that I coach.”

    Read more – Kyun Nikala?: ‘Misbah Saab he bataa saktay hain,’ says Mohammad Amir

    In a response to Mickey’s remarks, Amir replied in a tweet, “Thanks coach I would love to play under your coaching anywhere in the world.”

    It is pertinent to add here that Amir was dropped from the 35-member squad, which is currently touring New Zealand. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, explaining the decision said: “[Shoaib]Malik and Amir are not part of the white-ball matches as for this tour we have opted to invest, develop and focus on the promising and emerging players who are likely to be available to Pakistan for all formats.”

    John Michael “Mickey” Arthur was the coach of Pakistan Cricket Team from 2016 to 2019. He is the currently the Head Coach of the Sri Lanka national cricket team as of December 2019.

  • ‘Sorry Lala’: Haris Rauf apologises to Afridi for dismissing him

    ‘Sorry Lala’: Haris Rauf apologises to Afridi for dismissing him

    Power hitter, Shahid Khan Afridi got clean-bowled on a duck by Haris Rauf’s yorker in a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans. After dismissing the legend, Haris apologised to the senior player, the video of which went viral on social media.

    https://twitter.com/thePSLt20/status/1328038153790304256?s=20

    Afridi is nowhere close to the explosive big hitter he once was. There’s little need to get excited by him walking out to bat; he might once have been a trailblazer, but several around the world have mastered and bettered, the art. At 40, any exploits off Afridi’s bat are very much dying embers of a flame that once burned brightly, but Haris may just have snuffed them out in the eliminator match.

    In the 14th over when Afridi walked out to bat, Rauf bowled a yorker first up tailing into middle stump. Few might have kept it out, but Afridi was notably slow in getting his bat down, the ball, whistling through his legs and onto the base of middle stump.

    As Afridi began to walk off, Rauf clasped his hands together by way of apology. It was Rauf’s 50th T20 wicket this year and the 27-year-old is now the leading wicket-taker in T20 cricket this year (50 wickets from 31 games).

    Later, in field when asked by the commentator via spider cam that why did he do that, on which he said: “He is a senior player and I came to play with this intention that if I’ll take Shahid bhai’s wicket, I will do this style.”

    VIDEO: ‘Family Guy’ features Lahore Qalandars vs Karachi Kings joke in new episode

    Meanwhile, the biggest rivalry in PSL’s history is about to go down on Tuesday’s (November 17) match as both the teams [KK & LQ] will now get their first chance to snatch the trophy.

  • Pakistan’s fast bowling culture: Even the PM is a paceman

    To understand the culture of fast bowling in Pakistan, look no further than Imran Khan — once a feared quick, and now the country’s prime minister.

    Not all of Pakistan’s pacemen will fly so high, but Prime Minister Imran’s rise underlines a tradition where speed is king, and the blistering pace is essential for any team.

    As if to reinforce the point, Pakistan have eight quicks in their 20-man squad for the three-Test series against England, starting on Wednesday, ready to unleash their trademark pace and swing.

    They carry the baton passed by predecessors such as Khan, left-arm great Wasim Akram and his destructive partner Waqar Younis, the unassuming Aaqib Javed, and Shoaib Akhtar, the feared “Rawalpindi Express” who is considered the fastest bowler in history.

    The current generation includes the precocious Naseem Shah, still only 17, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Wahab Riaz, and the accurate Mohammad Abbas.

    The production line is so consistent that when one player goes, another is ready to take over — as seen in 2010 when Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, banned for spot-fixing, were replaced by Junaid Khan, Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Ehsan Adil and Rahat Ali.

    Even Amir’s decision to retire from Tests at just 27 did not slow Pakistan, as Shaheen became the spearhead and Naseem announced himself with a stunning Test hat-trick.

    But the steady emergence of quicks — left-armers, right-armers, even one who is ambidextrous — raises an obvious question: how does Pakistan keep doing it?

    Former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz, regarded as the pioneer of reverse swing in the 1970s, said the factors included Muslim Pakistan’s meaty diet — unlike mainly vegetarian India, once known for its spinners.

    “We are a nation obsessed with fast bowling,” Nawaz told AFP. “We eat meat which strengthens the body, we love wickets clattering and the batsman shivering so it’s natural that we produce fast bowlers.”

    Nawaz passed on his reverse-swing skills to Khan under whose tutelage Wasim and Waqar became “The Two Ws”, a menacing partnership in the 1980s and 1990s.

    Wasim said he followed Imran’s legacy, and that pace bowling matches the Pakistani mentality.

    “I think it’s the culture [to become a fast bowler], especially this generation of Waqar and I and then Akhtar, we all had a role model in Khan,” he said.

    “Generally, when we talk about cricket it’s mostly about the fast bowlers, they get batsmen caught napping. We are aggressive people in nature and that’s what helps.”

    Wasim often holds camps to train emerging fast bowlers, swelling Pakistan’s ranks.

    “When I came, I always wanted to be a fast bowler and then a crop of fast bowlers came, and now we have Naseem, Shaheen, Mohammad Hasnain and Musa Khan who bowl at 140-150 kph (87-93 mph),” he said.

    However, perhaps the most decisive factor is Pakistan’s legion of tape-ball players, who play in parking lots and disused patches of land using tennis balls wrapped in electrical tape to make them heavier, putting the onus on pace rather than spin.

    Lahore Qalandars, a Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise which has been at the forefront of nurturing fast bowlers in recent years, received more than 350,000 applicants for their talent-hunt programme — nearly half of them tape-ball players, including the ambidextrous pace marvel Yasir Jan.

    “We give them a platform in our development programme and send them to Australia to hone their talent,” said head coach Aaqib Javed.

    According to Wasim, fast-bowling is so deeply ingrained that Pakistan’s stocks will never run out.

    “Many natural resources will dry up, but not Pakistan bowling’s reservoirs,” he said. “Our fast bowling future is secure as they follow footsteps and run-ups.”

    The article originally appeared on AFP.

  • Pacer Hasan Ali trolled for walking down the ramp with ‘rib fractures’

    Pacer Hasan Ali trolled for walking down the ramp with ‘rib fractures’

    Fast bowler Hasan Ali has come under heavy criticism after he walked the ramp at a fashion show in Lahore while nursing fractured ribs.

    The 25-year-old bowler had been ruled out of the home Test series against Sri Lanka following a medical examination last month which revealed that the bowler sustained multiple rib fractures.

    Hasan had begun his rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore and was told to rest for six weeks.

    However, the fast bowler was brutally trolled on social media over the fact that he chose to not only walk the show but to flaunt his signature celebratory pose, appearing as though he were physically fit.

    Fans further accused Hasan Ali over his change in priorities and claimed that the injured bowler looked to gain monetary benefit off of walking the ramp.

    The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins on Wednesday in Rawalpindi. The second Test will be played in Karachi from December 19.

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  • Pacer Hasan Ali suffers rib injury after recovering from back injury

    Fast bowler Hasan Ali of Pakistan cricket team has been ruled out of the upcoming home Tests against Sri Lanka after a medical examination revealed multiple rib fractures, Geo News reported.

    According to the details, the 25-year-old’s CT [Computed Tomography] scans, the pacer had fractured three ribs on, leaving him unfit to play. Hasan has been recommended to rest for six weeks and will start a rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) from Monday.

    The fast bowler, after passing fitness tests, had rejoined Central Punjab for their ninth round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy fixture against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) on November 22.

    However, prior to the match, Hasan Ali complained of pain on his left side for which he underwent precautionary scans in Karachi, revealing the fractures. For further confirmation, follow-up scans were carried out in Lahore which then confirmed his condition.

    Before his marriage, the pacer was undergoing rehab from a back injury which he sustained earlier this year.

    According to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), 25-year-old remains a part of Central Punjab’s squad but will feature for the side after making a full recovery.