Tag: HBL PSL 6

  • Haider Ali and Umaid Asif suspended from PSL final for violating bio-secure bubble

    Haider Ali and Umaid Asif suspended from PSL final for violating bio-secure bubble

    Peshawar Zalmi’s Haider Ali and Umaid Asif have been suspended from Pakistan Super League (PSL) final against Multan Sultans in Abu Dhabi after the duo admitted to charges of violating the tournament’s health and safety protocols by meeting people from outside their bio-secure bubbles. They also failed to maintain the prescribed social distancing.

    A press release from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the incident occurred on Wednesday and the decision to withdraw the two players was taken on the morning of the final by the tournament’s Covid-19 management panel comprising PCB chief operating officer Barrister Salman Naseer and Director-Commercial and PSL 6 head Babar Hamid.

    “The two cricketers were found not to have interacted with any other squad members at any time after the incident and have been placed in room isolation,” the PCB said.

    For the same reason, Ali has also been withdrawn from the upcoming tours of England and the West Indies and replaced by Sohaib Maqsood.

    Earlier in March, PCB had reportedly allowed Wahab Riaz and Daren Sammy to reintegrate with the Peshawar Zalmi team without completing the three-day quarantine period after the two had allegedly breached COVID-19 protocols before the postponement of PSL6. The violation took place when the two met franchise owner Javed Afridi outside the team’s bio-security bubble. Similarly, Naseem Shah was ruled out of PSL after he broke COVID-19 protocols but later when his test was clear and accepting his mistake, he was allowed to join the rest of the team in Abu Dhabi.

    Meanwhile, Sultans, who made it to the finals for the first time, will face the four-time finalists Zalmis on Wednesday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

  • Shaheen Shah apologises after verbal spat with Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Shaheen Shah apologises after verbal spat with Sarfaraz Ahmed

    Lahore Qalandars’ pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi has apologised after his verbal spat with Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed during Tuesday’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six clash.

    Taking to Twitter, Shaheen wrote he always had respect for Champions Trophy-winning skipper. “Saifi Bhai is the pride of all of us. He was and will always remain a captain for me. Whatever happened in the game that day was the heat of the moment. I should have stayed quiet in respect of him. I have always respected my seniors and pray and wish the best for Sarfaraz Bhai,” he penned.

    Words were exchanged between Sarfaraz and Shaheen after the pacer hit the Quetta skipper on his helmet with a bouncer, during the first innings. It sparked controversy on media. Cricketers and people criticised the young bowler for disrespecting the senior wicket-keeper batter.

    Senior cricketer Mohammad Hafeez also lauded the pacer for his apology, saying: “Shabash. Stay blessed.”

    Replying to Shaheen on Twitter, Sarfaraz wrote: “It’s all good bro. Whatever happened in the field, it should stay in the field,” adding, “You are the star of Pakistan too. May Allah give you more success in life.”

    “You are little brother to me. All is well,” added Sarfaraz.

    It is pertinent to mention here that the Gladiators got eliminated from the tournament after they were beaten by Multan Sultans with the historic margin of 110 runs.

  • Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Islamabad United have received a boost in their challenge for the PSL title this season with the news that fast bowler Hasan Ali will, after all, be available for the rest of their campaign. Ali was due to fly back on Sunday evening to attend to a personal family situation in Pakistan but decided against it after the matter was resolved.

    “I was going through a personal family issue, which has been resolved thanks to my wonderful wife,” Ali said in a statement. “She assured me she will take care of it and wants me to concentrate on my cricket and my career. Hats off to such a wonderful partner. She has always stood by me through the hardest times and after consulting with her, I have decided to stay on with Islamabad United for the remainder of the PSL 6.”

    Two-time winners United moved to the top of the table on Sunday evening after a convincing win over Lahore Qalandars. United were 20 for 5 at one point before recovering to 152 for 7, thanks to 75 from Asif Ali and 49 from Iftikhar Ahmed. Their bowlers then blew apart Qalandars as Musa Khan, Shadab Khan and Fawad Ahmed induced a collapse from 86 for 2 to 100 for 9.

    Despite missing a game, Ali is United’s top wicket-taker this season – and fifth in the league – with 10 wickets. His PSL returns have been in line with his performances since he returned to cricket this season after a series of injuries derailed his career.

    Since Ali didn’t leave the bubble, he will not need to re-enter and undergo quarantine. United are scheduled to face defending champions Karachi Kings on Monday.

  • Speedy Afridi aims to become leading wicket-taker in PSL again

    Speedy Afridi aims to become leading wicket-taker in PSL again

    Pakistani speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his eyes on becoming the leading wicket-taker of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) once again.

    The 21-year old pace bowler from Lahore Qalandars finished the previous PSL edition as the leading-wicket-taker with 17 wickets to his credit. This year, he has taken 9 wickets from 4 matches, three less than Saqib Mehmood. However, Saqib is now not available to his franchise Peshawar Zalmi for the remaining matches of PSL due to his commitment to the English season.

    In coversation with Geo TV, Shaheen said that he is aiming to give his best for his side Qalandars.

    “My aim is to give my best and do well for my franchise. The team also have expectation from me and wants me to do well. I will try to finish this season as the top wicket-taker as well,” said Afridi.

    “My goal is to give my 100% whenever the captain asks me to bowl. How many wickets I take, that’s not in my hands but how much effort I put in is certainly in my hands and I will try to be best.”

    He insisted that Lahore Qalandars has the right combination and the team is ready for the remaining matches.

    Read more – PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    But the young pacer added that the first two matches of the Abu Dhabi-leg of the tournament will be important for the side.

    “We have a good side. The return of Rashid Khan has strengthened our bowling attack. Tim is a good batsman and he would surely bring value to our side,” he said.

    “We are playing Islamabad United in the first match and then the next day we will be playing against Peshawar Zalmi, these two matches are important for us, we need a flying start to get the momentum and first two games will be important. We are in the top four right now and the first target is to be among the top two sides on the points table,” he said.

    Shaheen praised his teammate Haris Rauf, saying that the fast bowler from the players’ development program (PDP) has improved a lot and he enjoys bowling alongside him.

    He also spoke highly of Lahore Qalandars’ PDP, adding that the team is now receiving fruits of what it invested in the programme.

    “Lahore Qalandars remained focused on the process to find and develop new talent for the country despite not too good results in the tournament. They prepared the players and now they’ve developed into performers for the side,” he said.

    Shaheen Afridi said that Qalandars will try to produce better results than the previous edition by winning the trophy.

    “We will not let down our fans,” he assured.

  • PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will resume from June 9, with the final match set to take place on June 24.

    The tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi, despite speculation in recent days that it was going to be moved to Sharjah. The compressed schedule means there will be as many as six double-headers, with the early games starting at 5pm Abu Dhabi time, and the evening matches at 8pm local time.

    Faizan Lakhani, a sports journalist, took to Twitter and wrote: “Its official now: PSL6 remainders from 9th to 24th June in Abu Dhabi. 6 double headers to be played. Matches to start at 9pm PKT. Double headers to be played at 6pm and 11pm PKT.”

    Ramiz Raja also confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: “Finally dates are out for HBLPSL6 – 9th to 24th- probably 4 double-headers. A journey full of twists and turns comparable to James Bond whirling around in his Aston Martin!”

    “The remaining matches of HBL PSL 6 will be played in Abu Dhabi from June 9 to 24,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) spokesperson.

    “Six double-headers will be played during the event, including qualifier and element one. The matches of the tournament will start at 8 pm UAE time (9 pm Pakistan time). The first match on the day of double-headers will start at 5 pm UAE time (6 pm Pakistan time). On the day of double-headers, the second match will start at 10 pm (11 pm Pakistan time). The full schedule of the remaining matches of the tournament will be released shortly,” added the spokesperson.

    First Match will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

    The series witnessed a halt earlier this year after the Covid-19 bio-bubble was breached, and many positive cases emerged amongst the players and support staff members.

  • PSL6 to reportedly restart from June 7

    PSL6 to reportedly restart from June 7

    The remaining matches of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition are likely to resume from June 7 in Abu Dhabi as per media reports.

    After several flight delays and logistical issues, PSL6 is finally restarting. The matches are to be played in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the final is to be played on June 24.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on May 27 that it would hold the remaining PSL matches in Abu Dhabi. Only two chartered flights took off on May 27 simultaneously from Lahore and Karachi, carrying 202 passengers, including players, officials, support staff, and other participants of the league as they had to go through a seven-day quarantine after reaching their hotels in Abu Dhabi.

    However, 25 passengers, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, had to stay back in their hotels as they couldn’t get the visas on time.

    Later, five people, including fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, left Karachi for Abu Dhabi on Sunday. However, Sarfaraz Ahmed and 10 other members from Lahore could not get clearance for the trip to Abu Dhabi on May 30. The former Pakistani skipper was scheduled to leave via a commercial flight on Sunday but was denied permission to take the flight.

    Finally, Sarfaraz and five other players landed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

    An official announcement regarding the restarting date of the league is still awaited.

    The series witnessed a halt earlier this year after the Covid-19 bio-bubble was breached, and many positive cases emerged amongst the players and support staff members.

  • VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam is seen training as he is in quarantine for remaining matches of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition in Abu Dhabi.

    “Training must go on,” wrote Babar while sharing the video on social media.

    The captain in the video can be seen doing dips, running, and other fitness-related exercises.

    Earlier, Imam ul Haq had posted a picture of a video conference of himself and other players, who are residing on the same floors of a hotel can’t meet each other for several days on end.

    Haq shared a screenshot of a video call in which the cricketer can be seen interacting with Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Babar and Shoaib Malik.

    It seems as if the screenshot has been taken while the players were having a hearty laugh as everyone, from Azam to Malik, can be seen smiling in the picture.

    “So close, yet so far. Bio-secure bubble at its full flow. We’re all in close proximity. Some even on same floors but still not meeting.

    “Keeping ourselves entertained with video calls, so that we can all entertain you from the ground in a few days,” wrote Imam.

    Meanwhile, Sania Mirza commented on his post and said: “All that is fine but where are your clothes?”

    A few days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed receiving all the necessary permissions to hold 20 remaining matches the PSL 6 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under strict precautionary measures.

  • ‘I’m heartbroken,’ says Afridi after being ruled out of PSL

    ‘I’m heartbroken,’ says Afridi after being ruled out of PSL

    Shahid Afridi has been ruled out of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) sixth edition’s remaining matches in Abu Dhabi due to a back injury.

    The former Pakistan captain was training in Karachi for the upcoming PSL6 matches when he experienced pain in his lower back following which he was examined by a doctor who has advised him a complete rest.

    “While training for the remainder of the HBL Pakistan Super League 6, I felt lower back pain and had to consult a doctor. Unfortunately I have been advised to rest and can no longer accompany my team Multan Sultans,” shared Afridi on social media.

    He wrote: “I am heartbroken [but] my support & prayers are with the team to take the trophy.”

    Afridi, who appeared in four Karachi-leg matches, has been replaced by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s left-arm-spinner Asif Afridi who would be joining the Sultans squad in Abu Dhabi.

    Meanwhile, Islamabad United have roped in left-handed batsman Umar Amin and West Indies opener Brandon King. The latest additions mean they have now had a complete 20-player squad.

    As per reports, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) plans to restart PSL6 on June 5 in Abu Dhabi. Players are to serve 10-day quarantine in UAE.

  • PCB gets the green light from Abu Dhabi authorities for remaining PSL matches

    PCB gets the green light from Abu Dhabi authorities for remaining PSL matches

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has gotten the green light from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) government for the remaining 20 Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Abu Dhabi.

    The PCB will now hold an online meeting with the six franchise owners later in the day to update them on the progress made and also to finalise details, which will be shared in due course.

    PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said, “We are delighted with this development as the remaining hurdles in the staging of the remaining HBL PSL 6 matches in Abu Dhabi have been overcome and all systems are now good to go.”

    “We are grateful to the UAE government, National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, Emirates Cricket Board and Abu Dhabi Sports Council for their support and patronage in ensuring all final obstacles were removed, which has firmly put us in a position to complete our marquee event,” he added.

    Read more – Andre Russell, Martin Guptill among lead names joining PSL6 in June

    “I take this opportunity to thank my staff for their untiring efforts and hard work that included sacrificing their Eid-ul-Fitr holidays in an effort to ensure the PCB honours its commitment to its fans to hold the remaining matches of the tournament in June,” Khan said.

    Khan also mentioned that the holding of the remaining matches in Abu Dhabi would allow fans follow and support their favourite players and teams through high-quality broadcast coverage.

    The PSL 6 was postponed after 14 matches on March 4 this year, after a Covid-19 outbreak was reported in the tournament’s bio-secure bubble.

  • Najam Sethi highlights problems, suggests solutions for PSL6 resumption

    Former chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has criticised the board and the management of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) over the way the sixth edition of the tournament was handled. In a series of tweets, Sethi, who launched the league in 2016, highlighted the problems and suggested some solutions to resume the event with better planning.

    “Bio-secure bubble for six teams, support staff, commentators, broadcast teams, etc is very difficult,” said Sethi. “It should have been outsourced to [a] competent [and] professional third-party like Ministry of Health, Security Agencies as during IPL in Dubai, NZ, SL, etc.”

    Highlighting the problems, Sethi said: “COVID tests were not done regularly. In fact, the broadcast teams, ground staff at stadium and hotels, etc were outside the bubble while being in constant touch and contact with players.”

    Sethi also said that the reputation, trust and credibility of PSL and PCB has suffered and “big damage has been done, especially with foreign teams and players”.

    He further said: “Commercial interests of all partners, sponsors, franchises, rights holders, etc in PSL 6 have suffered enormously. They will claim damages and conflict will arise.” The former chairperson feared that PSL might go bankrupt given the losses suffered.

    Presenting a list of solutions, Sethi suggested that PCB should make immediate arrangements to shift the remaining matches of PSL6 to United Arab Emirates (UAE), take franchises and other contracted parties into confidence and assure them that PCB will bear the full cost of this arrangement and convince foreign players for availability in UAE.

    Earlier, when the league was postponed, the former Chairman expressed his disappointment over the development saying: “We — the people, media, security agencies, franchises and players — built PSL brand with sweat, blood and tears.”

    “The nation is reeling with despair and outrage at criminal negligence by this PCB Admin that has disrupted the tournament,” he added.