The much-anticipated official hymn for the second edition of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL), which will take place from August 11 to 25, was unveiled on Saturday.
The anthem, which is sung by superstar singers Aima Baig and Sahir Ali Bagga, also includes notable Pakistani athletes, including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Sharjeel Khan, and Azam Khan.
The KPL administration also took sure to promote Kashmiri music in the writing of the song and included some magnificent images of the magnificence of the valley.
The opening match of the second KPL season will take place on August 11 at Muzaffarabad Cricket Stadium, while the championship game will follow on August 25 at the same location.
Fans of cricket will be able to watch some of Pakistan’s most well-known cricketers, such as Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Amir, and Sharjeel Khan, play in the KPL this year as icon players.
Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal wants former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir to apologise to Harbhajan Singh for “jumping in” between Shoaib Akhtar and the Indian bowler’s Twitter conversation.
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Ajmal said that players should treat each other well because cricket brings people together.
“I think Amir made a mistake by jumping in that conversation [between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh] and he should apologise for it. It was a discussion between two great cricketers and Amir made the wrong choice by getting involved in it,” he said.
Amir and Singh indulged in a war of words a couple of days ago when the former taunted the latter after India beat Pakistan in the T20 World Cup match on October 24.
Harbhajan responded to Amir, and the two had a heated exchange, bringing everything into the mix from Amir’s spot-fixing controversy to Shahid Afridi smashing Harbhajan for four consecutive sixes in a 2006 Lahore Test match.
During the interview, Ajmal also spoke about the Pakistan cricket team’s performance so far in the World Cup, adding that he was pleasantly surprised by the energy and performance of the team.
Pakistani speedster Mohammad Amir has slammed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after his name was included in the list of players who received domestic contracts for the upcoming season.
“If I’m not playing international cricket, then what’s the point of featuring in domestic cricket. They want to control me by offering this contract but that’s not going to happen. PCB should have contacted me before including my name in the domestic contracts list,” said Amir in a recent interview.
“They [PCB] have well-educated people in their ranks but they still behave like ignorants,” he added.
The 29-year-old also asked the PCB to give his contract to a young cricketer.
“The PCB should give my central contract to a young cricketer to help him and so that he can support his family,” he said.
Amir also stated that he is enjoying playing league cricket all over the world.
“Maybe they [PCB] haven’t accepted the fact that I have retired from international cricket, which is why they take such steps,” he said. “I am enjoying playing league cricket and spend the rest of the time with my family.”
Amir retired from international cricket in December last year due to reservations with Pakistan’s team management. He represented Pakistan in 36 Tests, 61 ODIs and 50 T20Is.
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.”
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.
A six-year-old boy Musa refused to wear glasses because bullies at his school made fun of him. Musa’s father, Zeeshan shared a picture of his little boy on Twitter and asked netizens how his son looks in glasses. In a heartwarming turn of events, Twitter, including celebrities cheered on little Musa and told him that he looks super cute in glasses.
Musa took the words of his school bullies to heart and was “very upset” when he was targeted for his glasses. He was hesitant to wear his glasses so his father decided to “ask the world” how his son looks in them.
This is my son Musa, from last few days he is very upset because some of his school mates said; you look worst in glasses, he’s hesitant to wear glasses anymore. I told him let’s ask the world Doesn’t he looks great in glasses too? pic.twitter.com/wT0jfcVUkf
Musa’s tweet soon went viral and people from across the world, including celebrities like Pooja Bhatt, Zartaj Gul, Adnan Siddiqui, Imam ul Haq, Mohammad Amir and Feroze Khan sent him words of love and encouragement.
What a smart, cute kid! The glasses suit you so well. God bless you.
Musa really looks great. Behind glasses his eyes radiate intelligence that is difficult to explain. Those who tell him that he’s not looking good must be kidding.
He is a handsome chap, and in glasses he looks like Superman. Plz tell him it’s the sign of strength that’s why Superman wears it too. pic.twitter.com/FLDUTgiiIp
The tweet also caught Adnan Siddiqui’s attention, who said: “Musa you not only look great in glasses, but I can see a bright future ahead of you through the sparkle in your eyes!”
This tweet caught my attention today. #musa you not only look great in glasses but I can see a bright future ahead of you through the sparkle in your eyes! https://t.co/SDjd4IX3E4
The actor also made a collage of himself and Musa and said: “Specs are the cutest thing one can wear. They show that you are an avid reader, that you love books and also up your cool quotient.”
“Hello Musa, [I] am a fan of ur glasses. You look so adorable in them. Wear ‘em to give me company too,” added the actor.
Specs are the cutest thing one can wear. They show that you are an avid reader, that you love books and also up your cool quotient. Hello #Musa @MusaAliZeeshan, am a fan of ur glasses. You look so adorable in them. Wear ‘em to give me company too pic.twitter.com/wui2ApFd2o
Feroze Khan too encouraged the little boy, saying: “Man!!! Mooossssa! You vibing so hard kid! You look so Good!!!”
Meanwhile, Zeeshan later updated that Musa read some of the comments and is very happy.
“I showed him some of the comments before he left for school today. Can’t explain how happy he is. Thank you very much for overwhelming response,” said the happy father.
I showed him some of the comments before he left for school today. Can’t explain how happy he is. Thank you very much for overwhelming response.
Shahid Afridi on Wednesday said that he was unable to understand the “standard of selection which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) adopts,” while choosing players for the national team.
Speaking at an event in Lahore, the former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team not only expressed his confusion over PCB’s selection process but also said that the PCB did not have a solid plan in place for the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition because of which it had to be postponed.
Afridi said that selectors, coaches, and captains form a team together.
“Now, I am hearing that there are differences between them but these matters should not be leaked. It’s wrong to leak internal matters of the board,” said the skipping, adding that the most important role in the selection of the team is played by the captain as they have to make decisions on the field.
“There is a lot of pressure on the skipper. He also has to answer questions to the media. If you want to take Babar Azam with you in the future, you have to give him power. We have to work with him,” he said. “Most importantly, the internal matters of the team shouldn’t be leaked.”
Afridi said he does not understand the method of selection of the team and questioned the criteria based on which players are picked.
“Players who have merely played two matches are being selected. For instance, Naseem Shah was selected and was allowed to play with very experienced bowlers. But now, Naseem is nowhere to be seen. If you invest in a player, you have to take them forward [with the team],” Afridi remarked.
It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim has refuted claims of a rift between him, Azam and head coach Misbah ul Haq, saying that there was no truth to them.
Later, while talking about PSL6, which had to be called off after several players tested positive for COVID-19 despite staying in the biosecure bubble, Afridi said that the tournament should not have been postponed.
“I don’t think the PSL should have been postponed. The Pakistan Super League is a very big brand of Pakistan. It is our honour, but the PCB did not seem to have a Plan B in place,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Amir, who announced his retirement from Pakistan Cricket due to issues with PCB management, directly hit Wasim and said that the chief selector lacks the vision needed to take the country’s cricket forward.
Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Amir questioned the change in selection criteria for opener Sharjeel Khan.
“There is no doubt that Sharjeel [Khan] should be in the white-ball squad because he is the most dangerous player in white-ball cricket in Pakistan,” said Amir. “One or two series ago, you were saying that he needs to work on his fitness to get selected so why have you taken this decision now? The only thing you considered is his performance, right?”
“It is important that they [selection committee] keep the same criteria of selection for every player,” he added.
“I don’t see any vision of the chief selector. I don’t know if he is asked to work like this or it’s his own mindset. Selecting teams on public opinion is not the right thing to do. He should select players who are best suited to play for Pakistan,” he further stated.
Mohammad Hafeez has hit back Sarfaraz Ahmed after the latter criticised him for his recent statements.
“Shallow minded approach exposed,” wrote Hafeez on Twitter. Though he did not specify who the tweet was directed towards, it is being speculated that the tweet was for Sarfaraz who had earlier called him out for spreading negativity.
Earlier, Sarfaraz, while responding to Hafeez’s tweet, in which he had praised Mohammad Rizwan for his performance and “wondered” how long the batsman will have to prove himself, had said: “Hafeez Bhai, whoever has played for Pakistan from Imtiaz Ahmed, Wasim Bari, Tasleem Arif to Saleem Yousuf and from Moin Khan, Rashid Latif to Kamran Akmal and even Rizwan right now has always been number one for the country and have been respected accordingly.”
Ahmed also said that everyone is behind Rizwan and hope he plays many more innings for Pakistan.
“Aur ayende bhee jisko bhee chance milega wo Pakistan ke liye number one hee huga (And whoever is given a chance to play would be number one for Pakistan),” said Sarfaraz, adding: “We expect nothing but positiveness coming from an international player who has played so many games for Pakistan.”
Hafeez bhai Sb, whoever has played for Pakistan from Imtiaz Ahmed, Wasim Bari, Tasleem Arif to Saleem Yousuf and from Moin Khan, Rashid Latif to Kamran Akmal and even Rizwan right now has always been number ONE for the country and have been respected accordingly. https://t.co/dF7BScOurl
Aur ayende bhee jisko bhee chance milega wo Pakistan ke liye number ONE hee huga. We expect nothing but positiveness coming from an international player who has played so many games for Pakistan. #JustSaying
Later, replying to Sarfaraz’s tweet, Mohammad Amir who is currently feuding with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management said: “You are also a number one wicketkeeper-batsman in Pakistan aur aap hi captain the jab team 2 saal team No 1 rahi in T20 or sab se bar kar Champions Trophy so you are [the] pride of Pakistan (You were the Captain when the Pakistan Cricket Team was the number one T20 team).”
babu u also a number 1 wicketkeeper batsman in Pakistan or ap ki hi captain the jab team 2 saal team no 1 rhi in t20 or sab se bar kar champions trophy so u are pride of Pakistan big respect or maze ki bat logon kam hai awein ka bolna so enjoy bro
Go look at how many man of the match awards Hafeez has won and his +80 average in T20s last year. This is real, concrete performance. Not relying on other great players to win the game like Yawn Fraz @SarfarazA_54 is the most overrated Captain ever. pic.twitter.com/IPNNGcYKEi
Man Hafeez has really pushed Sarfaraz for no reason, what kind of prick you need to be to take pot shots on your team mate and that too when the other is out of playing side. Hafeez has been really poor with his off field attitude off late, definitely thinking of himself as above
کتنا بغض ہے ان لوگوں میں ۔صرف یہی وجہ ہے جو اس کھیل “ کرکٹ “ کو اب میں دیکھنا پسند نہیں کرتی ۔ یہ پنجابی کرکٹر سوائے تعصب ۔نفرت اور بغض کے اپنے دل میں کچھ نہیں رکھتے ۔اللہ کرے جیسا حال ہاکی کا ہوا ہے وہی کرکٹ کا ہو تاکہ اس منحوس تعصبی کھیل سے بھی قوم کو نجات ملے ۔آمین ثمہ آمین
Don’t know why Sarfaraz took it personal & responsible journalists like you are acting like other senseless Sarfaraz fans.. Hafeez ne bs Rizwan ki tareef ki aur usay No. 1 WK batsman kaha. Kia ye sach nhi? Haan agr usne Sarfaraz ko kuch bura bhala kaha hota to aap teek hote.
Later, Senator Faisal Javed Khan also stepped into the conversation, saying: “Easy boys. Let’s motivate each other and be united as they say unity is strength.”
“When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved,” he added.
Easy boys!You guys ve contributed a lot for cricket & u are our heroes & pride..Sarfaraz,Hafeez,Rizwan & all others are assets of our cricket.Let’s motivate each other & be united as they say Unity is strength. .whn thr is teamwork & collaboration,wonderful things can be achieved https://t.co/BJZKwmNPJ9
Mohammad Amir has clarified that he will be available for Pakistan on one condition.
In a tweet, the fast bowler wrote: “I would like to clarify that yes I will be available for Pakistan only once this management leaves. So please stop spreading fake news just to sell your story.”
Widely regarded as one of the most destructive fast bowlers of the Green Army in the modern era, Amir had shocked the entire cricket fraternity when he opted to bid farewell to international cricket following his ouster from the Pakistani limited-overs squad for the New Zealand series last year.
Amir had already retired from the longest format before he quit international cricket alleging ‘mental torture’ by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). According to the latest developments, the out-of-favour Pakistani cricketer has volunteered to come out of retirement in order to play for the Azam-led side on the international circuit.
Meanwhile, according to the Pakistani journalists, the pacer will only make a comeback to play for the National team if Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis are removed from office. While Misbah is the current head coach of the Babar Azam-led side, Younis is the bowling chief.
نوٹ:
محمد عامر نے یہ وضاحتی پیغام تمام بلاگرز اور یوٹیوبرز کے لئے جاری کیا ہے جو اپنا دال دلیہ عامر کو واپس لاکر کمانا چا رہے تھے….
جب میں نے @iamamirofficial کا انٹرویو کیا تھا اسی میں فاسٹ بولر نے واضح کردیا تھا کہ وہ اس مینجمنٹ (مصباح ، وقار) کے ہوتے ہوئے نہیں کھیلیں گے کیونکہ وہ مزید ذہنی ٹارچر برداشت نہیں کرنا چاہتے اور یہ ان کا اصولی موقف ہے جس پر وہ آج بھی قائم ہیں۔ pic.twitter.com/WpmBviNxy9
Earlier, Babar Azam had backed coach Misbah by defending the management’s decision to snub the pacer from the national squad. Azam had asserted that Amir’s performances were not up to the mark.
Misbah and Waqar said that Amir’s recent performances have been really poor and he does not warrant a place in the squad. They did, however, say that Amir will be welcomed back into the team if he is able to perform better in the domestic circuit. However, Amir rubbished this statement as well, saying that they are portraying a different picture to take the blame off their backs.
The 28-year-old speedster has played 36 Tests, 61 One Day International (ODIs), and as many as 50 T20Is for the Pakistani national team. Amir also plied his trade with Galle Gladiators in the inaugural Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, and bowling coach Waqar Younis, in a recent media briefing, said that Mohammad Amir’s exclusion from the team was only due to his poor performance and refuted his claims of not selecting him due to personal dislike
In response, Mohammad Amir hit back at the duo, saying that they are portraying a different picture to take the blame off their backs.
Responding to cricket journalist Shoaib Jutt, who asked him to “please tell now what was that [mental] torture”, Amir said that Misbah and Waqar have twisted the whole scenario and that he will respond to their claims in due time.
will explain to everyone don’t worry yeah picture ko khin or le k ja rhe hain that’s not the case
Amir recently retired from all formats of international cricket, claiming he was mentally tortured by the current team management. He said that he will not play international cricket under this management.
Amir was dropped from the team in the series against Zimbabwe and was also not part of the 35-man squad for the tour of New Zealand.
Misbah and Waqar said that Amir’s recent performances have been really poor and he does not warrant a place in the squad. They did, however, say that Amir will be welcomed back into the team if he is able to perform better in the domestic circuit.
Meanwhile, according to reports, Misbah and Waqar’s future is to be decided after the South Africa series. The coaches were under fire after the Kiwis thrashed Pakistan, with the Men in Green winning only one out of three T20Is, and losing both matches of the Test series.
2020 has been a very strange year for sporting events around the globe due to the coronavirus pandemic. Stadiums, courts and all other sporting activities were suspended as people practised social distancing and stayed away from each other. The Olympics, scheduled to be held in Japan were also cancelled along with a plethora of other events and those which did take place happened behind closed doors in biosecure bubbles. Nonetheless, some major sporting events and incidents took place in Pakistan and here is a round-up of those.
2020 Kabbadi World Cup – February 2020
The 2020 Kabaddi World Cup was the seventh edition of the Kabaddi World Cup (Circle style), held from February 9 to February 16, 2020, with the Opening Ceremony on February 9, 2020, at the Punjab Stadium, Lahore.
This was the first time the Kabaddi World Cup was held in Pakistan. All of the previous six circle-style kabaddi world cups have been hosted by India with the most recent event taking place in 2016. The tournament was eight-day long with matches in Lahore, Faisalabad, Kartarpur and Nankana Sahib.
Other than India, teams from Iran, Canada, Australia, United States, Sierra Leone and Kenya also participated in the event.
Pakistan emerged victorious from a close contest against India in the final of the Kabaddi World Cup in Lahore’s Punjab Stadium. The hosts won 43-41 to become Kabaddi world champions for the first time.
2020 Pakistan Super League – February 2020
The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League started on February 20, 2020. This was the first time the league was held entirely in Pakistan. A total 34 matches were played in four venues: Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan.
Days before the season was to conclude, the league was postponed over coronavirus fears.
The playoffs and the final later took place in Karachi in November 2020 with Karachi Kings taking home the trophy for the first time. It was also the first time Lahore Qalandars made it to the final.
Sami Aslam quits Pakistan cricket – December 2020
On December 3, Pakistani test cricketer Sami Aslam announced that he is quitting Pakistan cricket and joining hands with USA Cricket. According to reports, Aslam struck a deal with USA Cricket that will see him spend two years and 10 months playing league cricket in the States and eventually represent the US.
The Lahore-born cricketer was disgruntled after not being selected in the 35-member squad for the New Zealand tour despite his string of solid domestic performances in the previous campaigns.
Mohammad Amir announces retirement – December 2020
Perhaps the most shocking news from the year. Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir announced his retirement from international cricket on December 17 while he was in Sri Lanka, playing the Lanka Premier League (LPL).
Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he cannot continue playing for the country under the current management. Amir said that he will continue to play franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan, adding that he has been “mentally tortured”.
Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.
Aaron Summers to play Pakistan domestic cricket
Fast bowler Aaron Summers is set to make history by becoming the first Australian to take part in domestic cricket in Pakistan. The 24-year old will play for Southern Punjab in the 2021 One-Day Cup, which is scheduled to begin on January 8 and will run until the end of the month.
The deal is understood to be in its final stages, with official confirmation from the PCB imminent. While Australia’s borders are currently closed to both departures and arrivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Summers has received a travel exemption from the Australian government, clearing the path for him to come to Pakistan.
Summers reached Pakistan on December 28 and is currently in Lahore and has joined the Southern Punjab squad.
