Tag: Pakistan Captain

  • Babar Azam is the best player in the world, says Saqlain Mushtaq

    Babar Azam is the best player in the world, says Saqlain Mushtaq

    Head Coach of Pakistan cricket team Saqlain Mushtaq has said that Babar Azam is the best player in the world.

    The head coach of the national team said that when cricket started, it was his dream to play for Pakistan. He wanted to serve Pakistan even after retirement.

    While talking about Australia’s tour to Pakistan, he said that the arrival of the Australian cricket team in Pakistan is welcome, for which he is grateful to Australia and Government of Pakistan. Saqlain said the whole nation is looking forward to this tour.

    Mushtaq said that they will form their own team keeping in view the Australian team, the home series is beneficial for the national side but Australia is the top team at the moment, they are planning for the series.

    In response to a question, the head coach said: “Captain Babar Azam is the best player in the world, he has given very good performances in the past also, Babar Azam plays every format and bowling well.”

    He said that if there are no good spinners now, then there will be in the future. “My thinking about spinners is very positive.” He also added that we will see which pitch will support us.

    Talking about Mohammad Yousuf, he added that he believes in his expertise, he is also working for high performance center. “We have to complete our preparations.”

    The Australian cricket team is scheduled to tour Pakistan in March and April 2022 to play three Tests, three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and one Twenty20 International (T20I) match.

  • Wasim Akram clarifies what he was saying to Babar Azam

    Wasim Akram clarifies what he was saying to Babar Azam

    After a huge amount of criticism on social media, former Pakistan pacer and Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings’ president Wasim Akram responded to the backlash and has clarified what exactly he was saying to captain Babar Azam in the match against Multan Sultans.

    Read More – ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    Taking to Twitter, Akram wrote: “Hello! Surprised to see reactions on my talking to Babar at the boundary last night. What I was saying was ‘why our bowlers are not bowling yorkers or slower ones offside off’. Nothing else.”

    He further added that Babar is a “wonderful boy” and has tried his best.

    Wasim Akram said that he asked Babar about what he will have for dinner.

    Earlier, a video of Wasim and Babar was doing the rounds on social media, in which the veteran cricketer can be seen talking harshly to the Pakistan skipper.

    Meanwhile, it is pertinent to mention here that Kings lost their eighth consecutive match by the hands of Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Wednesday.

  • ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    ‘Aap log dil bura na kareyn’: Babar Azam’s father comes to son’s defence

    Following Karachi Kings’ eighth consecutive loss at the hands of Multan Sultans on Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium, people severely criticised Babar Azam for his performance and his form in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022. Babar’s father defended his son and requested fans not to lose hope in him.

    Azam Siddique, who is always bucking his son up regardless of how well or otherwise he performs, opened up on the matter in his latest Instagram post, but with a positive mindset.

    Siddique admitted that Babar is out of form these days, but said that the star cricketer of the nation never panics.

    “He neither stops working hard nor does he despair of Allah’s mercy.”

    Siddique said that Babar is trying his best but it is known that even the best of the best sportsmen get out of form.

    He said that they are content with God’s will and pray that may the Almighty restore Babar’s form soon before the national squad faces Australia in the upcoming home series.

    Siddique also consoled Babar and Karachi Kings’ fans not to get disheartened, assuring that the cricketer is working as hard as he did in the past and will get into form very soon.

    The ill-fated Kings’ were eliminated from the title race of the PSL’s seventh edition after their seventh consecutive defeat, handed down to them by Islamabad United on Sunday.

    The franchise broke their own unwanted record after losing by seven wickets against Sultans last night.

  • Twitterati angry at Wasim Akram for shouting at Babar Azam in match against Multan

    Twitterati angry at Wasim Akram for shouting at Babar Azam in match against Multan

    A video clip from the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) match between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans is circulating on Twitter in which Wasim Akram can be seen going harsh on Babar Azam at the boundary line in the last over against Sultans where Karachi’s defeat was obvious.

    Twitter users were disappointed to see the all-format captain of Pakistan being treated like this by Akram. Angry social media users schooled the former cricketer for this behaviour.

    Former cricketer Rashid Latif took to Twitter and said: “Kaptaan ghabrana nahi hai! Our support with you. @babarazam258 hold your head high.”

    On Wednesday at the Gaddafi Stadium, Kings won the toss and opted to bat first. After the early loss of Babar, Sharjeel Khan and Joe Clarke added 72 runs for the second wicket. The team managed to set a decent total of 174 runs.

    But Multan’s skipper Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood’s partnership gave a strong start to the chase but by the time Shan (45 off 41) was dismissed by Mir Hamza in 15th over, the asking rate had climbed past 13 runs per over.

    Rizwan (76 off 56) upped the game after Shan’s departure with five fours in a space of seven balls. But the skipper departed on Jordan’s counterattack.

    It came down to 29 off the last 12 balls. Khushdil Shah played a series of sensational shots off Jordan as the experienced English bowler conceded 20 runs with Khushdil hitting two sixes and one four.

    The match was finished by a magnificent strike by Rilee Rossouw over mid-wicket off the third ball of the final over bowled by Umaid as Sultans finished the match with three balls to spare. Sultans ended-up scoring 71 runs off the last 27 balls.

    Rizwan grabbed Player of the Match award for his magnificent 76 runs.

    Meanwhile, it is pertinent to mention here that this is a new PSL record by Karachi Kings. They’ve lost nine consecutive matches in the league. Eight this year and one last year. This is the longest losing streak of any team in the PSL. The previous one was eight matches between two editions by Lahore Qalandars.

  • Shoaib Akhtar thinks Babar can’t break Tendulkar’s record but Kohli can

    Shoaib Akhtar thinks Babar can’t break Tendulkar’s record but Kohli can

    Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has said that Pakistan skipper Babar Azam cannot break Sachin Tendulkar’s record, but India’s Virat Kohli can surpass Tendulkar’s record.

    Talking to Geo News in ‘Jashn-e-Cricket’, Akhtar said: “I don’t think Babar can break Tendulkar’s record. Only Kohli can break Tendulkar’s record.”

    “Babar will have to work hard to get ahead of Virat Kohli,” Shoaib added.

    The legendary right-arm quick predicted that Kohli would score more than 100 centuries before retirement.

    In One-Day Internationals, Kohli has completed 43 centuries and 64 half-centuries in 259 matches, while Babar has scored 14 centuries and 17 half-centuries in 83 matches.

    Read More – Shoaib Akhtar believes Shahid Afridi will ‘100 per cent step into politics’

    Earlier, Akhtar had also said that Kohli should not have married “too soon”.

  • Pakistan captain Babar Azam, others extend condolences on the demise of ‘unparalleled icon’ Lata Mangeshkar

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam, others extend condolences on the demise of ‘unparalleled icon’ Lata Mangeshkar

    Indian music icon Lata Mangeshkar passed away on Sunday at the age of 92. Condolence messages for the legendary singer poured in from all over the world. Pakistan captain Babar Azam along with several people from the Pakistan cricket fraternity took to social media to pay their tributes to the late singer, who touched the lives of millions across the globe.

    Read More – Fact Check: Did SRK really spit on Lata Mangeshkar’s body?

    “End of a golden era. Her magical voice and legacy will continue to live in the hearts of millions worldwide. An unparalleled icon! RIP Smt. Lata Mangeshkar Ji,” he wrote sharing a picture of Mangeshkar.

    Similarly, Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja took to his Twitter and wrote: “Lata Mangeshkar was the epitome of grace, humility and simplicity and therefore greatness.. a lesson for all. Kishore Kumar and now her death has left me music broken!”

    Sri Lanka batter Dimuth Karunaratne took to social media to mourn the loss of the legendary Indian singer.

    Former West Indies batter Darren Ganga said: “RIP Lata Mangeshkar, I grew up in the Caribbean listening to your timeless music. Your music shall live on!!!”

    Other notable cricketers also extended their condolences on their social media.

    Members of India’s senior national men’s cricket team wore black arm bands when they stepped on the field at the Narendra Modi Stadium for the first of a 3-match ODI series against the West Indies on Sunday.

    The Indian government announced two days of mourning for the legendary singer, whose fame has transcended generations. Lata Mangeshkar, who began singing during her teenage days, has worked in more than 1,000 films and sang close to 30,000 songs in a number of Indian and foreign languages.

    Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan said on Sunday that with her death, the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known.

    “With the death of Lata Mangeshkar, the subcontinent has lost one of the truly great singers the world has known. Listening to her songs has given so much pleasure to so many people all over the world,” Khan said in a tweet.

  • Babar Azam has best cover drive in world cricket: Brett Lee

    Babar Azam has best cover drive in world cricket: Brett Lee

    Australia’s fastest pacer Brett Lee, in conversation with Pakistan’s fastest bowler Shoaib Akhtar, has said that Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam strike is the best cover drive in world cricket.

    Australian great Brett Lee has also praised the 27-year-old for his consistency and a classy cover drive.

    “Babar Azam: I mean what a technique. What an amazing technique,” Lee said in a video shared by legendary fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.

    “When you talk about cover drives, I think he could have the best cover drive in world cricket,” the former pace added.

    Former Pakistani speedster Akhtar shared this video on his Twitter acount. “My fellow speedster @BrettLee_58 about @babarazam258 . This and more, coming soon,” he captioned.

    A few months back, International Cricket Council (ICC) conducted a poll on their official Twitter account, asking fans to pick the player who plays the best cover drive in which Babar edged former Indian captain Virat Kohli, English captain Joe Root and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson.

    A total of 260,143 people voted in the poll in which the Pakistani cricketer garnered around 46 per cent votes. He was closely followed by Kohli, who finished second by a whisker.

  • Babar Azam optimistic to turn the tables after three consecutive defeats

    Babar Azam optimistic to turn the tables after three consecutive defeats

    Karachi Kings has been unable to win a single match in the seventh edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and their performance in the ongoing tournament wasn’t expected of them, especially after a change of leadership. But Pakistan’s all-format captain and Karachi’s first-time skipper Babar Azam is optimistic that the tables will be turned.

    Taking to his social media, Babar shared a picture of a team meeting and wrote: “Not the start we were preparing for but there’s a lot more to come and we believe we can turn this around. It’s never over until it’s over.”

    Kings have been failing miserably to defend their totals in the last matches played at the National Stadium in Karachi.

    They have lost by seven wickets to Multan Sultans, six wickets to Lahore Qalandars, and eight wickets to Quetta Gladiators.

  • Babar, Rizwan face-off: Both ready to face each other in first PSL 7 match

    Babar, Rizwan face-off: Both ready to face each other in first PSL 7 match

    The stage is set for the seventh edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) to begin on January 27 at the National Stadium in Karachi with defending champions Multan Sultans facing off 2020 champions Karachi Kings following a curtain-raiser opening ceremony.

    Babar Azam, who made the record for most T20I wins as captain in a calendar year with 20 in 2021, will lead Karachi Kings. Mohammad Rizwan, first-ever batter to score more than 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year, will lead Multan Sultans.

    Babar in a statement issued by PSL, said: “I am very excited to be leading Karachi Kings this season. This is the first instance that I will be captaining a side in the HBL PSL and I am looking forward to it.

    “The first match of the tournament always has a lot of eyeballs and Multan Sultans can prove to be a tough opposition. I am sure the fans will get to see a thrilling contest.

    “Peter Moores is a seasoned coach and I have had fruitful discussions with him. Karachi Kings will display good, competitive cricket this season.”

    While Rizwan said: “We have all the potential to defend our HBL PSL title and we will be taking the field tomorrow with that mind set. This season will present us new challenges and we will have to plan accordingly.

    “Babar Azam is a wonderful batter and captain, and his leadership will certainly have a good impact on Karachi Kings. I am hopeful that the HBL PSL 7 will kick off with a great contest between the two sides.”

  • Babar Azam celebrates Pakistan’s 20th T20I win in a year, clean sweep

    Babar Azam celebrates Pakistan’s 20th T20I win in a year, clean sweep

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam took to his social media to celebrate the 20th T20I win of the team in a calendar year. The 27-year-old batter was also happy for winning the three-match T20I series with a clean sweep against West Indies in Karachi on Thursday.

    Taking to Twitter, the skipper wrote: “One more in the collection, Alhumdulillah.”

    He also thanked Windies team for their tour despite difficult times of Covid-19. “Special mention to West Indies team for making this tour possible in difficult times. Our whole nation graciously thank you,” he wrote.

    Babar and Rizwan, after winning the 20th T20I in a year, shared their views about the national side. Babar credited Pakistan team for their successful run in T20Is in 2021. The captain also showered praise on his opening partner.

    Calling him a wonderful human being and speaking about the way Rizwan has improved his game, Babar said: “According to me, I’m privileged to have such a talented cricketer, a wonderful human being, someone who gels everyone together and someone who is looked up to by everyone.”

    “The way Rizwan improved his game, confidence levels and belief in himself is evident for everyone to see in the last one year. I’m happy that he is the leading T20I run-scorer in 2021,” he added.

    He credited the entire team for the success and noted: “The credit goes to the team and the players for their efforts, and believing in themselves. Communication and backing the players has been quite helpful for us. Every player in our dressing room is a match-winner.”

    Mohammad Rizwan finished 2021 as the leading run-scorer in T20Is with 1,326 runs in 29 matches at an average of nearly 74. He also became the first cricketer to score over 2,000 T20 runs (2,036 runs) in a calendar year.

    Rizwan and Babar powered Pakistan to their highest successful chase in T20I cricket as well as beating West Indies by seven wickets in the third T20I in Karachi. Babar contributed 79 off 53 balls, while Rizwan was the aggressor, hitting 87 off just 45 with the help of ten fours and three sixes.

    At the end, Asif Ali hit a flurry of boundaries to level the scores and sealing the deal for the national side, scoring 21* off just 7 balls.

    All-rounder Shadab Khan, pacer Haris Rauf and power hitter Asif also took to their social media to express their joy after winning the series with a clean sweep.

    Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja also lauded both the openers and team for the achievement.