Tag: Pakistani Cricketers

  • Babar, Pakistani cricketers wish fans on New Year

    Babar, Pakistani cricketers wish fans on New Year

    Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam and other Pakistani cricketers took to their social media to wish their fans on New Year.

    Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “Wishing you all a happy and prosperous #NewYear2022! May the new year be filled with lots of positives, joy and peace.”

    Other cricketers including Shadab Khan, Hassan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, among others also took to their social media to wish their fans.

    Veteran cricketer Saqlain Mushtaq also wished his fans, hoping that this year brings “joy” and “happiness” in their lives.

    Earlier, Babar also reviewed Pakistan cricket team’s performance this whole year. The 27-year-old batter also shared that beating India in the T20 World Cup match was his favourite moment of the year.

  • 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.

  • 2021: The year of records in Pakistani cricket

    2021: The year of records in Pakistani cricket

    The Pakistan cricket team is considered to be the most unpredictable team of all. The Men in Green have seen many ups and downs this year but the green shirts flourished with bright colours, making record breaking partnerships, personal and team records and many more. We have collected some major events that happened in cricket in Pakistan and how the year 2021 was for the Shaheens.

    Our champions reshaped the face of T20I Cricket in 2021. Have a look at their phenomenal performance.

    PSL 6 Winners

    Mohammad Rizwan, leading the Multan Sultans, won the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in 2021. Sultans beat Peshawar Zalmi by 47 runs in the final to win their maiden trophy of the tournament in June, 2021. Rizwan replaced Shan Masood as the captain of the team after he was traded from the PSL franchise Karachi Kings.

    Sultans started at the second leg of the PSL fifth on the points table, having lost four of their first five matches but led by their captain Rizwan, went on to win four of the next five to finish the league stage second. They then swatted the Islamabad United challenge in the first qualifier and lead themselves to the win in the final, a crowning glory in their magnificent UAE leg of the season.

    Pakistan beats India in T20WC

    Pakistan made history by beating arch-rival India for the first time in a T20 World Cup match in October. The green shirts’ 10-wicket win ended a decades-long defeat streak that began in 1992. Pakistan had lost all 12 of their previous World Cup matches against India.

    The two former champions clashed after more than two years in the 2021 T20 World Cup opening fixture at the Dubai International Stadium.

    Pakistani openers Azam (68) and Mohammad Rizwan (79) produced a batting masterclass to chase down the 152-run target without losing a wicket, and finishing the game in the 18th over.

    Rizwan and Babar partnership

    Babar and Rizwan made a formidable partnership for Pakistan at the top of the order. They scored a total of 6 century stands, which is the most by a batting pair in the history of T20Is. Out of these, 4 were in excess of 150 runs which is also the most for a batting pair in T20Is and came against the likes of England, India, South Africa, and West Indies.

    The duo was magnificent for Pakistan throughout the 2021 T20 World Cup. They were influential as Pakistan defeated arch-rivals India for the first time in World Cup history. The batting pair scored an unbeaten knock of 152 runs and registered the highest opening stand in T20 World Cup history.

    Babar and Rizwan’s opening partnerships were all the more impressive because of pressure situations. Out of their six century partnerships, three came while chasing a target. This also included 197 run stand against South Africa at Centurion.

    The duo also became the first batting pair in history to score more than 1,000 runs in a year. They scored 1,380 runs at an average of 57.50 in 25 innings while batting together.

    Rizwan T20 Runs

    Mohammad Rizwan rounded off a magnificent year in T20 cricket by becoming the first batter in the history of the format to cross 2,000 runs in a calendar year. The wicket-keeper batter scored 2,036 runs at an average of 56.55 and a strike rate of 132.03 in 45 innings he played in the year. Rizwan also became the highest run-scorer in T20Is in a calendar year as he became the first batter in history to cross 1,000 runs in T20Is. He scored 1,326 runs at an average of 73.66 and a strike rate of 134.89 in 26 innings.

    The star wicket-keeper batter was Pakistan’s most influential player in all formats this year. Rizwan won a total of 6 player-of-the-series awards in 2021, equaling the record of most player-of-the-series awards held by Sachin Tendulkar since 1998. Rizwan bagged 4 player-of-the-series awards in T20Is and 2 in red-ball cricket.

    Record 20 T20I wins in a year

    During the year, Pakistan played 29 matches in the shortest format and won 20 – the most by any team. They lost six while three ended with no result.

    The Men in Green played seven bilateral T20 series, and won six – against South Africa, Zimbabwe, West Indies and Bangladesh. They only lost to England.

    Pakistan also won all group matches in the T20 World Cup – against India, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Namibia and Scotland. They lost the semi-final against Australia in a thriller.

    Babar number 1 T20 and ODI player

    Babar Azam’s incredible 2021 has been capped off with a number1 T20I batting ranking.

    Combining in an opening partnership of 158 with Mohammad Rizwan against the West Indies in Karachi to set up a 3-0 series win, Babar’s 79 from just 53 balls propelled him back to the top, overtaking Aiden Markram and Dawid Malan. He now sits number1 in both the men’s T20I and ODI rankings going into the final days of the year.

    This was only the second time in history that a batter was ranked number one in both formats at the end of a year. Australian legend, Ricky Ponting, achieved the feat in 2005.

    Babar Nominated for ODI Player of the Year Award

    The Skipper of Pakistan is also nominated for the ODI Player of the Year award. He scored 405 runs in six matches in the outgoing year at an average of 67.50 with two centuries in the 50-over format.

    Alongside Azam, Bangladesh’s Shakib Al Hasan, Ireland’s Paul Stirling and South Africa’s Janneman Malan have been named as contenders for the award.

    Rizwan Nominated for T20Player of the Year Award

    The star batter is also nominated for the T20I Player of the Year award for his exceptional performances with the bat.

    Alongside Rizwan, Jos Buttler, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mitchell Marsh are the four nominees for the Men’s T20 Cricketer of the Year Award.

    Two Consecutive Whitewash

    The Pakistan cricket team had a great two series against Bangladesh and West Indies. First the green shirts beat Bangladesh with a 2-0 clean sweep in Test matches and 3-0 whitewash in T20Is and the national team later triumphed a T20I series at home against West Indies.

    Meanwhile, led by the dynamic opening duo of Rizwan and Babar, Pakistan pulled off a record chase in the third and final T20 international to register a 3-0 series whitewash over the covid-hit West Indies team.

    Pakistan beats India in U19 Asia Cup

    Pakistan beat arch-rivals India by two wickets in a nail-biting match of the group stage of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Under-19s Asia Cup, with young stars Muhammad Shehzad and Zeeshan Zameer’s heroics leaving the Men In Blue surprised.

    Skipper Qasim Akram put India to bat after winning the toss and restricted the Men In Blue to 237 in the 50-over match at the ICC Academy Ground.

  • Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik to play Legends League

    Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik to play Legends League

    Former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Shoaib Akhtar and many more will be part of Legends League, which will be played in January 2022 at the Al-Amerat Cricket Stadium in Oman.

    They will be representing the Asia Lions team, which also includes the likes of Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.

    “Asia Lions our team from Asia. We find it most suited name with the lion-hearted players that feature in the team. Shoaib Akhtar running in to bowl and Jayasuriya cutting it over the square is what fans will now be most eagerly waiting for,” said Raman Raheja, CEO of Legends League Cricket in a press release.

    Ravi Shastri, commissioner of Legends League, is also excited for the event due to the presence of great players.

    “This is top quality exciting cricket in offer. The Lions of Asia from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan coming together in one team will definitely give the other two teams a run for their money. I tell you they are absolute champions and Afridi, Murali, Chaminda, Shoaib Malik all playing in one team, this will be a blast,” said Shastri.

    The other two teams in the event are India and Rest of the World but their squads have not been announced, yet.

    Asia Lions squad:

    Shoaib Akhtar, Shahid Afridi, Sanath Jayasuriya, Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Romesh Kaluwitharana, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Azhar Mahmood, Upul Tharanga, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammed Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammed Yousuf, Umar Gul, Younis Khan and Asghar Afghan.

  • Babar Azam, Pakistani cricketers celebrate Quaid’s 146th birthday

    Babar Azam, Pakistani cricketers celebrate Quaid’s 146th birthday

    The nation is celebrating 146th birthday of Father of the Nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah today (Saturday). Skipper of the national cricket team Babar Azam and other Pakistani cricketers also took to their social media accounts to pen heartfelt notes.

    “Visionary leader, ambassador of humanity, equality and tolerance. May all of us try to fulfill our obligations for our courageous country. Happy Birthday to our Quaid,” wrote Babar on Twitter.

    Taking to Twitter, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi thanked Quaid for this nation saying: “Let’s celebrate our founding Father by taking an oath to make Pakistan great, happy & prosperous by ensuring the well being of the masses & the poor. Join me by doing your part in actualizing Quaid’s vision of unity & equality.”

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1474601970287665152?t=zDsR3IyEVUPe8MYEyfxP1Q&s=19

    Similarly, Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Imam-ul-Haq, Ahmad Shahzad and Wahab Riaz took to their respective social media accounts to write a few words to thank the Father of the Nation.

    Pakistani woman cricketer Sidra Amin also shared Quaid’s quote.

    Former cricketer and current Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja also thanked Quaid for this beautiful country.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan in his message on the occasion of birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, has emphasised upon the youth to adopt Quaid’s attributes of honesty, hard work, perseverance and dedication.

    He said we as a nation need to adopt these attributes to realize Quaid’s vision of a developed, progressive and tolerant Pakistan.

    The Prime Minister said Muhammad Ali Jinnah realised the importance of a separate homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent where all citizens could enjoy freedom of faith, occupation and equal opportunities.

  • ‘Wo bhi Afridi hai’: Shaheen ignores Shahid Afridi’s advice on assuming Qalandars’ captaincy

    ‘Wo bhi Afridi hai’: Shaheen ignores Shahid Afridi’s advice on assuming Qalandars’ captaincy

    Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi has said that he asked pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi to not assume the role of a captain for a few years, but the fast-bowler did not pay heed to the cricket great’s advice.

    Shahid Afridi, speaking during a programme on Samaa TV, said: “I had advised Shaheen to wait for a year or two before accepting captaincy so that he can focus more on his bowling. But since he is also an Afridi, he didn’t listen to me.”

    “Having said that, I’m happy that he has decided to accept this responsibility and I hope that he proves me wrong,” the former skipper said.

    The star fast bowler was named captain of the Lahore Qalandars earlier this week for the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Shaheen, during the same show, said he would attempt to do well for his team and also noted that he had experienced players on his side, who would help him during his role as the captain.

    “I will try to do well for my side and maintain a good environment. I have players like [Mohammad Hafeez], Fakhar [Zaman], and Rashid [khan], who have the experience of captaincy, in the team which will help me in the leadership department,” the pacer said.

    The PSL’s latest edition will be played in Karachi from January 27 to February 7 and in Lahore from February 10-27.

    The first match will be staged under the lights of the National Stadium Karachi, where Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans will go head-to-head.

  • Shaheen Afridi ranks Rizwan ‘best’ and Babar ‘second’ best captain

    Shaheen Afridi ranks Rizwan ‘best’ and Babar ‘second’ best captain

    Pakistan’s young fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was recently appointed as the new captain of Lahore Qalandars, has revealed that he ranks Mohammad Rizwan as a better captain than Babar Azam.

    While attending a press conference where Shaheen was officially announced as the new captain of the Lahore Qalandars team, the left-arm pacer was asked about his opinion regarding Babar Azam’s captaincy.

    “Babar Azam is my favorite batsman and he is the number one batter as well. He has done fantastically well as a captain for the national team and we are reaching new heights under him,” responded Shaheen.

    Shaheen was then asked to reveal who he believes has been the best captain near him since he started playing.

    “I like [Mohammad] Rizwan’s personality. I started playing domestic competition with him from KPK’s side and I would rate him as the best. Since Babar has done a fantastic job with the national team, I will rank him second,” said the newly appointed captain of the Lahore Qalandars team.

  • Fakhar Zaman teases Haris Rauf after Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as Lahore Qalandars’ captain

    Fakhar Zaman teases Haris Rauf after Shaheen Afridi’s appointment as Lahore Qalandars’ captain

    Pakistan cricket team’s power hitter Fakhar Zaman teased speedster Haris Rauf after pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was appointed as captain of Lahore Qalandars in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    Taking to Twitter, the batter congratulated Shaheen and wrote: “Many congratulations Shaheen Afridi long way to go super star.”

    He also warned Rauf, saying: “Haris Rauf ab koi ghalti na karna match ma. (Haris Rauf don’t make any mistake in the match from now onwards.)”

    Replying to Fakhar, Rauf said: “kuch ni kehta mujhay full yakeen hai apnay skipper par. (He will not say anything, I have full trust in my skipper.)”

    While he also extended good wishes to Shaheen for the appointment. “Best wishes and Best of luck buddy,” he wrote.

    Shaheen tweeted that it is an honour for him to lead Lahore Qalandars. He also pledged to win the hearts and the trophy as well.

    The franchise made the announcement in a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore on Monday. Afridi has replaced Sohail Akhtar, who was the captain of the team since 2018.

    Several people from the cricket fraternity congratulated the 21-year-old cricketer. Hassan Ali also took to Twitter to congratulate his “partner”.

    The seventh edition of PSL will start on January 27.

    Matches from January 27- February 7 will be played at the National Stadium, Karachi, whereas the remaining fixtures will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore with the final set to take place on February 27.

  • Pakistani cricketers remember the martyrs of APS attack

    Pakistani cricketers remember the martyrs of APS attack

    Pakistani cricketers have took to their social media and remembered the martyrs of Army Public School (APS), who lost their lives seven years ago in a terrorist attack in Peshawar.

    All-rounder Shadab Khan said: “Nothing more precious than our children who are our future. Can’t explain my sorrow in words for #APSPeshawar. May we never go through something like it again. Praying for peace and justice.”

    Similarly, pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Junaid Khan shared their thoughts on Twitter.

    Prime Minister Imran Khan also urged the nation to stay firmly united against elements trying to spread discord and prejudice on sectarian, religious and ethnic lines stressing that the sacrifices of martyrs of Army Public School have not gone in vain.

    The premier said the nation should identify these elements in their ranks and help the state in eradicating them.

    “There is zero tolerance for violence & those using it as a tool,” he said in a tweet.

    More than 140 people, mostly students, were killed by militant gunmen at the APS in Peshawar on December 16, 2014.

    More than 1,000 students, from preschool to high school, were on the campus when the attack began. Militants entered classrooms and auditoriums and opened fire on students and teachers.

  • Shadab Khan reveals his wedding date, Babar Azam’s number in a tell-all Q&A

    Shadab Khan reveals his wedding date, Babar Azam’s number in a tell-all Q&A

    Pakistan’s right-arm spinner Shadab Khan recently hosted a question and answer (Q&A) session on his Instagram. The prodigious turner of the ball answered to some interesting questions. From his wedding date to Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam’s phone number, Shadab had hilarious responses to the questions.

    A fan asked the young cricketer that when is he getting married? Answering to the question, he said: “The question is good but I don’t have the answer.”

    One of the netizens asked Shadab to share his number. Not only his but the fan also asked for Babar Azam’s number as well.

    Replying to the fan, he said: “Bhai q nahe abhi bhajta houn. (Why not brother. Sending in a while.)”

    Another fan said: “Where does Babar Azam live?” He jokingly replied: “I am not completely sure about it but I think he lives in his home.”

    One of the fans asked that where does the 23-year-old cricketer live? He said that he lives in Rawalpindi. While another one asked for the exact location, Shadab sarcastically said: “Will be sending you the full address, it shall be easy for you.”

    One of the question was hilarious as it read: “Plz marry me bhai.” Shadab laughed at it and replying, he said: “Brothers and sisters can’t marry each other.”

    Another fan said: “Rishta dhoondein aap k liye. (Should we find a ‘rishta’ for you?).”

    While thanking his fans for the concern of his marriage, Shadab said: “I have realised that all of you are so much concerned about my marriage. Thank you for your interest.”

    One of the fans asked about his thoughts on Babar Azam’s maiden Test wicket and his bowling. He said that “Babar is trying to take our place (in the team) but he did really well.”

    Babar Azam took his maiden Test wicket on Wednesday as Pakistan clinched the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in Dhaka on the same day. Pakistan white-washed the hosts with an exquisite victory of 2-0.

    The Test team has flown back home and are set to play against West Indies in Karachi, starting from December 13.