Tag: PSL 2022

  • Shoaib Malik becomes ‘Zalmi Rapper’, Sania Mirza reacts

    Shoaib Malik becomes ‘Zalmi Rapper’, Sania Mirza reacts

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) is just around the corner and teams are getting ready for the seventh edition of the country’s biggest cricket tournament.

    The official anthem for the T20 tournament has not been released and neither do we know who will be singing it, but Peshawar Zalmi’s Shoaib Malik has shared a photo, in which it seems that he will be singing for his franchise.

    “The Zalmi rapper,” Malik wrote, sharing a photo on Instagram, where he can be seen wearing accessories on his hands and fancy ‘espouse style’ sunglasses.

    Commenting under his post, Indian tennis ace and Shoaib’s wife Sania Mirza wrote: “Not bling at all.”

    Shoaib’s sister-in-law Anam Mirza, Pakistani actor Ushna Shah and Pakistani pacer Usman Shinvari praised the cricketer for his look.

    “Where’s the ice,” wrote Shah.

    Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi also revealed the franchise’s kit for the latest edition of the league.

    Last year, Zalmi’s anthem “Kingdom” for PSL 6 was sung by Abdullah Siddiqui and it also featured Turkish actor Esra Bilgic. Pakistani stars Mahira Khan, Hania Aamir, and Ali Rehman were also featured in it.

  • Ramiz reportedly instructs marketing team to find sponsor for PSL anthem

    Ramiz reportedly instructs marketing team to find sponsor for PSL anthem

    Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has reportedly instructed the marketing team of the tournament to find a sponsor for the anthem of the seventh edition.

    As per reports, the release of PSL’s anthem is delayed and only the concept of the song is finalised.

    It has also been reported that Pakistani star Atif Aslam has been contacted to compose the song but there has been little progress.

    The seventh edition of the league is set to be started from January 27 and international player will start arriving in Pakistan from January 15.

    Raja chaired a high level meeting with the government of Sindh and District Administration officials/police at the National Stadium Karachi ahead of the upcoming edition of the league. The meetings were reportedly held to finalise the final preparations and security measures of PSL.

    The first leg of the tournament will be played in National Stadium Karachi while the second leg will be played in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The final will be played in Lahore on February 27.

  • Naveen-ul-Haq opts out of PSL 7 for personal reasons

    Naveen-ul-Haq opts out of PSL 7 for personal reasons

    Afghan pacer Naveen-ul-Haq opted out of the seventh edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) for his personal reasons.

    Naveen’s manager announced the news, saying that he pulled out of PSL 2022 for some personal reasons. “PSL is a fantastic competition and we look to be part of it in near future.”

    “Sad to be missing out from the @thePSLt20. Hopefully will play sometime in the future,” wrote Naveen on Twitter.

    The star Afghan cricketer was picked by PSL franchise Quetta Galadiators. As per reports, Gladiators will now look to pick Naveen’s replacement in the mini draft expected to take place in the first week of January.

    The tournament is set to be starting from January 27.

  • ‘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.

  • 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.

  • Shadab Khan on Sarfaraz, Rizwan, reveals favourite wicket-keeper

    Shadab Khan on Sarfaraz, Rizwan, reveals favourite wicket-keeper

    Pakistan’s young all-rounder Shadab Khan recently hosted a question and answer (Q&A) session on Twitter and opened up about several things like his favourite wicket-keeper, talked about his marriage, Pakistan Super League (PSL) and wicket-keeper-batters Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan.

    Khan hosted the session and asked fans to use the hashtag #AskShadab, and as soon as the clock struck 9pm, Twitterati flooded the cricketer’s timeline with their questions.

    #AskShadab also became the top trend in Pakistan within an hour.

    Fans had several questions about PSL, with a user seeking Khan’s opinion on whether Shaheen Shah Afridi could lead the Lahore Qalandars or not.

    At this, Khan said that Shaheen can “absolutely” lead the Qalandars.

    Abdul Wahab asked which franchise would Khan choose if given the choice. He responded that he would always pick Islamabad United unless they decide to release him.

    Khan also revealed that his favourite captain for the seventh edition of the PSL would be former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed who is playing for Quetta Gladiators.

    A fan asked why did Khan, at times, adopts a rude attitude on the field, “especially with juniors, and in the PSL”.

    At this, Khan said he “never” acted rudely and that juniors were his brothers.

    As everyone at the national team calls Shadab “Shaddy”, a fan asked who started calling him that? He replied: Saifi Bhai (Sarfaraz).

    Journalist Imran Siddique asked Khan why did he still call Sarfaraz “kaptaan” despite him not being in command anymore.

    At this, Khan said that Sarfaraz had taught him how to lead, how to look after his team, how to fight for his country, and his teammates.
    “My teacher will always be my captain,” he said.

    A similar question was asked about Mohammad Rizwan, and in response, Khan termed the wicket-keeper-batter a “champion”.

    He also termed Rizwan as number one wicket-keeper.

    Batsman Sharjeel Khan asked the all-rounder when was he planning to tie the knot. In response, Shadab said: “Sharjeel bhai Aap he baat kaar lain ab number send karta houn” [I am sending you the number Sharjeel bhai. Speak on my behalf]”.

    Khan termed skipper Babar Azam as number one.

  • Shaheen Afridi to lead Lahore Qalandars in PSL 7

    Shaheen Afridi to lead Lahore Qalandars in PSL 7

    Pakistan’s young pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi will be the captain of Lahore Qalandars in Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) seventh edition.

    The franchise made the announcement in a press conference at the National Hockey Stadium in Lahore.

    “Thank you Lahore Qalandars, this is not just a team, it’s a family. I thank them for placing their trust in me for this role,” said Shaheen.

    “I will try to ensure that the team shows good performances on the field,” he added.

    The speedster is the highest wicket-taker for the Qalandars, with 50 wickets in 37 matches, after having joined the franchise in 2018.

    Afridi has replaced Sohail Akhtar, who was the captain of the team since 2018.

    Aqib Javed, the Director Cricket Operations and head coach of Qalandars, also heaped praise on Afridi and hoped that the left-armer will take the team to new heights.

    “We are very happy to appoint him as captain of Lahore Qalandars and looking forward to see his wonders both with ball and his leadership skills,” Javed said. “He has been with us since 2018 and this is the right time to provide him the opportunity to lead the Lahore Qalandars’ young outfit.”

    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.

  • ‘Pick me’: Namibia captain asks to be picked in PSL after Kamran Akmal backs out

    ‘Pick me’: Namibia captain asks to be picked in PSL after Kamran Akmal backs out

    After Kamran Akmal announced that he would not play in the 2022 Pakistan Super League (PSL), Namibian cricketer Gerhard Erasmus and Dutch player Maxwell O’Dowd took to Twitter to express their PSL ambitions.

    Kamran Akmal has decided not to play in PSL 2022 after being picked in the draft in the lowest category of players by his old team Peshawar Zalmi. The 39-year-old was moved down from the Diamond category to the Gold category by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). But he was eventually the last pick for Peshawar from the Silver category. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, the wicketkeeper-batter called it a “humiliation” and revealed he would not play in the tournament. ESPNCricinfo shared his quote on Twitter to which Namibian cricket captain Gerhard Erasmus replied that he would love to play in the PSL for free.

    “Pick me, I’ll be there for free, wrote Erasmus.

    Meanwhile, Netherlands cricketer Maxwell O’Dowd also retweeted the original post and expressed his desire to play in the tournament next year. He wrote, “Up for a swap!? I’ll gladly play!”

    On Monday, Akmal had said that it was also “an embarrassment”.

    “If it has to end like this, so be it, but I am not going to play with such humiliation,” he said.

    “This is an embarrassment. You don’t treat a player like this. With all the runs I have scored in the league, I deserve better,” he said in the interview.

  • ‘I don’t deserve to play’: Kamran Akmal refuses to play in PSL 2022

    ‘I don’t deserve to play’: Kamran Akmal refuses to play in PSL 2022

    Pakistan’s veteran cricketer Kamran Akmal, the most-capped player in the history of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) as well as the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, has refused to take part in the next edition of the league after being picked in the draft in the lowest category of players by his team Peshawar Zalmi.

    Peshawar picked Kamran but the wicket keeper-batter refused to play as he feels he doesn’t “deserve to play in this category”.

    “Last 6 seasons it was a great journey. Thank you for supporting me through thick and thin M.Akram bhai @JAfridi10, @darensammy88, @WahabViki. I think I don’t deserve to play in this category…Thank you once again.. @PeshawarZalmi Best of luck. Thank You all the fans for supporting,” Kamran Akmal tweeted.

    The six PSL franchises on Sunday finalised their squads in the quest to lift the trophy at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on March 27.

    Defending champions Multan Sultans selected Australia’s Tim David, who was previously with Lahore Qalandars, in the Platinum Category, while their other notable picks included West Indian duo of Odean Smith and Rovman Powell, and Pakistan trio of Anwar Ali, Imran Khan Snr and Rumman Raees.

    Meanwhile, Zalmi’s potential final squad is as follows:

    Hazratulah Zazai – Platinum

    Liam Livingstone – Platinum

    Wahab Riaz – Platinum

    Haider Ali – Diamond

    Sherfane Rutherford – Diamond

    Shoaib Malik – Diamond

    Hussain Talat – Gold

    Saqib Mahmood – Brand Ambassador – Gold

    Usman Qadir – Gold

    Arshad Iqbal – Silver

    Kamran Akmal – Mentor – Silver

    Salman Irshad – Silver

    Sameen Gul – Silver

    Tom Kohler-Cadmore – Silver

    Mohammad Aamer – Emerging

    Sirajuddin – Emerging

    Ben Cutting – Supplementary

    Mohammad Haris – Supplementary

  • ‘Braindead journalists’: Twitter reacts to Hassan Ali shutting down journalist during PSL drafts

    ‘Braindead journalists’: Twitter reacts to Hassan Ali shutting down journalist during PSL drafts

    Pakistan cricket team’s star pacer Hassan Ali always remains in the discussion for some reason or the other. Once again, Ali is in discussion and this time the matter is a bit hot. This time the bowler had an argument with a journalist, whose video has now gone viral on social media. The draft event of the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) was held on Sunday December 12 in Lahore, where the incident took place.

    A press conference was also held on the sidelines of the draft event of PSL 2022. Ali also participated in this event and Ali, who plays for Islamabad United in PSL, was answering questions, when a journalist wanted to ask him a question but he refused to listen to his question.

    In the viral video, it can be seen that the journalist asked Ali a question but before hearing the question, he said: “Next question.” The journalist who asked the question was Anas Saeed. Anas tried to ask the question again, but Hassan again deferred by saying “next question”. Here a brawl started between the two.

    Anas asked Hassan to listen to his question, then Hassan said: “I don’t want to answer you.” Hassan further said: “You first sit on Twitter and write good things and then I will reply. You should not be personal with anyone. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) can’t stop you, but we have the right.”

    Ali looked quite upset during this and did not listen to Saeed’s question. The video of this spat between the two went viral on Twitter. Anas Saeed re-tweeted it and wrote, “Journalists have to face such allegations in every round, sometimes stealing eyes by calling it a caste allegation will not do anything. I will come back strong.”

    In another video, the journalist can be heard saying that rumours about Hassan circulate on social media while Hassan instantly said: “Next question please.”

    Earlier, Saeed took to Twitter and posted Ali’s video in which he was having a fun time with his teammates Khushdil Shah and Iftikhar Ahmad. While Anas Saeed took to Twitter and pointed out that taking off the masks on a flight is against the Covid-19 protocols.

    Meanwhile, several sports journalists critised the cricketer while many fans extended their support for him.

    https://twitter.com/TheWhimsicalAli/status/1470085866471182343?s=20