Tag: PSL 5

  • PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    PSL 2020: PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allowed foreign players, who are currently in the country for the ongoing fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), to leave if they fear the coronavirus pandemic that continues to spread in Pakistan amid government’s efforts to contain it.

    Another case being reported in Karachi on Friday took the total number of infections in Pakistan to 22. The patient is a 52-year-old who returned from Islamabad two days ago. The latest case is the first in Pakistan to have no history of foreign travel.

    “PCB allows all foreign players who wish to go back to their homes to leave their contracts with #PSLV. If a significant number leave, might really dent interest in the remaining matches. But few alternative options,” journalist Hasan Zaidi tweeted.

    The news comes a day after the Sindh government said the remaining matches of the popular T20 cricket championship in Karachi will be played without spectators.

    “This decision has been made after consultation with all stakeholders including the Pakistan Cricket Board,” the provincial government spokesperson, Murtaza Wahab, tweeted.

    Most of Pakistan’s coronavirus cases have been reported in Sindh where authorities are taking strict measures to control the outbreak. No cases have officially been reported in Punjab, while two of the reported cases have surfaced in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).

  • Remaining PSL matches in Karachi to take place without any crowd

    With 22 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus in Pakistan, the Sindh Government has announced that the remaining matches of the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) scheduled to take place in Karachi will take place in empty stadiums and without any crowds.

    Advisor to the Chief Minister on Law Murtaza Wahab made the announcement on social media.

    The National Stadium in Karachi was scheduled to host five matches, on March 12, 13, 14, 15 and 17. Today’s (March 12) clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars is also currently taking place in the National Stadium though Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah has said that entry to the stadium will not be banned today.

    However, the upcoming matches will be played behind behind closed doors to empty stadiums.

    Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a press release said, “Following advice from the Sindh Government late Thursday afternoon, the Pakistan Cricket Board, has made a decision to stage the upcoming Karachi HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in front of empty National Stadium. The precautionary decision has been made to better protect the health and safety of the spectators, players, officials and media.”

    The release further stated, “The decision will not impact accredited commercial partners, media and other service providers, who will be allowed to enter the National Stadium. In addition, immediate families of the competing players and player support personnel, as well as franchise owners, will be allowed to attend matches.”

    “In the meantime, the PCB has advised all players to avoid shaking hands and have also urged the fans not to approach the players for autographs, photographs and selfies. In addition to this, the PCB has decided the sides will not be required to shake hands with each other or opposition in the lead up to and during the matches and use a fist bump / verbal greeting instead.”

    As far as the matches and the final in Lahore are concerned, the board said, “With regards to the remaining fixtures in Lahore, we are already in contact with the Punjab Government and will take on board its advisory in relation to the Lahore matches.”

    Earlier, netizens had urged the PCB to cancel the PSL matches.

    It is also pertinent to mention here that India on Thursday ordered upcoming international cricket matches to be played in empty stadiums in a bid to control the spread of coronavirus.

    The chief ministers of two states where India is due to play matches against South Africa this month “have been advised to avoid gathering of people,” RS Jhulaniya said. “Matches may go on without spectator crowd”.

    Furthermore, Brijesh Patel, governing council chairman of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the country’s premier domestic cricket tournament due to start later this month, said the organisation would meet on Saturday to discuss “all possibilities” regarding the tournament, including visas issues for overseas players and the possibility of playing matches in empty stadiums.

    Sport across the world has been badly affected by the coronavirus outbreak.

  • Govt clarifies report on Sindh CM’s brother-in-law ‘contracting coronavirus’

    Govt clarifies report on Sindh CM’s brother-in-law ‘contracting coronavirus’

    A Sindh government spokesperson, in an exclusive conversation with The Current, has rubbished reports claiming that Chief Minister (CM) Murad Ali Shah’s brother-in-law has contracted coronavirus as the pandemic spreads across Karachi.

    With nine new cases in Sindh, the total number of cases of the new coronavirus — COVID-19 — in Pakistan on Monday rose to 16, out of which two patients are undergoing treatment in Islamabad while one female patient is undergoing treatment at a health facility in Gilgit-Baltistan.

    The development was followed by a private media outlet’s report that one of the persons who had tested positive for coronavirus in Karachi had reached the port city from Syria via Doha on Sunday, and was the brother-in-law of Sindh CM.

    “Asif Hyder Shah is a federal secretary and is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Karachi after testing positive for COVID-19,” the report had claimed.

    The claim, however, was rejected by a spokesperson of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) government in Sindh. “Asif Hyder Shah is a federal secretary and brother-in-law of Murad Ali Shah, but he hasn’t tested positive for the virus,” the spokesperson told The Current.

    While it was confirmed that seven persons who reached Karachi from Syria via Doha had tested positive for the coronavirus in the last two days, CM Murad’s brother-in-law wasn’t among them.

    Meanwhile, strict measures have been taken by the government, including extending border closure with Afghanistan for seven more days and installing screening machines at all major airports in the country.

    According to reports, the Sindh government is considering a proposal to issue an advisory requesting a ban on public events, including the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and it is likely that the remaining matches of the PSL to be held in Karachi will be shifted to Lahore.

    A meeting of the provincial authorities has also recommended setting up a health desk at the Karachi airport.

    With the help of the desk, all those entering Karachi through the airport will be screened for the coronavirus. A spokesperson for the health department said health desks will also be established at hospitals, Geo reported.

    The desks at hospitals, named front-line desks, will provide up-to-date information about the spread of the virus in the city. 

    A recommendation to shut schools in the province for a longer period will also be sent to the Sindh CM; exams would, however, be held as per schedule, the Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah has said.

  • VIDEO: ‘Hor koi saday laiq?’ asks Ben Dunk after match-winning 99 for Lahore

    With Lahore Qalandars star Ben Dunk racking up match-winning 99 runs off just 40 balls as the team played Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, the Australian cricketer has released a video message for fans, asking in Punjabi if there’s anything else he can do for them.

    “Hor koi saday laiq [anything else you want done]?” Dunk, who sent the ball flying a massive 12 times, including the final shot of the match, has said in the video message released after Qalandars chased down the 188-run target set by the Kings.

    Skipper Sohail Akhtar was the other big hitter who scored 68 off 46 deliveries.

    Both the Qalandars’ batsmen remained standing till the end of the innings, which came at 19.1 overs.

    The sole two wickets claimed by the Karachi Kings were those of Fakhar Zaman, bowled out by Mohammad Amir for a duck, and Mohammad Hafeez (16 runs off 24 balls) caught by Cameron Delport off Umer Khan’s delivery.

    The outcome has given both sides a decent chance to qualify for the top four. Karachi Kings are placed at the fourth spot with seven points while Lahore Qalandars are in the fifth place with six points.

  • Fawad Rana to sell Lahore Qalandars?

    Fawad Rana to sell Lahore Qalandars?

    Former Pakistan cricketer Tanvir Ahmed has said that Lahore Qalandars’ owner Fawad Rana might sell his franchise after another disappointing performance in the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Cricket Pakistan reported.

    Islamabad United defeated Lahore Qalandars by 71 runs on Wednesday, which is the biggest victory margin, in terms of runs, in the history of the PSL. The previous biggest winning margin was 67 runs achieved by Quetta Gladiators against Karachi Kings in 2018.

    “If things don’t change, Fawad might sell his franchise to someone else. The franchise spends a lot of money every year and conducts nation-wide talent hunt trials but the team disappoints on the field every season,” said Ahmed in a YouTube video.

    “What’s the point of trials if the team does not perform?” he asked while also criticising Lahore’s decision to include opener Salman Butt in the lineup in Fakhar Zaman’s place.

    “Salman Butt is not a T20 specialist and it made no sense to include him in the playing XI at the expense of Fakhar Zaman,” he said, adding that Qalandars were doing pretty well in powerplay overs even with out-of-form Zaman not performing.  

    Lahore Qalandars, who are currently at the bottom of the PSL V table with just one win in five games, will next be playing defending champions Quetta Gladiators at 7 pm on Saturday. Their maiden and only win from Tuesday was also against Quetta.

  • Sammy says no one can come between him and his ‘baby’

    Sammy says no one can come between him and his ‘baby’

    Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy has slammed rumours that implied that he has developed differences with the team owner Javed Afridi after he was rested for Monday’s game against Karachi Kings. Sammy asserted that no one can come between him and his ‘baby’.

    Rumours of differences began to emerge after Sammy posted a cryptic tweet after he was rested for the game. Wahab Riaz captained the team in Sammy’s absence.

    Following Sammy’s tweet, reports emerged that Sammy was upset with the decision to rest him. Zalmi had replaced Sammy with Carlos Brathwaite. The decision was allegedly taken after Sammy’s struggled for form and fitness because of which Zalmi have descended to the fifth position on the PSL 2020 points table.

    The decision to replace Sammy, however, did not work as well as the management expected. Brathwaite managed to score only 8 runs and Peshawar lost the match.

    Shoaib Akhtar, on the other hand, claimed that Sammy had a falling out with Afridi. Shoaib extended his support towards Sammy whom he termed a hero. Akhtar also commented that Shahid Afridi was also once part of the team.

    However, last week, Sammy and Afridi were spotted cruising on the streets of Islamabad.

    Later in the day (Tuesday), Zalmi head coach Mohammad Akram also held a media talk in Rawalpindi in which he refuted the resports and revealed that it was his decision to rest Sammy against Karachi, adding that Sammy, too, was in agreement that he needed rest.

    The head coach explained that resting players is nothing new, also saying that Sammy was given a break to “work on his form and fitness”.

    Meanwhile, Sammy has become the first international cricket player to receive the highest civilian award and honorary citizenship of Pakistan for his contribution to the development of cricket in the country.

    President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi will confer both the citizenship and award, the ‘Nishane Pakistan’, on March 23.

  • Grant Elliott is having a blast in Pakistan and here is proof

    Grant Elliott is having a blast in Pakistan and here is proof

    Former New Zealand cricketer, Grant Elliott, who made PSL history with his iconic bat drop during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 may not be making any sixes on the field for Lahore Qalandars this year but he’s definitely winning the Dubsmash game and is having a blast in Pakistan with his fellow commentators Azhar Ali and Fakhre Alam.

    Watch the video to see what we’re talking about.

    In case your memory needs a refresher, here is his epic bat drop moment.

    Earlier, he had also posted a picture of himself after getting a haircut at Karachi’s renowned hair salon for men Clippers.

  • Asim Azhar teases Hania Aamir following Peshawar Zalmi’s loss

    Asim Azhar teases Hania Aamir following Peshawar Zalmi’s loss

    Hania Aamir and Asim Azhar are taking the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches very seriously. Asim, who is supporting Karachi Kings this year, teased Hania last night after the Peshawar Zalmi lost the match (PZ). Hania is the official celebrity ambassador of PZ.

    https://twitter.com/AsimAzharr/status/1234548736552046593?s=20

    Following their Twitter banter, Asim posted a video of the two being goofy.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9Pg1mOl3jO/

    Earlier, Asim had requested fans to enjoy and celebrate the matches within the limits of decency.

  • Attending a PSL match? Five things you need to know

    The fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League is officially underway and with all matches scheduled to be played in Pakistan, excitements levels are high. Lahore, Rawalpindi, Karachi, and Multan are hosting matches over the next one month and while there are some of us who are excited to witness the action live, there are others who are not looking forward to the roadblocks and traffic diversions. Nonetheless, it is likely that everyone will end up attending at least one match in the stadium.

    To make life easier, The Current has compiled a match guide to help make your life easier.

    Start ahead

    If you want to catch all the action from the start to the end, start ahead. Getting to the stadium and your enclosure will take some time because of the long walk to the stadium and several security checks along the way. If you’re someone who just wants to experience the thrill, especially at the end of the match, then time is not an issue.

    Wear comfortable clothes and shoes

    Considering that there will be a lot of walking involved, wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Comfortable shoes especially are a must.

    Carry a light-weight jacket with you

    The ground is big and open and it can get chilly towards the end of the match. Best to carry a jacket or a light sweater so that you don’t feel cold.

    Don’t carry unnecessary items

    Keep your bags and pockets light and don’t carry unnecessary items because you never know what is not allowed to be taken inside the stadium – I lost my power bank at the security checkpoint. Perfumes and liquid items, especially, are not allowed inside the stadium.

    Don’t litter or leave your garbage inside the stadiums

    Dustbins are available everywhere so properly dispose your garbage and do not leave any wrappers or tissues behind.

    Make sure you carry:
    Your ticket, your original CNIC, and a photocopy of the CNIC of the person whose name is mentioned on the ticket (if somebody else among your family/friends bought the ticket). Mobile phones are allowed but other

  • Cricket trumps all

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 is the fifth season of the Twenty20 cricket league established by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). And for the first time, all of its matches are being held in Pakistan.

    After the Mumbai attack in November 2008, Indian franchise owners refused to include Pakistani cricketers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to pressure from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Pakistan had been working on its own premier league for a while, but the idea of PSL was only materialised under the leadership of former PCB chairman Najam Sethi.

    The first season of PSL was a huge hit and led to an interest in all cricketing countries. PSL opening and closing ceremonies, as well as all the matches, have had record-breaking numbers on the league’s digital platforms. This year, the numbers are said to be even more than the four previous seasons.

    All six teams have their unique qualities as well as strengths and weaknesses. Every cricketing fan in Pakistan has an opinion about these teams and has his or her favourites. While we’ve only had PSL semi-finals and finals in the country in the past, this year’s tournament is even more special with all matches being played here in a development that we had not seen in a long time.

    Although one would think it would lead to full houses in all stadia, only Multan has seen housefuls at matches. Karachi’s turnout has not been that bad and same goes for Rawalpindi, but the most disappointing turnout has been in Lahore.

    Whether it was due to the security arrangements and road closures, one cannot say for sure, but we think Pakistanis should come out in full force to support the PSL. There are 36 international players who are in the country and this gives Pakistan cricket a huge boost as it takes away some of the baggage that we have carried since the terror attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in 2009.

    To some people, shutting down roads on match days seems like a hassle, but to be fair, this is the only way forward to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. Hopefully, in the years to come, we would not be needing this much security, but for now, we have to live with the discomfort that for the good of cricket and Pakistan, doesn’t seem much.

    Tayyar Ho? Tayyar Hain!