Tag: PSL6

  • PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will resume from June 9, with the final match set to take place on June 24.

    The tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi, despite speculation in recent days that it was going to be moved to Sharjah. The compressed schedule means there will be as many as six double-headers, with the early games starting at 5pm Abu Dhabi time, and the evening matches at 8pm local time.

    Faizan Lakhani, a sports journalist, took to Twitter and wrote: “Its official now: PSL6 remainders from 9th to 24th June in Abu Dhabi. 6 double headers to be played. Matches to start at 9pm PKT. Double headers to be played at 6pm and 11pm PKT.”

    Ramiz Raja also confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: “Finally dates are out for HBLPSL6 – 9th to 24th- probably 4 double-headers. A journey full of twists and turns comparable to James Bond whirling around in his Aston Martin!”

    “The remaining matches of HBL PSL 6 will be played in Abu Dhabi from June 9 to 24,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) spokesperson.

    “Six double-headers will be played during the event, including qualifier and element one. The matches of the tournament will start at 8 pm UAE time (9 pm Pakistan time). The first match on the day of double-headers will start at 5 pm UAE time (6 pm Pakistan time). On the day of double-headers, the second match will start at 10 pm (11 pm Pakistan time). The full schedule of the remaining matches of the tournament will be released shortly,” added the spokesperson.

    First Match will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

    The series witnessed a halt earlier this year after the Covid-19 bio-bubble was breached, and many positive cases emerged amongst the players and support staff members.

  • Naseem Shah upset after being ruled out of PSL for COVID-19 protocol breach

    Naseem Shah upset after being ruled out of PSL for COVID-19 protocol breach

    Right-arm fast bowler Naseem Abbas Shah is upset after being ruled out of Pakistan Super League (PSL) sixth edition’s remaining matches in Abu Dhabi after he broke COVID-19 protocols.

    “I cannot express in words how I feel right now,” said Naseem in a tweet on Monday, voicing his sorrow after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to drop him from the remaining PSL matches being played in Abu Dhabi from June 5.

    “I want to play cricket as it [playing cricket] is my life.”

    In his heartfelt note on social media, the speedster said he has worked very hard as he was excited about the PSL matches.

    “I followed all instructions conveyed to us through the group,” said Naseem. “I do not know how I missed that particular message.”

    Naseem also remembered his mother who passed away in 2019 when the pacer was on a tour in Australia.

    Concluding his message with a prayer, Shah said: “Allah will make me strong. I will make a comeback.”

    As per details, Naseem, along with all those traveling onboard the chartered flights from Karachi and Lahore to the UAE, was directed to submit the negative reports of PCR tests taken not more than 48 hours prior to arrival at the hotel on May 24.

    However, the report Naseem presented was of the test that was conducted on May 18. On the recommendation of the independent Medical Advisory Panel for PSL, the pacer was dropped out from the lineup flying to Abu Dhabi.

    Director Commercial and Head of PSL6 Babar Hamid, in a statement, said: “The PCB doesn’t take any pride in releasing a young fast bowler from its marquee event but if we will ignore this breach, then we will potentially put at risk the entire event.”

    “We appreciate the Quetta Gladiators for accepting this decision as it confirms we are all aligned to strictly following and implementing the protocols.”

    He said the board would not compromise on the COVID-19 SOPs as it was about the health of all the team members.

    “This decision will also send out a loud and clear message to all involved in the remaining matches that the PCB will not compromise on any violations and will expel the player or player support personnel irrespective of his stature and standing in the game if they are found to be flouting the prescribed protocols or regulations,” noted Hamid.

    “All participating in the tournament must understand that these protocols have been put in place for the health and safety of all involved as well for the integrity and credibility of the event and the PCB.”

    “As such, the onus is on them to ensure these are followed in its true letter and spirit and without exception,” he added.

    Earlier in March, PCB had reportedly allowed Wahab Riaz and Daren Sammy to reintegrate with the Peshawar Zalmi team without completing the three-day quarantine period after the two had allegedly breached COVID-19 protocols before the postponement of PSL6. The violation took place when the two met franchise owner Javed Afridi outside the team’s bio-security bubble.

  • From Larkana to PSL6: All you need to know about Shahnawaz Dahani

    From Larkana to PSL6: All you need to know about Shahnawaz Dahani

    The Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become a platform for many aspiring and young cricketers to fast track their cricket journey. Shadab Khan, Hassan Ali and Haris Rauf are just some players who have become superstars and made it to the national team after performing in PSL.

    This year, the player who caught everyone’s attention is 22-year old fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani – a young man from Larkana who has impressed everyone with his bowling skills and celebration style. Dahani was picked by Multan Sultans as an emerging player in the PSL6 draft and made his debut for Sultans during a game against Peshawar Zalmi. Since then, he has played three games and has taken two wickets in each of them.

    In an interview with Geo Super, the young cricketer opened up on his struggle, journey and future targets.

    Dahani is from a small village named Khuhawar Khan Dahani. Growing up, he used to play tape-ball cricket, barefooted, on an open and uneven field in his village.

    “I was passionate about bowling fast and was known in my village for my fast bowling, that’s why many there had named me 3G bowler – to relate the speed with the speed of the internet,” shared Dahani, adding that he knew nothing about professional cricket back then.

    Dahani said that he was invited to the U19 trials after some guests in his village witnessed him bowling with a tape ball.

    Recalling the moment, Dahani said when he was invited for the trials, he didn’t have any proper gear or shoes so he borrowed them from a friend and showed up to the trials. There he got selected to play inter-district U19 matches.

    Dahani, who has a B.Com Degree, said that his father wanted him to concentrate on his studies but his passion for the game pushed him to pursue it.

    “He [my father] is no more with us, but I am sure he would’ve been very proud today seeing me become the face of my village and bringing laurels” said Dahani.

    Dahani said when he completed the U19 season, he didn’t know there was a rule called “overage”. He showed up for trials again only to be told that he’s not eligible and needs to compete with seniors now.

    “I had no idea what had just happened, but I didn’t give up and made myself realise that if I have to compete, I will have to beat everyone” said the aspiring cricketer.

    After playing grade 2 cricket, he made his first-class debut last season and got 27 wickets in 8 games. His performance during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy impressed many which is why he was picked as an emerging player by Multan Sultans.

    Talking about his PSL journey and future goals, Dahani said: “I want to be among [the] best bowlers here. I know it’s a tough competition but I am giving my best.”

    “Everyone has their eyes on PSL and your performances here are noticed. It paves your way to [the] national team [and] you become a true star only when you’ve Pakistan’s star donned on your chest,” added the cricketer.

    “Sharing a dressing room with players like Shahid Afridi, Imran Tahir, Carlos Brathwaite is confidence-boosting for me. To be with them, celebrate with them and share a dressing room is increasing my courage as a cricketer,” he said.

    Recalling his humble beginnings the fast bowler shared that he was so passionate about cricket that he never missed any game on TV.

    “There was no facility, proper cable or anything so we made makeshift arrangements with friends to watch cricket matches. I had memorised stats and [the] action of all the bowlers then,” he said, adding that he aims to emulate bowlers like Shane Bond and Jofra Archer who are his role models.