Tag: quetta gladiators

  • PSL 9 trade: Iftikhar joins Multan Sultans, Rilee Rossouw moves to Quetta Gladiators

    PSL 9 trade: Iftikhar joins Multan Sultans, Rilee Rossouw moves to Quetta Gladiators

    In what is the most surprising move of the HBL Pakistan Super League 9 trade window, Multan Sultans have snapped Iftikhar Ahmed, while Rilee Rossouw has moved to Quetta Gladiators.

    The trade deal with Quetta Gladiators also sees Multan Sultans get the first pick in the platinum round one in exchange for Rilee Rossouw and the first Silver category pick.

    Iftikhar has evolved into a formidable all-rounder for his power-hitting and foxy off-spin. He brings the experience of 229 T20 matches and 4,476 runs. He also has a century in the format to go with 30 half-centuries. Since the start of his career in October 2010, the muscular batter has been smashing a boundary every 6.75 balls. He recently reached the 50-wicket landmark and his economy stands at 7.31.

    Iftikhar Ahmed said in press statment: “I am delighted to become a Sultan. It is an honor for me to represent the people of Multan as their passion for this game is second to none. Multan Sultans have evolved into a strong team and their record in the last three seasons speak for itself. Now, it is my ambition to help them bag the prestigious HBL PSL trophy.”

    Multan Sultan’s captain Muhammad Rizwan said: “I am very excited to welcome Iftikhar Ahmed. He brings outstanding all-round skills, which we need to be a champion team. He was not only his on-field skills that made us finalize this trade, but he is also a brilliant team player who uplifts dressing rooms with his presence. We are eager to put together a set of players whose skills are in sync with our positive, bold and aggressive brand of cricket.”

    Chief executive Ali Khan Tareen said: “Multan Sultans have always had experienced and aggressive batters in the middle order and that has been one of the keys to our success. With our focus on developing and protecting a domestic core, Iftikhar Ahmed aka Iftimania is the best middle order hitter in Pakistan. He adds destructive power against spin and pace and brings calmness with years of experience.”

    “I also want to thank Rilee Rossouw for giving us some incredible memories. While he will not be in our dressing room this season, we will definitely remember him for his services to the franchise. Wherever he will go, he will always be remembered for his time at Multan Sultans, as once you become a Sultan, you always stay a Sultan.”

    Amidst this, Ali Tareen and Iftikhar had an interesting interaction on X (formerly Twitter).

    General Manager Hijab Zahid said, “After putting together a highly professional, knowledgeable and skillful coaching staff, we are now committed to getting together the best set of players. I am sure our passionate, cricket-loving fans will be over the moon when we announce our complete retention list in due course.”

    Head coach Abdul Rehman declared it the biggest trade deal in the history of the HBL PSL.

    He further said, “I am delighted to welcome Iftikhar Ahmed to our camp. I have seen Iftikhar grow into a fabulous cricketer and considering the match-winner he has become, every coach wants to have him in his team.”

    “We will definitely miss Rilee Rossouw who has been an outstanding team player and has had a great role in taking us to where this franchise is today. Rilee was our Mr dependable and whenever we wanted him to deliver, he got the job done for us. We wish Rilee well for everything that is ahead of him.”

  • Ask Nadeem Umer to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta: Shahid Afridi

    Ask Nadeem Umer to remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta: Shahid Afridi

    Former captain and all-rounder Shahid Afridi has shown concern on consecutive defeats of Quetta Gladiators. Talking on a TV show, Afridi said that Sarfaraz Ahmed has to step down as captain of Quetta Gladiators.

    He said that Sarfaraz should play only as a team member and focus on his own performance first to manage the pressure upon him. Afridi added that the responsibility for Quetta’s consecutive defeats lies on team management who has no alternative captain.

    Responding to a question about Sarfaraz’s performance, Afridi cited an example from Islamabad United and said: “There should always be a player standing by on the bench who can take the place if the team falls short of any player.”

    “This strategy is nowhere to be seen in Quetta Gladiators”, he added.

    The former star cricketer also mentioned that several changes had been made in the team.

    While citing another example from Karachi Kings, he said that the team is not performing exceptionally well, however, its captain Imad Wasim can be seen performing and leading his team.

    The captain’s performance has an important role in the team’s performance, Afridi emphasised.

    He further added that Sarfaraz has played a number of matches for Pakistan and he performed very well in those matches.

    “Prior to the start of the league, I had talked to Nadeem Umar. He asked me for some advice. I had said the same then: Remove Sarfaraz Ahmed as captain of Quetta as soon as possible but keep him as a team member so that as a player he could perform well and he could absorb the pressure of his own performance and enjoy his game-play’.”

    Quetta Gladiator squad for PSL 8
    Mohammad Nawaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, Jason Roy, Mohammad Hasnain, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c), Naveen ul Haq, Umar Akmal, Will Smeed, Naseem Shah, Odean Smith, Mohammad Hafeez, Umaid Asif, Muhammad Zahid, Abdul Bangalzai, Aimal Khan, Martin Guptill, Omair Bin Yousuf, Qais Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Dwaine Pretorius (partial replacement for Odean Smith), Will Jacks (partial replacement for Jason Roy), Nuwan Thushara (partial replacement for Naveen ul Haq)

  • Umar Gul appointed Afghanistan’s bowling coach

    Umar Gul appointed Afghanistan’s bowling coach

    Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has appointed Umar Gul as a coach for a short period.

    He will join Afghanistan camp in Dubai from April 4. He will work with the newly appointed Head Coach Graham Thorpe.

    Gul is a former pacer who has previously been associated with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators as a bowling coach.

    He has also worked in Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and in the Lanka Premier League (LPL) with Galle Gladiators.

    He is appointed for a short period but it will be extended after his performance.

  • ‘Wada James Blond, Badtameez’: Ahmed Ali Butt slams James Faulkner for being ‘unprofessional’

    ‘Wada James Blond, Badtameez’: Ahmed Ali Butt slams James Faulkner for being ‘unprofessional’

    Actor, Ahmed Ali Butt took to his Instagram handle to lash out at Australian cricketer, James Faulkner who was accused of misconduct by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over a payment dispute for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) event.

    Butt wrote, “Glad to hear that PCB is not going to pay the remaining dues to this unprofessional. Baki Chandler aur kamray ka bill is kay credit card per charge kero! (Charge a bill of Chandler and room from his credit card) WADA James Blond! #Badtameez #JamesFaulkner.”

    Read More – Ahmad Ali Butt, Bilal Qureshi school Aamir Liaquat and Syeda Dania for sharing bedroom videos

    The cricketer threw his bat and helmet from the lobby in aggression when the negotiations failed between PCB and Faulkner on Friday.

    He left the PSL event midway after a bitter confrontation with PCB and damaged the hotel property.

    He accused PCB of not honouring contractual agreements/payments. Whereas, PCB and Quetta Gladiators (the team from which he was playing) denied all allegations and released an official press release explaining the matter in detail.

    In wake of misbehaviour and unprofessional attitude, PCB and franchise unanimously agreed that James Faulkner will not be drafted in future HBL Pakistan Super League ‘s events.

  • PCB, Quetta Gladiators deny Faulkner’s ‘baseless allegations’

    PCB, Quetta Gladiators deny Faulkner’s ‘baseless allegations’

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Quetta Gladiators have issued the following statement after James Faulkner made “baseless allegations” of non-payment and mistreatment during the Pakistan Super League(PSL) 2022.

    PCB’s statement says, “The PCB and Quetta Gladiators are disappointed and dismayed with the reprehensible behavior of James Faulkner, who was also part of the Abu Dhabi-leg of the HBL Pakistan Super League in 2021, and, along with all participants, has always been treated with utmost respect.”

    “In the seven years of the Pakistan Super League, no player has ever complained about the nonfulfillment of the PCB’s contractual obligations,” it added.

    “Instead, all players have only praised and appreciated the efforts of the PCB to make their stay, appearance and participation as comfortable as practically possible. This is evident that from the fact that most of these cricketers have continued to be part of the PCB’s marquee event since 2016 and have helped the PCB to make the HBL PSL a strong and formidable brand as it stands today.”

    “Without going into the history of James Faulkner’s misconduct over the past many years that has also resulted in his fallout with other teams, below is a brief summary of some of the undisputed facts:

    • In December 2021, James Faulkner’s agent confirmed the United Kingdom bank details to which his fee payments should be transferred. This was noted for action.

    • In January 2022, for reasons best known to Faulkner, his agent sent revised banking details of his onshore account in Australia. However, the contracted 70 per cent of Faulkner’s fee payment was transferred to his offshore UK bank account. The receipt of this payment was acknowledged by Faulkner.

    • Accordingly, his payments as per his contract are fully up to date.

    • The remaining 30 per cent of his contractual payment only becomes due 40 days after the completion of the Pakistan Super League 2022, which now remains a matter to be reviewed in line with his contract.

    • In spite of the money being transferred and received in his account, Faulkner continued to insist that a second duplicate payment of the same amount be made to his account in Australia. This meant Faulkner would have been paid twice.

    • He further threatened and refused to participate in his side’s match against Multan Sultans on Friday afternoon until his money demands were met.

    • The PCB, as a responsible organisation, engaged with Faulkner early Friday afternoon in an attempt to reason with him. Despite his reprehensible and insulting behaviour during the conversation, Faulkner was assured that all his grievances would be addressed. He refused to reconsider his decision to take the field in a crucial match for his side, let his team down and demanded that his travel arrangements be immediately made.

    • During this time, the PCB was also in constant contact with his agent, who was regretful and apologetic.

    • Prior to his departure on Saturday morning, Faulkner caused deliberate damage to the hotel property and as a result had to pay damages to the hotel management. The PCB later received reports and complaints from the immigration authorities that Faulkner had acted inappropriately and abusively at the airport.

    “In wake of the above, and taking serious note of James Faulkner’s gross misconduct that was an attempt to bring the PCB, Pakistan cricket and the HBL Pakistan Super League into disrepute, it has been unanimously agreed by the PCB and the franchises that James Faulkner will not be drafted in future HBL Pakistan Super League events.”

  • James Faulkner leaves PSL prematurely, accuses PCB of not honouring agreed payments, PCB denies

    James Faulkner leaves PSL prematurely, accuses PCB of not honouring agreed payments, PCB denies

    Australian cricketer James Faulkner has left the Pakistan Super League (PSL) prematurely over a payment dispute, saying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t honoured the contractually agreed payments and has instead “continued to lie” to him.

    Faulkner, who has not played Quetta Gladiators’ last three games, was understood to have grown increasingly agitated over the matter. Faulkner had been negotiating with the PCB over the due payments, with things getting so heated on Friday that he threw his bat and helmet from the lobby floor balcony onto a chandelier after a discussion with a PCB official before leaving for the airport.

    Earlier today, he posted two tweets apologising to Pakistan cricket fans and calling his treatment at the hands of the PCB and the PSL “a disgrace”.

    “I apologise to the Pakistan cricket fans. But unfortunately, I’ve had to withdraw from the last 2 matches and leave the @thePSLt20 due to the @TheRealPCB not honouring my contractual agreement/payments. I’ve been here the whole duration and they have continued to lie to me. It hurts to leave as I wanted to help to get international cricket back in Pakistan as there is so much young talent and the fans are amazing. But the treatment I have received has been a disgrace from the @TheRealPCB and @thePSLt20. I’m sure you all understand my position.”

    The PCB issued a brief statement saying they had “regretfully taken note of Mr James Faulkner’s false and misleading accusations” and that the board would shortly release a detailed statement.

    Traditionally, the PCB has always dealt with making player payments initially before recovering the money from the franchises, which may explain why Faulkner’s primary grievance lies with the PCB rather than his franchise. Gladiators distanced themselves from the issue, telling ESPNcricinfo the Australian’s payment dispute was with the PCB.

    Faulkner played six PSL games this season, taking six wickets and scoring 49 runs.

  • Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan adds another record to his name

    Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan adds another record to his name

    Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans skipper Mohammad Rizwan has added another feather in his cap on Friday when he became the first Pakistani to complete two century partnerships in a T20 innings.

    Rizwan, who opens for Sultans, first added 119 off 72 with Shan Masood and then 103 off just 39 deliveries with Rilee Rossouw for the second wicket.

    This was the first time that two 100-run partnerships were completed by a batsman in a PSL innings, while overall it was the 12th such instance in a T20 game.

    In Friday’s game against Quetta Gladiators, Rizwan also took his total PSL hundred partnerships to six.

    Only eight batters, worldwide, had achieved the milestone of featuring in two century partnerships in a single inning of a T20 match.

    Here’s the list of players who have featured in two century partnerships in a single T20 innings:

    • Aron Finch – Australia vs England
    • BP Chapungu – Mid West Rhino vs Mashonaland Island
    • Adam Lyth – Yorkshire vs Northamptonshire
    • Will Young – Central Districts vs Canterbury
    • Tom Kohler Cadmore – Yorkshire vs Leicestershire
    • David Warner – Australia vs Sri Lanka
    • Devon Conway – Wellington vs Auckland
    • Rayyan Pathan – Canada vs Panama
    • Mohammad Rizwan – Multan Sultans vs Quetta Gladiators

    On Friday, Sultans also broke their own record, beating Quetta by 117 runs. Last year, Multan defeated Quetta by a 110-run win.

  • Rizwan, Rossouw lead Sultans to score second-highest PSL score

    Rizwan, Rossouw lead Sultans to score second-highest PSL score

    Multan Sultans’ batters destroyed Quetta Gladiatos’ bowlers, smashing a mammoth 245/3 in the first innings of the 25th match of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

    After opting to bat first, Sultans set a huge target of 246 for the Gladiators, thanks to skipper Mohammad Rizwan and the top-order batter Rilee Rossouw, who played stunning knocks to bolster the side in the closing overs.

    Earlier, Sultans’ openers Rizwan and Shan Masood made a ravishing start, putting on a brilliant century-partnership for the first wicket. The duo appeared solid as both scored astonishing half-centuries.

    Mohammad Irfan sent Masood (57 off 28) to the pavilion in the 12th over, while Rizwan stood firm and kept the scoreboard ticking.

    Following Masood’s departure, Rossouw stood up for his team and played a spectacular innings. The left-handed batter scored a quickfire 71 off just 26 balls, smashing nine boundaries and four sixes before falling short to Naseem Shah in the 19th over.

    Rizwan, on the other hand, top-scored with his unbeaten 83 runs off just 54 balls with the help of 10 boundaries, including three sixes.

    For the Gladiators, the bowlers remained off-colour as they conceded a lot of runs and leaked 24 runs as extras. Returning pacer Mohammad Irfan, Ghulam Mudassar, and Naseem managed to take a wicket each.

    Meanwhile, it is pertinent to mention here that this is the second highest score of PSL history and the highest in PSL 7 so far. The highest score of the league was posted by Islamabad United against Peshawar Zalmi in the sixth edition of the PSL.

    Sultans’ bowlers did not allow Quetta’s batters to stand on the pitch. Only wicket-keeper-batter Umar Akmal managed to entertain with his 23-ball 53.

    Khushdil Shah sent the last man standing on the crease — Irfan — to the pavilion to clinch the match by 117 runs.

  • ‘It wasn’t good’: Sohail Tanvir regrets offensive behaviour during PZ vs QG match

    ‘It wasn’t good’: Sohail Tanvir regrets offensive behaviour during PZ vs QG match

    Quetta Gladiators’ left-arm pacer Sohail Tanvir has apologised for the offensive behaviour with Quetta’s batter Ben Cutting during the Peshawar Zalmi vs Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) match at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Tuesday.

    In a video message posted on Instagram, Tanvir said: “This could have been avoided and what happened was not good,” he said, addressing the heated encounter between the two players last night.

    Cutting punished Tanvir in the penultimate over as he smashed 27 runs by hitting four sixes, a single, and a double.

    And then, Cutting showed an offensive hand gesture to Tanvir. This led to an argument between the two. The on-field umpire intervened and dispersed them.

    But right in the next over, Naseem Shah bowled and Cutting smashed it but Tanvir was the third man, so he took the catch. After taking his catch, Tanvir also used the obscene hand gesture (showing his middle finger).

    Shedding light on the history behind the aggression between the two players against each other, he said that this case has been going on since 2018.

    It is pertinent to mention here that during the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Tanvir had shown a finger gesture to Cutting after taking his wicket.

    Tanvir, however, mentioned that he had apologised to Cutting back then.

    “Last night, Cutting hit two sixes and showed the finger gesture,” he said, adding that then the two exchanged heated words and then “I also showed him the finger.”

    Tanvir emphasised: “I repeat that this should not have happened, it could have been avoided.”

    Both the cricketers were fined for their wrongdoing and both accepted the offence imposed on them.

  • After showing each other the middle finger, Sohail Tanvir and Ben Cutting fined in PSL match

    After showing each other the middle finger, Sohail Tanvir and Ben Cutting fined in PSL match

    Quetta Gladiators’ pacer Sohail Tanvir and Peshawar Zalmi’s Ben Cutting have both been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for breaching a Level 1 offence of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Code of Conduct. They both indulged in a verbal spat during the PSL seven’s 22nd match on Tuesday.

    Both players were found to have violated Article 2.6 of the HBL PSL Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using a gesture that is obscene, offensive or insulting during a PSL Match”.

    The incident involving Cutting happened in the penultimate over of Zalmi’s innings when the batter, after hitting the bowler for a third consecutive six, made inappropriate gestures using his fingers.

    Sohail made similar gestures after catching Cutting off Naseem Shah on the first ball of the final over.

    Both Cutting and Sohail pleaded guilty to the offences and accepted the sanctions proposed to be imposed by Ali Naqvi and, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. The charges were levelled by on-field umpires Michael Gough and Rashid Riaz, third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Waleed Yaqoob.

    All first-time offences of Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official warning and/or imposition of a fine of up to 25 per cent of the applicable match fee.

    Earlier, Quetta’s Jason Roy and Karachi Kings’ Imad Wasim have also been fined for breaching PSL’s Code of Conduct.