Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ fast bowler Aamer Yamin appealed to the people of Multan to come out in numbers and show support for the team in their upcoming clash against Multan Sultans. 

Multan-hailed Yamin, who impressed on his first outing of Pakistan Super League season 8 on Sunday, said he was happy to see cricket returning to Multan and requested the cricket fans from his home town to support him and his team when Karachi Kings play Multan Sultans on February 22.

“I am happy to see the people of Multan enjoying the PSL matches this season,” he said in a post-match press conference after the Kings sealed their first win of the tournament after back-to-back defeats.

“I want to appeal people of the city to support me and Karachi Kings when we come to Multan”

Yamin, who took two wickets during Kings’ dominant 67-run victory over arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars yesterday, said his team had played well in the first three matches but unfortunately could not finish the games.

He added the win against Qalandars had boosted the confidence of the camp, saying earlier in the morning, Karachi Kings President Wasim Akram, captain Imad Wasim and head coach Johan Botha all gave confidence to the players for the high-voltage clash.

When asked whether Karachi Kings has now found their optimal combination for the PSL season 8, the right-arm pacer replied: “Obviously when results do not come in your favour, you have to make some tweaks in the combination.”

Moreover, the 32-year-old hailed his fellow pacer Mohammad Amir and said he used to learn a lot from the left-arm pacer on the field and in the nets as well.

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KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ captain Imad Wasim expressed optimism to steer his team to the playoffs of the Pakistan Super League season 8 despite an undesired start in the tournament.

“We still have seven matches in our hand before the playoffs,” he said in a post-match media talk after Karachi Kings lost their third consecutive match of the PSL 8 on Saturday.

“Our focus now is to win our upcoming matches and make a comeback. Good teams make comebacks in tough times. We will try our best to qualify for playoffs.”

He revealed Karachi Kings’ desperate search for their first win in the tournament and an optimal team combination, saying once they get on the winning ways, their chances to qualify will automatically improve.

“We have matchwinners in the team, we just have to figure out a combination,” he said.

Earlier, Martin Guptill scripted a phenomenal comeback for the Quetta Gladiators as he made the first century of the PSL 8 to help Quetta Gladiators edge Karachi Kings by six runs.

“We leaked too many runs in the last overs,” said Imad while crediting Guptill for taking the game away from the Karachi Kings.

“We played poor cricket,” he accepted. “We made mistakes which cost us in all three matches. We played well in phases but couldn’t finish it off well,” he said.

When asked whether he was under pressure after consecutive defeats, Karachi Kings’ captain replied in negation and assured that he would not give up till the very last game.

Kings will next face arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in a blockbuster clash on Sunday at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

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KARACHI: The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi met injured pacer Shahnawaz Dahani on Saturday and inquired about his health.

Right-arm pacer Dahani, who was poised to represent Multan Sultans in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight had an early exit from the extravaganza after sustaining an injury to his right-hand finger.

Following the injury, the young right-arm pacer was ruled out of the PSL 8 and his counterpart Mohammad Ilyas was called up to the Sultans’ squad for the remainder of the marquee league.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the PCB management committee met the injured pacer in the team hotel on Saturday to inquire about his health and also wished him a speedy recovery.

Taking to Twitter, the PCB shared the footage of the meeting.

“Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Mr Najam Sethi met [Shahnawaz Dahani] in Karachi and inquired about his health following his finger injury,” wrote PCB.

Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Mr Najam Sethi met @ShahnawazDahani in Karachi and inquired about his health following his finger injury. pic.twitter.com/7FdwSIwh1e

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 18, 2023

 

It is pertinent to mention that Dahani’s Sultans are currently leading the PSL 8 points table with four points after three matches, followed by Islamabad United.

READ: PCB confirms PSL 8 to continue as planned 

KARACHI: New Zealand’s Colin Munro has lauded his Islamabad United teammate Azam Khan for his hard-hit batting abilities, saying he fails to understand ‘why one of the best batters in the country’ is not part of the Pakistan team. 

Munro, who played an outstanding knock of 28-ball 58 during Islamabad United’s four-wicket win over Karachi Kings in the fourth match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) last night, said he found Azam an ‘amazing’ batter the way he bats and could not understand why he is out of Pakistan’s national side.

“My goodness if he (Azam) is one of best batters in the country, then why not get him in there (Pakistan team)” he said in a post-match press conference on Thursday.

Wicketkeeper batter Azam is one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues throughout the globe. Known for his pinch-hitting, the right-hander smashed 48 from 28, including six fours and a six, yesterday and tightened his side’s grip on the game while chasing 174 runs.

The 24-year-old, who is playing his second PSL season for Islamabad United, rose to prominence during the 2018 edition of the PSL when he was picked by Quetta Gladiators, where his father and former Pakistan wicket-keeper batter Moin Khan was a head coach.

He also made his international debut for Pakistan in 2021 against England in Nottingham.

READ: PCB announces 50pc discount on PSL 8 tickets for children

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday gave a major relief to young cricket fans as the ticket prices for the remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches here have been reduced by 50 percent for those under the age of 18.

According to the details, the discount is only valid for the league matches, scheduled to be held here and only one ticket can be bought on each B-Form.

“To provide young cricket fans an opportunity to see the cricket stars in action up close, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to provide 50 per cent discount to those under the age of 18 for the HBL Pakistan Super League 8 matches in Karachi,” stated PCB.

“This discount is applicable for all matches and one ticket can be bought on a B-Form. Each child will be required to bring their B-Form, on which they have bought the ticket, to enter the stadium.

“This discount is part of the PCB’s efforts to continue to inspire the next generation to take up the sport.”

It is pertinent to mention that the National Bank Cricket Arena here will host a total of nine PSL 8 matches including the much-anticipated clash between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars on Sunday (February 19).

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KARACHI: The Special Security Unit (SSU) upon the instruction of Deputy Inspector in General (DIG) Security Dr Maqsood Ahmed will make special arrangements for the families of martyred policemen to watch the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight matches.

According to the details, the families of the martyred policemen will now be able to watch the PSL 8 matches at the National Bank Cricket Arena here and will be brought to the stadium in special SSU buses.

DIG Security Dr Maqsood stated that the cause behind the initiative is to pay tribute to those policemen who lost their lives for the sake of national integrity.

“The aim of the initiative is to pay tribute to the police personnel who laid down their lives in the line of duty,” said Dr Maqsood.

“The purpose of bringing families and children to the stadium is to make them feel that the department is standing by their side and this initiative will also provide moments of happiness to the family of the martyrs,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the home side Karachi Kings will take on Islamabad United in today’s PSL 8 clash today.

The Kings will be eyeing to bounce back after a narrow two-run defeat against Peshawar Zalmi with a triumph over the United, who on the other end, will start their PSL 8 campaign today.

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MULTAN: Multan Sultans called up Muhammad Ilyas as a replacement for  Shahnawaz Dahani, who was ruled out of the Pakistan Super League season 8 due to a finger injury in his bowling hand. 

Fast bowler Ilyas has replaced injured Dahani in the Multan Sultan squad, confirmed Pakistan Cricket Board in a media release on Wednesday.

Taking to Twitter, Multan Sultans said that the pacer Dahani fractured the index finger of his right hand due to which he was ruled out of the ongoing season.

Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out of #HBLPSL8 due to a fractured index finger in his bowling hand. We wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back with the team soon! pic.twitter.com/O7HqNGClzB

— Multan Sultans (@MultanSultans) February 15, 2023

Dahani was part of Multan Sutlan’s playing XI during their one-run defeat against Lahore Qaladnars in the PSL opening match on Monday.

He bowled a full quota during the match and took a wicket on the final ball of his fourth over.

Mohammad Rizwan-led Sultans will play Quetta Gladiators today at Multan Cricket Stadium.

READ: PCB fines Peshawar Zalmi 10 pc match fee for slow over-rate

MULTAN: Multan Sultans’ young pacer Shahnawaz Dahani is likely to be ruled out of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight, due to an injury.

According to the details, the pacer fractured his right-hand finger after he was hit by a shot from Sikandar Raza, amid his side’s match against Lahore Qalandars on Monday.

Following the injury, Dahani is likely to be ruled out of the entirety of the PSL 8, while the Sultans may replace him with West Indian all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite.

It is pertinent to mention that the Sultans, who started their PSL 8 campaign with a defeat, will take on Quetta Gladiators on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Karachi Kings will take on Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi today.

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KARACHI: South Africa’s star spinner Imran Tahir has landed in the country today and joined Karachi Kings’ squad for the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League. 

Foreign players continue to arrive in Pakistan in a bid to play for their respective franchises in the PSL 8 which began yesterday with a curtain-raiser between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and home side Multan Sultans.

The most followed franchise of PSL, Kings, on the other hand, will play their first game on Tuesday against Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

Taking to Twitter, Karachi Kings, shared a picture of leg spinner Tahir’s arrival in the city.

𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲! 🙌@ImranTahirSA has arrived in Karachi to join the #KingsSquad 🤝#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/gFOviGEtGB

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 13, 2023

Last night, English batter James Vince also reached Pakistan to represent the Kings in the marquee tournament.

In the opening match held yesterday, Shaheen Afridi-led Qalandars claimed a thrilling win over Multan Sultans despite Mohammad Rizwan’s magnificent 75-run knock.

Set to chase 176, home side Sultans fell just one run short of triumph as they could accumulate 174/6 in their quota of 20 overs after young pacer Zaman Khan held his nerves calm to defend 15 runs in the final over.

READ: Karachi Kings’ official anthem for PSL 8 ‘Yeh Hai Karachi’ released

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ captain Imad Wasim expressed his hope for a winning start to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight, scheduled to commence today.

Kings’ captain Imad interacted with the media here on Monday, ahead of his side’s clash with Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi is eyeing a perfect start to his side’s campaign in this year’s extravaganza.

“We are confident of performing well against Peshawar Zalmi and will try to script a winning start to our PSL season 8 campaign,” said Imad.

The all-rounder further praised former Kings captain Babar and acknowledged that the latter had a lot of services for the team while also commenting that his statement regarding the trade of players should not be taken in a negative way.

“It doesn’t matter whether the players come or go. I think, my statement should not be taken in a negative context,” Imad requested.

“We will try to make combinations with the best players available as the PSL is very important for us,” he added.

The Kings’ captain further commented regarding his team’s ace pacer Mohammad Amir, who could not partake in the previous edition of the PSL due to injury, stating he will be a game-changer for the side.

“Amir suffered an injury in the last season which disturbed our combination and dented our campaign. But, I think, this time he’s fit and has been playing cricket all over the world so he will play a key role for us,” he stated.

It is pertinent to mention here that PSL season 8 will kick off on February 13 in Multan with a grand opening ceremony followed by the curtain-raiser between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.

The Kings, on the other hand, will play their first match on February 14 against Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

READ: Wait ends as PSL 8 glittering opening ceremony kicks off