Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam gave an update regarding the ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi and revealed that the left-arm speedster is on a road to recovery and will start bowling soon.

Babar, while talking to the media here responded to a question regarding the unavailability of their ace pacer Shaheen and acknowledged that the team missed his services in the recently-held Asia Cup 2022, while also sharing that the latter will start bowling soon.

“We’ll definitely miss Shaheen as we did so in Asia Cup. I talked to him and he has improved a lot recently,” shared Babar.

“He has started training and will start bowling in the first week of October. So, we are hoping that he will achieve complete recovery soon,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that Shaheen is not a part of the Green Shirts’ squad for the home T20I series against England as a result of his knee injury, which he sustained during the first Test against Sri Lanka.

The National High Performance Center (NHPC) Coach Umar Rasheed will accompany the left-arm pacer to the UK where he is now receiving rehabilitation treatment. Coach Rasheed will be in charge of the pacer’s recuperation.

READ: Pakistan to wear special kits in first T20I in solidarity with flood victims

KARACHI: Pakistan’s national men’s cricket team will wear the special kits in the first match of the home T20I series against England in an attempt to show solidarity with the flood victims.

Amid Pakistan captain, Babar Azam’s scheduled press conference ahead of the historic T20I series against England, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official made an announcement regarding the national team’s special kit for the first T20I.

According to the details, the national team will wear specially-designed kit in the first T20I, scheduled on September 20. The newly-designed kit shows solidarity with the flood victims and features players’ names and jersey numbers quarterly submerged.

Pakistan captain Babar, as a result, donned the special jersey in the trophy unveiling ceremony and the media talk before appealing to the citizens of Karachi to fill in the stadium in support of the special cause.

“I want to appeal to Karachi citizens to come to the stadium and support this worthy cause,” Babar stated.

Earlier, the PCB decided to grant free entry for the first T20I, scheduled on Tuesday to the flood affectees residing in the city upon the request of the Sindh Police.

READ: ‘Very successful for last two years’ Babar backs Pakistan T20I opening pair

KARACHI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam threw his weight behind the opening pair of Pakistan in T20Is and stated that the duo won many matches for Pakistan in the last two years.

Babar, while talking to the media here at National Stadium Karachi ahead of the historic home T20I series against England and responded to a question regarding the struggling opening pair by claiming the opening pair has been very successful in the last couple of years.

“Our opening partnership has been very successful for the last two years. Look, there are different situations and scenarios, what the team requires, and what are the conditions. So, it depends on the planning,” said Babar.

“So, in my opinion, the way our opening partnership had been in the last two-year period, helped our team and gave Pakistan many victories. So, the momentum our opening pair establish is later on continued by the middle-order,” he added.

Babar continued by saying that he was probably concerned about his form but said that he was content with the middle-order, denying that middle-order failures were the cause of the decline in his performance.

“I was concerned about my own performance but was happy for the middle-order as it performed and won us crucial matches in Asia Cup as well,” claimed Babar.

“The middle order is not a cause for concern, and since it is cricket, your graph will fluctuate up and down. Therefore, our goal is to support those that are underperforming,” he maintained.

In response to a question regarding overcoming the bad patch of his career, Babar stated that he always tries not to overthink in such circumstances and always try to believe in himself to come out of it.

“Look, in a rough patch, all you can do is to avoid overthinking and keep things simple. And the most important thing is to keep faith in yourself,” he shared.

“You’ve done it in the past and you’ll do it again. Sometimes you achieve something and sometimes you don’t. So, I always try to remember the positives I have done,” Babar added.

READ: Trophy unveiled as Pakistan to take on England in historic T20I series

KARACHI: The trophy for the T20I series between Pakistan and England has been unveiled here at National Stadium, ending 17 years of wait for the country to host England.

The trophy of the T20I series was revealed by Pakistan’s skipper Babar Azam and his English counterpart Jos Buttler before both the captains posed with the trophy.

Earlier, both teams held practice sessions for the first T20I; scheduled on September 20. Players from both teams participated in batting, bowling, and fielding drills.

Captains unveil the Bank Alfalah Presents DafaNews Pakistan vs England T20I Series 2022 trophy 🏆#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/Fv0xVcakcg

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 19, 2022

Pakistan captain Babar donned the newly-revealed Pakistan T20I jersey for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 and will shortly hold a scheduled press conference at NSK here ahead of the commencement of the historic series against England.

It is pertinent to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to play the seven-match T20I series. Karachi will host the first four matches, while the remaining three matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

READ: Watch: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2022 jersey revealed

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to grant free entry for the first T20I, scheduled on Tuesday to the flood affectees residing in the city upon the request of the Sindh Police, sources claimed.

DIG SSU Maqsood Memon, while interacting with the media here on Sunday, revealed that the Sindh Police requested the PCB chairman Ramiz Raja to allow free entry to the flood victims in an attempt to provide a source of happiness to them in such challenging times.

“We talked to PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and Zakir Khan to allow flood-hit families free entry in the stadium during matches,” he shared.

“Our brothers and sisters are suffering from a tough time. Free entry to the stadium will help bring smiles back on their faces,” he added.

It is apropos to mention that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a seven-match T20I series, scheduled from September 20 to October 2.

National Stadium Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining three fixtures will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

READ: Pakistan’s T20 World Cup jersey out before official release

KARACHI: National cricket team’s official jersey for the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2022 went public before the official launch by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The thunder-themed green jersey, named Green Thunder, leaked out of PCB’s online merchandise store as it has been made available for sale.

The images of the team’s new jersey have been circulating over social media and generated a mixed response from cricket fans.

🚨 Pakistan's Jersey for the #T20WorldCup 🚨

What's your favorite Pakistan jersey ever?#UnitedWeWin pic.twitter.com/lKaBegHyns

— Islamabad United (@IsbUnited) September 19, 2022

Pakistan official jersey for ICC World T20I 2022. pic.twitter.com/3UjXrBuOU3

— HAMZA (@HamzaMalik496) September 19, 2022

https://twitter.com/khalixddd/status/1571767510017478657

It is pertinent to mention here that the official launch of the Pakistan team’s T20 World Cup kit is scheduled today.

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KARACHI: England stand-in captain Moeen Ali revealed that it was an honour for him to lead his side on the historic tour of Pakistan, especially with his ancestral roots being from the same country. 

England are currently on their first tour of Pakistan in almost17 years and are set to face the Green Shirts in the seven-match T20I series for the first time on the latter’s home soil.

Speaking at a scheduled press conference on Sunday, England skipper Moeen stated that regardless of the fitness issues that some of their players were facing, they still had a very strong side.

“We are coming back from the injuries, We have a very difficult summer,” he said. ” Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Arches, they all have been facing injuries.  Captain Buttler has also been injured, And they all gonna take the time”

Moeen added that England’s white-ball skipper Buttler’s participation in the last two or three games of the series was also uncertain since England want its captain to be fully fit for the World Cup.

England’s current squad, he stated, cannot be called a “B” team since they were a very good white-ball side.

“It’s unfortunate that we are short of a few key players, but it’s not an issue of selection,” he said.  “In fact, it gives young players an opportunity to prove themselves”

While talking about his Pakistani roots, Moeen said it was a proud moment for him, his family, friends and people of his community and they all were happy that he was captaining the England team in this historic tour of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the 35-year-old, asserted that he was aware of the conditions in Pakistan because of his experience of playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

‘I know that Karachi’s weather is always humid. We’ll see the wickets first then make our plans” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that England will take on Pakistan in seven T20Is from September 20 to October 2. National Stadium, Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: England’s Topley ruled out of first T20I due to ankle niggle: Source

KARACHI: England batter Dawid Malan lauded Pakistan Super League (PSL) for playing an instrumental role in his T20I career and earning him recognition all around the world.

Malan, who represented Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in the PSL called himself to be ‘fortunate enough’ for getting an opportunity to play in the league with the best cricketers in the world.

“It was great to play in the PSL as it provided me with an opportunity to explore what I can do moving forward in my career. Obviously, it was a stepping stone in my T20I career,” said Malan as he spoke to the media ahead of England’s first T20I series on Pakistani soil.

He added that it was great to see international cricket coming back to Pakistan and praised the country for its tremendous hospitality.

“Pakistan has always welcomed us with open arms. It is fantastic to be back here and can’t wait to see the crowd in the stadium,” said the English batter

Talking about his role in the revival of cricket in Pakistan as he was among the first few foreign players who came to play the PSL final in 2017 in Lahore, Malan said that he and other players had not thought at that time that they were playing such a great part.

Furthermore, Malan believed that the Green shirts were a strong opponent which had all the resources at its disposal.

“Pakistan is a great team. It has always been challenging to play against them,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the England Cricket team have arrived in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years to play seven-match T20I series against the home side commencing on September 20. The first four matches will be held at National Stadium Karachi while the remaining three matches will be hosted by Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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LAHORE: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) recognized the recently-held elections of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and also issued the Affiliation Letter for the four-year constitutional period.

Following the issuance of the Affiliation Letter by the POA, Brigadier (Rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar as President, Syed Haider Hussain as Secretary General, and Shahid Parvez Bhandara as Treasurer will be part of the unit affiliated with the POA.

According to the details, PHF Secretary General Haider met with POA Secretary General Khalid Mahmood in his office, where the two discussed the international hockey events in great detail.

The POA Secretary-General acknowledged Haider’s services to hockey in Karachi and wished him luck in his future endeavours for the national sport, while also promising the PHF’s continued support.

“You have rendered your services for hockey at the grassroots in the best manner. From formation of departmental teams in Karachi to re-formation of women’s hockey team.
The participation of 1100 children in the country’s first summer camp has brightened the future of Karachi Hockey,” POA Secretary General Khalid stated.

“I hope you will continue to play the same role in the development and promotion of the national sport. Pakistan Olympic Association will continue its full cooperation with PHF in this regard,” he maintained.

PHF Secretary General Haider thanked POA Secretary General and acknowledged that the POA has always supported PHF for the promotion of the national sport of hockey.

It is pertinent to mention here that Khokhar was elected unopposed for a four-year term in the PHF elections held in August this year, along with Haider Hussain as secretary and Shahid Pervaiz Bhandara as finance secretary.

READ: Tickets for Pakistan-England fourth T20I sold out

KARACHI: The fourth fixture of the seven-match T20I series between Pakistan and England drew massive attention from cricket fans as all the tickets for the Sunday clash have been sold out.

According to the details, the fourth match of the Pakistan-England T20I series, scheduled for September 25 at the National Stadium, is guaranteed to be a sellout as cricket fans will flock in droves to see England in action in the country after an almost 17-year absence.

All enclosure tickets are sold out due to the holiday, while the tickets ranging from 250 to 1500 PKR have become rare.

The VIP tickets for all four T20Is, scheduled here, have been sold out, while only a few enclosure tickets are available for sale for the first match on Tuesday, September 20.

Furthermore, Quaid-e-Azam, Imran Khan, and Majid Khan enclosures’ tickets worth PKR  750 have also been sold out for all four T20Is.

It is apropos to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a seven-match T20I series, scheduled from September 20 to October 2.

National Stadium Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining three fixtures will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

READ: NHPC bowling coach Umar to supervise Shaheen’s rehab in UK