Author: ali.hassan

KARACHI: Experienced all-rounder – Umaid Asif, who is representing Karachi Kings in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL), is confident of the comeback from his team.

In an exclusive interview with ARY Sports, Umaid claimed that the Kings possess the ability to make a comeback in the ongoing PSL, also termed the Kings’ batting failure as one of the reasons for their scary start.

“We are working hard to make a comeback in PSL, I think Karachi Kings have the ability to make a comeback,” he said.

“In the first three matches, the bowlers fought till the last ball, but, unfortunately, some batters could not perform well,” he added.

Umaid also added that the Kings still have seven matches left and the former champions will strive to play good cricket in the upcoming matches.

Talking about the Kings’ upcoming clash against Peshawar Zalmi tomorrow, Umaid said he understands the plans of the Zalmi since he has played for the 2017 champions.

“I have played for Peshawar Zalmi, also understand the plans of the opposing team,” he said.

Talking about his cricketing journey, the six feet five inches tall all-rounder disclosed that he was a batter first but started to focus more on his bowling because of his height.

“I played from school to national level, I was a batter in my early cricketing days but began to focus more on bowling because of my height,” he said.

Umaid also revealed that he changed his action by listening to the cricket commentary and also thinks that his bowling action is similar to that of Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Nazir.

The 37-years-old also divulged that he had asthma in his childhood, but, became a good athlete because of sports and got rid of the disease.

It is worth mentioning here that the Kings will take on Zalmi in their upcoming PSL 7 clash tomorrow at National Stadium Karachi. The 2020 champions are yet to taste a victory in the ongoing season of the mega event, whereas, the Zalmi have won one out of their three matches so far.

READ: India thump Australia to qualify for the ICC U19 World Cup final

KARACHI: Pakistan’s young pacer – Naseem Shah, who is representing Quetta Gladiators in the ongoing seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), recalled his struggling journey, revealed he used to bowl without shoes.

Naseem, in an exclusive interview with ARY Sports, revealed that the 18-years-old used to bowl without shoes and also sustained injuries in the early days of his cricketing career.

“I used to bowl without shoes, and sometimes started bleeding from the injuries caused by the rocks,” he said.

Coming from a mountainous region – Dir, Naseem claimed there is a lot of talent in the city, while the city also lacks cricket facilities. The young pacer, however, hopes to make a cricket academy in his hometown.

“There is a lot of talent in Dir but at the same time the city lacks the facilities for cricket,” he said.

“The intention is to set up an academy soon. There are many fast bowlers like me who awaits the opportunity,” he added.

Recalling his early days, Naseem disclosed that he kept his family members unaware of him playing cricket.

“I used to go and play cricket without letting my family know. My father used to hate cricket,” he said.

He however disclosed that his father has now begun to understand the sport since his entry to the national side.

“With me making my debut to Pakistan team, my father has now understood the game of cricket,” he said.

Naseem went on to say that he would have been playing the tape call cricket until now if he was not advised to move to Lahore, while the pacer also aims to have a long and clean career for the country.

It is worth mentioning here that Naseem is the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick. He achieved the remarkable feat in 2019 in the home series against Bangladesh. He has also taken 20 wickets in nine Test matches.

READ: ‘Not far off the IPL’ Michael Vaughan lauds PSL

KARACHI: Afghanistan’s star all-rounder – Mohammad Nabi, who is representing Karachi Kings in the ongoing seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), said his desire to play under the leadership of Babar Azam has been fulfilled in Kings.

Nabi, while speaking exclusively to ARY News, disclosed that the Afghan all-rounder had a desire to play under Babar, which, however, has been fulfilled in the ongoing PSL 7.

“My desire to play under the leadership of Babar Azam has been fulfilled in Karachi Kings. I now wish to play under Virat Kohli,” he said.

Talking about the Kings’ performance in the ongoing mega event, Nabi stated that the former champions need an experienced fast bowler to strengthen the bowling unit.

“Karachi Kings are lacking the services of an experienced fast bowler. Our bowling unit is a little weak,” he said.

“The playing-XI will be strengthened with Mohammad Amir’s return. We are also waiting for Chris Jordan,” he added.

Nabi also said that the team will work to get rid of the issues in a few days gap.

Talking about the fans’ favourite Kings-Qalandars clash, Nabi claimed that the Kings felt the absence of left-arm pacer – Mohammad Amir.

“Karachi Kings missed the presence of Amir against Lahore Qalandars,” he said.

“At an instance, it seemed like we are going to win but the results turned out to be different,” he added.

Nabi also claimed that the competition gets tougher for him if he and Rashid Khan are in the opposing team, while also shared that he always tries that Rashid could not get him out.

The 37-years-old went on to say that he is always in contact with the Pakistani cricketers while sharing that Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali supported him to groom the young Afghan cricketers.

The Kings’ all-rounder also lauded the PSL, said he always enjoys playing in the marquee event.

READ: Shahid Afridi recovers from COVID-19, set to enter the bubble

KARACHI: Former English footballers, Michael Owen is likely to attend Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7’s opening ceremony, scheduled on January 27 here at National Stadium.

According to the details, Owen is currently in the metropolis under the banner of Global Soccer Venture (GSV) which held ground breaking ceremony of Pakistan’s first-ever Soccer City Stadium.

Sources told this correspondent that Owen is expected to witness PSL 7’s opening ceremony tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Owen talked to media on the sideline of ground breaking ceremony on Wednesday.

“I am excited to be here and being a part of this soccer city stadium project which will revamp football scenario in the country,” he said.

“The talent here is exceptional and I am really looking forward to meeting some of them soon. I hope to return here and spend time to work for football,” he added.

Owen is scheduled to visit Lyari aka ‘Mini Brazil‘ tomorrow to meet some local footballers.

READ: First-ever soccer city stadium to be built in Pakistan

KARACHI: The preparations at National Stadium for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) are in full swing.

With Pakistan’s biggest sporting festival – PSL is just around the corner, the teams have started preparations for the marquee event. Former champions – Peshawar Zalmi have started their regular training for the upcoming season, while the 2019 champions – Quetta Gladiators had an optional training session on Monday.

The broadcasting crew has also raced their preparations and have begun installation at the stadium. Ground staff, on the other hand, are working on the wickets.

Banners of PSL 7 have also been installed in the stadium. Big posters of cricketers are also being posted across the stadium.

Furthermore, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans will be training at a local cricket academy today, while the training session of Lahore Qalandars is also scheduled for today.

It is worth mentioning here that the PSL 7 will kick off on January 27 with the defending champion Multan Sultans locking horns with the former champion Karachi Kings in the league’s opener at National Stadium.

READ: PCB amends HBL PSL 7 playing conditions

KARACHI: Karachi Kings’ all-rounder Imad Wasim is excited about the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and is confident to continue performing for the most followed franchise of the event. 

In a local event here on Saturday, Wasim said he is waiting for all the players to gather and PSL 7 to start.

“I am excited about the new PSL season. It’s a new challenge for me to play as a player but I am up for it,” he said.

“Babar is a good captain and we will plan things strongly once we gather for the event. We have started light training here and I am waiting for foreign players to arrive,” he added.

It must be noted here that Imad led Kings to PSL 2020 title at Karachi’s National Stadium. They beat their arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars in the final.

READ: Get discount on PSL 7 tickets by Jan 17: PCB

KARACHI: The opening ceremony of the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is likely to be held as per the COVID-19 protocols and safety guidelines.

As per the sources, the opening ceremony of the mega event will be held as per the COVID-19 protocols, while PCB has also decided not to incur extra expenses at the opening ceremony. The administration will issue a statement by January 20.

Whereas, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s entire focus is on fans engagement and surprising the fans, while the atmosphere around Karachi’s National Stadium will be festive.

Children’s playgrounds and other facilities will be available at Fans Park. Sources also claim that the upcoming seventh edition of PSL will be the first to include new elements.

READ: PCB finalised COVID-19 protocols for PSL 7: Sources

KARACHI: A countdown clock for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been installed here outside the National Stadium. 

According to the details, the countdown clock containing posters of star players has been installed outside National Stadium to officially kick off the preparations for the upcoming PSL season.

Posters of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi can be seen with the clock. Also, a huge PSL trophy is alongside the clock.

The PSL 7 will start from January 27 in National Stadium and the final of the event is scheduled for February 27 in Lahore.

READ: Players to get vaccine booster shots: PCB

KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators’ skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed is confident to perform in the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, scheduled to start from January 27 here at National Stadium. 

Speaking to local media here on Monday, Sarfaraz said his job is to perform and he tries to make the most of every opportunity that comes to him.

“My job is to play cricket and not focus on what is happening. I try my best to grab my chance and perform,” he said.

“PSL is important for every player in Pakistan. So yes, it is important for me too and I am hopeful to make it big for me this time around,” he added.

When Sarfaraz was asked about the retirement decision of Hafeez, the former captain wishes him the best of luck. “I have played a lot of cricket with him [Hafeez]. He will be missed but my prayers are with him for his future,” Sarfaraz concluded.

READ: “Will try to make this event memorable for Afridi,” Sarfaraz Ahmed

KARACHI: Two-time World Beach Wrestling Champion, Inam Butt said 2021 was great for wrestling in Pakistan. 

In a video message, Inam said he achieved several accolades this year at international level.

“2021 was good for wrestling Pakistan. Alhumdulillah, I won two World Beach Wrestling Championships and a Bronze in Olympics Qualification event,” he shared.

“Overall this year was good for me and I will continue making efforts to continue this momentum ahead,” he added.

It must be noted here that Inam participated in World Beach Wrestling Champions in Italy and Greece respectively.

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