Category: Featured

Veteran New Zealand batter Kane Williamson has revealed his favourite Pakistani foods while sharing his excitement about representing Karachi Kings in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

The seasoned right-hander, who joined Karachi Kings after being picked in the supplementary category during the PSL 10 draft, spoke about his experiences in Pakistan during a recent appearance on ARY News’ Bakhabar Savera.

Reflecting on his return to the country following the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Williamson said he was looking forward to donning the Karachi Kings jersey.

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“We have got Warner as captain, who I know well and have played a lot with. I am looking forward to joining him again and the other team members that we have on the side,” Kane Williamson shared.

When asked about Pakistani cuisine, the former New Zealand captain fondly mentioned biryani and paratha as his favourites.

“A favourite of mine and one that I have had on a number of occasions would be biryani. The breads over here are outstanding. You have got to be careful if you have too many of them. So, I love a bit of paratha,” he said with a smile.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The warm words of Kane Williamson have further strengthened the bond between fans and the Karachi Kings squad, with supporters excited to see the Kiwi maestro in action during the crucial second half of the tournament.

Karachi Kings will return to the field on May 1, facing Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The Kings will then take on Lahore Qalandars on May 4 and Peshawar Zalmi on May 8, before concluding their group stage campaign against defending champions Islamabad United on May 10.

Under the leadership of David Warner, the Kings currently sit fourth on the points table, with three wins from six matches in PSL 10.

READ: Haris Rauf backs single-ball proposal in ODIs

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Multan Sultans in the 16th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. 

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Muhammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings (wk), Sikandar Raza, Asif Ali, Tom Curran, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Asif Afridi

Multan Sultans: Muhammad Rizwan (c), Shai Hope, Yasir Khan, Usman Khan (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ubaid Shah, Muhammad Hasnain, Akif Javed, Josh Little

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans have played each other 20 times since the inception of the PSL. In these competitive encounters, Multan has won 11 times while Qalandars have secured 9 victories.

RECORD: Matches 20, Lahore Qalandars 9, Multan Sultans 11

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Former India captain calls to end cricketing ties with Pakistan

LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators secured a five-run victory against the Karachi Kings in the 15th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday. 

Karachi Kings fell short of the 143-run target, finishing their innings at 137 for 8 despite a strong start.

The chase began on a shaky note with captain David Warner’s dismissal for just four runs by Mohammad Amir in the first over. However, Tim Seifert and James Vince fought back aggressively, putting pressure back on the Quetta Gladiators.

The duo formed a 50-run partnership for the second wicket, consistently finding the boundary and taking control.

But it was Quetta skipper Saud Shakeel’s over, that turned the match on his head, ending the partnership by dismissing Vince for 30 runs off 29 deliveries. The breakthrough left  Kings at 77 for 2 in the ninth over.

Seifert continued his aggressive batting but was taken out by Mohammad Wasim Jr. for a rapid 47 runs off 26 balls, which brought Karachi to 93 for 3 in the 12th over.

Karachi’s middle order crumbled under the mounting pressure. Shan Masood struggled, getting out for a disappointing 9 runs off 17 balls to Khurram Shahzad. Things worsened when Abrar Ahmed dismissed Khushdil Shah without scoring, followed by Amir, who took out Mohammad Nabi for only four runs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Shahzad struck again, sending Abbas Afridi back for no runs, and Wasim Jr. further diminished Karachi’s prospects by dismissing Omair Bin Yousuf for 11 runs.

Despite a resilient performance from Hasan Ali, who scored 24 not out off 13 balls, the Kings fell short of their target, losing by five runs.

For Quetta Gladiators, it was an all-round bowling effort with Mohammad Amir, Abrar Ahmed, and Khurram Shahzad taking two wickets each.

Earlier, Hasan Ali’s three-wicket haul helped Karachi Kings bundle out Quetta Gladiators for a modest total.

Put into bat, Quetta Gladiators were bundled out for 142 in 19.3 overs, courtesy of a dominant bowling display from Karachi Kings’ four-pronged pace attack.

The Gladiators had a poor start as they lost their top four inside the powerplay. Hasan Ali started the proceedings with an opening burst that removed Saud Shakeel (6) and Finn Allen (0) in the second over.

The wickets brought experienced Rilee Rossouw to the crease. However, his stay was cut short as Hasan castled him, after scoring 10 off 9 balls with the help of two boundaries.

Playing his first match in the PSL, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman could not rise to the occasion, as Mohammad Nabi dismissed him after scoring just 4 runs.

However, on the other end, Kusal Mendis held firm and struck elegant boundaries, taking Gladiators to 69 in 8 overs. He was eventually removed after a brisk 36 off 22 balls with the help of five fours.

Nonetheless, it was Hasan Nawaz’s and Faheem Ashraf’s determined 59-run partnership that took Quetta out of trouble. Both batters batted briskly, taking the team’s score over the 100-run mark in the 15th over.

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In the 15th over bowled by Hasan Ali, Quetta scored 19 runs, boosting their hopes for a strong total. Faheem hit two sixes and four fours, breaking the pressure.

The promising partnership ended in the 16th over with Hasan Nawaz’s removal, after scoring 35 off 34 balls. Quetta Gladiators failed to capitalize on this stand and reach a strong total as Karachi Kings struck in quick succession.

Quetta Gladiators were eventually bundled out for a meagre total on the third ball of the penultimate over, thanks to a run-out. Faheem Ashraf remained the top-scorer with a gutsy 43 off 27 deliveries,

For Karachi Kings, Hasan Ali was the stand-out bowler, taking three wickets for 33 in his 3.3 overs. Abbas Afridi and Mir Hamza provided strong support, each taking two wickets.

PLAYING XIs

Karachi Kings: David Warner (C), Tim Siefert, James Vince, Shan Masood, Omair Bin Yousuf, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Nabi, Abbas Afridi, Hasan Ali, Mir Hamza, Fawad Ali.

Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (C), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Kusal Mendis, Mark Chapman, Hassan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Amir, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: PSL 10: Mohammad Rizwan opens up on Munro-Iftikhar on-fie0ld altercation

Pakistan women’s cricket stalwart and former captain Nida Dar has decided to take a temporary break from the game, citing mental health concerns.

The seasoned all-rounder made the announcement through her social media platforms, sharing that both personal and professional challenges have taken a toll on her mental well-being.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to take a temporary break from cricket to prioritize my mental health and well-being,” Nida wrote.

“Recent personal and professional challenges have taken a toll on my mental health, and I need to take some time to focus on myself.”

 

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She also requested privacy during this phase, adding that she will return to the field once she feels ready.

“I appreciate your understanding and respect for my privacy during this time. I am grateful for the support of my loved ones and look forward to returning to the cricket field when I am ready,” she added.

Nida Dar had recently reported to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier training camp in Faisalabad and underwent a fitness test, but was not selected for the squad due to fitness concerns.

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She also opted out of the upcoming National Women’s T20 Cup, choosing instead to step away from the game temporarily.

It’s important to note that Nida Dar is the most capped T20I player for the country and the first Pakistani, male or female, to claim 100 T20I wickets.

She is also among the first four players to feature in 100 women’s ODIs for Pakistan and ranks second in ODI wickets, behind only Sana Mir.

READ: New Zealand Cricket joins hands with MLC in historic US franchise deal

LAHORE: Alzarri Joseph’s fiery bowling spell, followed by a determined half-century from Babar Azam, led Peshawar Zalmi to an emphatic win over Lahore Qalandars in the 14th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday.

Chasing a modest 130, Peshawar Zalmi comfortably reached the target, losing three wickets in the process with 20 balls to spare.

Peshawar Zalmi faced early setbacks while chasing, losing Saim Ayub on the third ball of the first over. Soon after, Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell to an outstanding delivery from Haris Rauf in the next over, leaving Zalmi in a precarious position at seven for two.

On a pitch that assisted fast bowlers, Lahore Qalandars’ pacers bowled waywardly in the opening overs, allowing Zalmi to capitalize. Mohammad Haris led the charge after an early hiccup as they posted 40 at the end of the fourth over.

Shaheen Afridi dismissed Haris on the last ball of the fourth over, after scoring a spirited 20 off 16 balls, including two sixes in that same over.

At 40-3 in 5 overs, the game looked evenly poised; however, it was Babar Azam and Hussain Talat who took the game away from the Qalandars with a solid 93-run partnership

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The duo batted with composure, taking their total past the 100-run mark in the 14th over. Both Babar and Hussain remained unbeaten, ensuring their team’s victory.

Babar scored 56* off 42 balls, hitting seven fours and one six, while Hussain contributed 51 runs off 37 balls, including five fours and a six.

For Lahore Qalandars, Shaheen Afridi was the pick of bowlers with two for 22 in his four overs, while Haris Rauf bagged one wicket, giving away 39 runs in his 3.4 overs.

Earlier, Alzarri Joseph’s three-wicket haul helped Peshawar Zalmi bundle out Lahore Qalandars for a modest total.

Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that proved beneficial.

Lahore Qalandars were in early trouble as Zalmi bowlers wreaked havoc with the ball in the opening overs. The new opening pair of Asif Ali and Fakhar Zaman were removed inside the first two overs.

Fakhar Zaman was the first to go after scoring 10 off 8 balls, with the help of two fours. He was castled by Alzarri Joseph. Soon after, Asif Ali was trapped in front of Luke Wood’s bowling after scoring 4 off 6 balls.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Peshawar Zalmi fast bowlers were on a roll on a spicy pitch for fast bowlers, removing Lahore Qalandars’ two more batters, Abdullah Shafique and Daryl Mitchell, in successive overs.

Abdullah failed to open his account, while Mitchell could only manage to score 2 off three deliveries. Both were removed by Joseph and Ali Raza.

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Qalandars were reeling at 67-7 in 10.5 overs. However, it was Sikandar Raza’s determined innings that took them to a fighting total.

Sikandar forged a vital partnership with Haris Rauf to lift the home team out of trouble, taking the score above the 100-run mark in the 15th over. Rauf was dismissed after scoring 10 off 14 balls with the help of one four.

Sikandar Raza continued to score runs and was eventually dismissed on the first ball of the penultimate over. His brisk 52 runs off 37 deliveries included three sixes and five fours.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Alzarri Joseph starred with the ball with a three-wicket haul. Luke Wood and Hussain Talat supported him well with two wickets each.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings(w), Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi(c), Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Asif Afridi.

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom-Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Arif Yaqoob, and Ali Raza.

READ: Moin Khan backs more teams in PSL to boost cricket development

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi have won the toss and opted to bowl first against Lahore Qalandars in the 14th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. 

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Daryl Mitchell, Sam Billings(w), Sikandar Raza, Shaheen Afridi(c), Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan, and Asif Afridi.

Peshawar Zalmi: Babar Azam (c), Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris (wk), Tom-Kohler Cadmore, Hussain Talat, Mitch Owen, Abdul Samad, Luke Wood, Alzari Joseph, Arif Yaqoob, and Ali Raza.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi have played each other 20 times since the inception of the PSL. In these encounters, Zalmi has won 11 times while Qalandars have secured 8 victories.

RECORD: Matches 20, Lahore Qalandars 8, Peshawar Zalmi 11

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Rashid Khan opens up about Afghanistan’s timeline for winning ICC trophy

Legendary West Indies cricketer and Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards has weighed in on the ongoing debate around Babar Azam being called “King,” backing the former Pakistan captain despite his recent dip in form.

While Babar Azam was once seen as the gold standard for emerging Pakistani batters, his current run has left fans and critics questioning the crown.

Since his 151 against Nepal in August 2023, Babar has failed to score a century across formats in international cricket.

The struggles have extended into the ongoing PSL 10, where he’s managed just 49 runs from four matches.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

But Sir Vivian Richards, in an exclusive chat with a local sports platform, came out in full support of the 30-year-old batter.

“No matter how good a batter you are, everyone goes through a rough patch,” Richards said. “Babar is a very good player. I am sure he will get back to form very soon.”

When asked about the title “King Richards” from his own playing days, and the parallels drawn today with Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the West Indian great gave a thoughtful response.

“A king is one who rules over all,” he said. “When you watch players like Kohli and Babar, they appear to do justice to the game of cricket.”

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Richards expressed hope that both stars — and the next generation — continue playing with the same grace and class.

“I hope both of them, and other young players, continue to play in this way,” he added.

Touching on Pakistan cricket’s broader challenges, Richards acknowledged the slump but sounded optimistic about the future.

“Bad times come to everyone. I am confident that Pakistan will once again become a good team,” he said. “I have always felt that Pakistan has been gifted with great cricketers and immense talent. All we can hope is that with time, this talent continues to shine.”

READ: Viv Richards comments on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership

MULTAN: Andries Gous’ explosive batting and a strong bowling display led Islamabad United to a convincing seven-wicket victory over Multan Sultans in the 13th match of Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a below-par score of 169, Islamabad United comfortably knocked the winning runs on the loss of three wickets with 17 balls to spare.

Islamabad United were off to a flying start in pursuit of the target, posting 29 in 2.4 overs, before Sahibzada Farhan’s wicket.

Farhan led the United charge with an enterprising 22 of 13 balls, laced with three fours and a six. He scored 16 runs in Bracewell’s second over, setting an early tone for the chase.

After the wicket, Multan Sultans sensed an opportunity to restrict the Islamabad United batters; however, incoming batter Colin Munro, alongside Andries Gous, built an 81-run partnership, elevating United to 110 runs in 10.4 overs.

Munro was eventually removed for a brilliant 45 off 28 deliveries, smashing five fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, Gous remained firm, reaching his maiden PSL half-century.

Gous formed another 55-run partnership with Mohammad Nawaz, eclipsing United’s dominance in the tournament. Nawaz was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the 16th over after scoring a 19-ball 21 just when United needed four runs for the victory.

Nonetheless, Gous remained unbeaten and took his team over the line. The opener struck six fours and five towering sixes in his blazing knock.

For Multan Sultans, Ubaid Shah, Chris Jordan, and Michael Bracewell took one wicket each.

Earlier, Usman Khan’s determined half-century helped the Multan Sultans reach a fighting total against Islamabad United.

After opting to bat, Multan Sultans scored 168 for the loss of five wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Multan Sultans’ openers Mohammad Rizwan and Yasir Khan provided a solid start with a 51-run partnership, before Yasir’s removal after an enterprising knock of 29 off 17 balls. His innings featured two fours and two sixes.

After the wicket, the incoming batter Usman Khan partnered with Mohammad Rizwan, forging a solid 65-run stand, bringing the team’s total to 116 runs in 13.3 overs.

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The partnership kept United bowlers at bay until Shadab Khan broke through, taking Rizwan’s wicket. The right-hander was dismissed after scoring 36 runs off 37 deliveries, with the help of three fours.

The wicket halted Multan Sultan’s momentum, who were once in a strong position to score well over 180. However, Usman Khan held firm at one end while wickets tumbled on the other end.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The middle order batters of Multan Sultans, Michael Bracewell (9) and Iftikhar Ahmed (10), were removed in the 15th and 17th over, after struggling innings. This was largely due to Islamabad United disciplined bowling, which prevented them from freeing their hands in the last phase of the innings.

Usman Khan remained the top scorer with 61 off 40 deliveries, laced with four fours and four sixes.

For Islamabad United, it was an all-round bowling effort with Jason Holder, Shadab Khan, Riley Meredith, and Mohammad Nawaz each taking one wicket.

PLAYING XIs

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Josh Little, Ubaid Shah

Islamabad United: Andries Gous (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Muhammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Salman Irshad

READ: Abrar Ahmed opens up about ending his head-shake celebration

MULTAN: Multan Sultans have won the toss and opted to bat first against the Islamabad United in the 13th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. 

PLAYING XIs

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Josh Little, Ubaid Shah

Islamabad United: Andries Gous (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Shadab Khan (c), Muhammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Salman Irshad

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

HEAD TO HEAD

Islamabad United and Multan Sultans have faced each other 16 times in the PSL. In these competitive encounters, both Multan and Islamabad have won 8 matches each.

RECORD: Matches 16, Multan Sultans 8, Islamabad United 10

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The highly anticipated Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10 will run from Friday, 11 April, to Sunday, 18 May.

This thrilling six-team showdown will feature a total of 34 electrifying matches, captivating cricket fans across the nation.

The iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will be a key venue, hosting 13 matches, including the Eliminators and the grand final, which promises to be a spectacular event.

According to the PSL 10 schedule, the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will heighten the excitement with 11 action-packed matches, including the crucial Qualifier 1 on May 13.

Meanwhile, the historic National Bank Stadium in Karachi and the vibrant Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five dynamic matches.

READ: Here’s why Mohammad Rizwan did not keep wickets against Lahore Qalandars

Islamabad United have named West Indies all-rounder Kyle Mayers as a replacement for South Africa’s Rassie van der Dussen and Australia’s Matthew Short for the remainder of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.

According to the franchise, van der Dussen will not be participating in this season due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Matthew Short has also been ruled out, prompting United to name a foreign replacement.

The West Indies all-rounder is expected to join the Islamabad United squad in Lahore ahead of their sixth match of the tournament.

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Islamabad United’s head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed solidarity with Rassie van der Dussen during this difficult time.

“We stand firmly with Rassie and his family. He’s going through a tough phase, and cricket comes second at such times,” he stated.

He also shed light on the decision to include Kyle Mayers, expressing faith in his all-round abilities.

“We’ve played some great cricket so far, but we’re not taking any chances. Mayers has consistently delivered in the T20 format, and his inclusion will definitely add depth and balance to our squad,” he added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Rehan Ul Haq, the manager of Islamabad United, also echoed a similar sentiment.

“Kyle Mayers is a great fit for Islamabad United. We’re focused on winning PSL 10, and his presence will further boost our chances,” he said.

The defending champions, Islamabad United, are currently unbeaten in the tournament and are eyeing their fourth PSL title under Shadab Khan’s leadership.

Islamabad United’s updated squad for PSL 10

Shadab Khan (c), Naseem Shah, Imad Wasim, Azam Khan, Jason Holder, Ben Dwarhuis, Salman Ali Agha, Haider Ali, Andries Gous, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Rumman Raees, Salman Irshad, Hunain Shah, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Alex Carey, Kyle Mayers.

READ: Pakistan’s dominant run at Women’s World Cup Qualifiers reflects in ICC rankings boost