Tag: Abbas Afridi

KARACHI: Karachi Kings pacer Abbas Afridi has shed light on the influence of his uncle and former Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul, crediting his mentorship as a key factor in shaping his bowling and overall career.

Speaking on the sidelines of a training session ahead of the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11 clash against Peshawar Zalmi, Abbas emphasised that consistent hard work remains central to his progress as he looks to make a strong impact in the tournament.

“I have been playing cricket for a long time, including at the U-19 level, and performed well there to reach this stage. Even now, I am working hard every day. I am grateful to Allah for where I am today,” Abbas said.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

The young pacer highlighted the dual nature of having an experienced cricketer in the family, noting that while it brings valuable guidance, it also comes with accountability.

“Having a Test cricketer in the family definitely helps; you learn a lot, but you also get scolded,” he shared.

“In the last match, when I didn’t bowl well, he pointed it out and guided me on how to bowl in different situations. I often receive calls from him where he advises me and helps me improve.”

Gul, widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s finest T20 bowlers, enjoyed a distinguished career, including becoming the first bowler to take a five-wicket haul in T20 internationals during the 2009 World T20.

Abbas Afridi also spoke about the benefits of sharing the dressing room with international stars at Karachi Kings, particularly under the leadership of David Warner.

“It’s a great experience playing under Warner and alongside players like Moeen Ali and Adam Zampa. You learn a lot from them; they guide you and share their experience,” he added.

The pacer also acknowledged the role of team director Haider Azhar in building a positive environment within the squad, something Abbas believes is crucial for success in a high-pressure tournament.

“A lot of credit goes to Haider bhai for creating such a good team environment. It really depends on how the atmosphere is within the team, and ours is very positive. InshaAllah, we will try our best to win the trophy this season,” he said.

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While primarily known for his bowling, Abbas revealed he is also working on his batting to contribute in crunch moments.

“I am often told [by my uncle] to focus more on my bowling, but I also work on my batting because there are situations where quick runs are needed in the final overs. I try to be ready for any situation.”

Looking ahead, the right-arm pacer sees the PSL as a crucial pathway back to international cricket.

“PSL is a great platform for players to reach international cricket. My goal is to make a comeback to the Pakistan team through strong performances in this tournament,” he concluded.

READ: ICC reveals Men’s Player of the Month nominees for March 2026

LAHORE: Karachi Kings fast bowler Abbas Afridi has set his sights on delivering another impactful season as he aims to play a key role in the franchise’s title push in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 11.

Speaking ahead of the team’s opening match against Quetta Gladiators, Abbas expressed his desire to replicate last year’s performances and contribute significantly to the team’s success.

“My goal for PSL 11 is simple: to perform the way I did last season and deliver consistent performances for my team,” Abbas said.

The right-arm pacer was instrumental in Karachi Kings’ campaign in PSL 10, where the side reached the playoffs under the captaincy of David Warner.

Catch all the PSL 11 updates here!

In his debut season for the franchise, Abbas picked up 17 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 23.52, emerging as one of the team’s key bowlers.

Reflecting on the team environment, Abbas Afridi highlighted the positive morale within the squad and the collective ambition to lift the trophy.

“The team’s morale is high. We will try to give our best performances and aim to win the PSL title this season,” he added.

Abbas emphasized that his primary focus remains on his bowling, with the objective of contributing to the team’s victories through strong individual performances.

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“My focus is on my bowling, to perform as well as I can and play my part in the team’s success,” he said.

The 24-year-old also backed Karachi Kings to make the most of their home conditions, pointing out the familiarity and advantage it brings.

“Karachi is our home ground, and the conditions suit us. InshaAllah, we will try to deliver strong performances there,” he noted.

Abbas further underlined his personal ambition for the season, making his intentions clear ahead of PSL 11.

“My personal goal is to help Karachi Kings win the title with my bowling,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 11: Peshawar Zalmi appoint Azhar Ali as fielding coach

ABU DHABI: Quetta Qavalary fast bowler Abbas Afridi starred with a three-wicket haul against Ajman Titans, powering his side to their second victory in the ABU Dhabi T10 League here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Opting to field first, Ajman Titans managed to post 107/7 in their allotted 10 overs.

Skipper Moeen Ali starred with the bat after Titans were left in dire straits at 41-5 in 5.1 overs. The southpaw played a vital knock of 59 runs from just 21 balls, laced with six maximums and four boundaries.

His knock helped his side post a competitive total at the end of their innings.

For Quetta Qavalry, Abbas Afridi scalped three wickets in his two overs.

In reply, Quetta Qavalry chased down the target in 7.2 overs with seven wickets in hand.

Openers Evin Lewis and Andries Gous were sent back on successive deliveries while Muhammad Waseem perished after scoring 26 from just nine balls with the help of a six and three fours.

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However, it was the skipper, Liam Livingstone, and Khawaja Nafay’s partnership that took them over the finishing line. The former hit three sixes in his 14-ball 27, whereas the latter smashed two sixes and an equal number of fours on his way to 25 from nine.

For Ajman Titans, Jason Behrendorff, Wasim Akram, and Akif Javed picked up one wicket each.

Meanwhile, Dwaine Pretorius’ all-around brilliance powered Vista Riders to a narrow nine-run victory against Royal Champs in the fourth fixture of the tournament.

Put into bat first, Rider racked up 109-7 in their 10 overs, courtesy of Pretorius 31 from 12 balls, studded with five fours and a six.

In reply, Royal Champs fell short and could only score 100-7 in their allotted overs. Jason Roy top-scored with 30 from 17, striking two fours and two sixes.

Earlier, in the third fixture, Shahnawaz Dahani’s heroics with the ball in the final over propelled Northern Warriors to victory against Aspin Stallions.

Shahnawaz Dahani bowled an outstanding over as Stallions were 107/4 and required only eight in pursuit of 115. However, the right-arm pacer delivered the ball and picked up two wickets, and gave away only three runs to seal victory for his side.

READ: Abu Dhabi T10: Harbhajan Singh, Shahnawaz Dahani exchange handshakes

Pakistan captain Abbas Afridi announced his arrival in style at the Hong Kong Sixes, smashing his way into the record books with a blistering knock against Kuwait at the Mission Road Ground on Friday.

The young all-rounder struck eight towering sixes in a breathtaking innings of 55 off just 12 deliveries, the second-most sixes ever hit in a single Hong Kong Sixes innings.

With that feat, Afridi joined an elite list that includes England’s Ravi Bopara, Bangladesh’s Jishan Alam, and Nepal’s Rashid Khan, all of whom have previously cleared the ropes eight times in one innings.

The record, however, still belongs to England’s Edward George Barnard, who hammered nine sixes against Oman in last year’s edition of the tournament.

Afridi’s explosive display proved decisive as Pakistan overhauled Kuwait’s 124-run target in a thrilling finish to begin their campaign on a winning note.

Chasing a daunting target in six overs, Pakistan turned the contest into a power-hitting exhibition, thanks to Abbas Afridi.

Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Shahzad gave Pakistan the early momentum, racing to 34-0 after two overs.

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Shahzad’s cameo of 14 off eight balls ended after he retired hurt, but the platform had been set for fireworks.

Abdul Samad’s early dismissal for a duck brought Afridi to the crease, and what followed was sheer carnage.

Abbas Afridi wasted no time announcing his intent, clearing the ropes with ease as Pakistan stormed to 95-1 by the end of the fifth over.

With 67 required off the last two overs, Afridi’s monstrous hitting, including consecutive sixes off Yasin Patel, turned the equation on its head.

He reached his fifty in just 11 balls before retiring hurt, leaving the finishing touches to Shahid Aziz, who smashed three consecutive sixes and a boundary in a rapid 23* off just five deliveries.

Nafay remained unbeaten on 25 off 11 as Pakistan crossed the finish line off the final delivery.

READ: Irfan Khan to lead Pakistan Shaheens in Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025

Pakistan got off to a flying start in the Hong Kong Sixes as captain Abbas Afridi led from the front with a blistering half-century to seal a thrilling win over Kuwait at the Mission Road Ground on Friday.

Chasing a daunting 124 in six overs, Pakistan turned the contest into a power-hitting exhibition, thanks to Afridi’s brutal 55 off just 12 balls, a knock laced with one four and eight towering sixes.

Khawaja Nafay and Mohammad Shahzad gave Pakistan the early momentum, racing to 34-0 after two overs.

Shahzad’s cameo of 14 off eight balls ended after he retired hurt, but the platform had been set for fireworks.

Abdul Samad’s early dismissal for a duck brought Afridi to the crease, and what followed was sheer carnage.

Abbas Afridi wasted no time announcing his intent, clearing the ropes with ease as Pakistan stormed to 95-1 by the end of the fifth over.

With 67 required off the last two overs, Afridi’s monstrous hitting, including consecutive sixes off Yasin Patel, turned the equation on its head.

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He reached his fifty in just 11 balls before retiring hurt, leaving the finishing touches to Shahid Aziz, who smashed three consecutive sixes and a boundary in a rapid 23* off just five deliveries.

Nafay remained unbeaten on 25 off 11 as Pakistan crossed the finish line off the final delivery.

Earlier, Kuwait had posted an imposing total of 123-2 in their six overs, powered by Meet Bhavsar’s explosive 41* off 14 balls and Usman Patel’s 31* off nine.

Despite Abbas Afridi’s early strike to remove Adnan Idrees, Kuwait’s middle order flourished, punishing anything loose.

Bilal Tahir’s six-ball 24 added to the damage as Kuwait found boundaries at will, particularly in the overs from Shahzad and Samad, which went for 31 and 22 runs respectively.

Maaz Sadaqat’s tidy spell of 1-13 was the lone bright spot in an otherwise expensive bowling effort.

READ: Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan Jr suspended for ball tampering in Australia

Pakistan, led by young pacer Abbas Afridi, has touched down in Hong Kong for the upcoming Hong Kong Sixes 2025, set to take place from November 7 to 9.

The prestigious six-a-side tournament will feature 12 teams, divided into four groups of three, with Pakistan placed in Pool C alongside India and Kuwait.

The Men in Green will open their campaign on the opening day against Kuwait before locking horns with arch-rivals India in one of the most anticipated fixtures of the competition.

Pakistan will then face South Africa in the second quarter-final on November 8.

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The upcoming edition marks the 21st staging of the Hong Kong Sixes since its inception in 1992.

Known for its high-energy format and crowd-pleasing entertainment, the tournament remains one of the most exciting events on the global cricket calendar.

Defending champions Sri Lanka will look to retain their crown, while Pakistan, five-time winners and one of the most successful sides in tournament history, will aim to extend their dominance and capture a record sixth title.

Pakistan Squad for Hong Kong Sixes 2025: Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, and Shahid Aziz.

Non-travelling reserves: Danish Aziz, Mohammad Faiq.

READ: Australia announce squad for first Ashes Test squad

Pakistan all-rounder Abbas Afridi has been appointed captain of the national squad for the upcoming Hong Kong Cricket Sixes 2025, scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9.

Pakistan will depart for Hong Kong on November 5 to take part in the 21st edition of the fast-paced tournament, which will feature 12 teams divided into four pools.

The Men in Green are placed in Pool C alongside India and Kuwait, with both group-stage matches set to be played on Friday, November 7.

The tournament promises high-octane entertainment as teams compete in six-a-side contests over three action-packed days.

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Defending champions Sri Lanka will look to retain their crown, while Pakistan, the most successful team in the competition’s history with five titles, will aim to add another trophy to their storied record.

Pakistan’s squad features a blend of young talent and experience, with Abbas Afridi (captain) joined by Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, and Shahid Aziz. Danish Aziz and Mohammad Faiq have been named as non-travelling reserves.

Known for its fast-paced, fan-friendly format, the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes has long been regarded as one of the most entertaining events in world cricket.

This year’s edition is expected to draw large crowds and international attention as the format returns after recent global disruptions.

Pakistan squad for Hong Kong Sixes

Abbas Afridi (captain), Abdul Samad, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Shahzad, Saad Masood, and Shahid Aziz.

Non-travelling reserves: Danish Aziz and Mohammad Faiq.

READ: Major shake-up expected in Pakistan women’s coaching staff

BASSETERRE: Pakistani pacer Naseem Shah and all-rounder Abbas Afridi impressed with the ball, but their efforts went unrewarded as the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots faltered in their Caribbean Premier League (CPL) 2025 clash against the Guyana Amazon Warriors on Friday.

After opting to bowl first, Warriors’ skipper Imran Tahir restricted the Patriots to 153/8 in 20 overs.

Opener Andre Fletcher led the charge with a brisk 60 off 41 balls, featuring five sixes and a four, while Jyd Goolie chipped in with 24 off 15.

However, the rest of the batting lineup struggled, with only Rilee Rossouw (12) and Abbas Afridi (10) managing double figures.

Dwaine Pretorius spearheaded the bowling with 3/43, while Tahir claimed 2/29 in his four-over spell, which also included a maiden.

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Shamar Joseph, Romario Shepherd, and Gudakesh Motie took a wicket apiece.

In reply, the Warriors made light work of the chase, overhauling the target in 17.2 overs with five wickets to spare.

Opener Ben McDermott blazed 75 off 39 balls, hammering 10 fours and four sixes, before Shai Hope (56 off 39) sealed the win with authority.

For the St Kitts and Nevis Patriots, Abbas Afridi returned figures of 2/24 from his two overs, while Naseem Shah impressed with 1/19 in three.

Fazalhaq Farooqi and Waqar Salamkheil picked up a wicket each, but the combined effort could not prevent defeat in their second clash in the CPL 2025.

READ: Shahid Afridi among nine sporting figures named for civil awards recognition

DUBAI: Pakistan T20I players endured a major rankings dip in the latest ICC update released on Wednesday, with only Fakhar Zaman and Abbas Afridi making minor gains amid an otherwise forgettable run in Bangladesh.

The rankings slump comes on the back of Pakistan’s dismal showing in the ongoing three-match T20I series in Mirpur, where the visitors have already lost the first two games of the series.

Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris, who managed just four runs across both matches, fell 20 spots to 50th with 514 rating points.

Struggling opener Saim Ayub also slipped three places to 64th after scoring just seven runs in two outings.

Middle-order batter Hassan Nawaz, who registered back-to-back ducks, tumbled 22 positions to 68th in the batting charts.

Moreover, skipper Salman Ali Agha’s lean patch continued, with just 12 runs from 32 balls costing him an 18-place drop to 93rd.

Meanwhile, senior batters Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both missing the series, dropped one spot each, now placed 13th and 14th respectively.

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However, Fakhar Zaman provided a rare bright spot for Pakistan in the ICC T20I batting rankings, climbing eight places to 79th after a composed 44-run knock in the opening game.

In the bowling department, pacer Abbas Afridi, who took three wickets in two matches, slipped two spots to 22nd place with 608 points.

However, he also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 22 and 19 runs, which allowed him to rise 26 places to 45th in the T20I all-rounders’ rankings.

Haris Rauf, sidelined due to injury, dropped four places to 24th, while Shaheen Afridi, also absent from the squad, fell two places to 36th.

Mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed made the biggest leap in the bowling rankings, moving up 12 places to 49th after a steady performance.

Globally, Australia’s Travis Head retained the top spot in T20I batting rankings, with India’s Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma at second and third respectively.

In the bowling rankings, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy remains No. 1, followed by England’s Adil Rashid and India’s Varun Chakaravarthy.

READ: Pakistan likely to get Pro League spot after New Zealand pullout

DUBAI: Pakistan pacers Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi have made notable strides in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, released on Wednesday.

Pakistan recently whitewashed Bangladesh 3-0 in the home T20I series, marking a successful start to Mike Hesson’s tenure as their white-ball head coach.

Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was not part of the series, inched up in the T20I Bowling Rankings, now ranked 35th with 552 points.

Meanwhile, T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed are now levelled on 476 points, sharing the 58th spot.

On the other hand, pace duo Haris Rauf and Abbas Afridi have both broken into the top 20, sitting jointly at 18th position with 605 rating points each.

However, Naseem Shah and Sufiyan Muqeem dropped down the order, now placed at 92nd and 95th, respectively, with 407 and 406 points.

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At the top of the T20I bowling charts, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy leads the pack, followed by England’s Adil Rashid in second. India’s Varun Chakaravarthy, who previously held the No.2 spot, now sits third.

In the batting rankings, Pakistan’s experienced top-order duo Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have maintained their positions, ranked 12th and 13th, respectively. Mohammad Haris, too, continues to hold on to the 30th spot.

However, emerging talent Hasan Nawaz has dropped to 46th, while left-hander Saim Ayub now finds himself at 62nd.

Meanwhile, Fakhar Zaman has moved down one place to 87th and Pakistan’s T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has dropped two spots to 76th with 430 rating points

Australia’s Travis Head remains the top-ranked T20I batter, with India’s Abhishek Sharma climbing to second.

England’s Phil Salt, who previously held the runner-up spot, has dropped to fourth as Indian youngster Tilak Varma jumps to third.

READ: West Indies announce Test squad for Australia series