Tag: Babar Azam

PESHAWAR: Veteran off-spinner Saeed Ajmal weaved his magic to castle ace batter Babar Azam during the flood-relief exhibition match between Peshawar Zalmi and Legends XI at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Babar, not part of Pakistan’s T20I squad, opened the innings alongside Yasir Hameed for Peshawar Zalmi.

The duo batted aggressively, smashing the ball to all round the ground, particularly Babar Azam, who was looking good with his elegant stroke play.

Babar Azam raced to 35 off 20 balls before Saeed Ajmal was introduced into the attack. Peshawar Zalmi were cruising at this stage.

Babar Azam first hit Saeed Ajmal for a beautiful six over long on, but Ajmal, known for his Doosra, made a comeback and castled the right-hander with a beautiful delivery.

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Babar made 43 off 23 balls, laced with elegant boundaries and a couple of sixes.

Despite a solid opening foundation, Peshawar Zalmi were bowled out for 144 in 14.4 overs.

Chasing a 145-run target, Legends XI fell short by six runs, scoring 138- 6 in 15 overs.

Inzamam-ul-Haq remained unbeaten from 46 off 23 balls, whereas Mahmood scored 34* off 14 deliveries.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Muhammad Irfan and Babar Azam scalped two wickets apiece, while Salman and Zulfiqar Babar took one each.

For context, the charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, was held under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

All proceeds from ticket sales were being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Since the monsoon began in late June, Pakistan floods have affected several regions of the country. The death toll from the Pakistan floods has crossed 800 in the past week.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side faced off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

READ: Inzamam’s knock in vain as Zalmi edge Legends XI in flood relief exhibition match

PESHAWAR: Peshawar Zalmi emerged victorious over Legends XI by a narrow margin of six runs in the flood relief exhibition match held here at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a 145-run target, Legends XI fell short by six runs, scoring 138- 6 in 15 overs.

Legend XI started poorly in the chase, losing wickets early in the peace. As a result, they were reduced to 6-3 in just three overs.

Following the early hiccup, Azhar Ali and Humayun Farhat tried to stabilize the Legends XI innings in the chase. The duo added a 29-run stand before getting removed in quick succession.

Thus, Peshawar Zalmi tightened the grip on the match with Legends XI five down at the halfway mark of their innings.

However, legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq rolled back the clocks with his stroke play and played a vital role in his team’s fightback. First, he formed a brisk partnership with Arif — who was later retired due to injury.

Following that, Inzamam-ul-Haq was joined by all-rounder Azhar Mehmood, and together they formed a crucial 50-run partnership which eventually lifted them out of trouble.

The match got intense in the last over, with Legends XI still needing 22 runs. Despite the pair’s valiant knocks, their team fell short by a narrow margin.

Inzamam-ul-Haq remained unbeaten from 46 off 23 balls, whereas Mahmood scored 34* off 14 deliveries.

For Peshawar Zalmi, Muhammad Irfan and Babar Azam scalped two wickets apiece, while Salman and Zulfiqar Babar took one each.

Earlier, Peshawar Zalmi were bowled out for 144 in 14.4 overs despite a solid start from their openers.

Yasir Hameed and Babar Azam starred with the bat, both scoring vital runs for their team.

Babar scored 41 off 23 balls, whereas Hameed made 35 from 18 deliveries.

For Legends XI, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Rehman picked up three wickets each, while Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez managed to scalp two apiece.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, was held under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

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All proceeds from ticket sales were being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Since the monsoon began in late June, Pakistan floods have affected several regions of the country. The death toll from the Pakistan floods has crossed 800 in the past week.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side faced off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

READ: ACC revises match timings for Asia Cup 2025

PESHAWAR: Cricket fans are in for a treat as Babar Azam’s Zalmi XI are taking on Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Legends XI in the much-anticipated Flood Relief Exhibition Match at the Imran Khan Stadium here on Saturday.

Earlier, Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

WATCH: Haris Rauf snaps back at journalist over fielding criticism after Afghanistan win

PESHAWAR: Legends XI have won the toss and elected to field first against Zalmi XI in the Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match here at the Imran Khan Stadium on Saturday.

Squads

Legends XI: Inzamam-ul-Haq (c), Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Mehmood, Humayun Farhat, Saeed Ajmal, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Umaid Asif, Abdur Rehman, Waqar Ahmed, Kamran Ghulam, Nisar Afridi, Aimal Khan, Mohammad Salman.

WATCH: Flood Relief Exhibition Match in Peshawar: Zalmi XI vs Legends XI

Zalmi XI: Babar Azam (c), Maaz Sadaqat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Israrullah, Salman Khan, Azan Afridi, Mohammad Irfan, Zulifqar Babar, Ihsanullah, Amir Barki, Nisar Ali, Imran Jr., Qasim Saeed.

The charity fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, is underway under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

All proceeds from ticket sales are being directed towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Since the monsoon began in late June, devastating floods have affected several regions of Pakistan, with the death toll crossing 800.

In light of this tragedy, Peshawar Zalmi and a Legends XI side are facing off today in a high-profile charity clash, uniting current stars and former greats on the field for a cause that stretches far beyond cricket.

READ: Former captain questions Pakistan’s careless batting against Afghanistan

Star batter Babar Azam will play for Peshawar Zalmi in a Flood Relief Exhibition Cricket Match to support victims of the recent floods in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK).

Since the monsoon began in late June, the flood in Pakistan has affected several regions of the country.

The death toll from the flood in Pakistan has crossed 800, with half of the casualties occurring in August alone.

In response to the crisis, the fixture, organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, will be staged under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

 

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Earlier, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise announced the organization of the match; however, it was not confirmed whether ace batter Babar Azam would participate.

Now, the franchise’s official handle has confirmed the availability of Babar Azam for the match in an animated poster.

“Babar Azam joins for the cause! The countdown begins, Peshawar Zalmi vs Legends XI. For the love of cricket & the spirit of giving,” the post caption read.

The fixture, being organized in collaboration with the Directorate General of Sports Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the provincial government, will be staged under the slogan “Khel Se Khidmat” (Service through Sports).

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Scheduled for Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Peshawar Zalmi exhibition match will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar.

Zalmi will take on a Legends XI side in what promises to be a high-profile charity encounter, bringing together current stars and former greats for a cause that extends well beyond the cricket field.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly towards flood relief and rehabilitation projects in the province.

Following the announcement, Peshawar Zalmi expressed its views on the match.

“Cricket has always been a unifying force in Pakistan. With this exhibition match, we aim to channel the passion of the game into meaningful support for our brothers and sisters affected by the devastating floods,” he remarked.

“This is more than just a match – it is our duty to stand by them in their time of need.”

Organizers expect a strong turnout, with fans given the chance to enjoy a memorable cricket spectacle while contributing to rebuilding lives.

Peshawar Zalmi has urged cricket enthusiasts, philanthropists, and the wider community to play their part, reaffirming sport’s power to inspire hope and drive change.

READ: Afghanistan announce squad for tri-series against Pakistan, UAE

Former Pakistan men’s team head coach Mickey Arthur has shared his thoughts on the exclusion of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the national T20I side.

Pakistan’s ace duo, Babar and Rizwan, last appeared in a T20I in December 2024 against South Africa.

Since then, neither player has been in the team’s plan for the shorter format amid criticism of their strike rates.

Notably, the duo stands as the most successful pair in T20Is, having amassed 3,300 runs at an average of 46.47 over 73 innings from 2019 to 2024.

During a recent episode of Sports Room on ARY News, Mickey Arthur said that Babar and Rizwan are not suitable for T20 cricket.

“Both Babar and Rizwan are excellent players, but cricket has evolved. They are not perfect for the kind of cricket needed to play in T20s today,” Arthur said.

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The former coach praised the current coach and captain of the Pakistan T20I team, Mike Hesson, as well as Salman Ali Agha.

“Hesson, along with captain Agha Salman, desires that the team play as per their own strategy. They are shaping a style that is tailored for contemporary T20 cricket, and that comes with tough calls,” Mickey Arthur remarked.

Pakistan squad for the UAE tri-series and Asia Cup

Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim

READ: Govt allocates Rs250m for Pakistan hockey team’s FIH Pro League participation

Former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed has launched a scathing attack on wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris for his comments regarding the approach of Babar Azam in T20 cricket.

A few days earlier, Haris shared his thoughts about Babar Azam’s batting during an interview on a YouTube channel.

Haris was asked whether Babar needs to change his batting style in the shortest format, to which the 24-year-old agreed.

“Fast or slow,” was the interviewer’s follow-up question to which Mohammad Haris replied with a chuckle.

“Yes, he should play fast,” Haris replied in a light-hearted manner.

Now, Tanveer Ahmed has criticized Haris for his remarks, quoting his interview in a tweet on his social media handle.

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“Mohammad Haris, how much bigger a player are you to say that Babar Azam needs to improve his strike rate? Brother, first build your own value, then say something about a world-class player,” Tanveer Ahmed wrote on X.

For context, Mohammad Haris is included in the Pakistan T20I squad for the triangular series and Asia Cup 2025, whereas Babar Azam last played in the shorter format in December 2024 against South Africa.

Babar was axed from the Pakistan squad alongside Mohammad Rizwan amid criticism surrounding their strike rate in T20 cricket.

Notably, the duo stands as the most successful pair in T20Is, having amassed 3,300 runs at an average of 46.47 over 73 innings from 2019 to 2024.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025:

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

READ: Two Pakistan legends named in Lockie Ferguson’s all-time Top Five Test Pacers

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has voiced his regret over the omission of ace batter Babar Azam from the Pakistan squad for the upcoming tri-series and Asia Cup 2025.

Babar was not included in the Pakistan squad, amid criticism surrounding his strike rate. The top-order batter last played in the T20Is against South Africa in December 2024.

During an interview with a sports platform, Wasim Akram has backed the young Pakistan squad to do well in the upcoming tournament.

He said that the team has the hunger to upset India while rueing the absence of Babar Azam.

“Personally, I wanted to see Babar Azam in the team, but since he’s not been selected, it’s up to those in the squad to step up,” Wasim Akram said.

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He also tipped the Asia Cup as an exciting event for fans worldwide, expressing his desire to see India and Pakistan contesting in the longest format of the game.

“This Asia Cup will be a feast for fans worldwide. It’s my wish that India and Pakistan also resume playing a Test series. It’s been too long, and it would be a historic spectacle for fans on both sides,” Wasim Akram added.

The Asia Cup 2025 is set to take place across two venues, Dubai International Cricket Stadium and Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, in the UAE from September 9 to 28.

Pakistan will play their opening match in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 12 against Oman before squaring off against India in the much-anticipated encounter, scheduled for September 14.

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025 

Pakistan: Salman Agha (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem

READ: Wasim Akram predicts winner of India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash

LAHORE: Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has resumed training in Lahore after a brief stay in the United States following the ODI series against the West Indies.

On Friday, Babar hit the nets at a local cricket institute, where he also engaged in batting drills alongside young cricketers.

Sources indicate the right-hander could feature in a local tournament hosted by the institute as part of his preparations.

The 30-year-old endured a lean run in the recent ODI series in the Caribbean, managing only 56 runs in three outings, with a top score of 47.

This form slump comes amid a challenging phase in his career. He was left out of Pakistan’s announced T20I squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, while his central contract was downgraded from Category A to B.

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Last week, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) unveiled central contracts for 30 men’s cricketers, notably omitting Category A altogether. Instead, ten players each have been placed in Categories B, C, and D.

The pool has also been expanded from 27 to 30, with 12 new inclusions: Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

The newly announced contracts will remain valid from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

List of this year’s centrally contacted players:

Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Category C (10 players): Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel.

Category D (10 players): Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood, and Sufiyan Muqeem.

READ: Ravichandran Ashwin opens up on sudden retirement from international cricket

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has shared his views on the omission of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from the national squad for the Tri-Series and Asia Cup 2025.

Top-order batsman Babar Azam and former T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan’s last T20I appearance came in December 2024 against South Africa.

Since then, the pair has not been included in the team’s plans for the shorter format, amid criticism of their strike rates.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines during Pakistan’s preparatory camp ahead of the upcoming fixtures, Shaheen discussed the exclusion of the ace duo.

“Tomorrow I might not be playing either. It’s not necessary that I ask why I’m not playing. Everyone should get opportunities,” he said.

“Rizwan and Babar are world-class players and have played excellent cricket for Pakistan, and they will play in the future as well,” Shaheen remarked.

The left-arm pacer highlighted the opportunity for younger players, noting that they should not be criticized.

“Everyone gets an opportunity, and they should seize those chances. I think the more we support our youngsters, the better. We shouldn’t criticize them, saying, “They are new, they haven’t done anything yet.”

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Pakistan will play its arch-rivals, India, on September 14 in the Asia Cup 2025, and Shaheen Afridi has expressed confidence in the team’s preparation ahead of the marquee event.

“Yesterday we had our first practice session at night, and today we are practicing at the stadium. I think this preparation is going really well for the big matches before the Asia Cup, and this tri-nation series will help us,” Shaheen Afridi stated.

“Look, obviously plans and strategies are made in advance, but I think this preparation is earlier than Pakistan has ever done before,” he explained while replying to a question regarding the highly anticipated encounter.

Shaheen Afridi also shed light on the conditions and the upcoming tri-series against the UAE and Afghanistan.

“We have a good opportunity to use the stadium, get used to the conditions, and prepare well for the big matches. But our first target is the tri-nation series, and then comes the Asia Cup,” the 25-year-old said.

He also commented on the team’s unity and expressed pride in playing for Pakistan.

“I think unity is something people talk about from the outside. Inside the team, it’s not an issue. Just like in a family, small things happen, but they should stay within the family.

Our job is to play cricket and bring happiness to Pakistan. That’s what we are focused on. Outside matters are not in our control, and everyone has their own opinions which should be respected,” he concluded.

READ: Mehidy Hasan Miraz left out as Bangladesh name squad for Asia Cup 2025