HBL PSL Archives

Naveen-ul-Haq set to join Peshawar Zalmi squad

Afghanistan’s star pace bowler Naveen-ul-Haq has confirmed that he will soon join the Peshawar Zalmi squad for the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Naveen-ul-Haq took to his Instagram story and shared an update about his participation in PSL 9.

His presence will definitely boost the pace attack of Peshawar Zalmi, who are currently at the bottom of the points table with two losses in two games.

They conceded 206 runs against Quetta Gladiators in their opening game of PSL 9 and failed to chase the total, losing by 16 runs.

In the next game, they were bowled out at a meagre 154 against Karachi Kings, who successfully chased the total with 19 balls to spare.

Peshawar Zalmi started the defence of the paltry total on a good note as Luke Wood removed Karachi Kings’ captain Shan Masood with 20 runs on the board.

Mohammad Akhlaq played a quick cameo of 24 from 13 balls that featured three boundaries and two sixes before Wood struck again to send him back.

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With the scoreboard reading 40-2, Shoaib Malik and James Vince constructed an anchoring 51-run stand from 46 balls to put the Kings back on track.

Malik scored run-a-ball 29 before he came down the track to attempt an ambitious loft to Waqar Salamkheil, only to get stumped.

Kieron Pollard joined Vince and made sure to get the Zalmi out of the game with a blistering cameo of 49 runs from 21 balls, including 27 runs in one over of Salamkheil.

Pollard smashed eight boundaries, including four sixes to guide his team to victory, while Vince scored 38 off 30 with the help of three boundaries and one six.

Peshawar Zalmi will next face table-toppers Multan Sultans on February 23 at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

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Shahid Afridi believes ‘Haris Rauf needs honest help’ to regain form

Former captain Shahid Afridi has opened up about Lahore Qalandar’s pace bowler Haris Rauf, who is struggling with his bowling form during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Lahore Qalandars lost both of their matches in the PSL 9 and Rauf has given dismal performances in both games.

The express bowler conceded 38 runs without a wicket in three overs in the opening match against Islamabad United.

In the next match, he picked one wicket and gave away 47 runs in his four overs against Quetta Gladiators.

However, Shahid Afridi, believes that Rauf needs the right mentorship at the moment to regain his lost form.

“Right now, Haris Rauf seems to be struggling with his bowling, and I’m not quite understanding it,” said Afridi while talking to a local news channel.

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“He needs honest help at this moment, the guidance of seniors is necessary because we shouldn’t sideline him completely,” he further added.

The former all-rounder also acknowledged Rauf’s potential and suggested that the pace bowler should play four-day cricket to improve as a bowler.

“He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer-format cricket,” said the former captain.

“When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support,” Shahid Afridi concluded.

Lahore Qalandars will next face Multan Sultans at Multan Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

READ: Multan Sultans’ combined bowling effort books Islamabad United on 144

Quetta Gladiators share update on Hasaranga’s availability in PSL 9

Quetta Gladiators shared an update about the availability of Sri Lanka’s star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Quetta Gladiators’ head of player acquisition, Nabeel Hashmi, while answering a question on his X (formerly Twitter) account clarified that Hasaranga is yet to receive a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for PSL 9.

Hasaranga was set to feature in five matches for Quetta Gladiators this season after being retained in the Platinum category, however, it was reduced to three matches due to the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan.

Hasaranga was supposed to play first 5 matches.
Scheduling of AFG v SL series meant he would miss first 2 matches & his availability curtailed to 3 matches.
But even that is looking unlikely now as we continue to wait on his NOC.

We signed Akeal Hosein for that very reason 😊 https://t.co/1IxvlibV6w

— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) February 16, 2024

Meanwhile, Hashmi also shed light on the players who are confirmed for the first match against Peshawar Zalmi on February 18.

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Gladiators’ newly appointed captain Rilee Rossouw along with Jason Roy, Sherfane Rutherford, Laurie Evans, Akeal Hosein and Will Smeed will be available for selection during their opening game.

Rilee Rossouw
Jason Roy
Sherfane Rutherford
Laurie Evans
Akeal Hosein
Will Smeed

All will be available for selection against Peshawar Zalmi on 18th 😊 https://t.co/8PJchCoF8C

— Nabeel Hashmi (@iNabeelHashmi) February 16, 2024

The marquee event will be played in four cities – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi – with the final of the six-team tournament taking place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on 18 March.

Over the course of the 34-match tournament, Karachi will host 11 matches, including the Qualifier, two Eliminators and the final.

Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will each host nine matches, while fans in Multan, the city of saints, will witness five matches.

Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 9:

Sherfane Rutherford, Mohammad Amir, Rilee Rossouw, Mohammad Wasim Junior, Jason Roy, Wanindu Hasaranga, Mohammad Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Sajjad Ali Junior, Usman Qadir, Omair Bin Yousuf, Will Smeed, Khawaja Nafay, Adil Naz, Akeal Hosain, and Sohail Khan.

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Karachi Kings on the hunt for their second HBL PSL title with a rejuvenated energy

The HBL PSL 9 is around the corner and Karachi Kings, with a new coach and captain, is entering the tournament with oodles of optimism and they’ll show faith in their local talent as well as global star power to rebound.

Karachi Kings will get their campaign underway on 18 February against Multan Sultans at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium.

They’ve snapped up West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard in their squad who will try to swing their fortunes with his all-round capabilities.They have also secured the services of Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams as well as retained seasoned campaigner Shoaib Malik.

Pace bowling is further stacked with Mir Hamza and Anwar Ali who will provide squad depth given their vast domestic experience and international exposure as well.

Karachi Kings managed to bag only three wins in the 2023 season and despite having the firepower in their ranks to spring more surprises, they could not coalesce as a unit.

The team’s ethos includes resilience and a fighting spirit, and they’ll be aiming to rejuvenate this season and give Karachi fans a lot to cheer about.

The 2020 HBL PSL champions are determined to hit the ground running early on as the highly-experienced Shoaib Malik will be looking to shine at the twilight of his career.

Phil Simmons comes with a wealth of coaching experience. He coached West Indies and is at present the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC).

“The decision to bring in Phil Simmons as head coach was influenced by his impressive credentials, including being a T20 World Cup-winning coach,” said Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings.

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“His experience in guiding teams to success at the highest level adds a valuable dimension to our coaching setup, and we look forward to harnessing his expertise for a successful campaign in the upcoming HBL PSL edition and to build a team for the future.”

Kings appointed Shan Masood as their captain who currently leads the Pakistan Test team. Karachi Kings’ director Haider Azhar shed light on the decision to appoint Shan as skipper of the side.

“Securing Shan Masood for Karachi Kings was nothing short of a coup for us. His leadership qualities and captaincy feats are well-documented and we are proud to have a local boy from Karachi lead the team,” said Haider Azhar.

“On a personal note, having worked closely with Shan in the past, I believe he is the ideal captain for our team that will be undergoing a transitional phase and we expect him to be central to our project.

On the objectives set for this year’s HBL PSL, Haider Azhar said, “Our first objective for this year has been to set up a platform and building blocks for the future, all the while assembling a squad that would be competitive in the upcoming edition of HBL PSL.

“We have a healthy mix of experience and youth in our squad with five players under the age of 24 years, supported by seasoned campaigners and proven performers.”

Salman Iqbal, highlighting the importance and progress of the HBL PSL, said: “The progress of the HBL PSL over the years has been phenomenal, not only elevating the standard of T20 cricket but also playing a pivotal role in the development of Pakistani talent. The league has become a significant platform for showcasing local talent, providing them exposure and opportunities at the international level.

Talking about Karachi’s fortunes for the upcoming season, Salman said, “Karachi Kings fans can anticipate a major turnaround this year. With a strategic rebuild, a balanced squad, experienced leadership, and a focus on exciting yet measured cricket, we are optimistic about our prospects in the upcoming season.

“The team is geared up for a competitive campaign, aiming to deliver performances that will make our fans proud and contribute to a successful journey in the ninth edition of HBL PSL.”

Karachi Kings fixtures for HBL PSL 9

18 February v Multan Sultans, Multan Cricket Stadium

21 February v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

24 February v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

28 February v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium, Karachi

29 February v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium, Karachi

3 March v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium, Karachi

6 March v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

7 March v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

9 March v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium, Karachi

11 March v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium, Karachi

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