Tag: Karachi Kings

LAHORE: Karachi Kings’ pacer Hasan Ali hailed Shoaib Malik for providing positive momentum to the team, leading them to a comfortable victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the sixth match of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

Hasan, while speaking at the post-match press conference after Karachi Kings’ seven-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi, opened up on the teams’ strategy of bowling slower deliveries in the early phase of the innings.

“Look, we always plan after accessing the conditions. So, as per the conditions, the change of pace was very essential and we were aware as a bowling unit that they possess such batters, who can hit big,” said Hasan.

“If you talk about Shoaib bhai, I think he gave us the momentum by taking a wicket on the first delivery. So, in T20, the early momentum gives confidence to the bowling unit and the team approach the game more dominantly,” he added.

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Hasan Ali further commented on his bowling performance for Karachi Kings, stating that he was satisfied with the way he bowled.

“My recent performances [for Pakistan] were not that good. I played well in the World Cup but in the recent Test series, could not pick many wickets.

“However, as far as PSL is concerned, I always consider it as an opportunity to prove myself. I am very satisfied with my [current] performance, there are still eight matches left and then playoffs. So, I’m confident that such performances will keep on coming.”

The right-arm pacer also opened up on his trade from Islamabad United to Karachi Kings and heaped praise on his new team’s captain Shan Masood.

“I am very happy to become a part of Karachi Kings. I still miss Roti Group, one of its members hit me for a six today.

“Shan is a brilliant player. He just got the captaincy of Pakistan and he’s getting better day by day and he’s a good man.”

Hasan Ali then went on to assert that the new-look Karachi Kings’ squad has been gelled and the fans can expect alike results from the former champions in the coming matches.

READ: Pollard’s blitz powers Karachi Kings to first win in PSL 9

MULTAN: Karachi Kings’ Assistant Coach Muhammad Masroor expressed his hopes that the team will regroup and get on the winning track in the ongoing HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

Masroor, while interacting with the media in the post-match press conference after the Kings’ 55-run defeat against home side Multan Sultans, shared that the side is in the rebuilding process and will deliver better performances in the upcoming matches.

“It was our first game. The pitch was really good [to bat on] and yet we curtail them below 200. We bowled well in patches but it’s a rebuilding team and hopefully, in the future, we would definitely do well,” said Masroor.

Masroor further highlighted that some of the key members of the Karachi Kings’ squad were tired due to excessive travelling but emphasized that the team would gel and perform better.

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“[Players were] rusty, Pollard and Vince joined us yesterday. The team would gel with time and will perform well,” Masroor stated.

Muhammad Masroor further replied to a question regarding the Kings’ middle order and insisted that the team was on track to chase down the total until Shoaib Malik’s dismissal, terming it a turning point of the match.

“180 was chasable here, we scored valuable runs in patches, the way Malik was playing, he had acquired the momentum but when he got out, that’s where the game changed,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Karachi Kings next face Peshawar Zalmi on Wednesday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

READ: Mohammad Amir reveals his mid-match conversation with Babar Azam

KARACHI: Karachi Kings, the franchise of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) representing the biggest city in the country, on Sunday, announced England’s James Vince as their vice-captain for the PSL 9.

The ground-breaking announcement was made by the owner of Karachi Kings, Mr Salman Iqbal, ahead of the former champions’ PSL9 campaign opener against Multan Sultans in the latter’s home ground.

James Vince takes charge as a Vice-Captain of #KingsSquad for #HBLPSL9, bringing his firepower to our leadership alongside the captain! 🌟 #YehHaiKarachi | #MSvKK #KarachiKings pic.twitter.com/sm7EbCphF2

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 18, 2024

Notably, James Vince was a part of Karachi Kings in the previous edition of the PSL and was retained by the franchise for this year’s extravaganza.

Moreover, he was part of the Kings’ squad in the inaugural edition of the marquee league.

James Vince is one of the top batters in the history of the league, standing 23rd in the list of the leading run-scorers with 952 runs in 36 matches at an average of 28. He scored at a marvellous strike rate of 140 and has struck four half-centuries in his PSL career.

The top-order Englishman boast vast experience in the T20 format, having played 371 matches. He has 10,237 runs to his name, coming at an average of 31.27 and a strike rate of 135. He also smashed five centuries and 65 fifties.

Karachi Kings Squad for HBL PSL 9: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert/Fawad Ali, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Blessing Muzarabani, Zahid Mehmood, Leus De Plooy, Mohammad Rohid.

READ: Roy, Shakeel help Quetta Gladiators ease past Peshawar Zalmi

LAHORE: Right-arm pacer Hasan Ali issued a clear message to the fans demanding free passes and advised them to purchase their own tickets for the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Hasan advised the fans not to rely on the free passes.

“Don’t embarrass by asking for a ticket. Tickets are available at TCS. Buy your own tickets, thanks,” the pacer wrote.

ٹکٹ مانگ کر شرمندہ نہ کریں. ٹکٹس ٹی سی ایس پر دستیاب

ہیں. اپنے اپنے ٹکٹس خود جا کر خریدیں. شکریہ. 🙏

— Hassan Ali 🇵🇰 (@RealHa55an) February 16, 2024

Notably, Hasan Ali will represent former champions Karachi Kings in the upcoming PSL 9, scheduled to kick off on Saturday, February 17.

The Player of the Tournament at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2017, Hasan joined Karachi Kings after a significant trade deal with Islamabad United, which saw the departure of Imad Wasim.

Hasan Ali made his PSL debut in 2016 and was a pivotal part of the triumphant Peshawar Zalmi squad in the 2017 season.

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Known for his energetic presence and ability to take crucial wickets, Hasan’s record speaks volumes about his prowess, boasting the second-highest wicket tally in the league with an impressive 94 wickets in 72 matches.

His tenure with Islamabad United from 2021 to 2023 showcased his continued dominance on the field.

The PSL 9 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.

READ: Karachi Kings’ Mir Hamza aims for winning start to PSL 9 campaign

MULTAN: Karachi Kings’ left-arm pacer Mir Hamza has set his sights on the triumphant start to the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9, asserting that it would help the franchise to form a balanced team combination.

Hamza, while interacting with the media on the sidelines of the Kings’ training session at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, expressed his confidence in the squad and is hopeful for a positive start to the campaign.

“Definitely, team combination is very crucial to any side and in any form of cricket. Team combination is only formed when you win matches in the beginning. So, this time our combination, the way our team is gelled, I think it’s very good and by the will of Almighty Allah, we will strive for a win from the very first match,” said Hamza.

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Mir Hamza further commented on the new-look Karachi Kings’ bowling attack — following the departure of Mohammad Amir — and termed it very good, for having the likes of Hasan Ali and Tabraiz Shamsi in its arsenal.

“Our team’s pace attack this year is well-balanced, featuring Hasan Ali and me, as well as some really good all-rounders – Anwar Ali and Tabraiz. Therefore, our bowling attack is very strong, and our aim is to gain positive momentum and rhythm from the first match.”

For the unversed, Karachi Kings will start their HBL PSL 9 campaign against former champions Multan Sultans. The hosts possess a dominant record at home against the Kings but Mir Hamza ruled out the stats by highlighting the uncertainty of the T20 format.

“Look, there is no guarantee in T20 format. So, you can’t predict about any team regardless of how many matches it has won in the past,” said Hamza.

“No doubt, Multan is a wonderful team and it is their home ground as well but still, I would say that it is a T20 format and our team is very strong, be it bowling or batting, so, we will give them a tough time,” he concluded.

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

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

READ: Rohit Sharma to captain India at ICC T20 World Cup 2024

KARACHI: All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz expressed his desire to win the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with his new team, Karachi Kings, in the upcoming ninth edition of the franchise league.

Nawaz joined Karachi Kings as their second pick in the Platinum category after he was released by Quetta Gladiators ahead of the PSL 9 Draft.

While talking to the media on the sidelines of the Karachi King’s training session here, Nawaz opened up about the team environment at his new home.

“This is a new experience with a new team. The overall environment is amazing and we are hoping to have a good season ahead,” said the all-rounder.

The 29-year-old responded to a question regarding the goals he has set to accomplish in the upcoming tournament.

“My first goal is to help Karachi Kings qualify for the playoffs and then win the tournament. As far as personal goals are concerned, I will try my best to claim the player of the tournament award,” Mohammad Nawaz reflected.

“It is an important season for the team as the last few seasons did not go well, which resulted in some major changes this time around. I will try to give impactful performance and play my role in team’s victory.”

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Nawaz also commented on his preparations for the ICC T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) later this year.

“I am working on my batting and bowling skills, but World Cup is few months away. Right now, I am focusing on the PSL and aiming to perform at my best as an all-rounder for Karachi Kings,” he concluded.

Mohammad Nawaz has acknowledged his crucial role in Karachi Kings and stated that he will try to finish the games for his team, both with the bat and the ball.

Notably, he is the sixth leading wicket-taker in tournament history with 70 scalps in 76 appearances. His tally of 70 wickets is the highest by a left-arm spinner.

He has also scored 728 runs in the tournament in just 58 innings.

READ: Rilee Rossouw named Quetta Gladiators’ captain for PSL 9

The newly-appointed head coach of Pakistan’s biggest city’s HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings, Phil Simmons said Wednesday, that the team management will sit down and start planning straightaway after the Players Draft for the HBL PSL 9.

In a video message, released on all social media platforms of Karachi Kings, Simmons stated that they will plan on how to use the players in their arsenal to get the best for the franchise.

“They’ve brought me here to do a job [and] we’re gonna sit down tomorrow and we’re gonna start planning how we do the job,” Phil Simmons said after the HBL PSL 9 Players Draft.

“We know who we have now and we’ll just plan out how we use them to get the best for the franchise,” he added.

The coach speaks 🗣️@Coachsim13, the head coach of Karachi Kings share his views at the #HBLPSLDraft 💙❤️#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/VWQJvhwf6a

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) December 13, 2023

Phil Simmons further shared that Karachi Kings got the majority of the players they were looking for in the Players Draft while also terming his experience “brilliant”.

“It’s been brilliant. The night has been brilliant. I think the draft was excellent and we got 90 percent of what we wanted so, it’s always good when you get to that,” stated Simmons.

Head coach Simmons then urged Karachi Kings’ fans to support a “new-look team” and vowed to try to do their best in the HBL PSL 9.

“Keep supporting us, we’re gonna try to do our best, we’re building over a new-look team and we know that some of the guys you love are not here anymore but let’s start to love all the ones who we’re bringing now and lets your support all through,” he concluded.

Karachi Kings Squad for PSL 9: Shan Masood (c), Kieron Pollard, Daniel Sams, Mohammad Nawaz, Tim Siefert, James Vince, Hasan Ali, Shoaib Malik, Tabraiz Shamis, Mohammad Amir Khan, Anwar Ali, Arafat Minhas, Mir Hamza, Muhammad Akhlaq, Muhammad Irfan Niazi, Sirajuddin, Saad Baig, and Jamie Overton.

READ: David Warner’s ton keeps Australia in command against Pakistan