PSL 8 Archives

Sam Billings defends decision of prioritizing PSL over national duty

KARACHI: England’s wicketkeeper batter Sam Billings, who represented Lahore Qalandars in the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight, defended his decision of preferring the franchise league over national duty.

Billings was among the few English players, including Alex Hales and Liam Dawson to prioritize lucrative PSL contracts rather than play for the national side in Bangladesh.

The wicketkeeper batter, who made his England debut in 2015 urged the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to review their white-ball contracts.

According to the details, English cricketers, without central contracts, can earn around £5,000 for a one-day international, and £2,500 for T20 internationals, which is considerably less than the value of franchise contracts.

“Personally, the central contract situation has to resolve itself because we’re seeing it more and more where opportunities if you’re not centrally contracted…(are not significant),” the Independent quoted Billing.

“And I think it’s been said by numerous people at the ECB as well – they completely agree with what the decision we made was.

“For me, you balance these situations, you look at it from all the different angles and I think it (playing in the PSL) was the best decision for me.

“I’d feel hard done by if people say I haven’t put England cricket first over the last eight years, running the drinks instead of passing up these opportunities.

Billings then also highlighted the need of reviewing the contract systems for the betterment of the players.

“I felt when I didn’t get picked for the ODI’s in South Africa, after not doing too badly in Australia, that I would do what I like to do – it probably took a little while to get to that point,” Billings said.

“But I think the fundamental issue is the contract situation and the opportunities now that most of the players can get, it’s a really tough ask.

“But in world cricket at the moment we’ve got way too much cricket going on and there needs to be that levelling out period where everyone can benefit – but there has to be a timescale for it to work,” he concluded.

PSL 8 Trophy reaches Wagah border on Pakistan Day

LAHORE: Pakistan Super League season 8 winners Lahore Qalandars arrived at the Wagah border on Thursday along with the glittering PSL trophy to witness the famous parade.

Lahore Qaladnars’ fast bowler Haris Rauf took the trophy to the Wagah border on the special occasion of Pakistan Day.

Young batter Tahir Baig was also present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, Lahore Qaladnars CEO Atif Rana, COO Sameen Rana and DCO Aqib Javed were the chief guests at the beat retreating ceremony.

It may be noted here that Qalandars won the PSL final by one run and created history by becoming the first repeat champions of the glitzy T20 tournament.

Young pacer Zaman Khan held his nerves calm to defend 13 runs in the final over to power Lahore Qalandars to the second consecutive PSL title after skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi’s all-round brilliance against Multan Sultans.

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Multan Sultans manager Haider Azhar given one-match suspension

LAHORE: Multan Sultans team manager Haider Azhar has been handed a one-match suspension for a level 3 breach of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, said Pakistan Cricket Board on Thursday.

Haider was found to have violated article 2.13, which relates to personal abuse of a player, player support personnel, umpire or match referee during an HBL PSL match.

The incident occurred after the end of the HBL PSL 8 final when Haider confronted the two on-field umpires and abused Alex Wharf. Haider contested the sanction imposed by match referee Roshan Mahanama, but it was upheld after a hearing took place in the PCB Board Room.

“It is truly disappointing that this outstanding tournament has ended with a team manager’s misdemeanour getting him banned for a match.” said Mr Roshan Mahanama in a PCB statement.

“Haider Azhar’s actions were totally against the values and spirit of this beautiful game and it is my responsibility to make sure such transgressions are dealt firmly,” he added.

“I hope this sanction will act as a deterrent and every player and player support personnel will continue to respect the umpiring decisions and avoid unnecessary provocations,”

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Alex Wharf, Rashid Riaz, third umpire Asif Yaqoob and fourth umpire Faisal Afridi.

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Player of PSL 8 Ihsanulah receives heroic welcome on hometown return

SWAT: Fast bowling prodigy Ihsanullah received a warm reception from his fans and friends on his return to his hometown here after participating in the recently-concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Ihsanullah, who played an integral role in Multan Sultans’ journey to the final, taking 22 wickets in 12 matches, received a special welcome from his friends and fans as the pacer stepped foot in his home town.

Grand Welcome Ihsanullah in his hometown village swat
You're the future of Pakistan and we all are proud of you brother ❤️ @ihsanullahPaki1 pic.twitter.com/TK86nLAyne

— Cric Passion (@CricPassionTV) March 20, 2023

The right-arm Swat-hailed pacer scooped two major awards – Best bowler and Player of the tournament – following his dream campaign in the marquee league.

Ihsanullah finished the tournament as the second leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps behind his Sultans’ teammate Abbas Afridi, who picked up 23.

Notably, Ihsanullah also became the first bowler and an emerging player to claim the player of the tournament in PSL history.

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Shaheen leads PSL 8 Team of the Tournament

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi has been named captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8 Team of the Tournament.

Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday revealed the team of the PSL 8, selected by an independent panel that was headed by Haroon Rashid (Chairman of PSL 8 Technical Committee) and also included respected commentators Bazid Khan, Daren Ganga, Nick Knight and Sana Mir as members.

While selecting the side, the independent panel considered a number of T20 cricket aspects, including consistency, impact on the side and overall game, and best possible team combination so that this team can take on any T20 side on any given day at any venue in any conditions.

Shaheen Shah Afridi inspired Lahore Qalandars to finish on top of the points table with seven wins, then helped his side to bounce back from a Multan Sultans drubbing in the Qualifier by overcoming Peshawar Zalmi in Eliminator 2, and, finally slapped a 15-ball 44 not out and took four for 51 to not only walk away with the player of the final award but also guided his side to their second successive HBL PSL title.

Since the concept of Team of HBL PSL was introduced in 2019, this is the fourth successive year Shaheen Shah Afridi has made it to exclusive side.

The side also includes Multan Sultans’ Emerging Category players Abbas Afridi and Ihsanullah, who won the Emerging and Player of HBL PSL 8 awards, respectively.

Like the Multan duo, it is also the first time for Mohammad Haris and Azam Khan be selected in the team of the tournament.

Overall, the side includes five players from losing finalists Multan Sultans, two players each from Lahore Qalandars and Peshawar Zalmi, and one player each from Islamabad United and Karachi Kings.

Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam have been selected as openers, with Mohammad Haris, Rilee Rossouw, Azam Khan and Kieron Pollard forming a formidable middle-order. Imad Wasim, who has been picked in the Team of HBL PSL for the first time, comes in as an all-rounder, followed by wrist spinner Rashid Khan and three fast bowlers in Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ihsanullah and Abbas Afridi.

This is the fourth time in five years Babar has been selected as an opener, though first time with his Pakistan team partner Mohammad Rizwan, who himself has been chosen in the team of the tournament for the third successive time.

Team of HBL PSL 8 (in batting order)

Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) (550 runs, 1×100, 4×50, strike-rate 142.85)
Babar Azam (Peshawar Zalmi) (522 runs, 1×100, 5×50, strike-rate 145.40)
Mohammad Haris (Peshawar Zalmi) (350 runs, 2×50, strike-rate 186.17)
Rilee Rossouw* (Multan Sultans) (453 runs, 1×100, 3×50, strike-rate 171.59)
Azam Khan (Islamabad United) (282 runs, 2×50, strike-rate 161.14)
Kieron Pollard* (Multan Sultans) (260 runs, 2×50, strike-rate 163.52; 3 wickets, 8.62 eco.)
Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) (404 runs, 3×50, strike-rate 170.46; 9 wickets, 7.93 eco.)
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) (captain) (133 runs, strike-rate 168.35; 19 wickets, 9.13 eco.)
Rashid Khan* (Lahore Qalandars) (20 wickets, 6.53 eco.)
Abbas Afridi (Multan Sultans) (23 wickets, 9.45 eco.)
Ihsanullah (Multan Sultans) (22 wickets, 7.59 eco.)
Saim Ayub (Peshawar Zalmi) (341 runs, 5×50, 165.53)

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Ihsanullah named player of the tournament as Sultans dominate awards

LAHORE: Multan Sultans’ pace prodigy Ihsanullah was adjudged as the Player of the tournament of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 8 in a glittering award distribution ceremony after an enthralling final.

Ihsanullah, who enjoyed a stunning and consistent run in the recently-concluded PSL 8, became the first emerging player and bowler to win the most prestigious individual award of the PSL.

The right-arm pacer finished an incredible season with 22 wickets with an economy of just 7.59 was also adjudged the bowler of the tournament.

Multan Sultans’ skipper Mohammad Rizwan was named the batter of PSL 8 after he won the Hanif Mohammad Cap for the highest run-scorer of the tournament. He concluded the extravaganza with 550 runs at a strike-rate of 142.85 with a century and four half-centuries.

The Sultans’ captain also scooped the golden glove award for winning the wicketkeeper of the tournament for 14 dismissals behind the wicket (13 catches and one stump).

Sultans’ Abbas Afridi, who finished as the leading wicket-taker with 23 wickets at an economy rate of 9.45 with two four-fers and a hat-trick, was also named the emerging player of the tournament. Whereas, Sultans’ experienced all-rounder Kieron Pollard collected the Best Fielder of PSL 8 award.

Karachi Kings’ captain Imad Wasim, who enjoyed a phenomenal season with the bat, was named the all-rounder of the tournament. Imad scored 404 runs at a strike rate of over 170 and also claimed nine wickets at an economy rate of 7.93. He also remained unbeaten on seven instances.

Individual Awards

Player of the PSL 2023 – Ihsanullah
Umpire of PSL 2023 – Alex Wharf
Batter of PSL 2023 – Mohammad Rizwan
Bowler of PSL 2023 – Ihsanullah
Wicketkeeper of PSL 2023 – Mohammad Rizwan
Fielder of PSL 2023 – Kieron Pollad
Allrounder of PSL 2023 – Imad Wasim
Emerging Player of PSL 2023 – Abbas Afridi
Spirit of Cricket Award – Peshawar Zalmi

READ: All-round Shaheen-led Qalandars lift second consecutive PSL title

All-round Shaheen-led Qalandars lift second consecutive PSL title

LAHORE: Young pacer Zaman Khan held his nerves calm to defend 13 runs in the final over to power Lahore Qalandars to the second consecutive PSL title after skipper Shaheen Shah Afridi’s all-round brilliance against Multan Sultans.

Set to chase 201, the Sultans fell just one run short of forcing the super over in the final as they could accumulate 199/8 in their quota of 20 overs despite Rossouw’s quick half-century.

Sultans’ openers Usman Khan and Mohammad Rizwan scripted a flying start to the run chase as the pair charged on the Qalandars’ bowlers right from the start and amassed 41 runs inside four overs.

David Wiese then rattled Usman’s stumps to hand a much-needed breakthrough to the Qalandars. He scored 18 off 12 deliveries.

Sultans’ skipper Rizwan then joined hands with Rossouw and stitched a crucial second-wicket partnership; adding 64 runs at a brisk rate before Rashid Khan forced Qalandars’ comeback.

The seasoned leg-spinner removed both set batters Rizwan and Rossouw in his successive overs and pulled down Sultans to 122/3 in the 13th over.

Rossouw top-scored for the Sultans with 52 in 32 deliveries, laced with seven boundaries and two sixes. Rizwan, however, scored 23-ball 34, hitting five boundaries.

Middle-order batters Kieron Pollard and Tim David kept Sultans in the hunt with a vital 24-run partnership for the fourth wicket but Shaheen wreaked havoc by taking four wickets in his last two overs.

The left-arm pacers dismissed Pollard (19) in his third over before removing David (20), Anwar Ali (1) and Usama Mir (0) in his last over and halted Sultans to 177/6 in 18 overs.

When it all seemed to be going Qalandars’ way, Abbas Afridi glimmered a ray of hope for Sultans as he baton charged Haris Rauf in the 19th over, which went for 22 runs.

The game was hanging in balance when Zaman came to defend 13 runs in the final over with Khushdil set on his crease and Abbas striking astonishingly but the young right-arm pacer held his nerves in the clutch situation and yet again succeeded in defending the total for the Qalandars.

Following his exceptional death bowling, the Qalandars managed to seal a narrow one-run victory over the Sultans and became the first side to win two PSL titles in a row.

Shaheen led the bowling attack for the Qalandars with 4/51, followed by Rashid’s 2/26. Wiese, on the other hand, made one scalp.

Opting to bat first in the final, the defending champions managed to put on a massive total at the back of a brilliant fifty by Abdullah Shafique and Shaheen’s brisk 44.

The openers Fakhar Zaman and Tahir Baig started cautiously for the Qalandars as the pair could raise 38 before Ihsanullah dismissed the latter on the last delivery of the fifth over to draw the first success for the Sultans.

Baig scored a quick 30 in just 18 deliveries, hitting five boundaries and a six.

Fakhar then joined hands with Abdullah and the duo added 57 runs for the second wicket but remained a touch slow in the process as they conceded 38 deliveries before Fakhar fell victim to Usama Mir.

The left-handed opener remained the notable run-getter for the Qalandars with 39 off 34.

Sam Billings (9) then put on a brief partnership with Abdullah and could add just 16 runs before Sultans’ spinners Usama and Khushdil Shah changed the dimension of the game.

Sultans’ spin duo struck thrice in four deliveries; removing Billings (9), Ahsan Hafeez (0) and Sikandar Raza (1) and bolstered their side to halt the Qalandars to 115/5 in 15 overs.

Following the slump, Qalandars’ skipper Shaheen stood up for his team by once again promoting himself in the batting order and counter-attacked with belligerent hitting.

Shaheen stitched a match-defining 66-run partnership with Abdullah for the sixth wicket before the latter finally perished in the 19th over after playing a sensible knock.

Abdullah top scored for the Qalandars with 65 in 40 deliveries, laced up with 10 boundaries including two sixes.

On the other hand, Shaheen continued his domination over clueless Sultans’ bowlers and took his side to amass the 200-run mark by hitting a six on the final delivery of the innings.

He remained unbeaten with his 15-ball 44 which featured two boundaries and five sixes.

Usama led the bowling attack for the Sultans with 3/24 while Ihsanullah, Khushdil and Anwar Ali could pick up a wicket apiece.

Qalandars win toss, elect to bat first against Sultans in PSL 8 final

LAHORE: Defending champions Lahore Qalandars have won the toss and elected to bat first in the final of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight against Multan Sultans.

PLAYING XIs

Lahore Qalandars: Fakhar Zaman, Tahir Baig, Abdullah Shafique, Sam Billings, Ahsan Bhatti, Sikandar Raza, David Wiese, Rashid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan.

Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Usman Khan, Rilee Rossouw, Kieron Pollard, Tim David, Khushdil Shah, Anwar Ali, Usama Mir, Abbas Afridi, Sheldon Cottrell, Ihsanullah.

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches 16, Lahore Qalandars 8, Multan Sultans 8

‘Will try to add two more teams in next PSL,’ says Najam Sethi

LAHORE: The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management committee Najam Sethi expressed his strive to expand the Pakistan Super League (PSL) by adding two more teams in the next edition.

Sethi held a press conference here at Gaddafi Stadium to reflect on the ongoing PSL 8 which will conclude with a blockbuster final between Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans and hinted at the cricket board’s plans for the next edition.

“If you ask me what are our plans for the next PSL, keeping it brief my strive is to add two more teams. But obviously, this decision is subject to the approval of the franchises and is impossible without doing the homework,” said Sethi.

“That is because if any franchise suffers a loss by the addition of two more franchises then it is not a good thing to do. It must be a win-win situation for everyone. So I’m doing homework on this.

“We had a brief discussion with the franchises and after the conclusion of this PSL, we will formally start consulting them the next month about the addition of teams and the model after the completion of 10 years.”

The PCB chief further commented on the future of the upcoming Pakistan Women’s League and shared the officials are considering three options for the inaugural event.

“There are multiple opinions regarding the Women’s League, one is that it should be held in September and should be stand-alone. The second is that it should be organized simultaneously with the next PSL to reduce the cost and the third issue is that to whom the franchises should be sold,” shared Sethi.

“Whether the first option should be the existing male franchise owners or it should be completely stand-alone and different. But I must tell you if we are planning to feature four to five teams then we already have enough interest that you assume all five franchises have been sold out,” Sethi added.

“Such is the interest in the Women’s league, especially from the abroad, from overseas Pakistanis. So, our problem is not to sell the team but to develop our players,” he concluded.

READ: All-round Qalandars down Zalmi to set up PSL 8 final clash with Sultans

All-round Qalandars down Zalmi to set up PSL 8 final clash with Sultans

LAHORE: Young opening batter Tahir Baig’s sensible 54-run knock powered Lahore Qalandars into the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight final with a narrow four-wicket victory over Peshawar Zalmi in the Eliminator 2 on Friday.

The Qalandars will now defend their title against Multan Sultans in the final, who thumped them by a massive margin of 86 runs in the qualifier on Wednesday.

Set to chase 172, the Qalandars accumulated 176/6 with seven balls to spare at the back of an anchoring half-century by opener Tahir.

The Qalandars had an unwanted start to the pursuit as the home side lost two quick wickets for a mere 38 runs in the fifth over with their hard-hitting opener Fakhar Zaman (6) and debutant Ahsan Bhatti (15) perishing cheaply.

Abdullah Shafique then joined hands with Tahir and put on a brief 31-run partnership before a mix-up between the wickets saw the end of the former’s innings, who perished for a run-a-ball 10.

Despite his side losing wickets at regular intervals, Tahir held his ground firm and kept the scoreboard ticking sensibly before putting a crucial partnership with Sam Billings with the pair adding 50 runs in 28 deliveries.

Zalmi’s last-match hero Aamer Jamal then finally handed his side a much-needed breakthrough when he hit back at Tahir soon after the latter amassed his maiden half-century.

Tahir remained the top-scorer for the Qalandars with an anchoring 42-ball 54, laced up with seven boundaries and two sixes.

Billings and Sikandar Raza made sure to maintain Qalandars’ march towards victory with vital cameos before David Wiese (9*) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (12*) steered their side over the line.

Wicketkeeper batter Billings remained the notable run-getter for the Qalandars with his 21-ball 28, featuring three boundaries, followed by Sikandar, who scored 23 off 14 with the help of as many boundaries.

Azmatullah Omarzai led the bowling attack for the Zalmi with 2/31 while Salman Irshad, Aamer and Wahab Riaz struck out a batter each.

Opting to bat first, Zalmi managed to raise a commendable total of 171/5 on the board at the back of a brilliant knock by their wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris.

Earlier, the visitors were off to an unwanted start as Zalmi lost their young batting sensation Saim Ayub (9) cheaply in the second over at a combined total of just 15.

Following an early setback, Zalmi’s skipper Babar Azam and Haris settled things down for their side as the pair added 89 runs amid the second-wicket partnership.

The duo had put Zalmi in command at 102/1 in 11 overs before Rashid Khan handed Qalandars a much-needed breakthrough as he trapped Babar leg before wicket.

Babar scored 42 off 36 deliveries, smashing seven boundaries.

The Zalmi then dealt with another blow in the same bowler as Rashid Khan got rid of Tom Kohler-Cadmore for a duck.

Haris, however, continued his domination over the Qalandars’ bowlers and put on a vital 49-run partnership with Bhanuka Rajapaksa before Shaheen finally dismissed him on the last delivery of his spell.

He top-scored for Zalmi with a 54-ball 85, hitting 11 boundaries and two sixes.

Following Haris’s departure, Rajapaksa’s cameo made sure Zalmi finished with a par score in the second eliminator. He remained unbeaten with 25 in 18 balls with the help of four boundaries.

Rashid and Zaman Khan led the Qalandars’ bowling attack; taking two wickets each while Shaheen made one scalp.