Tag: PSL 8

LAHORE: Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has rated Pakistan Super League in high esteem, saying the tournament has no match with other leagues around the world in terms of high bowling standards. 

Amir, who has been spearheading Karachi Kings’ bowling attack since the PSL’s inception, looks all set for another unforgettable season representing Kings in the upcoming eighth edition of the PSL, starting from February 13.

The left-arm pacer, who is a well-reputed name in franchise leagues around the world, said people were eagerly waiting, not just in Pakistan but all over the globe, for the PSL as they wanted to see high-quality cricket.

“ I have just returned from the Bangladesh Premier League and despite the fact that many leagues are taking place right now; people there were waiting for the PSL to begin because of the high quality of cricket,” he said in the latest episode of PCB Podcast.

“I travel all over the world to play cricket, and everyone rates the PSL very highly because of the quality of bowling.”

He added: No league comes closer in comparison when it comes to the quality of bowling, and now we are producing quality batters too. We have unearthed [Mohammad] Haris and we got Haider [Ali] as well.”

Talking about the impact that PSL has had on him, the 30-year-old said it helped him in getting back into the rhythm when he was making his comeback in international cricket.

“When I played the first edition of the PSL, I had just made my international comeback in New Zealand and it provided me the exposure and environment of the international cricket because of the top quality of cricket.” he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that left-arm quick is the first player to take a hat trick in the PSL and has 54 wickets to his credit to date.

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QUETTA: Fast bowler Wahab Riaz hailed Iftikhar Ahmed for his batting onslaught during the PSL exhibition match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday, which witnessed an impeccable six maximums in an over by the latter. 

Iftikhar, who smoked Wahab for six sixes in the final over of the first innings, played an astounding knock of unbeaten 94 runs to help Galadiators seal a tense three-run win over Zalmi.

Taking to Twitter after the match, Wahab said he was disappointed over his bowling but at the same time ‘happy’ for Iftikhar for the way he batted.

“Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!” he tweeted.

Wonderful display of batting by @IftiAhmed221. Unbelievable shots and the command he has shown was amazing. I’m disappointed but happy for you brother. Keep going!

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) February 5, 2023

 

Set to chase a mammoth target of 185, Peshawar Zalmi fell short of the target despite a promising start by young Mohammad Haris and skipper Babar Azam.

Haris made 53 from 35 balls while Peshawar and Pakistan captain Babar scored 23 from 18 balls. Star all-rounder Shahid Afridi played a short cameo of 17-ball 25 amid roars and loud cheers by the enthusiastic Quetta crowd.

For Quetta, Mohammad Hasnain led the bowling charge as he picked up three wickets for 30 runs in his four overs, while player of the match Iftikhar also had two wickets to his credit besides his batting exploits.

Earlier, Veteran pacer Wahab provided Zalmi with early breakthroughs, dismissing Ahsan Ali and Umar Akmal in the second over after skipper Babar elected to field first. He took three wickets but conceded 47 runs in his full quota of four overs.

Gladiators fought back in the second half of the innings to post a respectable total on the board with Iftikhar firing in with his massive hits and keeping jam-packed Bugti Stadium on its toes.

Khusdhil Shah, on the other hand, contributed 36 from 24 balls before he fell prey to Wahab in the 18th over.

Quetta Captain Sarafaraz, however, managed just four from 12 balls before he was knocked out by Aamer Jamal.  who could only score four runs, was cleaned up by Aamir Jamal. Abdul Wahid Bangalzai scored 28 in 19.

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LAHORE: Left-handed aggressive Karachi Kings opener Sharjeel Khan opened up on his approach towards the batting powerplay in T20s ahead of the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Kings’ Sharjeel, who is widely known for his ruthless attack with the bat on the opposition, thinks that the batting powerplay in T20 cricket is very crucial as it is pivotal in the outcome of the game.

“I believe 70 to 80 per cent of the match is defined by how the first six overs go. What I have learned over the years that a team which has the most boundaries wins the match, so I try to milk the first six overs,” Sharjeel was quoted saying in a statement released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday.

“I am also looking to lay a solid platform for my side and if I continue to bat after the completion of the first six overs then I look to make sure that I carry that momentum.

“It is important not to forget the basics and try to gauge the conditions. So usually, I do try to take four balls or an over as every day is a new day and conditions are different. Whether I am facing a spinner or a pacer, the plan remains the same, examine the conditions and then go for the attack and this often proves to be beneficial for the team as well.”

Notably, Sharjeel, since his return to the PSL in 2020 has been in Karachi Kings and has hit a boundary every 4.5 ball in the marquee league.

It is pertinent to mention that the much-anticipated PSL 8 will commence with a glittering opening ceremony in Multan on February 13. The home side Multan Sultans will take on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser.

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DHAKA: Pakistan’s in-form batter Iftikhar Ahmed has departed for Pakistan following his brilliant campaign for Fortune Barishal in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).

Iftikhar, who represented the Barishal in the ongoing BPL, has been scintillating with the bat as the right-handed batter was the second-highest run-getter in the ongoing tournament with 347 runs in 10 innings including a century and three half-centuries.

According to the details, the all-rounder, who will represent Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is travelling back to Pakistan in a bid to participate in his PSL side’s home exhibition match against Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday (February 5).

Taking to Facebook, Iftikhar’s BPL franchise Barishal posted a picture of him departing for his homeland.

“We are sorrowed to announce that our Southern Army Iftikhar Ahmed has left Dhaka to join Quetta Gladiators camp for the upcoming PSL tournament,” said Barishal in a statement.

“Thanks for everything champ, thanks for all of the great memories which we’ve achieved through you as well as which was impossible without you.

“Your name will remain forever in the heart of Barishal Citizen. Wish you a great career in future.

“Once a Southern Army, Always a southern Army.”

It is pertinent to mention that the PSL 8 will embark on February 13 in Multan with home side Multan Sultans taking on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser, followed by a glittering opening ceremony.

Meanwhile, Iftikhar’s Gladiators will start their PSL 8 campaign against Multan Sultans on February 15.

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LAHORE:The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced details of ticket prices for the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League.

Online tickets for the Multan and Karachi-leg matches will be available online on Saturday at 1100 and fans can visit cricket.bookme.pk to book their tickets. Physical tickets will also be available to the fans during the course of the tournament from the box offices at the four venues. Tickets for the Rawalpindi and Lahore matches will go on sale in due course.

Tickets for the tournament opener between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and the 2021 title winners Multan Sultans at the Multan Cricket Stadium on 13 February have been set at PKR6,000 for the VIP enclosures, PKR3,000 for Premium, PKR2,000 for First Class and PKR1,000 for General.

Ticket prices for the 15 February Multan Sultans versus Quetta Gladiators match have been set for PKR2,900 (VIP), PKR1,900 (Premium), PKR950 (First Class) and PKR650 (General), while ticket prices for the remaining three matches featuring the home side have been fixed at PKR4,000 (VIP), PKR2,000 (Premium), PKR1,500 (First Class) and PKR1,000 (General).

For the non-Sunday matches in Karachi, ticket prices have been set at PKR2,900 (VIP), PKR1,900 (Premium), PKR950 and PKR650 for First Class and General Enclosures, respectively.

For Sunday, 19 February, mouth-watering match between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, ticket prices have been fixed at PKR5,000 for the VIP enclosures, PKR3,000 for the Premium, PKR2,000 in First Class and PKR1,000 in General. For the final fixture in Karachi on Sunday, 26 February, between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, ticket prices have set for PKR4,000 (VIP), PKR2,000 (Premium), PKR1,500 and PKR1,000 for First Class and General Enclosures, respectively.

The PCB, for the first time, have introduced discounted season passes, which will cover weekday matches. This is to encourage cricket fans and families to purchase cheaper tickets to attend the matches and watch in action some of best shortest format cricketers vying for the biggest price in Pakistan cricket.

Season pass for the four Multan matches (excluding the opener) has been set for PKR16,830 (VIP), PKR9,630 (Premium), PKR5,715 (First Class) and PKR3,555 (General).

Likewise, season pass for the five Karachi matches on 16, 20, 21, 23 and 24 February, has been fixed at PKR13,050 (VIP), PKR8,550 (Premium), PKR4,275 (First Class) and PKR2,925 (General).

The PCB has also confirmed one ticket can be purchased on one CNIC.  For those who do not have CNIC, they can purchase the tickets using the passport, while those under the age of 18 will require B-Form. All spectators will be required to bring the government-issued ID through which they have bought the tickets.

ENCLOSURE NAMES:

Multan

VIP – Imran Khan, Fazal Mahmood

Premium – Zaheer Abbad, Javed Miandad

First Class – Elahi, Wasim Akram

General – Hanif Mohammad, Mushtaq Ahmed

Karachi

VIP – Fazal Mahmood, Hanif Mohammad, Javed Miandad

Premium – Imran Khan, Quaid, Wasim Akram

First Class Asif Iqbal, Intikhab Alam, Iqbal Qasim, Mohammad Brothers, Nasimul Ghani, Zaheer Abbas

General – Majid Khan, Waqar Hasan, Wasim Bari

LAHORE: Young middle-order batter Muhammad Irfan Khan has set his sights to learn from his idol veteran Shoaib Malik during his stint for Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) most followed franchise Karachi Kings in the upcoming eighth edition.

Irfan, a product of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) age-group programme, is aiming to perform well in his maiden PSL season while also looking forward to interacting with his idol Malik and learning valuable batting tips from him.

“Getting selected for the first time in the PSL is certainly a satisfying feeling. I want to perform well in this tournament as the PSL stage propels you to the limelight and you can boost your case for selection in the national team,” said Irfan.

“In Karachi Kings, I will have the opportunity of interacting with my cricketing idol Shoaib Malik, who has a lot of experience playing for Pakistan and in leagues around the globe. He is also a middle-order batter like me so I will definitely use the opportunity to learn from him,” he added.

The 20-year-old further termed former Peshawar Zalmi’s captain Darren Sammy’s heroics against Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2018 his favourite moment as the latter led his team to triumph after a tricky run chase despite the injury.

“Daren Sammy’s heroics for Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 2018 match against Quetta Gladiators was a memorable moment. He was unfit during the chase but still helped Peshawar win the match at a time when they required 16 off 7 balls,” Irfan concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that Irfan has represented Pakistan in two ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cups in 2020 and 2022.

The right-handed batter accumulated 141 runs in nine innings in the National T20 2022-23 at a strike rate of 153.26 with a 31-ball 57 against Balochistan being the highlight of his campaign.

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KARACHI: Quetta Gladiators’ captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is aiming to benefit from his exceptional form with the bat as the wicketkeeper batter announced to bat up the order for his side in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Sarfaraz, in a media interaction on Thursday, shared that he wants to lead the Gladiators from the front and set an example by taking responsibility himself and thus announced that the right-handed batter will promote his batting order in the upcoming season.

“I will be batting at number three or four this season for Gladiators and will try to give my best for the team,” shared Sarfaraz.

The former Pakistan captain also expressed his hope for a better performance by his side, who has failed to make it to the Playoffs for three consecutive seasons after winning the title in 2019.

“We are hopeful of a better overall effort by the team. We are lucky to have many talented players in our squad this season. We have a good combination of local and foreign players,” Sarfaraz added.

It is pertinent to mention that the much-anticipated PSL 8 will commence with a glittering opening ceremony in Multan on February 13. The home side Multan Sultans will take on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser.

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LAHORE: Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam is eager to command Punjab’s caretaker minister Wahab Riaz in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League.

Babar will represent Peshawar Zalmi for the first time in the PSL, that too as a captain, whereas, left-arm pacer Wahab, who was recently appointed as sports minister in Punjab’s caretaker government, has been spearheading the franchise’s bowling attack since the tournament’s inception in 2016.

Talking to the latest edition of the PCB podcast Babar had a funny take at Wahab playing alongside him for the Zalmi besides being an office-bearer in Punjab’s interim government.

“I’m very excited,” he said on leading the provincial minister in PSL season 8. “We’ll try to go along well but it will be imperative to keep a tight rein on the minister” he quipped on a lighter note.

Meanwhile, Babar, who has the most runs (2,413) in the tournament’s history also offered his gratitude to his previous PSL franchise Karachi Kings, especially the President and CEO ARY Digital Network Mr. Salman Iqbal for supporting him throughout his PSL journey.

“I want to thank Karachi here for supporting me and making me play for the past six years especially Salman Bhai helped me a lot,” he expressed.

He added: “Every HBL PSL edition is super exciting for me because of its competitive nature. There is a different challenge each year as the players with whom you share the Pakistan dressing room all year become your opponents.

“A new franchise, and a new season, this HBL PSL edition holds added significance for me and I am looking forward to making a good start in this journey.

“Sharing the dressing room with different players throughout – one season with Islamabad United and six seasons with Karachi Kings – has helped me a lot. You learn a great deal when you interact with other players, getting to know about their mindset, training regime and the way they handle different situations.

“It is a dream for me to score a century in the HBL PSL as I already have two T20I centuries and a few more in different leagues. I am positive about achieving the three-figure mark in this HBL PSL, and hoping the right time comes soon for a big score.”

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Super League season 8 will take place from February 13 to March 19 in Multan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.

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LONDON: England all-rounder Moeen Ali has opted to withdraw from the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to focus on this year’s ICC World Cup, English news outlet The Mirror reported.

Despite several English players prioritizing the lucrative PSL over their team’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh, the white-ball vice-captain, however, has opted to put his national duty before his club.

Moeen had the busiest of schedules over the winter playing 36 games of cricket across three formats. Thus, with the upcoming World Cup being the priority, the all-rounder believes their upcoming tour of Bangladesh is crucial for their side’s title defence in India.

The report further suggested that the all-rounder also seeks to enjoy a couple of weeks at home before his national duty in Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to mention England will tour Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from March 1-14, while the PSL will take place from February 13 to March 19.

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LONDON: More England cricketers are likely to follow Alex Hales’ footsteps of prioritizing franchise league cricket over their side’s scheduled tour of Bangladesh due to lucrative contracts, English newspaper The Telegraph reported.

According to the report, three more English players – Lahore Qalandars’ Sam Billings and Liam Dawson and Karachi Kings’ James Vince – are likely to offer their full participation in the ongoing eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) instead of preferring national duty.

England will tour Bangladesh for three T20Is and as many ODIs from March 1-14, while the PSL will take place from February 13 to March 19.

“Alex Hales will not be included in the squad for Bangladesh as he is set to remain at the Pakistan Super League where he has a lucrative deal. It is understood Sam Billings, Liam Dawson and James Vince will do the same,” the report stated.

“England are happy for their non-contracted players to pursue franchise opportunities with the likes of Billings, Dawson and Vince having spent plenty of time around the England setup since 2015, without being regulars in the XI.

“Players opting not to play for England has raised further questions over England’s contracting structures and, with franchises increasingly powerful, whether greater weight should be given to tour and match fees (currently around £5,000 and £2,500 for ODIs and T20Is respectively) rather than retainers.”

The report added that the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) selection committee will name the squad for the tour of Bangladesh, this week.

It is pertinent to mention that the much-anticipated PSL 8 will commence with a glittering opening ceremony in Multan. The home side Multan Sultans will take on defending champions Lahore Qalandars in the curtain raiser.

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