Tag: PSL

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the official anthem “Sab Sitaray Humaray” for the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), scheduled to commence on February 13.

According to details, the official anthem – composed by musician Abdullah Siddiqui – features Shae Gill, Asim Azhar, and rapper Faris Shafi.

Last year, the PSL 2022 anthem ‘Agay Dekh’ was sung by Atif Aslam, Aima Baig, and Abdullah Siddiqui.

It is pertinent to mention here that PSL season 8 will kick off on February 13 in Multan with a grand ceremony followed by the opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.

Karachi Kings, on the other hand, will play their first match on February 14 against Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi will share between them the 34-match tournament, and the event schedule has been designed in such a way that the four home sides will each play five matches in front of their fans and supporters – one against each side.

The soft launch of the Pakistan Women’s League will also take place during the PSL 8 when three exhibition matches will be played in the lead-up to the men’s matches in Rawalpindi on 8, 10 and 11 March. The two women’s sides are expected to comprise leading local and foreign players, details of which will be announced in due course.

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KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi’s honorary President Inzamam-ul-Haq has expressed his complete faith in the new skipper, Babar Azam, saying he will definitely fulfil the role which is required by the team.

Babar, who is the latest edition to the Peshawar Zalmi squad, will lead the side in the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League, starting from February 13.

“With each passing Babar’s performance is getting better and better,” said Inzamam while speaking to the media during Peshawar Zalmi’s practice session, here on Friday.

“Every player no matter how great he is has his own weak links and sometimes these minor flaws remain intact throughout his career” he added.

Inzamam, however, heaped praises on Babar for his solid batting roots and termed him the best batter in every format.

“He fits in the role that we want, that is why he is picked by the Peshawar Zalmi,” he maintained.

Pakistan’s all-format skipper and Peshawar Zalmi’s incumbent captain, is the highest run-getter in the PSL with 2413 runs in 38 matches, averaging a whopping 42.33.

It is pertinent to mention PSL season 8 will kick off in Multan with a grand opening ceremony match followed by the inaugural match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and 2021 champions Multan Sultans.

Peshawar Zalmi, on the other hand, will play their first game on February 14 against Imad Wasim-led Karachi Kings at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

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KARACHI: With the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League now just three days away, Karachi Kings gear up for yet another exciting season as they held their first training session on Thursday. 

Players stretched their arms before indulging in rigorous batting, fielding and bowling drills at Karachi’s National Bank Cricket under the watch of head coach Johan Botha and assistant coach Michael Smith.

Australia’s Ben Cutting, who arrived earlier on the same day, also participated in the first training session of the team alongside captain Imad Wasim and other local players of the Karachi Kings’ squad.

📸 from the 1st training session.#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/Ytx24s95Ph

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 9, 2023

Earlier, Karachi Kings also revealed their training kit for the PSL season 8 through Twitter.

Presenting you the Kings training gear. ❤️#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/yPtkuLBclT

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 9, 2023

During the session, multi-talented skipper, Imad, was also seen showcasing his skills with a football, a glimpse of which was also shared by the Karachi King’s social media.

Not just an all-rounder in cricket

Skipper @simadwasim showcasing some new skills ⚽#YehHaiKarachi | #KingsSquad | #HBLPSL8 pic.twitter.com/EGRnT73e2L

— Karachi Kings (@KarachiKingsARY) February 9, 2023

It is pertinent to mention here that the upcoming edition of PSL will be played across four venues from 13 February to 19 March. The Multan and Karachi-leg matches will be held from 13-26 February, before action shifts to Lahore and Rawalpindi where 20 matches will be played from 26 February to 19 March.

Karachi Kings, on the other hand, will play their first game on February 14 against Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

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LAHORE: Renowned singers Asim Azhar and Shae Gill anawill sing the official anthem for the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Taking to Twitter, PSL revealed the names of two singers, who will lend their magical voices to the season 8 anthem.

📢Artist announcement📢

.@AsimAzharr to take the HBL PSL 8 anthem to the next level! 🎶#HBLPSL8 #SabSitarayHumaray pic.twitter.com/JoyiJYRL65

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 7, 2023

📢Artist announcement📢

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐁𝐋 𝐏𝐒𝐋 𝟖 𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦! ✨

How excited are you?#HBLPSL8 | #SabSitarayHumaray pic.twitter.com/SKnoR68F8H

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) February 7, 2023

Reportedly, rapper Faris Shafi will also feature in the PSL 8 anthem. An official announcement in this regard is still awaited.

The upcoming edition of PSL will be played across four venues from 13 February to 19 March. The Multan and Karachi-leg matches will be held from 13-26 February, before action shifts to Lahore and Rawalpindi where 20 matches will be played from 26 February to 19 March.

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LAHORE: Karachi Kings captain Imad Wasim asserted that his side had all the bases covered for the eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League, saying they have more match winners this time rather than the players who play for personal records. 

Imad, who has previously captained Kings in four seasons and led his side to their maiden title win in the 2020 edition of the PSL, said their overseas pick for this year had been phenomenal, especially the addition of Mathew Wade gave the side a perfect balance.

“The reason to bring Mathew Wade is that he can bat at the top order and has the ability to finish the game as well. Plus he is a wicket-keeper which really benefits our team,” he said in the latest episode of PCB Podcast released on Tuesday.

The 2020 PSL-winning captain maintains that it does not matter how a team looks on paper, the only thing that matters is how you are going to play about it and play the right way the T20 should be played.

“This year we try to have more match winners rather than the players who play for personal goals” he added.

“PSL is one of the best leagues in the world, which is very close to our hearts. We wait for this league for 10 months during which we prepare, plan and set goals. Then, we enter into this great event to achieve our collective objectives, help our sides win and this cycle continues.”

Revealing his plans for the PSL season 8, Imad said, their idea was to aim one goal at a time.

“We will go step-by-step and match-by-match in this tournament with our first target being to secure a place in the playoffs.

“One of the best things about this PSL is we will have home matches. So, we are aiming to make the best use of our first five matches at home and build the momentum that can carry us into the play-offs.” he added.

“This year, every side is equally balanced and it is difficult to predict an outright winner. All sides boast some outstanding talent and they will enter the event with different combinations and strengths. This clearly reflects how the PSL has evolved and why it has now become an extremely challenging and exciting league.”

It is pertinent to mention here that the mega event will kick off in Multan on February 13 with a grand ceremony followed by the opening encounter between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.

Karachi Kings, however, will play their first match of PSL 8 against Babar Azam-led Peshawar Zalmi on February 14 at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.

READ: Peshawar Zalmi head coach Sammy reaches Karachi for PSL 8

KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi head coach Daren Sammy reached Karachi on Monday for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League, starting from February 13. 

PSL season 8 will kick off in Multan with a grand ceremony and the opening match between defending champions Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans.

Peshawar Zalmi, however, will play Karachi Kings at National Bank Cricket Arena on February 14 in their first game.

Sammy has been an integral part of Peshawar Zalmi, first as a player and then as their coach since the inception of the PSL in 2016. He has been the head coach of the side since 2020.

The former West Indies captain is one of the most admired overseas players in Pakistan for his commitment to the PSL and the franchise.

He was also conferred with Sitara-i-Pakistan, a prestigious civil award, by the President of Pakistan for his contributions to the revival of international cricket in the country.

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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: 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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