Tag: PSL

KARACHI: The world’s number one T20I batter and the captain of Karachi Kings, while doing a presser ahead of the forthcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) said that Sharjeel Khan needs to improve his fitness to make a return in international cricket.

In the presser, Babar shared that the Kings’ skipper enjoys batting with the explosive left-hander Sharjeel, but advised him to improve his fitness to make a national return.

“Sharjeel Khan is a game-changer, I always enjoyed batting with him,” Babar said.

“He [Sharjeel] needs to improve his fitness to return into international cricket,” he added.

Babar, while talking about his appointment as the Kings’ skipper said he is thankful to the Almighty Allah, while determined to give his best input for the team.

“I am thankful to Allah that I was appointed as the captain of Karachi Kings. I will try to give my best input,” he said.

“I will try to maintain the good captaincy of Imad Wasim,” he added.

When being asked about the Karachi-Lahore faceoff, Babar said that he always enjoy playing against Lahore Qalandars.

“The match against Lahore Qalandars has always been interesting and fun to play,” Babar said.

“Shaheen always gives tough time, Harris Rauf is also a good bowler, you have to make plans against him,” he added.

Babar also backed the Kings’ pacer – Mohammad Amir said, “Amir is my game-changing bowler. He has won crucial matches for Karachi Kings”

Babar also lauded the Kings’ head coach – Peter Moores said that the players are learning a lot from his experience.

Furthermore, the 27-years-old expressed his hope that the league goes well while sharing that the right-handed batter has become used to the bio-secure bubble and the COVID-19 protocols.

It is worth mentioning here that the PSL 7 will commence on January 27 with the Kings taking on the defending champions – Multan Sultans in the curtain-raiser at National Stadium.

READ: Pakistan beat PNG by nine wickets to finish group stage at top position

LAHORE: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) posted a compilation video of the best catches on its social media platforms ahead of the upcoming seventh edition, featuring the likes of Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shahid Afridi.

In the video, PSL compiled the best catches taken by different players in the previous seasons of the marquee event.

Taking to YouTube, the PSL shared the compilation video, to boost the excitement of the fans.

 

Joe Denly took a blinder against Lahore Qalandars (PSL 3)

In the eighth match of the PSL 3 between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, the then Kings’ player Joe Denly took a stunner at the point diving full to his right to grab a one-handed catch of Mohammad Irfan Junior’s delivery; dismissing Dinesh Ramdin.

Sarfaraz Ahmed judged it to perfection against Peshawar Zalmi (PSL 5)

On Tymal Mills’ deceiving delivery, Tom Banton launched the ball into the sky. The wicket-keeper and the skipper of Quetta Gladiators – Sarfaraz Ahmed ran backwards and took a sharp catch as the 34-years-old overran but managed to grab the ball in his gloves in the end.

Shahid Afridi took a stunner against Quetta Gladiators (PSL 3)

During the Kings’ faceoff against the Gladiators, Shahid Afridi stole the show with a stunning catch on the long-off boundary. Gladiators’ batter Umar Amin flicked the ball on Irfan Junior’s delivery but, could not time it well to sail over the fence. Standing at the long-off boundary, Afridi plucked the ball out of the boundary threw it in the air to run back into the field and grabbed it safely inside the boundary.

Mohammad Rizwan dived running backwards to pull off a stunner vs Peshawar Zalmi (PSL 6)

Extra bounce on Blessing Muzarabani’s delivery forced Zalmi’s firepower David Miller to top-edge the ball; launching it in the sky. Rizwan ran quickly backwards and judged the swirling ball to perfection, dived perfectly to take the catch of the season.

Wahab Riaz’s magnificent catch against Lahore Qalandars (PSL 6)

In a clash against the Qalandars, Wahab Riaz managed to pull off a sharp catch diving to his left as Faizan Lakhani crunched the ball for the extra cover, Riaz, standing at the mid-off position showed athletism to hold on for an astonishing catch despite a slow start.

It is apropos to mention here that the seventh edition of the PSL will kick off on January 27 as the defending champions Sultans will lock horns with the former champions Kings in the league’s opener.

READ: Bank Islami becomes Banking Partner of Karachi Kings for PSL 7

 

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has unveiled the commentary and presenters panel for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Nick Knight and Mike Haysman also included.

In a press release, PCB revealed that former England and South African cricketers and well-known commentators Knight and Haysman respectively will be commentating for the first time in the HBL PSL 7.

Another English commentator, Dawid Gower, who has already commentated in the PSL once, will comment in the first phase of the league to be played in Karachi. Gower, however, will then be replaced by infamous New Zealand’s commentator – Danny Morrison for the second leg of the super league in Lahore.

Renowned Zimbabwean commentator Pommie Mbangwa will also be available for the first round of the league only.

Taking to Twitter, the PSL also shared the commentary panel for the upcoming edition.

🚨 Commentators & Presenters Panel for the #HBLPSL7 🚨

Read more: https://t.co/W5ZFiY8F1l #LevelHai pic.twitter.com/hmuSRSom1Y

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 22, 2022

 

Furthermore, apart from foreign stars, former Pakistan cricketers and prominent commentators will also be part of the commentary box to comment on the upcoming live-action at National Stadium Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

In addition to former players – Waqar Younis, Bazid Khan, Sana Mir, Urooj Mumtaz, and Marina Iqbal, Pakistan’s current identity in Urdu commentary – Tariq Saeed will provide analysis for the league.

Furthermore, Erin Holland will be returning to the super league as a presenter, while Zainab Abbas and Sikandar Bakht will host pre-match and post-match shows.

It is worth mentioning here that the seventh edition of the HBL PSL will commence on January 27 with the defending champions Multan Sultans taking on the former champions Karachi Kings in the league’s opener.

READ: ‘We could not finish previous seasons on a high’ Wahab Riaz

KARACHI: Wahab Riaz, the captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, while talking to the media admitted that his team had been unlucky not to finish the league on a high note in previous editions.

Wahab, while talking to the presser, said that he feels unfortunate about not finishing the previous editions of the PSL on a high note, while determined of performing well in the upcoming PSL 7.

“We regret that we were unable to complete the event. However, we will take the field by forgetting our mistakes behind,” he said.

“We have selected the best players in all departments and will perform well,” he added.

Wahab also talked about his individual performance and the national comeback said he can still play for another two to three years.

“I have performances that can help for my comeback and I will make more efforts,” Wahab said.

“I am obsessed with playing for Pakistan and I think I can play for another two to three years,” he added.

Wahab also optimistic for the better quality pitches for the PSL 7, said the pitches of the last season were flat and the targets were being easily chased down.

The left-arm pacer also lauded the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), said the board made good decisions including the addition of the pool of reserve players to combat any unpleasant situation. He also said that the BioSecure bubble is much better this time around than it was last year.

READ: Foreign cricketers begin to reach Pakistan for PSL 7

KARACHI: The captain of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators – Sarfraz Ahmed is eyeing a national comeback by performing well in the upcoming PSL 7.

Sarfaraz, while talking to the media, here, said the performances in the domestic circuit are essential for a comeback in the Pakistan team.

“Any domestic event is important for a comeback,” Sarfaraz said.

Sarfaraz also reviewed the strength of the Gladiators ahead of the PSL 7 said, the team is looking good ‘on paper’.

“On paper, our team is looking good. We can make a strong combination upon the arrival of all the squad members,” he said.

The 34-year-old stated that the Gladiators’ bowling unit tends to be more balanced this time and that he is optimistic that they will do well.

“I am hopeful that the bowling unit will perform well. Sohail Tanveer has extensive experience, Mohammad Hasnain too, has gained a lot of experience by participating in the Big Bash League,” he said.

“Naseem has played CPL (Caribbean Premier League), while James Faulkner also strengthens our bowling line,” he added.

The wicket-keeper batter also said that the team will be looking to be benefited by the experience and presence of Shahid Afridi.

READ: Sri Lanka top Group D, qualify for the Quarterfinals in ICC U19 World Cup

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to enforce strict health and safety protocols for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in order to combat the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a document, sent to all the franchises, the PCB has shared to enforce stern health and safety protocols for the forthcoming PSL 7. In order to avoid the league being postponed or cancelled, the cricket board might establish three separate bio-secure bubbles for the marquee event.

As per the details, the primary bio-secure bubble includes players from all teams, support staff, match officials, hotel staff and certain PCB officials. Vehicle drivers, close protection security staff, reserve players, bubble-integrity managers, anti-corruption officials and hotel staff will all reside within the bubble and are not allowed to leave.

The TV production crew, key event management workers, and essential hotel staff and drivers will be housed in the second bubble, which will be formed at a separate hotel. The groundstaff will be accommodated in dedicated biosecure accommodation in the third bubble.

According to the details, the bubbles will be prohibited to interact with each other and will be bound to follow the general health and safety guidelines to keep the integrity of the bubble.

The players will undergo a total of 17 tests during the league, starting on January 20 – the day teams check into the hotel. The players will then undergo a three-day isolation period and will have to return two negative results to be able to enter the bubble. The players will then be tested every second day.

If an individual returns a positive result, the same will be separated from the rest of the squad, followed by a PCR test and will be sent to isolation for a mandatory period of seven days. All close and casual contacts will also be isolated and tested.

If the previously contracted individual is asymptomatic on day seven, they will be subjected to a Rapid Antigen Test, and if the result is negative, they will be re-integrated into their bubble. However, if the symptoms persist on day seven, the isolation period will then be extended to 10 days, while there will be no requirement for an exit test to rejoin the bubble if the individual is asymptomatic on that day.

In addition, the PCB has classified five punishments for breaching the bubble, with violators facing sanctions based on the severity of the infringement.

The five punishments include warning, match fees deduction of 5 percent to 25 percent, 25 to 50% match fee deduction, one to five-match ban. Serious violations can also be punished by expulsion from the league.

Furthermore, the PCB has categorized various acts of misbehaviour into two levels of violence.

MINOR VIOLATIONS

• Violation of social distancing outside of certain spaces
• Sharing of water bottles, towels, goods, and kits
• Shaking hands before or after the match
• Leaving laundry in grounds or dressing rooms
• Going to the isolation room without permission
• Being treated by physiotherapists or masseurs without a face mask
• More than 15 minutes of a physiotherapy session
• Being in a restricted area without permission

MAJOR VIOLATIONS

• Inviting someone other than the hotel’s maintenance staff
• Going to meet someone
• When the mask must be worn and not worn
• Ordering something in the room without the permission of the Bio-bubble Integrity Manager
• Not updating the symptoms when requested
• Usage of medications that reduce symptoms or affect test results
• Meeting someone who is COVID-19 positive or has severe symptoms
• Updating an unauthorized person about COVID cases or someone’s symptoms out of the bubble

It is apropos to mention here that some details suggest that if the PSL were to be postponed for some reason, it would have to be cancelled altogether since there will be no window to play the remaining games.

READ: ‘I wish Babar continues as Pakistan captain for 10-15 years’ Shaheen

KARACHI: COO Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) – Salman Naseer unveiled the trophy for the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), here on Friday.

In the unveiling ceremony, Salman lifted the curtains from the PSL trophy.

At the ceremony, Salman, talked about the preparations for the PSL 7 said the board has made backup after backup plans.

“The situation of the COVID-19 is worsening day by day. We are doing as many preparations as possible for the PSL 7,” Salman said.

“Have made more backup plans after backup. There is also the backup for the PCB staff, players, and for the broadcasters as well,” he added.

Salman also shared that the players will travel to Lahore from Karachi in a chartered flight.

Furthermore, Salman also stated that the situation regarding the COVID-19 has changed a lot and also that as long as 13 players are fit in a team, the tournament will continue.

READ: T20 World Cup 2022: Pakistan, India to collide on 23 October at MCG

KARACHI: With the seventh edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is just around the corner, the bio-secure bubble for the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) marquee event will begin tomorrow, here in a local hotel.

For the bio-secure bubble to commence, all the teams will be reporting in a local hotel where the bubble will be established.

On the arrival, the players will undergo COVID-19 testing. Whereas, the foreign cricketers and coaches, too, will be tested upon their arrival at the hotel.

The hotel staff associated with the teams will also be part of the bubble.

The official practice session for the participating teams will begin on January 24, while the opening match of the HBL PSL 7 will be played between the defending champions Multan Sultans and the former champions Karachi Kings at the National Stadium in Karachi.

READ: 25 percent crowd will be allowed during PSL 7 in Karachi: NCOC

KARACHI: The HBL Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) most followed franchise, Karachi Kings, will play an intrasquad practice match here on Wednesday to prepare for the forthcoming HBL PSL 7.

On the final day of the training camp, the Kings will be playing an intrasquad match to boost up the preparations for the PSL 7. According to details, Kings’ captain and the number one T20I batter – Babar Azam will also be in action today.

In the ongoing training camp, players were given different tasks to play according to the conditions.

After the conclusion of the unofficial training camp, the Kings will head into the biosecure bubble tomorrow where all players and officials in the squad will remain in quarantine for three days.

According to details, the influx of foreign players will also begin from tomorrow.

The official training camp will be held at the National Stadium from January 24. Whereas, the Kings will face off the defending champions Multan Sultans in the opening match on January 27.

READ: Ranjan Madugalle to referee in PSL 7

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the match officials for the matches of the upcoming seventh edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), chief of the panel of ICC match referees Ranjan Madugalle, also included. 

Taking to Twitter, the HBL PSL also shared the list of the match officials for the marquee league.

🚨Match Officials For #HBLPSL7 🚨

Read more: https://t.co/OQp5ypgXM9 #LevelHai pic.twitter.com/EMAxhe7nJ3

— PakistanSuperLeague (@thePSLt20) January 18, 2022

Madugalle will be making his HBL PSL debut when he will referee in the seventh edition of the PCB’s mega event. He will referee nine out of a total of 30 round matches, his former teammate Roshan Mahanama will also be refereeing as many PSL matches.

On the other hand, Aleem Dar, Richard Illingworth, and Michael Gough will be officiating the matches alongside local umpires from the PCB’s elite panel.

Match Referees:  Ranjan Madugalle, Roshan Mahanama, Ali Naqvi, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Javed Malik.

Umpires: Aleem Dar, Ahsan Raza, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Afridi, Imtiaz Iqbal, Imran Jawed, Michael Gough, Nasir Hussain, Rashid Riaz, Richard Illingworth, Shozab Raza and Waleed Yaqub.

READ: ‘Excited to work with Babar Azam’ Peter Moores