Shadab extends apology to fans, takes responsibility for Asia Cup final loss

DUBAI: Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan took the blame upon himself for the team’s defeat in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka on Sunday and extended apologies to the fans as he dropped two crucial catches in the match. 

Taking to Twitter, the 23-year-old spinner regretted the chances that he missed during the final as he dropped Bhanuka Rajapksa twice, who then led the way for Sri Lanka with a magnificent knock of 71 runs.

“Catches win matches. Sorry, I take responsibility for this loss. I let my team down,” he wrote.

“Positives for team, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz and the entire bowling attack was great. Mohammad Rizwan fought hard. The entire team tried their best. Congratulations to Sri Lanka,” his tweet added.

The national side lagged on many fronts as Sri Lanka defied the toss factor and set a respectable 171-run target after being down to 58/5 in the 9th over.

Pakistan’s batting line-up failed completely and could only manage to score 147 before being bowled out on the final delivery, thus handing Sri Lanka a resounding 23 runs victory in the final.

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‘Naseem’s sixes remind us of Shahid Afridi’ says Shadab Khan

SHARJAH: Pakistan vice-captain and player of the nerve-wracking Super Four clash between Afghanistan and Pakistan – Shadab Khan – hailed young speedster Naseem Shah and claimed his two sixes reminded them of Shahid Afridi.

Shadab talked to the presser following the tense clash of the Asia Cup Super Four between Pakistan and Afghanistan and heaped praises on the young fast bowler.

“Naseem’s two sixes remind us of Shahid Afridi,” said Shadab. “I was confident that he can hit those sixes.

“These two sixes will always be memorable for Naseem for the entirety of his career,” added Shadab.

The all-rounder then claimed that it is more difficult to watch Pakistan matches than to play them, while also acknowledging that he should have finished the match.

“Pakistan matches are hard to watch, heart attack can happen. I am more comfortable while playing such matches than watching them,” said Shadab.

“I should have finished the match. Our team is good but we have not become champions yet and we have to become that,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan edged past Afghanistan in a final-over nail-biter courtesy of two astounding sixes from Pakistan pacer Naseem that powered the side into the final of Asia Cup 2022.

Meanwhile, India and Afghanistan have been crashed out of the tournament, while Sri Lanka made their way into the final alongside Pakistan.

READ: Pakistan down Afghanistan in a nail-biter to book Asia Cup Final berth

‘He too is our match winner’ Shadab backs Hasan ahead of Asia Cup

DUBAI: Pakistan all-rounder and T20I vice-captain Shadab Khan came out in defence of right-arm speedster Hasan Ali and termed him a match winner.

Hasan, who made his way back into the national squad for the Asia Cup 2022 following Mohammad Wasim Jr ruling out with a side strain, received words of encouragement from all-rounder Shadab.

“No doubt we’ll miss Shaheen and Wasim. Injuries happen in the game and it happened to our two good bowlers this time,” Shadab stated.

“Our other bowlers are also match winners and without a doubt, Hasan too is our match winner,” he continued.

The leg-spinner also opined regarding the former Indian captain Virat Kohli and wished the latter to perform well in the tournament but not against Pakistan.

“Kohli is still a legend. I wish he does well in the tournament but not against our team,” Shadab stated.

Pakistan’s vice-captain then went on to comment on the most anticipated match of the Asia Cup and claimed that every player wants to perform exceptionally well in Pakistan-India matches.

“We defeated India, but that is a thing of the past now. We have a new match against them and we are looking forward to it,” Shadab insisted.

“Every player wants to be a hero by performing in Pakistan India match,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that the 15th edition of the Asia Cup will kick off tomorrow as the hosts Sri Lanka take on Afghanistan in the curtain raiser. The Green Shirts will start their campaign on August 28 against arch-rivals India.

READ: Wasim Jr ruled out of Asia Cup 2022, Hasan returns to Pakistan Squad 

‘Shaheen is our best bowler, so we’ll miss him in Asia Cup’ says Shadab

ROTTERDAM: Pakistan leg-spin all-rounder Shadab Khan opined regarding ace pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the upcoming Asia Cup 2022 and acknowledged that the team will miss his services.

Shadab, while interacting with media here, expressed his displeasure on Shaheen’s injury update which resulted in him crashing out on the Asian event and the final ODI against the Netherlands, while clarifying that the national selectors will decide the latter’s replacement.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi has been ruled out of the team for six weeks. He will not be available for selection for the Asia Cup,” Shadab confirmed.

“We will miss him tomorrow. He is our best bowler, so his unavailability will be felt by the entire team. Now, the selectors will decide who’s going to replace him,” he maintained.

The deputy captain of the Pakistan ODI side then went on to share the team’s approach for the third ODI against the Netherlands as the touring side eye to complete a clean sweep against the hosts.

“We will play tomorrow’s match aggressively as per our team’s approach,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan lead the ongoing three-match ODI series against the Netherlands 2-0.

The third ODI will take place tomorrow at 2 PM (PST). The ongoing series is being telecasted live on Pakistan’s first HD Sports channel – A Sports and simultaneously being streamed on the digital platform of ARY Digital Network – ARY ZAP in crystal clear HD quality.

READ: Major blow for Pakistan as Shaheen Afridi ruled out of Asia Cup 2022

‘Ready to take any batting position as per team’s requirement’ Shadab

LAHORE: Pakistan all-rounder and national team’s vice-captain Shadab Khan expressed his readiness to take any position in the batting order that suited the team’s balance and requirements as the Green shirts have been undergoing preparations for the upcoming overseas tasks.

Ahead of the team’s busy schedule starting with three 50-over matches against the Netherlands followed by Asia Cup 2022, Shadab stated the ODI series would be of great importance as it would earn the team crucial points in ICC Cricket World Cup Super League Standings.

“One-day series is crucial. We will enter the field with our best preparation,” he said.

While responding to a question related to the Pakistan team’s preparation for the blockbuster contest against India in the forthcoming Asia Cup on August 28, Shadab said the team would take the field with a winning spirit.

“As a team, we always enter the ground with a winning mindset, we will do the same in the match (against India),” he stated.

Talking about his batting position in the team the all-rounder revealed that he could bat at any number even as an opener provided what suits best for the team.

” I’m ready to bat at any number depending upon the team’s requirement,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan will play a three-match away ODI series against the Netherlands from August 16 to 21. The side will depart for Amsterdam in the wee hours of Friday, August 12.

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‘Playing County Cricket will help us in international cricket’ Haris Rauf

LEEDS: Pakistan’s right-arm speedster Haris Rauf shared his experience of playing the County Cricket in the United Kingdom and claimed it would help him in international cricket.

Haris, in an exclusive interview with this reporter here, commented on his participation in the county cricket and claimed that he gained valuable experience from playing in different conditions which would benefit him in the international matches.

“England tour was a wonderful experience. County cricket is a bit difficult but there is a lot to learn from this,” Haris stated.

“It is a bit challenging to control the Dukes ball here in these conditions but again I have learned a lot from this which will definitely help in international cricket,” he maintained.

Haris further opined regarding the next assignment with the Green Shirts against the West Indies in the scorching weather of Multan, claiming that being a professional cricketer, one has to be prepared for such challenges.

“Being professional cricketers, we have to be prepared for such challenges. We are playing for our country so we will give our best on the field regardless of the weather,” he concluded.

Shadab, on the other hand, also seconds Haris on his remarks regarding the challenge of playing against West Indies in the scorching heat of Multan by saying we would have to get used to it.

“There is no fear from the heat of Multan, no doubt it is hot but you have to get used to it,” Shadab stated.

Shadab further commented regarding his recovery from the injury and revealed he was under a lot of pressure before travelling here while claiming to be fully prepared for the forthcoming series.

“I was a little bit of under pressure when I came here. I played here after the PSL, my goal was to practice before the series and I am well prepared for it,” Shadab claimed.

“It was a rather difficult condition but I enjoyed it a lot. Our focus is on the West Indies series right now and we will try to play a good series,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shadab and Haris have departed from the UK after participating in the ongoing County season. The two cricketers will land in Pakistan today to participate in the recently commenced training camp for the home ODI series against the West Indies.

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Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf appear in Tape Ball Cricket Family event

YORKSHIRE: Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan attended a tape ball cricket family event today, organized by Yorkshire Cricket Foundation at Park Avenue, Bradford. 

The two cricketers were given a warm response by their fans at the event. The fans clicked pictures and took autographs with the cricketers.

The community-based event culminated in a Tapeball tournament featuring eight teams competing against each other.  It also included a speed gun challenge, a throw show challenge and cricket games.

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Chief Operating Officer Andy Dawson expressed his delight in the overwhelming response given by the crowd to the Pakistani cricketers. “It was fantastic to see so many young girls and boys enjoying the occasion and going home happy with their autographs and selfies with Haris and Shadab,” he claimed.

The organizers of the event also extended their gratitude to Shadab and Haris for accepting their invitation and attending the event.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shadab and Haris are currently in the UK to participate in the ongoing County season. The two cricketers will travel back to Pakistan on June 1 to participate in the recently commenced training camp for the home ODI series against the West Indies.

Shadab Khan flies to England to participate in County Championship

KARACHI: Pakistan’s leg-spinner Shadab Khan has left for England to participate in the ongoing County Championship 2022 after leaving the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s Conditioning Camp midway.

Shadab, who has flown to England to participate in the County Championship, will represent Yorkshire County Cricket Club and will be sharing the dressing room with the Pakistani speedster Haris Rauf.

The 23-years-old leg spinner has obtained the No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the PCB to take part in the English domestic championship.

The all-rounder, however, will have to return back to the country if he gets selected for the upcoming home ODI series against West Indies, scheduled in June.

Shadab shared his selfie from a plane on his Instagram story while also mentioning Haris, who is already representing the county side in the ongoing championship.

It is apropos to mention here that Pakistani players are currently ruling the ongoing championship with the left-handed opener, Shan Masood, scoring the most runs in the season so far (826), while Hasan Ali is currently the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets, followed by his countryman Mohammad Abbas (22).

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Shadab resumes training, likely to lead Islamabad in playoffs

LAHORE: Shadab Khan recovered from his groin injury and resumed training before all-important playoffs in Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7. 

The all-rounder is most likely to lead Islamabad United in the playoffs stage as per the sources. Meanwhile, Zeeshan Zameer failed to recover from a side strain and will miss the knock-out stage.

Pacer Hasan Ali will have to wait for his medical reports before United’s management take decision regarding him.

England’s Will Jacks have completed isolation here and will be available for playoffs.

United are currently at number four position on the points table. They are most likely to meet Peshawar Zalmi in the first PSL 7 Eliminator.

READ: Shadab Khan praises Saqlain Mushtaq on his birthday

Shadab Khan joins Sydney Sixers for BBL 11 remainder

SYDNEY: Pakistan’s star spinner, Shadab Khan signed with the Big Bash League’s franchise, Sydney Sixers for the remainder of the current season of the league.

Taking to Twitter, the Sixers announced the addition of the leggie to their squad.

“We’ve signed Pakistani star spinner Shadab Khan for the remainder of BBL 11,” the franchise wrote.

Shadab will represent the two times BBL winners, covering their spin injuries of Ben Manenti and Steve O’Keefe.

Taking to Twitter, the leg spinner showcased his excitement for his return to the league and is hopeful to contribute to the team’s success.

“I have always enjoyed playing in Australia and the BBL, these are different and tough conditions so you get to learn a lot. Really excited to be part of the Sixers. Hopefully, I can contribute to my team’s success,” he wrote.

 

Shadab has played 175 T20s and has taken 197 wickets. In the batting department, the right-arm batter scored 1407runs at an average of 18.03. He is also the eighth-highest wicket-taker in Pakistan Super League’s history with 46 wickets in 52 matches.

READ: Muhammad Hasnain joins Sydney Thunder for BBL 11