Shahid Afridi recovers from COVID-19, set to enter the bubble

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star all-rounder – Shahid Afridi, who is set to represent Quetta Gladiators in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has been recovered from COVID-19 and will enter the bio-secure bubble tomorrow.

Shahid, who was previously asymptomatic has recovered from the widely spread, the star all-rounder will now enter the bio-secure bubble tomorrow where he will undergo another three-day isolation period to be able to join the squad.

Afridi went home earlier this week after sustaining a back injury and also his contraction to the virus.

It is worth mentioning here that the Gladiators have played two matches in the PSL 7 so far and have managed to win one. Furthermore, the 2019 champions are set to lock horns with the defending champions and the table-toppers Multan Sultans at National Stadium Karachi today; eyeing the top position.

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Shahid Afridi tests COVID-19 positive ahead of PSL 7

KARACHI: Pakistan’s star all-rounder – Shahid Afridi, who is set to represent Quetta Gladiators in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has tested positive for the widely spread virus, here on Thursday.

The 2019 PSL champions – Gladiators faced a major setback ahead of their first match tomorrow, as the experienced all-rounder Shahid has contracted the widely spread virus.

Following his contraction, the star all-rounder will quarantine at home following Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) protocols.

Taking to Twitter, the star all-rounder confirmed his contraction to the widely spread virus.

https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1486664556143431680

He will then be reintegrated into the squad after seven days of quarantine and a negative test.

Earlier, Shahid also suffered a back injury during the Gladiators’ practice session and was already doubtful to compete in the initial matches of the marquee event.

It is worth mentioning here that the Gladiators will start their PSL 7 campaign tomorrow against the former champions – Peshawar Zalmi at National Stadium Karachi.

READ: Mohammad Amir, Imad Wasim to miss PSL 7 opening encounter

Shahid Afridi likely to miss initial matches of PSL 7

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former captain and star all-rounder – Shahid Afridi, who is set to represent Quetta Gladiators in the upcoming seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is doubtful for the first few matches of the mega event.

As per the details, Shahid suffered a back injury during the last night’s training session. Following this, the 46-years-old also did not participate in the Gladiators’ scheduled training session.

The explosive batter is also seeking advice from the doctors and may return home if not being able to recover in time.

It is worth mentioning here that Shahid will be playing his last PSL this year, as the star all-rounder announced ahead of the marquee event.

It is worth mentioning here that PSL 7 is set to commence tomorrow with the defending Multan Sultans taking on the 2020 champions – Karachi Kings at the National Stadium Karachi.

READ: Preparations race up for PSL 7 opening ceremony at NSK 

‘Babar as captain proved me wrong’ Shahid Afridi

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former captain, Shahid Afridi praised Babar Azam’s performance as a captain while speaking to a local channel.

The former all-rounder disclosed that he was afraid that the additional responsibility might halt the individual performance of Babar.

“I was concerned that Babar would be put under a lot of stress. The captaincy of the Pakistani squad is a big deal. As captain, you must deal with the media as well as the players,” Afridi said.

The all-rounder, however, admitted that the star batter proved his concerns wrong and is leading the side well.

“I had my doubts about Babar’s ability to lead the team. But, with his performance as captain, he has proven me wrong,” he concluded.

It is apropos to mention here that under Babar’s captaincy, Pakistan recorded the highest number of wins in T20Is in a calendar year, winning 20 matches in 2021. In ICC WT20 2021, he also became the first Pakistani captain to beat India in a world cup match.

READ: ‘I suggested Shaheen to wait for captaincy’ Shahid Afridi

‘I suggested Shaheen to wait for captaincy’ Shahid Afridi

KARACHI: Former international all-rounder Shahid Khan Afridi disclosed that he wasn’t in favour of Shaheen Shah Afridi taking up the captain’s role. 

Speaking to a local tv channel, Shahid shared his suggestions to Shaheen before he took up the captaincy of Lahore Qalandars for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7.

“I had suggested Shaheen wait for a year or two before accepting captaincy. As his bowling career is more important. But, he is also an Afridi, he didn’t listen to me,” Afridi was quoted saying.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shaheen replaced Sohail Akhtar as captain of Qalandars for the seventh edition of PSL, scheduled to start from January 27 in Karachi’s National Stadium.

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Shahid Afridi to remain the Brand Ambassador of Kashmir Premier League

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi decided to remain the Brand Ambassador for the second season of the Kashmir Premier League (KPL).

After a meeting with Chairman KPL Arshad Khan Tanoli and KPL President Arif Malik, the star all-rounder opted to stay on as the brand ambassador for the forthcoming second season.

“I will also be the brand ambassador in the second season of the league,” Afridi said.

Afridi also said that he will always remain determined for ‘Kashmir Cause’.

“I have a heartfelt relationship with Kashmir and the Kashmiri people, I will always strive for the cause of Kashmir and the rights of Kashmiris,” he added.

Afridi also congratulated Mr. Arshad and is hopeful that the league will be even more successful under his tenure.

Mr. Arshad also welcomed the decision and said Afridi’s involvement with the league will be beneficial.

“In Pakistan, Shahid Afridi is a major star. His involvement in the league is critical to achieving the league’s objectives,” he said.

READ: Shahid Afridi joins Quetta Gladiators for his last PSL

“Will try to make this event memorable for Afridi,” Sarfaraz Ahmed

KARACHI: Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pakistan’s former captain, stated that he has always enjoyed playing with Shahid Afridi and hopes to make the farewell season memorable.

During an interview, Sarfaraz said that he is happy to have Afridi on his side and the team will try to learn from the experience he offers.

“Afridi is my senior, and he will be an asset to our team. We will try to make this event memorable for Afridi by winning PSL 7,” he said.

Talking about the performance of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Sarfaraz said the team is doing exceptionally well.

“Everyone is aware of Pakistan’s outstanding performance over the last eight months. Hopefully, Pakistan’s team will win the upcoming series,” he added.

Sarfaraz also cleared the speculations of being heartbroken for not representing the Pakistani side.

“Don’t take my poetry seriously. I’m not sad. I am enjoying cricket and watching dramas,” he concluded.

Referring to the West Indies series, Sarfaraz also said that no team is weak in the shortest format of the game.

READ: Shahid Afridi joins Quetta Gladiators for his last PSL

Shahid Afridi joins Quetta Gladiators for his last PSL

KARACHI: Pakistan’s former captain Shahid Afridi has joined Quetta Gladiators for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7, which would be his farewell season.

Afridi, who was part of defending champions Multan Sultans, has joined Gladiators to play his farewell edition.

The star all-rounder shared that he is excited to be a part of Gladiators.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Quetta Gladiators, a team that has had a roller-coaster journey in recent years despite winning the title in 2019. After my success with Peshawar Zalmi in 2017, it is my desire and wish to end my PSL career with another PSL trophy,” he said in a PCB released statement.

“PSL is an event that encourages and inspires a player to give his very best. I will use the same motivation to help my team and put up performances that can help us achieve our event objectives,” he concluded.

Meanwhile, England’s James Vince has also been traded to Gladiators, whereas Sultans will take extra Diamond and Silver round picks.

Iftikhar Ahmed also became Gladiators after representing Islamabad United for a couple of seasons. Iftikhar has switched with Azam Khan who will represent United this time around.

Iftikhar confessed that leaving the United was a difficult call, but he is confident about his future in T20 cricket, which is primarily linked to Pakistan Cricket.

“It has been a difficult decision to move from United, but, looking ahead to my future in T20 cricket that is linked to the Pakistan team, I thought this was the best move,” he shared.

“I am thrilled to be rejoining Shahid Afridi at Gladiators after 2017, when we last played together in PSL,” he concluded.

It must be noted here that PSL Draft 2022 will take place on Sunday, 12 December, at the High-Performance Centre in Lahore.

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Will decide franchise for PSL 7 closer to the time of event: Shahid Afridi

KARACHI: Former International cricketer Shahid Afridi said he will decide franchise for Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 7 closer to the time of the event.

Speaking to media here on Wednesday, Afridi responded to reports regarding his inclusion in Quetta Gladiators for PSL 7.

“Nothing is decided as of yet. The owners of Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators and their fans love me. But, I haven’t decided anything for now,” he said.

It must be noted here that PSL 7’s draft is likely to take place on December 6 or 8 as per reports. The event is expected in January next year followed by Australia’s tour of Pakistan.

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Shahid Afridi continues supporting disabled cricket

KARACHI: Former international cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has once again extended his support to Pakistan Disabled Cricket Association (PDCA) in organizing 7th National Disabled T20 Cricket Championship. 

In a press conference regarding the tournament, PDCA’s general secretary Amir-ud-Din Ansari thanked Afridi for supporting them once again.

“It’s an honor for us to have one of the greatest Pakistani cricketers on board with us to promote disabled cricket. We look forward to string promotion of these players,” he said.

In a shared statement, Afridi assured all-out support to PDCA. “My Foundation is with the PDCA step by step. SAF has supported Disabled Cricket before, not only for this event but also for every good and positive cause. He also expressed his best wishes for the successful organization of the 7th National Disabled T20 Cricket Championship across Pakistan and encouraged the participating players.”

It must be noted here that 7th National Disabled T20 Cricket Championship will be held in Karachi, Multan, Lahore, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad.

READ: England disabled team likely to tour Pakistan next year