Tag: Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistani captain Shahid Afridi has commented on the possibility of Quetta Gladiators’ pace bowler Mohammad Amir reversing his retirement from international cricket.

Afridi, while talking to a local news channel, praised Amir for his bowling skills and rated him among the best pace bowlers in the country.

“Amir can easily make his way into the lineup of the Pakistan team even today. He falls in the category of Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi,” said Shahid Afridi.

“There is still cricket left in Amir and he should play for Pakistan.”

Amir, who shockingly announced retirement from international cricket back in 2020 at the age of 28, claimed ten wickets in nine matches during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine.

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Gladiators’ wicket-keeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed also voiced the same sentiments last month during the early stages of the PSL 9.

Ahmed acknowledged the value Amir brings to T20 cricket in an interview and expressed confidence in the latter’s abilities.

“The inclusion of Mohammad Amir has made a big difference. He has been bowling really well and has a lot of experience of playing T20 cricket,” Sarfaraz said.

“I have always told Amir that he can still play for Pakistan since he has a lot to offer. He can be useful for Pakistan but it depends on Amir how he sees his future with the national team,” he further added.

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Former captain Shahid Afridi has opened up about Lahore Qalandar’s pace bowler Haris Rauf, who is struggling with his bowling form during the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

Lahore Qalandars lost both of their matches in the PSL 9 and Rauf has given dismal performances in both games.

The express bowler conceded 38 runs without a wicket in three overs in the opening match against Islamabad United.

In the next match, he picked one wicket and gave away 47 runs in his four overs against Quetta Gladiators.

However, Shahid Afridi, believes that Rauf needs the right mentorship at the moment to regain his lost form.

“Right now, Haris Rauf seems to be struggling with his bowling, and I’m not quite understanding it,” said Afridi while talking to a local news channel.

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“He needs honest help at this moment, the guidance of seniors is necessary because we shouldn’t sideline him completely,” he further added.

The former all-rounder also acknowledged Rauf’s potential and suggested that the pace bowler should play four-day cricket to improve as a bowler.

“He has given some fantastic performances for Pakistan. That boy will improve even more when he plays longer-format cricket,” said the former captain.

“When he plays four-day cricket, his bowling will automatically improve, but right now, he needs our support,” Shahid Afridi concluded.

Lahore Qalandars will next face Multan Sultans at Multan Cricket Stadium tomorrow.

READ: Multan Sultans’ combined bowling effort books Islamabad United on 144

MELBOURNE: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi came out in support of Babar Azam during the latter’s rough patch with the bat in 2023.

Ace Pakistan batter Babar Azam has been out of form, especially in Test cricket since the start of the year 2023.

The right-handed batter played five matches in the ongoing year and could only yield 204 runs at a dismal average of 22.66 with the highest score of 41.

He also could not score a single half-century in the longest format in 2023.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi was unfazed by Babar Azam’s dismal Test stats this year and asserted that he is one of the most consistent batters ever produced by the country.

I rate Babar Azam very highly and so does the world,” stated Afridi.

“He is the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup. The best batters lose form, but I have seen such consistent batters very rarely in Pakistan cricket,” he added.

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Shahid Afridi also refuted concerns regarding Shaheen Afridi carrying an injury despite a significant pace drop in the left-arm pacer’s bowling while also highlighting the need to invest in the team’s bench strength rather than in individuals.

“I’ve never got the impression that Shaheen has an injury. If you’re injured you can’t play as a fast bowler. He knows his responsibility and how important he is to the team. The fast bowlers, we are expecting a lot from them because they’ve done well in the past.

“Babar, Rizwan, Shaheen etc. have performed so well we expect them to perform in every match. Relentless consistency is challenging in cricket.

“I have always said that unless our bench is strong we won’t be able to take the best decisions.

“The A team should be as strong as the main team, so if Shaheen or Babar or Rizwan aren’t strong, we shouldn’t have the excuses of players being unavailable, like we do with Naseem now. When our bench is strong, we will no longer have excuses.”

The former all-rounder also commented on Haris Rauf’s self-imposed absence from the Australia tour and stated that he should have been a part of this Pakistan team.

“I think Haris [Rauf] should be part of this side instead rather than [the BBL],” Afridi, speaking to media at the MCG, said.

“In these conditions, the kind of pace he has, he would have performed well and enjoyed himself on the kinds of pitches Australia prepared in Perth and here.”

READ: Babar Azam, Steve Smith share a funny interaction in Boxing Day Test

KARACHI: Pakistan’s ICC T20 World Cup 2009 winning team will celebrate the monumental victory in the United States of America (USA).

World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan, alongside Shahid Afridi, Misbah Ul Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal attended the star-studded ceremony here on Monday.

In a media briefing, it was revealed that the former cricketers will celebrate the title victory in different states of the US.

The celebration tour will commence on April 28 amid which the former cricketers will partake in the meet and greet sessions and will also be featuring in an exhibition match.

According to the event organizer, the purpose of the celebration tour is to promote cricket among the Pakistanis living in the US.

Speaking on the occasion, World Cup-winning captain Younis Khan stated that he wished that the national team had won more titles during this period.

“I wish we had won more cups during that time. I believe we should have had more titles,” said Khan.

“For the first time, the 2009 victory will be celebrated in America. We want to celebrate this historic victory again,” he added.

Pakistan’s hero of the semi-final and final Shahid Afridi revealed that he had high hopes for Babar Azam’s men but the national side failed to live up to that despite the conditions being in their favour.

“I had high hopes for this team. We had the players and the conditions were in our favour as well. We did not perform as per our skills,” said Afridi.

Afridi further commented on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the future of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain and threw his weight behind the latter to continue to lead the side on Australia tour.

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik also commented on the national team’s dismal campaign at the ICC World Cup 2023.

The all-rounder further stated that he does not hold any grudge towards Babar Azam and termed him a brilliant batter.

“People think that I am against Babar Azam. There is nothing like that. He is a wonderful player. He is criticised due to his captaincy. I also believe that he can do wonders as a player,” Malik stated.

Meanwhile, another former cricketer from Pakistan’s 2009 T20 World Cup-winning squad Umar Gul, who is rumoured to be the top contender to replace Morne Morkel as Pakistan bowling coach, shared that he heard the news on social media.

“I saw on social media that maybe I am being considered for bowling coach but I have not been contacted yet,” shared Gul.

The former pacer, however, stated that he is willing to serve Pakistan Cricket again if gets the opportunity.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan were crowned the T20 champions under Younis Khan’s leadership when the national team outclassed Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the 2009 T20 World Cup final.

READ: Pakistan to play four-day match against PM’s XI ahead of Australia Tests

Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi called on Chairman of the PCB Management Committee Zaka Ashraf today at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

During the meeting, Mr Zaka Ashraf acknowledged Shahid Afridi’s dedication and contribution towards the game.

“We admire you as a hero of Pakistan, and you have proved to be a great ambassador of the country with both your exceptional talent displayed on the field and your conduct off the field. We would love to have your experience for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.”

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

Shahid Afridi expressed his interest in grooming young cricketers into future stars and positively shaping them into well-rounded representatives of Pakistan cricket.

He also admired and appreciated Mr Zaka Ashraf’s efforts and contributions to Pakistan cricket.

The meeting comes at a time when the Pakistan cricket team’s performance and the selection process for World Cup 2023 is being discussed in the media.

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Late last month, Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down as Chief Selector of the Pakistan Cricket Team.

The development came after media reports circulated, claiming that the former cricketer was one of the stakeholders in a player’s management firm, named Saya Corps, in respect to the “conflict of interest”.

Meanwhile, the PCB, minutes after Inzamam’s resignation, took to X, formerly Twitter, to share that it had formed a five-member fact-finding committee to “investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest”.

“Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has set up a five-member fact-finding committee to investigate allegations in respect of conflict of interest reported in the media pertaining to the team selection process,” PCB stated.

“The committee will submit its report and any recommendations to the PCB Management in an expeditious manner.”

READ: ICC World Cup 2023 not over for Pakistan, says Babar Azam

DELHI: India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday, broke Chris Gayle’s long-standing record of the most sixes across formats during his side’s ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against Afghanistan.

Chris Gayle had hit 553 sixes over the course of his decorated career, which spanned over 22 years. The West Indian legend took 551 innings to set the world record.

Meanwhile, Indian captain Rohit was on 551 sixes before today’s ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against Afghanistan.

While chasing a modest 273, Rohit Sharma gave India a flying start with a quickfire knock and has already hit four sixes, which took him past Gayle’s record.

Legendary Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi (476) is third in the list of the batters with the most number of international sixes.

The former all-rounder, however, still tops the chart in ODIs with 351 sixes, followed by Chris Gayle (331) and Rohit Sharma (296).

Rohit Sharma leads the list of most sixes in T20Is with 182 in 140 innings, followed by New Zealand’s Martin Guptill with 173 and Australia’s Aaron Finch with 125.

England captain Ben Stokes has thus far hit the most sixes in Tests (124), 17 more than his coach Brendon McCullum.

It is worth mentioning here when this story was filed India were 164/1 in 20 overs while chasing 273.

Skipper Rohit Sharma is leading India’s charge with an unbeaten 108 in 70 deliveries with the help of 13 boundaries and four sixes.

Most international sixes across formats

Rohit Sharma (India) – 554 sixes*
Chris Gayle (West Indies) – 553 sixes
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) – 476 sixes
Brendon McCullum (New Zealand) – 398 sixes
Martin Guptill (New Zealand) – 383 sixes
MS Dhoni (India) – 359 sixes
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) – 352 sixes
Eoin Morgan (England) – 346 sixes
AB de Villiers (South Africa) – 328 sixes
Jos Buttler – 312 sixes*

READ: Pat Cummins sees ICC World Cup 2023 as ‘physically taxing’ for bowlers

KARACHI: The inaugural edition of the Over 40s Cricket Global Cup will kick off tomorrow with the hosts Pakistan Veterans taking on the USA in the curtain raiser.

The tournament’s trophy unveiling ceremony took place at a local hotel in Karachi on Monday, followed by a press conference by the Chairman of the Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz.

“For the first time in history, a major veterans’ cricket tournament is being held in Pakistan,” said Fawad Ijaz. “Tight security is being provided to all international teams,”

Upon being asked about the name of the tournament, he clarified that the tournament’s name was changed to Global Cup following ICC’s objection.

“The tournament was initially named World Cup, however, the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised objections over the name, hence we changed it to the Global Cup, which is sanctioned by the ICC,” he further added.

Fawad Ijaz also shed light on the fact as to why the Indian team is not part of the tournament.

“It is difficult to get the visa for Indian players,” he stated.

The tournament will feature teams from Australia, the West Indies, Canada, Hong Kong, the USA and the UAE. A total of 36 matches will be played at five different grounds in Karachi. Pakistan Team will play all its matches at National Bank Stadium.

Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq will lead Pakistan Veterans, featuring star players Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Sami, Abdul Razzaq and others.

Misbah-ul-Haq also talked to the media and expressed his excitement to play international cricket once again.

“Playing international cricket again is a different experience, however, playing 45 overs will be challenging,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

“It is good for Pakistan that the tournament is being organized here, as fans love to see their stars in action again,” he further added.

Pakistan Veterans Squad for Over 40s Global Cup

Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah ul Haq, Muhammad Sami, Hassan Raza, Tariq Haroon, Khurram Ali Khan (w.k), Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Rizwan Aslam, Kashif Sidqque, Muhammad Ilyas, Afzal Shah (w.k), Amjad Ali, Imran Ali, Tassawar Abbas, Adnan Raees, Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala.

Reserves: Yasir Hameed, Haris Ayaz, Shehzad Malik.

READ: Sri Lankan coach termed crushing loss in Asia Cup final a ‘wake-up call’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) on Tuesday announced an 18-member squad for the Pakistan Over 40s Team for the Inaugural MCW Over 40s Cricket Global Cup.

Ejaz Faquih, Chairman of the Selection Committee of PVCA announced the playing squad with three reserve players, while former pace bowler Jalal-ud-din will serve as coach and Azam Khan as manager.

The Captain and Vice-Captain of the team will be announced by 16th September 2023.

The Pakistan Squad is as follows:

Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Misbah ul Haq, Muhammad Sami, Hassan Raza, Tariq Haroon, Khurram Ali Khan (w.k), Waqas Ahmed, Abdul Qadir, Muhammad Rizwan Aslam, Kashif Sidqque, Muhammad Ilyas, Afzal Shah (w.k), Amjad Ali, Imran Ali, Tassawar Abbas, Adnan Raees, Junaid Khalil Nainitalwala.

Reserves: Yasir Hameed, Haris Ayaz, Shehzad Malik.

A total of 36 matches will be played at five different grounds in Karachi. Pakistan Team will play all its matches at National Bank Stadium.

A media briefing of the tournament will be held at 12:30 noon on Monday 18th September at Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi and the opening ceremony of the tournament will be held at Governor House Karachi on the same evening.

The four matches of the opening Round will be played on 19th September. Pakistan will play its opening match against the USA at National Bank Stadium. All matches of the tournament will be 45 overs per inning. The final will be played on 2nd October 2023.

READ: Babar Azam named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for August 2023

Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi penned heartwarming wishes for his eldest daughter Aqsa Afridi after her Rukhsati last night.

The firstborn of the veteran cricketer, Aqsa Shahid Afridi tied the knot with Naseer Nasir Khan in a glitzy ceremony, attended by the stars of the cricket world, including former cricketers Moin Khan, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Akram and Waqar Younis.

National cricketers including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Imam ul Haq, Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi, who are currently in Karachi for the training camp and couldn’t fly to Islamabad for fellow Haris Rauf’s wedding, were also seen gracing the private affair in the city, to extend their wishes to the newlyweds.

On Saturday afternoon, Shahid Afridi took to his social media handles with some inside glimpses from the event, as he penned a heartfelt message for his girl. “Meri pyari beti (My darling daughter) – it seems like yesterday when I cradled you in my arms – and on that day, I promised myself I would never leave your side,” he wrote in the caption.

“Although you’re about to begin a new chapter in your life, you’ll always have my heart because I’m the man who loved you first,” Afridi added.

“May Allah keep you both under His Divine protection and give you the chance to create a beautiful life together. Ameen,” wished the doting father in the end.

It is pertinent to mention here that the eldest daughter of Shahid Afridi, Aqsa got Nikahfied to Naseer Nasir Khan in December last year.

On the other hand, his second eldest daughter Ansha got married to star cricketer Shaheen Shah Afridi earlier this year.

READ: Zaka Ashraf backs Babar Azam & Co for Sri Lanka Tests

Former captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi was among the prominent Pakistan players to feature in upcoming Canada’s Global T20 League, scheduled from July 20 to August 6. 

Shahid Afridi was picked by Global T20 League’s franchise Toronto Nationals as their marquee player. He last featured in Legends League Cricket (LLC) and propelled his team Asia Lions to the title victory.

He last featured in the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) while representing Quetta Gladiators.

However, his stint with the 2019 champions was short-lived as Shahid Afridi pulled out of the rest of the extravaganza due to health concerns.

Taking to his YouTube channel, the veteran all-rounder announced that he will not be taking further part in the PSL 7.

While announcing his retirement, Shahid Afridi claimed that he wanted to end the mega event on a high but his health and fitness did not allow the 41-year-old to stretch his stint.

“I wanted to end the PSL on a good note but my endurance is over. My groin, waist and toes have all given up,” he said.

“I am also suffering from a lower back injury for quite a long now and I think health is everything,” he added.

Following his retirement from the prominent league, Shahid Afridi did feature in the Kashmir Premier League (KPL) before partaking in the star-studded LLC in Qatar.

Meanwhile, apart from Afridi, experienced all-rounder Shoaib Malik will also feature in the Global T20 League after he was roped in as the icon player by Mississauga Panthers.

Additionally, Pakistan’s current wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will turn up for Vancouver Knights in the third edition of the Canadian league.

Some other prominent names from Pakistan who will be participating in the Global T20 League are Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdullah Shafique, Azam Khan, and Zaman Khan.

Complete list of Pakistani players in GT20 Canada 

Vancouver Knights: Muhammad Rizwan (Icon)
Mississauga Panthers: Shoaib Malik (Icon), Azam Khan, Shahnawaz Dahani
Surrey Jaguars: Iftikhar Ahmed (Marquee), Muhammad Haris
Toronto Nationals: Shahid Afridi (Marquee), Zaman Khan, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafiq
Brampton: Hussain Talat, Usama Mir
Montreal: Abbas Afridi

READ: Babar Azam slips in batting rankings after WTC Final