Tag: Shahid Afridi

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and star all-rounder Shahid Afridi will represent Pakistan in this year’s inaugural Over-40 World Cup, scheduled to take place from September 23 to October 8 here.

This was decided in a meeting held on Friday between the Chairman of Pakistan Veterans Cricket Association (PVCA) Fawad Ijaz Khan, Shahid Afridi, Director of PVCA and Owner of PSL Franchise Quetta Gladiators Nadeem Omar and Zafar Malik, CEO Shahid Afridi Foundation.

It was also agreed that Shahid Afridi Foundation will be CSR Partner for the Over 40s World Cup.

According to the details, a total of eight teams, including host Pakistan, will feature in the inaugural Over-40 World Cup including Australia, West Indies, Canada, USA, UAE, Hong Kong & Saudi Arabia.

Besides Afridi, legendary batters Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq will also represent Pakistan in the mega event.

The PVCA chairman further shared the details about the playing conditions and revealed an innings in the Over-40 World Cup will consist of 45 overs and also that the matches will be played across six different venues here.

“An innings of the Seniors World Cup will consist of 45 overs. The matches will be played at six different grounds in Karachi,” Fawad Ijaz shared.

“Day and night matches will also be played during the World Cup. The finals of the event will be telecasted live,” he concluded.

READ: Babar Azam’s cover drive or Virat Kohli’s? Shahid Afridi shares his opinion

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain and legenary all-rounder Shahid Afridi termed star batter Babar Azam as the best cover drive operator in the world.

Shahid Afridi, while speaking to a local TV channel here was asked to share his opinion regarding the long-standing debate as to who plays the best cover drive between Babar Azam, India’s Virat Kohli and Australia’s Steven Smith.

The star all-rounder thus picked the best cover drive operator; ranking Babar Azam the first.

“Babar Azam, Virat [Kohli] and then [Steve] Smith,” Shahid Afridi responded while answering the question.

“Babar plays a beautiful cover drive,” he added.

The two cricket superstars of the contemporary era, Babar Azam and Virat Kohli, enjoy a healthy rivalry not just in terms of batting records and performances, but also in the sophistication of their strokes.

They have led to intense debate among fans and experts, as to who is the better batter and more aesthetically pleasing while playing his shots.

A similar kind of question was posed to South African veteran David Miller, who is playing for Gujrat Titans in the ongoing Indian Premier League, and he replied very confidently.

In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, he was asked to choose between Babar and Kohli’s cover drive. “Probably, I would go with Babar,” he answered.

Earlier, former England captain Nasser Hussain had also made a similar claim and rated Babar’s cover drive ahead of Virat’s.

“I’m going to be biased. Sorry Indian fans but I’m gonna go with Babar Azam. I nearly went Kohli because I think Kohli is slightly different. Kohli has a bit more of a flick of the wrist of it. Babar Azam has just a lovely little [touch],” he had said.

“If I was teaching any young girl to watch, I’d ask her to watch Meg Lanning. I’m teaching any young boy to watch a cover drive. I would say watch Babar.” he added.

Pakistan all-format skipper Babar Azam has taken world cricket by storm and claimed several records across formats since his debut in 2015.

Recently, the 28-year-old scripted history during the fourth ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi, becoming the fastest batter to complete 5,000 runs in One-Day cricket.

He shattered the world record, previously held by Hashim Amla, taking only 97 innings to reach the landmark, four less than Amla’s 101 innings.

READ: Mark Coles reaches Pakistan for second stint as women’s team’s head coach 

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi on Thursday hosted an honorary dinner for the players and coaching staff of the national cricket team and appreciated their victory in the ongoing PAK vs NZ ODI series.

According to the details, the Pakistan team, who booked the ODI series against New Zealand by taking an unassailable 3-0 lead, attended the dinner hosted by Afridi at his residence in Karachi.

Taking to Twitter, Shahid Afridi shared a few clicks of the get-together and applauded the cricketers for their recent win against the Blackcaps.

“Hosted Pakistan’s heroes for dinner, super proud of each one of you. Good luck for tomorrow.” he wrote.
 

https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1654173647089565703

Players including Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim, Ihsanullah, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Haris along with coaching staff members attended the dinner.

The guests could also be seen offering congregational prayer inside Afridi’s house.

It must be noted here that Pakistan beat New Zealand by 26 runs in the third ODI on Wednesday at National Bank Cricket Arena to seal the series with two games to spare.

The remaining two matches will be played on Friday and Sunday at the same venue.

READ: PAK vs NZ: Pakistan eye No.1 spot in ODIs with 5-0 series sweep

DOHA: Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi concealed the logo of a betting company on his shirt during the Legend League Cricket Masters – a T20 league featuring retired cricket superstars. 

Afridi, who is leading one of the three teams at the event, put a tape to hide the betting company’s logo, which is also one of the main sponsors of the league, on his kit in the opening match between Asia Lions and India Maharajas on Friday.

Being a devout Muslim, the legendary all-rounder remained steadfast to his religious values, which prohibit gambling. His brave move might invite a censure or a hefty fine on him by the league organizers.

It may be noted here that Afridi-led Asia Lions claimed a narrow nine-run victory over Gautam Gambhir-led India Maharajas in the match.

Opting to bat first, the Lions accumulated 165/6 in their allotted 20 overs at the back of an anchoring half-century by Misbah and Upul Tharanga’s gritty 40.

Earlier, the Lions were off to a poor start against the Maharajas as the side lost two wickets inside three overs for just 18 runs as Tillakaratne Dilshan (5) and Asghar Afghan (1) perished cheaply.

Following the slump, Misbah stitched an anchoring 108-run partnership for the third wicket with Tharanga and put the side into a commanding position before the latter perished in the 15th over.

The wicketkeeper batter scored a cautious 39-ball 40 and hit two sixes.

Misbah then put on another vital partnership for the Lions as he put on a brief 23-run stand with skipper Shahid Afridi, who scored a brisk eight-ball 12 before perishing in the 17th over.

The Maharajas then finally got rid of Misbah in the next over, who top-scored for the Lions with 73 off 50 deliveries, laced up with two boundaries and four sixes.

Parvinder Awana and Stuart Binny bagged two wickets each for the Maharajas while Irfan Pathan and Ashok Dinda made one scalp each.

Set to chase 166, the Maharajas fell nine runs short as the side could accumulate 156/8 despite Gautam Gambhir’s fifty.

The skipper top-scored for his side in the run chase with a 39-ball 54 but received no significant support from the other end and thus the Maharajas eventually fell short.

Besides Gambhir, Murali Vijay (25) and Mohammad Kaif (23) remained the other notable run-getters while the rest failed to deliver in the run chase.

Left-arm pacer Tanvir led the bowling attack for the Lions with 3/27 while skipper Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Thisara Perera, Dilshan and Isuru Udana picked up a wicket each.

READ: Mitchell and Tickner lead New Zealand fightback against Sri Lanka

SYLHET: Pakistan’s veteran pacer Mohammad Amir has equalled Shahid Afridi’s record in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) as he became the joint third-fastest to take 50 wickets in the league’s history.

Amir, who is representing Sylhet Superstars in the ongoing edition of the BPL, achieved the landmark in the home side’s fixture against Khulna Tigers on Monday.

The left-arm pacer struck on the first delivery of his second over as he deceived Mahmudul Hasan Joy with a slower delivery.

With his first wicket of the ongoing 30th match of the BPL, Amir joined the elusive list of bowlers, who took fewer innings to take 50 wickets in Bangladesh’s marquee league.

Former West Indian bowler Kevon Cooper leads the list as he achieved the landmark in just 30 matches, followed by his compatriot Dwayne Bravo (34).

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s star all-rounder Afridi, who was at the third spot, has been joined by countrymate Amir after the latter took 50 wickets in 35 BPL matches.

It is worth mentioning here that Amir has thus far, bowled two overs in the ongoing match and took one wicket at the cost of 17 runs.

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KARACHI: The chief of Pakistan Men’s interim selection committee Shahid Afridi hosted Babar Azam and his men for an honourary dinner to laud the team’s fighting spirit in the recently-concluded home Test series against New Zealand.

According to the details, all players and officials of the Pakistan Test and ODI squad attended the dinner hosted by Afridi at his residence on Saturday. Squash Legend Jahangir Khan was specially invited to the dinner to meet the national cricketers.

Meanwhile, ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is not part of either squad due to injury, was also present on the occasion.

An evening spent at Shahid Afridi's house with the team getting a chance to meet legendary squash player Jahangir Khan 🤝#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/Z6BuoZRIJ9

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 7, 2023

Details further suggest that interim chief selector Afridi praised the prominent performers of the home Test series, while the former captain will also share valuable tips with the ODI squad ahead of their home assignment.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan displayed astounding fightback to hold New Zealand for a thrilling draw in the series-deciding second Test.

The home side recovered from 80/5 down to 304/9 in pursuit of the 314-run target at the back of a gritty century from wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and some handy contributions from Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s batting tail comprising Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed then also showcased great determination as the duo survived 21 balls in the fading light to deny New Zealand a victory.

Pakistan will now play three-match One-Day international series against the touring side, starting tomorrow at National Bank Cricket Arena.

READ: Indian Tennis star Sania Mirza to retire next month

KARACHI: The chief of Pakistan Men’s interim selection committee Shahid Afridi to host Babar Azam and his men for an honourary dinner to laud the team’s fighting spirit in the recently-concluded home Test series against New Zealand.

According to the details, all players and officials of the Pakistan Test and ODI squad will be gathering at Afridi’s place tonight to attend the honourary dinner.

Details further suggest that interim chief selector Afridi will praise the prominent performers of the home Test series, while the former captain will also share valuable tips with the ODI squad ahead of their home assignment.

Meanwhile, ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is not part of either squad due to injury, has been specially invited for the dinner.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan displayed astounding fightback to hold New Zealand for a thrilling draw in the series-deciding second Test.

The home side recovered from 80/5 down to 304/9 in pursuit of the 314-run target at the back of a gritty century from wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and some handy contributions from Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s batting tail comprising Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed then also showcased great determination as the duo survived 21 balls in the fading light to deny New Zealand a victory.

READ: Pakistan, New Zealand to start training tomorrow for ODI series

KARACHI: The chief of the Men’s Interim National Selection Committee Shahid Afridi on Saturday, inspected the pitch being prepared for the upcoming second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand at National Bank Cricket Arena.

According to the details, Afridi, who was busy with his eldest daughter’s wedding ceremony, got back to work soon after as he visited the National Bank Cricket Arena in the morning and inspected the pitch.

In this regard, the former Pakistan captain also interacted with the groundsmen and instructed them to prepare a more lively and bouncy pitch for the second Test.

چیف سلیکٹر شاہد آفریدی کیجانب سے کیوریٹرز کو اچھی و معیاری پچز بنانے کی ہدایت…#ShahidAfridi #PakvsNz #Karachi@SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/J1LPcfEwhU

— Ali Hasan 🏅 (@AaliHasan10) December 31, 2022

 

Following the inspection, Afridi also had a brief interaction with the media here and emphasized the importance of lively pitches to make sure the safeguarding of the bowlers and also termed it as the only way forward for Pakistan cricket.

“We cannot move forward if we keep playing on the pitches we played in the past. We want to modernize and improvise our cricket. Such pitches can prove to be harmful to the bowlers,” said Afridi.

“Good pitches can be made in Pakistan and we will try to make a bouncy pitch for the second Test,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that the pitch for the recently-concluded first Test turned out to be a nightmare for the bowlers, especially the pacers as a mammoth 1422 runs were scored in response to 28 wickets.

READ: PAK vs NZ: PCB announces free entry for fans for the second Test

KARACHI: The chair of the interim selection committee of Pakistan Men’s cricket Shahid Afridi commented on the national team’s performance on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand.

The home side had a deplorable start to their proceedings as they were four down for a mere 110 runs, courtesy of some loose shots from the top-order batters.

However, despite the early slump, Pakistan managed to finish the opening day on a high at the back of an astounding fifth-wicket partnership between Babar Azam and Sarfaraz Ahmed.

The duo added a mammoth 196 runs amid the stand and defied the early horror.

Sarfaraz, who was making his return to the Test side after a gap of more than three years, made the most of the opportunity and smashed a valiant knock of 86 runs and was immensely praised by fellow cricketers and cricket fans.

Notably, the interim chief selector of the men’s team Shahid Afridi also took to his Twitter to appreciate wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz and captain Babar and was also pleased with the team’s overall performance.

“Pleased with Pakistan’s performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets,” wrote Afridi on Twitter. “Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings.

“Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.”

Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 26, 2022

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan will now resume their first innings on 317/5 on the second day of the ongoing first Test. Captain Babar was unbeaten at 161 with newly-joined Salman Ali Agha (3*).

READ: ‘It was like a debut match,’ Sarfaraz Ahmed on his Test return 

LAHORE: The PCB Management Committee has appointed former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi as the interim Chair of the Men’s National Selection Committee for the home series against New Zealand.

Other members of the panel are Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, while Haroon Rashid (member Management Committee) will be the Convener.

Mr Najam Sethi, Chair of the PCB Management Committee: “I welcome the interim Men’s National Selection Committee and have no doubts that despite limited time, they will make brave and bold decisions that will help us produce a strong and competitive side in the series against New Zealand.

“Shahid Afridi has been an attacking cricketer who played all his cricket with no fear. He has nearly 20 years of cricket experience, has featured in all formats with significant success and more importantly, has always backed and supported young talent. So, in our collective opinion, there is no better person than him to understand the rigours, demands and challenges of the modern day game.

“I remain confident that through his insight and knowledge of the game, he will help Pakistan select the best and most deserving players, and contribute in the side’s success in the upcoming series.”

Shahid Afridi: “I feel honoured to have been assigned this responsibility by the PCB Management Committee and will no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my abilities.

“We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans.

“I will soon convene a meeting of the selectors and will share my plans with reference to the upcoming matches.”

Shahid Afridi played 27 Tests, 398 ODIs and 99 T20Is from 1996 to 2018 in which he scored a total of 11,196 runs and took 541 wickets. He also captained the national side in 83 international matches. He was a member of the Pakistan side that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 at Lord’s.

Abdul Razzaq, in a 17-year career from 1996 to 2013, played 343 international matches and scored 7,419 runs and took 389 wickets. He was also a member of the side that won the 2009 side that lifted the T20 World Cup at Lord’s.

Rao Iftikhar played a Test, 62 ODIs and two T20Is from 2004 to 2010.

READ: Pakistan, New Zealand hold training sessions ahead of Karachi Test