Stallions Archives

Shoaib Malik resigns as Champions Cup mentor, pens emotional note

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has officially stepped down from his role as mentor of the Stallions, one of the teams competing in the Champions Cup.

The veteran all-rounder made the announcement through an emotional statement posted on his official Facebook page.

Malik, who was appointed last year on a three-year contract as part of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) initiative to involve former cricketers in domestic development, cited “multiple professional and personal commitments” as the reason behind his decision.

“This was not an easy choice, but after reflecting on my commitments, I realised that juggling multiple responsibilities would prevent me from giving my best to both Pakistan cricket and to my other professional and personal priorities,” Shoaib Malik wrote in his statement.

He informed the PCB of his decision two weeks ago and has already submitted his resignation in writing.

However, the 42-year-old assured that he would honour his contractual obligations and provide the PCB with ample time to find a suitable replacement.

“I will fulfil my contractual obligations as planned, allowing the PCB ample time to appoint a new Mentor well ahead of the next season,” he added.

Malik’s heartfelt message extended gratitude to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the executive team, Director of Champions Events Wahab Riaz, his fellow coaching staff at Stallions, and the players he worked with during his tenure.

“I am deeply grateful to PCB Chairman Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB executive team, my former teammate and Director of Champions Events Wahab Riaz, my coaching staff at the Stallions, and, most importantly, the players who entrusted me with the opportunity to share my knowledge,” he stated.

“Working with some of Pakistan’s most talented cricketers has been an immensely fulfilling experience, one I will always cherish.

“I wish the PCB and everyone involved continued success. Cricket runs in my blood, and I remain committed to supporting Pakistan’s cricketing future in any capacity I can.”

It’s worth noting that Shoaib Malik was one of several high-profile appointments last year, alongside former captains Misbah-ul-Haq, Waqar Younis, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and ex-head coach Saqlain Mushtaq.

READ: PCB set to remove Champions Cup mentors: sources

Champions T20 Cup: All-round Shoaib Malik powers Stallions to victory over Lions

RAWALPINDI: Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik performed both with the bat and ball to steer Stallions to a narrow victory over Lions in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium here on Monday.

Lions’ skipper Imam-ul-Haq invited Stallions to bat first and his bowlers reduced the batting side to 21-2 early on.

Maaz Sadaqat played a composed 32-run knock, while captain Mohammad Haris struck 25 to stabilize the Stallions’ innings.

Following the quick dismissals of Sadaqat and Haris, Hussain Talat joined hands with Shoaib Malik to construct an 88-run stand for the fifth wicket.

Malik scored 39 off 30, while Talat smashed an unbeaten 51 off 36 to take Stallions to a respectable total of 162-5 in 20 overs.

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In response, the Lions had a shaky start to the run-chase as they lost Zeeshan Malik in the first over. Imam added 71 runs for the second wicket with Hasan Nawaz before the Lions witnessed a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets in quick succession.

Imam top-scored with 43 off 28, while Nawaz played a 30-run knock from 25 balls.

Khushdil Shah played a scratchy knock of 28 runs from 29 balls, while Aamer Yamin struck an unbeaten 27 off 24 but could not take their team across the line as they managed to score 150-7 in their 20 overs.

For Stallions, Zaman Khan, Shoaib Malik and Usman Tariq took two wickets each, while Mohammad Ali bagged one.

It’s worth noting that the Stallions are currently sitting at the top of the Champions T20 Cup points table with victories in both of their matches.

READ: Can Sri Lanka still qualify for WTC final after South Africa series defeat?

Saim, bowlers propel Panthers to thump Stallions in Champions Cup

FAISALABAD: Tayyab Tahir’s anchoring century failed to trump Saim Ayub’s marathon 156-run knock as Panthers edged Stallions by 20 runs in the ninth match of the Champions One-Day Cup here at Iqbal Stadium on Saturday.

The narrow victory lifted Panthers to replace Stallions at the second in the Champions One-Day Cup standings with 34 points in four matches, closely followed by the Stallions with 28 points in as many matches.

Chasing a daunting 345-run target, the Dolphins managed 324 all out despite a fighting fourth-wicket partnership between Tahir and Hussain Talat.

The Stallions ran into trouble within the first seven overs as they lost three wickets including star batter Babar Azam (5) with just 37 runs on the board.

Following the early debacle, Talat and Tahir launched an astounding recovery with their 157-run partnership, during which both scored half-centuries.

The duo had pulled Stallions out of trouble but the mounting required run rate took a toll on Talat, who fell victim to Mubasir Khan in the 35th over.

He remained a notable run-getter for the Stallions with a gutsy 63 off 72 balls, hitting three boundaries and a six.

Tahir was then involved in a brief fifth-wicket partnership with Adil Amin before finally perishing in the 41st over, minutes after amassing his century.

He remained the top-scorer for the Stallions with 109 off 120 deliveries, laced up with a dozen boundaries including four sixes.

The Stallions then lost wickets at regular intervals and even a quickfire cameo by Zaman Khan could not steer them to victory as they fell just 20 runs short.

Zaman smashed one four and six sixes on his way to a 16-ball 42.

Mubasir Khan was the pick of the bowlers for the Dolphins, taking three wickets, while Ali Raza and Mohammad Hasnain claimed two each. Amad Butt and Arafat Minhas shared two wickets between them.

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Stand-in Panthers’ captain Ayub’s decision to bat first after winning the coin toss bore fruits as his side piled up a massive total on the board.

The Panthers had a dream start to their innings as Ayub and Azan Awais registered an anchoring 138-run stand, which saw both of them scoring half-centuries.

The openers batted half of the allotted overs and their monumental stand was finally broken on the fourth delivery of the sixth over by Abrar Ahmed, who got rid of Awais.

The opening batter scored a cautious 51 off 77 deliveries with the help of four boundaries and a six.

Wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan then joined Ayub in the middle and they partnered strongly to bolster the Panthers’ total with a brisk 106-run stand, conceding just 79 balls.

Usman, who was the core aggressor of the game-changing stand, had an agonizing end to his blistering knock as he was stumped off Zaman Khan just 25 away from his well-deserved century.

He smashed eight fours and two sixes amid his 47-ball knock.

Saim Ayub then put on one-sided partnerships with Mubasir Khan (18) and Haider Ali (8) before finally perishing in the 46th over.

He remained the top-scorer for the Panthers with a magnificent 156 off just 130 balls, laced up with 20 boundaries including seven sixes.

Following his departure, the Panthers lost wickets at an alarming rate and the lower-middle order made modest contributions at the backend.

Zaman Khan was the standout bowler for the Stallions as he picked up four wickets while Jahandad Khan and Abrar Ahmed shared two wickets between them.

It is worth mentioning here that the last group-stage fixture of the Champions One-Day Cup between Dolphins and Lions will be played at the same venue on Sunday.

READ: ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 schedule unveiled

Zahid Mahmood’s five-fer powers Markhors to thumping victory over Stallions

FAISALABAD: Zahid Mahmood claimed 5-18, while Salman Ali Agha took three wickets to lead Markhors to a thumping 126-run victory against Stallions in the fourth match of the Champions One-Day Cup here at Iqbal Stadium on Sunday.

Stallions got off to a shaky start while chasing 232 as Naseem Shah removed both openers inside ten overs.

However, Babar Azam kept Stallions in the hunt with his elegant batting display, scoring 45 runs from 44 balls with the help of eight boundaries.

Meanwhile, Salman Ali Agha dismissed Tayyab Tahir (5) in the 15th over with 79 runs on the board.

Mohammad Rizwan introduced Zahid Mahmood in the next over and the decision proved fruitful as the leg-spinner removed Babar Azam off the first ball.

With the scoreboard reading 79-4 and the pitch offering some assistance to the spinners, Markhors capitalized by taking wickets at regular intervals.

Stallions’ batters failed to pose any threat to the spin attack of Zahid Mahmood and Salman Ali Agha as they bundled out for a meagre 105 runs in 23.4 overs.

Except for Shan Masood (19) and Babar Azam, no other batter managed to reach the double figures.

Zahid Mahmood took the final wicket of Abrar Ahmed to complete his five-wicket haul, while Salman Ali Agha and Naseem Shah managed three and two wickets respectively.

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Earlier, Markhors had a similar start to their innings after opting to bat first as they found themselves struggling at 38-3 in 8.3 overs.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha helped Markhors make a comeback with a 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

However, Mehran Mumtaz removed Rizwan, who was playing at 33, to halt Markhors’ progress.

Salman Ali Agha remained firm and stitched a 65-run stand with Iftikhar Ahmed, completing his half-century in the process. He fell prey to Jahandad Khan right after reaching the milestone.

Iftikhar Ahmed was joined by Abdul Samad, who played a blistering knock in the Champions Cup opener against the Panthers and started his innings in the same flow today.

Abdul Samad played a 35-ball knock of 37 runs, laced with five boundaries and one six, adding 62 runs for the sixth wicket before Mehran Mumtaz ended his entertaining knock.

Samad departed with the scoreboard reading 221-6, however, Markhors lost the next four wickets for only ten runs as they got bundled out for 231.

Iftikhar Ahmed was the top-scorer for Markhors with 60 runs from 66 balls, featuring eight boundaries.

Jahandad Khan led the bowling attack for Stallions with the figures of 4-49, while Mehran Mumtaz claimed three wickets.

READ: Harry Brook to lead England against Australia as Jos Buttler ruled out

Champions Cup: Markhors win toss, elect to bat against Stallions

FAISALABAD: Markhors have won the toss and opted to bat first against Stallions in the fourth match of the Champions One-Day Cup here at Iqbal Stadium on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

Markhors: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Faizan, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Abdul Samad, Zahid Mahmood, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Akif Javed

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Stallions: Mohammad Haris (c), Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Yasir Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali

READ: Saleema Imtiaz becomes first Pakistani woman umpire on ICC International Development Panel

Champions Cup: Stallions win toss, elect to bat first against Lions

FAISALABAD: Mohammad Haris-led Stallions have won the toss and elected to bat first against Shaheen Afridi’s Lions in the second match of the Champions One-Day Cup at Iqbal Stadium here on Friday.

Playing XIs

Stallions: Mohammad Haris (c), Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Yasir Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Hussain Talat, Jahandad Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Ali

Lions: Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sharoon Siraj, Irfan Khan Niazi, Khushdil Shah, Sajjad Ali, Aamir Jamal, Amir Yamin, Faisal Akram

READ: Afghanistan-New Zealand Test abandoned without ball being bowled

Mohammad Haris vows to uphold Stallions’ legacy in Champions Cup

FAISALABAD: Wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Haris on Sunday stated that he is honoured to lead the Stallions side in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, which will be played at the Iqbal Stadium from 12-29 September.

The Stallions will kick off their tournament campaign against Shaheen Shah Afridi’s Lions on Friday, 13 September, with the match scheduled to begin at 3 pm (local time).

Mohammad Haris assessed his squad as being particularly strong and is fully aware of the high expectations as the tournament gets underway.

“It is an honour to lead the star-studded Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup. We have a strong squad, featuring some of the biggest names in Pakistan cricket, which naturally raises the expectations from the fans,” he said.

With Shoaib Malik, a former Pakistan and Stallions captain, acting as a mentor, Haris acknowledged the legacy left by Malik and the team over the years in various domestic seasons.

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He aimed to uphold that legacy by setting high standards as they prepare for their first of four league matches on 13 September.

“The Stallions have a rich legacy of winning in Pakistan’s domestic cricket. With the talent and resources we have at our disposal, I assure you that we will entertain both the crowds in the stadium and the television audiences during the tournament.”

Haris is also mindful of the challenges ahead, given the high-calibre competition in the Champions One-Day Cup, which features some of the best players in the country.

“The Champions One-Day Cup is exciting in every sense. All the teams are strong, the conditions are challenging, and the 50-over format will truly test our abilities. I hope the fans in Faisalabad come out in large numbers to enjoy the tournament.”

Stallions squad (to be trimmed to 15 on 10 September)

Mohammad Haris (captain, Peshawar), Abrar Ahmed (Karachi), Adil Amin (Peshawar), Azam Khan (Peshawar), Babar Azam (Lahore), Haris Rauf (Islamabad), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Jahandad Khan (Rawalpindi), Junaid Ali (Lahore), Maaz Ahmad Sadaqat (Peshawar), Mehran Mumtaz (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ali (Sialkot), Mohammad Amir Khan (Swat), Saad Khan (Hyderabad), Shamyl Hussain (Islamabad), Shan Masood (Karachi), Tayyab Tahir (Sarai Alamgir), Ubaid Shah (Lahore), Yasir Khan (Rawalpindi) and Zaman Khan (Mirpur)

Mentor – Shoaib Malik

READ: Shaheen Afridi aims to lead Lions ‘from front’ in Champions One-Day Cup

Shoaib Malik ‘thrilled’ to mentor Stallions in Champions Cup

LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain and two-time ICC Event winner Shoaib Malik will mentor the Stallions in next month’s Champions One-Day Cup, which will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad from 12-29 September.

Shoaib Malik was one of the five champion mentors unveiled by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) earlier this week.

Misbah-ul-Haq, Saqlain Mushtaq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Waqar Younis are the other four mentors, who will reveal their side names and logos in PCB-arranged media conferences as part of promotion and publicity as well as creating Champions Cup brand awareness.

The Champions One-Day Cup will feature the country’s 150 best of the best cricketers. This will be a 50-over tournament that will be played on a single-league format.

All but the 16 September match between Lions and Panthers, which will start at 9.30 am, will commence at 3 pm. There will be three playoffs in four days with the final on Sunday, 29 September.

Shoaib Malik’s Stallions will take on Lions on 13 September, followed by matches against Wolves (15 September), Dolphins (19 September) and Panthers (21 September).

Shoaib Malik represented Pakistan in the 2007 and 2019 ODI World Cups, as well as six T20 World Cups and six Champions Trophy tournaments. Under his captaincy, Pakistan reached the final of the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007.

Malik is 33rd on the list of ODI players with 1,000 runs, 50 wickets and 50 catches. He also holds the record for one of the longest international careers, spanning nearly 20 years, having played in 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 124 T20Is.

He has scored 11,867 runs and taken 218 wickets across formats and is considered one of the most sought-after cricketers in franchise cricket.

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“I am thrilled to be appointed as a mentor for the Stallions, a team with which I have shared many memorable moments as a player and captain,” said Shoaib Malik.

“Now, to return in the role of a mentor is an incredible opportunity. I am confident that I can still contribute significantly to the Stallion brand by sharing my experience and passion for the game.

“As a mentor, my role goes beyond just providing guidance from the dugout. I will also take to the field in select matches to impart my firsthand knowledge and experience.

“This will enable our upcoming cricketers to refine their skills and elevate their game, ultimately supporting the Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket.

“I am a strong advocate of the Champions Cup format, which unites the best talents from our domestic cricket in a highly competitive, high-pressure environment.

“While there will be fierce battles for supremacy on the field, there will also be intense rivalries among the mentors as we strive to outmanoeuvre each other, bringing an extra layer of excitement to every match.

“In cricket, as in any field, the learning process never truly ends, but it can certainly be accelerated.

“With this in mind, I am optimistic that the Champions Cup, guided by our experienced mentors, skilled coaching staff, and live broadcasts, will significantly strengthen our domestic cricket structure. This, in turn, will cultivate more skilled and talented players, ready to take on the global stage.

“Of course, such progress won’t happen overnight, but with patience and persistence, we can achieve our shared goals.

“I eagerly anticipate the support of our dedicated Stallion fans and the media throughout the Champions Cup. Together, we can develop new champions who will bring glory not just to the team, but to our region and our country.”

READ: Pakistan head coach reveals why Shaheen Afridi was left out of second Bangladesh Test