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  • After consecutively losing to Pakistan, Bangladesh beats New Zealand to register historic Test win

    After consecutively losing to Pakistan, Bangladesh beats New Zealand to register historic Test win

    Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time in a match at the 16th attempt with an exceptional eight-wicket victory over the world champions on Wednesday at Mount Maunganui, snapping their hosts’ 17-match unbeaten run on home soil.

    The visiting team only needed 40 runs in their second innings for historic win. The match was wrapped up in one session on the final day as Ebadot Hossain took a career best six for 46 and New Zealand was rolled in second inning for 169.

    Bangladesh previously lost all 32 matches played in New Zealand across all formats, including nine Tests, and the team arrived to start this tour following back-to-back losses at home from Pakistan.

    Bangladesh’s first win in any format of the game in New Zealand gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series with the second match starting in Christchurch on Sunday.

  • Ramiz reportedly instructs marketing team to find sponsor for PSL anthem

    Ramiz reportedly instructs marketing team to find sponsor for PSL anthem

    Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has reportedly instructed the marketing team of the tournament to find a sponsor for the anthem of the seventh edition.

    As per reports, the release of PSL’s anthem is delayed and only the concept of the song is finalised.

    It has also been reported that Pakistani star Atif Aslam has been contacted to compose the song but there has been little progress.

    The seventh edition of the league is set to be started from January 27 and international player will start arriving in Pakistan from January 15.

    Raja chaired a high level meeting with the government of Sindh and District Administration officials/police at the National Stadium Karachi ahead of the upcoming edition of the league. The meetings were reportedly held to finalise the final preparations and security measures of PSL.

    The first leg of the tournament will be played in National Stadium Karachi while the second leg will be played in Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. The final will be played in Lahore on February 27.

  • Shahid Afridi believes Hafeez wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan

    Shahid Afridi believes Hafeez wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan

    Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team Shahid Afridi has said that he believes Mohammad Hafeez, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan.

    While speaking on Samaa TV’s show Game Set Match, Afridi said that there is a communication gap between PCB and the players.

    “I was listening to his [Hafeez] statement and it was clear from his body language that he wanted to play more cricket for Pakistan rather than leaving early,” said Afridi.

    “I always talk about the communication gap between the PCB and players and I have a strong feeling that the same was the case with Hafeez. Although, it was good to see that he didn’t turn that into a major issue,” he added.

    Afridi also heaped praise on Hafeez over a great international career.

    “I would like to congratulate Hafeez, his family and parents. Hafeez had an outstanding career and he gave many match-winning performances,” he said.

    Hafeez announced his retirement from international cricket 18 years after making his debut in Sharjah against Zimbabwe on 3 April 2003.

    Hafeez represented Pakistan in 392 international matches, scoring 12,780 runs and taking 253 wickets, besides also captaining the side in 32 international matches.

  • PCB announces nominations for 2021 Awards, Rizwan gets 3 and Babar 2

    PCB announces nominations for 2021 Awards, Rizwan gets 3 and Babar 2

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the nominees for the annual cricket awards 2021.

    “We are all set to bring to you the PCB Awards 2021,” the board announced on its official Twitter handle on Monday.

    Shedding light on further details, the PCB said that the categories and nominations will be revealed on Tuesday.

    Taking to Twitter, PCB shared Impactful Performance of The Year Nominees. Fawad Alam was nominated for his impressive Test against South Africa, Hassan Ali for his 10-fer against South Africa, Mohammad Rizwan for his 79 not out against India in T20 World Cup and Shaheen Shah Afridi for his 3-31 against India in the same match.

    In emerging cricketers’ category, wicket-keeper-batter Azam Khan, young pacers Arshad Iqbal, Mohammad Wasim Jnr. and Shahnawaz Dahani are nominated.

    In Men’s ODI Cricketer of The Year category, skipper Babar Azam, power hitter Fakhar Zaman, pacers Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi are nominated.

    On the other hand Women’s Cricketers of the year nominations include Aliya Riaz, Anum Amin, Fatima Sana and Nida Dar.

    Revealing Test Player of the Year of Award, PCB wrote: “Many thrilling performances in the Test cricket format, here are the stars who made it to the nominations for “Test Cricketer of the Year.” Players included in this category are Test opener Abid Ali, batter Fawad Alam, pacers Shaheen and Hassan.

    In the T20 Player of the Year category, all-rounder Shadab Khan, Haris, Shaheen and Rizwan are included.

    PCB named five cricketers in Domestic Cricketer Of The Year Nominees. Cricketers in this category include Asif Afridi, Mohammad Huraira, Iktikhar Ahmed, Sahibzada Farhan and Tayyab Tahir.

    The last category for today, “Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year” but certainly not the least. A valuable player not only performs exceptionally well but also inspires others to do more,” wrote PCB.

    Here are the nominees: Babar Azam, Hassan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

    Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has been shortlisted in five categories for the PCB Awards 2021.

    Rizwan has earned nominations for the Impactful Performance of the Year, T20I Cricketer of the Year and Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year, Hasan Ali has been shortlisted for the Impactful Performance of the Year, Test Cricketer of the Year and Most Valuable Cricketer of the Year awards.

    Babar Azam, Fawad Alam and Haris Rauf have been shortlisted in two categories each.

    For the Emerging Cricketer of the Year, Arshad Iqbal, Azam Khan, Mohammad Wasim Junior and Shahnawaz Dahani have been shortlisted.

    The winners of the Umpire of the Year and Spirit of Cricket awards will be announced directly on Thursday, January 6.

  • Professor’s wife says she will miss Hafeez in Pakistan’s ‘green top’

    Professor’s wife says she will miss Hafeez in Pakistan’s ‘green top’

    Former Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Hafeez’s wife Nazia Hafeez has said that she will miss her husband in Pakistan’s cricket team’s jersey.

    Sharing a picture of her husband while getting ready for the press conference, she wrote: “I was so emotional in the morning when you were getting ready to go for press conference to announce your retirement.”

    The star all-rounder’s wife said that she is proud of her man. She also said: “As your number one fan will miss you in Pakistan green top. love you.”

    Hafeez announced his retirement on Monday at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters.

    “Today I say goodbye to international cricket with pride and satisfaction,” Hafeez said at a media conference in Lahore wearing the Pakistan team’s green blazer and tie.

    “In fact, I have earned and accomplished more than I had initially envisaged and for that, I am thankful to all my fellow cricketers, captains, support staff and the Pakistan Cricket Board who helped me out during my career.”

    The 41-year-old cricketer quit Test cricket in 2018 and played his last ODI in the 2019 World Cup at Lord’s. He was recalled in 2020 for T20 matches and finished the year as the world’s leading run-scorer in the calendar year in the shortest format. His international debut was in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, and his last match was Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.

  • VIDEO: Haris Rauf takes a stunning catch in his second BBL match

    VIDEO: Haris Rauf takes a stunning catch in his second BBL match

    Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf had a brilliant start at the Big Bash League (BBL) as he caught a stunning catch in his second match for Melbourne Stars.

    The pacer is featured for Stars alongside countryman Ahmed Daniyal to face off against Melbourne Renegades.

    Batting first, the Stars could only manage 126 runs. Rauf popped up with a six towards the end while Ahmed only faced two deliveries before the innings came to a close.

    Haris and Ahmed both bowled economically and managed 1-26 and 1-24 respectively. However, their efforts were not good enough as Renegades chased down the target in the 18th over.

    The match, however, included a special fielding effort from Haris Rauf which had everyone talking.

    Earlier, Mohammad Hasnain impressed fans with his exceptional performance on his debut in the BBL.

  • ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    ‘Memorable career’: Skipper, other cricketers pen notes for Hafeez

    Pakistani cricketers, along with skipper Babar Azam, took to their social media to congratulate and pen heartfelt notes for Professor aka Mohammad Hafeez after he announced his retirement from a successful career of 18 years in international cricket.

    Taking to Twitter, Babar wrote: “A memorable career comes to an end. I have learnt a lot from @mhafeez22 bhai and his experiences. Thank you for your guidance along the time we shared on the field. Happy retirement, professor!”

    Former Pakistani pacer Umar Gul wrote: “We started our career together and since that day, i have known u to be one of the most kindest and straightforward person. U have given so much to the world of cricket during these years n we will surely miss watchn u play for Pakistan. Wishing u prosperity ahead.”

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20

    “Oye Ustaada @MHafeez22 great international career MaShAllah…You have been an outstanding player & a team mate.Thank you for serving Pakistan cricket. All the very best for future Happy Retirement Ustaad G,” said former Pakistani wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on Twitter.

    Former Pakistan Women Cricket team’s captain Sana Mir also penned a message for the batter, saying: “Congratulations @MHafeez22 on a gritty career. You have always held the honour of our country high and we are all very thank you to you for all your services. All the best for all future plans.”

    Several other cricketers extended well wishes for the former Pakistan captain with many hashtags like Happy Retirement, End of an Era, Professor and Mohammad Hafeez.

    Taking to Twitter, Hafeez said: “My journey of pride representing Pakistan came to an end & i m proudly retiring from international cricket with great satisfaction & joy. Thank u all for 18 years of support. Maintaining highest level of pride & dignity always is my most valuable achievement.”

    “Pakistan Zindabad,” he added.

    Former cricketers Bazid Khan and Saeed Ajmal also congratulated him under his tweet.

    “I’m extremely lucky & proud to have been considered worthy of donning the national kit for 18 years. Every time I stepped on the field, I tried to raise the country’s profile & image by playing hard & tough but within the traditions & spirit of cricket,” he said in a press conference at Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Headquarters today (Monday) in Lahore.

    Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Meanwhile, Hafeez’z on-field opponent Dale Steyn took to Twitter and said: ” Many a great battle with this man, end of the day, we had the best time and memories we can enjoy forever!”

    “Congratulations on a wonderful international career! Inspired your nation and played the game the right way, well done,” he added.

  • The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    The Professor Mohammad Hafeez announces retirement from international cricket

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Mohammad Hafeez has announced his retirement from international cricket, ending a career spanning more than 18 years with the Pakistan side. His international debut was in an ODI against Zimbabwe in 2003, and his last match was Pakistan’s defeat against Australia in the T20 World Cup semi-final last November.

    The 41-year-old top-order batter and off-spinner, has signed up with Lahore Qalandars for the upcoming edition of the PSL and will continue to be available for franchise cricket around the world.

    As per his ESPN cricinfo, Hafeez played 55 Tests, 218 ODIs and 119 T20Is while amassing 12,780 runs across formats, and grabbed 32 Player-of-the-Match awards, the fourth-highest among Pakistan players in all international cricket, with only Shahid Afridi (43), Wasim Akram (39) and Inzamam-ul-Haq (33) above him. In addition to that, Hafeez also earned nine Player-of-the-Series awards, joint-second with Imran Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.

    Hafeez retired from Test cricket in December 2018, with selectors later deciding to move on from him in ODIs after the 2019 World Cup, where he played his last match of the format – against Bangladesh at Lord’s.

    He is the only Pakistan player to have played in all but one T20 World Cup – the one Pakistan ended up winning in 2009 – and holds the Pakistan record for most T20 World Cup appearances. Hafeez also led Pakistan to the 2012 World T20 semi-final.

    After he announced his retirement, his colleagues and Twitterati wished him good luck with heart-warming messages.

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1477901591277555712?s=20
  • VIDEO: Wow triple wicket maiden in Mohammad Hasnain’s first over in BBL

    VIDEO: Wow triple wicket maiden in Mohammad Hasnain’s first over in BBL

    Pakistan cricket team’s young pacer Mohammad Hasnain made a great start to his Big Bash League (BBL) career, for Sydney Thunder, with a triple wicket maiden in his very first over.

    The right-armer dismissed Matthew Short, Jake Weatherald and Jonathan Wells in a match against Adelaide Strikers.

    Hasnain finished with figures of 3/20 in his four overs.

    The pacer’s impressive spell played a key role in Thunder’s victory against Strikers by 28 runs.

    In 2019 Hasnain registered his name in record books as the youngest, 19 year-old-old bowler to take a hat-trick in a T20I match. The Hyderabad-born achieved that feat against Sri Lanka.

    In the same year, Hasnain stole the limelight in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) by bowling the fastest deliveries recorded in each competition. He bowled at 151 km/h for the Quetta Gladiators, and 155.1 km/h for Trinbago Knight Riders.

    Hasanin is representing Quetta Gladiators again in the seventh edition of the PSL. The tournament is set to begin from January 27.

    Several people from the cricket fraternity lauded the young speedster for his fantastic feat.

    https://twitter.com/SteelyDan66/status/1477589607772344322?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1477589607772344322%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.samaa.tv%2Fsports%2Fcricket%2F2022%2F01%2Fwatch-hasnain-claims-triple-wicket-maiden-on-bbl-debut%2F

    Former Coach of team Pakistan also lauded the cricketer.

  • U19 squad departs for World Cup after Asia Cup semi-final defeat

    U19 squad departs for World Cup after Asia Cup semi-final defeat

    The Pakistan U19 team has departed for West Indies to play the International Cricket Council (ICC) U19 Cricket World Cup after they lost to Sri Lanka in the U19 Asia Cup in Dhaka this week.

    Read More – Pakistan turns out victorious in group-stage matches of U19 Asia Cup

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed media that except Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, who contracted with Covid-19, all the players have departed for West Indies via Dubai. Bangalzai will remain isolated for ten days under the supervision of Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).

    Gazi Ghouri and Mohammad Zeeshan are travelling as reserves for the mega event. A replacement for Bangalzai will be made according to the need.

    It must be noted here that Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in U19 Asia Cup’s semi-final. India beat Sri Lanka to win the Asian tournament for eighth time.

    The mega event is slated to be starting from January 14.