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  • Why ‘big names’ don’t play PSL, furious Ramiz asks management

    Why ‘big names’ don’t play PSL, furious Ramiz asks management

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja and the franchises’ owners had a heated argument during a meeting recently to discuss about the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven, reported Samaa.

    Read More – Shahid Afridi reportedly to play for Quetta Gladiators in PSL 2022

    The seventh edition of the league is all set to begin in mid-January next year, with drafts of the league expected to take place in the second week of December.

    The chairman had a heated exchange with the franchises owners, where Raja called them ‘intruders’.

    “PSL is our home and you guys are intruders,” a source inside the board quoted the PCB chairman. “You have destroyed windows and doors of our house.”

    Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omer replied that PSL is because of the franchises. “We are the investors of the league,” he said. “We have six successful seasons of the league and it is our home.”

    The PCB chairman asked players’ accusation and management committee member Imran Ahmed Khan that why renowned T20 cricketers like Australia’s Maxwell and other don’t play PSL.

    “We have invited them many times, but they refuse to play in Pakistan,” he replied.

    The board and the franchises owners disagreed over the salary cap set by the body for the upcoming edition of the league. Ramiz had asked the franchises to increase the salary cap to $1.2 million from $0.95 million.

    However, the franchises after a detailed argument with the PCB chief managed to keep the salary cap at $0.95 million for the PSL7.

  • Hassan Ali equals Waqar Younis, Imran Khan’s record in Bangladesh Test

    Hassan Ali equals Waqar Younis, Imran Khan’s record in Bangladesh Test

    Pakistani speedster Hassan Ali has equalled former pacer Waqar Younis and former captain Imran Khan’s record for most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by a Pakistani fast pitcher in a calendar year.

    The right-arm fast bowler was unable to impress his fans with his performance at the T20 World Cup but he bounced back at the T20I series against Bangladesh in the first T20I of the three-match series. Now, the pacer has proved himself once again with a 5-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the first innings of the first Test match at Chittagong.

    Hassan was the architect of Bangladesh’s lower-order batting collapse on Saturday as he took quick wickets to ensure a dangerous Bangladesh were restricted to 330 runs in their first innings.

    With figures of 5/51, Ali not only managed to be the pick of the Pakistani bowlers during Bangladesh’s first innings but also entered the record books alongside some of the greatest names of the game.

    Read More – Hassan Ali seals the deal for Pakistan

    With his latest five-fer, Ali has now equalled records for the most five-wicket hauls in Test cricket by a Pakistani fast bowler in a calendar year, set by legends Imran Khan and Waqar Younis.

    All three Imran Khan, Waqar Younis and Hassan Ali now have 5 five-fers in Test cricket to their name within a calendar year (1982, 1990 and 2021, respectively).

    Pakistan’s former fast bowler Younis holds the record for the most five-fers ever (across formats) in a calendar year by a Pakistani fast bowler, with 6 in 1993.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan scored 79 after 29 overs before tea on the second day. The national side is set for a big score with this partnership built by Asad Shafique and Abid Ali.

  • West Indies announces squads for Pakistan, to play three ODIs, T20Is each

    West Indies announces squads for Pakistan, to play three ODIs, T20Is each

    The Cricket West Indies (CWI) has announced the squads for the Windies tour of Pakistan.

    The side will play three T20Is and the same number of ODIs at the National Stadium Karachi from December 13 to 22.

    Four uncapped players – Justin Greaves, Shamarh Brooks, left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie and fast-bowling all-rounder Odean Smith – are included in both squads.

    Smith and Motie are also selected in the T20I squad for the first time, along with left-arm fast-bowling all-rounder Dominic Drakes.

    The ODI series will be West Indies’ fourth series of 12 in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League

    Squads

    ODIs

    Kieron Pollard (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain), Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Justin Greaves, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Nicholas Pooran, Raymon Reifer, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Hayden Walsh Jr.

    T20Is

    Kieron Pollard (Captain), Nicholas Pooran (Vice Captain), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr.

  • Hassan Ali’s hairdo is the center of attention for cricket fans

    Hassan Ali’s hairdo is the center of attention for cricket fans

    Pakistan’s pacer Hassan Ali recently got a haircut after carrying long locks in the T20 World Cup 2021.

    Read More – Hassan Ali charged for breaching ICC Code of Conduct in first T20I

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) posted two photos of him in which his transformation can be seen. “T20Is to Tests,” PCB wrote as caption.

    Hassan Ali received criticism in the T20 World Cup as he was unable to perform well in the mega event. The pacer, with a comeback performance in the first T20I match against Bangladesh, took three wickets while giving just 22 runs in his four overs and bagged Player of the Match award.

    He dedicated his Player of the Match award to the fans who supported him through thick and thin.

    “I admit that fans were expecting top-notch performance from me in the World Cup T20,” he said. “Despite my efforts, I failed to put up a decent show. Sometimes in cricket, you cannot showcase your best efforts. I was struggling a bit with no balls and that was the reason I conceded too many runs and was not taking wickets,” adding that his hard work is paying off. “I dedicate this award to the fans who stayed behind me during tough times.”

    Meanwhile, during the ongoing Test match against Bangladesh, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Ali, Sajid Khan and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

    Bangladesh scored 253 for four after they had been reduced to 49 for four on day one of the first Test against Pakistan at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. The play was suspended in the latter half of the evening session because of fading light as 85 overs were bowled and the second days play will begin 11 minutes before the scheduled start to make up for the lost time.

  • PTV withdraws claim against Shoaib Akhtar

    PTV withdraws claim against Shoaib Akhtar

    State-owned channel PTV withdrew its compensation claim from the civil court of Lahore registered against former cricketer Shoaib Akhtar after he and Anchor Dr Nauman Niaz settled their dispute.

    Read More – Shoaib Akhtar vs Nauman Niaz: Whose side is Twitter is on?

    During the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup series, Akhtar had a heated argument with PTV Sports Anchor Dr Nauman on live TV, where the latter misbehaved with the national star.

    Following the argument, Akhtar resigned from the live show. While the public supported the Rawalpindi Express, the state-owned channel sent him a recovery notice asking him to pay Rs100 million in damages and reimburse three months’ salary worth Rs3,333,000 for violating clauses of the contract.

    However, before the end of the month-long cricket series, a truce was reached between Akhtar and Niaz, after a meeting at the residence of Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry.

    According to lawyers of PTV, reconciliation has been reached with Akhtar.

    In an interview before the truce, Niaz said: “I apologised thousands of times over my conduct,” while Akhtar, in an interview said that he has forgiven the host.

    Read More – ‘Disappointed’: Shoaib Akhtar vows to fight lawsuit after receiving recovery notice from PTV

    In the reconciliation at Fawad’s residence, Nauman said: “Shoaibi (Shoaib Akhtar), I am extremely sorry for whatever happened on screen and it shouldn’t have happened and the reason behind it is that we have a friendship of 30 years and that shouldn’t go down.” Replying, Akhtar said: “Its okay. He should have said it long time ago.” Nauman added: “It’s never too late.”

  • Misbah speaks out against haters saying team doing better without him

    Misbah speaks out against haters saying team doing better without him

    Former Pakistan Captain and Coach Misbah-ul-Haq has blasted haters for saying that the Pakistan cricket team is performing better after he resigned as the head coach just before the T20 World Cup.

    Read More – Pakistan wins T20 series in Bangladesh

    Misbah, while talking to the media on Muslim Gymkhana’s annual match occasion said: “Well done to those who think that the team has started to perform better after my departure. I am also happy to see the Pakistan team winning.”

    “We all want Pakistan to perform better,” he added.

    About Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez’s future, he said: “The cricketers themselves can make a better decision regarding their future. They know better how long they can play for the national team and play their part in victories.”

    As Pakistan started their two-match test series against Bangladesh today, Misbah stated that Pakistan’s Test side is strong and can beat the Tigers at their home.

    “The team is performing well under Babar Azam’s captaincy, the credit goes to him. While Saqlain Mushtaq is managing the players really well,” Misbah added.

    To replace Misbah and bowling coach Waqar Younis, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Saqlain Mushtaq as interim head coach and Matthew Hayden and Vernon Philander as consultant coaches for the mega event.

  • Gautam Gambhir claims death threats from Pakistani student, ISIS

    Gautam Gambhir claims death threats from Pakistani student, ISIS

    Former Indian cricketer and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Gautam Gambhir has allegedly claimed that he has been receiving death threats via email. Security has been tightened outside the parliamentarian’s house after he filed a complaint. Gambhir alleged that he and his family had received threats from ISIS Kashmir.

    Read More – Twitter user who sent rape threat to Kohli’s daughter is Indian, not Pakistani

    As per an Indian media outlet News 18, Delhi police said that the emails were generated in Karachi, Pakistan. They were created by a young man named Shaheed Hamid, about 20-25 years of age. He is a student at Sindh University in Karachi.

    A second mail included an attachment of a video shot outside Gambhir’s family home. “We intended to kill you, but you survived yesterday. If you love the life of your family, stay away from politics and the Kashmir issue,” it said.

    Police sources said they haven’t found any major motive behind the threats.

    The video sent was from YouTube, possibly uploaded by a Gambhir supporter in November 2020, they revealed.

    Read More – Gautam Gambhir avoids Delhi sun, ‘uses look-alike to campaign for polls’

    The investigation into the matter is ongoing and the findings will be shared with central intelligence teams for further follow-up.

    Gambhir had also approached the Delhi police two years ago, alleging death threats to him and his family from an international phone number.

  • Babar Azam is ‘confident’ ahead of Bangladesh Test series

    Babar Azam is ‘confident’ ahead of Bangladesh Test series

    Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam is confident that they will be performing well in the Test Championship after playing against Bangladesh in the two-match Test series. He said that in a virtual press conference from Chittagong ahead of the first Test.

    The skipper was a bit worried about the unavailability of a batting coach with the side, saying that the Men in Green should have had one but the decision to appoint a batting coach rests with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    Veteran Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden was appointed by the PCB as batting consultant for the T20 World Cup. He was hired after Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis stepped down from their coaching roles in September.

    Babar Azam spoke about the team’s performance, saying that he expected them to perform well in the series.

    “The batting line-up includes senior players who play spinners well. The players joining the Test squad were playing domestic cricket and we will benefit from this,” he stated.

    He said that this Test series is also important for Pakistan, adding that the team will try to keep up the winning momentum [from the T20 series].

    Babar Azam praised the Test team, saying that he was confident they will perform well in the Test Championship as “there are more matches at home grounds”.

    He said that the Bangladesh team is a dangerous side even in the absence of senior players. Azam said they cannot be taken lightly as conditions are difficult in Bangladesh.

    “It is not easy to play here. We have to focus and play with patience, we will also try to stay on the wicket.”

    The first Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Bangladesh starts tomorrow, November 26, in Chittagong.

  • Shahnawaz Dahani is back home with ‘naughty nephew’ after T20 win

    Shahnawaz Dahani is back home with ‘naughty nephew’ after T20 win

    Pakistan’s young pacer Shahnawaz Dahani, who recently made a debut against Bangladesh in the third match of the three-match T20I series, is happy to be back home with his family and “naughty nephew”.

    “Back to home, Larkana. Happy to be with my naughty nephew,” Dahani tweeted, alongside an image of a cheerful boy whom he was holding up.

    Dahani took his maiden international wicket during the series, in the third fixture.

    He clean bowled Bangladesh’s Najmul Hossain Shanto on the third ball of his first over, hitting the base of the batter’s middle stump to knock the bails off.

    He went on to bowl three overs in the match, giving away 24 runs.

    Prior to the match, Dahani expressed his joy on his debut in a tweet, saying: “Alhamdulillah,I am going to represent my country today. I am extremely happy and excited to play in green. All this happened due to prayers of my mother. Thank you everyone for loving me and supporting me, and Pray that I make my country proud.”

    Dahani also spoke to his mother before the match, seeking her prayers.

  • Pakistan announces 12-man team for first Test against Bangladesh

    Pakistan announces 12-man team for first Test against Bangladesh

    Pakistan’s cricket team, after defeating Bangladesh with a clean sweep in the three-match T20I series, is now all set to play two-match Test series against the hosts. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 12 member team for the clash which will be played at the Ch. Zahoor Ahmed Cricket Stadium, Chittagong starting from Friday, November 26.

    Squad for first Test:

    Babar Azam – Captain, Mohammad Rizwan – Vice captain (wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hassan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi

    Meanwhile, Bangladesh on Monday announced the squad for the series. The Tigers have called up uncapped batsman Mahmudul Hasan and pace bowler Rejaur Rahman.

    Squad: Mominul Haque (captain), Shadman Islam, Saif Hasan, Najmul Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim, Liton Das, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Abu Jayed Chowdhury, Yasir Ali, Mahmudul Hasan, Rejaur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan (subject to fitness)

    The second match will be played from Saturday, December 4 at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka.