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  • Speedy Afridi aims to become leading wicket-taker in PSL again

    Speedy Afridi aims to become leading wicket-taker in PSL again

    Pakistani speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has set his eyes on becoming the leading wicket-taker of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) once again.

    The 21-year old pace bowler from Lahore Qalandars finished the previous PSL edition as the leading-wicket-taker with 17 wickets to his credit. This year, he has taken 9 wickets from 4 matches, three less than Saqib Mehmood. However, Saqib is now not available to his franchise Peshawar Zalmi for the remaining matches of PSL due to his commitment to the English season.

    In coversation with Geo TV, Shaheen said that he is aiming to give his best for his side Qalandars.

    “My aim is to give my best and do well for my franchise. The team also have expectation from me and wants me to do well. I will try to finish this season as the top wicket-taker as well,” said Afridi.

    “My goal is to give my 100% whenever the captain asks me to bowl. How many wickets I take, that’s not in my hands but how much effort I put in is certainly in my hands and I will try to be best.”

    He insisted that Lahore Qalandars has the right combination and the team is ready for the remaining matches.

    Read more – PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    But the young pacer added that the first two matches of the Abu Dhabi-leg of the tournament will be important for the side.

    “We have a good side. The return of Rashid Khan has strengthened our bowling attack. Tim is a good batsman and he would surely bring value to our side,” he said.

    “We are playing Islamabad United in the first match and then the next day we will be playing against Peshawar Zalmi, these two matches are important for us, we need a flying start to get the momentum and first two games will be important. We are in the top four right now and the first target is to be among the top two sides on the points table,” he said.

    Shaheen praised his teammate Haris Rauf, saying that the fast bowler from the players’ development program (PDP) has improved a lot and he enjoys bowling alongside him.

    He also spoke highly of Lahore Qalandars’ PDP, adding that the team is now receiving fruits of what it invested in the programme.

    “Lahore Qalandars remained focused on the process to find and develop new talent for the country despite not too good results in the tournament. They prepared the players and now they’ve developed into performers for the side,” he said.

    Shaheen Afridi said that Qalandars will try to produce better results than the previous edition by winning the trophy.

    “We will not let down our fans,” he assured.

  • David Warner’s face swap video with Tiger Shroff creating waves on social media

    David Warner’s face swap video with Tiger Shroff creating waves on social media

    Australian cricketer David Warner, who knows how to entertain his followers on social media, recently shared a face swap video in which he superimposed his face on actor Tiger Shroff’s and the clip is creating waves on the social media.

    “Back by Popular demand,” wrote Warner while sharing the clip on Instagram.

    David used a snippet from The Hook Up song from the movie Student of The Year 2, which also features actress, Alia Bhatt.

    Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja had also shared a video of himself on social media, swapping his face with Johnny Depp from his movie Pirates of the Caribbean film series.

    “Got this sent and was gobsmacked (Face without a mouth). So intriguing and amusing what an app can do. Could really have been a real me in terms of roughness if that quarantine had continued any longer,” wrote Raja while sharing the clip on Twitter.

    His comments section was filled with hilarious reactions from netizens.

  • ‘Unreal feeling,’ Azam Khan overjoyed at being selected for England, West Indies tour

    ‘Unreal feeling,’ Azam Khan overjoyed at being selected for England, West Indies tour

    Azam Khan is overjoyed at being selected for England and West Indies tour’s squad.

    “Unreal feeling right now. Literally overwhelmed! Representing your country is the ultimate goal of any professional athlete,” said Azam while expressing his happiness on his Twitter.

    Thanking his supporters and critics, the batsman said: “I want to thank both my supporters and critics for motivating me throughout my journey. Work hard and dream big. Pakistan zindabad.”

    https://twitter.com/MAzamKhan45/status/1400742994857369600?s=20

    Pakistan cricket selectors have recalled four experienced players and included uncapped Azam in the squad. The side will play three ODIs and as many T20Is in England from July 8-20, before taking on world champions West Indies in five T20Is that will be followed by two Tests.

    According to details, middle-order batsman Haris Sohail has been named in the ODI side, while Imad Wasim has returned to bolster the T20I side. Fast bowlers Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah have returned to the Test side.

    Yasir Shah’s inclusion is subject to fitness as the wrist spinner is yet to fully recover from the knee injury that sidelined him from the Zimbabwe Tests. The selectors have retained leg-spinner Zahid Mahmood along with left-arm spinner Nauman Ali and off-spinner Sajid Khan for the Jamaica Tests.

    Uncapped Saud Shakeel has also reclaimed his spot after missing South Africa ODIs due to an injury. Salman Ali Agha, who has lost his Test spot, has been called-up for ODIs.

    Fakhar Zaman has maintained his place in the original squad after being drafted as an additional player for Zimbabwe T20Is following a stellar performance in South Africa.

    Quetta Gladiators’ Azam Khan, the 22-year-old hard-hitting batsman, is the new face in the T20I squad.

    Squads

    ODIs: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Haris Sohail (Balochistan), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab).

    T20Is: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain) (Northern), Arshad Iqbal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Azam Khan (Sindh), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imad Wasim (Northern), Mohammad Hafeez (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sharjeel Khan (Sindh) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab).

    Tests: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haris Rauf (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Yasir Shah (Balochistan, subject to fitness) and Zahid Mahmood (Southern Punjab).

    Pakistan will be touring England from June 25 to July 20 and will be visiting West Indies from July 21 to August 25.

  • Daren Sammy gets his own perfume

    Daren Sammy gets his own perfume

    Daren Sammy has collaborated with a brand to get his very own perfume ’88 Special’.

    Asgharali Perfumes has collaborated with the former West Indian captain to release a cologne honouring him called ’88 Special’.

    “Infinite doses of passion. Available in UAE and Pakistan and coming soon to the USA & Caribbean,” wrote Sammy while introducing his fragrance on social media.

    But this isn’t the first time that Sammy has talked about launching his fragrance. While talking to The Current in an exclusive interview, Daren said: “I am super happy to partner with Asgharali to create this amazing fragrance. I’ve always enjoyed connecting with people through my playing and in the stadiums. It is my goal to continue this connection by creating a scent that will exhibit the passion, power, and pleasure that is within us all.”

    “My desire is that people will feel like a champion; like everything is possible and that no matter where you started in life; greatness is in you. I’m already very happy with the new signature scents for men and women that Asgarali has created and the exquisite packaging design. I can’t wait to share it with you all,” he had added.

    However, the new deal under the Daren Sammy trademark will include a signature fragrance for men and women.

    Read more – Sanam Jung launches fragrance line with three scents

    Pakistan’s speedster Wahab Riaz has thanked Daren Sammy after receiving the new fragrance as a present.

    “Thank you Skipper @darensammy88 for this lovely fragrance, I loved the packing and the bottle is as classy as you’re. Congratulations and all the best for this new innings. I’m sure you’ll rock it too, wrote Riaz on his Twitter. 

    https://twitter.com/WahabViki/status/1400369592908673028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1400369592908673028%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fd-34132563012871410441.ampproject.net%2F2105210438003%2Fframe.html
  • Five glorious achievements of birthday boy Wasim Akram’s career

    Five glorious achievements of birthday boy Wasim Akram’s career

    Wasim Akram, popularly known as the Sultan of Swing, is a former Pakistan cricket team captain. Born on June 3, 1966, he is regarded as one of the best bowlers to have graced the sport. Today, on his birthday we would like to share five glorious moments of his life that his fans would love to rejoice.

    King Of Hat-tricks

    Akram has four hat-tricks at the highest level, two in Tests and two in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). His ODI hat-tricks came in 1989 and 1990, both at Sharjah. In 1999, he took two hat-tricks in back-to-back Tests against Sri Lanka and helped Pakistan win the Asian Test Championship.

    First Man To Take 500 ODI Wickets

    In 2003, Akram became the first man to take 500 ODI wickets. This record was later broken by Sri Lankan spin bowler, Muttiah Muralitharan.

    Most Successful Left Arm Bowler

    He is ranked amongst the most successful left arm bowlers of all time.

    Won 17 Man of the Match Awards In 104 Tests

    He has won 17 Man of the Match awards in Test cricket which is the joint-third highest number of awards.

    Wasim Akram leading wicket taker in 1992 World Cup and man of the match of 1992 World Cup Final

    First bowler to take 400 wickets in ODIs and Tests

    He is the first bowler in international cricket to take more than 400 wickets in both ODI and Tests.

    The cricketer-turned commentator has represented Pakistan beyond his bowling and batting abilities by having taken up commentary as well and these are not the only achievements he bagged.

    Former Pakistani speedster also got lucky in love when he tied the knot with Shaniera Thompson, who now is known as Shaniera Akram, on August 12, 2013.

    “Happy birthday to the love of my life. A man that proves age just really is a number”, Shaniera wrote on social media.

    She then took to her Instagram to write a lovely birthday love note to her husband, who is celebrating 55 years of success and health, along with an adorable photo of the two.

    The social media activist said: “Heroes come and go but legends are forever! You truly are an inspiration to not only our little family but to the world. You prove that age is only a number and that it’s possible to keep getting better with time. I feel you are younger than when we first met but wiser than ever before, and they are the ingredients to life we all strive for!”

    “I’m so proud of the person you were before we met and the man you have since become. A true trailblazer, a stand-alone asset to this world and a truly remarkable man in and out of the public eye. You make me want to be a better human and teach me that the real meaning of happiness is by living in the moment and making every bit of those moments count. I know we are not together today for your birthday but you have made it seem as though we have never even been apart for a minute,” added Shaniera.

    Extending further prayers to Akram, the Shaniera added: “I wish you a long life, a happy one, and the more we keep laughing the faster the time will go till we are back in each other’s arms. You’re are and always will be the best thing that has happened to me. I love you now and for always.”

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his contemporaries and juniors have wished the former cricketer on his birthday. Here are a few wishes from the social media:

    https://twitter.com/mdk_gul/status/1400367308464439297?s=20
  • PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    PSL set to resume on June 9, final on June 24

    The sixth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will resume from June 9, with the final match set to take place on June 24.

    The tournament will be played in Abu Dhabi, despite speculation in recent days that it was going to be moved to Sharjah. The compressed schedule means there will be as many as six double-headers, with the early games starting at 5pm Abu Dhabi time, and the evening matches at 8pm local time.

    Faizan Lakhani, a sports journalist, took to Twitter and wrote: “Its official now: PSL6 remainders from 9th to 24th June in Abu Dhabi. 6 double headers to be played. Matches to start at 9pm PKT. Double headers to be played at 6pm and 11pm PKT.”

    Ramiz Raja also confirmed the news on Twitter, saying: “Finally dates are out for HBLPSL6 – 9th to 24th- probably 4 double-headers. A journey full of twists and turns comparable to James Bond whirling around in his Aston Martin!”

    “The remaining matches of HBL PSL 6 will be played in Abu Dhabi from June 9 to 24,” said the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) spokesperson.

    “Six double-headers will be played during the event, including qualifier and element one. The matches of the tournament will start at 8 pm UAE time (9 pm Pakistan time). The first match on the day of double-headers will start at 5 pm UAE time (6 pm Pakistan time). On the day of double-headers, the second match will start at 10 pm (11 pm Pakistan time). The full schedule of the remaining matches of the tournament will be released shortly,” added the spokesperson.

    First Match will be played between Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

    The series witnessed a halt earlier this year after the Covid-19 bio-bubble was breached, and many positive cases emerged amongst the players and support staff members.

  • PSL6 to reportedly restart from June 7

    PSL6 to reportedly restart from June 7

    The remaining matches of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition are likely to resume from June 7 in Abu Dhabi as per media reports.

    After several flight delays and logistical issues, PSL6 is finally restarting. The matches are to be played in Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi and the final is to be played on June 24.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on May 27 that it would hold the remaining PSL matches in Abu Dhabi. Only two chartered flights took off on May 27 simultaneously from Lahore and Karachi, carrying 202 passengers, including players, officials, support staff, and other participants of the league as they had to go through a seven-day quarantine after reaching their hotels in Abu Dhabi.

    However, 25 passengers, including former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, had to stay back in their hotels as they couldn’t get the visas on time.

    Later, five people, including fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, left Karachi for Abu Dhabi on Sunday. However, Sarfaraz Ahmed and 10 other members from Lahore could not get clearance for the trip to Abu Dhabi on May 30. The former Pakistani skipper was scheduled to leave via a commercial flight on Sunday but was denied permission to take the flight.

    Finally, Sarfaraz and five other players landed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

    An official announcement regarding the restarting date of the league is still awaited.

    The series witnessed a halt earlier this year after the Covid-19 bio-bubble was breached, and many positive cases emerged amongst the players and support staff members.

  • ‘Huge waves of anxiety,’ Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

    ‘Huge waves of anxiety,’ Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

    Japanese tennis ace Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open due to “huge waves of anxiety.”

    Osaka announced her withdrawal from Roland Garros a day after she was fined $15,000 by the French Open and warned that she could face expulsion from the tournament, following her decision not to speak with the press during the tournament.

    Osaka, 23, who won her first match against Patricia Maria Tig, was scheduled to face Ana Bogdan in the second round. She released a statement last Wednesday stating her intention to skip her media obligations during Roland Garros because of the affect of interacting with the press on her mental health.

    “This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” Osaka wrote on social media, “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.”

    “I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly, I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly.”

    In her original statement, Osaka said she expected to be fined. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton, has stated that his organisation would penalise Osaka, after which she was fined $15,000.

    The organisation has not given an official response to the fine, despite Osaka’s statement, explaining her anxiety. Their heavy-handed approach to Osaka has been criticised as a disproportionate response by many, saying that Osaka should not be penalised for putting her mental health first. The attention Osaka received after her statement has been compounded by the announcement of her fine and possible default.

    In her withdrawal statement, the four-time grand slam champion said she has suffered from “long bouts of depression” since the 2018 US Open final. Osaka defeated Serena Williams then to win her first grand slam title in a controversial match that similarly led to significant attention and queries from the media.

    “Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety,” Osaka wrote.

    Osaka explained in her statement, saying she suffers “huge waves of anxiety” before speaking with the media. “Here in Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self‑care and skip the press conferences. I announced it preemptively because I do feel like the rules are quite outdated in parts and I wanted to highlight that,” she wrote.

    “I’ll see you when I see you,” concluded Naomi.

    Osaka has received support from numerous public figures since her announcement.

  • VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam is seen training as he is in quarantine for remaining matches of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth edition in Abu Dhabi.

    “Training must go on,” wrote Babar while sharing the video on social media.

    The captain in the video can be seen doing dips, running, and other fitness-related exercises.

    Earlier, Imam ul Haq had posted a picture of a video conference of himself and other players, who are residing on the same floors of a hotel can’t meet each other for several days on end.

    Haq shared a screenshot of a video call in which the cricketer can be seen interacting with Wahab Riaz, Imad Wasim, Babar and Shoaib Malik.

    It seems as if the screenshot has been taken while the players were having a hearty laugh as everyone, from Azam to Malik, can be seen smiling in the picture.

    “So close, yet so far. Bio-secure bubble at its full flow. We’re all in close proximity. Some even on same floors but still not meeting.

    “Keeping ourselves entertained with video calls, so that we can all entertain you from the ground in a few days,” wrote Imam.

    Meanwhile, Sania Mirza commented on his post and said: “All that is fine but where are your clothes?”

    A few days ago, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had confirmed receiving all the necessary permissions to hold 20 remaining matches the PSL 6 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under strict precautionary measures.

  • Kohli rates Wasim Akram as the toughest bowler

    Kohli rates Wasim Akram as the toughest bowler

    Virat Kohli has rated Wasim Akram as the toughest bowler to face if they have played in the same era.

    Kohli conducted a question-answer session with his fans on Instagram where he answered several questions.

    Answering to a fan, Virat stated that a bowler from past who would have troubled him is the Swing ka Sultan Akram.

    From his diet to his routine during quarantine, Kohli answered a lot of interesting questions. When asked how his diet looks like, Kohli replied: “Lot of vegetables, some eggs, two cups of coffee, dal, quinoa, lots of spinach, love dosas (Indian dish) too,” adding, “But all in good quantities.”

    He also shared that he like lots of Indian food which is cooked simply, he sometimes eat Chinese too. Almonds, protein bar and fruits were also part of his list.

    When a fan asked him that how to deal with anxiety, stress and pressure in current situation (COVID-19 pandemic), Virat replied: “Be focused on things that are important and try to have belief in the greater good. Believe that something good can happen at anytime.”

    Virat also spilled a secret about Indian cricket team, saying: “We are actually a bunch of pranksters.”

    One of the fan was curious to know that what was the last thing Virat googled about. To which he replied: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer.”

    Virat also shared that how do he keep himself motivated in a bad phase. “Do the routines right and persist with them regardless of the results.”

    A fan asked him to share a childhood photo of him, and the photo he shared was too cute.

    Kohli is currently in quarantine in Mumbai ahead of India’s tour to England where the team will play six Test matches, including the World Test Championship final against New Zealand, starting June 18.