Category: Sports

  • Harbhajan Singh praises Shahid Afridi for his humanitarian work

    Harbhajan Singh praises Shahid Afridi for his humanitarian work

    Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh hailed Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi for providing rations to families whose breadwinners cannot go out to earn during lockdown amid the coronavirus pandemic.

    Harbhajan took to twitter and wrote, “Great work for humanity. May god bless us all. More power to you. Praying for world’s well-being.”

    https://twitter.com/harbhajan_singh/status/1242675667818270720?s=20

    Minister of state for the Narcotics control, Shehryar Afridi, also hailed the cricketer’s efforts.

    Thousands of people have lost their lives due to coronavirus across the world and there have been 997 cases reported in Pakistan so far.

    India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also imposed a nationwide lockdown in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

  • Trescothick broke Kevin Pietersen’s nose at a karaoke party in Lahore

    Former England opener Marcus Trescothick revealed one of his favourite off-field stories, which included Kevin Pietersen, karaoke and a party in Lahore!

    While speaking on the Barmy Army podcast, Trescothick recalled a particularly memorable night in Pakistan where they engaged in karaoke and the story ended with Kevin Pietersen getting his nose broken.

    “There was one night in Lahore of all places. After the 2005 (Ashes) series, so the end of 2005.”

    “We lost the second Test match and the series was over. Vodafone had organised a karaoke night for us in the hotel. It was just for the players and the staff but everyone was so annoyed and disappointed that only about eight of us turned up,” he said.

    Trescothick spoke about how tough it was to get drink in Pakistan and so when they finally got some, they could not control despite losing the series.

    “We had this massive room and a karaoke machine. You know how hard it is to get a drink in Pakistan, it’s nigh on impossible. We had all this beer, tequila and stuff that had rocked up from the high commission.

    “There were about eight of us there just messing around and it turned into one of the most entertaining karaoke nights I have ever heard. I think it was me, KP, Paul Nixon, Hoggard was there and Jim the guy from Vodafone,” he recalled.

    When asked who the best singer among them was, Trescothick replied he had no idea before revealing that he ended up headbutting Kevin Pietersen and the latter was left with a broken nose.

    “I can’t remember because we were absolute smashed to bits. I remember headbutting KP and I thought I’d broken his nose.

    “He had pinned me down on the floor and I just went ‘bang’ like that and nutted him one on the bridge of his nose. We were mucking about.

    “In the middle of Lahore, in this hotel where no one else knows and behind closed doors — it was the best karaoke singing you’ve ever heard. At the end of it all of us, all eight of us or whatever it was, got on stage and just sang to the empty room,” said Trescothick.

  • ‘Shukriya Pakistan’: PSL’s foreign players leave early due to coronavirus outbreak

    ‘Shukriya Pakistan’: PSL’s foreign players leave early due to coronavirus outbreak

    With the World Health Organisation (WHO) declaring the coronavirus to be a pandemic, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday decided to cut short the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 and hold the final match of the tournament on March 18 instead of March 23. 29 confirmed cases of coronavirus have been reported in Pakistan, while two patients have completely recovered.

    According to a press release by the cricketing body, the playoff match has been replaced by the semi-finals, which will be held in Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on March 17; one at 2 pm and the second at 7 pm. The final will also take place at the Gaddafi Stadium at 7 pm on March 18.

    Read more – PCB allows foreign players to leave country amid coronavirus fears

    The PCB also allowed foreign players to leave if they wished to and a couple of the players cut short their trip and headed back to their home countries. Among those who left included Karachi Kings, Alex Hales, Multan Sultans Rilee Rossouw and James Vince; Peshawar Zalmi’s Tom Banton, Carlos Brathwaite, Liam Dawson, Lewis Gregory and Liam Livingstone; Quetta Gladiators Jason Roy and Tymal Mills; and Islamabad United’s Colin Munro, Dale Steyn, Dawid Malan and Luke Ronchi.

    As the foreign players headed back home, they took to social media to thank Pakistan and it’s people for their warmth and hospitality.

    https://twitter.com/AlexHales1/status/1238516816709914627?s=20
    https://twitter.com/daws128/status/1238575735121612800?s=20
    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9rQxI7H1ht/?igshid=1fegn51idpfxo

    Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars’ Ben Dunk and Quetta Gladiators’ Shane Watson said that they had no qualms staying in Pakistan.

    Watson, while speaking to the media after the match, had said that if Pakistani players can play in Pakistan amid the coronavirus scare, then so can the foreign players.

  • Lahore Qalandars’ Ben Dunk reveals the reason behind chewing gum on-field

    Lahore Qalandars’ Ben Dunk reveals the reason behind chewing gum on-field

    Lahore Qalandars’ batsman Ben Dunk has been a hero for his team as he scored 99 off 40 balls that helped Qalandars win at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday. The star player hit 12 sixes during the course of the match. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of speculation on why he chews gum on the field and the player has finally revealed the reason behind this.

    Speaking to the media after the match, Dunk said that he chewed gum on the pitch because it helped him focus on the task.

    “There is nothing special in the gum, I chew it to remain focused on the task,” he said.

    “Chewing gum is perhaps not a very good habit and I should not be doing it. It is being highlighted more in the videos. But I only do it to stay calm and focused on my task in the game,” Dunk added.

    On the fact that he missed out on a century for the second time in the tournament, Dunk responded, “But it does not matter, what matters is that the team won.”

    “I have to play the role in the batting lineup that is assigned to me by the team management. I always try and play according to the need of the team. The batting number does not matter, I always give my best.”

    Dunk also admired the fans in Lahore for cheering for the team, saying that the crowd during the game is the 12th player for the Qalandars. He asked fans to keep backing the team through their wins and losses.

  • From Daren Sammy to Dean Jones, here are all the PSL players who PM Imran Khan met

    With the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League officially underway in Pakistan, there is little Pakistanis can talk about except cricket.

    Former cricketer and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan has been hosting some players and his old adversaries in his office. From Daren Sammy to Dean Jones, here is everyone who met the prime minister:

    Vivian Richards said he was delighted to meet his friend again.

    Shane Watson referred to PM Khan as his “cricket hero.”

    Karachi Kings, Dean Jones said that it was great to catch up with Khan.

    Wasim Akram called Imran ‘My Skipper.’

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B9R1JCwpGWV/

    Daren Sammy said it was honour meeting the great cricket legend.

    Meanwhile, PM Khan congratulated Sammy on receiving honourary Pakistani citizenship and praised him for playing his role in helping to revive international cricket in the country.

    In his meeting with Peshawar Zalmi, Khan remarked that he was happy that the whole Pakistan Super League (PSL) was being staged in Pakistan.

    “People are happy too,” PM Imran is reported to have said. “It is encouraging to see the stadiums filled with enthusiastic spectators. This will send a positive message from Pakistan to the world.”

  • Grant Elliott is having a blast in Pakistan and here is proof

    Grant Elliott is having a blast in Pakistan and here is proof

    Former New Zealand cricketer, Grant Elliott, who made PSL history with his iconic bat drop during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2017 may not be making any sixes on the field for Lahore Qalandars this year but he’s definitely winning the Dubsmash game and is having a blast in Pakistan with his fellow commentators Azhar Ali and Fakhre Alam.

    Watch the video to see what we’re talking about.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zdhha0wrxg&feature=youtu.be

    In case your memory needs a refresher, here is his epic bat drop moment.

    Earlier, he had also posted a picture of himself after getting a haircut at Karachi’s renowned hair salon for men Clippers.

  • ‘Four become five’: Shahid Afridi welcomes baby daughter

    ‘Four become five’: Shahid Afridi welcomes baby daughter

    Former Pakistan cricket team captain Shahid Afridi welcomed another beautiful addition to his family – a baby girl. Lala shared the news and his excitement with his fans on social media.

    https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/1228358607948984322?s=20

    Soon after Lala made the announcement, good wishes poured in for him from across the world.

    Afridi is currently gearing up for the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in which he will be playing for Multan Sultans. This year’s PSL will commence on February 20.

  • ‘Where’s the fat?’ Umar Akmal bares all in fitness test

    ‘Where’s the fat?’ Umar Akmal bares all in fitness test

    The Akmal brothers are not only notorious for their on-field shenanigans but their off-field actions often make it to the headlines as well.

    And it appears that Umar Akmal has found himself in trouble once again after he reportedly misbehaved with staff during a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

    According to reports, the 29-year-old batsman exposed himself amid a bout of anger during a fitness test.

    “Where’s the fat?” questioned Akmal as he took off all his clothes after failing the skin-fold test. It is pertinent to mention here that while some reports say that Akmal completely removed his clothing, others say that he only took off his shirt.

    Read more – Hero aise zaleel nahi hotay: Kamran Akmal

    Meanwhile, Kamran Akmal defended his brother’s actions saying that the entire episode was just a “misunderstanding”, and that Umar had done it in “mischief”.

    Kamran also reportedly failed his fitness tests by substantial margins. He skipped two fitness tests, before finally making it to the third one only to fail in nearly all departments. And in an interactive session on Twitter later in the day, Kamran remarked that other than fitness, skills and performance are also important for selection.

  • Sarfaraz welcomes second child; Ahmad Shehzad says ‘keep going’

    Sarfaraz welcomes second child; Ahmad Shehzad says ‘keep going’

    Former Pakistan Cricket Team captain Sarfaraz Ahmed and his wife have welcomed their second child: a baby girl.

    The cricketer made the announcement on social media by sharing a picture of his son with the newborn.

    Following Sarfaraz’s announcement, friends and colleagues congratulated the cricketer on his bundle of joy.

    Among those who sent their good wishes was Ahmad Shehzad, who not only congratulated Sarfaraz but also told him to “keep going”.

    Other cricketers who sent their congratulations included Umar Gul, Hassan Ali and Shadab Khan.

  • Pacer Hasan Ali trolled for walking down the ramp with ‘rib fractures’

    Pacer Hasan Ali trolled for walking down the ramp with ‘rib fractures’

    Fast bowler Hasan Ali has come under heavy criticism after he walked the ramp at a fashion show in Lahore while nursing fractured ribs.

    The 25-year-old bowler had been ruled out of the home Test series against Sri Lanka following a medical examination last month which revealed that the bowler sustained multiple rib fractures.

    Hasan had begun his rehabilitation process at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore and was told to rest for six weeks.

    However, the fast bowler was brutally trolled on social media over the fact that he chose to not only walk the show but to flaunt his signature celebratory pose, appearing as though he were physically fit.

    Fans further accused Hasan Ali over his change in priorities and claimed that the injured bowler looked to gain monetary benefit off of walking the ramp.

    The first Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka begins on Wednesday in Rawalpindi. The second Test will be played in Karachi from December 19.

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