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Tag: Pakistani Cricketer

  • Umar Akmal apologises for not reporting corrupt approaches

    Umar Akmal apologises for not reporting corrupt approaches

    Pakistani cricketer Umar Akmal has apologised for not reporting corrupt approaches last year, which led to him being banned for 12 months.

    Akmal, 30, was suspended last year by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for not reporting spot-fixing approaches made to him before the start of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020.

    “Seventeen months ago, I made a mistake which caused damage to my cricket and career,” Akmal said in a video released by PCB on Wednesday as part of his reintegration and rehabilitation process.

    “I learnt a lot during this time and due to that mistake, Pakistan cricket’s reputation suffered badly. I ask for forgiveness from the PCB and from cricket fans around the world.”

    Akmal admitted that the ban has been a “very difficult period for him”.

    “Some people approached me but I was unable to report the same to the anti-corruption unit, due to which I had to face a 12-month ban. I couldn’t play cricket despite being a cricketer.

    “I learned a lot during this time and today I confess before all of you that that mistake brought disrepute to Pakistan cricket.”

  • Younis Khan’s shocking revelations

    Younis Khan’s shocking revelations

    Former captain of Pakistan Men’s cricket team Younis Khan has said that if he had to resign from his batting coach position over the incident with Hassan Ali, he would have done so four or five months ago. “My resignation does not match with the rhythm of the incident with Ali.”

    Read more – Younis Khan breaks silence on feud with Hassan Ali

    “I was told that Hassan Ali was sorry, so I went to him myself,” Khan said in 11th Hour.

    Explaining the reasons for his resignation as batting coach, the former captain said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did not tell him about the bio-secure bubble for England tour. He had a surgery but he was informed later that his flight has been booked.

    Khan said the doctor’s call came on June 22 that you have not joined the bio-secure bubble, I told him I have surgery I can’t come in the bio-secure bubble.

    “I got another call. I can’t tell you his name yet. I told him I have surgery. I can’t join. I am exhausted. He said if you don’t come, there could be a situation like Muhammad Hafeez. The caller said that just like what happened to Hafeez, it can also happen to you,” shared the 2009 T20 World Cup captain.

    “I told him that I am not Hafeez but Younis Khan and I have no other option, if I will not be respected then how will a player be respected,” he questioned.

    The former captain further said: “I complained to the MD PCB about the NHPC coaches, telling Wasim Khan how outsiders were giving tips when we were there. I was the batting coach of the national team and I was being ignored. If I’ll go to the PCB again, I will write everything on a contract.”

    Host Wasim Badami asked if it was Zakir Khan who called him from PCB. Khan said that he resigned because of the call but will not reveal that person’s name.

    2009 uprising: “Shahid Afridi may be the mastermind if he has said that”

    Younis shared about the 2009 uprising that anyone could have been the mastermind of the incident. “I don’t know, it seems that the whole matter was about the captaincy.”

    The former captain said that the one who spoke in front of the PCB Chairman would be the mastermind of the incident, and if Shahid Afridi spoke, then maybe he was the mastermind.

    He said that Afridi came to Lahore from Karachi to meet the PCB Chairman. A player also took the Holy Quran from me to take an oath against me. A player was sent to me to bring the Holy Quran. He told me that he wants to recite the Quran before the match.

    Badami asked if the player who came to get the Holy Quran was Umar Akmal. On this, Younis Khan said that there are big leaks in the PCB and news has always been leaking.

    Khan said that if a player makes a mistake in the match, you cannot ask him, otherwise, problems will arise. Doubts will arise. And next time, if the player gets out by hitting a short, then what should be done, if the player does not ask for guidance, then there will be suspicions of spot-fixing.

    In response to a question, Khan said that for the last five years he used to stay locked in his room and play his cricket.

  • Younis Khan, Hassan Ali reportedly involved in heated exchange on South Africa tour

    Younis Khan, Hassan Ali reportedly involved in heated exchange on South Africa tour

    Younis Khan, who recently resigned from the post of batting coach in Pakistan’s men’s cricket team, was reportedly involved in a heated exchange with star pacer Hassan Ali during the South Africa tour, sports journalist Saleem Khaliq reported.

    As per details, Younis had approached Hasan over a matter outside his domain in the dressing room after the match, but the latter hit back with a strong response which left the former batting coach unhappy. Younis also remained quiet and reserved during the rest of the tour, after the incident.

    No comment has been made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on the matter yet, while Younis has not shared anything about the incident either.

    PCB and Younis, on June 22, mutually agreed to part ways. A dental treatment and strained relationship between Younis Khan and the top PCB officials was the reason behind the former’s resignation as the batting coach of the Men in Green.

    Younis was also allegedly accused of leaking team lineups to his friends in the media before matches.

    Khan, along with former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif, made a special appearance on ARY News’ popular program ‘Har Lamha Purjosh’, where he recounted the events that took place in the dressing room during his tenure as captain in 2009 and how they used to say that the cricketer is very rude.

    Rashid, while endorsing Khan’s position, revealed that the former players had a big hand in grouping the team against him.

  • ‘Match fixers should not be allowed to play again’: Abdul Razzaq

    ‘Match fixers should not be allowed to play again’: Abdul Razzaq

    Former cricketer Abdul Razzaq has said in an interview that match fixers should not be allowed to play for their teams again.

    On Geo News show, ‘Jashan-e-Cricket’, Shahzad Iqbal questioned if it is true that Razzaq had noticed Salman Butt’s incompetent performance in one of the matches, which was also mentioned in Shahid Afridi’s book.

    Razzaq said: “Shahid Afridi wrote in his book quoting Salman Butt, taking my name, I said that but there was no such thing. I said that in heat of the moment because I observed something, I just had some doubts,” added the all-rounder.

    Former cricketer and analyst, Sikandar Bakht asked Razzaq directly if the players who were involved in match-fixing should be allowed to play again. “No, in my point of view, they should not come back,” said Razzaq.

    Talking about captaincy, the host asked Razzaq why he was not given the captaincy in the national cricket team and why did the management not consider him for this role.

    Replying to Shahzad, he said: “It is a pity not to get the captaincy of the national cricket team even today because an all-rounder is a good captain.”

  • Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Hasan Ali’s personal issue resolved, available for rest of PSL 2021

    Islamabad United have received a boost in their challenge for the PSL title this season with the news that fast bowler Hasan Ali will, after all, be available for the rest of their campaign. Ali was due to fly back on Sunday evening to attend to a personal family situation in Pakistan but decided against it after the matter was resolved.

    “I was going through a personal family issue, which has been resolved thanks to my wonderful wife,” Ali said in a statement. “She assured me she will take care of it and wants me to concentrate on my cricket and my career. Hats off to such a wonderful partner. She has always stood by me through the hardest times and after consulting with her, I have decided to stay on with Islamabad United for the remainder of the PSL 6.”

    Two-time winners United moved to the top of the table on Sunday evening after a convincing win over Lahore Qalandars. United were 20 for 5 at one point before recovering to 152 for 7, thanks to 75 from Asif Ali and 49 from Iftikhar Ahmed. Their bowlers then blew apart Qalandars as Musa Khan, Shadab Khan and Fawad Ahmed induced a collapse from 86 for 2 to 100 for 9.

    Despite missing a game, Ali is United’s top wicket-taker this season – and fifth in the league – with 10 wickets. His PSL returns have been in line with his performances since he returned to cricket this season after a series of injuries derailed his career.

    Since Ali didn’t leave the bubble, he will not need to re-enter and undergo quarantine. United are scheduled to face defending champions Karachi Kings on Monday.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • Babar Azam to reportedly marry cousin next year

    Babar Azam to reportedly marry cousin next year

    Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam will reportedly be marrying his cousin next year.

    Read more – VIDEO: Babar Azam trains in isolation

    As per details, it has been agreed between the families of Azam and his cousin that the two will get married next year.

    The skipper will be marrying his paternal uncle’s daughter.

    Interestingly, a day earlier, former Pakistan cricket captain Azhar Ali had advised Azam to tie the knot.

    Ali was hosting a question-answer session on Twitter.

    A fan asked Ali whether he had any advice for Babar to which he responded: “Shadi ker lay” (get married).

    Meanwhile, the skipper, who is recently in Abu Dhabi for the remaining matches of Pakistan super League’s (PSL) sixth edition, hasn’t officially announced the news yet.

  • 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.