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Tag: PSL

  • PSL season 9: All teams announced the names of their supplementary players

    PSL season 9: All teams announced the names of their supplementary players

    All the franchises of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) have announced the names of their supplementary and replacement players for season 9.

    In the supplementary round, Multan Sultans have selected West Indies’ Johnson Charles, while nineteen-year-old Mohammad Shahzad will join Multan Sultans. Lahore Qalandars have made Tayyab Abbas and Karachi Kings 21-year-old Muhammad Roheed a part of their team. Peshawar Zalmi drafted left-arm spinner Sufyan Moqim.

    Peshawar Zalmi has selected Waqar Salam Khel in the silver category for Lungi Ngidi, and fast bowler Khurram Shehzad has been selected in the silver category due to the partial availability of fast bowler Arshad Iqbal. In contrast, Peshawar Zalmi has selected England’s Gus Atkinson in place of Noor Ahmed. Selected. Naveen-ul-Haq of Afghanistan will be partially available, the team has reserved the right to select.

    Rashid Khan will not be available for Lahore Qalandars, the team has reserved the right to select him, while Dean Lawrence will be partially available to the franchise, Islamabad United’s Tom Curran will also be partially available, on which the team will choose him. The right has been reserved. Fast bowler Luke Wood was selected by Peshawar Zalmi Obaid McCoy by Islamabad United

    Karachi Kings have hired Zahid Mahmood as a partial replacement for Kieron Pollard, New Zealand’s Tim Seifert will be available to Karachi Kings after the New Zealand series. Karachi Kings picked up English middle-order batsman Leus du Plooy
    and Sri Lankan batsman Bhanuka Rajapakse. Vanundu Hasringa will be partially available for the Sri Lanka series where Quetta Gladiators have replaced Vanundu Hasringa with Bismillah Khan. took Quetta Gladiators have made English batsman Laurie Evans a part of the squad.

  • ‘Informed that PCB can’t go ahead with the anthem for reasons that I would not like to disclose’, says Ali Zafar

    ‘Informed that PCB can’t go ahead with the anthem for reasons that I would not like to disclose’, says Ali Zafar

    Every year, PSL songs take the limelight as fans get divided over the best Pakistan Super League song, comparing them to previous years, while artists take it as a challenge to put up their best.

    This year, The Current has exclusive insights to a new controversy, which involves a seasoned artist – Ali Zafar.

    A source who spoke to us claimed that Ali Zafar was, once again, trying to lobby for the PSL anthem.

    According to a source, PCB was in talks with Ali Zafar to sing this year’s anthem but some PSL franchises pushed back saying the artist would tarnish the PSL brand because of the controversies surrounding him.

    In response to our article previously published, Ali Zafar had this to say:

    “I was indeed officially contacted by PCB to create the PSL anthem for this year. After working on it for two months, hiring musicians and music producers at my personal expense, I came up with three different versions of the anthem for the PCB to choose from. After one of them was finalized and the release was being planned, I was informed that PCB can’t go ahead with the anthem for reasons that I would not like to disclose at this point.


    I wish the next team all the best with their endeavours.”

    What Happened?

    To show his social media strength and popularity to counter PCB’s reasoning, Ali Zafar went over to social media with a plan.

    On January 12, Zafar posted on X (formerly Twitter), asking if an anthem by him will “enhance the image of the brand of PSL and PCB, deepen the connection with people, and bring more financial benefit to all stakeholders or will it prove to be otherwise?”.

    This was followed by a poll, adding that “I will explain later, why I have posted this tweet”.

    But when the results started to apparently turn against him, Zafar deleted his poll. This was followed by a post claiming that the polls were rigged with the help of bots.

    “Told you to wait to see why I started the poll”, he said.

    X users started trolling Ali Zafar because in the screenshots of polls he shared, the time stamp is the same throughout, indicating, according to users, that the pictures were photoshopped.

    X (formerly Twitter) Reacts

    PSL Anthems

    In January 2016, while performing at the launch event of the team Islamabad United, Ali Zafar released the team anthem “Chakka Choka” and performed it in the opening ceremony of PSL 2016 the following month.

    Then in 2017, Zafar released the anthem for that year’s PSL “Ab Khel Jamay Ga”.

    Controversy

    In 2018, singer Meesha Shafi accused Ali Zafar of sexual harassment which Zafar denied, taking the matter to court and filing a defamation case against Shafi for slander.

    While the case is still ongoing, Ali Zafar has been under heavy criticism for his condescending tone towards Shafi in interviews, while award shows and the entertainment industry has been condemned for engaging him.

  • PSL 9 trade: Shan Masood moves to Karachi kings, Faisal Akram joins Multan Sultans

    PSL 9 trade: Shan Masood moves to Karachi kings, Faisal Akram joins Multan Sultans

    Shan Masood, the top-order batsman from Multan Sultans has joined the Karachi Kings squad, and left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram is going to Multan Sultans as part of a trade deal between Kings and Sultans.

    Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal said, “Shan Masood is welcome to Karachi Kings, Shan Masood is undoubtedly a great addition to the Kings squad. Karachi Kings will take full advantage of Shan Masood’s experience and skills in PSL 9”.

    Multan Sultan’s Chief Executive Ali Khan Tareen said: “This has been one of the most exciting trade and retention windows in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League and we are delighted with how our line-up is shaping. We had two agendas for this trade window: focus on building a strong domestic core and getting the best possible picks in the HBL PSL 9 Player Draft to get the best overseas players for our team combination”.

    “I am over the moon to have finally gotten Faisal Akram in our team. We have been working with him since he was 16. He has been a regular at our academy and camps. He is an extraordinary talent and we are yet to see his best. Now he is part of our team for the next many years, our goal will be to develop him into a national asset” Ali Tareen said.

    He further said “I want to thank Shan Masood who has been the longest-serving member of the Sultan’s family. He has been our captain and a huge part of our success. We will miss him and wish him the best in his new team”.

  • BPL Team owner Nafisa Kamal eager to buy new franchise in PSL

    BPL Team owner Nafisa Kamal eager to buy new franchise in PSL

    Nafisa Kamal, owner of the four times Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) champions Comilla Victorians has shown interest in buying a franchise in Pakistan Super League (PSL).


    Bangladeshi journalist Fahim Rahman has reported that Nafisa is one of the individuals who are keen to acquire a franchise in the Pakistani league.

    Earlier this year in February, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Management Committee Chairman, Najam Sethi, had revealed that the PCB regime under Ramiz Raja and Ehsan Mani had reached an agreement with the current six franchises, which made it improbable that any new teams will be added to the PSL in the next two seasons.

    “There is immense pressure to increase the number of teams in PSL, but unfortunately Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja made an agreement with the franchises that only six teams will play in the next two years. However, it was an eight-team project.

    We have to convince the franchises to include two more teams. No one will lose anything, and if a franchise suffers a loss, the PCB will take responsibility,” Sethi said.

    “But there is a high demand to include two more teams, and it will be more successful with many people showing interest to be part of it. Let me tell you, even if there were 10 teams now, all of them would be sold due to the high demand,” he added.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to hold a discussion because without them we can’t move forward,” Sethi said.

    “They have to be part of the consultation process. But what I will say is this: so many people are interested to buy these two teams, and if new teams are coming in the PSL, then it will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.

  • We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    We will not compromise on hosting Asia Cup 2023 at any cost; Najam Sethi lauds Pakistan’s stance over India controversy

    Asia Cup 2023 is scheduled to be played in Pakistan, however, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has continuously pressurised Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to pick a neutral venue for the tournament, stating that they will not send their team to the neighbouring country.

    Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has lauded Pakistan’s stance in a recent interview on Geo TV. Talking to Yahya Hussaini, Sethi said that Pakistan will never compromise on hosting over any controversy.

    “We will hold a dialogue and if conditions are not in our favour, we will withdraw from the tournament,” the head of the PCB said.


    Revealing that four to five meetings have already been held with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and BCCI, Sethi said that PCB is ready to provide solutions:


    “We asked them that don’t you see the international teams coming to Pakistan. Its clear that there is no security concern, perhaps you are concerned about your security. We will provide fool proof security to your team.

    Even if you are not ready to come then tell us the main reason. We will consider your opinion and provide solutions. But they are not ready to talk and are just saying we will not travel to Pakistan, our government will not allow us.”


    Najam Sethi further elaborated that Pakistan had asked if there is any letter from the Indian government. “Show that in the meeting or to media, then both countries will solve the issue diplomatically but they are not showing any letter,” he stressed.


    He said that a hybrid model has been proposed for Asia Cup.

    “We proposed that if India will not want to play in Pakistan that they can play in another country but we are the host and we will decide which country they will play in. We consider their opinions and suggestions but the decision is all ours.


    We have done all the work and logistics. We are just waiting for their call. If they signal a green light to hybrid model that we will play; if they create more hurdles, then we will definitely show the red card,” he warned.

  • No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    No decision about new PSL teams, but Najam Sethi desires more franchises

    Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi has revealed that they have not contacted anyone in regard to establishing new teams in Pakistan Super league (PSL). His comment came in the backdrop of excitement among PSL fans after Javed Afridi revealed that Sialkot or Faisalabad might get to become part of the League. “We discussed new teams in PSL but existing franchises have revenue issues. But it is my desire to have two new teams,” he said.

    Najam Sethi assured fans that, “A lot of potential buyers are ready to purchase the two new teams in PSL.”

    “So I think Javed Afridi has fired the first shot that Faisalabad and Sialkot will be the two new teams in PSL. We haven’t had any discussions with the franchises, we didn’t make any decision, but it’s my desire that at least two new teams should be added,” he said.

    However, Sethi also recognized the valid concerns of the existing franchises, about potential revenue loss and the impact on market saturation.

    “There are a lot of concerns from the franchises regarding their revenues and whether the market can take it or not. And for this, we have to sit and discuss the issue because without them, we can’t move forward,” Sethi emphasized.

    Reiterating that all franchises have to be part of the consultation process, Sethi said that many people are interested in buying these two teams. “If the addition of these two teams is coming in the PSL, then there will be a win-win situation for all,” he added.

    The 74-year-old also reassured the existing franchises that they would not suffer any loss and instead, make a profit from this decision:
    “I assured the rest of the teams that the revenue will be increased, not decreased. Trust me, you will make profit instead. I promise to the rest of the teams that you will not suffer any loss. If you face any loss we will help you in this matter.”


    Speaking about the possibility of taking the PSL to the United States, Sethi said that many people had approached him with the idea.

    PCB chief also mentioned that the board will conduct an internal debate to consider the possibility of switching to an auction system for selecting teams in the PSL. Under an auction model, each team would have a certain amount of money to bid for players, while the highest bidder would acquire the player’s services.
    “We will do an internal debate on this [introducing auction model in PSL],” he concluded.

  • Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Fact Check: Did Naseem Shah really propose to Indian actress Urvashi Rautela?

    Naseem Shah, Pakistani right arm fast bowler, has once again been linked to Bollywood actress Urvashi Rautela.
    A video went viral on social media recently in which the star cricketer seemingly proposes to Urvashi Rautela, however, the video is fake.

    The video is heavily edited and merges two clips, presented to mislead the viewer.


    The video is from a Gillette promotional event in which a journalist asked the cricketer about Urvashi. Shah replied that he did not know her and then the second question about his marriage in which he answered, “Aagar dulah tayyar hoi to shadi kar lyn gay”.


    The master mind merge two clips and viral the video on social media to create a controversy but the fact is video is fake and edited.
    Previously there were rumors that Urvashi and Indian wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant are in a relationship but there has been no confirmation.

    Naseem Shah is a talented Pakistani cricketer known for his impressive pace and promising potential. The youngster from Lower Dir made his debut for the national team in 2019, becoming the youngest player to play in a Test match at just 16 years old.

  • Sialkot or Faisalabad? Javed Afridi hints at two new teams for PSL

    Sialkot or Faisalabad? Javed Afridi hints at two new teams for PSL

    Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, has set rumor mills ablaze with a hint that two new teams might be debuting in next year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL).

    While answering a Q/A on Facebook, Afridi revealed the names of two teams when a desperate fan asked, “Is there any chance of new franchises in PSL? If yes then tell me tha names”
    In reply Javed Afridi wrote that Faisalabad or Sialkot will be debuting.

    While there has been no official confirmation from the PSL management about the addition of new teams, the news has sparked excitement among cricket fans in Pakistan.

    Previously, Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) management committee chairman, Najam Sethi, had stated that the number of teams in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) can be increased to ten due to high demand.


    “There is immense pressure to increase the number of teams in PSL, but unfortunately, Ehsan Mani and Ramiz Raja agreed with the franchises that only six teams will play in the next two years. However, it was an eight-team project. We have to convince the franchises to include two more teams.

    No one will lose anything; if a franchise suffers a loss, the PCB will take responsibility. But there is a high demand to include two more teams, and it will be more successful with many people showing interest in being part of it. Let me tell you, even if there were ten teams now, all of them would be sold due to the high demand.” he said.

  • Mai un sab se bohot behtar hoon aur zindagi mein unse aagay hoon: Azam Khan hits back at critics

    Mai un sab se bohot behtar hoon aur zindagi mein unse aagay hoon: Azam Khan hits back at critics

    Azam Khan, Pakistan’s most powerful full hard and key middle-order batsman, has hit back at critics with a heated remark in a recent interview.

    “I believe that I am better than those who criticize me and spread negativity against me. I know I am way ahead in life as compared to them,” the crowd favourite said, lashing out at the critics who compare his fitness with his form.

    The 24-year-old’s comments showcase his confidence and determination to focus on his own growth as a player, rather than getting bogged down by negative criticism.

    “Those who label me as a Pindi-pitched-based batsman should also observe my recent performances. While I respect their opinion, I do not play cricket to prove them wrong. Rather, I play cricket for my own satisfaction, and as long as that satisfaction remains within me, I will continue to play,” said Azam.

    Previously, former Pakistan pacer Aaqib Javed had expressed concerns over the fitness levels of players representing Pakistan in international cricket.

    “I am not sure what sort of experiment this was. It’s clear to me that no consideration was taken when selecting the squad for this series about what standard of skills and fitness levels are needed to represent Pakistan,” said Javed.

    “If I was a player in that squad, I would have refused to play with this team. First, at least attain some levels of fitness before playing. Hopefully, they will have learned from this,” he concluded.

    Many former cricketers criticize Azam Khan’s fitness. Former Chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja once said in a press conference about Sharjeel Khan and Azam Khan that “if they want to play cricket first they should be fit and be like proper athletes.”

  • Muhammad Amir gears up to comeback in international cricket

    Muhammad Amir gears up to comeback in international cricket

    Selectors of the national cricket team have hinted that left-arm fast bowler Muhammad Amir is gearing up to wear the Pakistan cricket team kit once again.

    Sources have said that an important official of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently met Muhammad Amir’s manager and gave a green signal to the left-arm pacer by advising him to be prepared while gearing up for a comeback.


    According to a media report, the selector has warned Amir to just focus on his cricket and avoid giving unnecessary statements in the media, which might create controversy.

    The report further added that he will soon be asked to take his retirement back, so he needs to keep practicing and keep himself fit till then.

    Amir called time on his international career in 2020 in protest over the treatment he had received from the then-management, led by Misbah ul Haq.

    However, after Najam Sethi took charge of PCB, the management committee chairman said in a media interaction that Amir would be considered for selection like other players, if he takes his retirement back.

    “Mohammad Amir can play international cricket for Pakistan if he takes his retirement back. I always took a strong stance against match-fixing. I believe no convicted player should be spared, but at the same time, a player should be allowed to resume international cricket once he has completed his years of penalty,” said Sethi.


    Muhammad Amir is the key-bowler for Karachi Kings. The bowler’s remarks often land him into controversy.

    Despite retiring, Amir continues to play in leagues around the world and recently represented Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League (PSL).
    Recently Pakistan’s former captain wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed praised Amir, stating that he is better than any other left-arm pacer on the team right now.