Salman explains Sufiyan's exclusion
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha says Sufiyan Muqeem will feature in future white-ball series for Pakistan. Photo: AFP/File
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha revealed the reason behind left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem's absence from the national squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week announced a 16-member squad for the aforementioned series, which was selected based on the players' performances in the recently concluded HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10.
Meanwhile, Muqeem, who represented Peshawar Zalmi in this year's marquee league, had a forgetful campaign as he could only play three matches and took only one wicket at a dismal economy rate of 9.72.
The spinner, however, delivered impressive performances for the national team last month on the white-ball tour of New Zealand, where he picked up five wickets in three matches – one T20I and two ODIs.
His exclusion drew an outburst from fans, who flocked to social media to express their disapproval.
Consequently, Pakistan captain Agha was also asked to share the thought process behind the wrist spinner's snub from the home series during the pre-series press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Tuesday.
In response, Agha expressed his admiration for Muqeem and assured that he is in their plans for shorter formats before explaining that he was overlooked considering the conditions here, which according to him are more favourable for the pacers.
"I personally like Sufyan a lot, and in the upcoming series, he will feature in our shorter formats squads. I think Sufyan will play a crucial role in the white-ball format, and he will win a lot of matches for Pakistan in the future," said Agha.
"If we look at the conditions, spinners did not have much success here [Lahore], so a fast bowler is added in his place," he added.
It is pertinent to mention that the three-match T20I series between Pakistan and Bangladesh is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1, respectively.
Wasim Jr ruled out
Pakistan's fast-bowling all-rounder Mohammad Wasim Jr has been ruled out of the upcoming three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to the cricket board, the 23-year-old picked up a side strain during the recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 and was not able to recover in time.
Earlier, sources had suggested that the doctors advised Mohammad Wasim Jr a one-week rest and thus, will undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) here.
As a result, he has been replaced by Abbas Afridi, who was the joint second leading wicket-taker of the PSL 10 with 17 dismissals in 11 matches at a decent average of 23.52.
"Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has replaced Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Pakistan's T20I squad for the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh," the PCB said in a statement.
"Wasim Jnr picked up a side strain during the HBL PSL and was not able to recover in time."
Abbas has thus far represented Pakistan in 20 T20Is and took 33 wickets in his budding career.
For the unversed, the three-match T20I series is scheduled to be played at the Gaddafi Stadium here on May 28, 30 and June 1.
Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wk) and Saim Ayub.
Series schedule:
28 May – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
30 May – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
1 June – 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
14 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Asia Cup in limbo after Pakistan, India clashes
NEW DELHI: This year's Asia Cup hangs in the balance following the recent clashes between tournament hosts Pakistan and India. India are scheduled to host the Asia Cup, a flagship event of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), in September but uncertainty lingers over the T20 tournament. 'To be honest, we have had no discussions within the board about the Asia Cup,' a top official of the Indian cricket board (BCCI) told Reuters on Tuesday, refusing to confirm whether the tournament will go ahead as scheduled. 'We have been busy with the Indian Premier League and then we have India's tour of England. These are our immediate concerns,' he added. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was not forthcoming about its team's participation in the tournament in India either. 'We will cross that bridge when we come to it,' the PCB told Reuters in a statement. BCCI denies reports of withdrawal from Asia Cup ACC president Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB, was not available to comment. The ACC on Monday announced the postponement of the women's Emerging Asia Cup, which was due to begin on Friday, citing weather conditions and the spread of the viral disease chikungunya in host nation Sri Lanka. India will host the women's 50-overs World this year but Pakistan will play all their matches in Sri Lanka under an arrangement made by the International Cricket Council. India refused to travel to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy this year and played all their matches, including the March 9 final, in Dubai. Bilateral cricket has been suspended since 2013 between the Asian neighbours, who play each other only in multi-team events. India head coach Gautam Gambhir is against playing Pakistan even in neutral venues but will follow whatever the BCCI decided, he said last month.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
Gauff, Keys set up all-American clash
Winner Coco Gauff of US shakes hands with Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova at the end of their women's singles match at French Open on Monday. PHOTO: AFP Second seed Coco Gauff brushed aside Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-0 7-5 on Monday to set up an all-American French Open quarter-final clash with Madison Keys and stay on course for her first title in Paris. Madison Keys fought off a late challenge from fellow American Hailey Baptiste to book her spot in the quarter-finals with a 6-3 7-5 victory. Gauff, who got to the final in 2022 and semi-finals last year, is the youngest American player to reach at least the fourth round at seven consecutive Grand Slams since Venus Williams between 1997-1999. Five American women and three American men reached the fourth round in Paris this year to equal a 40-year-old record. Russian teenager Mirra Andreva also punched her last eight ticket after overcoming Australian 17th seed Daria Kasatkina 6-3 7-5 to become the youngest player to reach back-to-back French Open quarter-finals in nearly three decades. Gauff, the world number two, must have thought she would have an easy morning session after powering through the first set in sensational fashion but 20th seed Alexandrova bounced back in the second to test her opponent. The 21-year-old Gauff started fast, earning three consecutive breaks for a 5-0 lead in 15 minutes as she ran her opponent ragged across the baseline. The 30-year-old Alexandrova, bidding to reach her first Grand Slam quarter-final, earned a mere five points until that stage. Gauff, who has now won four of their five meetings, gave away five break points in the next game but still secured her first bagel of the tournament. In the men's draw three-times champion Novak Djokovic takes on Briton Cameron Norrie, with the Serbian seeking his 100th win on the red clay at Roland Garros, a feat achieved only by retired 14-times champion Rafa Nadal. The winner will face Germany's Alexander Zverev, last year's finalist, who advanced after his opponent, Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor retired midway through the second set with an abdominal injury. Zverev has reached his seventh French Open quarter-final in the last eight years as he looks to secure a maiden Grand Slam title. Sinner sets sights on French Open quarters Jannik Sinner will seek to light up the night session on Monday as the top seed clashes with Andrey Rublev for a place in the French Open quarter-finals. Italy's Sinner will look to continue his quest to make it three Grand Slam titles in a row when he takes on Russian 17th seed Rublev. The pair have met nine times in their career with Sinner holding the edge with six wins to three, but the former world number five emerged the victor in their only previous meeting at Roland Garros at the same stage in 2022. Sinner retired injured from that encounter but should come into Monday's headline match in fine nick after limiting his time on court so far this tournament by winning all his matches in straight sets. However, his opponent has spent even less time playing after receiving a walkover past France's Arthur Fils in the third round. "I have to be very careful. Andrey is an incredible player. I have to be focused. He's rested. So let's see what's coming," said Sinner. Musetti swings past Rune into French Open quarters Lorenzo Musetti's impressive claycourt season rolled on in style on Sunday when the Italian craftsman downed the talented yet erratic Holger Rune 7-5 3-6 6-3 6-2 to reach the French Open quarter-finals for the first time. World number seven Musetti, who will take on American 15th seed Frances Tiafoe for a place in the last four, adjusted to the Dane's shift to a swashbuckling approach to keep his title hopes alive in a year that has seen him steady his game. For the 10th-seeded Rune, it was yet another failure against a member of the top 10 at a Grand Slam as he was denied a third quarter-final appearance at Roland Garros. "Last night I was dreaming of this match against Holger and I was playing at that level. I need to be very good, and I am really proud of myself tonight," said Musetti. Musetti, who said he has put some order in his game, arrived in Paris having reached at least the semi-finals in all three Masters events this season on clay. He did not disappoint on the Philippe Chatrier court, delighting the crowd with a handful of exquisite shots, notably from his impressive single-handed backhand.
Express Tribune
a day ago
- Express Tribune
PCB Chief Naqvi holds key meeting in Lahore
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasised in Monday's meeting that strong domestic cricket structure is essential to bring forward top-quality cricketers. PHOTO: PCB An important meeting was held at the Gaddafi Stadium under the chairmanship of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official Mohsin Naqvi to review preparations for upcoming international and domestic cricket assignments. The meeting focused on planning and readiness for the Shaheens team's upcoming series and also initiated work on central contracts for players. Officials provided a comprehensive briefing on Pakistan's preparations for the upcoming home series against South Africa and Sri Lanka, as well as tours to the West Indies and Bangladesh. A significant decision was made during the meeting, requiring all Pakistani international cricketers to participate in at least one domestic tournament. The move aims to strengthen the domestic circuit and ensure the grooming of future talent. Mohsin Naqvi emphasised the importance of domestic cricket, stating: "Playing alongside international cricketers will help in grooming domestic players. A strong domestic cricket structure is essential to bring forward top-quality cricketers. Good backups for international players will emerge from domestic competitions." Director of International Cricket, Usman Wahla, gave a detailed briefing on the upcoming series and related logistics. The meeting was attended by key cricket officials and support staff, including Head Coach Mike Hesson, Chief Operating Officer Sameer Ahmed, Team Manager Naveed Akram Cheema, Director of International Cricket Usman Wahla, Director of High Performance Centers Aaqib Javed, and Pakistan team captain Salman Agha. Haris breaks Babar's T20I record Pakistan's wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris showcased an explosive batting display on Sunday, leading his team to a convincing 3-0 series sweep over Bangladesh with a thrilling victory in the final match at Gaddafi Stadium. Haris played a match-winning unbeaten innings of 107 runs off just 46 balls, featuring eight boundaries and seven sixes, at an extraordinary strike rate of 232.60. His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award. With this remarkable century, the wicketkeeper batter became Pakistan's second-fastest T20I centurion, surpassing both Babar Azam and Ahmed Shehzad. He reached his maiden T20I hundred in 45 deliveries, overtaking Babar Azam's previous record of 49 balls and Ahmed Shehzad's 58 balls. The fastest century for Pakistan remains Hasan Nawaz's 44-ball hundred, scored during the T20I series against New Zealand in March. In the third T20I, Pakistan faced a challenging target of 197 runs. The innings started nervously as opener Sahibzada Farhan was dismissed early, scoring only one run off four balls to Mehidy Hasan Miraz's bowling. However, Mohammad Haris and Saim Ayub quickly steadied the innings with a commanding partnership. The duo put together 56 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the first six overs, maintaining a strong scoring rate. Haris and Saim forged a 92-run partnership for the second wicket, showcasing aggressive and fluent stroke play to keep Pakistan in control. The partnership ended when Tanzim Hasan trapped Saim for 45 runs off 29 deliveries, leaving Pakistan at 100-2 after 9.5 overs. Despite the loss, Mohammad Haris continued to anchor the innings, reaching his half-century at 115-2 after 11 overs. Hasan Nawaz contributed quick runs with two boundaries before being dismissed for 26 off 13 balls by Mehidy Hasan, reducing Pakistan to 137-3 at 12.5 overs. Undeterred, Haris maintained his dominance over the Bangladeshi bowling attack, striking boundaries and sixes with ease. He brought up his century in just 45 balls, displaying sublime batting throughout the innings. Haris remained unbeaten on 107 off 46 deliveries, including eight fours and seven sixes, while captain Agha chipped in with a quick 14 off 11 balls as Pakistan comfortably chased down the target in 17.1 overs.
