logo
HBL PSL X: Multan Sultans opt to bat against unbeaten Islamabad United

HBL PSL X: Multan Sultans opt to bat against unbeaten Islamabad United

Express Tribune23-04-2025
Multan Sultans have won the toss and opted to bat first in their Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 10 fixture on Wednesday in Multan.
The Sultans will be looking to build momentum after securing their first win of the tournament on Tuesday, when they defeated Lahore Qalandars by 33 runs following a run of three consecutive losses.
Meanwhile, defending champions Islamabad United remain unbeaten and will aim to extend their winning streak. A victory in today's match would significantly strengthen their chances of securing an early spot in the playoffs.
Multan Sultans: Mohammad Rizwan (Captain & wk), Yasir Khan, Usman Khan, Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir, Michael Bracewell, Iftikhar Ahmed, Chris Jordan, Usama Mir, Josh Little, Ubaid Shah
Islamabad United: Shadab Khan (Captain), Andries Gous (wk), Sahibzada Farhan, Colin Munro, Muhammad Nawaz, Haider Ali, Jason Holder, Imad Wasim, Saad Masood, Riley Meredith, Salman Irshad
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Babar, Rizwan demoted as PCB announces central contracts
Babar, Rizwan demoted as PCB announces central contracts

Business Recorder

time9 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Babar, Rizwan demoted as PCB announces central contracts

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demoted star batter Babar Azam and One-Day International (ODI) captain Mohammad Rizwan from the A to the B category, as it announced central contracts for 2025-26. Compared to last year's list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions, highlighting the emergence of promising new talent and the Board's strategic focus on squad depth and future development. The new entrants are Ahmed Daniyal, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza and Sufyan Moqim. Five players have been promoted owing to their performances last year. They are: Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha and Shadab Khan – all promoted from C to B category. Additionally, nine players have retained their positions in the same categories. They are: Abdullah Shafique (Category C), Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr – all in Category D, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel – all in Category C and Shaheen Shah Afridi (Category B). Eight players have missed out on contracts this year. They are: Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan – all in Category (D). List of this year's centrally contacted players: Category B (10 players): Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi. Category C (10 players): Abdullah Shafique, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Sahibzada Farhan, Sajid Khan and Saud Shakeel. Category D (10 players): Ahmed Daniyal, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Salman Mirza, Shan Masood and Sufyan Moqim.

Whoever performs will play: Aqib Javed
Whoever performs will play: Aqib Javed

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Whoever performs will play: Aqib Javed

Both former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and ODI skipper Mohammad Rizwan were dropped from T20I side due to poor performance. Photo: AFP Pakistan selector and former pacer Aqib Javed has addressed the T20I exclusions of star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, emphasising that opportunities in the national team are based on performance. Speaking at a media conference, he highlighted the importance of consistency and giving players chances based on their form. "Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were not part of the previous three series, while Saim, Fakhar, and Sahibzada Farhan featured in the top order," Aqib said. "It's not like you ignore someone or select someone based on just two matches' performance. These things often get highlighted in the media, but as a player, you face different challenges at different times. Everyone who wants to play has opportunities," he added. "In T20 cricket, two factors are crucial: your ability to score runs and your strike rate according to the match situation and environment. That is what we always consider." The 53-year-old also addressed growing speculation regarding the T20I futures of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, explaining that their absence from recent series should not be interpreted as being permanently sidelined. "It's not that we are completely sidelining them. The current choices reflect how a player develops. I've given examples of Sahibzada Farhan, Saim, and Fakhar. Sahibzada made a comeback, Saim initially struggled but later created an impact," he stated. "You can't put a stamp on any player's career—opportunities are always there. Right now, they're gaining experience in leagues like the Big Bash and PSL. Whoever performs will play, and only those who perform deserve to play," he added. Looking ahead to the high-voltage clash against arch-rivals India in the Asia Cup 2025, he expressed confidence in the team. "Pakistan's T20 team can beat India. India vs Pakistan matches are always huge. This 17-member squad can defeat any team. We shouldn't put pressure on them, but I have high hopes for this squad," he stated. He elaborated on the recent developments in Pakistan cricket and the Shaheens' squad selection, highlighting the focus on fitness, performance, and providing opportunities to emerging players. "Our top players have just completed a one-and-a-half to two-month camp at the NCA. Concerning the Shaheens, Mohammad Wasim Jr. was sent there, getting fitter and bowling well, so he has been included," he said. "You have limited slots—if you have players like Saim, Fakhar, and Sahibzada, you can only select 17. Wherever there is opportunity, it will be utilised. The good thing is that our options are improving. Players like Yasir, Naeem, and Nafay give us better choices, which is a positive sign," he concluded.

Babar, Rizwan left out as PCB names squad for Asia Cup, tri-series
Babar, Rizwan left out as PCB names squad for Asia Cup, tri-series

Express Tribune

time2 days ago

  • Express Tribune

Babar, Rizwan left out as PCB names squad for Asia Cup, tri-series

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi are pictured together during the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. Photo: AFP/File Former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have once again been left out of Pakistan's T20I squad, as the Pakistan Cricket Board on Sunday announced a 17-member team for the Asia Cup and a tri-nation series in the United Arab Emirates. The squad will be led by Salman Agha for both the tri-series involving Afghanistan and the UAE from August 29 to September 7 in Sharjah, and the Asia Cup, which will be held in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from September 9 to 28. The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan, who last featured in a T20I in December 2024, has now extended across multiple series under head coach Mike Hesson. 🚨 Pakistan's 17-member squad announced for the tri-series and ACC Men's Asia Cup T20 2025 🚨 All set for the two assignments in the UAE 🗓️🏏#BackTheBoysInGreen | #AsiaCup2025 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 17, 2025 Both players were also overlooked for the T20I leg of the West Indies tour earlier this month, where Pakistan lost the series 2-1. They were part of the ODI squad but failed to make an impact, with Pakistan suffering their first series defeat against the West Indies since 1991. Speaking at a press conference in Lahore, Chief Selector and Director High Performance Centre Aqib Javed clarified that the door remains open for the experienced duo. 'We are not saying Babar and Rizwan will never return to the T20 squad,' he said. 'Whoever performs will be considered for selection. Discussions have taken place with both players, and they've been given guidance on areas to improve.' He added that the squad was finalised after consultation with the team management, including the captain, and stressed that recent performance was the primary selection criterion. Mark your calendars 🗓️ Schedules for the tri-nation series and ACC Men's T20I Asia Cup 2025 🏏 Pakistan squad & details ➡️ | #AsiaCup2025 — Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 17, 2025 The selected squad includes familiar names such as Shaheen Shah Afridi and Fakhar Zaman — the latter making a return after a hamstring injury. Emerging players Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, both of whom have shown notable improvement, have also retained their places. Head coach Mike Hesson expressed satisfaction with the team's recent trajectory. 'The team has been performing well in the T20 format, winning six of our last nine matches,' he said. 'One of the losses came on the final ball. Our focus is on winning — and doing it consistently.' Pakistan will kick off their Asia Cup Group A campaign against Oman on September 12 in Dubai, followed by a high-profile clash against India on September 14 at the same venue. Pakistan squad: Salman Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store