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Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
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.
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
FIFA pays tribute to Shaheen Shah Afridi among footballing greats
FIFA has paid tribute to Pakistani pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, featuring him alongside football greats Lionel Messi, Neymar Jr., and Luka Modrić in a social media post celebrating global athletes associated with the iconic number 10 jersey. The FIFA World Cup Instagram account posted an image on Tuesday highlighting Afridi with three of football's biggest stars—Messi, Neymar and Modrić—under the caption, 'The iconic.' While Afridi is known for his performances on the cricket field, his inclusion in the tribute signifies a crossover of global sporting recognition. There is speculation online from fans that the gesture was part of a wider effort to increase fan engagement in Pakistan ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, set to take place in the US. Localised campaigns are reportedly in development to connect with sports fans across different regions. The recognition comes during a high point in Afridi's cricketing career. The 25-year-old fast bowler led Lahore Qalandars to a third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, making him the most successful captain in the league's history. Afridi's Qalandars chased down 202 to defeat Quetta Gladiators in the final at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Sikandar Raza secured the win with a six and a four in the final over, finishing the match with one ball to spare. Already the only captain to claim consecutive HBL PSL titles in 2022 and 2023, Afridi now holds the distinction of lifting the trophy three times—more than any other captain in the competition. Captains with most HBL PSL titles: Shaheen Afridi (Lahore Qalandars) – 3 Misbah-ul-Haq (Islamabad United) – 1 Darren Sammy (Peshawar Zalmi) – 1 JP Duminy (Islamabad United) – 1 Sarfaraz Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators) – 1 Imad Wasim (Karachi Kings) – 1 Mohammad Rizwan (Multan Sultans) – 1 Shadab Khan (Islamabad United) – 1 FIFA's post places Afridi in elite company, furthering his rise as a globally recognised athlete across sporting codes.
Business Recorder
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Abbas Afridi replaces Wasim Jnr in Pakistan T20I squad
Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas Afridi has replaced Mohammad Wasim Jnr in Pakistan's T20I squad for the three-match series against Bangladesh. Wasim Jnr picked up a side strain during the HBL PSL and was not able to recover in time. Abbas has represented Pakistan in 20 T20Is having snapped 33 wickets. He was also the joint-second leading wicket-taker in the HBL PSL X with 17 scalps. The three-match T20I series will begin on Wednesday, May 28, with the second and third matches scheduled on May 30 and June 1. All matches will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Pakistan squad for Bangladesh T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hassan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Ramiz Raja hails Sikandar Raza's heroics
Sikandar Raza flew from England at the 11th hour and smashed an unbeaten 22 off just seven deliveries to help Lahore secure third HBL PSL title. Photo: PCB Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja on Monday lavished praise on Sikandar Raza for his match-winning performance and unwavering commitment that played a crucial role in Lahore Qalandars' triumph in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 final. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ramiz commended Raza's extraordinary dedication, revealing that the Zimbabwean all-rounder changed multiple flights just to make it to the match in time. "The way Sikandar showed commitment is truly admirable. He not only managed to reach Pakistan against the odds but also played and led his team to victory," Ramiz said. The 62-year-old added that while the win was a team effort, Raza's performance stood out. "Sikandar Raza played a phenomenal innings in the final. Every player contributed, but he added the winning spark. Perera also played a fantastic knock and played his part in the win," he added. Ramiz revealed behind-the-scenes details, noting that Raza arrived in Lahore just hours before the final. "Lahore Qalandars had prepared two squad listsone with Sikandar Raza and another with Shakib Al Hasan, in case Raza couldn't make it in time." he revealed. "He landed in Lahore around 6 PM on the day of the final. When he arrived at the ground, he bowled just three or four deliveries in the warm-up and then went straight onto the field," Ramiz shared. The former PCB chief described Raza's commitment as a testament to his love for cricket and loyalty to the Lahore Qalandars. "This is a remarkable example of dedication. It shows Sikandar's love for the game and the franchise. Lahore Qalandars, in return, take great care of their players, and we have all seen that," he said. PM congratulates Qalandars Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday congratulated Lahore Qalandars on lifting their third HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) title, and praised all participating teams for demonstrating what he called "excellent sportsmanship" throughout a disrupted but thrilling tenth edition of the tournament. "Lahore Qalandars successfully achieved the target after a thrilling match," Sharif said in a statement issued from his office. "All the teams involved in PSL 10 showed excellent sportsmanship." The prime minister, currently on a four-nation diplomatic visit with his first stop in Türkiye, also extended congratulations to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and the entire administration for organising the high-profile event under challenging circumstances.
Express Tribune
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shaheen to captain Team of HBL PSL X
Shaheen Shah Afridi, who led Lahore Qalandars to their third title in four years in HBL PSL last night, has been named captain of the Team of HBL PSL X. The team was selected by the esteemed members of the commentary team. The HBL PSL X was played across four cities Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 25 May. In the final, Qalandars defeated Quetta Gladiators by six wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. 25-year-old Shaheen, not only claimed the Fazal Mahmood Cap for finishing as the highest wicket-taker – 19 dismissals in 13 matches, but also leads a team that features two of his Qalandars teammates. Sikandar Raza (11 matches, 254 runs, 2x50s, 10 wickets) and Fakhar Zaman (13 matches, 439 runs, 4x50s) earned their places on the back of stellar performances in the tournament. Gladiators – the winners of the 2019 edition of HBL PSL are also represented by three players. 23-year-old Pakistan international Hasan Nawaz, who was also adjudged best batter of the tournament (12 matches, 399 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) is joined by experienced all-rounder Faheem Ashraf (12 matches, 163 runs, 17 wickets) and 27-year-old spinner Abrar Ahmed (12 matches, 17 wickets). Karachi Kings, who secured third place on the points table before losing to Qalandars in Eliminator 1 on 22 May at Gaddafi Stadium, also have three representatives. Captain David Warner (11 matches, 368 runs, 3x50s), opening partner James Vince (378 runs, 1x100, 3x50s) and pacer Hasan Ali (10 matches, 17 wickets) all feature in the XI. Khushdil Shah (11 matches, 253 runs, 1x50, seven wickets) is named as the 12th man. Islamabad United's Sahibzada Farhan, who earned the Hanif Mohammad Cap for leading the run charts with 449 runs in 12 matches (1x100, 3x50s), is the sole representative from his side. Completing the line-up is Peshawar Zalmi's emerging talent, fast bowler Ali Raza, who took 12 wickets in nine matches. Squad: Fakhar Zaman (LQ), Sahibzada Farhan (IU) (wicket-keeper), David Warner (KK), James Vince (KK), Hasan Nawaz (QG), Sikandar Raza (LQ), Faheem Ashraf (QG), Shaheen Shah Afridi (LQ) (captain), Hasan Ali (KK), Ali Raza (PZ) (emerging), Abrar Ahmed (QG), Khushdil Shah (KK) (12th).
