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Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Pakistan vs Bangladesh: Salman Ali Agha states Pakistan to play 'fearless, not careless' cricket
Pakistan's T20I captain Agha Salman has committed to a bold playing style ahead of the three-match series against Bangladesh, stressing a 'fearless, not careless' mindset as the national side builds toward the T20 World Cup. Addressing the media at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore ahead of the first T20I on Tuesday, Salman explained Pakistan's evolving approach in the shortest format. 'It's not just Islamabad United's style. All over the world, teams are adopting attacking cricket. We're doing the same—fearless, but not careless,' Salman said. He recognised Bangladesh as a skilled opponent and identified captain Litton Das as a key threat. 'Litton Das will be a prize wicket for us. We'll look to limit his scoring,' he noted. Pakistan has made eight changes to the squad that toured New Zealand earlier this year. Salman said the adjustments are aimed at building depth for the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka. 'Based on Sri Lankan conditions, we're forming a core group of 20 to 25 players. It gives us options if injuries happen and helps us find the best XI,' the 31-year-old added. Hasan Nawaz, Player of the Tournament in HBL PSL 10, is among the fresh faces. Salman explained Nawaz's role would remain in the middle order. 'He performed well there in the PSL, so there's no need for him to open.' Pakistan holds a dominant record over Bangladesh in T20Is, with 16 wins from 19 encounters. The remaining three-match series will also be played in Lahore, with fixtures scheduled for 30 May and 1 June. 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 (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicket-keeper), Saim Ayub. Pakistan-Bangladesh T20I 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
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shaheen Afridi's victorious PSL pose wins over the internet
Listen to article Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi has become the most successful captain in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history after his team's dominant victory in the HBL PSL 10 final against Quetta Gladiators. Shaheen Shah Afridi's leadership saw the Qalandars secure their third HBL PSL title, with no other captain having won the tournament more than once. The captain shared a celebratory photo on the social media platform X, showing him with all three HBL PSL trophies, accompanied by a simple 'Good morning' caption and a blushing emoji. Good morning 🙈 — Shaheen Shah Afridi (@iShaheenAfridi) May 26, 2025
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Bopara confident of Karachi comeback
Karachi Kings Head Coach Ravi Bopara remains upbeat about the team's chances in the HBL PSL 10 playoffs, despite a tough loss in their final league match against Islamabad United. Speaking after the match, Bopara was clear: the team isn't letting one defeat define them. "It wasn't our best day, but it hasn't shaken our confidence," he said. "This team is a tight unit, we enjoy the good moments together, and we stand by each other in tough times. We're backing ourselves against Lahore Qalandars and aiming to go all the way." He acknowledged Islamabad United's strong showing but emphasized Karachi's own consistent run in the tournament. "We played excellent cricket throughout the group stage. For a long time, we were securely in second place. But Islamabad beat us twice - so they deserve that spot," he added. "They started the tournament on a high with five straight wins. We came close, but now we'll take the hard route, and sometimes that's the more rewarding one." Ravi Bopara also shared his views on the evolution of emerging players in Pakistan, particularly batters. "I've been impressed by the emerging batters this season. Usually, we see more fast bowlers, but this time some really strong hitters have come through. They're powerful, they can clear boundaries, which hasn't always been the case with Pakistan batters," he further stated. "But they're inexperienced. Next year, opponents will come with plans and target their weaknesses. That second season is always tough. We've got to support them, guide them, and help them adapt. That's how we turn them into world-class players." Karachi Kings now look to regroup quickly and come out firing in the do-or-die clash against Lahore Qalandars on 22 May at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Lahore confirm Sikandar Raza replacement
Sikandar Raza has been instrumental for Lahore Qalandars in the ongoing HBL PSL10. Photo: PCB Lahore Qalandars have roped in Bangladesh all-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz as a replacement for Sikandar Raza for the playoff stage of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has granted Mehidy a No Objection Certificate (NOC), and he is expected to arrive in Lahore by Tuesday. The PSL playoffs begin on Wednesday, with Qalandars scheduled to play the Eliminator on Thursday. Their opponent is yet to be confirmed. During a recent interview, Mehidy expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, despite the possibility of featuring in just one game. "Of course it is exciting for me to join Lahore Qalandars," Mehidy said. "It is technically the second time I have got a call-up to a franchise league. Nonetheless, it is a good opportunity for me to compete at a very high level. PSL is one of the top tournaments going around. I have done well in the past in the BPL, so I am confident that I can give my best," he added. The all-rounder also revealed his desire to use this stint to make a case for his return to Bangladesh's T20I squad. He is not part of the squad currently playing a T20I series against the UAE in Sharjah or the upcoming five-match T20I series in Pakistan. "I can get myself up to the mark in T20s, so that I am prepared for the selection opportunities ahead," he said. "Definitely I want to get back into the Bangladesh [T20I] team, and this is one of the ways I can improve myself in the format." At Qalandars, Mehidy will reunite with long-time national teammate Shakib Al Hasan. The Qalandars had briefly brought Sikandar Raza back after the PSL resumed following a pause due to border tensions between Pakistan and India, but he was only available for one match before joining the Zimbabwe squad for a one-off four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge. With David Wiese and Sam Billings not returning for the remainder of the tournament, the Qalandars called up former Bangladesh captain Shakib al Hasan and Sri Lanka's Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Shakib Al Hasan made his PSL 10 debut for Lahore Qalandars on Sunday but endured a tough outing, falling for a golden duck and conceding 18 runs in two wicketless overs against Peshawar Zalmi. Before his arrival, fellow Bangladesh players Rishad Hossain (Qalandars), Nahid Rana, and Litton Das (Karachi Kings) had already featured in the tournament, though Litton withdrew due to an injury. Despite Shakib's struggles, Qalandars kept their playoff hopes alive with a 26-run win in a rain-shortened 13-over match at Rawalpindi. Fakhar Zaman starred with 60 off 36 balls, powering Qalandars to 149/8.
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
PSL 2025: Ahmed Shehzad defends Babar Azam after Peshawar Zalmi crash out
Ahmed Shehzad has come out swinging in defense of Babar Azam after Peshawar Zalmi bowed out of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 following a 26-run loss to Lahore Qalandars in Rawalpindi. In a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), the Pakistan Test opener hit back at the narrative blaming Zalmi skipper Babar Azam for the team's underwhelming season. Shehzad argued that cricket is a team game and that the entire squad should be held accountable—not just one player. Yes, Babar Azam is out of form. Yes, his last 50 was slow. But why is all the pressure always on him? Cricket is a team game. What are the other 10 doing? He was taking risks today which was the right approach. Where are the rest of the batters when it matters the… — Ahmad Shahzad 🇵🇰 (@iamAhmadshahzad) May 18, 2025 Zalmi's must-win clash against Qalandars on Sunday was shortened due to rain, reducing their target to 150 in 13 overs. Despite a strong start, they faltered late and finished at 123 for 8, crashing out of playoff contention for the first time in HBL PSL history. This season's abrupt end brings down the curtain on one of the most consistent runs in the league's history. Peshawar Zalmi, winners in 2017 and finalists four times, had never missed the knockout stage—until now. They wrapped up their HBL PSL 10 campaign with four wins and six losses, collecting eight points and a net run-rate of -0.293. The playoff picture is still unfolding, with Karachi Kings and Islamabad United battling later tonight for a crucial spot. Quetta Gladiators, already through, will face either of the two in the first Qualifier on May 21 at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. The winner will march straight into the grand finale of HBL PSL 10. As fans dissect the reasons behind Zalmi's fall, Shehzad's rallying cry in support of Babar reminds everyone that cricket remains, above all, a team sport.
