Latest news with #IslamabadUnited
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.
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
Business Recorder
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
PSL 2025 sets new record with 500 sixes in a single season
The 2025 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has etched its name in the record books, delivering the most sixes in a single season in the tournament's history. According to official statistics, a total of 500 sixes were struck across 34 matches in PSL 2025, surpassing the previous record of 498 sixes set during the 2023 season. This marks the first time the 500-sixes barrier has been breached in a single edition of the PSL. Lahore Qalandars thrash Islamabad United to qualify for PSL 10 final The surge in big hitting reflects both the explosive talent on display and the evolving nature of T20 cricket in Pakistan. The top five seasons with the most sixes now include: 2025 – 500 sixes 2023 – 498 sixes 2021 – 440 sixes 2022 – 435 sixes 2018 – 414 sixes The 2025 season saw several standout performances with the bat, as local and international players consistently cleared the boundary ropes, thrilling fans and boosting engagement. Shafique shines as Lahore Qalandars knock Karachi Kings out of PSL 10 Cricket analysts credit improved batting conditions, power-packed lineups, and flatter pitches for the surge in sixes, while also pointing to increased confidence and innovation among T20 batters. With each season raising the bar, PSL continues to evolve into one of the most exciting and competitive T20 leagues globally.
Mint
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Mint
Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators PSL 2025 final live streaming details: When and where to watch LQ vs QG; details
Following a brief pause due to the India-Pakistan conflict, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) reaches it's business end as Lahore Qalandars take on Quetta Gladiators at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday in a high-voltage final. The PSL 2025, which started on April 11, was scheduled to commence on May 18. However, with a seven-day pause due to the India-Pakistan tensions, May 25 became the new date for PSL 2025 final according to revised schedule. Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Lahore Qalandars entered the summit clash in a dominant fashion by beating Islamabad United by 95 runs in Eliminator 2. Having won the title twice, the Afridi-led side will be aiming to luft their third title on Sunday. On the other hand, Quetta Gladiators sealed their final spot for fourth time after beating Islamabad United in Qualifier 1. Quetta Gladiators: Saud Shakeel (captain), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Finn Allen, Rilee Rossouw, Avishka Fernando, Hasan Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Wasim Jnr. Lahore Qalandars: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Kusal Perera (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Naeem, Abdullah Shafique, Shakib Al Hasan, Asif Ali, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rishad Hossain, Haris Rauf, Salman Mirza. Start Time: 7:30 PM PST (8 PM IST) The PSL 2025 final between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will be played on Sunday (May 25) at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The match starts 7:30 PM local time (8 PM IST). In Pakistan, the PSL 2025 final between Lahore Qalandars and Quetta Gladiators will be televised live on PTV Sports. However, there will be no broadcast of PSL 2025 final in India, following the recent conflict between two countries. Live streaming of Lahore Qalandars vs Quetta Gladiators PSL 2025 final will be available on the Tamasha app and Daraz App in Pakistan. However, there will be no live streaming of PSL 2025 final in India.
Express Tribune
24-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shadab Khan reacts to Islamabad United's PSL 2025 exit vs Lahore Qalandars
Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan has pledged to return stronger in the next HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season following their defeat to Lahore Qalandars at Gaddafi Stadium. The Qalandars set a challenging total with significant contributions from Mohammad Naeem and Kusal Perera, whose aggressive batting laid the foundation for their team's victory. In response, Islamabad United's batting struggled to keep pace. Salman Ali Agha led the charge with a determined effort, supported by Shadab Khan's quick runs, but the rest of the lineup failed to make a meaningful impact. The team ultimately fell short, ending their campaign. Reflecting on the loss, Shadab acknowledged shortcomings in key areas, citing missed opportunities to take wickets at critical moments and the inability to contain the opposition's powerplay effectively. He also noted the team's death bowling did not meet expectations. Shadab explained the decision to promote youngster Muhammad Shahzad to open was due to the absence of Alex Hales, who had previously played a match-winning innings. While Shahzad's promotion was a strategic choice given his experience as an opener, it did not pay off in this match. Despite the defeat, Shadab praised Sahibzada Farhan for his consistent performances throughout the competitive tournament, describing them as a bright spot for Islamabad United. 'We have to reflect on our mistakes, learn from them, and come back stronger next season,' Shadab said. His words underline the team's determination to improve and reclaim success in future editions of the HBL PSL.
