Latest news with #JavedAfridi
Express Tribune
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Peshawar Zalmi out of HBL PSL 10: Javed Afridi promises 'major changes'
For the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, Peshawar Zalmi has failed to qualify for the playoffs—and owner Javed Afridi isn't taking it lightly. In a heartfelt message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Afridi addressed the team's fan base after a disappointing HBL PSL 10 campaign that ended with just four wins out of ten matches. The Babar Azam-led side's last hope was extinguished after a rain-shortened, must-win game against Lahore Qalandars, which they lost by 26 runs in Rawalpindi. 'This season's outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers,' Afridi wrote. 'Major changes are coming—we'll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah.' 🚨 To our passionate Zalmi fans: This season's outcome hurts, but this platform remains a launchpad for national careers. 'Major changes' are coming—we'll rebuild with grit and purpose. InshaAllah. Request to all Zalmi Fans, as a national product, let's unite to support all… — Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) May 18, 2025 Zalmi ended their campaign with 8 points and a negative net run-rate of -0.293, marking a significant fall for a team that had never missed the knockouts before. Champions in 2017 and finalists four times, Zalmi had long been one of HBL PSL's most consistent forces. Yet Afridi struck a hopeful tone, promising that the 'Yellow Storm' will return stronger. He unveiled plans to expand fan engagement, announcing new Fan Parks, a Zalmi fan zone inside stadiums, and vibrant marketing campaigns for upcoming seasons. 'This is not just a team, it's a movement,' Afridi added. 'As a national product, let's unite to support all PSL teams in the spirit of cricket.' With sweeping changes on the horizon and Afridi reaffirming his focus on player development and team rebuilding, one thing is clear—Zalmi may be down, but they're not out.
Business Recorder
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
Zalmi Foundation announces Rs50m in honour of air defenders
ISLAMABAD: The Chairman of Peshawar Zalmi and Zalmi Foundation, Javed Afridi, has announced a heartfelt tribute of PKR 50 million to the valiant Air Defenders of the country. This tribute comes in light of the recent events that posed a serious threat to national security and public safety. In a situation that could have resulted in significant damage and loss of life, the swift, precise, and heroic response of Pakistan's Air Defenders ensured that no harm was done and no lives were compromised, said a press release issued here Sunday. 'Their unwavering courage, dedication, and sacrifice are the heartbeat of our national pride. Today, we honour them not just with words, but through meaningful action,' said Javed Afridi. This contribution is more than a gesture, it is a powerful symbol of national solidarity and deep respect for the heroes who shield our skies with unshakable resolve. It reflects the Zalmi Foundation's enduring mission to stand beside those who serve the nation with honour.
Arab News
11-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Peshawar Zalmi pledge Rs50 million for Pakistani pilots for ‘heroic response' to India strikes
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi have pledged Rs50 million ($177,809) for Pakistani pilots for their 'heroic response' to India's missile and drone strikes on Pakistan this week, the franchise said on Sunday, in a gesture of national solidarity. The announcement came as Pakistanis marked a 'Day of Gratitude,' announced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Sunday to recognize the nation's 'befitting response' to India's fighter jet, missile, drone and artillery strikes. Hours after India's missile strikes on multiple Pakistani cities on Wednesday, Pakistan said it had downed five Indian fighter jets, a claim partly corroborated by Indian government sources who confirmed at least three. Javed Afridi, the Peshawar Zalmi chairman, said the recent events posed a serious threat to national security and public safety, but the 'swift, precise and heroic response' of Pakistan's air defenders averted any major damage. 'Their unwavering courage, dedication, and sacrifice are the heartbeat of our national pride. Today, we honor them not just with words, but through meaningful action,' Afridi was quoted as saying by his franchise. 'This contribution is more than a gesture — it is a powerful symbol of national solidarity and deep respect for the heroes who shield our skies with unshakable resolve.' The statement came as a ceasefire, brokered by the United States (US), appeared to hold between the two nuclear-armed arch-rivals on Sunday. Four days of fighting between the two nations killed nearly 60 people and sent thousands fleeing, in the worst violence since India and Pakistan's last open conflict in 1999. The cross-border incursions forced both countries to postpone their respective Twenty-20 cricket leagues to ensure safety of local and international players as well as the spectators. Cricket authorities of both countries have been in discussions to announce rescheduled dates and venues for the matches that had yet to be played.
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Zalmi, Gladiators to play HBL PSL10 exhibition game
Cricket fever returns to Peshawar as an exhibition match between Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators is set to take place at Arbab Niaz Stadium on April 8, 2025, marking a significant milestone in the revival of top-tier cricket in the region. This highly anticipated encounter is part of the PCB's efforts to engage local fans and build excitement ahead of the 10th edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL X). The board aims to generate momentum for the tournament while reaffirming its commitment to expanding cricket across Pakistan. This is not the first time the PCB has organized an exhibition match before the PSL. In 2023, a similar fixture in Quetta attracted considerable attention, highlighting the enthusiasm for cricket across the country. The success of that event played a key role in the decision to bring high-profile cricket back to Peshawar. Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, has been a strong advocate for hosting PSL matches in Peshawar. He previously approached PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, urging him to consider Arbab Niaz Stadium as a venue for PSL 10. His efforts, combined with the PCB's initiatives, have led to this exhibition match, promising an electrifying spectacle for cricket fans in the region. It is pertinent to mention that the highly anticipated 10th edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) is set to commence on Friday, April 11, with defending champions Islamabad United taking on two-time winners Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The six-team tournament will feature a total of 34 matches from April 11 to May 18. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium will host 13 matches, including two Eliminators and the grand final. In addition to the main tournament, an exhibition match is scheduled for April 8 in Peshawar. The participating teams for this special fixture will be announced in due course. Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium will host 11 matches, including the first Qualifier on May 13. Karachi's National Bank Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium will each host five matches. The event will also feature three double-headers, with two taking place on Saturdays and one on Labour Day (May 1). Quetta Gladiators squad for PSL 10: Finn Allen, Faheem Ashraf and Mark Chapman (all platinum), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Amir and Rilee Rossouw (all diamond), Akeal Hossein, Mohammad Wasim Jr and Saud Shakeel (all gold), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Tariq, Haseebullah Khan and Khurram Shahzad (all silver), Kyle Jamieson and Hasan Nawaz (both emerging), Mohammad Zeeshan, Danish Aziz, Kusal Mendis and Sean Abbott (all supplementary). Peshawar Zalmi squad for PSL 10: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (all platinum), Mohammad Haris, and Mohammad Ali (all diamond), Hussain Talat, Nahid Rana and Abdul Samad (all gold), Arif Yaqoob, Mehran Mumtaz, Sufiyan Muqeem and Najibullah Zadran (all silver), Ali Raza and Maaz Sadaqat (both emerging), Ahmed Daniyal and Alzarri Joseph (both supplementary).
