Latest news with #NationalT20
Business Recorder
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Unpicked to unstoppable: Farhan powers United's charge in PSL 10
Sahibzada Farhan, Islamabad United's in-form opener, has been one of the standout performers in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season. Despite going undrafted in January, Farhan forced his way into the squad after a stellar National T20 Cup campaign, where he amassed 605 runs in seven matches at a staggering strike rate of 189.66 and an average of 121. His tally included three centuries and two fifties for the Peshawar Region. Sahibzada Farhan joins Islamabad United after stellar National T20 performance In the ongoing PSL, Farhan has continued that form, scoring 245 runs in six matches at a strike rate of 161.18, including a match-winning century and a half-century. Speaking exclusively to PCB Digital, Farhan reflected on his journey. 'I had performed well in the National T20, and I knew there were still places available in the teams,' he said. 'I would like to give credit to Islamabad United for picking me first.' Asked about the secret behind his recent consistency, Farhan said, 'I've been performing for the last four years, especially in four-day cricket over the past two seasons. In the last year, I've also been among the top performers in the One-Day format. I've been working on improving my strike rate, and if I get the opportunity to play for Pakistan again, I want to maintain that intent at the international level.' Islamabad United target back-to-back PSL titles with proven formula On the role given to him by Islamabad United, Farhan added, 'They've given me a free hand to play my natural game. Sometimes, Shadab Khan and Salman Ali Agha guide me in the nets, but I focus on executing the shots I've already worked on in previous events.' Reflecting on his first PSL century—scored against Peshawar Zalmi in Rawalpindi on April 14—Farhan said, 'I was confident from the beginning that I could get a century this season. I had set my sights high, and I believe that was one of my best innings. I'm hoping to repeat that performance in the coming games.' Farhan also spoke about rejoining Islamabad United, a team he previously represented in 2018 and 2019. 'Islamabad United isn't a new side for me. I know Shadab both as a player and a captain. I'm enjoying my time here and trying to improve my batting every day.' Currently topping the points table with 10 points from six matches, Islamabad United has won five games in PSL X, with their only loss coming against Lahore Qalandars on Wednesday night at Gaddafi Stadium, ending a five-match winning streak. Despite their strong position, Farhan emphasised that the team is not taking anything for granted. 'We're not going to relax after five wins. The tournament is still wide open, and our focus is firmly on qualifying for the playoffs.'
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Unbeaten Islamabad United add another explosive batter to HBL PSL X squad
Listen to article Islamabad United, three-time Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions, have strengthened their squad for the ongoing PSL 2025 season with the addition of explosive batter Mohammad Faiq. The defending champions announced the inclusion of the promising domestic talent on April 29, aiming to bolster their already formidable batting lineup. The replacement comes as two United batters, Matt Short and Rassie van der Dussen, have been ruled out of the ongoing HBL PSL. The 23-year-old has made a name for himself in domestic cricket with his aggressive batting style. On March 18, 2025, he scored an unbeaten 116 off 56 balls for Lahore Whites in the National T20 tournament in Faisalabad, including 12 fours and 6 sixes. This was his second T20 century, following a 110 not out off 60 balls in the 2023-24 National T20 season. Faiq's recent performances have caught the attention of selectors, with fans on social media praising his ability to score quickly. With Islamabad United currently leading the PSL 2025 points table, unbeaten so far, the team hopes that Faiq's addition will help them secure a fourth title. The team will face Multan Sultans next on May 1 in Rawalpindi.
Express Tribune
18-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
WATCH: Shoaib Malik's confrontation with rude fan during National T20 Cup match
Shoaib Malik played a pivotal role in guiding Sialkot to a crucial victory over Multan in the National T20 Cup at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday night. The veteran all-rounder's composed 43 off 33 balls provided stability in a tense chase, ensuring his side successfully overhauled Multan's 147/8. However, it was Malik's confrontation after his innings with a rude fan that had social media debating. Upon completion of his innings, Malik was walking back to the pavilion when a fan asked him to remove his helmet directly. Malik, clearly offended by the tone of the fan, asked if he talked to his family members in the same tone. After being put in to bat first, Multan struggled for momentum despite a crucial 55 off 42 balls from Muhammad Shahzad. Imam-ul-Haq contributed 41 off 33, while a late flourish from Waseem Akram Jnr (27 off 17) pushed the total to a competitive 147. Hasan Ali led Sialkot's bowling attack with three wickets, while Ali Raza claimed two. Chasing 148, Sialkot got off to a cautious start before Abdullah Shafique took control with a fluent 57 off 41 balls. Malik, coming in at No. 4, anchored the innings with a steady hand, striking five fours and a six at a strike rate of 130.30. His experience proved vital as Sialkot completed the chase in 19.3 overs. However, social media had a mixed reaction to Malik playing. Some fans praised his innings, stating his experience was key to Sialkot's victory. Where are shoaib malik's haters now. Are they in theirs holes? Shoaib malik scored 43 off 33 match winning inning.#NationalT20 — Rana Salman (@RanaSalman48283) March 17, 2025 Others, however, were more criticial. Some were questioning why Malik was given the opportunity in place of a youngster and what impact it might have on Pakistan's cricket moving forward. jb tak ye babey cricket ke jan nahi chorey gey tb tak cricket sai nahi ko wasim Akram b ajaye ga khelney — Muhammad Amir (@MAmir98079) March 17, 2025 PCB mentor Shoaib Malik Playing for Sialkot Team. Ye Haal hai Pakistan Cricket Ka. Is sy cricket Uper jaye gi young talent ka haq mar KY Na fikar na Sharm na leyaz 🙏🙏@cric_pundit @GhaffarDawnNews @AbdurRoufKhan6 @AhmerNajeeb #shoaibmalik #PAKvNZ #BabarAzam — malik ksshif (@KsshifMalik) March 17, 2025
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi halts reduction in National T20 players' match fee
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has taken immediate notice of the reduction in match fees for domestic cricketers participating in the National T20 tournament, directing officials to maintain the existing compensation structure. A PCB spokesperson confirmed that Naqvi has prohibited any decrease in match fees for players, ensuring that their financial incentives remain intact. This development follows reports that match fees for domestic cricketers was potentially going to be drastically reduced from a reported figure of PKR 100,000 per match to just PKR 10,000, with reserve players now receiving only PKR 5,000 per game. The tournament kicks off March 15 in Faisalabad. In response to the situation, Naqvi has instructed Director of Domestic Cricket Abdullah Khurram Niazi to ensure that no changes are made to the players' compensation. 'The PCB Chairman has immediately halted any reduction in match fees for all players in the National T20 tournament,' the spokesperson stated. 'Additionally, an immediate review of match fees has been ordered.' Naqvi's intervention underscores the PCB's commitment to supporting domestic cricketers, particularly in a format that serves as a crucial platform for emerging talent. The National T20 remains an essential part of Pakistan's cricketing structure, providing players with opportunities to showcase their skills and progress to higher levels of competition.
Express Tribune
13-03-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Shoaib Malik in hot water
Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has come under fire from cricket fans after being named in Sialkot's squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup, scheduled to commence on March 14. Following the announcement of team squads for the tournament, fans voiced their frustration, arguing that Malik's selection has come at the expense of young talent. Several promising players, including Azan Awais, Ali Shafique, Awais Ali, Ayaz Tasawar, and Shahzaib Bhatti, have been relegated to the reserves, sparking widespread criticism on social media. Fans are particularly outraged over the omission of star batter Azan Awais, who was among the standout performers in the recent domestic season. One cricket enthusiast commented, "Mentor Shoaib Malik to play the NT20 for Sialkot. The state of PCB. Clowns." Another fan expressed frustration, saying, "Sialkot team in National T20 Cup, Azan Awais in reserves. Mentor Shoaib Malik in squad." A detailed social media post highlighted Azan's recent domestic performances, stating: "Azan Awais, who scored 1,422 runs in the 2024-25 domestic season at an average of 56.9, has been left out of Sialkot's squad for the National T20 Cup. Instead, they have included 43-year-old Shoaib Malik, sidelining a young, talented batter who also has an U19 century against India." Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt also weighed in on the controversy, questioning Malik's selection. "This National T20 is a stepping stone for youngsters. There should be some logic behind Shoaib Malik playing in this tournament, but I don't see that logic," Butt remarked. Amid Pakistan cricket's continued struggleshighlighted by the national team's disappointing performances in the last three ICC tournaments, including two World Cups and the Champions Trophythe Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has faced criticism over its squad selections. Instead of focusing on emerging talent, the PCB has opted for veteran players like Shoaib Malik (43), Wahab Riaz (39), and Sarfaraz Ahmed (37), selecting them for Sialkot, Karachi, and Lahore squads, respectively. These players were initially appointed as mentors but were later included in the playing squads, sparking criticism from the cricketing community.
