Latest news with #QuettaGladiators'
Business Recorder
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
‘Selectors have told me to be ready for white-ball cricket': Khurram Shahzad
Quetta Gladiators' in-form pacer Khurram Shahzad has revealed that the Pakistan selection committee has asked him to prepare for white-ball formats, hinting at a possible national call-up in ODIs or T20Is. Speaking at the post-match press conference following Quetta's dominant 10-wicket victory over Multan Sultans, Shahzad said, 'The selectors have told me to start preparing for white-ball cricket.' The 25-year-old fast bowler was instrumental in the Gladiators' win last night, finishing with figures of 4 for 23 and dismantling the Sultans' top order. His consistent performances have made him one of the standout bowlers of the tournament so far, with 8 wickets in just three matches. Shahzad reflected on his performance and the bowling-friendly surface at the post-match presentation: 'I was fully prepared, and I'm glad the results showed today. In T20s, you usually get flat pitches, but there was something in it for the bowlers this time. My focus was on hitting the right lengths and attacking the stumps.' From emerging category to leading wicket-taker: Hasan Ali continues to shine in PSL X He also highlighted the importance of teamwork within the Gladiators' pace unit. 'As fast bowlers, we communicated really well. I always aim to take wickets in the powerplay with the new ball. When you bowl in partnerships, you often see the results, exactly what happened for us today.' Shahzad's recent form and growing maturity with the ball have sparked speculation about his potential debut in Pakistan's limited-overs squads. With a T20 World Cup around the corner, his inclusion could offer Pakistan a fresh pace option. The Gladiators, revitalised this season, remain unbeaten, with Khurram playing a key role in their resurgence.
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
'We will plan carefully against Amir'
Lahore Qalandars' aggressive opener Fakhar Zaman on Monday, praised Quetta Gladiators' Mohammad Amir as an 'excellent' bowler and vowed to sharpen his team's tactics when they face him on the field on May 1. Speaking to the media here on Monday, Fakhar underscored Amir's ability to excel in any bowling condition and stressed that beating him will require a full-team effort rather than reliance on a single star. "Everyone knows Amir's class - he is a top-quality bowler who performs well in all conditions," Fakhar said. "We will plan carefully on match day and execute our strategy. But in cricket, one player alone cannot win for his side." Fakhar also expressed satisfaction with his team's performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 thus far, stating that they are happy with the direction the two-time champions are heading. "We have won three and lost three. In cricket, no matter how much you achieve, you are never fully satisfied. We are happy with the direction our team is heading," said Fakhar. "We are giving every opponent a tough time and our players know how to turn the game around. Winning and losing are part of the sport, but we remain positive," he added. He also welcomed the grassy pitches at the Gaddafi Stadium, arguing that seam and bounce are essential to maintain balance between bat and ball. "Flat tracks leave the ball low, yet teams still manage 170180 runs, so the issue was not big. These grass-covered wickets will help bowlers and ultimately strengthen our cricket," he explained. Fakhar added that such wickets favour the Qalandars' strengths since their attack is built around fast bowling. "When you play many matches on the same surface, you adapt fast. We are fired up and ready to deliver in Lahore," he added. Fakhar praised the fans for their unwavering support. "It is great that wherever the Qalandars playKarachi, Rawalpindi or Lahorethe crowds come out to watch us. Their support means a lot to us," he thanked.
Express Tribune
29-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Akhtar applauds Amir's mind games
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar heaped praise on Quetta Gladiators' veteran pacer Mohammad Amir for 'mentally dominating' Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam during their HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 match here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. Akhtar, while speaking at a digital sports show, praised Amir for his mental edge over Babar which eventually resulted in him dismissing the star batter twice in this year's PSL. Akhtar shared it was a joy to watch Amir's bowling after a long time, stating that the pacer was playing his 'own match' within the enthralling fixture between the two powerhouses. "Babar was struggling to even see the ball properly - the deliveries were either hitting his head or his body - and it was clear that Mohammad Amir was well aware of Babar's weaknesses," he remarked. "Amir was dominating Babar mentally. While the crowd was chanting 'Babar, Babar' around the ground, Amir was quietly playing his own match within the match," Akhtar added. Akhtar further suggested that Babar should have taken his time to settle down as the pitch required 'patience'. "Babar should have taken a little more time to settle and adapted his batting according to the conditions, as the pitch was difficult and required patience," Akhtar shared. The 49-year-old also claimed that even if it had been any other Pakistani batter facing such bowling, they would not have been able to handle it either. He emphasised that when there is even a little swing, Babar Azam tends to struggle. Akhtar praised Amir's aggressive and attacking approach in the match, saying it doubled the enjoyment of the game. The legendary pacer then went on to claim that Zalmi would not be able to chase down even a modest total against such disciplined bowling performance. "If Peshawar Zalmi had been chasing a small target, they would still not have been able to achieve it against this kind of bowling," Akhtar claimed. "It is matches like these that make cricket exciting to watch," he concluded. Fawad Alam on Sunday, also heaped praise on Quetta Gladiators' veteran pacer Mohammad Amir, terming him the 'most intelligent' bowler of the country. "As far as Amir's ability is concerned, there's no comparison. He is one of the best and the smartest bowlers we have had [in a long time]," Alam said. "After Mohammad Asif - I mean after the early 2000s when we had big names - the two premier pacers we had were Asif and then Mohammad Amir. "I believe after Amir, we did not get many smarter bowlers. Skill is something every player who represents Pakistan has. But intelligence - that's rare."
Express Tribune
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Mohammad Amir addresses his celebration after dismissing Babar Azam in HBL PSL
Quetta Gladiators' seasoned pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up after dismissing Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam for the second time in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, delivering a crucial blow in Sunday's clash at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium. Amir, who had earlier removed Babar for a duck during their first encounter this season, once again produced a moment of magic by trapping the star batter lbw with a sharp in-swinger in the third over of Zalmi's innings. His celebration — a mix of sheer delight and theatrical flair aimed at the Gladiators' dugout — set the tone for Quetta's dominant 64-run victory, later sealed by Faheem Ashraf's stunning five-wicket haul. Speaking to reporters after the match, Amir said such on-field rivalries add much-needed entertainment to the format. "Whether on the field or social media, these rivalries entertain people, especially in T20s—that's the main goal," Amir said. "As a bowler, my role is to tease the batter and show aggression, while the batter aims to score runs. These things should happen, but within limits. My fans post my videos, Babar's fans post his. It's all great for the tournament." Despite the heated nature of the contest, Amir praised Babar's class and explained the tactical thinking behind his dismissal. "Babar Azam is a big player, there is no doubt in that," he acknowledged. "My plan is always to utilise the swing with the new ball. Whoever it is, Saim or Babar. I thought Babar would be ready for the outswinger, so I tried to bring it back in." Amir's early strike not only rattled Zalmi but also reinforced his reputation as one of the most canny and competitive bowlers in the HBL PSL circuit, with his duels against top batters like Babar adding extra drama to the tournament.
Business Recorder
21-04-2025
- Sport
- Business Recorder
Mark Chapman joins Quetta Gladiators for PSL 10
New Zealand batter Mark Chapman has arrived in Pakistan to join Quetta Gladiators for the ongoing tenth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL 10). Chapman was initially unavailable for the early stages of the tournament, prompting the Gladiators to bring in mystery spinner Ali Majid as a temporary replacement. Majid, 33, was added to strengthen the spin attack and offer variety in the bowling department. Chapman's arrival will add more depth to Quetta Gladiators' batting and will now have the option to reshuffle their lineup depending on match conditions. It should be noted that Chapman was picked in the Platinum category and is seen as a key part of the Gladiators' top-order plans. His return boosts the team as they aim to make a strong start to the season.
