All Posts in "Cricket"

Former Cricketer Basit Ali Believes Pakistan Can Conquer Australia

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has expressed his confidence in Pakistan’s ability to defeat Australia in the upcoming three-match Test series, despite Pakistan’s poor historical record in Australia.

“Playing in Australia is not as difficult as it is often portrayed to be,” Ali stated on the ARY News show Sports Room. He urged the Pakistani players to adopt a fearless and winning mindset, similar to India’s approach, to secure victory.

Ali praised the Pakistani team’s top-order batsmen, highlighting their consistent performances in Test cricket over the past year. He also expressed optimism about Babar Azam’s performance, predicting that the former captain will thrive at number four without the pressure of captaincy.

Regarding the pitches, Ali noted that Australian tracks have become less bouncy in recent years, with conditions in Sydney and Melbourne resembling those in Asia. He believes that these conditions will favor Pakistan’s spinners and give them a good chance of winning in those cities.

Ali’s comments have injected a dose of optimism into the Pakistani camp ahead of the crucial Test series. Pakistan will undoubtedly look to break their losing streak in Australia and make a bold statement with a series victory.

Afshan Ibrahim by — December 1, 2023 in Cricket
Who are the famous Cricketers in Pakistan?

Pakistan is a country that has produced many great cricketers over the years. Some of them have achieved legendary status in the world of cricket and have inspired generations of fans and players. Here are some of the most famous cricketers in Pakistan:

  • Imran Khan: He is the greatest and most successful Pakistani cricketer of all time. He is also one of the best all-rounders in the game and has amassed over 7000 runs and more than 500 wickets. Imran Khan was the captain of the Pakistani team that won the World Cup in 1992 in Australia. He is also a politician and the former Prime Minister of Pakistan.
  • Wasim Akram: He is widely regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers of all time. He is counted amongst the finest exponents of reverse swing bowling. He became a commentator and coach following his retirement as a player. He is a recipient of the Pakistan Government’s Hilal-e-Imtiaz award.
  • Javed Miandad: He is touted to be the “greatest batsman Pakistan has ever produced.” He had an unusually long playing career spanning almost two decades. He was known for his unconventional style of captaincy and his famous last-ball six against India in 1986. He was inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame in 2009.
  • Shahid Afridi: He is one of the most popular and entertaining cricketers in Pakistan. He is known for his aggressive batting style and his ability to hit sixes at will. He holds the record for the fastest century in ODI cricket, which he scored in 37 balls against Sri Lanka in 1996. He also holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with 476.
  • Babar Azam: He is regarded as one of the best batsmen in contemporary world cricket. Currently, he captains the Pakistan team in all formats. He has scored more than 8000 runs across all formats and has an average of over 50 in both Tests and ODIs. He is also ranked among the top five batsmen in all formats by the ICC.
Sajal Subhan by — June 30, 2023 in Blogs
Why Cricket is Famous in Pakistan?

Cricket is a sport that has a huge fan following in Pakistan. It is not only a game, but also a source of national pride, cultural identity and social cohesion. Cricket has a long history in Pakistan, dating back to the colonial era when it was introduced by the British. Since then, cricket has evolved into a popular and competitive sport that attracts millions of viewers and players across the country.

There are many reasons why cricket is famous in Pakistan. One of them is the success and achievements of the national team, which has won several international tournaments and produced some of the world’s best players. Pakistan has won the Cricket World Cup once, in 1992, and the ICC World Twenty20 twice, in 2009 and 2016. Some of the legendary cricketers from Pakistan include Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi.

Another reason why cricket is famous in Pakistan is the passion and enthusiasm of the fans, who support their team with fervor and loyalty. Cricket matches are often celebrated as festivals, with people gathering in stadiums, parks, streets and homes to watch and cheer for their team. Cricket also brings people together across different regions, languages, religions and ethnicities, creating a sense of unity and harmony among the diverse population.

A third reason why cricket is famous in Pakistan is the social and economic impact of the sport on society. Cricket provides opportunities for young people to pursue their dreams and talents, as well as to earn income and recognition. Cricket also contributes to the development of infrastructure, tourism, media and education in the country. Cricket also inspires many people to overcome challenges and hardships, as well as to promote peace and goodwill among nations.

Cricket is more than just a sport in Pakistan. It is a way of life, a symbol of hope and a source of joy for millions of people.

Sajal Subhan by — June 26, 2023 in Blogs
Shahid Afridi-led Asia Lions win Legends League Cricket Masters

In a major attainment, Pakistan’s legendary former skipper Shahid Afridi-led Asia Lions hand World Giants a crushing seven-wicket defeat to win the third edition of the Legends League Cricket (LLC) Masters.

Chasing a target of 148 runs, Lions grasped home comfortably in 16.1 overs.

The Lions’ openers Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan scored brisk half-centuries and added 115 runs for the opening partnership in 10 overs during the final held at the Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha.

Dilshan scored 58 off 42 balls with eight fours while Tharanga smashed 57 off 28 balls with five fours and three sixes. The 115-run opening partnership ended when Brett Lee had Tharanga clean-bowled for 57.

Web Desk by — March 21, 2023 in Cricket 0
Aussie batter Khawaja’s India visa deferred ahead of Test tour

Pakistan-born Australian batter Usman Khawaja said on Wednesday he was still waiting for an Indian visa, even as his teammates began desertion for the four-Test tour that starts on February 9.

Khawaja — who moved to Australia aged four — has toured India before, but also faced delays in that circumstance with his visa taking longer than Australia-born teammates. “Waiting for my Indian Visa,” Khawaja said on Instagram, above an image from the Netflix series “Narcos” where a forlorn Pablo Escobar — played by actor Wagner Moura — sits alone on a swinging seat.

Web Desk by — February 1, 2023 in Cricket
Ramiz Raja-led cricket government is no more, says Najam Sethi

The predictable new chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Najam Sethi, after the termination of the sport board’s constitution, said that the “cricket regime headed by Ramiz Raja is no more”.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister constituted a management committee and named former PCB chief Najam Sethi as its head in a bid to revive PCB’s 2014 Constitution.

In his first declaration after the development, Najam Sethi said that “the 2014 PCB constitution stands restored”.

Taking to Twitter, the likely PCB chairman said that the management committee, which is being headed by him, will “work tirelessly” to revive first-class cricket.

Web Desk by — December 22, 2022 in Cricket
Pak vs NZ: Babar Azam leads Pakistan to victory against New Zealand

Pakistan Saturday registered their second win in the ongoing tri-nation series in New Zealand as skipper Babar Azam powered his side by scoring 79 runs off 58 deliveries.

After choosing to bat first, the Black Caps appeared to be on course for a modest 147-run total at Hagley Oval before Chapman’s 32 off 16 balls, which featured three fours and two sixes.

Pakistan went clear in the series as they chased down the target, having beaten Bangladesh by 21 runs in the series-opener at the same venue on Friday.

The three teams are using the week-long tournament to prepare for the T20 World Cup in Australia this month.

New Zealand laid the foundation of their innings through opener Devon Conway (36 off 35) and captain Kane Williamson (31 off 30), although both struggled for timing during a 61-run stand for the second wicket.

It was another frustrating outcome for the accomplished Williamson, who has passed 50 on just two occasions in all formats over the last 18 months, a period that has encompassed 29 innings.

He was clean-bowled attempting a slog-sweep off spinner Mohammad Nawaz, while Chapman holed out to a slower ball from Pakistan´s best bowler, paceman Haris Rauf (3-28).

Pakistan are playing with the same squad that won against Bangladesh yesterday.

Speaking after the toss, skipper Babar Azam said they are expecting a better show from the middle order.

Web Desk by — October 8, 2022 in Cricket 0
KFC announces title sponsorship for Pakistan-Australia ODI series

KARACHI, March 25, 2022: Food retail giant KFC, continuing their strong association with cricket has announced the title sponsorship of the ODI series of historical Australia’s tour to Pakistan, “KFC ODI Series – Pak Vs. Australia”. The series consists of 3 ODI matches which will be played in Gaddafi stadium Lahore, starting on March 29th, 2022.

The brand has a rich history of endorsing the game globally. From sponsoring Australia’s Big Bash League since its inception to introducing the Mini-Cricket Programme in South Africa, and bagging the official sponsorship of the Abu Dhabi T10 League, KFC can be credited for enriching the future of the game in multiple countries.

Now, with becoming the title sponsors of the Pakistan and Australia ODI series, the brand is playing a pivotal role in reinvigorating the nation’s favorite game.

Unveiling of the sponsorship plaque was doing jointly by Zakir Khan, Director International Cricket – Pakistan Cricket Board, and Noor Alam, Chief Marketing Officer – KFC Pakistan.

Noor Alam, CMO, KFC Pakistan, said, “Finding ways to excite and delight Pakistanis is a top priority at KFC Pakistan, and what better to excite this country than bringing back international cricket after 22 long years. I hope all our Pakistani cricket fanatics celebrate the return of this great sport to our local stadiums and continue being our inspiration towards making the impossible happen.”

Earlier, KFC has had a massive impact in regional and international cricket. From sponsoring the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to endorsing domestic teams such as Southern Punjab and Karachi Premiere League, KFC is responsible for bringing a crispy revival to Pakistani cricket.

The second and third ODI will be played on March 31 and April 2 respectively at the same venue.

Web Desk by — March 25, 2022 in Cricket
Babar Azam becomes the fastest batsman to score 7000 in T20, breaking the records.

Captain of Pakistan cricket team honoured with another achievement; he becomes the fastest batsman to score the highest overtaking Chris Gayle and Kohli.

The Pakistani cricket team always has that one person who lifts the game and makes Pakistan proud. But this time, Babar Azam’s record-breaking performances from the start of 2021 generating a remarkable image of Pakistani cricket in front of the whole world.

In April, Babar Azam became the fastest cricket player to score 2000 runs in Twenty20 international format. He achieved this milestone in just 52 innings. Now surpassed the record of 7000 scores in a national T20 cup match, during matches between Central Punjab and Southern Punjab in Rawalpindi stadium. He achieved this milestone while playing 187th innings.

Previously west indies batsman Chris Gayle held this record of scoring 7000, consuming 192 innings in T20. Babar needed three innings more to break this record when he reached 6000 runs at the start of this year. He surpassed other flamboyant players of the cricket world through this record, including Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Australian captain Aaron Finch, and David Warner.

Sajal Subhan by — October 8, 2021 in Cricket 0