Latest news with #LahoreQalandars
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Fast bowler Afridi back in Pakistan squad for white-ball series against West Indies in US
ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan recalled fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi for the white-ball cricket series against West Indies, starting at Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida. The three Twenty20 matches in the U.S. — on July 31, Aug. 2 and 3 — will be followed by three ODI games in Trinidad and Tobago. Afridi, who is also in the ODI squad, was surprisingly excluded from Pakistan's last two T20 series against Bangladesh despite leading Lahore Qalandars to its third Pakistan Super League title in the last four years with a rich haul of 19 wickets this year. In Afridi's absence, Pakistan routed Bangladesh 3-0 at home but lost 2-1 to Bangladesh at Dhaka in a series which ended Thursday. Fast bowler Haris Rauf, who was forced to miss the series against Bangladesh because of a hamstring injury he sustained during Major League Cricket (MLC) in the U.S., has recovered and was named in the T20 squad. Pakistan's pace attack was further strengthened Friday with the return of Hasan Ali for both T20s and ODIs against West Indies. The selectors dropped pace bowlers Abbas Afridi and Salman Mirza, who both participated in the T20 series in Bangladesh, and retained all-rounders Hussain Talat and Mohammad Nawaz. Middle-order batter Hasan Nawaz is the only uncapped player named in the ODI squad. Nawaz scored Pakistan's fastest-ever T20 century against New Zealand in March this year. Salman Ali Agha will continue to lead the T20 side while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan was named skipper for the ODI series. ___ Pakistan: Twenty20 squad: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem. ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem. ___ AP cricket:
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Dunk opens up about Pak-Ind setback
Former Australian wicketkeeper-batter Ben Dunk has shared his thoughts following the cancellation of the much-anticipated clash between arch-rivals India Champions and Pakistan Champions in the ongoing World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025. The high-profile encounter, which was scheduled to be the fourth match of the tournament, was set to take place on Sunday at Edgbaston. However, it was unexpectedly called off, triggering widespread disappointment and reactions from fans and former cricketers alike. Speaking at a media conference, the 38-year-old expressed his passion for the game and the hope that cricket continues to unite fans across borders. "As a cricket lover myself, I love all forms of cricket — the more cricket, the better," Dunk said. "Everyone has the right to pick and choose what they watch or support, and I respect everyone's point of view. I hope that, going forward, sports can be a uniting factor," he added. The 38-year-old also highlighted the overall strength of the Pakistan Champions squad and singled out one player in particular who could be a real threat when they face Australia in the ongoing tournament. "All of them. It's a legends tournament, and I don't think there's a single player across any team who isn't a champion in their own right," he said. "I've always been really fortunate to spend time with Mohammad Hafeez during our time at Lahore Qalandars. We built a great relationship based on mutual respect - at least I hope it's mutual! He top-scored in the first game and is definitely someone we fear a bit," he added. It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan Champions started their WCL 2025 campaign on a winning note, narrowly defeating England Champions by five runs in the opening fixture. Defending a total of 161, the Pakistani side held England to 155-3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a disciplined final over by Sohail Khan, who gave away just 10 runs when 16 were required for victory.
Express Tribune
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Express Tribune
Babar, Rizwan face axe from T20s
The careers of three major pillars of the Pakistani cricket team – Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan – appear to be hanging in the balance as they face selection dilemma for upcoming tours. Shaheen, Babar, and Rizwan – all once key members of the national team – are now being consistently overlooked, raising questions about the future of their international careers. Shaheen, 25, has seemingly fallen out of favor with selectors. After being left out of the home series against Bangladesh, he's now also been excluded from the return tour. Sources claim that selector Aaqib Javed cited Shaheen's underwhelming performance in New Zealand, saying he needs to correct his flaws. Ironically, Shaheen led Lahore Qalandars to a HBL Pakistan Super League title and was the tournament's top wicket-taker with 19 scalps. Aaqib had previously worked with him as part of the same franchise, though their relationship is now said to be strained. While vacationing in England with his family, Shaheen was called back by selectors, but was then left out of the squad without any prior notice. He reportedly found out through social media. Some media reports had suggested disciplinary issues as the reason for his omission, but a top PCB official refuted these claims, reiterating that the decision was based purely on cricketing grounds, and that the board had not issued any directive against his selection. "If there were disciplinary issues, he wouldn't have been invited to the training camp either," the official added. Regarding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, sources reveal that there is currently no plan to include them in the T20 squad. Coach Mike Hesson has already advised both players that they must adapt their playing approach in the shorter format and show some intent if they hope to make a comeback. Shaheen, Shadab Khan, and Salman Ali Agha are reportedly part of Mike Hesson's "core team", but will be rested periodically as part of a rotation policy. Shaheen might still be in contention for the upcoming West Indies tour, while Babar and Rizwan may be considered for the ODI squad. It's worth noting that Shadab is currently sidelined due to surgery, and the PCB is still in discussions to convert all three ODIs against the West Indies into T20 matches. If that happens, Babar and Rizwan's return could be delayed even further. Recently, in a media briefing, Coach Hesson said that Shaheen needs to improve his performance. He also dismissed rumors suggesting he had asked Babar Azam to take on wicketkeeping duties to re-enter the team. According to sources, these rumors were likely spread by "social media warriors" trying to drum up public support for the sidelined players. Pakistan Shaheens squad named for Eng tour The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced an 18-member squad for the Pakistan Shaheens' upcoming multi-format tour of England, scheduled to begin later this month. The tour will run from July 17 to August 6. Left-handed batter Saud Shakeel has been named captain and will lead a team that includes three other Test players: fast bowler Musa Khan, left-arm pacer Mir Hamza, and off-spinner Sajid Khan. The squad also features 14 emerging players, 11 of whom are under the age of 25. Among them are the top scorers from the most recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy - Azan Awais and Maaz Sadaqat - along with Ali Zaryab, Haider Ali, Mohammad Suleman, Omair Bin Yousuf, and Shamyl Hussain, who strengthen the batting lineup. Rohail Nazir will serve as the wicketkeeper for the tour. The pace attack includes Mushtaq Ahmed, Shahid Aziz, and Ubaid Shah, while the spin department will be led by Sajid Khan, with support from Faisal Akram, Mehran Mumtaz, and Mubasir Khan. The team will assemble for a training camp at the Hanif Mohammad High-Performance Centre in Karachi before flying out to England on July 16. The final schedule and venues for the matches will be shared by the PCB in due course. Pakistan Shaheens squad: Saud Shakeel (captain), Ali Zaryab, Azan Awais, Faisal Akram, Haider Ali, Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Suleman, Mubasir Khan, Musa Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Shahid Aziz, Shamyl Hussain, Ubaid Shah.
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First Post
13-06-2025
- Sport
- First Post
Babar, Rizwan and Afridi's T20 career over? Star players not in Pakistan selectors' plans for future assignments
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, the biggest stars among the current generation of Pakistani cricketers, have been told by the selectors and head coach Mike Hesson that their services will not be required for upcoming assignments against West Indies and Bangladesh. read more The trio of Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan had played a key role in Pakistan's historic victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup and their runner-up finish in the same tournament, a year later in Australia. Reuters Former captains Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi had played a key role in helping Pakistan pull off a historic victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai, and reach the final of the same tournament a year later in Australia. The trio's days in Twenty20 Internationals, however, might be over already with Pakistan selectors reportedly not considering them for upcoming assignments against West Indies and Bangladesh, which will be played in July-August and whose squads are expected to be announced next week. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The selectors – Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq – and head coach Mike Hesson have already conveyed to Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen that they are not required for the upcoming T20 series and should focus more on the ICC World Test Championship and ODIs. Pakistan is due to tour the West Indies in the last week of July to play three T20 internationals and three ODIs. Pakistan, after playing in the Caribbean, fly to Bangladesh for a three match T20 series but suggestions have been made to convert into a five match series in August. Pakistan is also due to host Afghanistan for a T20 series in late August, all in preparation for the Asia Cup in September (not confirmed as yet) and early next year's ICC World T20 Cup. Selectors can always fall back on trio if things go south, claims source A source close to a national selector said that the panel and Hesson wanted to give a proper run to the new young players in the T20 squad in the series ahead. 'The idea is that if things go south then the selectors can always go back to Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen.' Ironically, Shaheen has now led the Lahore Qalandars franchise to its third Pakistan Super League title in five years. Babar on the other hand is set to announce a first time appearance in the Big Bash for Sydney Sixers later this week after the board gave him and some other players NOCs to play in the event between December 28 and late January. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The three seniors have not been picked in the national T20 squad for Pakistan's last two series against New Zealand and Bangladesh and even before that Babar was overlooked for T20 series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. With PTI inputs
NDTV
13-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi's T20 Future All But Over? Report Gives 'No Role' Verdict
Pakistan selectors have ruled out any role for senior players - Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi - in the team's upcoming T20 series against West Indies and Bangladesh. The Pakistani selectors including Aaqib Javed, Aleem Dar, Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq are likely to announce the T20 squad for the series in the West Indies and Bangladesh next week. The two series will be played in July-August. The selectors and head coach Mike Hesson have already conveyed to Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen that they are not required for the upcoming T20 series and should focus more on the ICC World Test Championship and ODIs. Pakistan is due to tour the West Indies in the last week of July to play three T20 internationals and three ODIs. Pakistan, after playing in the Caribbean, fly to Bangladesh for a three match T20 series but suggestions have been made to convert into a five match series in August. Pakistan is also due to host Afghanistan for a T20 series in late August, all in preparation for the Asia Cup in September (not confirmed as yet) and early next year's ICC World T20 Cup. A source close to a national selector said that the panel and Hesson wanted to give a proper run to the new young players in the T20 squad in the series ahead. 'The idea is that if things go south then the selectors can always go back to Babar, Rizwan and Shaheen.' Ironically, Shaheen has now led the Lahore Qalandars franchise to its third Pakistan Super League title in five years. Babar on the other hand is set to announce a first time appearance in the Big Bash for Sydney Sixers later this week after the board gave him and some other players NOCs to play in the event between December 28 and late January. The three seniors have not been picked in the national T20 squad for Pakistan's last two series against New Zealand and Bangladesh and even before that Babar was overlooked for T20 series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.
