Author: ali.hassan

Security protocol restricts Pakistan team’s movement during England T20Is

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket team has been put under strict surveillance as the security guidelines restricted the national players from making any unnecessary movements and interacting with any unauthorized person during their stay at a local hotel in Karachi.  

The security protocol laid out by the law enforcement agencies barred the national players from leaving the hotel’s premises on their own. Players are not allowed to meet any outsiders.

According to the sources, the players are even prohibited from ordering food through online delivery.

Earlier, the players were subjected to such stringent restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic when PCB adopted a bio-secure bubble policy.

Pakistan cricket team are set to play seven-match bilateral T20I series against England, who are currently on their historic tour to Pakistan after 17-year hiatus.

Both teams are being given presidential-level security protocol during their stay in Karachi for the first four matches of the series, commencing tomorrow.

Foolproof security plans have been chalked out for the matches as heavy security contingents will be deployed on the teams’ routes and around the National Stadium.

“More than 5000 security personnel have been deployed for the purpose,” said AIGP Karachi, Javed Alam Odho.

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Pakistan’s T20 World Cup jersey out before official release

KARACHI: National cricket team’s official jersey for the ICC men’s T20 World Cup 2022 went public before the official launch by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The thunder-themed green jersey, named Green Thunder, leaked out of PCB’s online merchandise store as it has been made available for sale.

The images of the team’s new jersey have been circulating over social media and generated a mixed response from cricket fans.

https://twitter.com/khalixddd/status/1571767510017478657

It is pertinent to mention here that the official launch of the Pakistan team’s T20 World Cup kit is scheduled today.

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‘Naseem reminds me of myself’ Pakistan’s bowling coach Shaun Tait

KARACHI: Former Australian speedster and Pakistan team’s bowling coach Shaun Tait has lauded young pacer, Naseem Shah, for his fierce bowling skills, acknowledging that the 19-year-old is more intelligent than him when he was a young fast bowler. 

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the national team’s practice session on Sunday, Tait praised Pakistan’s pace battery for their natural abilities, saying his main responsibility is to instil confidence in them

“Pakistan fast bowlers have their natural abilities. They like to keep things simple but they’ve got so much ability and have a lot of flare. So, that’s already ingrained in these guys,” he said. ” For me, it’s pretty simple building relationship with these guys and giving them confidence”

Talking about Naseem, Tait claimed that the 19-year-old reminded him of his own younger days as a fast bowler and hailed his skills with the new ball.

“In some ways, he reminds me of myself when I was a younger cricketer. He’s sort of free-spirited. But I wasn’t as intelligent. I think you’ve all seen his natural abilities and skill with the new ball,” said the bowling coach.

As the preparations are heading towards the final stages for Pakistan’s first encounter of the historic T20I home series against England, Tait stated he wouldn’t be surprised if batting wickets were prepared for the series.

“I haven’t had a chance to look at the wickets. It’s probably gonna be pretty good for batting,” he asserted.

When asked about an update on star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi’s rehabilitation, the bowling coach replied that he was not fully aware of his progress. “The only thing that I know is that he is coming along well,” he concluded.

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‘Proud moment for me, my family to lead England in Pakistan’ says Moeen

KARACHI: England stand-in captain Moeen Ali revealed that it was an honour for him to lead his side on the historic tour of Pakistan, especially with his ancestral roots being from the same country. 

England are currently on their first tour of Pakistan in almost17 years and are set to face the Green Shirts in the seven-match T20I series for the first time on the latter’s home soil.

Speaking at a scheduled press conference on Sunday, England skipper Moeen stated that regardless of the fitness issues that some of their players were facing, they still had a very strong side.

“We are coming back from the injuries, We have a very difficult summer,” he said. ” Chris Woakes, Jonny Bairstow and Jofra Arches, they all have been facing injuries.  Captain Buttler has also been injured, And they all gonna take the time”

Moeen added that England’s white-ball skipper Buttler’s participation in the last two or three games of the series was also uncertain since England want its captain to be fully fit for the World Cup.

England’s current squad, he stated, cannot be called a “B” team since they were a very good white-ball side.

“It’s unfortunate that we are short of a few key players, but it’s not an issue of selection,” he said.  “In fact, it gives young players an opportunity to prove themselves”

While talking about his Pakistani roots, Moeen said it was a proud moment for him, his family, friends and people of his community and they all were happy that he was captaining the England team in this historic tour of Pakistan.

Furthermore, the 35-year-old, asserted that he was aware of the conditions in Pakistan because of his experience of playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

‘I know that Karachi’s weather is always humid. We’ll see the wickets first then make our plans” he maintained.

It is pertinent to mention here that England will take on Pakistan in seven T20Is from September 20 to October 2. National Stadium, Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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‘Stepping stone in my T20I career’ Malan praises PSL

KARACHI: England batter Dawid Malan lauded Pakistan Super League (PSL) for playing an instrumental role in his T20I career and earning him recognition all around the world.

Malan, who represented Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United in the PSL called himself to be ‘fortunate enough’ for getting an opportunity to play in the league with the best cricketers in the world.

“It was great to play in the PSL as it provided me with an opportunity to explore what I can do moving forward in my career. Obviously, it was a stepping stone in my T20I career,” said Malan as he spoke to the media ahead of England’s first T20I series on Pakistani soil.

He added that it was great to see international cricket coming back to Pakistan and praised the country for its tremendous hospitality.

“Pakistan has always welcomed us with open arms. It is fantastic to be back here and can’t wait to see the crowd in the stadium,” said the English batter

Talking about his role in the revival of cricket in Pakistan as he was among the first few foreign players who came to play the PSL final in 2017 in Lahore, Malan said that he and other players had not thought at that time that they were playing such a great part.

Furthermore, Malan believed that the Green shirts were a strong opponent which had all the resources at its disposal.

“Pakistan is a great team. It has always been challenging to play against them,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the England Cricket team have arrived in Pakistan for the first time in 17 years to play seven-match T20I series against the home side commencing on September 20. The first four matches will be held at National Stadium Karachi while the remaining three matches will be hosted by Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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POA recognizes PHF elections, issues Affiliation Letter for four years

LAHORE: Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) recognized the recently-held elections of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and also issued the Affiliation Letter for the four-year constitutional period.

Following the issuance of the Affiliation Letter by the POA, Brigadier (Rtd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar as President, Syed Haider Hussain as Secretary General, and Shahid Parvez Bhandara as Treasurer will be part of the unit affiliated with the POA.

According to the details, PHF Secretary General Haider met with POA Secretary General Khalid Mahmood in his office, where the two discussed the international hockey events in great detail.

The POA Secretary-General acknowledged Haider’s services to hockey in Karachi and wished him luck in his future endeavours for the national sport, while also promising the PHF’s continued support.

“You have rendered your services for hockey at the grassroots in the best manner. From formation of departmental teams in Karachi to re-formation of women’s hockey team.
The participation of 1100 children in the country’s first summer camp has brightened the future of Karachi Hockey,” POA Secretary General Khalid stated.

“I hope you will continue to play the same role in the development and promotion of the national sport. Pakistan Olympic Association will continue its full cooperation with PHF in this regard,” he maintained.

PHF Secretary General Haider thanked POA Secretary General and acknowledged that the POA has always supported PHF for the promotion of the national sport of hockey.

It is pertinent to mention here that Khokhar was elected unopposed for a four-year term in the PHF elections held in August this year, along with Haider Hussain as secretary and Shahid Pervaiz Bhandara as finance secretary.

READ: Tickets for Pakistan-England fourth T20I sold out

Tickets for Pakistan-England fourth T20I sold out

KARACHI: The fourth fixture of the seven-match T20I series between Pakistan and England drew massive attention from cricket fans as all the tickets for the Sunday clash have been sold out.

According to the details, the fourth match of the Pakistan-England T20I series, scheduled for September 25 at the National Stadium, is guaranteed to be a sellout as cricket fans will flock in droves to see England in action in the country after an almost 17-year absence.

All enclosure tickets are sold out due to the holiday, while the tickets ranging from 250 to 1500 PKR have become rare.

The VIP tickets for all four T20Is, scheduled here, have been sold out, while only a few enclosure tickets are available for sale for the first match on Tuesday, September 20.

Furthermore, Quaid-e-Azam, Imran Khan, and Majid Khan enclosures’ tickets worth PKR  750 have also been sold out for all four T20Is.

It is apropos to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a seven-match T20I series, scheduled from September 20 to October 2.

National Stadium Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining three fixtures will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

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Pakistan squad for England T20Is reports at local hotel in Karachi

KARACHI: The 16-member national squad for the upcoming home T20I series against England reported at a local hotel here on Friday night.

According to the details, wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and assistant coach Shahid Aslam will join the national contingent on September 17.

The national contingent will participate in the scheduled training camp ahead of the first match of the T20I series, scheduled to take place on September 20.

Left-handed top-order batter Shan Masood, who earned a maiden call-up to the T20I squad will hold a press conference on Sunday prior to the scheduled practice session.

It is pertinent to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a seven-match T20I series, scheduled from September 20 to October 2.

National Stadium Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining three fixtures will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

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England start training at NSK for T20I series against Pakistan

KARACHI: England national men’s cricket team started their training for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, set to commence on September 20.

For the seven-match T20I series, prior to the forthcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022, the touring side have raced up the preparations by partaking in the net sessions.

The touring players carried out robust practice sessions on Friday ahead of the first T20I against Pakistan, scheduled to take place on Tuesday.

According to the details, the English contingent partook in an enduring practice session. The players engaged in vigorous fielding drills alongside net sessions for bowling and batting practice.

It is pertinent to mention here that England set foot in Pakistan after a gap of almost 17 years to face the home side in a seven-match T20I series, scheduled from September 20 to October.

National Stadium Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining three fixtures will be held at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

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Buttler hopes to ‘uplift’ flood-hit Pakistan with exciting cricket

KARACHI: England captain Jos Buttler pledged donations for the flood victims in Pakistan and hoped to bring joy to the people affected by the disaster through good cricket as the England team reached the country for the first time in almost 17 years to take on the home side in seven T20 internationals.  

Speaking to his first media interaction in Pakistan, Buttler stated that he was aware of the flood situations in Pakistan and wanted to unite the people in these tough times.

“As a team, we are making donations which will be matched by the ECB as well to help the people in need at the moment” he announced.

“We are very excited to be here (in Pakistan). It’s great to be back as an England team after a long time” he said.

He revealed that England players who had participated in the Pakistan Super League had positive experiences about the country.

“Plenty of our players have been playing PSL and share positive experiences about being here and how much the public love cricket here,” he said.

England captain added that he would benefit from the experience of those teammates who had the experience of playing in PSL since he had never been to Pakistan before and had no idea about the playing conditions in the country.

England’s white-ball captain deemed the upcoming series crucial for the England players to get them ‘familiarize with the roles’ ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia.

“We are in a bit of a unique situation as a team, few guys are injured and will be fit in time before the World Cup. Here, a few guys are coming back after (achieving) full fitness so we have to manage them throughout the tour. So, obviously main aim for everyone is to turn up for Australia and get ready for the World Cup,” he said.

Talking about the Pakistan team’s strength, England captain said that Pakistan had the tradition of producing excellent fast bowlers who could bowl with ‘high pace’ and ‘high skills.’

“There are plenty of match winners in both teams and that’s what you need in T20 cricket” he maintained.

While emphasizing the management of the player’s workload and fitness before the World Cup, Buttler said that playing back-to-back games would be a tough task but the team management had to ensure that the players remain in their best shape.

“Seven games will be a challenge,” he said. “We will certainly try to manage our squad and look after them as we do not want to take an undue risk”

It is pertinent to mention here that England will take on Pakistan in seven T20Is from September 20 to October 2. National Stadium, Karachi will host the first four matches of the series, while the remaining matches will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

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