Pakistan Super League - 6 (PSL) 2021

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PSL 2021 draft: Live updates

The Pakistan Cricket Board is conducting the players draft for the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League today in Lahore.

More than 400 international players have registered for the sixth edition of the league. Over 90 players from the West Indies, 80 from England, 40 from Sri Lanka, around 30 from South Africa and Afghanistan each, 20 from Bangladesh, 14 from Australia and eight from New Zealand are in the line up.

The star-studded player pool includes Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan, Rashid Khan, David Miller, Dale Steyn, Dinesh Chandimal, and many more.


Updates will follow below:

EMERGING PLAYERS ROUND:


1. Quetta Gladiators pick Saim Ayub.
2. Multan Sultans pick Shahnawaz Dhani.
3. Peshawar Zalmi pick Ibrar Ahmed.
4. Karachi Kings pick Qasim Akram.
5. Lahore Qalandars pick Maaz Khan.
6. Islamabad United pick Mohammad Wasim Jr.
7. Lahore Qalandars pick Zaid Alam.
8. Peshawar Zalmi pick Mohammad Imran.
9. Multan Sultans pick Mohammad Omar.
10. Islamabad United pick Ahmed Saifi Abdullah.
11. Quetta Gladiators pick Arish Ali Khan.

SILVER ROUND:
1. Karachi Kings pick Joe Clarke.
2. Quetta Gladiators pick Cameron Delport.
3. Multan Sultans pick Sohail Khan.
4. Peshawar Zalmi pick Umaid Asif.
5. Islamabad United pick Rohail Nazir.
6. Lahore Qalandars pick England's Tom Abell.
7. Lahore Qalandars pick Zeeshan Ashraf.
8. Karachi Kings pick Danish Aziz.
9. Multan Sultans pick Mohammad Rizwan.
10. Islamabad United pick Reece Topley.
11. Peshawar Zalmi retain Saqib Mehmood.
12. Quetta Gladiators pick Afghanistan's Qais Ahmed.
13. Peshawar Zalmi retain Imam-ul-Haq.
14. Multan Sultans pick Sohaib Maqsood.
15. Islamabad United pick Iftikhar Ahmed.
16. Quetta Gladiators pick Abdul Nasir.
17. Karachi Kings pick Mohammad Ilyas.
18. Lahore Qalandars pick Salman Ali Agha.
19. Lahore Qalandars pick Mohammad Faizan.
20. Peshawar Zalmi pick Mohammad Imran.
21. Multan Sultans pick Sohaibullah.
22. Karachi Kings pick Zeeshan Malik.
23. Multan Sultans pick Adam Lyth.
24. Peshawar Zalmi pick Mohammad Irfan.


GOLD ROUND:

1. Lahore Qalandars retain Samit Patel.
2. Peshawar Zalmi pick Amad Butt.
3. Quetta Gladiators choose Usman Shinwari.
4. Karachi Kings retain Chadwick Walton.
5. Islamabad United retain Phil Salt.


DIAMOND ROUND:
1. Karachi Kings - Mohammad Nabi.
2. Peshawar Zalmi - Mujeeb-ur-Rehman.
3. Karachi Kings - Dan Christian.
4. Peshawar Zalmi - Sherfane Rutherford
5- Islamabad United - Lewis Gregory.


PLATINUM ROUND:

1. Islamabad United - Hassan Ali
2. Multan Sultans - Chris Lynn
3. Lahore Qalandars - Rashid Khan
4. Peshawar Zalmi - David Miller
5. Quetta Gladiators - Chris Gayle
6. Quetta Gladiators - Tom Banton


5:18pm — Chris Lynn snapped up by Multan Sultans as Lahore Qalandars choose not to retain him.
Lahore Qalandars pick Rashid Khan.
Peshawar Zalmi pick David Miller.
Quetta Gladiators pick Chris Gayle .
Quetta Gladiators pick England's Tom Banton.


5:02pm — Hassan Ali joins Islamabad United as the team make a wildcard pick. He thus moves from the Diamond to the Platinum category.


5:00pm — Platinum round begins.

4:58pm — There will be 90 seconds on the clock for each pick.



4:55pm — PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani thanks foreign players for their participation and enthusiasm. He regrets not being able to hold PSL this year at other venues besides Lahore and Karachi and hopes the stands won't all be empty.

 

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PCB expects decision from NCOC on limited audiences for PSL 2021 fixtures

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Chief Executive Wasim Khan. — AFP


KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) CEO Wasim Khan said Monday that the National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) was likely to make a final decision on having limited audience for the matches of the Pakistan Super League's sixth-edition.

Khan, speaking to The News, said that the PCB held discussions with NCOC officials today, while a decision on the limited audience's matter was likely to be made on Thursday.

“We had a brief meeting with the NCOC today and expect a reply on our request by Thursday,” Khan said.

The PCB officials, in today’s meeting, briefed the NCOC about steps it will take to ensure public health and safety if a limited number of fans are allowed to watch the action live.

Meanwhile, according to a source, the NCOC told the board that it will decide on due diligence and discussion with all stakeholders.

The PCB has sought permission to have spectators at 20% to 40% of the stadium’s total capacity in Lahore and Karachi, sources said.

PSL's sixth edition is set to start on February 20. The first leg will be played in Karachi before the tournament is shifted to Lahore for the second phase.

 

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February 4, 2021


PSL 2021:
NCOC allows 20% spectators for group matches

A view of PSL match.


ISLAMABAD: The National Command and Operations Centre (NCOC) on Thursday allowed 20% spectators during the sixth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) group matches, according to a statement issued by the country’s COVID-19 body.

The announcement was made by the NCOC after detailed deliberations with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the health officials.

“Review for playoffs in March in view of prevailing positivity ratio at that time,” it said.

The decision means around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed access inside the National Stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will be able to attend each match day at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Fans will have to follow strict SOPs during their time at the stadium during PSL matches.

“They won’t be allowed to touch the ball, they won’t be able to bring food from outside, they will have to wear a mask and maintain social distance all the time,” said a PCB official while elaborating the COVID-19 SOPs to be followed.

According to the PCB, the NCOC and the cricket authorities will continue to work together and monitor the situation before a decision to increase crowd numbers for the three playoffs and the final is made.

“The NCOC made the decision following a detailed and comprehensive briefing by the PCB officials, in which they assured that the event organisers and the PCB will strictly follow government COVID-19 Standard Operating Procedures, including social distancing,” said the PCB in a separate statement.

The PCB further added that it will soon announce its ticketing policy to provide further clarity to the fans on how they can purchase tickets and the process to enter/exit the venues during the matches.

PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said that he was thankful to the NCOC for trusting the PCB and allowing limited fans to watch live action of the Pakistan Super League 2021.
“This is an endorsement that the PCB is an institution, which is capable of planning and then successfully implementing COVID-19 SOPs during its marquee event being staged in Pakistan for the second successive year,” Ehsan Mani said.
“Fans are the PCB’s biggest asset and we are delighted that no matter a small number, but some will be able to have access to the matches. Their presence will add flavour and excitement to one of the biggest and most challenging leagues in the cricket calendar,” Mani said in a statement released by the PCB.



“We understand not everyone will get an opportunity to watch the matches due to the limited number of seats, but these are baby-steps and considering that most of the sport events are being played in empty stadium, this is a positive achievement and step in the right direction.”

 

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Bookme.pk appointed ticketing partners for HBL PSL 6

CEO Faizan Aslam says Bookme to ensure contactless, secure digital services for cricket fans


NEWS DESK
February 10, 2021

Bookme.pk has been appointed ticketing partners for the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 6 which commences at the National Stadium Karachi from Saturday, February20, said a press release issued on Tuesday.

Bookme.pk is Pakistan’s leading e-ticketing platform with over 4.6 million customers in the transportation and entertainment industries. It is completely cashless and is already integrated with major payment platforms in Pakistan including JazzCash and Easypaisa to ensure a seamless checkout experience for end-users.

With a socially distant seating plan, cricket fans can now be a part of the game again, as both HBL PSL 6 venues – Karachi and Lahore – will have 20% of the total seating capacity of the stadiums available for the spectators.

As announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) last week, around 7,500 ticketed spectators will be allowed inside the National Stadium per match day, while around 5,500 will attend each match day at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The PCB will strictly follow the government’s Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), including social distancing, the press release said. More details about tickets pricing and availability will be shared soon, it added.

“We are delighted to partner with Bookme.pk in the HBL Pakistan Super League 6. We are confident that as ticketing partners Bookme.pk will deliver top-quality services that they are renowned for to our fans, who look forward all year to the HBL PSL,” said PCB Director Commercial Babar Hamid.

“We are very happy to bring the fans back to the stadiums, despite the small number we totally look forward to welcoming them at the two venues as they will create an incredible atmosphere which will surely motivate the players to give their absolute best,” Hamid added.

“The fans will be provided the best possible arrangements amid the prevailing Covid-19 related challenges and they should turn up at the venues with full confidence, while practising social distancing protocols.”
Bookme.pk CEO Faizan Aslam said: “We are grateful to Pakistan Cricket Board for awarding us the opportunity to serve the most beloved game of our nation.

Bookme is geared up to ensure contactless and secure digital services for Pakistani cricket fans so that they don’t need to stand in queues and can easily access tickets from the comfort of home with a digital one-click solution.”

 

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Groove Mera: Naseebo Lal in awe of PSL anthem's success


Singer is thankful to all those who complimented her singing


Entertainment Desk
February 10, 2021

Following the mixed responses the sixth Pakistan Super League (PSL) anthem received, singer Naseebo Lal has said she never thought Groove Mera would become such a hit.


According to Express News, the veteran singer asserted she became a part of the track for Pakistan. “I never thought it would become so popular and all this success is because of Allah. When the PCB called me, I couldn’t believe it. Because I have never been offered an anthem before,” she confessed.
Lal also expressed how she was afraid the song would fail. “I was so afraid people wouldn’t like it but they loved it and I am so grateful.

” Almost teary-eyed, the singer relayed how she was approached because of her vocal range. “The makers said, ‘Only you can sing in this pitch’ so I did. And God helped me do it.”

It is pertinent to mention here that following the release of Groove Mera, many criticised the makers and Lal on social media. Memes were hurled at the singers while several mocked Lal’s singing style. Composed and produced by former EP front man Xulfi and Adnan Dhool, however, Groove Mera still managed to strike a chord with some.The combination of Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners also fit the bill. But those not impressed were quick to dish out criticism.

Following this, fans of the track, including some celebrities, came to the song and Lal’s defense. "Queen Naseebo Lal bringing this song to the pitch with her pitch," tweeted singer Meesha Shafi. "I am her biggest fan!” she added. “I don’t know what the fuss is about?” asked Mehwish Hayat. “I loved the new anthem .It was bold and fresh! This is what stifles creativity in our country: we always want more of the same and are not prepared to accept anything different,” she concluded.

Fatima Bhutto also praised the song, as well as Lal’s singing. “Personally. I loved it, especially Naseebo Lal.”

 

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PSL 2021: Turkish star Esra Bilgic confirms association with Peshawar Zalmi

The combo shows Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi and Turkish actress Esra Bilgic.


KARACHI: Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi and Ertugrul actress Esra Bilgic on Wednesday shared a cryptic message announcing the start of "new beginnings" just days ahead before the first match of Pakistan Super League (PSL).

Afridi tweeted "NEW BEGINNINGS" late Wednesday and tagged the Turkish actor who shot to fame in Pakistan after playing Halima Sultan in the popular drama Ertugrul.


Minutes after Afridi's tweet, Bilgic also tweeted the same thing and tagged the Peshawar Zalmi owner and the team's Twitter account.


In July last year, the Turkish actress had said that she would be sharing some good news with Peshawar Zalmi soon.

She said this in a tweet in which Peshawar Zalmi chairman Javed Afridi was tagged.

The tweet came a day after Afridi sought people's opinion about hiring the "Dirilis: Ertugrul" actress as a brand ambassador for his PSL franchise.

 

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The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2021's opening ceremony will take place in Istanbul city in Turkey. Sources said that the singers of PSL 6's anthem, Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig, and Young Stunners, will perform the song live in Istanbul.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), when approached for a comment on the development, neither denied nor confirmed the news.


Sources said that the opening ceremony would not be held in National Stadium, where it was staged last year, due to the area being designated as a biosecure bubble.

The recorded ceremony will be aired on television screens on February 20, sources added.

 

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7 players to watch out for in PSL 6


Out of 100-plus cricketers expected to take part in the tournament, a select few may be worthy of extra attention.


Syed Hammad Hasnain


Once the injuries and absentees are accounted for and the last-moment additions and subtractions have been made, the six Pakistan Super League (PSL) rosters will collectively feature 108 players.

Of these 100-plus cricketers, a select few may be worthy of extra attention. This means marking your calendars for when their teams step onto the pitch.

The 2021 edition of the tournament could either be a coming-out party or an opportunity to prove something for seven such players.


Danish Aziz

Danish Aziz celebrates after hitting a match-winning last-ball six, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Sindh, National T20 Cup, Rawalpindi, October 13, 2020. — Photo courtesy PCB

If you’re a hardcore cricket fan, you will know that Danish Aziz’s stock has risen considerably over the past domestic season.

During last year's National T20 Cup, he averaged a staggering 73.33 at a strike rate of 154.92 when coming in to bat at the difficult position of number six.

But more than the raw numbers, it was his unbeaten 72 against eventual champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa that got him noticed.

With 15 needed off the final three balls, he hit a four sandwiched between sixes to seal the win in Carlos Brathwaite-esque fashion.


That earned him a nod with the Pakistan Shaheens for the New Zealand tour, and after coming back he provided more proof of his clean hitting ability down the order in the Pakistan Cup.

He’s done enough to get plenty of chances this PSL for his hometown franchise Karachi Kings. Don’t be surprised if he is a household name by the end of the tournament.



Azam Khan

Azam Khan top-scored for Sindh, Northern vs Sindh, National T20 Cup, Rawalpindi, October 24, 2020. — Photo courtesy PCB

Azam Khan is another Karachiite, although he is slightly ahead of Danish as far as career progression is concerned.

Azam made a name for himself last year after demonstrating that his talents do not come down to having a famous father and being big-boned; he showed that he can bat. And by bat, we mean smashing everything out of the park without any regard for who the bowler is.

Unlike Danish, Azam does not play for his hometown franchise. He plays for Quetta where he could have hardly asked for a better setup. With his dad as his coach and Sarfaraz Ahmed as his captain, Azam has gone from strength to strength.

Even though his team got knocked out in the round-robin stage last year, he used the rest of the year to enhance his reputation in the Lanka Premier League and elsewhere.


Considered a bonus talent until last year, 2021 could see Azam take a more central role and an opportunity to demonstrate why he is called "Pakistan's Chris Gayle".


Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle swats one down the ground, Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab, IPL 2020, Sharjah, October 15, 2020. — Photo courtesy BCCI

Arguably the greatest of all time when it comes to T20 cricket, Chris Gayle is a run machine and someone who needs no introductions. The self-proclaimed "Universe Boss’s" T20 ability is indeed a universal fact.

However as undisputed as Gayle's ability is, PSL has proven to be his kryptonite. Across 14 PSL matches, he has managed just 263 runs at an extremely average 18.78 and an equally mediocre strike rate of 127.05.

Karachi and Lahore, the two Galacticos, tried and failed with Gayle. This time Quetta take a chance on him.
Under a much calmer team management, there is a chance that this 41-year-old will finally do what he’s never done before: prove to be useful in PSL.


Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan celebrates a breakthrough, Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi, January 24, 2021. — Photo courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket


He is the top-ranked T20I bowler in the world. He is the Men’s T20I Player of the Decade. And now he belongs to the Lahore Qalandars.

Over the years, Pakistani fans have not been that big on Rashid Khan but truth be told, of all the cricket stars who have played in the PSL in the prime of their careers, he is perhaps the biggest.

AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn had their best years behind them when they graced the tournament with their presence.

Rashid’s arrival bolsters the already strong bowling unit of the Qalandars, who also boast Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf.

The tricky spinner’s battle with batsmen will almost be as interesting as how local fans react to him. Only time will tell if fans will warm up to Rashid or if the hostilities will continue.


Mujeebur Rehman

Mujeeb Ur Rahman offers both control and menace with the new ball, Afghanistan vs Ireland, 2nd ODI, Abu Dhabi, January 24, 2021. — Photo courtesy Abu Dhabi Cricket

After Rashid Khan comes Rashid Khan lite. Mujeebur Rehman always wanted to follow in his idol’s footsteps and that is exactly what he is doing.

Rehman is currently the second-ranked T20I bowler in the world behind Rashid; the former trails by just six rating points.

He’s not had a great time in the recent Abu Dhabi T10 league, picking up just a single wicket in six games, but form can change quickly in shorter formats.

He has been drafted by Peshawar Zalmi for this year's PSL and will be their main bowling weapon.


Usman Qadir

Pakistan leg spinner Usman Qadir in his delivery stride, Pakistan vs Zimbabwe, 1st T20I, Rawalpindi, November 7, 2020. — AFP

The third straight spinner on the list is Usman Qadir, who has made people eat their words, delete their tweets and generally appear sheepish over the last few months.

Qadir is a mean leg spinner with an extremely well-disguised googly to go with his dad-like action with limbs flying everywhere, topped off with enough hops to throw any batsman off.

It’s a matter of time before he goes for runs but that’s an occupational hazard for leggies. What he will do is make a fool out of batsmen.

Troubling for him and his fans is the fact that he shares the Multan Sultans roster with not just Imran Tahir but also Shahid Afridi — both supremely aged legspinners and big names who still may have a bit of game left in them.

Provided that the Sultans don’t sacrifice him in battle of names and reputation, Qadir can dazzle in this year's PSL.


Mohammad Rizwan

Mohammad Rizwan goes for a slog sweep, Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd T20I, Lahore, February 13, 2021. — AFP


Last, and definitely not the least on this list, is Mohammad Rizwan who has arguably been the highlight of Pakistan’s cricket this past year. Pound for pound, his overall production might even overshadow Babar Azam’s.

The one knock on his game was his power hitting, which critics said he did not possess. However, the series against New Zealand and South Africa has fortified that one last chink in his armour.

The Karachi Kings’ decision to keep Rizwan on the bench for the entirety of last year's tournament and allowing him to walk offseason could end up right up there with Islamabad United letting Babar go as one of the biggest judgment errors ever made in PSL history.

Karachi’s loss could prove to be Multan’s gain. The Sultans have picked up Rizwan and could reap the benefits of an extremely hardworking player whose confidence is at an all-time high.

 

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Multan Sultans appoint Mohammad Rizwan as captain for HBL PSL 6


The wicketkeeper-batsman will replace opener Shan Masood who led the franchise in the fifth edition of the tournament



Kamil Ehsan
15 February, 2021

Multan Sultans have appointed Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of the franchise for the upcoming sixth edition of the Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The wicketkeeper-batsman will replace opener Shan Masood who led the franchise in the fifth edition of the tournament.

The decision was announced through a statement published by the Multan Sultans franchise on their social media accounts on Monday.

“The Multan Sultans management is pleased to appoint Mohammad Rizwan as the captain of the franchise for the HBL PSL 6. The wicketkeeper-batsman is presently the first-choice wicketkeeper for Pakistan and is also the vice-captain of the National Test team,” the statement announced.

The owner of the Multan Sultans franchise Alamgir Khan, in a quote, claimed that Rizwan was currently the best in the world at his position.

“Mohammad Rizwan has shown exemplary leadership qualities with the Pakistan team as well as with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the domestic tournaments.

He is presently on of the very best in the world in his position and we are excited to have him lead our team for the upcoming season of the Pakistan Super League. We are grateful to Shan Masood for leading the franchise exceptionally well last season and for instilling a winning mentality within the team,” the statement quoted Alamgir.

Rizwan vowed to repay the trust of the management with positive results on the field after the announcement.

“I look forward to leading the Multan Sultans team for the upcoming season. I have understood the innovative approach the franchise applied last season and am looking forward to playing my part this year. Multan Sultans had a successful HBL PSL 5 and we will aspire to go even better this time around especially with senior Pakistani players such as Shahid Afridi, Shan Masood and Sohail Tanveer to look up to.

I am grateful to the owner Mr. Alamgir Khan and the Head Coach, Andy Flower, for this opportunity and shall, InshaAllah, repay the franchise for the trust that they’ve shown in me with positive results on the field,” the statement quoted Rizwan.

 

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Replacement picks: Faf du Plessis among five foreign players to join HBL PSL 6

South Africa's star player represented Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 2020 play-offs


Pakistan Cricket Board
15 February, 2021

PHOTO: AFP


A total of five foreign players’ replacements have been made in the HBL Pakistan Super League teams that will take the field for the HBL PSL 6 at the National Stadium Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium Lahore from Saturday 20 February.

The teams made replacement picks for the players who have either become fully or partially unavailable due to international cricket commitments.

South Africa star Faf du Plessis who represented Peshawar Zalmi in the HBL PSL 2020 playoffs last November makes a return to the league as a partial replacement player in the Quetta Gladiators outfit in place of West Indian Chris Gayle.

Australia leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed who has represented Gladiators in the earlier HBL PSL seasons replaces New Zealand batsman Colin Munro in the Islamabad United squad.


Munro would be unavailable for United due to the prevailing Covid-19 related managed isolation space challenges in New Zealand.

United have also included USA fast bowler Ali Khan as a replacement for England’s Reece Topley who has been included in England’s T20I squad on their ongoing tour of India.

Ireland batsman Paul Stirling is the third replacement in the United squad in place of England fast bowler Chris Jordan who has also been included in the T20I squad for the series against India.

England batsman Tom-Kohler Cadmore who represented Gladiators in the 2018 season will replace compatriot Liam Livingstone in the Zalmi squad with Livingstone also set to be part of England's T20I team in India.

 

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Shadab banking on Hasan, Hales ahead of HBL PSL 6


Islamabad United captain is hopeful that his side will put up a good show during the upcoming season


Saleem Khaliq
15 February, 2021

PHOTO: PCB/AFP


Islamabad United captain Shadab Khan is hopeful that his side will put up a good show during the upcoming sixth season of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), which begins on February 20.

While talking to Cricket Pakistan in an exclusive interview, Shadab had high expectations from pacer Hasan Ali and opener Alex Hales.


“Last year we did not perform according to expectations but we are very excited for the upcoming season and hopefully you will see better results from our team,” said Shadab.

“We were missing some players due to injuries while some were out of form. We will try to ensure that we don’t repeat the mistake we made last year,” he added.


He praised Hasan’s energy, along with his never give up attitude, and experience of Hales ahead of HBL PSL 6

“Hasan Ali is in good form which is why he will be useful addition in our side,” he said. “The likes of Hasan Ali and Faheem Ashraf have a never give up attitude which brings energy and helps in making the team successful.”

“We have high expectations from Alex Hales as he was in great touch during BBL and also has experience of playing in Asian conditions,” he added.

He also spoke about the role played by Bowling Consultant Rumman Raees during the upcoming edition of HBL PSL.

“It’s unfortunate that Rumi [Rumman] was not able to play for us, during the last couple of years, due to injuries. Rumman will be with us in a new role this year and, considering that we have lots of young players in the side, hopefully he can guide the youngsters especially with regards to bowling variations as he is really good at it,” he said.

Two-time winners Islamabad United will square off against Multan Sultans in their opening game of the event on February 21 in Karachi.

 

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Glittering opening ceremony lined-up for HBL PSL 6


Internationally acclaimed singer Atif Aslam will be making his first appearance in the HBL PSL opening ceremony

Pakistan Cricket Board
14 February, 2021

PHOTO: PCB


The HBL Pakistan Super League 6 will start with a glittering opening ceremony on 20 February with an entertainment-packed event which will include renowned artists including Atif Aslam, Imran Khan, Humaima Malick and the HBL PSL 6 Anthem artists: Naseebo Lal, Aima Baig & Young Stunners.
Internationally acclaimed singer Atif Aslam will be making his first appearance in the HBL PSL opening ceremony.

The league has been launched every year with a colourful opening ceremony since its inception in 2016.

Along with Atif, renowned rap artist Imran Khan will also be marking his debut at the HBL PSL stage.
The HBL PSL 6 opening ceremony will be have some parts filmed offshore in a specially designed studio space in Turkey.

The first four ceremonies were held at the Dubai International Stadium while the 2020 opening ceremony was staged at the National Stadium Karachi, and the same venue will play host to the 2021 ceremony.


As has been the tradition in earlier editions, the opening ceremony will be followed by the first-match of the season in which defending champions Karachi Kings will play Quetta Gladiators in the night match.


Director Commercial PCB Babar Hamid: “This year’s opening ceremony promises to be really exciting especially with the state-of-the-art technology being used to create this experience for Pakistani fans.

“As always, the excitement is further raised with the opening clash of the tournament, and the people in Karachi, I am sure will look forward to see Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators take the field as they both enjoy a huge fan base in the city.”

 

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https://twitter.com/x/status/1361000659865264131

 

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PSL 2021: Traffic plan issued for Karachi matches

• The league's matches will be played at the National Stadium Karachi from February 20 to March 7.
• A special amended Traffic diversion plan has been prepared by the Karachi Traffic police.
• In a bid to avoid any mishap or unwanted situation, the Karachi traffic police have requested people to follow the traffic plan.

The traffic plan for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches has been issued by Karachi traffic police on Tuesday.

The sixth edition of the league, which will begin from February 20 to March 7, will be played at the National Stadium Karachi.

As per the details in the press release issued by the traffic police, a special amended Traffic Diversion Plan has been prepared with notification of closed roads and their alternate routes during the event.

In a bid to avoid any mishap or unwanted situation, the Karachi traffic police have requested people to follow the traffic plan.

Find out the traffic plan here:

• Hassan Square Flyover/Expo Center Turning (Sir ShahSuleman Road to the stadium): From Liaquatabad via Hassan Square Flyover and University Road /Expo Turning towards Sir Shah Suleman Road all kind of Traffic will not be permitted to proceed towards Stadium Road.
• Traffic will be diverted from Flyover towards University Road to reach their destination. Similarly, National Stadium Flyover will be closed for all Traffic during the match.
• Karsaz (Shara-e-Faisal): All kinds of small vehicles will be allowed to proceed on Habib Ibrahim Rehmat Ullah Road towards Stadium Signal. Heavy /Public Transport will not be allowed.
• Millennium (Rashid Minhas Road): Dalmia Road will remain open for small vehicles from Millennium to Stadium Signal. Heavy /Public Transport will not be allowed.
• New Town Chowrangi (University Road): University Road / New Town turning will remain open for small vehicles towards Stadium Signal.

For heavy vehicles, the traffic police have notified that it shall not be permitted to proceed from Sohrab Goth to NIPA, Liaquatabad No 10 to Hassan Square, PP Chowrangi towards University Road, Karsaz to Stadium and Millennium to New Town during the match

 

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Wahab Riaz has high hopes from three Peshawar Zalmi players

The fast-bowler revealed that his side would opt for an aggressive approach in the upcoming tournament

16 February, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY: PCB


The captain of Peshawar Zalmi Wahab Riaz, while talking at a virtual press conference on Monday, expressed hope for excellent performances in the upcoming Habib Bank Limited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) season six.

The fast-bowler revealed that his side would opt for an aggressive approach in the upcoming tournament while highlighting the importance of veteran players Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik and Ravi Bopara.

“We will try to play aggressive cricket in the upcoming PSL. We have a combination that is full of promising youngsters and will try to extract the best results. We will not repeat past mistakes.

We made it to the playoffs in the fifth season. We have clarified the roles of each player in the side. Kamran Akmal is our main wicketkeeper while we are preparing Imamul Haq as backup in that role. We had players like Shahid Afridi, Daren Sammy and Kieron Pollard in our middle order in the past. This time around, we have high hopes from Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik and Ravi Bopara,” Riaz said.

The 35-year-old stated that the franchise had high hopes from players such as David Miller, Rutherford and Imran Butt while claiming that all-rounder Amad Butt and fast-bowler Irfan Senior would be used to plug the gap left by fast-bowler Hasan Ali.

“We also have high expectations from David Miller, Rutherford and Imran Butt. Playing for the national side is always the priority. I am sad at not being in the national side currently. Not being added to the squad hurts but I am focused on the PSL right now.

Performing well in the PSL could lead to a comeback in the national side. I wish Hasan Ali the best of luck with Islamabad United. Amad Butt and Irfan Senior will try to plug that hole in our side,” he concluded.