PSL 2018 Build up Thread - schedule announced, final to be played in Karachi

Security team to visit Karachi for PSL final dress rehearsal

KARACHI: A two-member security team will arrive in Karachi on Saturday to witness the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final rehearsal.

The third edition of Pakistan’s cash-rich T20 league will be played from February 22 to March 25, where the Darren Sammy-led Peshawar Zalmi will defend their title.

All of the round matches and the first play-off will be played in the United Arab Emirates, whereas second and third play-offs will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Karachi will host the grand finale of the tournament at National Stadium, which will also be the PSL’s first match in the city.

The dress rehearsal for the mega event will take place on Sunday, for which the two-member delegation will arrive a day earlier.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials will also meet IG Sindh Police on Wednesday to discuss about the security arrangements.

On the other hand, Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA)’s chief executive Tony Irish has refused to draw any conclusion for the final in Karachi and revealed that the organisation is currently preparing a report to assist players.

“To play or not to play in the T20 league is the player’s decision,” he said. “We don’t have any control over that. However, we provide them information from which they can make the best decision. So we are currently in the process of preparing the report for the final in Karachi.”

Talking about corruption in cricket, the Irishman believes more has to be done at the grassroots level to educate players.

“We would want to see more comprehensive approach towards dealing with corruption in cricket,” he added. “Players need to be educated, and that is not restricted to these T20 leagues only. Players should know what they can and cannot do.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1628398/7-security-team-visit-karachi-psl-final-dress-rehearsal/

 

FICA to advise foreign players on PSL final participation

Karachi, Feb 7 (PTI) The Federation of International Cricketers Association (FICA) is preparing a security report to help players decide whether they want to play in the Pakistan Super League final her.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said that it will be holding two play-off matches in Lahore and the final here in March.

A two-member security delegation headed by expert Reg Dickason is due to witness a full dress rehearsal at the national stadium here on Sunday where the final is scheduled for March 22.


Karachi has not hosted any international cricket since Sri Lanka and Pakistan last played a Test match in early 2009.

FICA Chief Executive, Tony Irish told the Express newspaper today that so far they have refused to draw any conclusion for the PSL final here.

He revealed that FICA is currently preparing a report to assist players.

"To play or not to play in the T20 league is the players decision," he said.

"We dont have any control over that. However, we provide the information from which they can make the best decision. So we are currently in the process of preparing the report for the final in Karachi," Irish added.

The FICA report will be significant in deciding how many foreign players will be seen in action in the PSL final as last year when the final.

Pakistan last year made a strong attempt to bring back international cricket to the country by first hosting the PSL final in Lahore and then hosting the World eleven and Sri Lanka also in Lahore for T20 games in September and October.

All of the PSL league matches and the first play-off will played in the United Arab Emirates, whereas second and third play-offs will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with final the scheduled to be held here. PTI Cor SSC SSC

https://www.indiatoday.in/pti-feed/...on-psl-final-participation-1164793-2018-02-07

 

CM Sindh ensures to hold PSL–3 matches in Karachi with fool-proof security


KARACHI: Chief minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said that we have fulfilled our promise, made last year to the people of the province, for holding the mega event of the Pakistan Super League -3 in Karachi and now it is the duty of all of us to make the event a success.

“We promised last year we will hold the final in Karachi. We have fulfilled that promise, now we have to make it a success,” he said.

He directed all the related institutions and departments to work together in a close coordination to hold the mega event in a calm and peaceful atmosphere.

He said this while presiding over a high-level meeting regarding the preparations for the PSL – 2018 here at the Chief Minister House on Friday.

The meeting was attended by his various cabinet ministers and secretaries, chief secretary, principal secretary toCM Sindh, DG Rangers, IG Police Sindh, commissioner Karachi, Mayor Karachi, additional IG, additional IG special branch, Airport security force, DIG East, DIG South, DC East, 5-Core Karachi, director and manager of security & anti-corruption, executive director JPMC, senior manager security Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), general manager National Stadium Karachi and other concerned officials.

The meeting reviewed all possible arrangements for a coordinated fool-proof security for the PSL-3 matches.

The CM formed a four-member committee, under his supervision, to send a work plan from time to time.

Besides, the CM called a further meeting for the arrangements of the PSL matches on February 14.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/2...3-matches-in-karachi-with-fool-proof-security

 

Jason Derulo, Abida Parveen to perform at PSL opening ceremony

LAHORE: Legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen and American pop star Jason Derulo will headline the glitzy opening ceremony that will kick off the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) in Dubai on February 22. Also enthralling fans at the ceremony will be local heart-throbs Ali Zafar and Shehzad Roy, a press release of the artists line-up issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday said. Zafar, the voice of PSL, has produced the official anthem of PCB’s flagship T20 league for the third year running.

An impressive display of fireworks will accompany the entertainment acts of the ceremony that will commence at 8pm PST at the Dubai International Stadium. The glittering event will be followed by the opening match of the tournament between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and new entrants Multan Sultans. A total of 34 matches will be played across different venues in Dubai, Sharjah and Lahore. The final is to be held in Karachi on March 25, according to the PSL schedule. During the season, all teams will play against each other twice before the top four teams qualify for the play-off stage. Last year, the PSL Season 2 final was held at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium amid tight security. The successful staging of that game on Pakistani soil is believed to have played a major part in convincing a World XI side and Sri Lanka to tour the country later that year.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/199239/jason-derulo-abida-parveen-perform-psl-opening-ceremony/

 

Security officials satisfied with Karachi as the host for PSL final

Pakistan cricket has gone through some turbulent phases over the past few years. However, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) came in as a breath of fresh air for the terror-stricken nation. The third season of the tournament will commence in the last week of February and the hype has already been generated surrounding the T20 extravaganza.

However, terrorist attacks and political turmoil have ensured that the security interests of the nation have been severely compromised. Subsequently, teams have been reluctant to visit Pakistan. Karachi is slated to host the final of the upcoming edition and the Sindh Government have conducted security drills with the help of Pakistan Rangers, Pakistan Army and other security officials.

Last year, a suicide-bomb attack in Lahore killed 15 people. Subsequently, the terror attack marred the final of the tournament because of which several top cricketers backed out. Nevertheless, as per reports in tribune.com.pk, Reg Dickinson, the security consultant for Global Sports seemed satisfied with the arrangements at the Karachi National Stadium.

Praises for the Pakistan Board
“We were provided with a comprehensive drill and a professional presentation with the help of all security agencies, combined with the efforts of PCB chairman Najam Sethi, which is encouraging and it will be reflecting in the report that I’ll be submitting to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC),” Dickinson said. He also hailed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their immaculate arrangements at the venue

“From what we have seen today that has been demonstrated, the documentation, the level of commitment shown by all the stakeholders involved, is very satisfying. PCB has delivered what they promised and committed on papers,” the security consultant added.

The final of the tournament will take place in the last week of March and the entire nation will hope that the game goes on without any unwanted hiccups.

https://www.crictracker.com/security-officials-satisfied-with-karachi-as-the-host-for-psl-final/

 

The significance of the PSL

Enamoured by the massive profits raked in by American sports leagues, it was Delhi-born entrepreneur Lalit Modi who first saw the enormous potential for an English-football style cricket league for the subcontinent. After years of untiring hard work, Modi’s brainchild came to be known as the razzmatazz of the Indian Premier League; a lethal concoction of cricket, Bollywood and the big money interests. Launched as a retaliation to the rebel Indian Cricket League(ICL), the IPL was an instant hit.

With four hour long matches, packed stadiums, cheerleaders and a chance to mingle with celebrities, it was more than just watching a cricket game. Who can forget the first edition of the IPL with Shoaib Akhtar being bear-hugged by Shahrukh Khan after steaming in for a blistering spell of 4/11 against the Delhi Daredevils, Shahid Afridi’s verbal spat with Shane Warne and Sohail Tanvir awkwardly ambling in for the Rajasthan Royals?

Mumbai attacks happened, and that was that as far as the fortunes of the Pakistani players in the IPL were concerned. With players being regularly auctioned for crores of rupees, one can only imagine the price tag Shadab Khan’s googlies and Fakhar Zaman’s square cut would have earned.

For almost a decade, Pakistan’s T20 specialists eyed the IPL wistfully. They would get an occasional stint in the Big Bash League in Australia or the Caribbean Premier League, but with no cricket at home, the situation was bleak. Fast forward to executive turned cricket administrator Zaka Ashraf and we had the first of the many failed attempts to launch Pakistan’s own lucrative T20 tournament. Logos were unveiled, ribbons were cut and applause showered, but for what seemed like an eternity for Pakistan cricket it all amounted to nothing. With Pakistan’s stadiums closed to foreign teams, the staging of a tournament abroad seemed unexciting and somewhat impossible.

Enter Najam Sethi. Who would have thought that it would take the tact and streamlined thinking of a journalist to pull off the biggest coup for Pakistan cricket since the 1992 World Cup triumph? Bit by bit, it all came together. Newer logos were unveiled, sponsors signed on, big-name businesses made bids for the teams and venues were picked. Pakistan stood still in anticipation, on the verge of something potentially game-changing.

Three years later, the PSL is an established product in the T20 tournament circuit and a household name in Pakistan. With Schon-group owned Multan Sultans joining the fray, this year’s iteration promises to be jam-packed with nail-biting finishes alongside good quality cricket. Three years on, Pakistan cricket is already reaping the benefits sowed by the PSL.

Firstly and most importantly is the financial aspect. Ever since the attack on the Sri Lankan team and consequently being stripped of the hosting rights of the 2011 World Cup, the PCB’s finances have been in disarray. Forced to play in rented and what is worse, empty grounds made matters worse. The PSL was a much-needed injection of cash into the PCB’s revenue stream with sponsors, airtime rights and ticket sales adding to the tally.

With three games scheduled to be held in Pakistan this year, the latter promises to skyrocket, especially for the Karachi game. Not only is the PSL a boon for the board but also for the players. Pakistani players are amongst those who receive the lowest remuneration in world cricket. The PSL is a welcome source of income for these players, especially whose international careers are over.

Second is the cricketing aspect; the exposure that our players get by interacting and playing with big-name foreign players such as Brendon McCullum, Chris Lynn and Kevin Pietersen. On the back of mingling with these players, our youngsters are ready as ever for the international scene once they break on to it.

Having experienced pressure situations against quality oppositions, these players are much more polished. This is evidenced by the youthful perspicacity of Shadab, a precocious character when it comes to the cricket field. Not only does the league develop and nurture talent, but it also propels that talent into the spotlight. Every year, the PSL has given at least two or three readymade products eager to be selected for the national side.

These include Shadab, Sharjeel, Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Ali amongst others. Slowly but steadily, the PSL is changing the culture of cricket in Pakistan.

Youthful exuberance and aggression have been given preference over archaic methods. This is evidenced by recent selection decisions. Overall, the batting is now more attacking, and bowling smarter. All of these signs are a breath of fresh air and welcome signs for a side that is forced to play in the torrid heat on borrowed stadiums that are not cost-effective.

As the third edition of the PSL approaches, Pakistan sits pretty on top of the T20 rankings and as defending champions of the Champions Trophy. Not all of this is owed to the PSL, but much is. One cannot help but wonder that if this is what two iterations of the tournament gave us, where will be after ten. We can only hope that bigger and better things await.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/200763/the-significance-of-the-psl/

 

Two-Day workshop on DRS for Umpires and Referees at NCA, Lahore

Lahore February 13, 2018: The PCB is organizing a two-day Workshop (February 13-14, 2018) on the Decision Review System (DRS) for Umpires & Match Referees commencing from today at the NCA. Mr. Denis Burns, Umpires Coach, International Cricket Council (ICC), will conduct the workshop.

HBL Pakistan Super League (HBL PSL) third edition is scheduled to commence in UAE from February 22, 2018. It may be recalled that the Decision Review System (DRS) was used for the first time in T20 matches during the 2017 PSL. With the ICC Standard Playing Conditions for T20 matches now having adopted DRS for T20 matches, the PSL's third Season will feature DRS in all matches.

http://www.pcb.com.pk/press-release-detail/two-day-workshop-on-drs-for-umpires-and-referees.html

 

PSL recap: The crests and troughs of Pakistan's beloved T20 league

It hasn't taken long for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to become a staple in Pakistani cricket fans' calendar. The turn of each year now serves as a reminder that the annual edition of Pakistan's biggest sporting spectacle is just around the corner.

Less than three years into its inception, the PCB product, still nascent compared to its rivals, has taken shape. Fanbases have grown, new franchises are being added, talent is being cultivated and, more importantly, money is being made.

Even the side quest of bringing international cricket back to Pakistan has seen a decent amount of progress, evident by last year's final and the subsequent visits of World XI and Sri Lanka.

All this goes to prove that the PSL is now a moderately established brand and has at least the basic mechanism firmly in place. It may not be running as clockwork just yet, but it's getting there.

Like with most things Pakistan, however, the voyage of its flagship cricket league wasn't all smooth sailing. It's success hasn't been without setbacks and its progress not without potholes.

To jog our readers' memories, Dawn.com has recapped the first two PSL tournaments:

The genesis
PCB, many seem to believe, was the last major cricketing board to venture into the T20 league sphere. But easily ignored is the fact that the PSL is only a shinier, more developed and glamorous version of the National T20 Cup, which the PCB had started way back in 2004. Ergo, contrary to popular belief, Pakistan had a T20 league several years before Indian Premier League came along and changed the landscape of the cricketing calendar.


Sialkot Stallions pose for a group photo after winning the Super 8 T20 Cup 2015. — File

The National T20 Cup, which effectively was the precursor to the PSL, ran for almost a decade before PCB pulled the plug on it. But a stickler for technicalities could argue that the National T20 Cup and the PSL were still completely separate entities and that the latter had no real connection with the former. In that case, the idea of PSL is believed to have been first conceived somewhere during ex-PCB chairmen Dr Nasim Ashraf and Zaka Ashraf's eras.

As badly as they wanted to have a cash-cow of their own to rival the IPL, the two Ashrafs, however, could not manage to set the wheels in motion. It was only after Najam Sethi assumed the office that the idea looked like turning into a reality.

Two cancellations, one changing of venues from Qatar to UAE and a lot of scepticism later, Sethi and co got the ball rolling. The first five franchises were sold for a combined $93 million, whereas a prominent banking giant was roped in as title sponsor. Players from 11 countries were picked in the first-ever PSL Draft.

Meanwhile, Ali Zafar, the unofficial voice of the PSL, cooked up a killer anthem interspersed with a trumpet riff that has since become the default sound effect for all things PSL.

All systems were go. Finally.

The opening stanza
Reggae singer Sean Paul set the tone in the opening ceremony as PSL 1 got off to a flying start. Despite it not being played in Pakistan, the PSL saw overwhelming support from Pakistani TV viewers and attracted more eyeballs than even the ICC World Cup had in the country the previous year.


Misbah-ul-Haq in action during the first PSL. — File

Much was expected of the Karachi Kings and the Lahore Qalandars, owing to them representing the two biggest Pakistani cities; but surprisingly, both fared horribly. The Kings finished second-last, but only because the last place was already occupied by their fellow struggling giants: the Qalandars.

Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, the least expensive franchises in the competition, dominated the league stage, each finishing with 12 points.

While the two giants became the butt of all jokes and the two minnows earned all the plaudits, the fifth franchise, Islamabad United, stayed clear of all the hullabaloo, doing just enough to earn qualify for the play-offs.

Come play-offs, however, the capital city side exploded, annihilating Karachi and Peshawar before doing the same to Quetta in the final.

History had been made. Islamabad United were the champions!

The horror show
The debut PSL season exceeded all expectations. For 20 days, the people of Pakistan ate, breathed and slept PSL. All said and done, the PCB, Sethi claimed, even managed to rake in a profit of $2.6 million. Encouraged by that success, the stakes were raised even higher for the follow-up season, with the tournament final scheduled in Lahore.

Ali Zafar conjured up an even better anthem this time around in the form of Ab Khel Jamay Ga (Now the stage is set), while Shaggy headlined the list of stars who performed at the opening ceremony. What could go wrong?


Sharjeel and Latif were at the centre of the biggest controversy PSL has yet faced. — File

Tragedy hit the 2017 PSL on February 10 — the day after it had begun. Spot-fixing, suspensions, scapegoating ... the drill is not unknown to fans of cricket in this country. To some, it was the players' fault, for others, the PCB was to be blamed. Knowing Pakistan cricket, this was simply inevitable. A catastrophe was overdue, a catastrophe was served.

Sethi and co do deserve points for not letting that nightmare derail the tournament.

Back to the game
The group stage matches were uncharacteristically low-scoring for a T20 league, although it also meant that several games went down to the wire, which only added to the league's entertainment.

On the points table, some changes had taken place, but they weren't resounding enough to cause a major ripple. The Qalandars were slightly better but still not better enough to vacate the bottom spot, whereas Zalmi and Gladiators, the two giant-slaying minnows, weren't as dominant but still had enough to occupy the top two spots — just like they had during group stages the previous year.

The Gladiators edged out Zalmi by one run in the first qualifier before defending champions Islamabad, weakened by the loss of their spot-fixers, bowed out with a defeat to the Kings.

Zalmi then knocked out the Kings to reach the final in Lahore.


Spectators at the PSL final at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. — AFP


But a terrorism attack on February 13 meant that staging the final in Lahore was a challenge in itself. Sethi, however, persevered and made the final in Lahore happen.

The Gladiators were handicapped by the absence of several of their star players, who had refused to make the trip. Their absence showed in the final, as Zalmi exploited their opponents' weakness and coasted to an easy win.

There were new champions in town!

The innings ahead
The task now for Zalmi is to not let that success get to their heads in season 3. That Islamabad United had looked sluggish in their title defence even before the spot-fixing fiasco left a gaping hole in their batting is something Zalmi should take note of. Glory can turn a franchise into a dynasty but it can also trigger a tailspin.


Sammy and Samuels lift the PSL 2017 trophy. — File


Retaining their crown could be even more difficult for Zalmi as they now have a sixth rival in the form of Multan Sultans. Meanwhile, perennial bottom-dwellers Lahore and others have made off-season moves that have boosted their ranks.

Pakistan cricket has a long history of oscillating between crests and troughs. The spot-fixing scandal of 2017 certainly felt like a trough. Here's hoping that come PSL 2018 time we're nearing the peaks.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1388573/psl-recap-the-crests-and-troughs-of-pakistans-beloved-t20-league

 

Foreign players touring Pakistan critical for PSL 3’s success

ICC security consultant Reg Dickason has said that he is ‘very very satisfied’ with the security arrangements to host the final of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League at National Stadium Karachi on March 25.

“From what we have seen today and what was demonstrated and documentation and level of commitment by all of these people here, I am very very satisfied,” Dickason said.

“It was such comprehensive, thorough and professional presentation with the efforts of all agencies including that of Najam Sethi from the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB] and the board’s security department. It is very encouraging and it will be reflected in any subsequent report I will give to the PCB and the ICC.”

Karachi hasn’t hosted an international contest for almost a decade. The last match at the National Stadium was a Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which preceded the one at Lahore that became the scene of the terror attack on the visiting side.

Hosting the final in Karachi will be extremely crucial in further normalising the return of international cricket to Pakistan, with all action since the attack on the Sri Lankan team limited to Lahore, where artificial conditions are created to ensure security.

The necessity of those arrangements notwithstanding, the expansion of host cities across Pakistan would add to the trust of foreign athletes and teams and create further normalcy for the country as a regular host for prolonged tours.

Should all go according to plan, PSL would continue to show progress in its already successful task of bringing international cricket back. While the first edition was about getting things underway, it was the final of the second that properly opened the doors for foreign cricketers – amidst tense circumstances, with last year’s final having been preceded by terror attacks.

And so playoffs in Lahore and the final in Karachi would demonstrate a continuity of the boxes being ticked, with next year bringing even more PSL games home, and in between more international teams touring Pakistan.

As far as this particular front is concerned, the success of PSL 3 would heavily depend on the foreign stars agreeing to tour Lahore and Karachi for the playoffs and the final. While they might take encouragement from the entire Peshawar Zalmi foreign contingent coming to Lahore last season, and the World XI and Sri Lanka sides that have played in Pakistan since, the foreign players would understandably need reassurances – especially, perhaps, with regards to Karachi, which despite having witnessed a turnaround in security situation hasn’t hosted an international cricket match for a while.

In this regard, the noise coming from most camps is positive. Salman Iqbal, the owner of Kings, the team from Karachi where the final would be held, said that almost all the foreign players from their squad were ready to tour.

“Six of our seven players are ready to come and play in Pakistan [from the beginning]. Eoin Morgan, who has commitments to other leagues, [is the sole exception]. He will be coming late and will be leaving early,” he said.

The same is true for Quetta Gladiators, last year’s runners-up that suffered from the absence of all their foreign stars last year and had to field a second-string line-up.

“With the sole exception of Kevin Pietersen, all the foreign players of our squad have expressed their willingness to play in Pakistan this time around. Even the flamboyant England batsman (Pietersen) may come and play in our cities,” Nadeem Omar, the Gladiators owner, said.

Similarly, one would expect other franchises to generate similar noise, with defending champions Zalmi leading the way after convincing all their international stars to tour Pakistan last year under testing conditions.

Of course, a lot would depend on the security situation in Pakistan, especially Lahore and Karachi over the next month or so as well. What is positive is that the frequency of terror attacks has significantly reduced all over the country. However, it takes one unfortunate incident to bring question marks into play.

Hence, it is important for all six PSL franchises to make sure the right vibe is on display and everyone’s gearing up for the final three matches in Pakistan. How big a hit PSL 3 turns out to be will depend on that.

https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/20...touring-pakistan-critical-for-psl-3s-success/

 

Sachal Ensemble added attraction at PSL opening

LAHORE: There is an addition of an act in the queue sheet of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) opening ceremony that would mesmerize the fans with Sachal Ensemble which would also present a powerful rendition of the National Anthem.

The annual T20 competition featuring emerging and established Pakistani players along with several international ones, is all set to return with its third edition later this month. More to the point, the upcoming edition will continue as a platform where the best of cricket meets the best of entertainment. Though we have seen some international cricketers playing in Pakistan (in the 2017 World XI tour of Pakistan as well as the coming of Zimbabwean cricket team), by and large Pakistan continues to play international cricket overseas on grounds of security issues.

It is for this reason that PSL is so important because it brings hope that we are inching towards a time when matches can be held in the country in peaceful fashion. And this year the PSL final is scheduled to take place in Karachi, a city that hasn’t seen international cricket since 2009.

Apart from the presence of several celebrities, as has been witnessed in the last two editions, this year’s PSL will be marked by an opening ceremony that will feature a glorious display of fireworks and several worthwhile performances.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/281197-sachal-ensemble-added-attraction-at-psl-opening

 

Tickets for PSL Lahore matches go on sale

LAHORE: Tickets for Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches scheduled to be held in Lahore have been put on sale, according to Geo News on Thursday.

The two play-off matches of the third addition of the PSL which begins on Feb 22, would be played at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 20 and 21.

Tickets would be available at the specific branches of a courier company at Rs1000 for General Enclosure and Rs6000 for VIP enclosure.

Tickets for the final to be played in Karachi's National Stadium on March 25 would go on sale from Saturday.

According the sceduled issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board, 34 matches of the tournament would be played at four different locations that include Dubai, Sharjah, Lahore and Karachi.

The event will kick stat with a match between defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and PSL debutants Multan Sultans on February 22 at 10:00 pm Pakistan time.

Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, Peshawar Zalmi, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultan are taking part in the third season of the PSL.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/281452-psl-lahore-matches-go-on-sale

 

PSL3 will be even more competitive, promises Haroon Rasheed

KARACHI: The six Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams have started to gather in Dubai for the third edition of the tournament and former cricketers believe this year’s edition will be more entertaining and competitive than the precious two ones.

Lahore Qalandars became the first team to reach the UAE on Thursday, nine days before they take on newcomers Multan Sultan on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Pakistan Cricket Board Director Cricket Operations Haroon Rasheed believes the addition of Multan Sultan means the league will now be even more difficult to win and the gap between the sides has decreased even further.

“All teams are well prepared for the competition. They have been practicing here in Pakistan and will also have some days to practice in Dubai,” he told The Express Tribune. “The earlier a team reaches the UAE, the more advantage it will have over other teams.”

However, Rasheed said there is only so much you can do in terms of preparation at this level. “No matter how hard you prepare, on match day all it takes are a few good overs with the bat or the ball to turn the game on its head. Even in previous seasons, we have seen that matches are more than capable of producing a twist in the tale.”

Rasheed feels that each team has three or four players who can change the game around for this side; meaning that predicting this year’s competition is going to be harder than ever.

“Every team has selected their power hitters and will be relying on them since one good innings from them can make all the difference,” he said.

Talking about the matches to be played in Pakistan, Rasheed said they have had an amazing response for them.

“The response we have received from the fans, especially for the final to be held in Karachi, is incredible and something we have been waiting for a long time,” he said. “Karachi has now been given security clearance after the visit of the security consultants. Once the final is held in Karachi, teams will start touring the city just like they are now touring Lahore. Hopefully in three or four years, we can have international cricket back in the country.”

Peshawar Zalmi arrive in Dubai on Friday, Quetta Gladiators on Saturday, Karachi Kings on Sunday and Multan Sultans do so on Monday — just a couple of days before the league’s opening game between them and defending champions Peshawar Zalmi.

Power-hitters to decide PSL, says Imran Nazir

Pakistani opening batsman Imran Nazir believes the team with the most explosive batsmen will be the one to claim the third edition of the league.

“The shortest format of the game is made for batsmen,” he said. “It a batsman’s game and it’s really hard for the bowlers to restrict the batsmen. Bowlers used to get hit all over the park when the format began but have since then developed a lot of tricks and variations to keep the batsmen in check. However, the batsmen have now also gotten used to these tricks. So while it has become a little harder for batsmen, the team with the most power-hitters and game changers still is the one that usually wins.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1636677/7-psl3-will-even-competitive-promises-haroon-rasheed/

 

I hope we get HD coverage in the UK!

 

Sharjah to provide treat for Quetta, Peshawar fans

Venue to stage 13 matches of the Pakistan Super League with nine double headers

Sharjah. Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi, two of the favourite teams of the Sharjah cricket fans, will clash on the first two days of the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

After the opening ceremony of the PSL at the Dubai cricket stadium on February 22 and followed by five days of action in Dubai, the league will be played at the Sharjah Stadium from February 28. The first match is scheduled between Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United followed by Gladiators taking on Peshawar Zalmi.

Sharjah fans are mostly made up of Pathans and hence both the teams will have huge following.

The PSL which used to be contested by five teams such as Peshawar Zalmis, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United will have a new sixth team in Multan Sultans, mentored by former national skipper Wasim Akram.

Sharjah Stadium, which is currently hosting the Afghanistan-Zimbabwe One-day series and will host its 236th One day match today (February 19), is gearing up for the PSL with banners emerging in and around the stadium.

Sharjah will host 13 matches from February 28 till March 4 and then again on March 13 to March 16. Over these nine days, March 2 and 3 and March 15 and 16 will be double headers.

Commenting on the start of the third edition of PSL in Sharjah, Waleed Bukhatir, the Vice-Chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Club, said: “It’s now 35 years since this venue hosted an intense match between Gavaskar XI and the Miandad XI in 1981 and our aim has always been to invite the best of the world to enjoy the magic that makes Sharjah such an epic venue for cricket. Once again, we have 13 games of what I believe will all be too close to call.”

Sharjah Cricket Club general manager Mazhar Khan who made sure that the pitches are favourable for T20 matches said: “We want the fans to get their money’s worth and ensure that every game is an experience. That is what Sharjah does; it gives cricket that extra boost. And with the top players taking part, the lovers of cricket are in for a great treat.”

http://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/p...vide-treat-for-quetta-peshawar-fans-1.2175570

 

ITU to prepare android scoring app for PSL

LAHORE: The Information Technology University of the Punjab (ITU) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Sunday for using of android app titled Insights in upcoming third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) at Gaddafi Stadium. Dr Umar Saif, ITU vice chancellor, and Najam Aziz Sethi, the PCB chairman, will sign the MoU.

Insight andriod app is a unique match analysis and scoring facility developed by ITU for upcoming edition of Pakistan Super League and domestic matches in Pakistan including Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Pakistan Cup, etc. The system has been developed with input and guidance from cricket experts like Inzamam ul Haq, legendary Pakistan batsman, current chief selector of Pakistan cricket team and Mushtaq Ahmed, head coach of National Cricket academy. Detailed evaluation sessions were conducted with these mentors and PCB support staff such as analysts, scorers, trainers and other coaches.

https://dailytimes.com.pk/204196/itu-prepare-android-scoring-app-psl/

 

Sharjah Cricket Stadium all geared up to host PSL season three

The third Pakistan Super League takes off Feb. 22 with the new sixth team, Multan Sultans, mentored by former national skipper Wasim Akram adding further zest to the format.

The other five teams are the Peshawar Zalmis, Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United.

Following the draft on Nov. 12 in Lahore the evenly balanced teams will make for a very exciting competition and it will be difficult to guess who will emerge first among equals.

The iconic Sharjah Cricket stadium will host 13 matches starting Feb. 28 through to March 4 and then again March 13 to March 16. Over these nine days, March 2 and 3 and March 15 and 16 will be doubleheaders.

Commenting on the hosting of this prestigious tournament, the Vice Chairman of the Sharjah Cricket Club Waleed Bukhatir expressed his delight that the PSL had returned to Sharjah.

"The top players in the world congregate once again at the stadium," he said. "For over 35 years ever since that historic match between the Gavaskar XI and the Miandad XI in 1981 our aim has been to invite the best of the world to enjoy the magic that makes Sharjah such an epic venue for cricket. Once again, we have 13 games of what I believe will all be too close to call."

Getting the act together on the spot, Mazhar Khan, Sharjah Cricket Club General Manager, added that the pitches are being prepared with the T20 in mind and will deliver. "We want the fans to get their money's worth and ensure that every game is an experience. That is what Sharjah does; it gives cricket that extra boost. And with the top players taking part, the lovers of cricket are in for a great treat."

The tournament will get off to a start with the opening ceremony at the Dubai cricket stadium on Feb 22 followed by the first match between Peshawar Zalmi and newcomers Multan Sultans.

Among the foreign players drafted into the League are Samuel Badree, Andre Russel, Luke Ronchi for Islamabad United; Ravi Bopara, Lendl Simmons and Eoin Morgan for Karachi Kings; Shakib Al Hasan, Darren Sammy, Chris Jordan and Dwayne Bravo will do duty for Peshawar Zalmi while Kevin Pietersen and Shane Watson will wear the colours of Quetta Gladiators.

On the field for Lahore Qalanders are Sunil Narine, Brendon McCullum and Mustafizur Rehman. Multan Sultans bring to bear the might of Kieron Pollard, Kumar Sangakkara and Darren Bravo.

https://m.khaleejtimes.com/sharjah-cricket-stadium-all-geared-up-to-host-psl-season-three

 

Ramiz Raja predicts this South African cricketer to be the best player in PSL 2018

Former Pakistani cricketer Ramiz Raja is hoping for some very exciting brand of cricket to be played in the 2018 edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The tournament has managed to become a massive hit for the T20 cricket fans. The first two editions of the tournament have been smash hits. With the finals of the previous edition being played in Lahore, Pakistan, the expectations and the following of the tournament has increased manifold among the fans.

And the 2018 edition of the PSL promises to be a bigger and a better affair than the two previous editions. There is a new franchise that is all set to enter the PSL roster. Multan Sultans will be making their debut in the tournament this year. Also, the number of matches have increased season. Some of the biggest stars of world cricket have signed up for the tournament this year.

Furthermore, all the playoffs matches are scheduled to be played in Pakistan this year. Certainly, the buzz around the tournament is bound to soar higher and higher. The tournament commences on February 22 in Dubai. The first match of the tournament will be played between the defending champions Peshawar Zalmi and PSL latest franchise Multan Sultans.

Ramiz Raja looking forward to PSL 2018
With the tournament a few days away, Ramiz Raja, who will be a part of the commentary panel, has expressed his excitement about the tournament. Also, as per the quotes in brecorder, Ramiz picked one South African player, who he believes will be the best player in the tournament. And that player is JP Duminy.

He conceded that Islamabad United have made a very smart buy in the form of Duminy this season. Duminy will be playing alongside Pakistan former captain and United skipper Misbah ul Haq, Alex Hales, Andre Russell, Shadab Khan, and Luke Ronchi in the tournament this year.

“I believe that Islamabad United’s pick Duminy is pretty good, as he plays outstandingly well against the spin and is tremendous while running between the wicket. He is also a great fielder, who can bowl off spin as well,” Ramiz Raja quoted.

https://www.crictracker.com/ramiz-raja-predicts-south-african-cricketer-best-player-psl-2018/

 

PSL 3 trophy to be unveiled in Dubai tomorrow

LAHORE: The wait for the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is almost over: before the cricketing action gets underway from February 22, a ceremony to unveil the glittering winners’ trophy will be held in Dubai on Tuesday (tomorrow).

The silverware for the tournament will be unveiled to the public at the Dubai International Stadium. According to sources, the trophy will be brought to the venue via a helicopter, from where it will be received by the captains of the PSL teams.

Defending champions Peshawar Zalmi skipper Darren Sammy will then carry the trophy to the ceremony.

The event will be attended by the managements and owners of the PSL franchises, along with top officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board.

The opening ceremony for the tournament will be held on February 22, ahead of the first match between Peshawar Zalmi and debutants Multan Sultans.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/182620-psl-3-trophy-to-be-unveiled-in-dubai-tomorrow

 

Lowdown on tournament being played in UAE and Pakistan

The HBL Pakistan Super League is returning to the UAE, with Peshawar Zalmi set to start their title defence on the opening night at Dubai International Stadium on Thursday February 22.

What is it?

The newly-expanded six-team competition is a franchise Twenty20 League run by the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Because of security concerns back in Pakistan, it has been staged in the UAE since its launch in 2016, but moves have gradually been made to take the sport – and the league – back there since.

Peshawar Zalmi, led by the two-time World T20-winning captain Darren Sammy, were victorious last year when they beat Quetta Gladiators in the final in Lahore.

What is new?

For the first time since its inception, the league has expanded. There is one additional team joining the five who have played previously. Multan Sultans have joined.

They will be led by Shoaib Malik, who started out the first PSL as Karachi Kings’ captain, but did not even make it through the first season before passing on the mantle.

Another new feature of PSL 3 is that more matches will be played in Pakistan. Extensive efforts, including a massive security presence, were made to bring last year’s final back to Lahore.

After that trial run went off without a hitch, two play-off matches have been scheduled for Lahore this year, with the final set for Karachi on March 21.

Who is playing?

The tournament involves the leading Pakistan national team players, while each team must also include an “emerging player” in each starting XI.

Allied to that, PSL 3 has perhaps the best batch yet of overseas players since it started three seasons ago. Established names like Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Bravo and Eoin Morgan will be involved, while a set of players making their name specifically in T20 are also due to feature.

This includes the likes of New Zealander Colin Munro and the exciting Barbados-born fast bowler Jofra Archer.

What else should we look out for?

Andre Russell is making his return after a doping ban. The popular Jamaican all-rounder is one of a group of players who are featuring in the PSL rather than as part of West Indies’ bid to qualify for the 2019 World Cup via a tournament in Zimbabwe than runs from March 4 to 25.

Rashid Khan, the leg-spinner from Afghanistan, will briefly feature, before heading off to play for his national team in that Qualifier in Bulawayo.

Past champions?

Islamabad United overcame an indifferent start to life as a PSL franchise by making a late surge to win the inaugural title in Dubai in 2016.

Their defence 12 months ago was derailed by a variety of off-field issues, with one of their 2016 stars, opener Sharjeel Khan, being suspended – and later banned for five years – for corruption.

Peshawar Zalmi, who have proved to be the most popular – and successful – team at matches in the UAE won in 2017. They benefitted from being able to retain all their overseas regulars, including their hero Sammy, for the trip to Lahore for the final.

The likes of Kevin Pietersen and Tymal Mills opted out of making the journey due to security fears, meaning Quetta Gladiators had to bolster their squad by picking up players from a reserve pool.

Tickets?

A “global pass” that entitles the bearer to unlimited visits to matches at Dubai International Stadium, is available. These cost Dh289 for general admission seats, Dh502 for international, and Dh999 for premium east.

Tickets can be bought online at http://www.psl-t20.com, or via www.q-tickets.com/psl2018/eventslist.aspx.

They can also be bought in person at selected outlets of Al Ghurair International Exchange, Al Fardan Exchange, Karachi Darbar, Delhi Nihari, Sind Punjab Restaurant, Leopard Courier and Filli Cafe.

https://www.thenational.ae/sport/cr...ent-being-played-in-uae-and-pakistan-1.705935

 

Pakistan Super League's impact on Pakistan cricket far reaching as third edition approaches

Come Thursday, the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will get underway in all its glory at the Dubai International Stadium as Peshawar Zalmi take on Multan Sultans in the tournament opener.

Pakistan’s premier T20 competition has come a long way since its maiden edition in 2016 where it started with five franchises in tow. With international cricket still a rarity in the country following the terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus in 2009, it was Pakistan’s adopted home, the UAE, which played host to the inaugural edition.

The brainchild of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi, the PSL’s goals were ambitious to say the least. Meant to be Pakistan’s answer to the Indian Premier League (IPL), the PSL was supposed to become the cash-cow of the governing body while also churning out future stars for the national team.

While the results of the former are mixed and ambiguous to say the least, there is no denying that the latter aspect has largely paid off. It is no coincidence that there has been an upturn in Pakistan’s limited-overs performance since the advent of the PSL.

That Sarfraz Ahmed’s men captured the adulation of the cricketing world with their fairytale triumph at the ICC Champions Trophy in England last year and are currently the No1 ranked team in T20Is is in some part, down to having a competition of the ilk of the PSL.

Players like Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman and Hasan Ali, all had breakthrough performances in the league which caught the eyes of the Pakistan selectors.

On the financial aspect, the maiden season was an all-round success with a profit of US$2.6 million being announced. The profits this time around are estimated to be less, approximately $1m, though it remains unconfirmed. That slow down, can largely be attributed to the finals of the second season being held in Lahore.

The PSL was seen as a vehicle to rekindle international cricket in the country and with international stars like Darren Sammy flying in for the finals, it was a start. That paved the way somewhat for the ICC World XI which toured Pakistan later in the year followed by Sri Lanka for a lone T20I. Soon, the West Indies will tour for a three-match T20I series.

This year, the PSL will see a total of three matches being held on home soil with Lahore hosting both semi-finals and Karachi the summit clash which is another improvement in that regard.

So there remains no doubt that the impact of the PSL has been far reaching and will only continue to grow. Now if only they could raise the attendances figures in the UAE, that would be swell.

http://sport360.com/article/cricket...cket-far-reaching-as-third-edition-approaches

 

PSL teams gear up with intense practice

Dubai. All the six teams of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) commenced their intense training to get acclimatised to the conditions in the UAE. The third edition is set to commence from Thursday at the Dubai International Stadium with the new team Multan Sultans taking on defending champions Peshawar Zalmi in the opening match after the opening ceremony.

Peshawar began their preparation with a practice match at the International Cricket Council Academy’s Oval ground against Quetta Gladiators. A determined Quetta, led by Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmad, pulled off an eight runs victory to announce what is in store with them in the coming days.

Batting first, Quetta posted 130 runs in 19.4 overs. Rameez Raja Jr scored 24 runs while Saud Shakeel top scored with 36 runs off 30 balls. Sameen Gul was the pick among the Peshawar bowlers bagging four wickets for 24 runs.

Peshawar chased through opener Kamran Akmal, who cracked 50 runs before he retired out. Tight bowling from Quetta’s Mir Hamza and Rahat Ali with two wickets each resulted in Peshawar being restricted to 128 in 17.1 overs.

Among the top players that came out for practice at the ICC Academy was Lahore Qalandars captain Brendon McCullum.

Commenting on returning to lead the squad, McCullum said: “It is great to be back playing in the PSL. This is my second time here for PSL but lovely to see the third edition here. We made some very good signing up of players and so we have got some very good team. Couple of disappointing years for us and so maybe this is the year we can stand up and really show the skills and talents we have and put it all together out on the field for the people of Lahore and all the supporters of Qalandars all over the world.”

Talking about the make-up of his team, McCullum said: “I am very pleased to be with the many youngsters in the team especially Fakhar Zaman. He is going to do great thing as he is a fantastic talent and we have a great coach in Aaqib Javed. He has played a prominent role since he took up the role and for the last one year he has done wonderful things with the other support staff. Hopefully we will play well and give our best and plan to play fearless cricket and we will make our purpose worth here.”

England batsman Rikki Wessels, who has joined Peshawar Zalmi as the seventh foreign player was the centre of attraction. He is the son of former South African captain Kepler Wessels. Talking about being part of the Peshawar team, he said: “It is great to be part of a championship winning side and it was nice to get into the middle and get some practice.”

When asked about how is it to be introduced as son of the great Wessels he said: “It’s great though I am playing a format in which he hasn’t played and I feel immensely proud of my father and great to be his son. I am looking forward to the matches as defending champions we will be playing the first match and a win on the first day will be nice.”

http://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/p...teams-gear-up-with-intense-practice-1.2176160

 

All PSL captains are inspirational: Sethi

Dubai: Najam Sethi, chief of Pakistan Super League, who conceptualised the tournament hailed the six captains of the third edition of the event as inspirational leaders.

Sethi called Darren Sammy, the captain of the Peshawar Zalmi team, a superstar. “Sammy is a superstar back in Pakistan. We are indebted to him for the courage with which he came to Lahore, stood there and won the hearts of everyone. He is a household name in Pakistan,” he said.


Sethi went on to address Misbah UL Haq, the captain of the Islamabad United, as Pakistan’s greatest captain. “He is possibly the greatest captain, certainly as far as statistics are concerned one of the greatest captains of the Pakistan cricket team. Apart from the laurels that he has piled up at his doorstep — there is a mountain of them — he is a unique man. I haven’t met a more humble person and a truer gentleman. He epitomises the phrase that cricket is a gentleman’s game. I hope other captains emulate him.”

Sethi called Shoaib Malek, who will lead new team Multan Sultans as the mainstay of Pakistan batting. He went on to thank Lahore Qalandars’ captain Brendon McCullum for taking interest in PSL and said: McCullum is looking fit as ever and is a wonderful sportsman.”

Sethi also had a word of praise for Imad Wasim, the young captain of Karachi Kings. “Imad is one of our most talented all-rounders. If he can lift the silverware with Karachi this year, I tell you he is in our sight to maybe lead Pakistan in the future.”

Sethi finally hailed Sarfraz Ahmad, the captain of Quetta Gladiators. “He is a man who brought untold joy and ecstasy by winning the Champions Trophy. If someone can lead the Green Shirts, they can lead any side in the world.”

http://gulfnews.com/sport/cricket/p...sl-captains-are-inspirational-sethi-1.2176764

 

Arrangements Finalized To Make PSL Successful: Najam Sethi

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 20th Feb, 2018 ):Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Najam Sethi Tuesday said arrangements had been finalized to make the third edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) successful.

"We had already organized two successful editions of the PSL," he said talking to a private news channel.


He said all the franchises had paid the due amount for PSL and expressed the hope that people would enjoy the matches.

Efforts were underway to organize the matches of PSL 2019 in Pakistan, he added. Sethi said the PSL had paved the way for revival of international cricket in Pakistan. The West Indies would play a series in Pakistan after PSL 2018 while Pakistan would also play series with Australia and New Zealand in Malaysia, he added.

He said the PCB would take steps to curb match fixing in the PSL.

https://www.urdupoint.com/en/sports/arrangements-finalized-to-make-psl-successful-264947.html

 

PSL 2018 talking points: Darren Sammy the darling, Shahid Afridi the danger

A newly expanded HBL Pakistan Super League, which is due to culminate in matches in Lahore and Karachi, begins in Dubai on Thursday evening.

The third season of Pakistan’s Twenty20 competition has a variety of new players to be excited about, with the likes of Jofra Archer, Shaheen Afridi and Chris Lynn set to debut. It remains, though, an unpredictable tournament to call.

Peshawar Zalmi

Last season: champions

Darren Sammy often refers to himself as #ChocolateMan on his Twitter feed, and it is difficult to imagine he could be any more sweet.

Having taken his Peshawar Zalmi side – including the full quota of regular overseas players – to Lahore for last year’s final, Sammy is the darling of all PSL supporters, not just those of his franchise. Some have even taken to calling him Darren Sammy Khan.

His legacy is already entrenched, but he would be happy with another trip back to Pakistan next month.

“We as Peshawar are going to do our best to bring out the yellow storm and defend our title,” he said.

Quetta Gladiators

Last season: runners up

Sarfraz Ahmed attracted the biggest cheer of anyone at the well-populated trophy launch at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday.

Which is quite some commendation, given that he shared the stage with two highly-popular overseas figures in Sammy and Brendon McCullum, as well as Misbah-ul-Haq, statistically Pakistan’s most successful captain.

Overseeing last year’s Champions Trophy final win against India has obviously gained him a perhaps inexhaustible supply of credit in the bank.

He would not mind getting over his PSL hex, too, though, having seen his Quetta side lose the first two finals.

Karachi Kings

Last year: third

Sammy summed it up best when he looked across the top table at Tuesday’s trophy unveiling at Shahid Afridi, and said: “You look strange in blue, brother.”

Which he does. Afridi was the big off-season PSL trade, after switching the Peshawar franchise he started out captaining in 2016 for the Karachi Kings.

Salman Iqbal, the Karachi owner, is glad to have the player who has traditionally sold the most tickets of any Pakistani cricketer for matches in the UAE in the past.

On the field, Afridi’s leg-spin will complement an enviable bowling attack that will also involve captain Imad Wasim, Tymal Mills, Usman Shinwari, Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Irfan Jr.

Islamabad United

Last year: fourth

Few people are as well-credentialed as to cope with the sort of challenges that beset Islamabad United last year as Misbah, their captain.

First they lost Andre Russell, the star of their title win in 2016, to a one-year doping suspension, then they were afflicted by a spot-fixing controversy.

It showed in their performances, as the defending champions slipped towards the back of the pack, but they are back to contend again this year.

“All the teams are experienced, they know this franchise cricket, and the competition is getting tougher and tougher,” Misbah said.

Lahore Qalandars

Last year: fifth

Lahore’s chances of improving on their dismal finishes to the first two PSL seasons feels largely dependent on how Chris Lynn recovers from the shoulder injury he suffered in the Tri-Series final against New Zealand on Wednesday.

Lynn and Brendon McCullum, his captain at both Qalandars and Brisbane Heat, had been nicknamed the “Bash Brothers” in Australia.

“If you have friends in your team, it makes a great team,” Aaqib Javed, the Qalandars coach, said of the link-up between Lynn and McCullum.

“Lynn and Baz get along really well, and are top players. Lynn is the most valuable T20 player at the moment, so it is very exciting to have them together.”

Multan Sultans

New team

Najam Sethi, the PSL chairman, said the “the biggest leap forward” for PSL 3 is to have Multan Sultans involved for the first time.

The league felt ripe for expansion, and going from five teams to six should hardly be overly challenging.

Whether the new franchise can be competitive straight away is debatable, even if Sethi said they have “really shown the way forward”.

They will be captained by Shoaib Malik, who did a mediocre job in the same role with Karachi Kings in 2016, to the extent he had handed over the armband before the first season was out.

https://www.thenational.ae/sport/cr...the-darling-shahid-afridi-the-danger-1.706677

 

PSL 3.0 - Bigger, better, quieter

Wasim Akram once called it the 'biggest thing to happen for Pakistan cricket'. It keeps Shahid Afridi young. It allows the world to gawk at Kumar Sangakkara's drives, ogle at KP's switch-hits, one last time. Misbah's 'tuks' can be heard. It gives a few West Indians a legit excuse for not being available to help their team qualify for the World Cup. *Drumroll* It's another extravaganza from the conveyor belt of T20 leagues being churned out, only bigger, only cockier and yes, people are waiting for it.

The UAE, only a couple of days ago was called an over-expensive surrogate. But here it is, all dressed up, lit up for that one time of the year when the crowds actually come in. If not to watch the cricket, at least to chance their catching technique in the hope of a few grand thrown their way, or the 15 seconds the camera is willing to spend on them.

There was never a doubt about Pakistan being a precocious talent factory. The PSL, unlike its other league-colleagues, isn't meant to be a refinery. No, it's an exhibition, a slideshow, that helps bring this to the fore. Factor this, February 2017 - Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan - unheard, unseen. Fast forward to June 2017, and there they are, one stormy evening at The Oval, scoring centuries, bamboozling opponents as they lead Pakistan's charge to perhaps their sweetest memories in 50-over cricket since 1992. Thank the PSL. Well to be fair, had it not been for the PSL, Sharjeel Khan wouldn't have run out of his luck/mind (depending on which way the courts swing) and Fakhar's skills may have been limited to his drinks-carrying technique.

It's going to be a six-team season, with Multan Sultans being the new franchise. With a coach in Tom Moody, whose coaching footprints have reached Pakistan, a director in Wasim Akram and T20 globetrotters like Shoaib Malik, Kumar Sangakkara, Kieron Pollard, Imran Tahir and Sohail Tanvir in their ranks, they are already favourites on paper. They've got practically every base covered.

The Quetta Gladiators seem generally happy to sneak under the radar. They almost snuck their way to the title last year. Had it not been for the exodus of their star players they had to deal with, as they refused to travel to Lahore, they could well have had the trophy in their kitty. Having retained their batting core, the Sarfraz-led outfit have snapped up the current bowling sensations in the form of Rashid Khan and Jofra Archer. Let's not forget the trade-off to get Shane Watson, if not anything, it sure does make Islamabad poorer.

In a five-team tournament, you've got to be either extremely unlucky or extremely poor to not make it to the semis, twice. Lahore Qalanders were a bit of both. They'd be keen to make amends, if not for the fans, at least for the most passionate team owner there could possibly be, one who is happy to dance his heart out in front of thousands for every boundary scored. Brendon McCullum, Narine, Mustafizur and Fakhar know what it takes to win around the world, if only they could get their act together for the Qalanders.

Karachi Kings were not short on names last year, but they were short on results. They've cleaned up their old guard, releasing Gayle, Malik, Jayawardene, Sangakkara and Pollard, compensating them with Afridi. Islamabad United would hope to repeat their 2016 heroics and who better than Misbah-ul-Haq to still have around. Andre Russell is done serving his doping ban too and is on a mission.

A major factor to doing well in the play-offs this year would be about doing well in Karachi. And to do well in Karachi you need to be willing to travel to Karachi. Given the reluctance of most overseas players to go to Lahore last year, Peshawar Zalmi unsurprisingly hold on to their skipper, Darren Sammy. They've let go of Afridi though, and probably a zillion fans, but have roped in Dwayne Bravo and retained their local core of Wahab Riaz, Kamran Akmal and Hasan Ali in the quest to defend the title.

So then let's make way, for a festival, new names being made, old reputations getting crushed, loud team anthems, a louder tournament song and for the one month the desert comes alive. It could do without controversies, Pakistan have outrun their quota.

http://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/100531/psl-30-bigger-better-quieter-pakistan-super-league-2018

 

Wasim Akram highlights the importance of the Pakistan Super League

Former Pakistan captain and legendary paceman Wasim Akram highlighted the importance of the Pakistan Super League as the gateway for youngsters to get groomed and get an entry into the national team.

Wasim, now the director of the newest entry in the PSL Multan Sultans, hoped the PSL serves the purpose.

“PSL is our brand and it is the gateway for youngsters to enter in the national fray as it polishes the talent,” Wasim told ARY. “We saw that Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali coming to the national team from the first two editions of the PSL. They are doing well for Pakistan and proved that PSL is the gateway.”

Wasim said he has been telling the emerging players of the Multan Sultans to work hard and get groomed.

“I have been telling the emerging players to do well and get into the Pakistan team. That will be a big motivation. We have a thorough professional coach in Tom Moody,” said Wasim of the former Australian allrounder and ex-head coach of Sri Lanka.

Wasim promised that his team will fight till the last ball.

“I have told the players that winning or losing is part of the game but they should fight till the last ball of the match,” said Wasim, whose team opens their campaign with a match against title holders Peshawar Zalmi on Thursday.

Wasim said Multan Sultans have a very good following in South Punjab.

“PSL is getting popular day by day so that’s why we have made this Multan team and we have a great following in South Punjab so the league is spreading in whole Pakistan.”

Wasim welcomed the decision of hosting the final in Karachi, where he lives.

“Karachi is our own city, we have not seen big-time cricket in the city for some time now so everyone is excited about the final in Karachi and whole Karachi will be buzzing when the final will be played there on March 25.”

https://arysports.tv/wasim-akram-highlight-importance-pakistan-super-league/

 

Hope to see next PSL opening, closing ceremonies in Pakistan: Shehzad Roy

DUBAI: Famous singer and social activist Shehzad Roy on Wednesday expressed hope to see the next opening and closing ceremonies of the Pakistan Super League being held in Pakistan.

Speaking to Geo News, Roy said that people are hungry to watch cricket in the country.

“I think there should be more cricket matches and cricket concerts. I pray that next year, the opening and closing ceremonies of the PSL are held in Pakistan,” he said.

He further said that he is rooting for the Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans in the current edition of the T20 league.

The pop star added that flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi was initially reluctant to sing for the theme song of Karachi Kings but later did it on his insistence.

“I have sung Lo Phir Sey Millay with Afridi. He sang it very well,” the pop star said. “Afridi sang his lines in two to three minutes and is very excited about it.”

Roy said that it is very important for the children to play sports, and only achieving grades is not essential for a child.

"Unless sports are focused especially in government-run schools, we won't be getting good sportsmen,” he said.

https://www.geo.tv//psl/latest/1830...ng-closing-ceremonies-in-pak-says-shehzad-roy

 

Shehzad Roy, Hareem Farooq and more reveal their PSL faves

We're all feeling the PSL fever coming on and our celebs are no different.

Speaking at the artists' press conference held in Dubai today, stars like Shehzad Roy and Bilal Ashraf dished on their favourite teams.

Shehzad Roy, of course, is all about Karachi Kings since he's lent his voice to their anthem. "I support Karachi Kings because I've sung their anthem along with Shahid Afridi. Apart from that, Shoaib Malik is a favourite player of mine, so I'll be supporting the new team Multan Sultan."

Bilal Ashraf, on the other hand, has his eyes on Multan Sultans: "I want to see what the new team has to bring, with Wasim Akram [as director] and Shoaib Malik as the captain, they do have a good side and I really want to see what they do." He added that he also had a soft spot for Quetta Gladiators "because they were the underdogs" in the first season and Peshawar Zalmi that he thinks is a great team. "Zalmi brings that star power, but I really want to see what the team does without Lala (Shahid Afridi, who's since switched sides to Karachi Kings)."

Even though he's meant to be impartial, PSL Chairman Najam Sethi also let slip who he'd like to see qualify as the finalists! "Naturally, the cliche is 'may the best team win'. Having said that, it's a bit like India and Pakistan. If Karachi and Lahore end up in the finals, that would be really something. On the other hand, both teams have not done very well in the past. The earlier champsionships were won by Islamabad and Peshawar. Therefore, it's an open-ended game. All the six teams are neck to neck. It could be anybody's game."

https://images.dawn.com/news/1179516/shehzad-roy-hareem-farooq-and-more-reveal-their-psl-faves

 

Sallu expects high-voltage PSL this time

LAHORE: Former chief of the national selection committee Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday anticipated a great spectacle of activities with the third edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) about to start in Dubai.

Salahuddin, popularly known among the cricketing circles as Sallu, while talking to The News from Karachi, said the fans across and length of the country are waiting for the action to start when Peshawar Zalmi open their title defence against PSL debutants Multan Sultans.

“Credit must be given to PCB chairman Najam Sethi for initiating the PSL project despite opposition from some quarters. The country needed this league to come up. It has started to flourish by leaps and bounds,” Sallu said.

“As Sethi says this brand is here to stay for a long time. PSL is now spoken in the same length as other leagues around the world. The participation of top international players is a good indicator of PSL’s growing reputation in such a short span of time.”

Commenting on the upcoming edition, Salahuddin also expected fierce contests between six evenly-matched outfits. “The addition of Multan Sultans has already added to the excitement and once the competition begins, one can anticipate big crowds at all 34 matches, even though there are only three fixtures to be played in Pakistan,” he remarked. “The rapid growth of PSL is going to benefit Pakistan cricket in the long run because the exposure and limelight players, particularly the younger brigade, get help them improve their game.

“Just imagine what will actually happen when the PSL is held entirely in Pakistan. I think there would be a tremendous interest at every place for the sport. Sethi is working extremely hard to ensure international cricket makes a full-fledged return to Pakistan and the PSL is a test case in achieving that goal.

“Last year’s final generated great excitement in Lahore and the Gaddafi Stadium wore a look of festivities on the day of the match. This time, we should expect more of the same if not less and by choosing Karachi as the venue for the final, Sethi has delivered a clear message to the cricketing nations ‘that Pakistan is safe as any other country to host international cricket’ and that itself is a very commendable act from the PCB chairman.”

Salahuddin, who is also Advisor (South) to PCB chairman, while assessing the upcoming matches in the PSL, rated all teams equally. “You can’t say that so and so is favourite for the title. Every franchise has worked behind the scene in picking a good squad. And that’s a very good sign in the sense it would lead to close matches,” the former Test cricketer opined. “However, I must say that the presence of Shahid Afridi in Karachi Kings could well be a blessing in disguise. Shahid doesn’t need introduction and his huge popularity would itself inspire Karachi to play scintillating cricket.“Overall, I see a high-voltage PSL this time coming up with an emotional ending to the T20 gala in Karachi set to add to the drama.”

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/284277-sallu-expects-high-voltage-psl-this-time