Pakistan Super League - 7 (PSL-7) 2022

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PCB scraps PSL 7 opening ceremony due to 'cost, rise in Covid cases'

• Instead, tournament will open with 'low-scale curtain-raiser', says a board official

Syed Ahmed
11 Jan, 2022

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will not hold an "extravagant" opening ceremony of the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) due to a rise in coronavirus cases, and reduce expenditure that is incurred by franchises.

Instead, the board will hold a low-scale ceremony, to be called a "curtain-raiser", at the start of the inaugural match of the PSL 7, a PCB spokesperson told Business Recorder on Tuesday.
The official added that the board had decided against holding an extravagant ceremony due to a rise in Covid-19 cases, and logistical issues.

“The cost of the opening ceremony, which is millions of rupees, is incurred by franchises, which increases their expenditure and reduces profit. Therefore, we have decided to hold only a low-scale curtain-raiser this year,” he said.

The short ceremony will include a speech by PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja after which the first match of the tournament will be played. The opening match will be played between defending champions Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings at the National Stadium, Karachi on January 27.

This will be the first time since the inception of the league that the marquee tournament will start without a proper opening ceremony. The first four opening ceremonies were held in Dubai while the opening ceremony for the 5th season was held in Karachi.

Last year’s opening ceremony was also not performed live. It was pre-recorded in Turkey and played for the fans in the stadium.

The seventh season of PSL kicks off on January 27 and concludes on February 27. The first 15 matches will be played in Karachi from January 27 to February 7, while the remaining 19 matches will be held in Lahore from February 10 to 27.

 

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LAHORE: Matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League will go ahead if franchises have 13 players available in case of a Covid-19 outbreak,
it was decided in a meeting between team representatives and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) here on Monday.

The meeting saw an agreement signed between the board and the franchises. It included the SOPs that will be in place during the month-long tournament to ensure its not interrupted due to the virus.

All players will have to go through a three-day quarantine period after which they will have to clear the PCR test before being allowed to play in the PSL, which is set to be held in Karachi and Lahore from January 27 to February 27.

It has also been decided that the PCB will select a separate pool of 25 local players — who went unpicked in the main and supplementary drafts — and accommodate them in a bio-secure hotel where all teams are set to stay during the course of the event.

Teams severely hit by a Covid-19 outbreak will be allowed to pick from this pool of players if they don’t have 13 players available from their squad of 22.

According to the agreement, players and officials will not be allowed to bring along their families.

A PCB spokesperson told Dawn that the seventh edition of the PSL must be completed within the scheduled time. If the virus outbreak is worse, the league will be halted for seven days and following its resumption, the number of matches per day will be doubled.

The spokesperson said the decision was taken because there was no other window for the PSL to be held considering Pakistan’s jam-packed international cricket calendar at home this year with the likes of Australia, England, New Zealand to visit.

The spokesperson also confirmed that internationally active South African players will not be available for the tournament after the country’s cricket governing body Cricket South Africa denied them the NOCs.

CSA said it wanted its players to focus on their commitments with the national team and feature in domestic cricket events.

Two-year broadcast deal signed with consortium
Earlier on Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced a television broadcast rights deal with a consortium of state-owned Pakistan Television (PTV) and private media giant ARY for the next two editions of the PSL.

In a press release issued, the PCB said the two media houses had submitted the highest bid at the aggregated fee of Rs4,350,786,786 — 50 per cent more than the last to secure the two-year-long home TV broadcast rights through a “robust and transparent” bidding process on December 23.

Another media giant Geo Entertainment was also in the race for the said deal but failed to secure the TV broadcast rights for the cash-rich T20 league.

Citing concerns regarding the bidding process, it had moved to the Lahore High Court only to get their petition against the PCB dismissed. However, the one against ARY and PTV is still pending and the next date is on January 19.

According to a PCB spokesperson, the litigation did not affect the signing of the deal, which was done on Sunday since the had not given a stay-order against it.

PCB chairman Ramiz Raja congratulated PTV and ARY on what he believed was a “historic deal”.

“HBL PSL has become a national identity and it attracts fans towards it,” he said.

Published in Dawn, January 11th, 2022

 

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PSL 2022: Peshawar Zalmi appoint Inzamam-Ul-Haq as president

Young cricketers will have the opportunity to learn a lot from him, says Peshawar Zalmi's chairman

By Web Desk
January 06, 2022

Legendary cricketer Inzamam-ul-Haq. File photo


LAHORE: Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has been appointed as Peshawar Zalmi’s president for the seventh edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).

The legendary cricketer was associated with the PSL franchise as a mentor during the last season.

Peshawar Zalmi Chairman Javed Afridi said he welcomes Inzamam-ul-Haq to the Zalmi family once again.


Javed Afridi said that Inzamam-ul-Haq is a legend and the Zalmi players will benefit from his presence, especially the young cricketers who will have the opportunity to learn a lot from him.
On Wednesday, Peshawar Zalmi released their playing kit for the upcoming season of the league starting January 27.

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

It is unfortunate that Covid is out spreading , so wonder how the support in ground would be for the Tournament the fans are realy what makes PSL Special

I watch it to see the games taking place in different parts of Pakistan

 

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LAHORE: The HBL-Pakistan Super League (PSL) has evolved and come a long way since its inception in 2016 and has now become a global brand that not only unites the nation but also attracts some of the biggest and most respected commercial entities.

The HBL-Pakistan Super League 2022 will be held in Karachi and Lahore from 27th January to 27th February with some of the world’s best shortest format players in action in the 34-match competition.

The recent landmark commercial agreements signed for the 2022 and 2023 events is a case in point and speaks volumes of this event’s value and significance.

The first edition of PSL that was competed by five sides was played from start to finish in the United Arab Emirates, while the final of the 2017 tournament was staged at the Gaddafi Stadium. In 2018, Multan Sultans joined as the sixth side and the two Eliminators were played in Lahore while the final was staged in Karachi. Eight matches of the 2019 edition took place in Karachi, whereas all 34 matches of the 2020 tournament were held across four Pakistan venues. In 2021, 14 matches were played in Karachi and the remaining 20 were staged in Abu Dhabi in June after the event had to be suspended in March following Covid-19 outbreak within the teams.

The 2022 event is planned in Karachi and Lahore, and promises to be as exciting as the last six editions. Below is a quick history of the previous HBL PSL events that has not only produced high-quality cricket but has given world cricket some of the most entertaining and exciting players of this era.

HBL PSL 2016

Islamabad United made history when they beat Quetta Gladiators in the final of the inaugural edition of the HBL PSL to become the first-ever side to lift the silverware. Islamabad cruised past the 175-run target for the loss of four wickets with eight balls spare at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

HBL PSL 2017

Zalmi outclassed Gladiators in a one-sided final at the Gaddafi Stadium to lift the glittering HBL PSL 2017 trophy. Batting first in the final, Zalmi posted 148 for six in their 20 overs. Gladiators were dismissed for 90 runs in reply to lose their second consecutive final.

HBL PSL 2018

United reclaimed the title when they defeated Zalmi by three wickets in an exciting final at the National Stadium. Batting first, Zalmi posted 148 for nine with United chasing down the target with 19 balls to spare.

HBL PSL 2019

It was a case of third time lucky for the Gladiators as they finally lifted the trophy at the National Stadium after defeating Zalmi by eight wickets. Batting first, Zalmi posted 138 for eight as speedster Mohammad Hasnain and the richly experienced T20 globe-trotter Dwayne Bravo shared five wickets between them. Ahmed Shehzad and Rilee Rossouw saw off the chase with an unbroken 73-run third-wicket partnership to give Gladiators a much awaited HBL PSL title.

HBL PSL 2020

Babar Azam had an event to remember when hit a 49-ball 63 to guide Karachi Kings to their maiden title when they defeated Lahore Qalandars by five wicket at the National Stadium. In pursuit of a 135-run target, Kings reached victory with eight balls and five wickets to spare.

HBL PSL 2021:

Multan Sultans became the fifth team to win the HBL PSL when they defeated Peshawar Zalmi at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi by 47 runs. Batting first, Sultans scored a record 206 for four that revolved around Sohaib Maqsood’s 65 not out and Rilee Rossouw’s 50. In turn, Zalmi finished at 159 for nine with Imran Tahir collecting three for 33 and, Blessing Muzarabani and Imran Khan picking up two wickets apiece conceding 26 and 27 runs, respectively.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2022

 

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Peshawar Zalmi confirm partial replacements of Mahmood, Livingstone

Franchises and PSL management have also called 15 players as backup for the tournament

News Desk
17 January, 2022

PHOTO: AFP/PSL


The partial replacements of Saqib Mahmood and Liam Livingstone have been confirmed by the Peshawar Zalmi as the duo will join the side in the first week of February.

The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season seven is starting from January 27 and England will also be in West Indies at the same time for five-match T20I series.

English leg-spinner Matt Parkinson and pacer Pat Brown will be part of the Zalmi squad until Mahmood and Livingstone join Wahab Riaz-led side.

On the other hand, Karachi Kings' have replaced injured Tom Abell with Ian Cockbain.
Meanwhile, Quetta Gladiators announced England's Dan Lawrence in their reserved supplementary pick while Zalmi will have the services of veteran Pakistan pacer Sohail Khan.

PCB, PSL franchises call 15 backup players for PSL 7

Franchises and PSL management have also called 15 players as backup for the tournament.

During the competition, if any player tests Covid-19 positive, franchises can pick an immediate replacement from this pool of players.

These will be part of the bio-bubble in Karachi and Lahore from the start and end of the competition.


List of 15 players

Saud Shakeel, Omair bin Yousuf, Ammad Alam, Waqas Maqsood, Arish Khan, Amad Butt, Aamer Jamal, Imam ul Haq, Nasir Nawaz, Hassan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Zahid Mahmood, Umer Siddiq, Bismillah Khan and Abrar Ahmed.

 

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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that the government had given it the go ahead to allow spectators up to 25 per cent of the stadium's capacity in the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022's Karachi matches, which will be played at the National Stadium from January 27 to February 7.

According to a statement issued by the PCB, the approval came from the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), which manages the the country's response to the coronavirus.

"The decision means around 8,000 spectators will be allowed inside the venue [on] each match day," the statement said, adding that entry would be subject to strict Covid-19 protocols.

The protocols include the requirement for individuals above the age of 12 years to be fully vaccinated, for spectators to show valid vaccination certificates at entry and to wear masks inside the stadium.

"Anyone violating the NCOC guidelines shall be liable to be evicted out of the stadium," the statement read.

It quoted PCB Chief Operating Officer and HBL PSL Tournament Director Salman Naseer as saying: “Spectators are the essence of any sport event and in this background, we now hope to set the stage with 25pc crowds to attend Karachi matches of the HBL PSL 2022."

“As a responsible organisation, we completely understand our obligations in relation to health and safety of the fans and will leave no stone unturned in strictly implementing the NCOC guidelines," he added.

Naseer further stated that officials and the management would also "require complete and unconditional support from the spectators so that they and others can continue to enjoy the matches in a safe and secure environment".

"This is something they can do by simply following the [NCOC] guidelines.”

According to the PCB statement, the NCOC will make a decision regarding the PSL's matches in Lahore, which will be played at Gaddafi Stadium between February 10 and February 27, closer to the time of these fixtures.

 

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Islamabad United's new kit features their traditional colors - flame red and flame yellow. In addition to that, Qureshi's abstract artwork has given another dimension to United.

Here is a peak at the new Islamabad United kit:

Here is the official video:

https://twitter.com/x/status/1483808899790688256

 

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Maya Ali and Bilal Ashraf are this year's Quetta Gladiators brand ambassadors​

IMAGES STAFF

Teasers for the anthem by Bilal Maqsood and Ahmed Murtaza, featuring Adnan Siddiqui, Ushna Shah, Shahid Afridi have also dropped.

Photos: Quetta Gladiators/Instagram

It's that time of year — the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is almost upon us and the excitement for the ambassadors and anthem reveal is buzzing. The Quetta Gladiators have revealed their star representatives are Bilal Ashraf and Maya Ali.

But that's not all the star power they've got this year — Adnan Siddiqui, Ushna Shah and Shahid Afridi have also donned purple for their anthem!
The team introduced Ashraf, calling him a "superstar of Pakistani cinema" and said he "remains the power behind the #PurpleForce & the official brand ambassador for the 3rd consecutive year!"


Ashraf shared the reveal on his Instagram Story.

They re-recruited Ali as well saying, "The dynamic Maya Ali will continue to stay the Purple Force as our official brand ambassador."

 

[Flight of falcon]

Can someone pls post list of foreign players attending this PSL …

 

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Pakistan Super League 2022 Final Squads​

The final Squad list of the Pakistan Super League of each team is announced after the completion of the PSL 2022 Players draft. Here is below the squad list of the Pakistan Super League.

Islamabad United​

Asif Ali, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Alex Hales, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Azam Khan, Paul Stirling, Colin Munro, Marchant de Lange, Muhammad Akhlaq, Reece Topley, Danish Aziz, Zafar Gohar, Mubasir Khan, M. Zeeshan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ather Mehmood

Karachi Kings​

Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Amir, Joe Clarke, Sharjeel Khan, Aamer Yamin, Mohammad Ilyas, Chris Jordan, Lewis Gregory, Umaid Asif, Tom Abell, Rohail Nazir, Muhammad Imran, Faisal Akram, Qasim Akram, Talha Ahsan, Romario Shepherd

Lahore Qalandars​

Shaheen Shah Afridi, Rashid Khan, David Wiese, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hafeez, Sohail Akhtar, Zeeshan Ashraf, Ahmed Daniyal, Fakhar Zaman, Phil Salt, Harry Brook, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Dean Foxcroft, Zaman Khan, Maaz Khan, Samit Patel, Syed Faridoun

Multan Sultans​

Mohammad Rizwan, Rilee Rossouw, Sohaib Maqsood, Imran Tahir, Shan Masood, Khushdil Shah, Shahnawaz Dhani, Tim David, Odean Smith, Rumman Raees, Asif Afridi, Anwar Ali, Rovman Powell, Imran Khan Sr., Abbas Afridi, Amir Azmat, Blessing Muzarabani, Ihsanullah

Peshawar Zalmi​

Wahab Riaz, Liam Livingstone, Shoaib Malik, Sherfane Rutherford, Haider Ali, Saqib Mahmood, Hussain Talat, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Hazratullah Zazai, Usman Qadir, Salman Irshad, Arshad Iqbal, Sameen Gul, Kamran Akmal, Sirajuddin, Mohammad Amir Khan, Ben Cutting, Mohammad Haris

Quetta Gladiators​

James Vince, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shahid Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Jason Roy, James Faulkner, Umar Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Ben Duckett, Khurram Shehzad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Muhammad Ashar Qureshi, Noor Ahmad, Ahsan Ali

 

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PCB hopes to keep up schedule, fears cancellation otherwise​

Mir Shabbar Ali
January 22, 2022

In this File photo, PCB headquarter in Lahore can be seen. — Dawn/File


KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has pulled all stops to ensure the seventh edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League goes ahead according to plan.

If it doesn’t, its fate will be nothing other than a cancellation.

And with the seemingly uncontrollable nature of the raging wave of the coronavirus in the country, the PCB has prepared itself for virtually every scenario that can possibly emerge during the PSL.

The final — set to be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore — in any case, has to be played on February 27, exactly a month after the opening game at the National Stadium here.
That’s the only window the PCB has. Pakistan have a busy international calendar this year, with the likes of Australia, England and New Zealand set to tour and the T20 World Cup scheduled in Australia during October.

“We are working around three mottos; the show must go on, Har haal main cricket and Hum tou khelengay,” PCB Chief Operating Officer and PSL tournament director Salman Naseer told a small gathering of reporters including Dawn here on Friday. To meet its target of holding the tournament as per schedule, the PCB is also prepared to compromise the restriction for franchises of fielding four foreign players in the playing eleven.

“Even if that number goes down to one or zero due to Covid cases, we’ll still go ahead,” said Salman, with PCB later announcing on Friday that three players and five support staff had tested positive among 250 tests conducted during pre-arrival testing.

The brand value of the PSL, Salman said, did not depend too much on the foreign players. “Local players are our stars and the 200 per cent increase in PSL’s brand value shows that,” he said.

It has already been decided that franchises will need to have at least 13 players available for matches to go ahead.

In a scenario where the players at the teams’ disposal are less than 13, they will be allowed to pick from a pool of 25 players who went unpicked in the PSL Players Draft and Supplementary Draft earlier.

Similarly, production and broadcast teams have also been directed by the PCB to create their own reserve pool.

“There can be situations where important production personnel go down due to the virus,” Salman said. “To ensure production quality isn’t affected, we’ve asked them to have a reserve pool as well.”

The broadcasting and production crew, however, won’t be living in a bio-secure bubble as strict as the one in which the players and support staff will be kept.

The PCB has booked a full hotel for the players, support staff, security personnel and certain officials. Salman said interaction between teams will not be allowed while individuals living in the bubble have been given strict directions regarding physical contact indoors.

In open air, the players are allowed to be in physical contact but have been told to exercise caution where possible.

When the league moves from Karachi to Lahore after the last match here on February 8, they teams and other personnel will transported in chartered flights staying in the bubble created for them at the start of the tournament.

The PCB is also prepared for a situation where there is a virus outbreak despite all these measures.

“If there is an outbreak, the tournament will come to a pause for seven days,” said Salman. “After that the bubbles will be reset and we’ll do double headers to meet our February 27 deadline.”

The PCB COO said individuals who end up committing minor and major breaches in the bio-secure bubble will be penalised.

Even high profile players, who add value to the PSL brand won’t be spared and the penalties would range from fines to match bans to expulsion from the tournament.

To protect players mentally and to ensure their welfare in such a strictly managed environment, Salman said, there are arrangements of indoor games, music and other activities in the hotels as well.

While there will be doctors available on each floor, there will also be a separate medical team to which players can look up to mental and physical concerns.

“We also have some hospitals on board in case players are required to visit them. The hospital managements will ensure bio-secure bubble environment is maintained,” said Salman.
The last edition of the PSL had to be organised over two legs after breaches in the Covid bubble in Karachi by some members of a certain franchise side.

While the mishap resulted in financial loss for the PCB, it was also a reality check for the board about its capability to hold a tournament of the PSL’s magnitude in the pandemic times. This year, the national cricket governing body will be tested again.

“Last year the restrictions weren’t as strict as they are this time and the transition in and out of the bubbles will be smoother. When the teams checked into the hotels yesterday, they appreciated the smooth process, and you know they don’t appreciate the PCB for many things,” the official quipped.

Published in Dawn, January 22nd, 2022