Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020

[ghazi52]

Most foreign players to reach Pakistan a week before PSL action begins

KARACHI: Foreign players participating in Pakistan Super League (PSL) except those from Australia, South Africa and England will join their teams at least one week before the matches begin, The News has learnt on Tuesday.

This is the first time that all PSL matches are going to be played in the country. Sources involved in the preparation for PSL said the teams would train and practise at NSK and a stadium owned by a bank under tight security arrangements.

Players from the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and Bangladesh will start reaching Pakistan at least one week before the matches. The players from Australia, England and South Africa will arrive three days before the matches begin.

The PCB aims to make PSL’s inauguration ceremony in Karachi a memorable event and boost Pakistan’s image as a peace-loving country. A PCB marketing team visited National Stadium last week to review the arrangements for the inauguration ceremony.

The PCB released the title song of PSL 2020 on Tuesday. A PCB official said that the official anthem of HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, “Tayyar Hain” was released across the country. The song is the result of a collaboration of famous pop star Ali Azmat, folk music legend Arif Lohar, former Awaz singer Haroon Rashid and famous pop artist Asim Azhar. They will perform at the opening ceremony in Karachi, which is also likely to feature showbiz peronalities such as Mahira Khan and Mehvish Hayat.

Interestingly, no PCB official was willing to confirm the participation of any female leading artist. PCB’s media wing leak information about important matters to their favourite reporters but are unwilling to share such information. Despite several attempts, PCB officials did not reveal the names of people who are going to perform at the opening ceremony.

 

[ghazi52]

Hashim Amla joins Peshawar Zalmi as batting mentor

https://nation.com.pk/NewsSource/web-desk
February 01, 2020


Pakistan Super League’s No 1 franchise in terms of media and brand value, Peshawar Zalmi continues with major announcements.

South African star batsman and world cricket’s big name Hashim Amla became part of the Zalmi family as on Thursday Pakistan Super League Franchise Peshawar Zalmi said that world cricket’s big name has joined it as batting mentor.

“Hashim Amla will take over as Peshawar Zalmi’s batting mentor in the Pakistan Super League Season Five,” a press release said.

Javed Afridi, chairman of Peshawar Zalmi welcoming Hashim Amla said that he was a legendary batsman and a big name in world cricket.

Peshawar Zalmi Head Coach and Director Cricket Mohammad Akram said he was happy on Amla’s association with Peshawar Zalmi. “His experience will help all the batsmen in the team,” he said.

 

[ghazi52]

Islamabad United join hands with Express Group as official media partner
The Shadab Khan-led unit is the most successful franchise in HBL PSL’s history

Islamabad United, the most successful franchise in PSL history, has joined hands with Express Group as the official media partner of the franchise.

As part of the partnership all of Express Group’s publications and TV channels are becoming partners of Islamabad United.

Express Tribune and Roznama Express – Pakistan’s most widely circulated Urdu newspaper – will have access to exclusive content from Islamabad United, including interviews with the franchise’s players. Daily Express, Express Tribune, Cricket Pakistan, other publications and websites under the media group, as well as the TV networks of Express Media Group, will also help in the promotion of the Islamabad United brand in the lead up to, during, and after the fifth season of the HBL PSL.

Regarding the partnership, Aijazul Haq, the Chief Executive Officer of Express Publications said: “We began our partnership with Islamabad United in PSL 3, and from launch event then to the last two PSL tournaments itself, the partnership has been a fruitful one for us. What Islamabad United represents—the success and professionalism that have led to them making their mark in the PSL as the most successful franchise—aligns well with our vision and goals. Thus, we look forward to promoting and supporting them for this season of the Pakistan Super League too.”

Imran Ansari, the Chief Operating Officer Television Media Network (Express News and Express Entertainment), added to it saying: “Express has prided itself on being at the forefront of everything sports related in this country. Furthermore the PSL is the biggest brand name and event that is relevant to the Pakistani TV market. With that in mind it was a no brainer for us to partner with the most successful team in PSL history, who represent a united and successful Pakistan. With the rise of their young Pakistani core we are confident that Islamabad United’s success will be long lasting, as will this partnership.”

Emphasizing those sentiments, Islamabad United owner Ali Naqvi said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Pakistan’s leading media group. Express, in all its platforms, is a by-word for excellence, and represents the values that Islamabad United is proud to be associated with too. Their collaboration with us over the past two years with us naturally dovetailed into renewing this partnership for another season. The reach, the reputation and the overall impact that Express enjoys allows us to maximise our reach to our fanbase. Both organizations believe in upholding highest levels of quality and aim to bring international standards and practices to Pakistan, which is why we consider this to be the ideal partnership for both parties.”

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

Dawn Media Group joins hands with Peshawar Zalmi for PSL season 5

February 08, 2020

Dawn Media Group has joined Peshawar Zalmi as the exclusive media partner for the upcoming PSL season 5.

The announcement was made when the Chief Commercial Officer of Peshawar Zalmi, Mr Nausherwan Effandi, visited the Dawn office in Lahore.

Mr Nausherwan Effandi, CCO Peshawar Zalmi and Mr Kashif Saeed, Director Operations of the Dawn Group of Newspapers signed the agreement in Lahore yesterday.


The two representatives discussed game trends, and possible changes that the future might hold for the Yellow Storm.

"It's our third year working with Dawn as media partners and our experience has been great so far. I'm glad we are taking this partnership forward," Mr Effandi said.

"I think it's a mutually beneficial deal. Zalmi is one of the most promising teams of the tournament. We wish them all the best for this year," added Mr Kashif Saeed from Dawn Media Group.

PSL 2020 kicks off on February 20 and will continue till March 22, 2020. This time, all the matches are being played in Pakistan and four different venues have been selected, including National Stadium Karachi, Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and Multan Cricket Stadium.

Peshawar Zalmi will face Karachi Kings in their first match of the HBL PSL on February 21, 2020.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

'Pakistanis are you ready?': Foreign Peshawar Zalmi players tweet in Urdu ahead of PSL 5

February 11, 2020

Peshawar Zalmi captain Daren Sammy (C) celebrates with teammates his team's victory over Quetta Gladiators in the final cricket match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) at The Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore on March 5, 2017. — AFP/File


With just days to go before the fifth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) kicks off, foreign players in the Peshawar Zalmi team tweeted in Urdu to express their excitement and eagerness to come to play in the country.

"Pakistanis, how are you?" asked England's Tom Banton in Urdu on Twitter, as he informed fans that he was preparing for his tour of Pakistan.

“I am packing my bags. Are you ready for Pakistan Super League season five and for Peshawar Zalmi’s fours and sixes?”


Tom Banton@TBanton18
https://twitter.com/TBanton18/status/1227143848067026946

پاکستانیوں کیا حال ہے

پاکستان سپر لیگ سیزن فائیو اور پشاور زلمی کے چوکوں اور چھکوں کے لیے تیار ہوں ؟

پاکستان آنے کے لیے میں تو تیار ہوں. اپنا سامان پیک کررہاہوں

آپ سب بھی اسٹیڈیم آنے کی تیاری کریں #WeAreZalmi #HumZalmi @PeshawarZalmi @thePSLt20 @JAfridi10

"I am packing my luggage and am ready to come to Pakistan. All of you should get ready to come to the stadium as well," he wrote.

He is not the only one to tease his arrival. On Monday, Banton's compatriot Liam Dawson had tweeted “Asalam-o-Alaikum Pakistan”, and said that he was preparing to visit the country.

"Is Pakistan ready for PSL five? Now that the entire PSL is being held in Pakistan, are you ready to fill the stadiums?"


Liam Dawson

✔@daws128

اسلام و علیکم پاکستان !
پاکستان سپر لیگ سیزن فائیو کے لیے تیار ہیں؟
پوری پی ایس ایل کا پاکستان میں ہونے کے بعد اسٹڈیم بھرنے آئیں گے نا؟

میں بہت جلد آرہا ہوں!

زلمی فینز آپ بھی تیار ہیں نا؟

چپلی کباب اور دم پخت کا سوچ کر ابھی سے منہ میں پانی آرہا ہے لالہ @JAfridi10 #HumZalmi

Dawson went on to express his love for local cuisine, saying "my mouth is already watering thinking about chapli kabab and dam pukht".

The much loved Peshawar Zalmi captain, Daren Sammy, also took to Twitter acknowledging Pakistanis' love for cricket and saying that he can’t wait to be a part of the Zalmi squad again.

"PSL 5 would mean a lot for the Pakistani people and I can't wait to join my Peshawar Zalmi family," he said.


Daren Sammy

@darensammy88
پاکستان میں پی پی ایس 5 کا مطلب پاکستان کے عوام کے لئے بہت معنی ہو گا اور میں اپنے پشاور زالما خاندان میں شامل ہونے کا انتظار نہیں کر سکتا اور اس کے ساتھ ساتھ اپنے آپ کو جوش و جذبہ کی وجہ سے ہجوم کے سامنے کھیل رہا ہوں ۔ یہ صرف کرکٹ نہیں ہے ⁦@JAfridi10⁩


In another tweet early Tuesday, he said: "Pakistan I am on my way. This journey is more than just cricket," he tweeted.

Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi, replied by welcoming the player.


Javed Afridi

✔@JAfridi10
پخیر راغلے سیمی خان

پاکستانیوں ِکیا آپ سیمی کے استقبال کے لیے تیار ہیں ؟ https://twitter.com/darensammy88/status/1227033303611473922 …
Daren Sammy

✔@darensammy88

پاکستان میں اپنے راستے پر ہوں... یہ صرف کرکٹ سے زیادہ راستہ ہے

The Pakistan Super League 2020 is set to begin from February 20.

 

[ghazi52]

FEBRUARY 11, 2020
PSL 2020 set to begin on February 20

Of the total 34 matches, 14 will take place in Lahore, nine in Karachi, eight in Rawalpindi and three in Multan. — AFP/File


The schedule for the much anticipated fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League was released by the Pakistan Cricket Board on Wednesday, with the series set to take off on February 20.

According to the schedule, the series will run from February 20 to March 22, with all the matches being played on the home ground. A total of 34 matches will be played across 4 venues.

On the occasion of the schedule's release, a countdown clock was placed by the PCB at the entrance to the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, where two eliminator rounds as well as the final will be held.

The first match will be held at the National Stadium in Karachi which will feature defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time champions Islamabad United. The stadium will also feature the series' sole qualifier match.

 

[ghazi52]

Karachi Kings vs Lahore Qalandars — a rivalry with millions of followers


February 13, 2020

On what will be a "Super Sunday", Lahore Qalandars will host Karachi Kings in a night game on March 8 at Gaddafi Stadium. — Photo courtesy Pakistan Cricket Board
The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) has become synonymous with quality cricket and the six league franchises are supported by passionate fans who give it their all to cheer their respective teams.

Over the course of four years, the matches between Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars have attracted large crowds, and massive viewership as fans anticipate the contests with bated breath.

Karachi and Lahore are the two biggest cities of the country and are also known globally for nurturing Pakistani cricketers.

A vast majority of cricket giants such as Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Saeed Anwar, Abdul Qadir, Wasim Akram, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Moin Khan and Rashid Latif, learned their craft in their early teens on the streets of Karachi or the vast grounds of Lahore.

Even present-day stars like Sarfaraz Ahmed, Babar Azam and Shan Masood were first introduced to the game in these cities.

The two teams have so far failed in their quest for silverware as both have been unable to make it to the finals. Lahore Qalandars have never made it to the play-offs.

But with both teams set to play in front of impassioned fans at the National Stadium in Karachi and Qaddafi Stadium in Lahore, their performances are expected to surge to a new level.

The two games will be played within five days, with the tickets already in high demand. These matches are expected to be played in front of packed stadiums with vociferous support.

On what will be a "Super Sunday", Lahore Qalandars will host Karachi Kings in a night game on March 8 at Gaddafi Stadium.

On March 12, Karachi Kings will take the hosting responsibilities at the National Stadium.


Past results

The Kings have so far enjoyed an upper-hand over the Qalandars. They won both their encounters in the inaugural 2016 HBL PSL edition by seven wickets and 27 runs at the Dubai International Stadium and Sharjah Cricket Ground, respectively.

In the 2017 edition, the Qalandars recorded their first-ever win over the Kings when they beat them by seven runs in a thriller played at Sharjah.

The Kings, however, exacted revenge by recording a last-ball win courtesy a six by West Indian Kieron Pollard off Aamer Yamin when the two teams clashed at the Dubai International Stadium in their second match of the season.

The Kings were once again at the victorious end when they recorded a 27-run win at the Dubai International Stadium in the first match between the two sides in 2018.

The two sides played a spellbinding thriller in front of a packed Dubai International Stadium (the second match between the two teams of the 2018 season) which was won by the Qalandars, courtesy a sensational Super Over by Sunil Narine.

The match had ended in a tie, following a dramatic last ball by Usman Shinwari which was declared a no-ball for overstepping, with Qalandars needing three runs for a win.

Qalandars recorded a 22-run win in the first match of the HBL PSL 2019 season played at the Dubai International Stadium.

Kings then settled scores for the season with a five-wicket win when the two sides clashed once again in Dubai.

Major players in the two squads
Kings have assembled an explosive batting line-up for HBL PSL 2020 season with the ICC top-ranked batsman Babar Azam set to lead the batting charge along with England’s Alex Hales, South African Cameron Delport and Sharjeel Khan.

Babar, Hales, Sharjeel and Delport provide arguably the most explosive top-order in the season, if they come off, Kings would look to post 200-run totals in the season.

Delport smashed a scintillating 117 off 60 balls against Qalandars last season while representing United at the National Stadium, and would look to repeat the dose at his new franchise’s home turf.

The Kings' top-order, however, would be challenged by Qalandars’ pacy left-armers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shinwari, who has moved to the Lahore side for this season. Pakistan’s new pace sensation Haris Rauf would also aim to mark his presence against the Kings top-order especially his T20I captain Babar.

On the other hand, Qalandars batsmen Chris Lynn, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt, and Ben Dunk are likely to be tested by Kings' formidable bowling attack led by Mohammad Amir.

The left-armer will have England’s right-arm-pacer Chris Jordan and New Zealand’s left-armer Mitchell McClenaghan for company, backed by the experienced Umaid Asif.

Left-arm-spinners Imad Wasim and the last season's wonder kid Umar Khan provide further depth to the Kings' bowling line-up which will aim to keep the Qalandars batsmen in check on the batting-friendly tracks of Gaddafi Stadium and National Stadium.

Despite their less than satisfactory results in the first four seasons and the lack of silverware, both Kings and Qalandars have a huge fan base and some die-hard fans who would undoubtedly spur the two sides to greater things, especially on their home turfs.

While following the HBL PSL, Kings v Qalandars rivalry is one that no cricket fan can afford to miss.


Squads:

Karachi Kings

Platinum – Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir and Alex Hales

Diamond – Imad Wasim (captain), Iftikhar Ahmed and Chris Jordan

Gold – Aamir Yamin, Sharjeel Khan and Cameron Delport

Silver - Usama Mir, Mohammad Rizwan, Umaid Asif, Chadwick Walton and Ali Khan

Emerging – Umer Khan and Arshad Iqbal

Supplementary – Mitch McClenaghan and Awais Zia


Lahore Qalandars


Platinum – Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez and Chris Lynn

Diamond – Shaheen Afridi, David Wiese and Usman Shinwari

Gold – Haris Rauf, Sohail Akhtar (captain) and Samit Patel

Silver – Salman Butt, Seekkuge Prsanna, Ben Dunk, Farzan Raja, Jaahid Ali

Emerging – Mohammad Faizan

Supplementary – Dane Vilas, Dilbar Hussain

 

[ghazi52]

PSL's star-studded panel to commentate in Urdu

February 15, 2020

A star-studded commentary panel — including Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Waqar Younis and Urooj Mumtaz — will call action in Urdu for five overs in every innings, which will be carried on local feeds. — Photo Courtesy Pakistan Super League
For the first time in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), fans and followers of the league will be able to enjoy the action in Urdu — the country’s national language.

According to a press release issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday, a star-studded commentary panel — including Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Waqar Younis and Urooj Mumtaz — will call action in Urdu for five overs in every innings, which will be carried on local feeds.


PakistanSuperLeague

✔@thePSLt20

Your star-studded commentary panel

Joining the #HBLPSL for the first time @dirk_nannes HD Ackerman @waqyounis99 @markbutcher72, @DominicCork95 @KassNaidoo and @uroojmumtazkhan. While @SteelyDan66, @mj_slats, @iramizraja @bazidkhan81 and @JontyRhodes8 return to the league.


The move is part of the PCB’s drive to provide better live coverage to its fans and followers, allowing people to get closer to the event and the game, the statement said.

Joining the commentary panel for the first time are Dirk Nannes, a former Australia and Netherlands fast-bowler, HD Ackerman, a former South African cricketer, Mark Butcher and Dominic Cork, former England cricketers, and Kass Naido; Danny Morrison, Michael Slater, Alan Wilkins, and Jonty Rhodes are returning to the league, the press release stated.

“It has been an absolute honour for me to remain associated with PSL since its very first game back in 2016 and I am certainly looking forward to being in Pakistan this year for the fifth edition. I feel lucky that I will be a part of this historic event," said Wilkins.

“There are some very talented star players who will be in action and that means we will get to see quality cricket," the press release quoted Rhodes as saying.

Morrison added that these are exciting times for Pakistani cricket with all 34 games taking place in in the country.

Further, a new camera setup will show interactions between players and commentators during the two eliminators and the final in Lahore, giving fans a taste of on-field action, the statement read.

The coverage of the league will be done using 28 HD cameras, while the SpiderCam and the Hawkeye will implemented across all four venues — Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi — along with real time graphics and augmented reality, the statement added.

 

[ghazi52]

PSL 2020: PM Imran grants 'state guest' status to all foreign players, officials

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has granted the 'state guest' status to all the foreign players participating in the fifth edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL 5).

Match officials, security consultants, and media persons who have come to Pakistan to cover the tournament would also be accorded special status, under the premier's orders.

PM Imran issued the directives to all the provincial chief secretaries, chief commissioners, police chiefs, and other officials to provide special security them.

He said "all the foreigners are our guests" and instructed authorities to make special arrangements for their safety.

Pakistan is in the grip of PSL fever; the tournament is set to start February 20, 2020. The foreign players have started to join their respective teams.

 

[ghazi52]

Jahangir Khan to bring PSL 2020 trophy to inauguration ceremony
February 16, 2020

Captains of the six participating teams at the unveiling ceremony of the PSL 2019 trophy in Dubai. The trophy's inauguration ceremony will be held in Pakistan for the first time on February 19. — Dawn/File Photo

Former squash player Jahangir Khan will bring the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2020 trophy to the National Stadium, Karachi on February 19, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday.

The player said that it will be a "remarkable moment" for him and he is looking forward to the ceremony.

He appreciated the PCB's efforts for the "resumption of top-flight cricket in the country" and said that he hoped the event's [PSL 2020] success would convince international teams belonging to other sports to come to play in the country.

Khan will enter the stadium with the trophy for its inauguration ceremony which is being held in Pakistan for the first time and hand it over to Sarfaraz Ahmed, captain of the defending champions Quetta Gladiators.

The captain will then pass the trophy to PCB chairman Ehsan Mani, who will formally inaugurate it along with the owners and captains of all teams participating in the tournament.

The trophy has been designed by UK-based based Ottewill Silversmiths. It has a crescent and star representing Pakistan and multi-coloured strips of enamel representing the vibrant culture of the country.

It is 65 centimetres long and weighs eight kilogrammes.

The trophy will be used in all future events of the PSL and the names of every year's winning team will be engraved on it.

Meanwhile, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said he was grateful to the player for becoming a part of the ceremony, adding that "it is an honour for the trophy itself that a great sportsman like Jahangir Khan will come into the National Stadium holding it."

The PSL will be played from Feb 20 to March 22 in four cities — Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan.

 

[ghazi52]

 

[ghazi52]

PSL 2020: Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Aima Baig, Sajjad Ali to perform at opening ceremony

Photo: File

KARACHI: As many as 350 artists will perform at the opening ceremony of PSL 2020, which will be held at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday.

The metropolitan city is expected to be set alight as artists from different music genres – Sufi, pop, rock, bhangra and folk – will come together to perform at what will be the biggest opening ceremony in the history of the HBL PSL.

Thousands of fans in the stadium will be on the edge of their seats and millions around the globe will be glued to their television sets as world renowned artists like Abrar-ul-Haq, Aima Baig, Abu Mohammad, Fareed Ayaz, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Sajjad Ali, Sanam Marvi and rock band Soch embellish the ceremony with their breath-taking performances.

Ali Azmat, Arif Lohar, Haroon and Asim Azhar will perform HBL PSL 2020’s anthem "Tayyar Hain". The glittery ceremony, which will be held before the opening match of the tournament between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time champion Islamabad United, will also include riveting acts and a spectacular fireworks show.

“It is only befitting that a grand and glamorous opening ceremony is held to welcome Pakistan’s very own PSL in the country. We have brought together all the top artists in the country to set the tone of what will be an epic tournament," PCB Director Commercial, Babar Hamid, said.

The ceremony, which will be approximately an hour long, will kick-off at 6.45pm. The toss for the first match will be held at 8.30pm, while the much-anticipated first ball of the HBL PSL 2020 will be delivered at 9pm.

Jahangir Khan to bring trophy to stadium

For what will be the first-ever trophy unveiling ceremony on the Pakistani soil, squash legend Jahangir Khan will bring the PSL 2020 trophy at the National Stadium, Karachi, on Wednesday, 19 February, for its unveiling.

Jahangir, in an international-styled ceremony, will carry the silverware to the field of play and hand it over to the defending captain Sarfaraz Ahmed – of Quetta Gladiators – after which the brand new trophy will be unveiled by PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani in the presence of six franchise owners and captains.

For his extraordinary achievements in squash courts all over the world, Jahangir’s name has become synonymous to the game. The great Pakistani athlete holds a record for the longest winning streak for any sportsman with 555 consecutive wins over almost six years.

 

[ghazi52]

Sohail Akhtar surprised by getting Lahore Qalandars' captaincy

Photo: Geo News screengrab

Lahore Qalandars decision to appoint Sohail Akhtar as their captain for this year’s edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) may have left many people confused.

In a conversation with Geo.tv, Akhtar stated that he had a feeling that he would be appointed the skipper of the Lahore based franchise. He shared that the management of the franchise had been grooming him for the role for the last two years.

The skipper felt confident that he would live up to the trust that the management has shown in him.

Qalandar’s decision to appoint Akhtar as their skipper for this year's season had left many people confused as the franchise boasts many experienced players which could fill the role. However, Akhtar who emerged from the franchise’s player development programme was being groomed for the role for quite some time now.

“I am with franchise for three years and the management backed me up,” said Akhtar. He shared that he has captained the development team in Australia and also in the Abu Dhabi Cup. He added that he realised that the franchise was grooming him for captaincy after winning the tournament in Abu Dhabi.

“I was groomed for two years and I said yes at once when the management told me that they wanted to appoint me as the captain of the franchise,” the 33-year-old added.

The explosive opener added that he under no pressure. “The presence of senior players will benefit me,” Akhtar said.

He added that senior players Mohammad Hafeez, Salman Butt and Fakhar Zaman will be with him throughout the tournament.

The Qalandars skipper shared that the captaincy of the franchise was a big honour for him, adding that he now only needs to live up to the expectations.

Speaking about his journey, the batsman shared that at one point he had left cricket due to disappointment after not getting enough chances with the Abbottabad region.

“I joined Lahore Qalandars after performing well in grade 2 and stood out when I got an opportunity,” said Akhtar. He stated that he believes that when trust is shown towards a player then instead of giving his 20% the player starts giving his 120%.

Akhtar shared that the Qalandars focused on his fitness and nutrition which was now helping him.