web analytics

ARY NEWS

Shahid Hashmi

  • India-Pakistan match is not just cricket

    India-Pakistan match is not just cricket

    Famous English novelist George Orwell once wrote, “sport is war minus shooting.” But in the 21st century it is an Indo-Pak cricket which is “war without shooting.”

    Come Sunday there will be no bullets, no cannons or bombs, but there are ballistic shots, missile-like-targeted bowling, shouting slogans from a packed house of 24,800, do-or-die from the players and up-and-down heartbeats of billions around the world.

    One English fan rightly put it down to a “political war,” under the current tension and strained relations between the two countries. The whole Birmingham, with more Pakistani inhabitants than Indians, is buzzing with excitement, more than it was in 2004 and 2013 when it was the venue for a Trophy match. The tickets were sold out a fortnight ago and have been a profitable business for all those who were lucky to get it.

    “I bought 100 tickets from various sources and since a Pak-India a festival like Eid and Holi, the only difference is that I am distributing tickets amongst friends instead of sweets,” said Imran Ali, who owns a restaurant in Birmingham.

    But Imran can’t bear the tension, around the game so he will stay away and will like to know the result after the match is over. That tension is also unbearable for many.

    Read More: Akshay Kumar has unique plan to watch Pakistan, India clash

    But, after all its a cricket game, as both captains and most of the players will put it.

    “We take it as a special game and a win against India will make the whole nation happy,” said Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed.

    A day before the match India proved there still exists a heart-to-heart relationship between the arch-rivals for centuries when New Delhi granted visa to a two-and-a-half month baby boy to get heart treatment in India. Last month Pakistan did the same by shielding Indian women through the courtesy of their foreign office.

    That special bond will never end, come what may.

    The long gap between the “special” match raises the temperature. The last match between them was two years ago, at Adelaide in the 2015 World Cup when India came good by 76 runs courtesy a brilliant hundred by Virat Kohli.

    Kohli is two years more mature and is now the captain. Both teams know his importance, more so Pakistan as they suffered because of him in last year’s Asia Cup as well as in the World Twenty20.

    India will not be under pressure, even if they lose Kohli early. Their batting is so formidable and post the IPL X is more powerful than Pakistan. The usual analysis that its always “Pakistan’s bowling versus the Indian batting” has also changed as India possess a potent bowling attack with Bhuvenshawar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Shami. Hardik Pandya is also a key player in both bowling and batting.

    For a change, Pakistan announced their 12 for the game, keeping a guess between leg-spinning all-rounder Shadab Khan and medium pace all-rounder Fahim Ashraf. In the end Ashraf is likely to get the nod for his ability to bat well lower down the order. More so after scoring a belligerent 30-ball 64 not out in the warm-up match win over Bangladesh. Not having a super star in their ranks as well as not given any chance against a formidable India may also help Pakistan. They will play in a relaxed manner and when they do so best come out of them.

    While many expect another high voltage game, nature might intervene to spoil the game as forecast says it will rain on Sunday. It might change as per the notion that” English weather and women are unpredictable.” Pakistan will not mind one point as it could help them crucially in the final analysis.

    So hold on to your breath and keep fingers crossed for a game regarded as “mother of all cricket matches.”

  • India hope Kohli-Kumble feud do not hurt in Pakistan match

    India hope Kohli-Kumble feud do not hurt in Pakistan match

    LONDON: Unusually it’s the Indian camp rather than Pakistan that seems in disarray. The feud between Indian team captain Virat Kohli and head coach Anil Kumble is not an ideal start for the defending champions.

    To add spice the Indian team management was not happy at the practice facilities at Edgbaston and that could have made the mood more intense. The media was hampered in their video coverage as a long thick black sight screen was put in place to restrict the coverage.

    But the drills were well executed and there seemed no problems in the preparations.

    Amitabh Choudhry, the secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, was at his best in denying the reported rift between the coach and the captain and said that the process of finding a new coach will be completed soon.

    “I don’t see any smoke or any rift,” Choudhry told media. “I think its a figment of imagination of some people. We are following the process of selecting a new coach and there will be a shortlist of coaches before you by the evening.”

    Despite the denial the heat was very much evident in the practice with no interaction between Kumble and Kohli.

    When India is practicing there are bound to be fans as a handful of fans gathered outside the practice area to have a glimpse and selfies with the players and without any doubt Kohli and MS Dhoni were the most sought after.

    “I came here from Baroda,” said Leela Modi. “I am here to watchIndia-Pakistan game and needless to say that I am supporting the Blues.”

    But some fans from Punjab were more friendly.

    “There is no difference from Indian Punjab and Pakistan Punjab because people from Punjab have big hearts and they don’t harbor any enimosity.”

    Tickets for Sunday’s game were already sold out allowing some opportunists to make money through blackmarketting. A pound 50 ticket is sold at ten times its price and with the match fast approach it will rise further.

     

  • Shadab faces first taste of India-Pakistan match

    Shadab faces first taste of India-Pakistan match

    BIRMINGHAM: For an 18-year-old it is tough to handle the limelight. More so when it’s an India-Pakistan match as Shadab Khan is oblivious of the atmosphere and what are the pressures of a game with India.

    It could be a blessing in disguise for Shadab if he gets a chance on Sunday because it will be his first chance to experience an Indo-Pak match.

    “It’s true I have not played against India but I have watched several India-Pakistan matches on television and know that it’s a pressure game,” said Shadab who rose from the Pakistan Super League’s second edition to the national ranks.

    He did impress with a four-wicket haul in his first Twenty20 against the West Indies but his lack of performances in the ODIs and Test proved he needs some time to come good in the longer versions of the game.

    Read More: New skipper Sarfraz faces acid test in CT 2017

    For his age Shadab also doesn’t know about the favourite’s tag that India will carry in Edgbaston on Sunday. The defending champions have more or less the same players with whom they won the title in 2013 — also in England.

    “If people believe India is favourite then we too had a good series in the West Indies and our morale is high,” said Shadab.

    What if he gets a chance?

    “I will do my best because I know that if you perform against India you get more fame and recognition,” said Shadab.

    Pakistan open their Pool B campaign with a high-voltage game against arch-rivals India in Birmingham on June 4. They also play South Africa (in Birmingham on June 7) and Sri Lanka (in Cardiff on June 12). Hosts England, Australia, Bangladesh and New Zealand form Pool A. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the semi-finals.

    They are looking to halt a slump that began with a first-round exit from the 2015 World Cup, prompting all-rounder Shahid Afridi and skipper Misbah-ul-Haq to exit the one-day scene.

  • Team profiles: Champions Trophy 2017

    Team profiles: Champions Trophy 2017

    AUSTRALIA

    The current world champions and twice trophy winners, Australia are as formidable as they are aggressive. They are one of the top favourites to win one more title, if they overcome the arch-rivals England.

    Steve Smith has matured significantly ever since he took over from Michael Clarke following the World Cup triumph on home grounds. His batting has even more flourished under the pressure of captaincy. Smith has with him a bunch of destructive batsmen, starting with the hard hitting David Warner and Aaron Finch. Following in the order are Smith, Chris Lynn, Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Moises Henriques, the best you can think of.

    With Mitchell Starc fit to spearhead the attack, Australia have the most formidable pace bowling with James Pattinson, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings and the two allrounders. Adam Zampa and Maxwell will share the spin duties.

    As one of the top fielding units, Australia have the wherewithal to beat any team on their day.

    BANGLADESH

    Since the 2015 World Cup, Bangladesh is the most improved team after England. After upsetting England in the 2015 World Cup, the Tigers have won home ODI series against Pakistan, South Africa and India. Their recent maiden away victory over New Zealand lifted them to their best ODI rankings of sixth.

    That rise could further encourage Bangladesh to do well in this Champions trophy, having won a single match in the qualifying rounds of the competition in 2006.

    Mashrafe Mortaza has proved a shrewd and aggressive captain and with a powerful batting unit backed up by wicket taking ability of Mustafizur Rehman, Bangladesh can upset an opponent or two to reach the last four. Tamim Iqbal and Soumiya Sarkar provide a robust start to the innings with Sabbir Rehman, Mushfiqur Rehman, Mossadek Hossein and Mahmudullah giving the much needed impetus to the innings.

    But Bangladesh’s success will once again largely depend on the form of allrounder Shakib Al Hasan who is a match winner with both bat and ball.

    Mustafiz leads the pace attack which also has Taskin Ahmed, Rubel Hossein and Shafiul Islam. The wily off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Reza is new to ODIs but has the guile to befool the best batsmen on his day.

    ENGLAND

    For the first time in their history England are top title favourites. On their home grounds with their rejuvenated ODI style England are regarded as favourites to add to the only ICC title they won way back in 2010 when they won the World Twenty20.

    Since their shabby World Cup 2015 exit before the quarter-finals, England have remarkably transformed and are now playing the real brand of 50 over cricket. Since the 2015 World Cup they have scored over 350 runs eight times and under Australian coach Trevor Bayliss matured into a strong ODI side.

    England have the strongest batting line-up with both openers Alex Hales and Jason Roy ruthless at the top, Roy’s strike rate is over 100 while Hales’s is just one short. Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Jos Butler also have strike rates of over 100 while Eoin Morgan and Joe Root can hit the ball as hard and as clean as anyone in the world.

    The pace attack sees the return of Mark Wood who can be very nippy and quick. Chris Woakes, David Willey, Liam Plunkett and Jack Ball all have pace and swing while Stokes is handy in the middle over with his wicket taking ability. In Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid England have useful spinners who make them an ideal package for ODIs.

    Read More: Champions Trophy: New Pakistan skipper Sarfraz faces acid test

    INDIA

    The defending champions are more mature and formidable than 2013. Although the core of the team remains the same but they are more mature with a strong pace attack.

    Virat Kohli has taken over from MS Dhoni as captain and brings in more aggression and fitness demands. Kohli will be the linchpin of batting although his record in the last Champions Trophy as well as India’s tour the following year in 2014 was modest. His form in the IPL was also of concern but with his resolve to perform at the top level, Kohli can be a treat to watch.

    Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma can carry the 2013 form as openers. Kohli, Ajinkya Rahanay, Yuvraj Singh, Kedhar Jhadev, MS Dhoni, Ravindera Jadeja and Hardik Pandya form a stable and potent batting order. IPL has given Indian batsmen the much needed knack of power hitting.

    In Bhuvenashwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami India has their best-ever pace attack for years. Ravichandran Ashwin and Jadeja will also like to match the 2013 form in the spin department.

    PAKISTAN

    Pakistan stands very little chance of reaching the last four, but when you say this and release the pressure off the young side they win and surprise everyone.

    New captain Sarfraz Ahmed adds aggression to the team by leading it from the front and if he keeps that same instinct then Pakistan can upset any team on their day. Pakistan have a very strong pace attack with Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan and Hasan Ali but their brittle batting which is notorious for playing too many dot balls can be their bane.

    Babar Azam and Imad Waseem are the two lively players who can give fillip to the batting with the experience of Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Sarfra to count on. Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf are thenew allrounders who can make their name at this highest level. Pakistan would be using Shadab as their trump card against South Africa.

    Pakistan’s only two successes against India in an ICC event have come in the Champions Trophy (2004 and 2009) and that could be an added motivation for them.

    Overall players’ fitness and fielding have improved which put Pakistan players in the right stead to show their skills.

    NEW ZEALAND

    New Zealand’s only win in a multi-national event came in the 2000 Champions trophy in Kenya. Since then they always pose threat but have not been able to turn their potential into performances.

    Ken Williamson leads a side which has well equipped players but how they execute their skills remains to be seen. Perched at number for in the ICC ODI rankings, New Zealand are bracketed in the tough group with world champions Australia and title favourites England. That needs them to beat at least one of the two.

    Williamson leads a strong batting line up with experienced Martin Guptill and Ross Taylor as the lead anchors. Tom Latham, Neil Broom, Jimmy Neesham, Luke Ronchi, Clin de Grandhome and Corey Anderson will provide the firepower.

    New Zealand have the firepower in pace with Mitchell McGlenghan, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Adam Milne while Mitchell Santner is the spinning allrounder while Jeetan Patel will be the second spinner ably matured at county level.

    SOUTH AFRICA

    South Africans are the perennial chokers of international cricket – a tag that mercilessly follow them at all major international events which they desperately want to shed off.

    Under AB de Villiers they once again have the best ODI outfit and are top of the rankings but event that does not guarantee they can add to their only one ICC title they won in 1998. In those days the Champions trophy was named as “ICC knock Out tournament.”

    At the top of their batting they have the every reliable Hashim Amla and the fast rising Quinton de Cock. Faf du Plessis is another reliable batsman but the main onus is on De Villiers whose 360 degree hitting makes him the most dangerous batsman in the world. He holds the records for fastest fifty off 16 balls and fastest hundred off 31 balls.

    Jean-Paul Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo can give the real impetus in the slog overs. Despite missing the guile and pace of Dale Steyn, South Africa still have Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Morris, Phehlukwayo and Prestorious to handle the pace attack while Imran Tahir’s wicket taking leg-breaks and Keeshav Maharaj’s disguising left arm spin will also be handy as back up.

    All South Africa need is to throw the monkey off their backs and show the world they are capable of showing their skills at all times.

    SRI LANKA

    Sri Lanka is a young team brimming with talent. Captain Angelo Mathews’s return to the side after missing part of the South Africa and full Australia tour is a good omen for the team. Mathews not only leads the team well but his contributions are significant in both bowling and batting departments.

    Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella can be explosive at the top of the order with Kusal Mendis, Chamara Kapugadera,  Kushal Prera, Mathews, Chandimal and Asela Gunaratne they have stable batting. The twin skills of Thisara Prera always add to the value of this young team. The pace attacks sees the return of

    Lasith Malinga but his fitness will be the key. Suranga Lukmal, Nuwan Kulasekera and Nuwan Pradeep are all experienced in the pace attack while Seekkuge Prasana and Lakshan Chandakan are handy spinners.

  • Flanagan’s evidence strengthens PCB spot-fixing case

    Flanagan’s evidence strengthens PCB spot-fixing case

    LAHORE: In a significant twist to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) spot-fixing case, the head of International Cricket Council’s Anti-Corruption and safety Unit Sir Ronnie Flanagan told the tribunal some stark facts about the case.

    This is only the second time that Flanagan had appeared before a fixing tribunal. The former British and Northern Ireland police chief had also appeared in the Chris Cairns inquiry in the Southwark crown Court London in 2015.

    Sources said Flanagan revealed to the tribunal that the deal of “two dot balls that Sharjeel played in the Islamabad United opening PSL game against Peshawar Zalmi on February 9” happened exactly as brief to the PCB anti-corruption unit.

    “But then why you or the PCB didn’t stop the players from doing that,” argued the tribunal. Sources said Flanagan said that “we give every chance, till the last minute” to the player to not involved in any wrongdoing and report the matter.

    Flanagan briefed the tribunal how the National Crime Agency tipped off the ACSU about the imminent deal in the Pakistan Super League.

    “The investigation was absolutely led by the PCB thorough and our role was simply that at a certain stage we received intelligence that was passed to us by the British NCA, “ Flanagan told media after appearing as a witness for Pakistan Cricket Board.

    Read More: PCB starts spot-fixing trial against five players

    Flanagan said ICC’s ACSU had signed a MoU with the British police to share intelligence.

    “The reason the NCA did that is because we have signed a MoU with British NCA, just as we have done with Australia, New Zealand and South African police, formally trying to have arrangements with Pakistan police.

    “We simply passed that to PCB vigilance and coincided with the intelligence they already have, so if was mere collaboration with them.

    Asked when the ACSU passed the info, Flanagan replied: “Early before the match.”

    Flanagan’s statement has made the case stronger for the PCB, although Sharjeel’s lawyer has different opinion.

    “We think PCB’s case has weakened as Flanagan has given statement on Colonel Azam’s (head of PCB anti-corruption head) insistence,” said Shaigan Aijaz. Aijaz said Islamabad United coach Dean Jones, former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf and former opener Sadiq Mohammad will appear as witness for them.

    Flanagan said his contribution is small in the way that the matter is of PCB.

    “It’s a privilege for me as the chairman of the ICC ACSU to try to assist the tribunal in a small way, I say small way because this is clearly a matter for the PCB and for the PCB internal security and vigilance. We assist in a small way in the process and I have to say that these proceedings of the tribunal have been conducted in the most professional manner.

    “I would also like to say as chairman of the ICC ACSU and I work very closely with the domestic anti corruptions units across the world and in this entire process, whatever is the outcome, I would like to say that the PCB and its unit in this entire process have demonstrated a great determination to keep cricket clean and have demonstrated highest level of professionalism.”

     The proceedings will continue on Monday.

  • ICC’s anti-corruption head to appear before PCB tribunal

    ICC’s anti-corruption head to appear before PCB tribunal

    LAHORE: In a major development in the spot-fixing case, the head of International Cricket Council (ICC) Anti-Corruption and Safety Unit (ACSU) Sir Ronie Flanagan will appear before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) tribunal as a witness, ARY News reported.

    The appearance of global body’s unit is significant in the case and proves ICC’s involvement in the case and the fact that ICC had given the lead up in the Pakistan Super League case.

    “Sir Flanagan will appear as PCB’s witness in the ongoing investigation and it will be the most serious thing in the case,” said a source in the PCB.

    Sources said Flanagan’s statement will be crucial in the proceedings as his presence will put a lot of weight and he is also due to tell the tribunal about how the ICC sleuths were in the knowledge of some bookies in contact with Pakistani cricketers since the tour of England followed by the tour to Australia.

    Flanagan had replaced another former senior British policeman Lord Paul Condon, in May 2010.

    Flanagan was then Chief Inspector of Constabulary for England, Wales and Northern Ireland and was previously the head of the police force in Northern Ireland from 1996 until 2002.

    ICC had been using a delicate software which informs them of bookies contact with any international players as the phones record of every player is with the global body these days.

  • Younis rubbishes Afghanistan batting coach offer

    Younis rubbishes Afghanistan batting coach offer

    Pakistan’s retiring batsman Younis Khan has rubbished the news that he was considering a batting coach role with Afghanistan cricket team, saying its an old wine put in a new bottle.

    Afghanistan Cricket Board Chairman Atif Mashal was quoted on BBC Urdu on Thursday that they are in talks with Younis who has agreed to coach the Afghan cricket team and the board is currently finalizing the contract.”

    Younis, who is playing his last Test in Dominica, told ARY News that this is an old story.

    “I was approached by some Afghanistan Cricket Board officials in 2012 or 2013 as they wanted me as a batting adviser but since I was playing I didn’t show any interest,” said Younis from Dominica.

    “I have no intentions of going to Afghanistan.”

    Pakistan Cricket Board is planning to give a befitting farewell to Younis and Misbah as soon as they return home from the Caribbean.

    PCB is also considering appointing Younis as mentor of the Under-19 team. The team will play Under-19 World Cup in New Zealand next year.

    Read More: Younis Khan to coach Afghanistan cricket team, says cricket chief

    Former captains Rashid Latif and Inzamam-ul-Haq and paceman Kabir Khan have previously coached Afghanistan. Inzamam left the job after World Twenty20 2016 due to the fact that Afghanistan had changed their base from Sharjah to Noida in New Delhi.

    That change of base to India has almost ended chances of any Pakistani taking an assignment with the Afghan team have ended.

    Mushal’s quotes on “security fears in playing in Pakistan” were also treated as a “big joke” by Pakistan media.

    “We can’t tour Pakistan because the security situation there is not good,” said Mushal. “But Pakistan can come and play in Afghanistan.”

    Security situation in Pakistan has improved manifold as Pakistan have successfully hosted the final of Pakistan Super League in Lahore in March this year and a World XI is also due to tour the country in September this year.

    Afghanistan has never hosted any international match as the situation there is fluid.

  • India rejects PCB notice, MoU

    India rejects PCB notice, MoU

    The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has questioned the legality of the MoU signed between the two boards in April 2014 and in turn rejected the legal notice of their counterpart sent to them last week.

    BCCI had lured Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to back the Big Three in 2014 and as a reward signed an MoU under which the two countries were due to play six series — four to be hosted by Pakistan – between 2015-2023. But there was a grave condition in the MoU which was that it were subjected to Indian government’s clearance.

    BCCI then ruled by the autocratic Naryananswami Srinivasan had collaborated with Giles Clarke of England and Wally Edwards of Australia in their plan to rule the cricket world and take the lion’s share of the revenues. PCB had not alternative other than to “do as the Romans (in this case Indians) do.”

    Read More: PCB claims $60mn from India in lost revenues

    But as expected the two series — Pakistan hosting in 2015 and then a tour of India in 2017 — were not possible due to New Delhi showing reluctance to give green signal for bilateral cricket stalled since 2008.

    A furious and cash-hit PCB sent a legal notice to BCCI asking them to compensate the 64 million dollar (6.4 billion rupees) loss incurred due to the cancellation of the two series but BCCI has in turn qiuestioned the legality of the MoU.

    “We have to ascertain the legality of the MoU,” BCCI secretary Amitabh Choudhary told media after the SGM of the BCCI in Delhi. “It was just a letter from BCCI. It’s not a formal contract as yet.”

    BCCI secretary said everything comes down to government’s permission.

    Read More: India will take part in Champions Trophy, confirms BCCI

    “I can assure you this is a subject on which government has to accord permission. BCCI had already written to government in March 2017 regarding Future Tours Programme (FTP). So unless we get permission from them I cant make a comment.”

    Insiders in the BCCI say that no one has seen the MoU and doubt whether it was documented or not. Since the signinging of the MoU all three big guns – Srinivasan, Clarke and Edwards — have been replaced in their boards and Big Three revoked in April’s meeting.

    BCCI officials belive that with the Big Three amendment gone, the MoU has also no legality.

    PCB had warned that if the BCCI doesn’t response their notice in seven days they will raise the matter in ICC Dispute Resolution Committee.

     

  • Asghar fires Peshawar to PSL title

    Asghar fires Peshawar to PSL title

    LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi trounced Quetta Gladiators by 58 runs in the final to win the second edition of the Pakistan Super League before a packed 25,000-strong Gaddafi Stadium gathering on Sunday (March 5).

    Mohammad Asghar, the left-arm spinner, took 3 for 16 as Quetta, chasing 149 for victory, were bowled out for 90 in 16.3 overs in a match held two days after the eighth anniversary of the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore in 2009.

    dancing-sammy

    Those brazen attacks suspended all international cricket in Pakistan, with the country only managing to host Zimbabwe in a short limited-overs series in May 2015.

    Unprecedented security arrangements were put in place for the final, with 8000 police and army staff on guard and fans searched at three check points.

    On being put in to bat, Peshawar rode on 40 from Kamran Akmal and a late flourish from Darren Sammy, the captain, to post 148 for 6 from their 20 overs.

    5

    Quetta were never in the hunt as they lost wickets at regular intervals. Asghar took the key wickets of Anamul Hoque (3), Mohammad Nawaz (0) and Sean Ervine (24).

    Mohammad Hafeez dismissed Sarfraz Ahmed for 22 while Ahmed Shahzad made just one before he fell to the medium pace of Hasan Ali. Wahab Riaz also chipped in with 2 for 13.

    Earlier, it was Rayad Emrit, the West Indian discard, who derailed the Peshawar innings with figures of 3 for 31 from his four overs.

    Emrit brought up his 100th wicket in Twenty20 matches by breaking an opening stand of 42 when he bowled Dawid Malan for 17.

    Akmal followed up his century in the playoff against Karachi Kings with a 32-ball 40 which included a six and six fours. He finished the tournament as the highest run-getter with 353 runs.

    Emrit removed Hafeez (12) and Iftikhar Ahmed (14 off 21 balls) in the 17th over as Peshawar lost five wickets in the space of 30 runs.

    Peshawar missed Shahid Afridi’s power hitting after the maverick allrounder was ruled out of the final with a hand injury. However, Sammy provided late fireworks by powering three sixes in his 11-ball 28 not out.

    The winners get US $600,000 along with a crystal trophy while Peshawar had to be satisfied with $200,000. Karachi receive a cash prize of $100,000 for finishing third.

    It was fitting that the title was claimed by Peshawar, who also won back-to-back National Twenty20 titles in 2014 and 2015.

  • Cricket should be the winner, says Quetta’s Morne van Wyk

    Cricket should be the winner, says Quetta’s Morne van Wyk

    LAHORE: Morne van Wyk, the former South African Twenty20 expert, hoped cricket would be the winner during the final of the Pakistan Super League on Sunday, saying he didn’t feel any security threat in the terror-hit country.

    “I have no security fears here and am proud to be part of Quetta Gladiators,” van Wyk said in a video message. “I am excited to be back in Pakistan.

    “The last time I was here was in 2003, when the Proteas came here and after the second ODI, Herschelle Gibbs was injured so I was called all the way from South Africa,” recalled van Wyk of the 2003 One-Day International series which South Africa won 3-2.

    Van Wyk is here as a replacement player for Quetta for the final against Peshawar Zalmi.

    Dashing wicketkeeper-batsman van Wyk, now 37, played 17 ODIs, besides featuring in eight Twenty20 Internationals in which he scored one century and a half-century.

    He did not feature in the series in Pakistan but has fondest memories of the country.

    “The most interesting thing from that tour was that I flew to Karachi at six in the morning and then went through Pakistan in a car with three people to reach Peshawar as there were no flight,” recalled van Wyk.

    “That gave me a chance to see the country in a special way. It took me 12 hours to reach Peshawar. That is the fondest of memories. So I have got another chance to play in Pakistan and at the end of the day, I think cricket will be the winner once again.”

    Rayad Emrit, the West Indian allrounder, expressed similar sentiments.

    “I am excited to be here, the team is buzzing and I have no issues with security since I have arrived,” said Emrit, who played two ODIs for West Indies and is a regular feature in the Bangladesh Premier League and the Caribbean Premiere League.