The IPG Group Pakistan’s league management team has successfully launched the T10 Dubai league, along with complete management of the Pakhtoon, Punjabi Legends, and the Sindhis team. They received the most recent accolades in winning the bid for the sales media & and management rights for Lanka Premier League (LPL) and Singapore T10 League, expected to be launched in 2024.

The activation and digital arm of the company functions under ‘Out & About’ with a specialized cell for activation, LIVE streaming, digital highlights, ball-by-ball update technology, and sports social management.

After the success of the first-ever official HBLPSL Fantasy League, the IPG Group Pakistan’s in-depth digital sports experience continues to come up with innovative integrations such as virtual cricket activations and offer customized digital sponsorship opportunities in major leagues such as HBLPSL and LPL.

The IPG Group Pakistan launched its first-ever night cricket tournament in the UAE in 2017, targeted towards the blue-collar residents in the month of Ramzan. The response and effectiveness of the activation were undeniable.

“We were all quick to realize that cricket once again can serve as a unifying sport for our people,” observes Jawad Ghulam Rasool, CEO, The IPG Group Pakistan & Out & About.

In the following years, the IPG Group Pakistan, along with Out & About (partner company), initiated a specialized cell dedicated to refining communication and access to the labor camps targeting the KPIs of the remittance industry.

“When our friends from HBL approached us to take on our first-ever remittance project in the UAE, we knew that this is a special market and that a simple kiosk and a handful of BAs won’t be enough. The brief was simple – educate blue-collar Pakistanis on the legal money-sending channels to Pakistan. The approach needed thought and understanding of the targeted community. We quickly realized the gap for light moments for the blue-collar worker. This is a sector that makes a considerable contribution to Pakistan’s economy but unfortunately is also the most neglected. This required a sensitive approach.” Added Jawad Ghulam Rasool.

The concept of HBL KA HERO came to life, and the second leg of the campaign was launched in March & April this year. HBL officials shared their views on the remittance drive.

“The effort is to recognize the contribution of the overseas Pakistani Diaspora in channelizing the legal flows. This is the first time that we have combined a festival with sports. The IPG Group Pakistan has served as a great partner to execute this vision and supported us in creating inroads whilst building a relationship with our customers-being a specialist in sports and events. The success of the drive is a true testament that commemorates well with our ethos of enabling dreams….” commented, Syed Ahsan Abbas – Head Global Remittance – HBL.

About HBL KA HERO with Jawad Ghulam Rasool (CEO, The IPG Group Pakistan & Out & About)

Tell us a little about the event strategy?

Tape ball cricket culture is at the heart of Pakistan. It made sense to bring a format that originated from the streets of Pakistan back to its people.

The basis of our event strategy was to execute an event as a reminder to our countrymen of the proud heritage that we carry with cricket. Who better to represent it than the products of tape ball with international recognition – Imran Nazir and Mohammad Irfan?

This has been the first of its kind, in terms of the high level of tournament management with LIVE streaming providing access to the global market viewership.

What was the thought behind choosing Imran Nazir and Mohammad Irfan?

Imran Nazir and Mohammad Irfan were the ideal campaign ambassadors to lead the campaign. The participation of cricketing heroes representing tape ball contributed to the spirit of Pakistani cricket. Their popularity was evident in the response we received from the Pakistani
diaspora.

What is your company’s vision for taking this further?

Tape ball night cricket has age-old roots in Pakistan and, frankly, not practiced enough on international grounds. The IPG Group Pakistan started to tap into conscious sports for blue-collar workers through night cricket with the first execution in the UAE in 2017. We have, since then, refined our systems with lessons learned and each year take it to a bigger scale with more innovations. So onwards and upwards!

What is special about this corporate drive?

I mean, this is professional cricket league management involving team naming /kit designs & reveal /referees/ commentators and ground branding with corporate intentions behind it. Our cricket management team and corporate events cell work hand in hand to deliver a drive of this scale. The marketing pre-hype build-up was spanned across over three countries (UAE – Muscat KSA), generating a high-spirited impact on the target audience.
What digital strategies were applied to the campaign?

Live streaming and ball-by-ball automated scoring of the matches opened up global corridors for viewership with access to a vast number of Pakistanis, not only in the GCC region but also in Europe, America and South America. The possibilities of corporate integrations, specifically in the remittance industry, become limitless with this feature.

How would you gauge the success of the HBL KA HERO Drive?

A total of 30,000 Pakistani diasporas have been accessed and have participated in the three HBL KA HERO campaigns across the GCC region, not to mention the brand relation that has strengthened with the HBL customer. We can confidentially claim that this campaign has not only been a success but also has also demonstrated the potential for future campaign growth.

The IPG Group Pakistan plans to develop conscious sports specializing in cricket activation in the GCC region whilst serving the remittance industry.

“With this opportunity to serve the remittance market consistently, whether it be for PRI, Roshan Digital Account Initiative, or GRB, we have realized the true power of serving our community and working towards our nation’s prosperity. It has been a privilege to contribute to the future with our biggest two national assets — the people and cricket!”, Jawad Ghulam Rasool concludes.

Reflecting on the success of the event Mohammad Irfan states, “It has been a great experience working with the IPG Group, Pakistan, and HBL. Living in Pakistan, one tends to forget the patriotism that exists overseas for our great nation and how cultural representation creates an atmosphere of patriotic driven unity. What a treat to watch Pakistanis battle it out in a format that is so close to my heart (tape ball) as it has made me who I am today. If I really think about it, tape ball cricket is where it all began for me.”

“This is the second time that I have had the pleasure of representing Pakistan Ka Hero in the GCC. The IPG Group Pakistan and HBL have created an opportunity for cricket lovers like myself to have a day filled with moments that remind them of home.” Imran Nazir- World Class Cricketer

The story of Pakistan is intertwined with the story of HBL. With the inception of Pakistan in 1947, HBL was the first commercial bank to be set up in Pakistan. It is fitting that Pakistan’s pride, Pakistan Super League (PSL) is supported by HBL, the largest commercial bank in the country.

The unflinching support that HBL has provided HBL PSL since its inception, is a reflection of its commitment towards this national initiative, from 2016 onwards the sponsorship is something that is unheard of in the history of Pakistan cricket.

It also serves as a testament to HBL’s vision of ‘Enabling Dreams’ as it enables the development of youth and the discovery of new talent in Pakistan.

With the support of the title sponsors, the HBL PSL has grown manifolds, earning a 50 percent increase in television rights for 2022 and 2023.

The Bank believes that its support towards HBL PSL is an extension of its brand identity.

HBL’s Marketing & Corporate Affairs unit is one of the key-drivers of this initiative, exploring avenues for leveraging the partnership to build brand equity for the Bank as well as the platform. The man heading the department is the ever-agile and energetic, Ali Habib who reiterates the commitment.

“HBL PSL has played a major role in building a positive image of the country,” Ali Habib, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer – HBL, told SCORELINE.

“HBL’s renewed commitment with PCB for another four years, brings us to celebrate ten years of HBL PSL since its inception in 2016 till 2025. Both HBL and PCB believe in enabling dreams of the youth and HBL PSL is doing that for the young cricketers in Pakistan.” said Ali.

Asked why HBL believes in investing in HBL PSL he said, “HBL is part of the nation’s fabric and its commitment towards cricket remains as strong as ever. HBL’s title sponsorship of the HBL PSL, over the last six years, reflects our passion for the development of youth and the discovery of cricketing talent in Pakistan. HBL PSL has given an opportunity to countless young cricketers to display their talent at a national and international level.

This has led to an unprecedented talent pipeline for Pakistan cricket and has played an instrumental role in discovering players who are now star performers in the National team.

He added, “HBL is about ‘enabling dreams’ and synchronizes perfectly with HBL PSL’s philosophy to provide an enabling environment to the emerging cricketers of Pakistan. Through HBL PSL, HBL remains committed to playing its part in promoting Pakistan through the sport across the world.”

Ali is of the opinion that HBL PSL has been the true enabler for bringing international cricket back to the country.

“It started with hosting the tournament in Dubai and then slowly and gradually over the years, all the matches shifted back to Pakistan.”

About the philosophy behind ‘Jahan Fans Wahan Stadium’, he said this year, the Bank’s motto ‘Jahan Fans Wahan Stadium’ was based on the notion that the game of cricket is where its fans are, whether in the stands or at home; through television or social media, HBL PSL reaches every household in Pakistan and across the world.

“HBL has been committed to the platform since the beginning and we have now further strengthened this partnership for a further four years. In 2025, Insha Allah we will celebrate a decade of this phenomenal journey and the prominent brand that is now recognized as HBL PSL across the world.

Ali said according to statistics more than 93 million people in the country either watch or play cricket.

HBL PSL has played a key role in reigniting the passion for the game in Pakistan and enabling dreams of young cricketers to be a part of the international cricket circle. “We are very proud of what the tournament has achieved so far and will continue to provide a platform to enable the dreams of young talent as we re-ignite the passion for the sport in the country,” he added.

Ali said HBL PSL has played a major role in building a positive and depicting a softer image for the country.

“HBL PSL brings international cricketers to Pakistan who then become ambassadors of the country. Not only that but since HBL PSL6, the franchises have also welcomed international talent to become their brand ambassadors and promote the cross-cultural ties between different countries.”

“We are also constantly embedding the HBL PSL brand in our products and services, especially the Roshan Digital Account (RDA) to give a well-rounded user experience to our international clients. Promoting the experience and services that the country has to offer to Pakistani ex-pats around the world.”

“The successful execution of the tournament in the past is a testament to Pakistan being a peace-loving and hospitable country, full of great potential and possibilities for the rest of the world,” he said.

Ali said all Pakistanis should support this national initiative.

“Throughout these years, HBL PSL has become a major event on the international sports calendar and a platform for cultural exchange from across the world. The Bank believes that no matter which team wins, the real winner is Pakistan!”, he concluded.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Quetta Gladiators have joined hands with Red Bull for the seventh edition of upcoming nationwide Campus Cricket Tournament under the banner of „RBCC Future Gladiators‟ which will be played in eight cities of Pakistan.

Universities of as many as eight cities will fight it out to become national champion. The cities include Karachi, Lahore Peshawar, Quetta, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Multan and Hyderabad. Quetta Gladiators owner Nadeem Omar said that he is excited that his franchise are launching one of its kind partnership with Red Bull to mark the start of one of the biggest sporting activations in Pakistan.

“We‟re really excited to be partnering with Red Bull Campus Cricket and I believe this activation of RBCC Future Gladiators will allow us to see what sort of talent is available in Pakistan at University level,” Nadeem said.

“The players will have the big incentive of being monitored by Quetta Gladiators. We plan to induct any outstanding talent from the tourney in our activities. Two of the best players — one from Balochistan and one from rest of the Pakistan — will be included in All Stars Muqabla exhibition match which will be
played in Quetta with another PSL franchise in next few months.”

The All Stars Muqabla is the property of Gladiators and they played an exhibition match with Islamabad United in Rawalpindi in February before flying out to UAE for PSL season three.

The RBCC is the only global T20 cricket tournament for university students where campuses from eight countries participate for national pride and become world champions.

Meanwhile, Nadeem Omar further added that a high performance camp will also be staged for the best 11 players of the Red Bull Campus Cricket.

“Apart from inducting two players in All Stars Muqabla, we will call the top 11 players of RBCC Future Gladiators for a short high performance camp. We hope that we would be able to get some good talent from Balochistan as well from this initiative,” Nadeem stated.

“Also we endeavor to promote cricket in educational institutions with a hope of bringing in groomed athletes like legendary Imran Khan, Saeed Anwar and others. Sporting abilities should always be the primary qualification for any athlete but little education allows you to become an even better individual.”

Cricket’s shorter formats are getting more and more popular these days with all kinds of tournaments coming up. Twenty20 leagues are being held in almost all major cricket-playing countries while seeds of T10s have been sowed in the United Arab Emirates.

The England and Wales Cricket Board is planning a 100-ball tournament with the last over of the innings consisting of 10 balls. This plan is getting mixed reactions but most are in favour of such an event.

The England and Wales Cricket Board is planning a 100-ball tournament with the last over of the innings consisting of 10 balls. This plan is getting mixed reactions but most are in favour of such an event.

However for now, Twenty20s remain the most followed format. Australia holds the Big Bash League, England hosts the T20 Blast and then there are the Caribbean Premier League and the Bangladesh Premier League, while South Africa has planned the T20 Global League. The United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan are also planning to organise Twenty20 tournaments. But the most talked about events are the Indian Premier League and the Pakistan Super League.

Let’s see some of the similarities and differences between the leagues of the two neighbouring countries.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India organised the inaugural eight-team IPL in 2008 and it became an instant hit. The most popular sport in the country being played in its shortest and most entertaining format, cricket stars from all round the globe, professional cheerleaders and presence of Bollywood celebrities was a recipe that was destined to succeed.

The BCCI was successful in luring major sponsors and franchise owners, and money came pouring in. That in turn helped in players getting paid in a way they had never imagined. The players make money, the franchises make money and the board makes a lot of money — a win-win situation for everyone.

It has also helped India in unearthing talent. A host of players who were spotted during the league have gone on to play for the national teams. Some of the examples are Jasprit Bumrah, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kedar Jadhav. The 2018 tournament has also thrown up some exciting talent, including youngsters Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill and Mayank Markande.

The biggest advantage the IPL has over other leagues is that it is held at a time when there’s hardly any international cricket being played anywhere. That means that almost all international stars are available and that certainly adds to the tournament’s value. The eight franchises play on a home-and-away basis and the involvement of the passionate crowds packing the stadiums to capacity is a treat to watch.

The Pakistan Super League might be just three years old but has caught the imagination of the people in such a small span of time. It is obviously not as big as the IPL financially but has been doing a decent job for the organisers considering that it is not that old.

Last year’s final and this year’s last three matches were held in Pakistan and all the games were jam-packed. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi, who is also head of the PSL, says the 2019 edition will see around half of the games played in Pakistan.

Just like the IPL, the Pakistan Super League has been vital for the country in finding players for the future. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan, fast bowler Hasan Ali, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf are a few who have done wonders for Pakistan. These players were instrumental in Pakistan’s victory in the last Champions Trophy in England. Similarly, this year’s tournament has brought to the fore players like Asif Ali and Hussain Talat.

However, the biggest drawback for the PSL is that the Pakistan Cricket Board has been forced to host the tournament in the United Arab Emirates. That means mostly thin attendances for the matches, particularly on weekdays. Although, a host of international stars have been part of the PSL, it is not held at an idle period in the international cricket calendar and therefore one does not see a lot of current players in the teams.

Last year’s final and this year’s last three matches were held in Pakistan and all the games were jam-packed. PCB Chairman Najam Sethi, who is also head of the PSL, says the 2019 edition will see around half of the games played in Pakistan.
If that happens it will take the tournament to new heights. Slowly but surely international players are starting to trust the security being provided to them in Pakistan and it is not long before we see not only the entire Pakistan Super League being played at home but also the return of international cricket to the country.

“Seeti bajay gi,” “Stage sajay gaa; taali bajay gi, Aur khel jamay ga.” which loosely translated means [There will be whistles blowing, the stage will be decorated , there will be applause, there will be play ]”.

The tune is catchy. The lyric may not be from one of the masters of national songs but it is simple and the young Pakistani singers have done a wonderful job in making this popular. This was the theme song of HBLPSL2. It was apt for the grand finale of the league in Lahore on 5th March 2017.

In spite of its detractors and “the Doubting Thomases” the HBL/PSL Edition 2 final was held successfully and peacefully at the historic Gaddafi Stadium Lahore the capital of the Province of Punjab. Apart from a few spoilsports who unfortunately chose this occasion to vent their feelings by raising political slogans, the rest of the 25000 or so spectators thoroughly enjoyed the evening of music and cricket.

Full marks to the Pakistan Armed Forces, the Rangers, the Punjab Police and the Federal and Provincial Governments who gave full cover, encouragement, permission and support to the unsure and nervous PCB Management to go ahead and hold the mega-event in Lahore. It may be recalled that PCB announced much before the HBL/PSL 2 took place that the Initial league matches would be played in UAE while the Final will be played in Lahore.

In fact the PSL Chief went to the length of stating with confidence and authority that he had cancelled the booking of Dubai Cricket Stadium for the 5th March Final which was scheduled to be staged in Lahore. It is surprising that he had not got the clearance from the authorities concerned either before making this statement or reiterating this from Dubai a few days before the event.  Also why did not the franchises and PSL ensure that the foreign players who were contracted have the proviso that they will have to travel to Lahore if their teams made it to the final.

Not only the players but the contracted broadcasters along with the foreign commentators also refused to travel to Lahore although we were informed that the Interior Ministry had haste post-haste approved visas for the entire crew the majority of whom were Indians. Once again Najam Sethi had to make last-ditch efforts and probably got a Dubai based company to fill in. I am not sure but the production team hopefully included Pakistani (PTV trained) camera, technical and production crew who are second to none in the world.

The facilities provided were not the same as in UAE because the DRS equipment like Hawk Eye etc. were not available. As such another “first” for Pakistan – Umpires Review in Twenty/20 which was in place for the last few matches in UAE – was nipped in the bud. The coverage was also selective as we did not get a good view of the various VVIPs and celebrities watching the match. The commentary team was also it seems hastily drafted. The regulars Ramiz and Bazid were there. But it was not really professional or fair (because of conflict of interest) to have a former Pakistan coach; and to have the Director and the Coach of a franchise plus the current coach of Pakistan who was also a coach of one of the franchises.

Also part if not the entire commentary should have been in Urdu for which we have some excellent commentators. I have been advocating this for the at least the last two decades. Now we have several channels on PTV and the commentary can be in English on one channel and in Urdu on another as is the case in several other countries including South Africa.

For English Ramiz and Bazid could have been accompanied by some of our ex Test players who are approved “English” broadcasters – Aamir Sohail, Mohsin Hassan Khan, Haroon Rashid, Col. (Retd.) Naushad Ali, Salim Altaf, Azhar Khan and the veteran journalist Qamar Ahmad who is a former first class cricketer. When will we learn to have national pride? I must compliment PCB for dressing up at least three of the commentators (Ramiz, Bazid and Jones; Wasim Akram opted for Western style clothes; I am not aware how Waqar and Arthur were dressed as they did not appear “in vision” – at least when I was watching) in sherwanis and “Aligarh” style pyjamas.

They did look dignified. It would have been appropriate had the “anchor” also opted for typical national attire.

It was assurance from the COAS and a series of high powered meetings presided by the Chief Minister Punjab that the “go ahead” for the final at the Gaddafi was given. The Stadium received the much needed face lift; repairs were made; seats were painted and new seats installed where needed.

The eye sore at the College end was turned into a Media Centre inaugurated by Chairman PCB with Chief of PSL Najam Sethi standing with his hand on Shahryar’s left shoulder in a show of camaraderie. The Chairman while cutting the ribbon muttered that PCB were giving this Media Centre as a gift to the PSL. What exactly does this mean? Draw your own conclusions.

Had matches been held in other centres like Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Karachi, Quetta, Faisalabad, Multan, Hyderabad, these much neglected and decrepid arenas would have regained their past glory.

Apart from this it appears that Shahryar and Sethi were not on the same page. While Sethi was shuttling between Dubai and Lahore in frenetic efforts to get foreign players to agree to come to Lahore Shahryar was nonchalantly stating that whether foreign players come or not the final will be played with national players!! Shahryar has also announced that the final of the 2018 PSL will be held in Karachi. Not a twitter from Sethi or his birdies on this.

The story about the tickets is yet to unfold fully. The on line tickets’ contract was “awarded” to a Doha based company owned by Dr. Tijender Singh. Does not Pakistan have companies capable of handling on line transactions. The General Stand tickets valued at Rs 500/= finished before the Bank’s branches had even opened. Mixed signals were sent and received. All this was result of miscommunication and mismanagement.

PSL kept announcing that the tickets belonged to the franchises and even the PCB is buying tickets from them. If so, why were tickets not made available in Quetta and Peshawar whose teams were the finalists; and in Islamabad and Karachi the remaining franchisees of the HBL/PSL 2? And why not at HBL branches the main sponsors of this PSL? Why only at Bank of Punjab and in only selected branches in Lahore? Makes the mind boggle.

The PSL also announced that all including VVIPs had offered to buy tickets for the match. Then how did PCB send out invitations, including to some showbiz personalities if we are to believe the channels’ reports? However, some politicians did “lead from the front” by purchasing General Stand tickets and watching the match from there.

The PCB should have made sure that if “cricket was indeed returning to Pakistan after eight years” they should have made sure that all ex Test, ODI and Twenty/20I captains should have been invited if not all those who have represented Pakistan in international cricket. All ex-Chairmen were invited but not the ex-CEOs.

Of the VVIPs invited only the Governors and Chief Ministers of a couple of Provinces came. Maybe they had more important matters to attend.

Moreover there was no separate stand reserved for the ladies – I hope I am wrong because I was not there nor in the preliminary matches in Dubai and Sharjah. It is now over half a century that I have covered international and domestic cricket all over the world. As far as I recall in Pakistan in both domestic and international matches there always has been a special stand for Ladies.

Hats off to the enthusiasts of cricket. They were disciplined both outside and inside the stadium. The match was watched in an atmosphere of fun and frolic. All seemed to enjoy the evening. The security was indeed fool proof thanks to the army, rangers, police and government.

The traffic police we are informed were courteous and helpful as were those manning the walk through gates; and by the Grace of Allah it went well without even the hint of an incident. The spectators in a display of discipline bore the “inconveniences” of coming through to their seats with patience and equanimity. They deserve to enjoy the evening and they did.

The pitch was not prepared for the white ball format; it was slow and low and took turn early. These pitches render pitch reports into jokes. The match itself was one sided with Quetta surrendering without even the proverbial whimper. True they got the wrong end of the stick so far as the late draft was concerned.

Peshawar managed to persuade their foreign players (Sammy, Malan, Samuels and Jordan) to travel to Lahore. The two Afridis – Shahid and the owner Javed – did a good job of selling the idea successfully to their foreign stars. Quetta’s owner , Manager, coach and mentor , were unable to convince their “imports” to travel to Pakistan. Pietersen, Wright, Mills, Rilee Roussow, Nathan McCullum  took fright and flight to their homes, while Thissera Perera, and Mahmudullah Riyad were required for national duty.

Quetta in the end were landed with Morne Van Wyk , Sean Ervine, Anamul Haq, Elton Chgumbura, and Rayad Emrit. None of these is a current or even a past “top” player. Three of them are in their mid or late thirties. The PSL Chief’s definition of “top” players is slightly different from the accepted one.

Those foreigners who travelled to Pakistan for this event included the referee Roshan Mahanama and Umpire Ranmore Martinez both from Sri Lanka , the Quetta mentor Isaac Vivian Alexander Richards and fielding coach Julian Fountain (he should have had no problems as he has been at the Lahore NCA for two years not long ago) and Dean Jones (who has been waltzing frequently between Pakistan and Australia for the last few years) and Mickey Arthur coach of Karachi franchise and Pakistan and now also a TV commentator.

All these or at least most of them we are told were paid extra amounts ranging from US$10000 to US$50000. I have no quarrel with this. PCB’s coffers are brimful with cash. But are the lives of our Pakistani boys not as precious? I feel that if anyone was being paid a “bonus” for playing the final this formula should have been applied uniformly to all across the board be they foreigners, be they dual nationals (like Waqar Yunus and maybe some others).

Yes; there could be a slab system but all should be included. After all it is not only Luke Wright who has a young family!! Also it seems that the KPK Chief Minister got slightly carried away by announcing an award of Rs 2 crore for the Peshawar Zalmi the winner of HBL/PSL 2018. The team remember is NOT a Peshawar Team; it is a private team of a franchisee.

It was the security arrangements which won the day in the end. A befitting response to those planning any mischief. The crowds cooperated fully and all combined to have a smooth and seamless final.

The invitees included the advisor on security to the ICC Sean Norris as also representatives from England (Reg Dickason and Julian Siebrand), Australia (Sean Carroll), Sri Lanka (Sarathchandra Liyanage), Bangladesh (Major AKM Anisud Dowla) and an independent expert from Nicholls Steyn and Associates who covered the ICC World Cup in South Africa in 2003.

The TV coverage could have highlighted the presence of these important persons as also the presence of Governors, Chief Ministers, ex Chairmen PCB and other invitees. Maybe there were reasons for such “minor matters.” The TV audience is spoilt when we have commentators dancing in the stands with spectators and cheer leaders; or sprawling on the pitch while giving a pitch report which usually is more or less the same for every match!!.

Commentators trying to learn Urdu and also been given different nicknames. All in good fun which adds to the fun of this brand of cricket. It was also apathy or inexperience or perhaps exhaustion owing to overwork or all three of the hordes of PCB media and marketing Directors, Managers, Officers and Staff that the prize distribution ceremony was a bit disorganized, hurried and haphazard.

The prize winners appeared clueless and some had to be summoned many times before realizing that they were required. The Marketing Staff should have lined them up in advance as also those keen gentlemen who were there to give away the awards and have themselves photographed for posterity. A lot of money was distributed and it was richly deserved.

The HBLPSL has perhaps resurrected the career of Kamran Akmal because of his brilliant batting  and excellent glove work. Ahmad Shahzad is also set to make a come back.

I am not sure what is the exact meaning of emerging players. Those who have played for Pakistan should not be called by this name as they have already “emerged.” Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Asghar, Usman Khan Shinwari have already played for Pakistan. But they performed well in HBLPSL 2. But those who really emerged include pace bowler Mohammad Irfan , spinners Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Hassan Khan, and batsman Hussain Talat.

The successful final at Lahore has yielded immediate dividends. Giles Clarke has announced that an International XI will take a tour of Lahore in September 2017. They will play four games of the shortest format. Why only in Lahore? Why not give others a chance? If it is to stay in Punjab let us try Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad. PCB need to start making preparations as of “yesterday”. Remember “tempus fugit” (time flies) .September will soon be on us.

 Najam Sethi taking heart from the success of the final and the favourable reaction from the British, and some other foreign media press has announced that “some” matches of HBLPSL will also be played in Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore. I hope he has sounded the powers that be about his plans before going public with this enthusiastic and welcome announcement. Why only “some” matches and not the entire PSL? Am I being greedy?!!

The other news is that Misbah ul Haq has at long last made up his mind and informed the Chairman PCB that he would be willing to tour the West Indies later this month as captain of Pakistan in Tests. Shahryar was waiting for this and pounced on it; announced Misbah as captain and Sarfaraz as Vice-Captain.

Now to the tricky and thorny issue of fancy fixing/spot fixing/match fixing. Sharjeel Khan and Khalid Latif have filed their replies to the charge sheets. It emerges that the bookies also approached one of the franchise owners. A three member tribunal headed by Justice (Retd.) Haider Asghar (former legal adviser of PCB) and including Lt.Gen (Retd.) Tauqir Zia (former Chairman of PCB) and Wasim Bari (former everything of PCB) has been appointed to hear the pleas of these two players. The pandora’s box may be opened.

But with the statement of Rashid Latif on return from UAE has put a spanner in the works. The Director of the Karachi franchise who has his own opinion about not only the HBLPSL  but all the other leagues as well has said that there is more to these accusations than meets the eye. Initially he has questioned as to why Mohammad Irfan and Zulfiqar Babar were not interrogated and if so what was the outcome. He said that “his fist was closed at the moment; but if he opens it a lot of information will come pouring out.”

The media is waiting with baited breath for that information from Rashid Latif. I must, however, inform that it is difficult to have the former Pakistan captain open his fist!! Will Rashid blow the whistle; will “seeti bajay gi….” Or will he as at some other times keep mum. Besides others he will be a main witness in hearings of the Asghar Haider Tribunal. As they say “the plot thickens.” And the iceberg has begun to appear a little more.

By Shahid Hashmi

Quetta Gladiators exhibited their never-say-die approach once again to pull off a heart-stopping one-run win over Peshawar Zalmi in the first play-off in Sharjah on Tuesday (February 28), cruising into the Pakistan Super League final.

Mohammad Nawaz, the left-arm spinner, bowled a sensational last over with just seven runs to defend, but gave up only five. He dismissed Chris Jordan with his fourth ball, Wahab Riaz was run out off his fifth and Hasan Ali was run out off the last ball to send a packed 19,000 crowd at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium in raptures, with jubilation in the Quetta dugout.

Darren Sammy, who hit a four off the second ball and took a single off the third, was left stranded at the other end.

It had seemed all over for Quetta after Afridi’s 13-ball 34 with four sixes and a boundary had brought the equation to seven needed off the last over with four wickets in hand. This came after Mohammad Hafeez and Dawid Malan had put on 139 runs for the third wicket to lift Peshawar from a precarious 3 for 2 in the second over, as they looked to chase down Quetta’s 200 for 7.

But Sarfraz Ahmed, the Quetta captain, never lost hope even when they ran into a belligerent Afridi who brought the equation down to Peshawar needing 20 in three overs.

Hafeez had returned to form with a 46-ball 77 with five boundaries and six sixes, while Malan notched 56 off 30 balls with eight hits to the rope and one over it.

Quetta were lifted to an imposing total after they were sent in to bat with Ahmed Shehzad smashing a 38-ball 71 with four sixes and seven boundaries.

The packed house were mostly supporting Peshawar, in a match that was a repeat of last year’s first play-off when Quetta had also won.

Hafeez, who had just 64 runs in his previous seven games, smashed three sixes in one Hasan Khan over, while Malan was steady at the other end.

Afridi hit his third ball for four and then hit a six to herald his arrival, but failed to finish off the game.

All three of Quetta’s left-arm spinners went for runs, with Hasan, still only 18 years old, conceding 36 runs in three overs.

This was the third time Quetta had achieved a 200-plus total.. Their previous two 200-plus totals also ended in wins, both against Lahore – one in in this year’s tournament and the other one in last year’s event.

Quetta got a rollicking start as Shahzad and Kevin Pietersen (40 off 22) set the field ablaze with some ferocious shots in their second-wicket stand.

Once Luke Wright, playing his first game in this edition, was gone for 13, Shahzad and Pietersen took the attack to the bowlers, adding 90 runs in just seven overs.

Pietersen, who hit two sixes and three boundaries, lifted Mohammad Asghar over the fence twice. In the next over, Shahzad hit two boundaries and a six off Afridi to complete his third half-century in the league, raising the landmark off just 29 balls.

Quetta had 121 for 2 in the first ten overs, but once Shahzad and Pietersen were dismissed, Peshawar pulled back by conceding only 32 in the next five overs.

Peshawar will now meet the winner of the eliminator – between Islamabad United, the defending champions, and Karachi Kings, in Sharjah on Wednesday – on Friday

By Shahid Hashmi

Kieron Pollard struck two sixes off the last two balls to give Karachi Kings a stunning five-wicket victory over Lahore Qalandars in Dubai on Saturday (February 25) and keep them in hunt for a play-off spot.

Chasing 156 to win, Karachi needed 37 off the last three overs, 28 in two overs and 14 off the last over bowled by the young Aamer Yamin. But despite taking only three off the first four balls, Pollard kept his cool, smashing the fifth ball over long-off and then the next over deep midwicket to complete a stunning win.

Pollard, who had managed just 57 runs in four innings, finished unbeaten on a 20-ball 45 with four sixes and one boundary.

It left Lahore heart-broken as they now need to pray Karachi lose to Islamabad United on Sunday so that they can sneak through on better net run-rate.

Karachi were well on course of a win with 84 for 2 when the 13th over started, but some sloppy running caused their downfall. They lost Ravi Bopara (2) and Shoaib Malik (6) to run outs, leaving them to score 54 in the last five overs.

Babar Azam had made a 42-ball 49 with seven boundaries to lay the platform but all seemed lost with three run-outs in the middle overs as Karachi went from 72 for 1 to 103 for 5.

It was left to Pollard and Imad Wasim (14-ball 19 with a six and two boundaries) to add 55 runs in just 28 balls to complete the much-needed win.

Earlier, Lahore were lifted to 155 for 6 in their 20 overs thanks to a sixth wicket stand of 55 in 33 balls by Mohammad Rizwan (32 off 24 balls with a six and two fours) and Sohail Tanvir (22 off 14 balls) to give some respectability to the total.

Lahore’s top order committed hara-kiri, with all the top batsmen getting starts but not capitalising. Brendon McCullum scored 31 and Umar Akmal made 21.

For Karachi, Usama Mir and Malik fetched two wickets apiece.

Quetta Gladiators will play Peshawar Zalmi in the second match of the day. If Quetta win, they will finish at the top of the five-team table.

By Shahid Hashmi

Paceman Mohammad Sami defended five runs in the last over as Islamabad snatched a proverbial victory from the jaws of defeat by a mere one run over Quetta Gladiators in Dubai on Friday.

Quetta needed 17 off the last three overs after Kevin Pietersen’s 43-ball 69 and Ahmed Shahzad scored a 51-ball 59 in a stand of 113 for the second wicket but all hell broke lose as Islamabad staged a remarkable fightback.

Sami beat Anwar Ali off the first two deliveries before a single brought Rilee Rossouw on strike.

The South African left-hander also missed one ball and then tried to steal a second which saw Ali run out at the non-striker’s end.

Rossouw managed a single off the final delivery which sent Islamabad players in to frenzy as victory meant they had eight points from seven games.

Having already qualified for the play-offs, Quetta kept their march towards the title with another domineering display in all three departments till the last over changed the course of the match.

Quetta have now lost two matches and with four wins and one no result they have ten points.

Shahzad smashed five boundaries and a six to follow up his half century in the last match against Karachi Kings on Thursday while Pietersen — who had three noughts in the event — knocked three sixes and six fours.

When Pietersen became a victim to a shocking leg-before decision by umpire Ahsan Raza and a run later Shahzad holed out, Quetta needed just 17 for victory, a formality which turned out to be their undoing.

Karachi Kings meet Lahore in the first match on Saturday and Lahore’s win will see them through and their opponents out of the event. Peshawar Zalmi meets Quetta in the second match.

Earlier, 20-year-old Hussain Talat, playing his first match in the PSL, steadied Islamabad to 165-6 with an impressive 39-ball 56 with six boundaries and two sixes. The talented left-hander added 60 with Rafatullah Mohmand who made 17.

Shane Watson gave the much needed impetus to the innings with a whirlwind 16-ball 29 with two sixes and as many fours. Veterans Misbah-ul-Haq made 25 and Brad Haddin 22.

But in the end Islamabad’s total proved insufficient. They now have a last match against karachi on Sunday.

Earlier in the day Lahore also squandered a chance to reach the play-offs as they lost to Peshawar by 17 runs.

By Shahid Hashmi

Pakistan Cricket Board presented a list foreign players to franchise owners who have agreed to visit Lahore for PSL final:

Rohan Mustafa, Devon Thomas, Jayson Mohammad, Shane Shillingsford, Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, Anamul Haq Bijoy, Shahriar Nafees, Dawid Malan,, Morne van Wyk, Sachitra Senanayake , Seekuge Prasanna, Jeevan Mendis (Silver), Alex Wakely, Joshua Cobb, Nikhill Dutta, Azeem Rafiq, Danza Hyatt, Krishmar Santokie, Tino Best, Phil Mustard, Fidel Edwards,  Elton Chigumbura, Max Waller, Darren Stevens, Peter Trego, Richard Levi, Miguel Cummins, Asghar Stanikzai, Dawlat Zadran, Nawroz Mangal, Danushka Gunathilaka, Farveez Maharoof, Kusal Mendis, Steven Taylor, Azharullah, Soumya Sarkar, Jade Dernbach, Owais Shah, Yasir Arafat,  Rayad Emrit,, Suleman Benn, Brendan Taylor, Rashid Khan, Ashar Zaidi, Ryan ten Doeschate , Akeal Hosein , Graeme Cremer, Sean Ervine , Chamara Kapugedera, Milinda Siriwardana, Anuk Fernando ,Gihan Rupasinghe (Silver), Kausal Silva.

By Shahid Hashmi

Intermittent rain ruined a high-voltage Pakistan Super League match on Friday (February 17), leaving both Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi with one point each after an abandonment left a packed house frustrated.

A persistent drizzle delayed the spin of the coin by 10 minutes before Sarfraz Ahmed, the Quetta captain, won the toss and put Peshawar into bat. But the innings was halted thrice to break a good momentum in a match finally reduced to 16 overs a side.

The players went off after 3.4, 12 and 12.1 overs, and Peshawar eventually managed 117 for 3 from their 16 overs. The target was revised thrice on the Duckworth-Lewis method and Quetta were finally set 55 to win in six overs. But after Ahmed Shehzad and Thisara Perera came out for the chase, a further spell of heavy rain forced the match to be called off.

When Peshawar had batted, Tamim Iqbal steadied the innings with a polished 46-ball 62 not out after Mohammad Hafeez (16), Kamran Akmal (0) and Eoin Morgan (1) fell in 7.1 overs.

Hafeez made his highest score of the competition during an opening stand of 41 in 35 deliveries with Tamim before Peshwar lost three wickets for the addition of just one run in eight balls.

After Hafeez fell to Mahmudullah, Kamran was dismissed by Hasan Khan. Then Rilee Rossouw, who had never bowled in 15 Twenty20 Internationals, took the prized wicket of Morgan with his first ball but Tamim and Sohaib Maqsood (30 off 24 balls) added 75 runs interrupted by two rain breaks.

The regular to-and-fro from the middle left a packed house disappointed. Many had come for a glimpse of Shahid Afridi, the crowd favourite, with more than 10,000 people waiting outside the ground hoping to somehow find a way in. Local police had to summon a dog squad to disperse the crowd.

Tamim, who joined the squad after featuring in the one-off Test against India in Hyderabad, smashed two sixes off Zulfiqar Babar, the left-arm spinner, but Perera managed to put the brakes by conceding just four singles in the final over. Eventually, though, that would be immaterial.

Peshawar top the chart with a better run-rate after the washout left them and Quetta tied on five points each from four games apiece. Islamabad United, who take on Karachi Kings in Friday’s other game, have four points from three and Lahore Qalandars have four points from as many matches. Karachi have lost all their three matches.