The Business | SPOFRriday T, FebS ruary 281, 20 20

FoQrmueri ccrkick Reteeras ld aud ‘future star’ Haider Ali

MULTAN: Former crick - eters Ramiz Raja and Rashid Latif were left highly im - pressed by batsman Haider Ali, after the talented youngster batted with great deal of confi - dence in his 47-run knock from 27 balls against Sultans at Multan Stadium. Rashid Latif was pleasantly sur - prised to see the rookie batsman’s clean hit - ting which included six fours and two sixes. “Haider played really well,” Latif said. “I thought Haider is more suited to longer version of cricket but the way he did clean hitting and played Mohammad Irfan, he showed that he is the next player of cricket for all formats.” Raja also lauded Haider Ali’s temperament to guide Zalmi’s inning during a pressure situation. “Haider Ali played an impressive innings for Pe - shawar Zalmi as they had lost early wickets when he came to the crease,” Ramiz said. “He did good strong hitting, also looked strong in terms of temperament and doesn’t have a bad technique. He certainly has potential and should be supported because he has an attitude, reads the bowler well and doesn’t get scared.” However, the famous commentator also cau - tioned Haider Ali to take advantage of opportunities in future by playing longer innings. “Haider can be a future star pro - vided he bats using his brain .Talent is nothing if you don’t convert it into runs consistently,” he said. “Haider had an LARKANA: Students Allied School participating in tug-of-war competition during Annual Sports Day at PTS ground. ideal opportunity as he had already made 47 runs from 27 balls and there were 10 more overs left, but he threw away his wicket. He needs to learn from these things as talent is Amar Cables Ashiq nothing without execution.” “He played a good innings at a big stage but he has the ability to do better than this,” he Hussain Qureshi T-20 Cup added. —The Business Report Amar Cables beat PSL off to stupendous start amid Watson elated after meeting Naseer Memorial cricketing hero seniors by 135 runs Jamshaid Salman 142 runs thrilling games, festive atmosphere PM Imran declared man of the match Amar : The riveting on-field action in precedented attention of the fans. The brilliant the National Stadium on March 17 and then the Cables New record 264 runs the HBL 2020 has been televising job done by PCB’s production part - final to be staged at the on matched by the record-breaking numbers on ners Tower Spors and SportzWorkz have de - March 22. —The Business Report ISLAMABAD: in 20 overs; Lahore Badsha beat Australia’s former all- Punjab Cottage by 48 runs the league’s digital platforms as fans have lighted the crowds across the nation who have wholeheartedly embraced the full homecom - shown unprecedented enthusiasm in the PSL PCB asks Umar Akmal rounder Shane Wat - ing of the league in the opening week of the matches in this fifth edition. son was elated after fifth edition. According to information, this is also the to return cheque meeting with his The numbers are greater than the earlier four biggest production venture undertaken by any cricketing hero and seasons of the HBL PSL especially the open - production company in the history of Pakistan, issued for HBL PSL-5 current Prime Minister ing week of the tournament. The HBL PSL where full fledged tv coverage of PSL matches of Pakistan Imran Khan at digital platforms (YouTube, Facebook, Twit - and related activities is being done from four LAHORE: The the Prime Minister house on ter, Instagram and TikTok) are in an overdrive cities - Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi and Mul - (PCB) has asked suspended batsman Umar Wednesday. The Quetta Gladia - with the consumption of world-class content tan. Massive amount of latest equipment has Akmal, who is currently being investigated tors batsman Shane Watson was accompanied by his side’s produced by the HBL PSL digital team while been used in the coverage which is manned by by the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU), mentor Sir Vivian Richards, Australia’s legendary former the PCB’s production partners have excelled top professionals to bring the thrilling mo - to return the cheque given to him for his par - cricketer Greg Chappell and the Pakistan Cricket Board by bringing high caliber, thrilling transmis - ments to millions of home cricket fans, day in ticipation in the ongoing Habib Bank Lim - (PCB)'s Director for International Cricket Zakir Khan. The sions to the cricket-starved nation, according and day out. ited (HBL) Pakistan Super League (PSL) 5. 38-year-old claimed that it was a very special moment to to the information made available by the Pak - The HBL PSL 2020 anthem TayyarHain has The players participating in the HBL PSL meet and talk to one of the best players of the game. “This LAHORE: Amar Cables Ashiq Hus - istan Cricket Board here on Wednesday. also broken previous records in terms of digi - 5 have been paid 70 per cent of their due was incredibly special for me to meet and chat with one of sain Qureshi T-20 Cup match was Seven matches were played in the opening tal views in the opening week of the tourna - amounts. Pakistan players have received my cricketing hero’s, the Great All-Rounder,” Watson played between Amar Cables and week at Karachi’s National Stadium including ment. The league also launched its official their dues in Pakistani Rupees (PKR) instead Tweeted. The former all-rounder gushed over the sight of Naseer Memorial Seniors at Shah Faisal the opening ceremony which was very well at - TikTok channel on Feb 15 which already re - of Dollars. According to details, the HBL the former greats discussing their cricketing days. “Imran Cricket Ground on Thursday. Amar Ca - tended by the Karachiites amid a festive at - leased multiple videos that have become viral. PSL is popular among international players Khan. What an inspiring life he has lived on and off the bles beat Naseer Memorial by 135 runs mosphere. The first Karachi-leg concluded It is safe to say that with packed stadiums because of the timely manner of the respec - cricket field! So amazing to hear Sir Viv, Greg Chappell and and Lahore Badsha beat Punjab Cottage with a full-house for the absorbing clash be - and millions of digital views, the HBL PSL tive payment of dues. This time as well, the Imran relive the good old days! #Dream,” he added. —The by 48 runs. tween the home side Karachi Kings and Glad - fever has gripped the country. The figures re - PCB has already distributed the contractu - Business Report Amar Cables made new record 264 iators which the Gladiators won in the final veal that on YouTube there have been 4 mil - ally obligated 70 per cent of the total dues runs in 20 overs. first Amar Ca - over. lion+ views on the HBL PSL anthem so far among the participating players. A player, Indian Women beat NZ bles scored 264/5 after 20 overs. Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium played host to while in the last seven days - starting from the who wishes to be anonymous, confirmed Jamshaid Salman played well with 142 three games including Sunday’s last over opening ceremony day — over 30 million that the cheques had been delivered to the to reach T20 runs with 7 sixes and 15 four. Bilal Khilji thriller between the home side Lahore Qalan - viewers have viewed the matches and the PSL- players. The remaining 30 per cent of the 61, Ashraf Ali 20 and Rehman Qadir 24 dars and United which United won by one related activities while Twitter & Instagram dues will be transferred after the conclusion WC semis runs . wicket after a sensational last wicket stand. A views have exceeded 14.6 million views. The of the event. The player further stated that in Kaleem Khan 2/52 wickets. In reply rousing home crowd at the Gaddafi saw their tournament resumed on Wednesday after a the five seasons of the HBL PSL, there has MELBOURNE: Naseer Memorial Seniors 129 all out after side narrowly lose the match, but as always two-day break as the focus shifted to matches never been a delay in the payments. The India became the first 16.3 overs Muhammad Imran 34, Abdul both home and away sides received the in Rawalpindi and Multan. Both the cities are timely payments make the HBL PSL an team to reach the Karim 25 and Muhammad Ahsraf 18 warmth of the supporters. The spellbinding ac - hosting PSL games for the first ever time and ideal destination for international cricketers Women's Runs. Amar Cables Rehan Rauf tion on field has been very well received by the enthusiasm of the fans in the two cities is at from around the world. According to World Cup semi-finals bowling well 4/34, Ahmad Shahab 2/24 fans across the globe especially in Pakistan its zenith now. The league phase will continue sources, the local players were paid in PKR on Thursday after beat - and Akbar Ali 2/31 wickets. Professor while the off-field content produced and shared from March 1-15 before the commencement due to the fact that the entire tournament was ing New Zealand by four Nasir Hussain, were Um - on HBL PSL platforms has also received un - of the play-offs with the Qualifier to be played taking place in Pakistan. —The Business runs to register a third suc - pire and Mian Nadeem was the scorer. cessive victory at the tourna - At the end of the match chief guest ment. India, put into bat, could not Zubair Butt gave away man of the match make the most of a strong start but their 133-8 still proved award to Jamshaid Salman. Second beyond Sophie Devine's team, who managed 129-6. Opener match Lahore Badsha batting first 215/7 Shafali Verma's 46 was not a chanceless knock but it earned after 20 overs. the 16-year-old her second player-of-the-match award. Her Yaseen Cheema 57, Muhammad Amir opening partner Smriti Mandhana (11) disappointed again 24, Jamshaid Ali 21, Amir Khan 16 and though, dragging a wide Lea Tahuhu delivery onto her Amir Riaz played well 65 runs not out. stumps. Verma and Taniya Bhatia (23) forged a half-cen - Shafique Latif 2/34 and Abid Ali 2/46 tury stand to prop up the Indian innings, aided by some Wickets. In reply Punjab Cottage 167/8 sloppy catching by their opponents. —AFP after 20 Overs. Saqlain Shah 65, Shahzad Ahmad 31 and Abid Ali 26 Runs. Lahore De Bruyne inspires late turnaround Badsha bowling Yaseen Cheema 2/13, Mian Safdar 2/16 and Mian Irfan 2/35 as Man City stun Real Madrid wickets. Yaseen Cheema declared man of the match. Muhammad Asif, Irfan Dil - MADRID: Kevin De Bruyne orchestrated a dramatic shad and Muhammad Arif was Manchester City comeback as they stunned Real Madrid 2- the scorer. —PR 1 at the Santiago Bernabeu to put one foot in the Champions League quarter-finals. Madrid looked on course to edge a cagey contest after Isco's smart finish early in the second Tennis: Nadal cruises half, but De Bruyne teed up Gabriel Jesus in the 78th minute into quarter-finals at and then tucked away a penalty in the 83rd. Kevin de Bruyne (right) celebrates scoring a winning penalty A pulsating fin - Acapulco tennis ish also saw Sergio Ramos sent off for preventing Jesus from going clear and Madrid's will now be banned for the LOS ANGELES: World number two second leg at the Etihad Stadium on Mar 17, when City's two Rafael Nadal stepped up his bid for a away goals will make them heavy favourites to go through. third ATP Mexico Open title with an im - "We tried to come here to win the game and we did. This is pressive display of serving and shotmak - just the first part. If one team can overcome this situation, ing to beat Serbian youngster Miomir it's this club," City coach Pep Guardiola said. "When we Kecmanovic. The Spaniard hit 20 win - were better, we conceded a goal. When they were bettter, we ners as he kept his hopes alive of regain - scored a goal. That's football." Guardiola sprung another ing the top ranking with a 6-2, 7-5 Champions League surprise by picking a line-up nobody pre - victory over the 20-year-old Kecmanovic dicted, with De Bruyne up front and Raheem Sterling, Ser - to reach the quarter-finals at the Aca - gio Aguero and Fernandinho all on the bench. But his gamble pulco hardcourt tournament. "He's a very paid off handsomely, even if Nicolas Otamendi made the dangerous player. —AFP MULTAN: Karachi Kings team busy in practice session ahead of PSL T20 match between and Karachi Kings. mistake that led to Isco's opener while an injury to Aymeric Cricket’s revival in Pakistan Hassan Salman Lankan cricketers were wounded and international cricket on its turfs? Noth - in the past but also be a source of rev - for spectators is traffic congestion. Since will be inclined towards being a part of eight Pakistanis lost their lives. Now ing can guarantee this, however, a few enue generation that can enable PCB to most of our stadiums are located in city it if they can be guaranteed safe and ver the past couple of years, after many years of this unfortunate actions if taken can greatly increase its invest in new technologies to improve centres, ongoing matches result in roads comfortable living during their stay in international cricket has event, Pakistan is back on a track hosting chances. Some technologies should be the standards of its stadiums. being blocked. Due to this blockage, the country. One final thing that the PCB started paving its ways back numerous fixtures with teams from other introduced in stadiums that will help in One of the major factors is the stadi - countless individuals are affected. can do as an organisation is to visit other to Othe stadiums of Pakistan. Teams from nations such as Sri Lanka and making the sport easily understandable ums. If compared to other renowned sta - Another action which could be imple - countries frequently. It is quite promis - other countries who were previously Bangladesh. One of the major turn - and less time-consuming. Sensors diums in the world such as that at Lord’s mented is to hire a team of people to ing to see how the Pakistani team may hesitant to come have now started feel - arounds for this was the Pakistan Super should be installed in the boundaries and in England; Stadiums such as the specifically perform the job of arranging be paying a visit to both Ireland and the ing safer while pursuing these friendly League (PSL) which hosted countless bails in order to make it clear when a Qaddafi Stadium fall way short of that tours and cricket fixtures between teams. Netherlands and even more countries competitions. These recent develop - extremely well-renowned cricketers and batsman has gotten out or has hit a standard. First preference would obvi - Interviews should be taken and people over the course of 2020. This practice ments act as proof of how Pakistan is steadily gave people the realisation that boundary. An official cricket shopping ously be new, well- constructed and should be selected from all over Pakistan should be carried on so that friendly re - starting recovery from false labels such Pakistan isn’t actually what it has been store should be opened outside the sta - well-equipped stadiums. Since that can and even from other countries. To en - lations can be maintained and teams are as “a country of terrorists”. Owing to the projected to be. Now what can we do to dium containing memorable moments of prove to be costly and time-consuming courage not only foreign teams but for - more comfortable visiting Pakistan if the unforgettable incident of March 3, 2009, ensure that Pakistan continues to pros - Pakistani as well as Pakistani however, alterations and additions can eign spectators as well, hotels should be teams and cricket boards have cordial re - an attack on a bus carrying members of per in this field? team kits and cricket equipment. This be made to our existing stadiums such as constructed near such stadiums since an lations between each other. the Sri Lankan cricket team, took place. The question that arises is how will will not only allow foreign visitors to ex - new seats, easy and accessible entry and average series can last anywhere be - In this unfortunate incident, six Sri Pakistan continue this growing trend of perience the sporting success of Pakistan exit points. One of the major problems tween a week and a month, more people The writer is a freelance contributor