Afridi will play in Lahore despite dengue fears

Despite concerns shown by Karachi’s regional association, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has confirmed his participation in the season-opening Twenty20 event in Lahore despite the spread of dengue in the city.

The all-rounder, who will lead Karachi Dolphins, is looking ahead to the event where some participating teams have expressed concerns over the deadly virus that has claimed over 25 lives in Lahore.

The Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) called for a venue-shift, arguing that players were concerned about their safety. The Afghanistan Cricket Board, which will be sending a team from the country, also voiced their concern over the state of the city. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), however, rejected all concerns, saying precautionary measures have been taken and the event will go as planned from September 25.

Afridi, though, is keen to return to action.

“I will take part in the tournament,” the experienced all-rounder confirmed to The Express Tribune. “I am focusing on a good show for my team in order to achieve best results. I want to play cricket as much as I can to avoid rustiness. It will be a good tournament and I am not going to miss this opportunity.”

Fans can expect fireworks

The all-rounder has not played international cricket since the tour of West Indies where he developed differences with the coach and his subsequent outburst forced the board to strip him of captaincy.

Afridi retired from international cricket following that. He did represent Hampshire in the recently-concluded Friends Life T20 and hit an explosive knock of 80 off just 42 balls in his last innings at the event. Afridi said he was aiming for more such innings in the upcoming tournament.

“I am focusing on my batting also apart from bowling,” he said. “I will try to go fully prepared to shine as an all-rounder. My last innings has given me confidence and hopefully I will carry the form in the tournament.”

Return to international cricket?

However, Afridi refused an immediate return to international cricket.

“I just want to play cricket at the moment and will return when the time comes,” he said.

Afridi to play for All Stars in Hong Kong Sixes

Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi will feature in the Hong Kong Cricket Sixes at the Kowloon Cricket Club from October 28.

Afridi, who announced a conditional retirement from international cricket, will play for the All Stars team which also includes Sri Lanka’s Sanath Jayasuriya, South African opener Herschelle Gibbs, Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, Australia fast-bowler Shaun Tait and Ryan ten Doeschate of the Netherlands.

“We are thrilled to have both Jayasuriya and Afridi playing on the same team,” Hong Kong Cricket Association President Shahazada Saleem told cricketworld.com. “They are outstanding cricketers who can demolish any bowling attack and are more than capable bowlers themselves. The fans are in for a treat.”

The All Stars have been drawn with Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Scotland in Group A while defending champions Australia are placed in Group B with England, Bangladesh and Ireland. The third group comprises last year’s losing finalists Pakistan, South Africa, India and Hong Kong.

“We have got a good blend of players from all around the world and I expect the All Stars to be one of the favourites to win the tournament,” said Saleem.

Afridi didn't join MQM

There were rumors that Shahid Afridi joined MQM, the photo that is use in that news is very old. People are trying to get popular with fake news like this, facebook pages owner wants to get more fans and bloggers owner want to earn money on increasing terrific on their blogs. Kindly, don't ruin someone life for your own benefits. Regards "TEAM AFRIDI".

This picture is very old .

Razzaq unsure about getting Indian visa for CL T20

Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is jittery about obtaining an Indian visa to represent Leicestershire in next week's Champions League Twenty20 and has sought the English county's help in the matter.


Razzaq, a centrally contracted player of the Pakistan Cricket Board, starred for Leicestershire in their successful bid to become the English national Tewnty20 champions last month.

By virtue of his contract with Leicestershire, Razzaq is now qualified to represent them in the Champions Trophy as well.

But sources close to the allrounder said he was anxious about being able to make it to India on time and has sought the assistance of his county to secure the visa.

"The Indian High Commission has yet to issue him the visa to travel to India and he is worried he might miss a couple of early games which are so important for any team," one source said.

Razzaq played regularly in the rebel Indian Cricket League around the same time the official Indian Premier League was launched.

No Pakistan team has taken part in the Champions League tournament in its first two editions so far due to the strained relations between the two countries.

ALEEM DAR DESERVED TO BE HONOURED AT THE ICC ANNUAL AWARDS: AHSAN RAZA

Ahsan Raza, an umpire from Pakistan, has claimed that he had actually dreamt of compatriot Aleem Dar winning the ICC Annual Award for the best umpire of the year for the third consecutive year in a row.

Raza stated, “Believe it or not, I had a dream where Aleem was certain to win this trophy for the third year in a row. He (Aleem) rightly deserved this award. He is bound to get an amazing reception when he returns to Pakistan.”

Dar was officiating in the series between Australia and Sri Lanka, but was invited over to London by the International Cricket Council (ICC) in order to attend the award ceremony on Monday, September 12, 2011.

According to sources, “ICC had specifically asked India’s Shavir Tarapore to replace Dar as TV umpire for the 2nd Sri Lanka-Australia Test, so that he can be available for the function.”

The 43-year-old umpire from Pakistan first officiated in an international game back in 2000. He was very confident in decision making and got selected in the ICC umpire’s panel very soon.

Dar’s first major tournament as an umpire was the World Cup in 2003. He did a very good job in the Mega Event and earned in spot in the ICC’s elite panel along with some other brilliant umpires like Simon Taufel from Australia.

This was just the beginning of a successful journey from the proud Pakistani. He went onto officiate the World Cup Finals in 2007 and 2011 and has also been performing his duties in the Ashes series between England and Australia for the past many years.

Apart from Dar, there were a couple of players from Pakistan nominated in the awards. Fast bowler Wahab Riaz and batsman Azhar Ali were named in the category for the best emerging players, but the award went to West Indies’ rising star Devendra Bishoo.

However, Pakistan’s Umar Gul was selected in the ODI team of the year. He was the only player to get the honour even though there were some solid performances from players like Shahid Afridi, who was the highest wicket-taker of the World Cup this year.