[PICTURES/VIDEOS] Karachi Kings PSL 8 | Squad and Discussion Thread

[ads101]

Wonder how some in the Karachi camp feel letting Babar go now. Sharjeel was dropped twice so wanting to demote babar down the order was all for nothing. Babar has also achieved more wins with Peshawar who are a weaker team on paper than Karachi. And on top Haider Ali flopped. Sponsors must be upset too, given Babar was one of the most marketable players. If Babar starts performing again with the bat and Peshawar qualify will just add further salt on the wounds.

 

[shamaan]

Tbf to them, they inherited Haider as a platinum pick (PCB set the categories before the draft). Also, Malik didn’t arrive as platinum. Their three platinum picks were Wade, Haider and Tahir.

But I do agree on the wider point, there seems to little strategy in how they’ve assembled their squad.

They really do need an overhaul for next season.

Wonder how some in the Karachi camp feel letting Babar go now. Sharjeel was dropped twice so wanting to demote babar down the order was all for nothing. Babar has also achieved more wins with Peshawar who are a weaker team on paper than Karachi. And on top Haider Ali flopped. Sponsors must be upset too, given Babar was one of the most marketable players. If Babar starts performing again with the bat and Peshawar qualify will just add further salt on the wounds.

I think Peshawar have a better side than Karachi.

 

[Saj]

Karachi Kings' rising stars Tayyab Tahir, Qasim Akram and Ifran Khan Niazi impressed Ravi Bopara with their all-round brilliance amid his stint as the assistant batting coach of the team in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season eight.

Bopara spoke to the media here after the Kings' narrow four-wicket defeat against Gladiators and highlighted the positives from his coaching role stint as he heaped praises on the young talent.

"I've been very impressed with the youngsters, they're very good boys, always happy, very joyful and got a lot of energy. Tahir has really impressed me with his shot selection, his power and you can see in the field that he's a really good fielder, which is everything you need as a batter. Hopefully, a very big future for himself," stated Bopara.

"Qasim Akram also looks a class player, he's got all the attributes and also we didn't get the opportunity to see his bowling because he's actually a really good off-spinner as well. Let's not forget Niazi, he's shown how good is he in the field and he's got a couple of good knocks. So, very excited for those three boys," he added.

Bopara then revealed the reason behind his team sequentially falling short in the last five overs of the matches and lamented the shortage of a death bowling specialist.

"It's not a problem that you can fix overnight. Death bowling is a special skill for which you have particular players," said Bopara.

"Amir is one of the best death bowlers in Pakistan and he is a specialist in that position. But, in any T20 side now, you need two guys who can do that and also another guy who is relatively good at it. Unfortunately, we don't have a second guy who could do as good as Amir," he added.

The Kings' assistant batting coach then advised the bowlers to learn different ways of bowling death overs as he asserted that it was not realistic to expect six yorkers in an over by any bowler.

"The best yorker bowler of all time in any cricket was [Lasith] Malinga and his average was four yorkers per over, even he couldn't land six in six. He might, in odd over, land six in six but his average was four," said Bopara.

"So, if we're being realistic, no one else is gonna do that, we expect people to hit five to six yorkers in an over but that's not gonna happen. So, you just could work out other ways of bowling death overs like a slower ball, a good bouncer or be smart with your lines to keep the batters guessing," he maintained.

It is worth mentioning that Martin Guptill's astonishing 86-run knock powered Gladiators to edge Kings in a nail-biter.

Both Kings and Gladiators remained at the fifth and sixth spot respectively, following the outcome of the match.

 

[Saj]

Ravi Bopara assistant batting coach?

I mean who needs an assistant batting coach in a T20 tournament. Why can't the batting coach perform the role himself without needing an assiatant.

 

[MenInG]

Further issues for KK as Tabraiz Shamsi leaves for national duties.

 

[MenInG]

Karachi out of reckoning

==

This was Peshawar Zalmi’s fourth win in seven matches and it has extinguished Karachi Kings’ hopes of Playoff qualification as all top four teams have at least eight points now. The maximum that the Imad Wasim’s side can manage are six points, considering they win their last game on 12 March against Lahore Qalandars.

 

[Firebat]

Trust Karachi to be the only team in the entire tournament that have lost to Quetta. Another disaster of a season.

 

[shamaan]

It's your last game go with this side and give the youngsters a chance.

Haider Ali
Rossington
Tayyab Tahir
Wade
Qasim Akram
Irfan Khan
Imad wasim
Muhammed Amir
Tahir
Mir Hamza
Umar

 

[ArabKnight]

Trust Karachi to be the only team in the entire tournament that have lost to Quetta. Another disaster of a season.

At least they didn’t loose to LQ like PZ did.

 

[MenInG]

At least they didn’t loose to LQ like PZ did.

Karachi, if you are not aware, have become the first team to have failed to qualify for the Play-Offs in this season. What does that tell you about the team?

 

[Major]

Much better squad and captain this year

so new captain and the results were the same. This time around again Karachi was the first team to be thrown out of the psl.

Just shows Karachi's issue was never captain its there selection and the team management. Wasim Akram is toxic.

Funny how this had been a franchsie of babar or Rizwan and Qasim Akram had not played, you would had whined about how the captains are involved in a sazish

 

[Rana]

so new captain and the results were the same. This time around again Karachi was the first team to be thrown out of the psl.

Just shows Karachi's issue was never captain its there selection and the team management. Wasim Akram is toxic.

Funny how this had been a franchsie of babar or Rizwan and Qasim Akram had not played, you would had whined about how the captains are involved in a sazish

In T20 cricket, Babar and Rizwan are a problem wherever they go.

They are an even bigger problem when they are the captains of the team

They might come across as nice but they are abusers of power. Simple as

 

[MenInG]

In T20 cricket, Babar and Rizwan are a problem wherever they go.

They are an even bigger problem when they are the captains of the team

They might come across as nice but they are abusers of power. Simple as

No sorry that won't work.

You told us that Babar and Rizwan were the reasons for Karachi's troubles.

 

[Rana]

No sorry that won't work.

You told us that Babar and Rizwan were the reasons for Karachi's troubles.

What’s the issue with Karachi’s batting??

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

What’s the issue with Karachi’s batting??

Did you not say this at the start of the thread:

Much better squad and captain this year

At the end of the day, an average squad and a poor captain will give you the results you merit.

Also, there are literally no positives to take away either, except for Imad’s own batting form.

Who do they retain? Who do they let go? Should Imad even captain anymore? KK are at a crossroads.

 

[Major]

In T20 cricket, Babar and Rizwan are a problem wherever they go.

They are an even bigger problem when they are the captains of the team

They might come across as nice but they are abusers of power. Simple as

bro imad waseem was the captian of kk this time around not babar.

babar is about to qualify for play offs while imads team is out of psl

 

[Rana]

bro imad waseem was the captian of kk this time around not babar.

babar is about to qualify for play offs while imads team is out of psl

Good on Babar

I guess if you have 1b shots at the lottery you might just win one of the scratch cards

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Good on Babar

I guess if you have 1b shots at the lottery you might just win one of the scratch cards

Loving Saim and Haseebullah’s development under Babar btw. Same for Ihsanullah, Usama and Abbas Afridi at MS.

Shame that Qasim wasn’t given the same level of trust and confidence at Karachi.

 

[Major]

Good on Babar

I guess if you have 1b shots at the lottery you might just win one of the scratch cards

you said this:

Much better squad and captain this year

now defend it why did the better captain not able to get his team to play offs while the bad captain did.

 

[Rana]

you said this:

Much better squad and captain this year

now defend it why did the better captain not able to get his team to play offs while the bad captain did.

They are much better this year for sure

They should have beaten PZ in the first game when the equation was in reach but Malik decided to play his Hrithik Roshan Dhoom style innings instead of going for the runs when they were in reach

They bottled and easy win against QG first round

They should have chased 6 off 4 against Multan

They should have defeated QG in the second round too.

-that’s 8 points they should have grabbed

So yes, they have been better this year unlike last year where they were simply not competitive!

 

[Major]

They are much better this year for sure

They should have beaten PZ in the first game when the equation was in reach but Malik decided to play his Hrithik Roshan Dhoom style innings instead of going for the runs when they were in reach

They bottled and easy win against QG first round

They should have chased 6 off 4 against Multan

They should have defeated QG in the second round too.

-that’s 8 points they should have grabbed

So yes, they have been better this year unlike last year where they were simply not competitive!

How are they better when they have ot qualified for the play offs? No point of discussing could have or should have as that was not an argument you provided for Babar last year. THe final results are there and yet again they are out of the tournament while you claimed a better captain and better players were in the team

THe guy who you bash got his team into the play offs and that too while playing 3 young batters

 

[Saj]

*‘We badly needed it,’ says Imran as Kings end PSL 8 on winning note*

LAHORE, 13 March 2023:

Experienced leg-spinner Imran Tahir was glad that his side Karachi Kings finished their Pakistan Super League (PSL) eight campaign on a winning note after a resounding 86-run victory over table-toppers Lahore Qalandars.

Imran was once again clinical with his bowling performance as he took two wickets for 24 runs against home side Qalandars and played a pivotal role in dismantling their batting order while defending a massive total of 197.

The experienced leg-spinner in an interview briefly after the conclusion of his side’s final PSL 8 fixture, expressed his delight in finishing the tournament on a winning note as the Kings ‘badly needed’ it.

“Yeah look it’s always nice to finish like this when you obviously had a tough campaign. I think we badly needed it, to be very honest with you. We are very glad to finish on a good note,” said Imran.

Imran then went on to assert that the ongoing edition of the PSL has been very tough for the bowlers as the conditions on offer in most of the venues barely supported them.

“If I look at all PSL, I think people need to think about it, it’s been tough for the bowlers. As you see all over Pakistan, in Karachi we had tough conditions – a bit dew – and even in Pindi, it’s been very tough wickets for spinners to bowl,” complained Imran.

“But, it’s been a great experience, I won’t say it was my favourite PSL this year for me personally. Yeah, from the team’s point of view, I think we wanted to finish the way we finished today,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention that a resounding 86-run victory over the leaders Qalandars, lifted the Kings to finish this year’s extravaganza fifth with six points in 10 matches.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Multan Sultans make strategic trade deal

In a strategic move to further strengthen domestic spin bowling stocks and acquire the best picks in HBL PSL 9 Player Draft, Multan Sultans management has traded Shan Masood for the first pick in Diamond category, the second pick in Silver category as well as Multan-born left-arm wrist spinner Faisal Akram. Karachi Kings have gotten Multan Sultans’ fourth pick in the first Diamond round.

Multan Sultans now have two picks - second and fourth - in the first Silver round. The team had previously bagged the first Platinum pick of this year’s draft in a trade deal with Quetta Gladiators.

Faisal, a member of Pakistan squad in the previous ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, has 24 List A wickets and five T20 wickets.

Chief Executive Ali Khan Tareen: “This has been one of the most exciting trade and retention windows in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League and we are delighted with how our line-up is shaping. We had two agendas for this trade window: focus on buildinging a strong domestic core and getting the best possible picks in the HBL PSL 9 Player Draft in order to get the best overseas players to compliment our team combination.

These stellar draft picks plus our local core sets us up to build a solid squad for the HBL PSL 9 and beyond.

“I am over the moon to have finally gotten Faisal Akram in our team. We have been working with him since he was 16. He has been a regular at our academy and camps. He is an extraordinary talent and we are yet to see his best. Now he is part of our team for the next many years, our goal will be to develop him into a national asset."

“I want to thank Shan Masood who has been the longest serving member of the Sultans family. He has been our captain and a huge part of our success. We will definitely miss him and wish him the best in his new team."

 

[FearlessRoar]

Massive Trade between Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans. Shan Masood can be X Factor for Karachi Kings

 

[The Bald Eagle]

*Karachi Kings Announce Retentions Ahead of HBL PSL Draft 2024*

Karachi, 7 December 2023: Karachi Kings, winners of HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five, have unveiled the retentions ahead of the HBL PSL Draft 2024, confirming the first step towards a formidable lineup aimed at pursuing glory in the upcoming season.

The team, led by a renewed vision, has strategically retained a blend of experienced veterans and promising emerging talents:

*Diamond Retentions:*
Hasan Ali
James Vince

*Gold Retentions:*
Shan Masood _(Brand Ambassador)_
Shoaib Malik _(Mentor)_
Tabraiz Shamsi

*Silver Retentions:*
Mir Hamza
Mohammad Akhlaq

*Emerging Player Retention:*
Irfan Khan Niazi

Each retention brings a unique value to the squad. Hasan Ali, a dynamic force in the bowling department, has joined Kings’ squad as a result of trade deal with Islamabad United and he is all set to lend his prowess to fortify the Kings' attack. James Vince, known for his batting prowess and astute cricketing intelligence, solidifies the team's top order.

Shan Masood, serving not only as a crucial player but also as the Brand Ambassador, stands as a symbol of inspiration and commitment to the team's ethos. Shoaib Malik, a stalwart of the game, assumes the role of Mentor, providing invaluable guidance to the team's rising stars.

The retention of Tabraiz Shamsi further strengthens the team's spin arsenal, while the consistent performances of Mir Hamza and Mohammad Akhlaq in domestic cricket season have earned them spots in the Silver category.

Irfan Khan Niazi, an Emerging Player, continues to showcase promise and potential, solidifying his place in the squad as an exciting prospect for the future.

Salman Iqbal, the esteemed Team Owner of Karachi Kings, remarked, “We are thrilled with the finalized retentions for Karachi Kings ahead of the HBL PSL Draft 2024. Each retained player holds a crucial role in our strategy and team culture. We believe this roster maintains a perfect balance of experience and budding talent, aligning with our pursuit of excellence in the upcoming season.”

Team management expressed confidence in the retained players’ abilities and their alignment with the team’s strategic objectives. These retentions signify the team’s commitment to maintaining a balanced blend of experience and youthful talent, poised to compete fiercely in the upcoming HBL PSL season.

Karachi Kings eagerly anticipate the forthcoming HBL PSL Draft, where they aim to further augment their squad with strategic acquisitions complementing the retained players.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Shan Masood Ecstatic to Represent Hometown Karachi Kings in HBL PSL, Expresses Gratitude and Enthusiasm

Shan Masood, recently welcomed into the Karachi Kings squad, expressed his deep sense of honor and excitement at being included in the franchise for the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 9.

"I am honored that Karachi Kings' management and the esteemed owner, Mr Salman Iqbal, have placed their trust in me and offered me the opportunity to join Karachi Kings," remarked Shan Masood. "It's an exciting prospect to represent Karachi Kings in the HBL PSL for the first time. Being part of the franchise from my hometown holds immense significance for me."

Masood, reflecting on his anticipation, conveyed his enthusiasm about donning the Karachi Kings' colors and contributing to the team's journey in the forthcoming HBL PSL season. "I am thrilled to start this new chapter of my career, representing the HBL PSL franchise of the biggest city in Pakistan. I'm eager to bring my experience and dedication to the team, aiming for success alongside my new teammates."

Expressing his gratitude, Shan Masood extended heartfelt thanks to the passionate supporters of Karachi Kings for their warm welcome. "I am immensely grateful for the warm reception I've received from the Karachi Kings' fans. Their support and enthusiasm mean a lot to me, and I'm motivated to give my best for the team and the fans."

Shan Masood's inclusion in Karachi Kings marks an exciting addition to the team, and his dedication to contributing to the franchise's success resonates with the anticipation surrounding the forthcoming HBL PSL season 9.

 

[Rana]

Really happy for Akhlaq’s retention. He is a good player

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Really happy for Akhlaq’s retention. He is a good player

But over aged now

 

[MenInG]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1733472454725517607

 

[Hassan A]

Karachi Kings appoint Phil Simmons as Head Coach for PSL 9

 

[Hassan A]

Don't know about this one, but lets see

 

[FearlessRoar]

Karachi Kings appoint Phil Simmons as Head Coach for PSL 9

View attachment 140012

Karachi Kings Appoint Phil Simmons as Head Coach for HBL PSL Season 9

Karachi Kings, Pakistan's biggest city's HBL PSL franchise, has made a ground-breaking announcement as they gear up for the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9. The franchise proudly welcomes the esteemed Phil Simmons as their Head Coach, marking a significant step in their ongoing revitalization and restructuring process. Phil Simmons, renowned for his dual role as a star player and as the triumphant coach of the West Indies during the 2016 T20 World Cup, brings a wealth of experience and strategic prowess to the Karachi Kings' camp.

During his cricket career, Phil Simmons has scored 4,677 runs and picked up 87 wickets. He had a reputation for being an expert limited-over format player. Karachi is not an unknown territory to the new head coach of Kings' as he has played a World Cup 1987 match in the city.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Simmons stated, "Returning to Karachi, a city I hold dear from my playing days, feels like a homecoming. I am thrilled to join forces with Haider Azhar and the rest of the team's think tank, drawing from the rich cricketing heritage of this country. I am thankful to team owner Salman Iqbal, CEO Tariq Wasi, and Karachi Kings management for this opportunity. We are eager to move ahead with our rebuilding and restart process of Karachi Kings and establish this franchise as a match-winning unit."

Salman Iqbal, the owner of Karachi Kings, extended a warm welcome to Simmons, emphasizing the coach's invaluable addition to the team. "We are honored to have Phil Simmons join us as the Head Coach. His remarkable track record as a coach and player speaks volumes about his calibre. We are confident his leadership will drive Karachi Kings to greater heights."

The Karachi Kings management expresses confidence in this revamped coaching ensemble, aiming to create a formidable team ready to conquer the challenges of the upcoming HBL PSL Season 9.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

This is actually a great appointment.
They need better analysts to give him a good squad as well.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I think retaining James Vince was a good idea. He can play in PSL & Pakistan.

But letting go Qasim Akram was decision I guess. I hope he finds a team that plays him.

 

[Maher96]

Looks like a West Indian invasion is on its way, almost certain Pollard is playing under Simmons,

Guess Kyle Mayers if available may be a good option or even Shai Hope. Karachi have a fair few Platinium and Diamond picks if they go well they could assemble a decent line up.

Asif Ali and Dahani could do well with the likes of Sharjeel in the team. Added with the foreign contingent could become a force again.

 

[Rana]

I think retaining James Vince was a good idea. He can play in PSL & Pakistan.

But letting go Qasim Akram was decision I guess. I hope he finds a team that plays him.

I think it’s a fair decision

The guy is struggling in this franchise. He needs a new environment, his career isn’t really moving forward at the moment

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Looks like a West Indian invasion is on its way, almost certain Pollard is playing under Simmons,

Guess Kyle Mayers if available may be a good option or even Shai Hope. Karachi have a fair few Platinium and Diamond picks if they go well they could assemble a decent line up.

Asif Ali and Dahani could do well with the likes of Sharjeel in the team. Added with the foreign contingent could become a force again.

Simmons rates Mayers very very highly.

 

[shamaan]

I think it’s a fair decision

The guy is struggling in this franchise. He needs a new environment, his career isn’t really moving forward at the moment

They should have kept him in the long run he will be good.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Karachi Kings Appoint Phil Simmons as Head Coach for HBL PSL Season 9

Karachi Kings, Pakistan's biggest city's HBL PSL franchise, has made a ground-breaking announcement as they gear up for the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) Season 9. The franchise proudly welcomes the esteemed Phil Simmons as their Head Coach, marking a significant step in their ongoing revitalization and restructuring process. Phil Simmons, renowned for his dual role as a star player and as the triumphant coach of the West Indies during the 2016 T20 World Cup, brings a wealth of experience and strategic prowess to the Karachi Kings' camp.

During his cricket career, Phil Simmons has scored 4,677 runs and picked up 87 wickets. He had a reputation for being an expert limited-over format player. Karachi is not an unknown territory to the new head coach of Kings' as he has played a World Cup 1987 match in the city.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Simmons stated, "Returning to Karachi, a city I hold dear from my playing days, feels like a homecoming. I am thrilled to join forces with Haider Azhar and the rest of the team's think tank, drawing from the rich cricketing heritage of this country. I am thankful to team owner Salman Iqbal, CEO Tariq Wasi, and Karachi Kings management for this opportunity. We are eager to move ahead with our rebuilding and restart process of Karachi Kings and establish this franchise as a match-winning unit."

Salman Iqbal, the owner of Karachi Kings, extended a warm welcome to Simmons, emphasizing the coach's invaluable addition to the team. "We are honored to have Phil Simmons join us as the Head Coach. His remarkable track record as a coach and player speaks volumes about his calibre. We are confident his leadership will drive Karachi Kings to greater heights."

The Karachi Kings management expresses confidence in this revamped coaching ensemble, aiming to create a formidable team ready to conquer the challenges of the upcoming HBL PSL Season 9.

Phil Simmons has arrived in Lahore for the PSL draft.