[VIDEOS/PICTURES] Good to see Afghanistan players back in Pakistan for PSL

[MenInG]

1. Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars)
2. Qais Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
3. Mujeeb ur Rehman (Peshawar Zalmi)
4. Mohammad Nabi (Karachi Kings)
5. Noor Ahmad (Karachi Kings)
6. Waqar Salamkheil (Peshawar Zalmi)


After what seems to have been bad blood between both countries, its great to see these guys in PSL sides for PSL 6.

Possible that Imran Khan's trip to Afghanistan had some influence on this or simply the fact that they are available - although not sure why they didnt play before?

 

[b.lesner]

1. Rashid Khan (Lahore Qalandars)
2. Qais Ahmed (Quetta Gladiators)
3. Mujeeb ur Rehman (Peshawar Zalmi)
4. Mohammad Nabi (Karachi Kings)
5. Noor Ahmad (Karachi Kings)


After what seems to have been bad blood between both countries, its great to see these guys in PSL sides for PSL 6.

Possible that Imran Khan's trip to Afghanistan had some influence on this or simply the fact that they are available - although not sure why they didnt play before?

It was better to pick Sandeep Lamichanne then noor ahmed.

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Also Mohammad Nabi.

Would’ve loved to have seen Mohammad Shahzad getting picked. That guys an entertainer.

 

[Titan24]

Absolutely, good to see and this a step towards improving cricketing relations. Add Nabi as well who is grabbed by KK.

 

[TeymurBlake]

Good steps to move beyond the bad blood and definitely put in paces for a future tour of Pakistan.

 

[Saj]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

What has this to do with big hearts?

It's not like those 5 mentioned does not play any league cricket. They are picked in pretty much every league. Except Noor Ahmad who is new.

I have heard from sources that Imran Khan asked for better cricket relation when he visited. So this is a result of that.

 

[Major]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

? what has this got to do with big hearts?

Teams will be taking their services, and Nabi doesn't bad mouth Pakistan.

I dont understand why we want Afghanis to bow down to us......

 

[Major]

Noor Ahmad- Afghani Chinamen

Karachi has got themselves a good bowler. With no offspinners in Pakistan, this guy could be big trouble for our batsmen in the PSL

 

[aloo paratha]

We should invite Afghanistan every year for a 3 match T20I series. The rivalry is pretty heated lmao. Use it as an opportunity to try out new players and to expand to different, smaller venues like Faisalabad and Quetta.

 

[MenInG]

We should invite Afghanistan every year for a 3 match T20I series. The rivalry is pretty heated lmao. Use it as an opportunity to try out new players and to expand to different, smaller venues like Faisalabad and Quetta.

And they should be made to feel at home in Pakistan as well, to train with our guys etc - all good for the game and also for our players. If Aaron Summers can play in Pakistan Cup, so can other Afghanistan players as well.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

Makes no sense considering they are top draws for literally every massive domestic T20 League

 

[Slim]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

Agreed, would have preffered seeing Lankans.

 

[Varun]

Pakistan : Afghanistan :: India : Bangladesh

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

i was baffled by unavailability of players from Afghan in PSL . PCB need to make sure they attract global audience and get as much as top performing players from every country .
bored of seeing mediocre players from south africa & England when it can be easily filled by afghans and even Bangladesh.

 

[Snowflake]

And they should be made to feel at home in Pakistan as well, to train with our guys etc - all good for the game and also for our players. If Aaron Summers can play in Pakistan Cup, so can other Afghanistan players as well.

Excuse me, what?! Why should they be made to feel home? There is a difference in being the bigger person and being completely devoid of any self-respect - including these guys in the PSL is bordering on the latter.

Sorry, but a board that directly calls you out on terrorism, players who try their best to hide the fact that are a product of the domestic/street cricket in Pakistan, abuse you whenever they play (but conveniently become timid children in front of India as that suits them now) and fans who abuse and disrespect you at opportunity they get deserve no engagement at all. Sick of this non-reactive and docile nature that has crept into our nation!

These guys were actually made to feel home until they got into their international side and the political situation went south between the two countries.

 

[Mamoon]

Instead of trying to act tough and playing the “we are gracious hosts” card, our fans need to wake up and accept the reality.

We need to be thankful that a T20 superstar like Rashid Khan is playing in PSL. The reality is that PSL needs Rashid more than Rashid needs PSL.

PSL is a cash-strapped league that finds it very difficult to attract top players in their prime years.

Rashid earns millions in IPL. He doesn’t need PSL spare change, and if Afghanistan didn’t have a congested international fixture list, he would not be entertaining the possibility of playing in PSL until he was past his prime.

We need to drop our shallow arrogance and attitude of entitlement. The presence of Rashid Khan in 2020 is great for the profile of PSL.

Furthermore, this also disproves the theory that IPL stars are not allowed by their IPL teams to participate in PSL.

Our fans will come up with anything to serve as a coping mechanism.

 

[Hyperion66]

Instead of trying to act tough and playing the “we are gracious hosts” card, our fans need to wake up and accept the reality.

We need to be thankful that a T20 superstar like Rashid Khan is playing in PSL. The reality is that PSL needs Rashid more than Rashid needs PSL.

PSL is a cash-strapped league that finds it very difficult to attract top players in their prime years.

Rashid earns millions in IPL. He doesn’t need PSL spare change, and if Afghanistan didn’t have a congested international fixture list, he would not be entertaining the possibility of playing in PSL until he was past his prime.

We need to drop our shallow arrogance and attitude of entitlement. The presence of Rashid Khan in 2020 is great for the profile of PSL.

Furthermore, this also disproves the theory that IPL stars are not allowed by their IPL teams to participate in PSL.

Our fans will come up with anything to serve as a coping mechanism.

This. Posters acting they are doing Rashid some kind of favor, he is already a superstar if anything he is doing PSL a favor otherwise Pak fans would be left with Samit Patels and David Wieses.

 

[Zeshan547]

This. Posters acting they are doing Rashid some kind of favor, he is already a superstar if anything he is doing PSL a favor otherwise Pak fans would be left with Samit Patels and David Wieses.

Oh the irony, these legends are made in international cricket not tamasha league, would love to know Rashid earth shattering record vs top 6 or 7 teams in all formats, and secondly if he is such a big name than why he made himself available for psl peanuts?

 

[Varun]

Oh the irony, these legends are made in international cricket not tamasha league, would love to know Rashid earth shattering record vs top 6 or 7 teams in all formats, and secondly if he is such a big name than why he made himself available for psl peanuts?

Not a lot of games, but ODI bowling average:

v India 26.33
v Pakistan 24.00
v Sri Lanka 10.75
v West Indies 20.20

 

[Shafi]

This. Posters acting they are doing Rashid some kind of favor, he is already a superstar if anything he is doing PSL a favor otherwise Pak fans would be left with Samit Patels and David Wieses.

Yes!!!! Without Afghan players PSL will fail to attract crowds. Also teams like India, England, Australia, NZ should play more matches with Afghanistan than us. Afghanistan finally replace Pakistan as a fearless/aggressive/quality brand of cricket.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

i was baffled by unavailability of players from Afghan in PSL . PCB need to make sure they attract global audience and get as much as top performing players from every country .
bored of seeing mediocre players from south africa & England when it can be easily filled by afghans and even Bangladesh.

Why? In past seasons they have always had bilateral series during that time. PCB can't change FTP.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Unpopular opinion but I would prefer if we didn't play Afghanistan. It got a little too close for comfort the last two times and there's no telling if Afghanistan could spring a surprise the next time.

 

[Usman]

And they should be made to feel at home in Pakistan as well, to train with our guys etc - all good for the game and also for our players. If Aaron Summers can play in Pakistan Cup, so can other Afghanistan players as well.

The scenes at the Pakistan v Afghanistan 2019 World Cup game are difficult to forget. Large groups of Afghani fans launched unprovoked attacks on their Pakistani counterparts, for no reason other than the political tension between the two countries. I've never experienced anything like it, even in Pakistan v India games, and our tensions with India run much deeper than anything with Afghanistan.

Remembering those scenes, and thinking how ungrateful Afghanistan supporters have been for everything Pakistani cricket has done for them in the past, I don't think it is appropriate for the Afghani players to play the PSL.

As I say, the last time Pakistani cricket welcomed Afghanistan with open arms, large parts of the Afghan fans attacked Pakistani ones. If that is how our generosity is returned, I don't think we should be so generous.

 

[Thephenom]

Exactly mate spot on, not only our support for their cricket but their country over the past 50 years, India have no qualms about banning our players to their tournament do they?!

 

[Zaz]

Makes no sense considering they are top draws for literally every massive domestic T20 League

Why doesnt it make sense The players and or officials have bad mouthed pakistan at every opportunity Also who can forget the scenes in the world cup and the amir altercation For some bizarre reason theres a one sided ill feeling against pakistan

If this was another country that comes to mind theyd have nothing to do with afghanistan and its cricketers So yes this is generous and a good first step by both sides

The least pakistan can expect is this bad mouthing to end

 

[Shafi]

The scenes at the Pakistan v Afghanistan 2019 World Cup game are difficult to forget. Large groups of Afghani fans launched unprovoked attacks on their Pakistani counterparts, for no reason other than the political tension between the two countries. I've never experienced anything like it, even in Pakistan v India games, and our tensions with India run much deeper than anything with Afghanistan.

Remembering those scenes, and thinking how ungrateful Afghanistan supporters have been for everything Pakistani cricket has done for them in the past, I don't think it is appropriate for the Afghani players to play the PSL.

As I say, the last time Pakistani cricket welcomed Afghanistan with open arms, large parts of the Afghan fans attacked Pakistani ones. If that is how our generosity is returned, I don't think we should be so generous.

According to Mamoon, Rasid did PSL favor by playing????

 

[silentkiller187]

Politics and sport never mix, good to see Pak and Afghans mixing in the leagues regardless of whos idea it was and who benefits. Some of the other neighbors in the region could learn some lessons from this.

 

[princeuk]

I think we are being gracious allowing them into our league, there are plenty of players from other countries who have signed upto this league and any of them can be chosen but we chose the afghani's.

People are saying they are good players thats why they are chosen yeah well pakistan were the T20 WORLD CUP Champions but as relations between india and pakistan are strained they were never chosen in IPL, it doesnt matter how good the players are its about the political relationship between the two boards.

We seem to respect Afghanistan more than they respect us......facty.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Rashid Khan is the biggest draw in world cricket for a long time now. We are lucky to have him playing here, if a huge superstar like Rashid can come and play in Pakistan then the other cricketers around the world will follow suite. He's massive

 

[Snowflake]

Rashid Khan is the biggest draw in world cricket for a long time now. We are lucky to have him playing here, if a huge superstar like Rashid can come and play in Pakistan then the other cricketers around the world will follow suite. He's massive

Okay, literally no one, except for other Afghan players, are going to follow Rashid Khan and come and play in Pakistan.

We all know that that perception can only be improved through frequent visits by SENA countries/players.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Unpopular opinion but I would prefer if we didn't play Afghanistan. It got a little too close for comfort the last two times and there's no telling if Afghanistan could spring a surprise the next time.

Precisely why we should play them. As Pakistan is not playing India any more, the more we can raise the profile of games between other Asian teams such as Sri Lanka, Afgh, and BD, the better for Pakistan's game.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I’m super excited to be part of <a href="https://twitter.com/thePSLt20?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@thePSLt20</a> this year and play for <a href="https://twitter.com/lahoreqalandars?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@lahoreqalandars</a> will be a totally different experience for me first time <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PSL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PSL</a> looking forward for a great season ahead see u soon <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Qalandars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Qalandars</a></p>— Rashid Khan (@rashidkhan_19) <a href="https://twitter.com/rashidkhan_19/status/1348639580765884417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[shamaan]

The scenes at the Pakistan v Afghanistan 2019 World Cup game are difficult to forget. Large groups of Afghani fans launched unprovoked attacks on their Pakistani counterparts, for no reason other than the political tension between the two countries. I've never experienced anything like it, even in Pakistan v India games, and our tensions with India run much deeper than anything with Afghanistan.

Remembering those scenes, and thinking how ungrateful Afghanistan supporters have been for everything Pakistani cricket has done for them in the past, I don't think it is appropriate for the Afghani players to play the PSL.

As I say, the last time Pakistani cricket welcomed Afghanistan with open arms, large parts of the Afghan fans attacked Pakistani ones. If that is how our generosity is returned, I don't think we should be so generous.

They proberly not even cricket fans it was only a small minority.it in england afgan and pakistani live together like brothers

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Have we had an official apology from ACB?

 

[wasimjunior]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

POTW candidate

 

[Ryw]

The scenes at the Pakistan v Afghanistan 2019 World Cup game are difficult to forget. Large groups of Afghani fans launched unprovoked attacks on their Pakistani counterparts, for no reason other than the political tension between the two countries. I've never experienced anything like it, even in Pakistan v India games, and our tensions with India run much deeper than anything with Afghanistan.

Remembering those scenes, and thinking how ungrateful Afghanistan supporters have been for everything Pakistani cricket has done for them in the past, I don't think it is appropriate for the Afghani players to play the PSL.

As I say, the last time Pakistani cricket welcomed Afghanistan with open arms, large parts of the Afghan fans attacked Pakistani ones. If that is how our generosity is returned, I don't think we should be so generous.

They are still the same, nothing has changed. The way they behaved at World Cup game was a shock to many Pakistanis in Pakistan but overseas Pakistanis knew how vile these Afghani s are...

 

[FreakCricket]

NO ROI bringing Afghani players, Cricket is barely watched in Afghanistan and they are a Minnow nation so I don't see the point above Posters are making about how much they add to the PSL.

All these players are more like local, I bet half of them have Pakistani Passport should be tried at local not overseas player

At least now we can have some as Inzi says" Badtameez" type of players that can add some flair to our League.

 

[Saj]

The scenes at the Pakistan v Afghanistan 2019 World Cup game are difficult to forget. Large groups of Afghani fans launched unprovoked attacks on their Pakistani counterparts, for no reason other than the political tension between the two countries. I've never experienced anything like it, even in Pakistan v India games, and our tensions with India run much deeper than anything with Afghanistan.

Remembering those scenes, and thinking how ungrateful Afghanistan supporters have been for everything Pakistani cricket has done for them in the past, I don't think it is appropriate for the Afghani players to play the PSL.

As I say, the last time Pakistani cricket welcomed Afghanistan with open arms, large parts of the Afghan fans attacked Pakistani ones. If that is how our generosity is returned, I don't think we should be so generous.

Indeed. I was there that day in Leeds and I was shocked at just how much hatred there was from the Afghanistan fans both inside the ground and outside the stadium. They were disgusting scenes.

 

[MMHS]

They proberly not even cricket fans it was only a small minority.it in england afgan and pakistani live together like brothers

Really, must be a different place England then. Outside London, there more Pakistani & Afghan expats here at Toronto than probably anywhere in UK (may be in world excluding greater NY & LA) .... and I can tell you that they do live together, but not like brothers to be honest. Bangladeshis are much more closer to Pakistanis & Afghans but these two neighbours.... can’t blame the Pakistanis here though ....

 

[MenInG]

Have we had an official apology from ACB?

No such thing has happened.

 

[shamaan]

Really, must be a different place England then. Outside London, there more Pakistani & Afghan expats here at Toronto than probably anywhere in UK (may be in world excluding greater NY & LA) .... and I can tell you that they do live together, but not like brothers to be honest. Bangladeshis are much more closer to Pakistanis & Afghans but these two neighbours.... can’t blame the Pakistanis here though ....

Defonitely pakistani and Bangladeshi are much closer here in uk but the thiers a misconception that Pakistani hate afganistan fans and vise verse its not true i have plenty of afgan friends and Bangladesh friends

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Precisely why we should play them. As Pakistan is not playing India any more, the more we can raise the profile of games between other Asian teams such as Sri Lanka, Afgh, and BD, the better for Pakistan's game.

Call me what you must: Short-sighted, partisan, insecure. But I just don't want to see Pakistan lose to Afghanistan.

 

[Usman]

According to Mamoon, Rasid did PSL favor by playing????

Well if he thinks that, he's wrong. These guys get paid handsomely and if we didn't take these Afghani players, plenty of high profile international cricketers would jump at the chance to play.

They proberly not even cricket fans it was only a small minority.it in england afgan and pakistani live together like brothers

I'm certainly not labelling all Afghanis the same. But cricket fans or not, a significant number of Afghanis behaved viciously that day and it would have been nice for the PSL to stick by Pakistani fans and show that actions have consequences. We shouldn't be lining the pockets of Afgahni cricketers and helping raise their profile even more, when this is the behaviour of their supporters.

It's like in football where teams get penalised for misconduct by their fans. It's a good way to get the fans to realise that they are shooting their own team in the foot. It also encourages the sports stars to speak out and control fan behaviour.

They are still the same, nothing has changed. The way they behaved at World Cup game was a shock to many Pakistanis in Pakistan but overseas Pakistanis knew how vile these Afghani s are...

As bad as that day was, I don't agree with your statement. Stereotypes don't help anyone. I'm sure the majority of Afghanis are perfectly nice people. However it seems that a small but significant proportion of their youth, especially here in England, is on the wrong path.

Indeed. I was there that day in Leeds and I was shocked at just how much hatred there was from the Afghanistan fans both inside the ground and outside the stadium. They were disgusting scenes.

Totally agree. As I say, I have sat in a few India v Pakistan games, often with more Indians than Pakistanis in the ground, but it is always good natured. The Afghani supporters that day were something else. They couldn't care less that most people had come with their families and so women and children were everywhere. They just behaved like hooligans. It was disgusting.

 

[Giannis]

What has this to do with big hearts?

It's not like those 5 mentioned does not play any league cricket. They are picked in pretty much every league. Except Noor Ahmad who is new.

I have heard from sources that Imran Khan asked for better cricket relation when he visited. So this is a result of that.

? what has this got to do with big hearts?

Teams will be taking their services, and Nabi doesn't bad mouth Pakistan.

I dont understand why we want Afghanis to bow down to us......

Makes no sense considering they are top draws for literally every massive domestic T20 League

Instead of trying to act tough and playing the “we are gracious hosts” card, our fans need to wake up and accept the reality.

We need to be thankful that a T20 superstar like Rashid Khan is playing in PSL. The reality is that PSL needs Rashid more than Rashid needs PSL.

PSL is a cash-strapped league that finds it very difficult to attract top players in their prime years.

Rashid earns millions in IPL. He doesn’t need PSL spare change, and if Afghanistan didn’t have a congested international fixture list, he would not be entertaining the possibility of playing in PSL until he was past his prime.

We need to drop our shallow arrogance and attitude of entitlement. The presence of Rashid Khan in 2020 is great for the profile of PSL.

Furthermore, this also disproves the theory that IPL stars are not allowed by their IPL teams to participate in PSL.

Our fans will come up with anything to serve as a coping mechanism.

This. Posters acting they are doing Rashid some kind of favor, he is already a superstar if anything he is doing PSL a favor otherwise Pak fans would be left with Samit Patels and David Wieses.

It's not about talent or them being top draws, what people are forgetting here is that in the context of cricket and politics, Pakistan and Afghanistan do not have good relations similar to our relations with India and they do not any Pakistanis to play in the IPL or even let Pakistan tour them nor do they allow Indians into the PSL, so in that context Pakistan is being the bigger neighbor by allowing Afghan cricketers to play in the PSL regardless of the animosity and geopolitical issues. Personally I don't think politics should ever feature into sports and sportsman should never be discriminated based off their national origin as is protected by law here in America but unfortunately that is not the case in a lot of countries like India.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Big hearts = Pakistan

I'm sure once they've played in the PSL, they'll badmouth Pakistan at every opportunity.

Exactly.
We should cautiously welcome them, no problem there, but we shouldn’t be over excited. They are not trust worthy and can back stab you anytime and jump to go sit in India’s lap.

 

[pillionrider]

Furthermore, this also disproves the theory that IPL stars are not allowed by their IPL teams to participate in PSL.

Disagree. I remember reading an tweet where he warned BCCI to stay away from the PSL.

 

[observer1]

More than happy for Afghan players to be in the PSL if they are good enough, especially Rashid Khan who is proven in T20's.

That said, it's ignorant and foolish to dismiss the obvioua hatred promoted by certain circles in Afghanistan: Including at government level. It has reached the point of terrorist activities in Pakistan where civilians and military personnel have been killed.

Even one of their board members has made childish anti-Pakistan comments.

That said, none of this should be pushed towards these players and hopefully it could be an opportunity to build bridges and some people to grow up.

 

[Shazzam]

Oh boy seeing Rashid Khan in PSL is hype! We may reach IPL standards now.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Call me what you must: Short-sighted, partisan, insecure. But I just don't want to see Pakistan lose to Afghanistan.

Then what's the point of competitive sport?

 

[the Great Khan]

Nabi is practically a Pakistani anyway. Didnt he grow up in Peshawar and then play in our domestics? I also believe he gets on well with the Pakistani players too. The others i'm not so sure. I think Rashid Khan also has lived in Pakistan and gets on well with the pakistani players. We have a natural commonality with the afghans so its always disappointing when we see hatred between the two sides.

 

[UzmanBeast]

? what has this got to do with big hearts?

Teams will be taking their services, and Nabi doesn't bad mouth Pakistan.

I dont understand why we want Afghanis to bow down to us......

Our people have ego issues.

I personally really like having these players in the tournament. Rashid, Mujeeb, and Nabi are downright world class bowlers. They're wonderful spinners. It will bring a high degree of competition for domestic spinners, and they'll perform better than Shadab 9 times out of 10. Usman Qadir can step up for MS, they've trusted him as their spinner. I hope he does well, Shadab is a confused case with the ball in recent times.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Then what's the point of competitive sport?

I only care about the sport being competitive when Pakistan is not playing.

When Pakistan is playing, I would take a squash match in which Pakistan comes out on top any day over a competitive match.

But that's just me.

 

[shamaan]

Well if he thinks that, he's wrong. These guys get paid handsomely and if we didn't take these Afghani players, plenty of high profile international cricketers would jump at the chance to play.



I'm certainly not labelling all Afghanis the same. But cricket fans or not, a significant number of Afghanis behaved viciously that day and it would have been nice for the PSL to stick by Pakistani fans and show that actions have consequences. We shouldn't be lining the pockets of Afgahni cricketers and helping raise their profile even more, when this is the behaviour of their supporters.

It's like in football where teams get penalised for misconduct by their fans. It's a good way to get the fans to realise that they are shooting their own team in the foot. It also encourages the sports stars to speak out and control fan behaviour.



As bad as that day was, I don't agree with your statement. Stereotypes don't help anyone. I'm sure the majority of Afghanis are perfectly nice people. However it seems that a small but significant proportion of their youth, especially here in England, is on the wrong path.



Totally agree. As I say, I have sat in a few India v Pakistan games, often with more Indians than Pakistanis in the ground, but it is always good natured. The Afghani supporters that day were something else. They couldn't care less that most people had come with their families and so women and children were everywhere. They just behaved like hooligans. It was disgusting.

Yes they behaved really bad and not exceptable.maybe the pcb should not play afganistan in the world Cup and other compitions then.i doubt the players told them to do that even thou thier has been incidents were both players have had on field altractions.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

Well if he thinks that, he's wrong. These guys get paid handsomely and if we didn't take these Afghani players, plenty of high profile international cricketers would jump at the chance to play.



I'm certainly not labelling all Afghanis the same. But cricket fans or not, a significant number of Afghanis behaved viciously that day and it would have been nice for the PSL to stick by Pakistani fans and show that actions have consequences. We shouldn't be lining the pockets of Afgahni cricketers and helping raise their profile even more, when this is the behaviour of their supporters.

It's like in football where teams get penalised for misconduct by their fans. It's a good way to get the fans to realise that they are shooting their own team in the foot. It also encourages the sports stars to speak out and control fan behaviour.



As bad as that day was, I don't agree with your statement. Stereotypes don't help anyone. I'm sure the majority of Afghanis are perfectly nice people. However it seems that a small but significant proportion of their youth, especially here in England, is on the wrong path.



Totally agree. As I say, I have sat in a few India v Pakistan games, often with more Indians than Pakistanis in the ground, but it is always good natured. The Afghani supporters that day were something else. They couldn't care less that most people had come with their families and so women and children were everywhere. They just behaved like hooligans. It was disgusting.

Weren't they arrested? I think that is the only way to deal with hooligans, we see this in football as well. You can't rely on the fans to do the self policing unfortunately, there needs to be decent security in place.

 

[observer1]

Well if he thinks that, he's wrong. These guys get paid handsomely and if we didn't take these Afghani players, plenty of high profile international cricketers would jump at the chance to play.



I'm certainly not labelling all Afghanis the same. But cricket fans or not, a significant number of Afghanis behaved viciously that day and it would have been nice for the PSL to stick by Pakistani fans and show that actions have consequences. We shouldn't be lining the pockets of Afgahni cricketers and helping raise their profile even more, when this is the behaviour of their supporters.

It's like in football where teams get penalised for misconduct by their fans. It's a good way to get the fans to realise that they are shooting their own team in the foot. It also encourages the sports stars to speak out and control fan behaviour.



As bad as that day was, I don't agree with your statement. Stereotypes don't help anyone. I'm sure the majority of Afghanis are perfectly nice people. However it seems that a small but significant proportion of their youth, especially here in England, is on the wrong path.



Totally agree. As I say, I have sat in a few India v Pakistan games, often with more Indians than Pakistanis in the ground, but it is always good natured. The Afghani supporters that day were something else. They couldn't care less that most people had come with their families and so women and children were everywhere. They just behaved like hooligans. It was disgusting.

Couldn't agree more. Excellent post.

 

[Muhammad Kaleem]

The Afghan players themselves are not anti-Pakistan. Most of them are born and raised in Pakistan and naturally have some affection for it. Even their Pashto has Pakistani flavour to it and none of them can speak Dari. Its Afghanistan cricket board, their Government and their people (the ones who did not migrate to Pakistan) who forced these cricketers to cut connection with Pakistan. Do you recall ACB pulled out Mohammad Shehzad out of WC 2019?. Its because he had visited his relatives in Pakistan and that angered ACB who had told the players not to visit Pakistan. In very early interviews Afghan players did used to say that they learnt cricket in Pakistan and that they owe Pakistan for that but later they talked less and less about it due to pressure of their cricket board and due to the hostile public. Like nationalism any where in the world, Afghan cricketers were required to not show their affection for Pakistan to prove their loyalty and patriotism to Afghanistan.

 

[sshakir411]

If PSL wants to become top 3 league then it needs the best players. Doesn’t matter what country they’re from. We Pakistanis should not hold a grudge. Heck...if allowed let’s get in retired Indian players like Irfan Pathan and what not. Not sure how much value they add but you have to open the league to everyone.

 

[Local.Dada]

I never thought I will see a day when including players from Afghanistan will increase the brand value and quality of a Pakistan league

Good for them though, Rashid and Nabi are quality who will walk into most if not all top 6-7 line ups. Mujeeb too is a good player to have.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

If PSL wants to become top 3 league then it needs the best players. Doesn’t matter what country they’re from. We Pakistanis should not hold a grudge. Heck...if allowed let’s get in retired Indian players like Irfan Pathan and what not. Not sure how much value they add but you have to open the league to everyone.

Personally would love to see Indian players in PSL, as I am sure would most fans in Pakistan itself, however that won't happen unless the Indian govt stops interfering in sports affairs.

 

[Pakpak]

[MENTION=758]Usman[/MENTION], the Afghan players themselves condemned their fans behaviour. Their captain did the same right after the game. Banning players by being petty is ridiculous, how are we different from IPL's treatment of Pakistani players.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

I only like Mohammad Nabi and Mohammad Shahzad from Afghanistan as they come across as genuinely nice people. Shahzad though seems like a very emotional guy.

 

[KoyoAli]

<div style="width: 100%; height: 0px; position: relative; padding-bottom: 126.667%;"><iframe src="https://streamable.com/e/gbpnvi" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="100%" allowfullscreen style="width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;"></iframe></div>

Qais Ahmed's message to PSL fans

 

[MenInG]

Mohammad Nabi feeling at home with Karachi

 

[Kroll]

I never thought I will see a day when including players from Afghanistan will increase the brand value and quality of a Pakistan league

Good for them though, Rashid and Nabi are quality who will walk into most if not all top 6-7 line ups. Mujeeb too is a good player to have.

Why not? Rashid Khan is one of the biggest overseas IPL stars out there. Like you said, Nabi has some quality not sure if he plays IPL though.

 

[MenInG]

I expect them to do really well in PSL - language will not be a barrier for them also

 

[Firebat]

Waqar Salamkheil of Afghanistan will join Peshawar Zalmi as a partial cover for David Miller.

 

[silentkiller187]

I never thought I will see a day when including players from Afghanistan will increase the brand value and quality of a Pakistan league

Good for them though, Rashid and Nabi are quality who will walk into most if not all top 6-7 line ups. Mujeeb too is a good player to have.

Top Top players always add value regardless of where they come from, Rashid offers more value in these leagues then say for example a Chris Morris

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Rashid to play only 2 matches in PSL, waste of a platinum spot.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

I expect them to do really well in PSL - language will not be a barrier for them also

Yep, I was surprised today Rashid speaks fluent Urdu.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Rashid to play only 2 matches in PSL, waste of a platinum spot.

Why is he going to IPL instead?

 

[Kroll]

Why is he going to IPL instead?

He is in the IPL - not sure if that's the sole reason, surprised they haven't barred him for disrespecting them by playing PSL.

 

[shamaan]

Why is he going to IPL instead?

Hes in the test aquad vs zimbabwe

 

[Bigboii]

Really, must be a different place England then. Outside London, there more Pakistani & Afghan expats here at Toronto than probably anywhere in UK (may be in world excluding greater NY & LA) .... and I can tell you that they do live together, but not like brothers to be honest. Bangladeshis are much more closer to Pakistanis & Afghans but these two neighbours.... can’t blame the Pakistanis here though ....

True in Albany (a small/capitol city of NYS)
I stopped over at a restaurant and the bangali owner started badmouthing the afghans that they sell and do drugs all day long, steal things and stay on welfare

After a couple of hours went to a Pakistani household and they had the same complaints about Afghan youths but they went a step further by not only blaming the youth but also the adults claiming that never do business with an afghan cause they conned a lot of the people in the area - they were a Pushtun family from Mardan so not even an ethnic bias
(although I can sense a classist issue to cause both communities were lower to middle-class groups with majority of thier kids' college educated meanwhile Afghans have no intrest in any kind of education)

 

[Shoaibbtt]

He is in the IPL - not sure if that's the sole reason, surprised they haven't barred him for disrespecting them by playing PSL.

He plays what he plays and at the end of the day the Afghan players played on Pakistan soil and participated in domestic cricket. This fighting upsets me these days just get along.

 

[Shoaibbtt]

Hes in the test aquad vs zimbabwe

Ah international duties, fair enough

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

If PSL wants to become top 3 league then it needs the best players. Doesn’t matter what country they’re from. We Pakistanis should not hold a grudge. Heck...if allowed let’s get in retired Indian players like Irfan Pathan and what not. Not sure how much value they add but you have to open the league to everyone.

No one will think of PSL as a top 3 league by hiring retired guys who wouldn't get picked in their own country's league.

 

[sshakir411]

No one will think of PSL as a top 3 league by hiring retired guys who wouldn't get picked in their own country's league.

Read again. I said not sure what value they add but the league should be open to all. The end decision of picking a player is with the franchise. Regardless of whether they get picked by their own country’s league or not.

 

[Firebat]

Mohammad Nabi and Qais Ahmed both will be playing in this PSL6 opening game. Excited to see them

 

[Firebat]

Day and night between the performances of Qais and Nabi.