Babar Azam takes Rohit Sharma’s spot in the latest ODI rankings
The captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam has moved ahead of Indian batsman Rohit Sharma and bagged second position in the latest ICC ODI rankings for batsmen.
Pakistani captain has 837 rating point whereas Rohit comes down to 836 points. This happened after he couldn’t succeed to play the innings against first ODI in Pune. In contrary, Virat Kohli is still shining at the top with 868 ratings.
Babar Azam
Mohammad Babar Azam is a Pakistani cricketer who is captain for team Pakistan in all formats. Azam plays for Karachi Kings in Pakistan Super League. Started off his career in May 2015 when he was added in the squad in the home series against Zimbabwe. He then made his ODI debut on 31st May and scored a smashing 50 runs off 60 balls.
In the second ODI, he scored another century, this time scoring 123 off 126 balls, and helping Pakistan to put up a total of more than 330 runs.
In the third and final ODI of the series Babar Azam ended up scoring third consecutive century (117 from 106). Furthermore, also broke the record for scoring 360 runs – the most runs – in a three match ODI series. He became the only batsman to score 350+ runs in a three match ODI series.
Positions on the ICC Men’s ODI Rankings
In the interim, Jonny Bairstow is up four spots to a caree-best seventh place after his knock of 94 runs in the previous match.
Eoin Morgan has progressed one spot to 24th. All-rounder Ben Stokes has climbed from 75th to 64th among bowlers while additionally pushing Chris Woakes to third place among all-rounders.
Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan’s match-winning 98 has leapfrogged him two places to 15th and Bhuvneshwar Kumar has gotten five places to move into the top 20 in the latest ODI update. Moreover, these were the performances that were considered in the opening India-England ODI and moreover, the first two matches of the New Zealand vs Bangladesh series.
New Zealand, that also took a 2-0 winning lead have a left-hander Tom Latham who moved up five places to 30th and to 631 rating points after his smashing 110 not out in the second match.
Matt Henry has also moved into the top 10 (from 11th to eighth) and Mitchell Santner has jumped eight places to reach 25th among bowlers.
Tamim Iqbal from Bangladesh has jumped three places to reach 19th position and Mohammad Mithun has jumped from 94th to 82nd.
Read More: SHADAB KHAN WILL LEAD TEAM PAKISTAN IN THE ABSENCE OF BABAR AZAM
Islamabad United player Fawad Ahmed and three others tested positive for Covid-19
Islamabad United’s leg-spinner Fawad Ahmed has tested positive for coronavirus. The news was confirmed by the franchise on their Twitter account on Monday evening.
Islamabad United
Islamabad United is a Pakistani professional Twenty20 franchise cricket team that competes in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). The team’s nickname is IU. Islamabad United is the inaugural champion of the Pakistan Super League. The team is nominally based in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, and was formed in 2015 to compete in the first season of the Pakistan Super League. Islamabad United won the first PSL title, defeating Quetta Gladiators in the final. Shoaib Naveed is the Chief Operating Officer of the franchise, Rehan Ul Haq is its General Manager and Hassan Cheema is the Strategy Manager.
The franchise won their second title in the third season of the PSL, by defeating Peshawar Zalmi in the final by 3 wickets, and is currently the most successful franchise in the Pakistan Super League history with 2 winnings titles. The team’s home ground is the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The team was coached by Pakistan Men’s national team Head Coach and Chief Selector Misbah-ul-Haq, replacing Dean Jones who coached the side from the first season till the fourth season. Shadab Khan was named as the captain of the team before PSL 5, with that he became the youngest captain in PSL history. The team director and fast bowling coach is former Pakistani fast bowler Waqar Younis while Saeed Ajmal is the team’s spin bowling coach. The leading run-scorer of the team is Luke Ronchi, while Faheem Ashraf is the leading wicket-taker.
Fawad Ahmed testing positive for coronavirus – PSL6
The Event Technical Committee of the PSL6 had decided to reschedule Quetta Gladiators – Islamabad United match for Tuesday 2nd March at 7 pm PST.
This decision was made despite both sides returning negative tests on late Monday afternoon after Fawad Ahmed of Islamabad United’s test result came back positive earlier today. Fawad Ahmed was put in isolation late Saturday night. He will re-enter the bio-secure bubble after two negative tests. The choice to reschedule the match has been made after cautious consideration, pointed toward permitting players adequate chance to relax, pull together, and refocus following the testing and to the greatest advantage of the opposition. While all squad members of Quetta Gladiators and Islamabad United have tested negative, players and player support personnel of the four remaining sides and the match officials will undergo rapid tests on Monday evening.
Three other players from Islamabad United tested positive for coronavirus
According to the official PSL6 website news portal, since Monday 1st March and apart from the rapid tests, a total of 244 PCR tests have been conducted to date, resulting in three positive tests for Islamabad United. These individuals, including two foreign players and local player support personnel, have been quarantined on a separate floor of the team hotel. Just under 300 people are inside the bubble, including players, support staff, families, owners, match officials, and security officers, who will undergo repeat PCR tests on Thursday. Additionally, all 112 members of the broadcast crew and the National Stadium as well as PCB staff have also been tested.
The tickets for Monday’s match will be valid on Tuesday, while the unused tickets can be refunded.
Court of arbitration for sports imposes 12-month ban and a fine of pkr 4.25million on Umar Akmal
Umar Akmal got a ban imposed on him for 12 months and a fine of 4.25million by the Court of Arbitration for Sports.
The Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) has announced its decision on the Appeals filed by PCB and Umar Akmal against the Order of the Independent Adjudicator. CAS through a consolidated Order on both Appeals has been pleased to impose on Umar Akmal a sanction of a 12-month ban and a fine of PKR4.25million on one count of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.
Umar Akmal
Umar represented Pakistan in the 2008 U/19 Cricket World Cup in Malaysia. After his success at the U-19 level, he earned himself a first-class contract and played the 2007–08 season of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, representing the Sui Northern Gas team. He is considered a future asset for Pakistan cricket. He is an aggressive style cricketer. In only his sixth first-class match he smashed 248 off just 225 deliveries, including four sixes. He followed that up with an unbeaten 186 in his 8th first-class match, off just 170 balls. He fared less well in his second season of first-class cricket, with a string of low scores batting at number 3. He found form in the final few matches of the 2008/09 season and then in the RBS T20 tournament thus getting the selectors to nod to play for Pakistan A side on their tour to Australia A.
Umar Akmal grabbing the limelight
Umar came to prominence during Australia A tour in June-July 2009. In the two unofficial Test matches, he recorded scores of 54, 100*, 130, 0. In the unofficial ODI series that followed Umar continued his fine form with a century in the opening ODI encounter off just 68 deliveries. These performances made him gather considerable praise from the media who were there to witness him and calls began to grow about his inclusion in the ODI series for the main Pakistan side against Sri Lanka. Later that year, Akmal made his Test, ODI, and T20I debut.
Fine and Charges on Umar Akmal 2020
Umar was charged for two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents that took place in Lahore before the fifth edition of the Pakistan Super League began in Karachi on February 20. Akmal will now be eligible to reintegrate into competitive cricket subject to deposits of fine of PKR 4,250,000 and undergoing the program of rehabilitation under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code.
CAS has also refused the request of Umar Akmal seeking the return of his two mobile phones, which are in PCB’s custody for some different investigation, and held that under the PCB Anti-Corruption Code it has the power to do so.
On 27 April 2020, the Chairman Disciplinary Panel had found Umar Akmal guilty on two charges of separate breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents and handed a three-year suspension with the periods of ineligibility to run concurrently.
Umar Akmal exercised his right of appeal and on 29 July 2020, the Independent Adjudicator modified the sentence and reduced the ineligibility period to 18 months.
Against this Order, PCB and Umar Akmal both approached CAS. PCB’s appeal had been filed focusing on a point of law in regard to the cumulative operation of the sanctions for the two charges upheld by the Independent Adjudicator whereas Umar Akmal had sought a finding that he was not guilty of both charges.
“The PCB once again urges and reminds all participants to abide by their duty and promptly report any approaches to the anti-corruption offices and help themselves as well as the anti-corruption unit effort to eliminate the anathema of fixing.”
The emerging players for Pakistan super league 6
Pakistan Super League is known for providing a platform to the emerging players annually and this time everyone needs to keep an eye on these players.
PSL 2021 is in full swing and fans and followers are gathered united and in groups supporting their favorite team. It’s not just divided into cities; it has taken the hearts of every Pakistani who has a soul and love for cricket.
Pakistan Super League is well known for providing a launching platform to the emerging players every year. Some of these budding players also get their major breakthroughs as they rub shoulders with top players, share the dressing room and watch them before their eyes scoring centuries and making strides!
Pakistan Super League has been a perfect platform to a number of players in the five editions before. Hasan Ali began his career as an emerging player for Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2016 and garnered attention and love rapidly to become a world-known player, starring in Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy win after a year.
That same stage kick-started cricketing careers for Shadab Khan, Haider Ali, Umar Khan, Arshad Iqbal, and Rohail Nazir to name a few.
The Pakistan Super League 6 might also see all six teams giving at least two emerging players each the platform and a pitch to fire on. Here is a brief introduction of all the emerging players.
Karachi Kings
All eyes on Qasim Akram this year with Karachi Kings. Qasim, just being 18 years old has already made waves at the domestic level, impressing expert and commentator Bazid Khan. Qasim is a solid middle-order batsman who can give impetus to the innings in the final overs. Qasim is a quality off-spinner and that feature of his game increases his utility as a player. Qasim was part of the Pakistan U19 squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2020. He managed just 93 runs in four innings, but his average of 46.50 was impressive. He also took three wickets with an economy of 3.57. Qasim graduated to first-class cricket last year and knocked 389 runs with three half-centuries and grabbed 13 wickets – prominently contributing in Central Punjab finishing as joint-winner of the Quaid Trophy.
“I am from the fertile land of Lahore and feel very lucky that I have been picked up by champions Karachi Kings,” stated Qasim. “I know this is my chance to make it big and I am all for that.”
The 19-year-old Mohammad Abbas Afridi was picked by Wasim Akram. And that can easily sum up his talent. “I was impressed with his action when I saw his video,” said Wasim of the right-arm fast bowler from FATA. Abbas rose to prominence when he was selected for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup last year. Abbas finished with nine wickets in five matches – most by a Pakistani bowler in the event.
Islamabad United
The medium-fast bowler Mohammad Wasim Junior is filled with immense potential. He was part of the Pakistan U19 team that featured in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa last year. He picked up five wickets in Pakistan’s win over Scotland.
“I am super excited to be part of Islamabad United,” said Wasim. “I am picked on my performances at the domestic level, so I am ready to prove my talent.”
Ahmed Safi Abdullah is a left-arm spinner of prominent ability. Abdullah was associated with Islamabad United in last year’s HBL PSL as well. He took four wickets in three matches at a good economy of 8.12. Since then, he has lived up to his potential in the domestic season. He featured for joint-champions Central Punjab and scored 245 runs in 10 matches and, more importantly, fetched 34 wickets.
Peshawar Zalmi
The ‘mystery spinner called by former Pakistani captain Rashid Latif Abrar Ahmed is a gem found by the Peshawar Zalmi. Peshawar Zalmi has picked up Abrar after his spectacular performance in the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy last year. Abrar was outstanding, taking a whopping 57 wickets in six matches for the Sindh Second XI with eight five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls.
Mohammad Imran Randhawa is also a talented right-arm fast bowler who has speed and aggression to rattle the best batsmen and is another addition for Zalmi for this year’s PSL.
Lahore Qalandars
Lahore Qalandars stand out in rooting for talented players and then groomed them in their development program. Spinner Maaz Khan, who turns the ball and the match in his favor and gets wickets, is from Jamrud in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Lahore head coach Aqib Javed states that Maaz has the attitude of a fast bowler, has a good googly, a flipper, and can turn the new ball well too. He has also represented Qalandars in the T-10 league with success.
Zaid Alam’s story is pretty different. Being the son of a tea-staller, he used to help his father at the stall. The 17-year-old Zaid was a player of the streets. He started off with tape-ball cricket on the streets of Lahore and from there he was picked for Pakistan’s squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in 2018 held in New Zealand and now is ready to take his chance in the PSL VI.
Multan Sultans
Right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Umar becomes Pakistan Super League’s fantastic opportunity for Multan Sultans. He is a fast bowler who played for Sindh in the domestic season, doing well with the white ball. Multan Sultans then picked Umar to give him a chance in the emerging category and he is keen to grab the opportunity with both hands and he is surely not going to drop this off anytime soon.
“HBL PSL is a fantastic event,” admits Umar, adding: “I used to watch it from the sidelines and now I am lucky that I am part of Multan Sultans, so I will leave no stone unturned and make my mark.”
Shahnawaz Dhani also believes he has a huge platform to make an impact. “I know that this is my chance to make it big,” said Dhani, who hails from Larkana, Sindh, and is a right-arm fast bowler. He says, “I am happy that I have got a chance to play under Azhar Mahmood (bowling coach) and Andy Flower (head coach) in Multan Sultans. This will give me a very good chance to hone my talent.” Dhani caught the attention during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with his 135-140kph speed. He took 26 wickets in seven matches. He also has an effective bouncer, so watch out for Dhani in the emerging category.
Quetta Gladiators
Aarish Ali Khan has been a top performer for the past couple of years. He is a left-arm spinner with an outstanding ability to disguise the batsmen and stopping the flow of runs in white-ball cricket. Aarish emerged from a PCB-conducted tournament in 2016, ending as the leading wicket-taker with 45 strikes at 12.24. He was also the second-highest wicket-taker in the PCB National Under19 three-day tournament with 30 wickets, striking at 16.27 in 2019.
Saim Ayub is a left-handed batsman. Ayub has led Pakistan at the U16 level and helped Pakistan win against Australia. He can hit big and long. He was unlucky to miss the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup last year due to an injury.
He is geared up for the big chance, he said, “I am all prepared, mentally and physically, and would do my best to take a flight from the HBL PSL and achieve what I have set out for in cricket.”
So which player out of them all are you rooting for?
Quetta gladiator star Ben Cutting marries his longtime girlfriend and PSL presenter Erin Holland
The HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) sixth season is all set to start on 20th February and everybody is really happy for Ben Cutting as he married longtime girlfriend, singer-model-presenter Erin Holland.
The HBL Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) sixth season is all set to start on 20th February and cricket enthusiasts are happy for Quetta Gladiators’ all-rounder Ben Cutting as he married longtime girlfriend, singer-model-presenter Erin Holland.
Cutting, 34, made an announcement on his official Instagram account this past Sunday night that Holland, his girlfriend, was now his “Official Wifey” — which is quite a feat in itself considering that their wedding was postponed twice due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.
Maybe the third time’s the charm? Well, it was for the Australian cricketer, who got betrothed to the former Miss World Australia in front of 130 guests — including much of the cricket fraternity and fashion models. Invitees arrived at a private event in New South Wales, for the wedding.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better team of friends to get us through the day,” Cutting wrote in his post on Instagram.
PSL franchise, Quetta Gladiators also wished the joyous couple, writing: “Wishing you two a lifetime of love & happiness !! Congratulations MR. & MRS. @cuttsy_31 @erinvholland.”
The Australian pinch-hitter and his girlfriend, Holland, had announced their engagement two years ago on Twitter.
Holland walked down the stage on Justin Beiber’s “Anyone” sung by Aussie singers Jess Dunbar and Matt Price. “It has been a long journey to this point where we could safely have our friends and family under the one roof,” she said, according to Perth Now.
Among the attendees were familiar cricket faces including former and current players Ben Laughlin, Mark Steketee, Billy Stanlake, Ryan Harris, Nathan Hauritz, Joe Dawes and Joey Burns.
Esra bilgic has confirmed association with peshawar zalmi for psl!
As PSL is gearing up day by day and excitement is going over the roof and our very beloved Halime Sultan aka Ersa Bilgic has also joined Peshawar Zalmi!
AND IT IS OFFICIAL! Esra Bilgic is now associated with Pakistan Super League’s team Peshawar Zalmi and we just cannot keep our excitement in! Peshawar Zalmi owner Javed Afridi and Ertugrul actress Esra Bilgic on Wednesday shared an announcement on their social media with a message the start of “new beginnings” just days ahead before the first match of Pakistan Super League (PSL).
The New Beginnings
Javed Afridi tweeted “NEW BEGINNINGS” late Wednesday and tagged the Turkish actor who rose to fame in Pakistan after playing ‘Halima Sultan’ in the popular drama Ertugrul.
The most anticipated event of the year, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) will commence on February 20th in Karachi Pakistan. The anthem Groove Mera is already out and people are ready to rock the cricket season with great zeal and excitement. Esra Bilgiç aka Halime Hatun too has confirmed her association with the Peshawar Zalmi franchise and social media is going crazy over the news. Tagging the franchise owner, Javed Afridi, she tweeted,
Esra Bilgic
Born on 14 October 1992 in Ankara, Turkey. Esra made her television debut in the Turkish historical adventure series Diriliş: Ertuğrul on TRT 1, alongside co-actors Engin Düzyatan and Hülya Darcan in 2014. The story of the series is centered around the life of Ertuğrul, the father of Ottoman dynasty founder Osman I. Bilgiç played the role of Halime Hatun—the alleged mother of Osman I—but left in 2018 due to changes in the new season.
She also appeared in Bir Umut Yeter alongside Tolgahan Sayışman and Hazal Subaşı. In 2020, Bilgiç appeared in a leading role in the Turkish film Adanış Kutsal Kavga with co-star İsmail Filiz. She is the female lead in the Turkish crime-drama television series Ramo [tr] with co-star Murat Yıldırım.
Outside of Turkey, Bilgiç has recently seen wide popularity in Pakistan, leading her to become the brand ambassador of the Pakistani cricket team Peshawar Zalmi, consumer electronics company QMobile and mobile network provider Jazz in 2020.
The actress shared the news with her fans and followers on Twitter. Javed Afridi also shared the same announcement tagging Esra Bilgic on Twitter.
The actress shared a story on her Instagram being in Peshawar and captioning it as “The City of Flowers.”
Esra Bilgic and Javed have been building up this surprise since July 2020 with their tweets.
So now all the confusion has been cleared up with this surprise! The stadium has also been partially opened for spectators/audience since everything was shut down since 2020 PSL due to the COVID pandemic, but now with proper SOPs audience can enjoy the matches live!
So guys, are you ready for another exciting cricket spell? I think we all are!
Magnificent play by Hasan ali lead Pakistan to win the test series against South Africa
Thanks to Hasan Ali’s ten-wicket haul, Pakistan won its first Test series against South Africa since 2003 with a 95-run victory on the final day in Rawalpindi today.
Hasan finished with 5-60 to record his best match figures of 11-114 and help dismiss South Africa — who were set a daunting 370 to chase — for 274 before the tea break. Hasan’s new-ball partner Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with 4-51, while spinner Yasir Shah took the last wicket to spark celebrations among the Pakistan players.
Match Replay!
Opener Aiden Markram scored a fighting 108 and Temba Bavuma 61. They put on a 106-run stand for the fourth wicket to give Pakistan a scare. With South Africa requiring 243 runs at the start of the final day with nine wickets in hand, Pakistan needed to strike early on the final day or risk losing the Test. Hasan Ali stepped up for his side with an inswinging delivery that rattled the stumps for batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who had been the bedrock of South Africa’s fight-back on day four alongside opener Aiden Markram. Dussen had made 48 runs off 97 deliveries and his partnership with Aiden Markram had yielded 94 runs off 200 deliveries.
Hasan Ali however was on top with his game and trapped veteran batsman Faf du Plessis for an LBW soon afterward as the batsman departed for just 5 runs off 13 deliveries.
With Pakistan on the attack, Aiden Markram needed a solid hand at the other end, and in walked batsman Temba Bavuma. The two batsmen endured some tense bowling from the Men in Green without going into a defensive shell. Markram brought up his hundred on the stroke of lunch while Temba Bavuma stood like a rock at the other end as the required runs crept closer into range.
The New Ball that Changed the Game
The introduction of the new ball however changed the entire complexion of the game. Hasan Ali, wielding the ball, forced a lapse in concentration from Aiden Markram which resulted in an edge that was safely pouched by fielder Imran Butt at second slip. This ended Markram’s mammoth 108-run knock that came off 243 deliveries with the help of 13 fours and 3 sixes. The pacer struck the very next ball after an out-of-form Quinton de Kock edged another ball safely into the hands of slip fielder Imran Butt. Pacer Shaheen Shah, who has not been at his best recently, stepped up for his side when they needed him the most and removed the last big obstacle in Pakistan’s path to victory. Temba Bavuma, who had been solid at the crease, edged one to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan and was dismissed after scoring 61 runs off 125 deliveries with the help of six fours. Once the major batsmen of the Proteas side had departed, the Pakistan bowlers pounced on the tailenders in an effort to bring a swift end to an exciting Test.
Hasan Ali completed a five-wicket haul after removing all-rounder George Linde, courtesy of a stunning catch by fielder Faheem Ashraf after the batsman had scored just 4 runs off 5 deliveries. Shaheen Shah then removed tailenders Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada for a duck each to bring Pakistan close to a historic series victory at home.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah then bowled all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who scored 20 runs off 40 deliveries, to complete an amazing victory on the final day and seal the series two-nil. The fielding lapses will sting for South Africa, both because of their reputation in the field and because Pakistan was much more effective. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abid Ali ran out Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada respectively, to take Pakistan’s total run-outs in the series to four.
The Stars Hassan Ali, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah
Hasan Ali was the star of Pakistan’s bowling effort with five wickets while Shaheen Shah provided ample support towards the end with four wickets.
Hasan Ali was given “man of the match” for his phenomenal spell of fast-bowling while Mohammad Rizwan was the player of the series for his consistent batting and reliable wicketkeeping skills during the two Tests against South Africa.
Congratulations team Pakistan well deserved victory!
Summiting Tremendous Heights and Beyond Mountaineer Ali Sadpara
Most of us did not know who Ali Sadpara is until we heard the news of him missing, many eyes have been glued on TV and social media for about 3 days now hoping for this good news that mountaineer Ali Sadpara has returned safely from his K2 Summit Winter Expedition 2021 along with John Snorri and Juan Pablo.
About Muhammad Ali Sadpara
Pakistan is home to five 8,000m peaks including K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I, and II. The remaining are in Nepal and China. Sadpara, Gilgit Baltistan is famous for its porters who have helped countless summit seekers achieve their dreams as they carry backbreaking loads on Baltoro glacier — the gateway to the mighty K2 and other peaks.
Among all of them, Ali Sadpara is known as a Jolly, good fellow over the mountains, often described as a person who is tough as nails climbers and a good-humoured man. Born on the 2nd of February 1976, Sadpara belongs to a village in Sadpara, near Skardu in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. Started young as a porter in literally flip-flops, he became the only Pakistani to have climbed eight of the 14 [8000 meter] peaks, the thousanders.
Sadpara came to prominence in local media when he, along with Spain’s Alex Txikon and Italy’s Simone Moro, made a world record with the first winter ascent of Nanga Parbat in 2016. Both of them said their summit would not have been possible without Sadpara, and energizing endorsement for a man largely hidden from the public eye in Pakistan.
Over the years, Pakistan has witnessed few mountaineers rise up. Nazir Sabir, the first Pakistani to climb Everest; Ashraf Aman, the first Pakistani to climb K2 along with the now-deceased Nisar Hussain Sadpara and Hasan Sadpara; and Samina Baig, the first Pakistani woman on Everest are just a few more names. In this backdrop, Muhammad Ali’s Sadpara’s rise has been, in his own words, “due to hard work and sheer luck.”
Ali Sadpara – A dreamer!
Sadpara’s proper climbing started in 2004, when he accompanied an expedition to K2, during an interview he began with, “One of my very first jobs was to deliver supplies to Pakistan Army posts leading to Siachen way back in the mid-1990s.”
It started when a Pakistani army truck pulled into Sadpara to recruit porters, Ali couldn’t resist the opportunity. At the time, Pakistan and India were locked in a longstanding conflict over the Siachen Glacier, a strategic corridor to China. Ali was headed into the world’s highest battleground. At night, he scaled walls of ice, ferrying supplies to soldiers in remote mountain passes, praying darkness would shelter him from shell-fire that seemed, he recalls, ‘as relentless as firecrackers at a wedding’. “After the Siachen, I wasn’t afraid anymore,’ Ali remembers. ‘In climbing, there are two outcomes—life or death—and you must find the courage to accept either possibility.’ He used to tell to his wife that it is only climbing that he wants to do, nothing else.
After that he never looked back and summit mountains including Nanga Parbat, in 2015 his team tried to scale the killer mountain in winter and couldn’t, and then they tried and succeeded in 2016. In January 2018, Ali Sadpara teamed up with Alex Txikon to summit Mount Everest without any supplemental oxygen but they came back without the summit. After 2018, he has been enlisted by Marc Batard to undertake a five-year program known as ‘Beyond Mount Everest’. They planned to summit Nanga Parbat, K2, and Mount Everest in 2019, 2021, and 2022 respectively.
Ali Sadpara Gone Missing In K2
After celebrating his 45th birthday on the 2nd February 2021, Ali Sadpara left K2 Base Camp with John Snorri, Juan Pablo, and Sajid Sadpara [Ali’s son].
Reports came along that Sadpara, along with John Snorri from Iceland and JP Mohr Prieto from Chile, successfully summited K2, and news emerged that the three had gone missing. The three lost contact with base camp late on Friday and were reported missing on Saturday after their support team stopped receiving reports from them during their ascent of the 8,611m-high K2.
Due to technical oxygen difficulties, after 6 days, Sajid returned to the base camp, according to his statement, he last saw his father at ‘Bottleneck’ considered the most dangerous route of the entire expedition, from where K2 is 400m [approximately a 2-hour journey] which Ali Sadpara could reach easily, according to his son Sajid, if anything had happened, it might have happened to him while descending. He said, “I am sure they made the K2 summit and on their way back they may have had an accident, that’s why they are missing.”
Ali’s cousins, Imtiaz and Akbar, also reached K2 basecamp on Sunday evening. Both are experienced mountaineers and have summited K2 earlier.
The two are headed up the mountain and assisted others in finding the three lost climbers and try to bring them down to the base camp. “Ali is a brother to us. A hero for Pakistan. We will climb as high as we can within our limits. There is hope, but we know the reality of the mountain, especially in winter,” said Imtiaz.
“When Ali left basecamp, he had the Pakistani flag with him. Every time he climbs, he has the mountain close to his chest; Pakistan is in his veins and blood. He’s our hero,” added Akbar.
Sadpara was in a rescue operation team of Daniele Nardi and Tom, with Karim Shah Nizari [a skier and climber] he shared that in a tweet, “The man who was always ready for the rescue operation to save lives, today I’m remembering your picture of 27 February 2019 when you were ready for the rescue operation of Nardi and Tom on Nanga Parbat. Today we lost you and your [sic] resting high on K2.”
Rescue Operations For Ali Sadpara
Several experts, including local high altitude climbers Fazal Ali and Jalal from Shimshal, Imtiaz Hussain and Akbar Ali from Skardu, Găvan, Sabir, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, and other members of the SST winter expedition team, are part of the rescue mission for Ali, John and Juan. Two army helicopters flew to their maximum limit of 7,800 metres for a second time and conducted aerial reconnaissance for an hour to locate the missing climbers. The search team traced the Abruzzi and other routes but did not see any signs of the mountaineers, according to Chhang Dawa Sherpa. Sherpa said the operation was not successful due to cloudy conditions and strong winds, and was temporarily suspended.
“The weather was partly cloudy [on Saturday], but despite this the army helicopters went searching for the missing climbers above 7,000m. On Sunday, Dawa Sherpa and Sajid Sadpara were flown above 7,800m up and down the Abruzzi Ridge and above the South Face,” mountaineer Sabir said. “In case of a fall from the bottleneck area, the climbers could be found on the South Face,” he explained.
According to Sabir, the army helicopters will return to K2 and continue the search operation for the missing climbers. “Although with every hour passing the chances of our friends being still alive are becoming very marginal, a helicopter reconnaissance will be conducted on Feb 8 in the morning, for the third day in a row, weather permitting. Everyone is doing their very best,” said Găvan, who is part of the rescue efforts.
The hopes are diminishing as each hour passing in a cold K2 with -62 temperature, we really hope that Ali Sadpara will miraculously come back safely along with Juan and John! Amen
READ MORE: THE STORY OF FAWAD ALAM: A SWEET REVENGE!
MMA Showdown PAKvIND: Mujtaba And Rahul To Fight in Lightweight Match
The fight between the two was on the cards for quite a while however was getting postponed because of different reasons. Mujtaba has been preparing hard and is certain of knocking down Rahul this time in the lightweight match at One Championship Unbreakable III in Singapore on Friday, 5th February 2021.
Ahmed Mujtaba
Ahmed ‘Wolverine’ Mujtaba of Quetta is one of the most splendid martial arts stars to rise from Pakistan. Armed with a noteworthy record, practically the entirety of Mujtaba’s successes since he appeared in 2013, Ahmed has come by way of stoppage, demonstrating his exciting and powerful style. What’s more, he has made every sacrifice necessary to succeed in martial arts. In 2010, Mujtaba started his MMA training under the roof of Fight Fortress, an Islamabad based MMA training academy run under the supervision of the critically acclaimed MMA pioneer in Pakistan, Ehtisham Karim Shaheen. He is the first professional MMA fighter from Pakistan who has a seven-win streak in his professional bouts which has made the local star a true wolverine in the ring. He owns an incredible career record of 7 wins and 2 losses. While he was a full-time student of the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Ahmed juggled life as a student with that of a professional martial artist. Furthermore, he has made every sacrifice necessary to prove his mettle in martial arts. While he was a full-time student of the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Ahmed shuffled life as a student with that of a professional martial artist. Since he has graduated and can prepare full-time, Ahmed is driven by putting Pakistan of origin on the global radar, just as bringing to Pakistan the values of respect, honor, and competitive spirit that he feels are intrinsic to martial arts. He is eager to take the necessary steps, and face whoever he should, to turn into a champion. He got off to an extraordinary beginning on the worldwide phase of ONE Championship, overcoming profoundly appraised Singapore ability, Benedict Ang, on his limited time debut.
Achievements of Ahmed Ahmed Mujtaba aka the Wolverine
In 2013, Mujtaba started his Professional MMA bouts with a victory in Lahore where he defeated another MMA fighter, Nadeem Sharif at Pak Fight Club 3 Bantamweight Grand Prix via Submission. Another win of the Pakistani MMA star came in the year 2015 when he overcame a fighter from the arch-rival nation, India named Sanjivan Padwal at Ultimate Beatdown 18 – Dynamite by Submission (Armbar). UGB MMA Championship 13 – Foreign Invasion stands as another platform of victory for Ahmed in the year 2016 where he earned his third bout against a Filipino counterpart, Rodian Menchavez via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke). Mujtaba then grabbed another win in the same year at 360FN Beatdown against Shafi Ul Islam by TKO (Submission to Punches).
Ahmed has crowned the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) Champion in 2016 when he choked his opponent from the Philippines named Neil Larano in the first round. “The Wolverine” got off to a great start on the global stage of ONE Championship, defeating highly-rated Singapore talent, Benedict Ang on his Promotional Debut in 2016. The first loss for him came the next year (2017) when he got choked by Keanu Subba at One Championship: Throne of Tigers. Mujtaba collected another win into his tally in the same year at One Championship: Immortal Pursuit 2017 beating DQ his Chinese opponent: Li Kai Wen. In 2017, Ahmed Mujtaba has last seen in action at One Championship: Visions of Victory where he once again lost at the hands of another Chinese counterpart, Jia Wen Ma.
Ahmed Wolverine Mujtaba Sharing His Excitement Over the Upcoming Fight!
According to the occasion, Ahmed Mujtaba said, “Pakistan vs India clashes are always exciting in any sport and now we are throwing down in a cage. I’m training hard and I will dedicate this fight to firstly, the people of Pakistan and the residents of Kashmir who have been under unlawful Indian Occupation, this victory will be dedicated to us.”
For his championship, he further added that “I am confident that I will finish him either on the feet or submit him on the ground. I’m a BJJ Brown Belt under Astra Fight Team and he’s a brown belt too. It will be a good fight to show my Grappling skills.”
Mujtaba also revealed that he has learned new tricks from his Brazilian coaches which he will implement in the fight against Raju. “I learned a lot of new tools training at Astra Fight Team under head coach Marcelo Brigadeiro and my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu professor and fellow ONE Championship fight Gilberto Galvao. I plan on using every tool in the fight,” he added.
Mujtaba’s manager Muhammad Rizvan Ali is overall satisfied with his preparation. He shared, “I am very confident that Ahmed will finish this fight as he has just come out of a long layover and has a huge return of fire in his body.”
Meanwhile, Raju known as ‘The Kerala Krusher’ Raju is the SFC Welterweight Champion. He is coming in this match with a win over Pakistan’s Furqaan Cheema.
READ MORE: THE STORY OF FAWAD ALAM: A SWEET REVENGE!
The Story of Fawad Alam: A Sweet Revenge!
Twitter was filled with congratulations, and love two days ago for one Pakistani cricketer whose game shocked everyone and made people, especially Pakistan Cricket Board realize that he is here to stay! His game proved his mettle through his magnificent game! He is none other than FAWAD ALAM!
Fawad Alam
Fawad Tariq Alam is a Karachi-born Pakistani cricketer who plays for Pakistan national cricket team. He came back into Pakistan’s test team after a gap of 88 tests and more than 10 years, the second-longest gap by a Pakistani in test cricket after Younis Ahmed’s 104 tests gap. Alam plays primarily as a left-handed batsman but also bowls slow left-arm orthodox. Fawad made his Test debut in 2009, playing in three matches. After a gap of more than ten years, he played Test cricket again for Pakistan, against England, in August 2020. Fawad currently plays for the Pakistan test team only.
The Selection of Fawad Alam – An Enigma
Alam’s selection over these past 10 years has been a mystery. Despite the number of runs, he gathered year upon year in domestic cricket!
The Ignorance For Fawad Alam By Chief Selectors
Alam’s average in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy over the past four years has been 40.71, 55.54, 56, and 71.90. The left-hander has been overlooked for Tests by various selection committees and captains over the past eight years. Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim dropped Fawad Alam for the first time, Mohsin Khan ignored him in 2009, and then Mohammad Ilyas, Moin Khan, also ignored Fawad during their tenures as chief selectors. Haroon Rasheed selected him in the team but not picked him in the playing 11.
Fawad made his Test debut in 2009, scoring 168, and played a further Test against New Zealand later that year, but was subsequently dropped, and hasn’t played Test cricket since. During the intervening years, he made it into the limited-overs squads occasionally and went on to play 38 ODIs and 24 T20Is until 2015. But it is Test cricket he is best suited to, his average in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy consistently well over 50.
Inzamam’s critical comment on Fawad Alam
He was called up by Inzamam among the 25 other players in the fitness camp ahead of the Ireland and England tour, only to be ignored yet again. During an interview with Cricinfo, Inzamam stated, “Fawad Alam is an outstanding player but in the last three years there are others at the top of the list, we got him here in the nets but we found Saad Ali to be better, and the decision was unanimous, with input from all the coaching staff and captain. Fawad is a good player and we obviously can’t ignore his career average; that is why he was brought into the camp. During my tenure, I have given 12 to 14 players an opportunity and none of them have disappointed us. If you look back in the past three seasons, there are players who have scored more runs than Fawad Alam.”
He added, “Dropping any player doesn’t mean we are disregarding them. It’s easy to pick players following scorecards or statistics, but there are many more things we take into consideration. I am not sure why Fawad wasn’t picked in the past before me but if you ask me about my tenure as chief selector, I have seen better players.”
Response By Fawad Alam over Inzamam’s Comment
To which Fawad Alam responded, “He is one of our legends, I am not even close to him. That he said something about me, and I should reply to that but I can’t do that and my parents always taught me to have respect for elders.” Fawad further said, “That’s his way of thinking. I will try to deliver and not focus on such things because that will bring negativity. He will always remain a legend for me, I can’t reply to what he said.”
“If someone is comparing me with Ramprakash, that’s a big honor for me, he was a big player and played many matches for his country also. However much I’ve played, he played a lot more than me and made more than 100 hundred, I don’t even have half that many. I will try my best to perform and prove people wrong.” He added.
Well, he did put many of those selectors wrong this time with his spectacular performance during the Pakistan South Africa Test Series happening in National Stadium! Fans and followers are rejoicing as he scored a century despite all the ignorance. Twitter reacted and gave him the title of ‘King of Karachi.’
Journalist Dennis Freedman Apologizes To Fawad Alam
Australian Journalist Dennis Freedman also apologizes to Fawad Alam on behalf of Cricket for how he got ignored through all these years. During his interview with RJ Adeel Azhar at SAMAA FM, the journalist further added that he wants to “hug him.” Furthermore, he said, “Fawad Alam is a freak. A God. A beautiful human. A world-class cricketer.”
Cricket is all about unity and for Pakistani fans this has nothing but passion; we believe that if given the right opportunities and chances to the right players and having a good eye over the players’ game rather than ego issues, the Pakistan cricket team will be on top of their game!
READ MORE: BABAR AZAM PRESERVES SECOND SPOT IN T20I RANKINGS