Sports
Shaheen Afridi backs govt call on PSL 11 | The Express Tribune
He says fans will be missed but remains confident in Lahore Qalandars’ preparations
Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi (R) gestures as UAE’s Alishan Sharafu looks on during the Asia Cup 2025 Twenty20 international cricket match between United Arab Emirates and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on September 17, 2025. Photo: AFP
LAHORE:
Lahore Qalandars captain Shaheen Shah Afridi said that although the absence of fans will be felt in the PSL, everyone must support the government’s decision.
In an exclusive interview with Express tribune , he said that the team’s preparations for PSL 11 are going well. A training camp was held during Ramadan, which Sikandar Raza also attended. He added that the squad includes several promising young players, and the team is determined to perform at its best.
Shaheen noted that all teams look strong on paper, including new sides with quality players. He mentioned that Hyderabad Kingsman also appear to be a solid team. Lahore Qalandars are confident in their preparations and aim to play excellent cricket.
Shaheen said that Fakhar Zaman has completed nearly ten years with Lahore Qalandars, which is rare. He described Fakhar as the backbone of the team, adding that when he is in form, he can trouble any opposition.
He clarified that Fakhar did not have a serious injury; the medical team simply advised rest after a long gap in ODI cricket.
Shaheen praised Sikandar Raza, saying he has never seen a more committed cricketer. He recalled how Raza played a Test match for Zimbabwe and then arrived the very next day for a PSL final. His dedication to cricket and the team is exemplary.
Shaheen highlighted the importance of Haris Rauf, calling him a wicket-taking bowler and a fighter. He emphasized that players like Rauf, who contribute in bowling, fielding, and overall performance, are crucial for any team.
Shaheen said that Dasun Shanaka leaving PSL for the IPL did not affect the team combination. He added that Lahore Qalandars have strong players in all departments.
The team retained its core, with seven players from last season still part of the lineup. He stressed the importance of giving players consistent opportunities rather than short-term inclusion.
He also expressed confidence in young talents like Mohammad Naeem, Mohammad Farooq, Ubaid Shah, and Moaz Khan, saying they could serve Pakistan in the future.
Shaheen described Lahore Qalandars as his family, noting that this is his ninth year with the franchise. He said he focuses on giving his best performance rather than counting wickets.
He recalled last year’s exciting final against Quetta Gladiators, calling it a memorable match.
Shaheen said that in the T20 World Cup, Pakistan came close to winning some matches, including against England, but failed to finish strongly. Although they only lost two matches, they did not achieve the dominant victories expected.
He added that the team is now focused on improving in upcoming matches.
Shaheen explained that T20 captaincy requires quick decision-making, while in ODIs he focuses on giving players opportunities and keeping the team united.
He emphasized teamwork and said the goal is to win matches collectively for Pakistan.
Shaheen said he does not like showing anger toward players as a captain, especially since families watch matches on TV. He believes in respecting the game and enjoying cricket.
However, he added that he never compromises on aggression while bowling, as it motivates him to perform better.
He also dismissed criticism about a decline in his yorkers, saying he plays cricket with passion and always aims to do what is best for Pakistan.
Finally, he said that regardless of the opponent even teams featuring Babar Azam his goal remains to take wickets early and help his team win.
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It’s NBA playoff time.
Let’s take a look at the latest NBA title futures at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 12.
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NBA Finals winner 2025-26 season
Oklahoma City Thunder: -175 (bet $10 to win $15.71 total)
San Antonio Spurs: +390 (bet $10 to win $49 total)
New York Knicks: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Detroit Pistons: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Cleveland Cavaliers: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Minnesota Timberwolves: +7000 (bet $10 to win $710 total)
Here is what to know about the NBA title oddsboard:
West Update: The two teams favored to win the title both reside in the Western Conference: OKC and San Antonio. The Thunder swept the Suns in Round 1 and swept the Lakers in Round 2, while the Spurs gave up just a single game to Portland in the first round and are tied 2-2 with Minnesota in the second round. While the Thunder pulled off a second straight sweep, the Spurs are in a dogfight.
East Update: The Knicks have become the class of the conference, having won seven consecutive playoff games. They finished off a sweep of Philly in the second round, and apparently can’t be stopped. As for the East’s top seed, the Pistons, they are tied with the Cavs 2-2. Neither team has been able to get a win in the others’ home arena in that series.
Pakistan left-arm spinner Noman Ali completed 100 Test wickets, becoming the oldest player in history to reach the milestone during the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
He claimed the milestone by dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz, joining an elite group of Pakistan bowlers and becoming the ninth spinner and 20th overall to achieve the feat.
The left-arm spinner also picked up the crucial wickets of Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Taijul Islam.
At 39 years and 217 days, Noman became the oldest player in Test history to reach the 100-wicket milestone. He surpassed former England spinner Bobby Peel, who reached the mark in 1896 at the age of 39 years and 180 days.
The 39-year-old also reached another landmark by becoming the joint fourth-fastest Pakistan bowler to claim 100 Test wickets, achieving the feat in his 22nd Test match.
England great George Lohmann holds the world record for the fastest to 100 Test wickets, having reached the milestone in just 16 matches, while several Pakistan bowlers also feature among the quickest to the landmark.
Oldest players to reach 100 Test wickets
- Noman Ali (Pakistan) – 39y 217d
- Bobby Peel (England) – 39y 180d
- Ray Illingworth (England) – 39y 30d
- Clarrie Grimmett (Australia) – 39y 22d
- Sydney Barnes (England) – 38y 310d
Fastest Pakistani bowlers to 100 Test wickets
- Yasir Shah – 17 matches
- Saeed Ajmal – 19 matches
- Waqar Younis – 20 matches
- Mohammad Asif – 20 matches
- Noman Ali – 22 matches*
- Fazal Mahmood – 22 matches
- Saqlain Mushtaq – 23 matches
Sports
Craig Morton, quarterback who led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance, dead at 83
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Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame, died on Saturday. He was 83.
Morton was critical in helping the Broncos reach their first-ever playoff appearance, ultimately getting them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 campaign.
After going 12-2 during the season, and getting wins in the playoffs over the Pittsburgh Steelers and then-Oakland Raiders, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton stands on the sidelines with both hands on his hips. (GETTY)
“Craig Morton is unbelievable,” fellow Ring of Famer Haven Moses said after the Broncos won the AFC Championship in 1978, per the New York Times. “To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League.”
Morton also won Sporting News Player of the Year, the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and the NFL UPI MVP in 1977.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83,” the Broncos posted on social media.
Morton also led the Broncos to two different division titles and three playoff berths during his six seasons with the franchise. He finished his career in Denver with 11,895 passing yards, which marked the most in franchise history at the time.
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Quarterback Craig Morton #7 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colo., circa 1978. Morton played for the Broncos from 1977 to 1982. (Focus On Sport/Getty Images)
Morton also led the Broncos with pass attempts (1,594) and completions (907). But Morton’s time with the Broncos was the latter half of his NFL career.
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, the fifth overall pick out of Cal. Morton spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Cowboys, where he threw for 10,279 yards with 80 touchdowns and 73 interceptions. He went 32-14-1 in his time with Dallas.
Then, during the 1974 season, Morton was moved to the New York Giants, a division rival of the Cowboys. He went 1-6 in his first seven starts that year and wouldn’t find much success in New York across three seasons.
Quarterback Craig Morton #7 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colo., circa 1978. Morton played for the Broncos from 1977 to 1982. (Focus On Sport/Getty Images)
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For his career, Morton threw for 27,908 yards with 183 touchdowns. He owned an 81-62-1 record across 207 games.
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