Meet Peshawar Zalmi’s Squad 2024 for PSL 9
By Afrasiab Ahmed
Cricket enthusiasts, brace yourselves for Peshawar Zalmi’s powerhouse squad in the upcoming PSL-9. Led by the prolific Babar Azam, the Platinum category features the hard-hitting Rovman Powell and the enigmatic spinner Noor Ahmed, promising a display of explosive skills.
Dynamic Batting Mix:
In the Diamond category, the dynamic duo of Asif Ali and rising star Saim Ayub, along with the seasoned Tom Kohler-Cadmore, ensures a balanced and electrifying opening and middle order.
Wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Haris, followed by Amer Jamal and spin sensation Naveen-ul-Haq, add youthful zest and pace in the Gold category. Check out PSL schedule 2024
Depth in Silver:
The Silver category brings depth to Zalmi’s lineup with veteran Khurram Shehzad, English lefty Daniel Mousley, and the promising talents of Umair Afridi, Arif Yaqoob, and Salman Irshad. The team’s batting arsenal is a formidable blend, offering explosive top-order options, middle-order anchors, and late-over finishers like Powell and Asif Ali.
Versatile Bowling Attack:
The bowling attack, led by the experienced Mohammad Amir, showcases diversity with Irshad’s swing, Haris’ leg-spin, and Umair Afridi’s left-arm pace. Saim Ayub’s meteoric rise and the potential of future stars like Mohammad Zeeshan add a touch of tomorrow to the team.
Astute Guidance:
Under the astute coaching of Andy Flower, Peshawar Zalmi is poised to unleash its formidable talents on the PSL-9 stage. Cricket fans, be prepared, as this Zalmi squad is about to be a force to be reckoned with. Watch out for the fireworks!
Peshawar Zalmi: A PSL-9 Powerhouse Deconstructed
Platinum Powerhouse: Babar Azam:
The cricketing maestro, his stylish strokeplay and tactical acumen solidify Zalmi’s top order.
Bhanuka Rajapaksa:
Sri Lanka’s explosive opener, his fearless six-hitting and audacious sweeps send shivers down bowlers’ spines.
Rovman Powell:
The Caribbean six-machine, his brutal power and late-over carnage are guaranteed crowd-pleasers.
Diamond Delights:
Wahab Riaz:
The fiery left-arm legend, his raw pace and yorker mastery terrorize even the most seasoned batsmen. Sherfane Rutherford:
The big-hitting Guyanese, his late-over onslaught with the willow and athleticism in the field make him a valuable asset.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman:
The Afghan mystery spinner, his deceptive googlies and variations leave batsmen bewildered and wickets tumbling.
Golden Opportunities:
Mohammad Haris:
The rising star, his youthful exuberance and aggressive batting inject energy into the middle order.
Danish Aziz:
The all-rounder on the rise, his reliable batting and accurate leg-spin offer a versatile package.
Arshad Iqbal:
The young paceman with a natural swing, his raw talent and development under Wahab Riaz promise future fireworks.
Silver Sensations:
Saim Ayub:
The exciting opener, his fearless stroke play and ability to dismantle bowling attacks make him one to watch.
Usman Qadir:
The leg-spinner with a bag of tricks, his googlies, sliders, and flippers keep batsmen guessing and wickets falling.
Aamir Jamal:
The young pacer with raw pace and fire, his swing bowling and ability to extract bounce from the pitch make him a valuable weapon.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Management Trio: A Glimpse
Captain: Babar Azam
Babar, a batting maestro, is Zalmi’s bedrock, showcasing elegant strokeplay and tactical acumen. His captaincy led Karachi Kings to a title and guided Zalmi to the playoffs. Records: Babar’s 2020 captaincy debut with Karachi Kings resulted in a championship. His move to Zalmi in 2023 aims for further success, eyeing another PSL trophy.
Vice-Captain: Wahab Riaz
Wahab, a fiery left-arm legend, leads Zalmi’s bowling with raw pace and yorker mastery. His experience and leadership guide young bowlers, providing valuable motivation. Records: Serving as Zalmi’s vice-captain since 2018, Wahab’s fiery presence extends beyond bowling, providing support to the captain and keeping the team focused.
Wicket-Keepers
Mohammad Haris:
A rising star, Haris injects energy with aggressive middle-order batting and dual-threat capabilities behind the stumps.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore:
An experienced Englishman, Kohler-Cadmore adds balance with wicket-keeping skills and reliable batting, offering calm leadership alongside Babar and Wahab.
In essence, Peshawar Zalmi’s management trio blends experience, talent, and firepower. Babar’s batting prowess and tactical nous, Wahab’s fiery spirit and guidance, and the reliable wicket-keeping duo of Haris and Kohler-Cadmore form an impressive unit poised for PSL-9 glory.
Decoding Peshawar Zalmi’s Retentions: An Insight
- Wahab Riaz (Diamond, PakBat): In the past, delivered formidable performance with 14 wickets at an average of 25.14 in PSL 8. He was retained due to valuable experience and fiery leadership; mentors and energizes the team.
- Sherfane Rutherford (Diamond, WIBat): Was retained due to his performance as a late-over hero in PSL 8, smashing 207 runs at a strike rate of 189.47. He has unmatched explosive finishing abilities; crucial six-hitting potential and excellent fielding.
- Mohammad Haris (Gold, PakBat): Demonstrated an aggressive spirit in PSL 8, scoring 170 runs at a strike rate of 150. He is a future star; fearless batting injects energy and unpredictability into the middle order.
- Aamir Jamal (Silver, PakBat): Has limited stats but promising raw pace and swing bowling in PSL 8 debut. Jamal is an investment in future stars; potential to blossom under Wahab Riaz’s guidance.
- Salman Irshad (Silver, PakBat): One of the reliable swing bowlers, took nine wickets in PSL 8. He offers diversity and experience; effective in specific situations, adding depth to the attack.
- Tom Kohler-Cadmore (Silver, ENG): Brought stability in PSL 8, scoring 189 runs with a consistent strike rate; reliable wicket-keeping. His calmness and experience alongside Babar Azam provide strong backup with reliable batting and wicket-keeping skills.
In essence, Peshawar Zalmi’s retentions aim for a balanced squad featuring explosive power, experienced leadership, and promising young talent. Each player brings unique strengths, contributing to the team’s overall success.
Peshawar Zalmi Released Players
- Hazratullah Zazai: Known for explosive hitting, he scored 220 runs at a strike rate of 169.23 in PSL 8. Despite this, inconsistency and vulnerability against spin were concerns. Zalmi might prioritize more balance, favoring players with a higher average and lower spin susceptibility.
- Liam Livingstone: A hostile batsman, played only three matches in PSL 8 due to England’s schedule, scoring 86 runs. Zalmi might seek better availability, preferring a player who can participate throughout the PSL season.
- Shoaib Malik: A veteran all-rounder, Malik’s limited contributions in PSL 8, with 145 runs and 6 wickets, led to his release. Zalmi may invest in younger, more impactful all-rounders for enhanced batting firepower and bowling strength.
- Haider Ali: His inconsistent performance in PSL 8, scoring 150 runs at an average of 21.43, raises concerns despite his capability for explosive innings. Zalmi might pursue a more reliable top-order option with consistency.
- Saqib Mehmood: Playing only four matches in PSL 8 with minimal impact, Mehmood’s limited opportunities may have influenced his release. Zalmi could seek a player offering more immediate contributions.
- Hussain Talat: Primarily a batsman, Talat’s limited role and scoring just 12 runs in 2 matches in PSL 8 led to his release. Zalmi may prefer a specialist bowler to enhance depth and impact in the bowling lineup.
- Kamran Akmal: A veteran batsman, Akmal’s limited contributions in PSL 8 due to age and inconsistent performance resulted in his release. Zalmi may prioritize younger, more dynamic batting options.
- Arish Ali Khan: A young fast bowler, Khan played four matches in PSL 8, showing promise but lacking experience and consistency. Zalmi might release him for a more established bowler with proven performance.
- Ben Cutting: Similar to Malik and Livingstone, Cutting’s limited impact in PSL 8 due to international commitments led to his release. Zalmi may prefer a readily available all-rounder for consistent contributions.
- Sohail Khan: Mainly a fast bowler, Khan played eight matches in PSL 8, taking 7 wickets. Lack of recent international exposure might be a factor, prompting Zalmi to opt for younger, quicker bowlers.
- Mohammad Umar: In PSL 8, Umar, a leg-spinner, played three matches, securing 2 wickets. Limited playing time makes evaluating his potential difficult. Zalmi may desire a more established leg-spinner for consistent impact.
- Pat Brown: A seasoned fast bowler, Brown played only three matches in PSL 8 due to international commitments. Limited availability might be a factor, and Zalmi could seek a fast bowler with more presence throughout the season.
- Matt Parkinson: A left-arm spinner, Parkinson played 6 matches in PSL 8, claiming 7 wickets. Despite being economical, Zalmi’s decision to release him could stem from a desire for a different spinner or a strategic move to strengthen other team areas.
- Sirajjuddin: In PSL 8, Sirajjuddin, a young fast bowler, was part of only 2 matches, where he managed to secure 1 wicket. The limited exposure makes it challenging to form a comprehensive understanding of his capability. The decision for his release may be influenced by Zalmi’s emphasis on experience and proven performance, especially with several established fast bowlers in the squad.
- Sameen Gul: Additionally, Sameen Gul, a young all-rounder, had a brief appearance in 3 matches during PSL 8, contributing 15 runs and taking 1 wicket. Similar to Sirajjuddin, the lack of opportunities makes it difficult to draw a definitive assessment of his abilities. The likely reason for his release may revolve around Zalmi’s preference for a more seasoned all-rounder who can make an immediate impact with both bat and ball.
Peshawar Zalmi’s Sponsors and Partners: Fueling the Blue Wave
Peshawar Zalmi’s dynamic presence in the PSL is bolstered not just by its players and fans but also by a strong network of sponsors and partners. These collaborations are crucial, supporting the team both on and off the field. Let’s explore some of the key partners and their roles:
Title Sponsor:
Haier Pakistan: This leading electronics brand has been the title sponsor for Peshawar Zalmi since 2017, showcasing a long-term commitment to the team’s success. The Haier logo is prominently displayed on the jersey and across Zalmi’s platforms, enhancing brand visibility and recognition.
Impact:
Haier’s partnership goes beyond financial support. They work with Zalmi on social initiatives, including providing solar lighting solutions to underprivileged communities.
Other Notable Sponsors:
Red Bull: The energy drink giant is Zalmi’s official functional energy partner, energizing both players and fans. Red Bull’s logo is visible on the team kit and at various Zalmi events, contributing to a lively atmosphere.
GTR Tyre: As the official tire partner, this leading tire manufacturer ensures smooth travel for the team and maintains a strong presence on the field. The GTR logo is seen on the team bus and during matches, promoting the brand alongside Zalmi’s achievements.
Dawn Media Group: This major media group is Zalmi’s official media partner, offering extensive coverage and expanding the team’s reach. Dawn’s news channels and digital platforms provide match broadcasts, interviews, and behind-the-scenes content, keeping fans connected and informed.
Additional Partnerships:
FM91: As the official radio partner, FM91 engages fans with live commentary, updates, and exclusive interviews, creating an immersive radio experience during matches.
TCL: Partnering as the official TV partner, this electronics company ensures fans enjoy the action on high-quality screens. TCL’s logo is prominently featured on Zalmi platforms and during matches, increasing brand visibility.
Other partners: Zalmi collaborates with various brands across sectors like food and beverage, apparel, and financial services. These partnerships bolster the team’s financial stability and offer fans unique offers and experiences.
Peshawar Zalmi’s robust network of sponsors and partners highlights the team’s commercial appeal and its ability to draw leading brands. These partnerships are pivotal in providing financial resources, promoting Zalmi’s brand and values, and contributing to the team’s success and community impact.
Social Impact and Community Engagement:
Zalmi Foundation: The Zalmi Foundation addresses social issues such as education, healthcare, and sanitation in Peshawar and other areas of Pakistan.
Education and Healthcare Initiatives: The foundation operates schools and healthcare facilities, offering essential services to underprivileged communities.
Women’s Empowerment: Zalmi actively supports women’s cricket and female athletes through various programs and initiatives.
Beyond Cricket:
Zalmi Music: The team has its anthem and collaborates with musicians to produce popular songs that embody the spirit of Peshawar Zalmi.
Zalmi TV: The official YouTube channel offers exclusive content, behind-the-scenes looks, and player interviews.
Fan Clubs: A network of passionate fan clubs in Pakistan and abroad showcases the team’s widespread impact beyond cricket.
Peshawar Zalmi Logo
Peshawar Zalmi is more than a cricket team; it represents hope, resilience, and community spirit. The team’s achievements on the field and its dedication to social impact initiatives have endeared it to Pakistani culture, inspiring fans and players to excel on and off the pitch.
Peshawar Zalmi Management
Javed Afridi (Haier Pakistan) – Proprietor:
Javed Afridi, the owner of Peshawar Zalmi and a prominent figure in the business world, brings visionary leadership to the franchise. His commitment to the team extends beyond cricket, enhancing Zalmi’s role as a comprehensive entity.
Inzamam-ul-Haq – President:
As Peshawar Zalm
i’s president, Inzamam-ul-Haq, a cricketing legend, provides strategic leadership and cricket expertise. His extensive experience as a former Pakistan captain offers valuable insights for the team’s decision-making processes, aiding Zalmi’s pursuit of excellence.
James Foster – Head Coach and Fielding Coach:
James Foster, serving as both Head Coach and Fielding Coach, contributes a mix of coaching skills and fielding expertise to Peshawar Zalmi. The former England cricketer enhances the team’s abilities and strategies, focusing on comprehensive performance on the field.
Hashim Amla – Batting Coach:
Hashim Amla, a respected former South African cricketer, now serves as Zalmi’s batting coach. His prolific international batting career provides invaluable technical guidance and mentorship to the team’s budding talents.
Mohammad Akram – Cricket Director:
As Cricket Director, Mohammad Akram is instrumental in shaping Peshawar Zalmi’s cricketing vision. His experience as a former cricketer and coach is vital for the team’s strategic development, focusing on long-term success.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal – Team Medical Advisor / Physio:
Dr. Zafar Iqbal, serving as the team’s medical advisor and physiotherapist, ensures the players’ physical well-being. His expertise in sports medicine and physiotherapy is crucial for managing players’ fitness levels and aiding their recovery, key components in the team’s performance-driven approach.
Dr. Zafar Iqbal’s role is fundamental in maintaining the health and peak performance of the players, providing both preventive care and rehabilitation. His contributions are essential for the team’s resilience and endurance throughout the season.
Overall, the diverse and skilled management and coaching team at Peshawar Zalmi play a pivotal role in the team’s achievements. Their combined experience and expertise in various aspects of cricket and team management contribute significantly to the team’s success on the field and its positive influence off the field.
In conclusion, Peshawar Zalmi’s vibrant ecosystem, comprising dedicated management, skilled coaches, robust sponsorship, and impactful community initiatives, establishes it as a formidable force in the cricketing world.
This synergy not only fuels their success in the sport but also reinforces their commitment to social responsibility, making them a cherished and respected entity in Pakistan and beyond.
