Batta Fast

FIFA World Cup - Quarterfinals etc with Tiddy - Episode 96

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 01:35:44 GMT

Our beloved Quaid joins the fray as we do a casual fan uncle mode breakdown of VAR, the bad vibes of the QFs, Ahmer's secret love for colonisers and more.

FIFA World Cup - R16 Analysis - Episode 95

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:08:05 GMT

FIFA ki Princess kaun? Why Mbappe is the goat, Maradona > Messi, the greatness of Jude, bye bye Portugal y Paraguay and more...

FIFA World Cup - R32 Analysis - Episode 94

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 22:47:28 GMT

Back at it.

FIFA World Cup - First Thoughts - Episode 93

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:24:59 GMT

What an amazing World Cup it's already been! After all the cringe, oppression and hate from Gianni and Trump, the first set of matches have already blown our minds.

Babar, Kingsmen, and a distressing PSL - Episode 92

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:12:12 GMT

The conversation delves into the impact of Babar Azam's performance in the PSL and the cultural significance of his achievements. It also explores the success and impact of the Hyderabad team, shedding light on their social media engagement and demographic reach. Also covers the impact of the test series defeat in Bangladesh.

PSL Midseason Review with Osman Episode 91

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 01:31:16 GMT

Osman is back! We try and enjoy what we can from this PSL season while inevitably discussing depressing things because of course...

Episode 29 | #AUSvPAK 3rd Test 1st Day Review |

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMT

On an eventful first day of the final Test of the tour, Pakistan put up a fighting total despite an early morning collapse. But as discussed here, its the bowling that has led to more heartbreaks than the batting.

Saeed ka Suna Tha, Saim ko Dekha Hai - PAK vs SA Men's ODI review - Episode 73

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

00:00 Celebrating the sweep
02:53 Shaheen finds his form
09:46 On the circle of Love, Saim & Saeed
19:49 Comparing Generations: Saeed Anwar and Saim Ayub
29:57 Sufyan, Salman and other Solid Performers
33:49 Why doesn't South Africa hurt as much as Australia?
40:00 Pakistan and the WTC Final
39:07 Pakistan's Chances Against South Africa
46:13 How to win in SA
52:03 Do Bilaterals matter?
57:48 How the Rizwan era might be different

Episode 54 - Batta Fast at the T20 World Cup - Tournament Review and ranking Pak's worst ICC events

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 07:00:00 GMT

As our period of massive viewcounts (lol) ends before it really began, we review a depressing campaign, outline the many causes for failure, and end up ranking the worst ICC events for the Pakistan's men's team this century.

0:30 Batta Fast revenue streams destroyed
2:00 Babar's captaincy, the fallout, the tactical issues
11:00 Why PSL success hasn't translated for this team
18:00 A look at PCB's mystifying selection process
22:00 Disastrously unstable era at the PCB
24:20 "Even for Pakistan cricket, this is a wild era"
36:00 Reviewing this tournament in light of others
37:30 Ranking the all-time worst ICC events for Pakistan
38:30 2006 Champions Trophy
40:30 2007 ODI World Cup
44:00 2009 Champions Trophy (the fallout)
48:00 2013 Champions Trophy
49:00 2015 ODI World Cup
51:00 2014 T20 World Cup
52:00 2016 T20 World Cup
55:00 2023 ODI World Cup
59:00 Final Rankings

Episode 64 - Batta Fast Manjan - The CCs (Champs Connection Central Contract Camp Cup)

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 14:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Bata Fast, we look at three CCs - Champions Cup, Connection Camp and Central Contracts. We also look at the less alliterative England series.

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast
03:05 Assad's Call for Positivity in Cricket Commentary
09:03 The Nature of Journalism and Reporting
11:58 CC Tournament Structure and Its Impact on Performance
17:56 The Role of Central Contracts and Player Management
27:09 Connection Camp
39:00 Central Contracts and how no one understands their purpose
53:00 Previewing the England Series

Episode 21 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 19:00:00 GMT

We debate India's knockout record, the toss and the pitch, Australia's unreal performance(s), and takeaways for a few others.

Why Tapeball is Decolonized Cricket - Episode 86

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 07:00:00 GMT

An invention from Karachi in the 80s, Tapeball cricket took the colonial history of the sport and ripped it apart.

Biryani article featuring Malang: https://fiftytwo.in/story/rice-fat-meat-streets/

Abid Hussain's Tapeball Longform: https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/929545/tape-ball-tales

Tapeball image credit: Ali Akbar Naqvi, originally made for PaceisPaceYaar.

When Does A Rivalry End? Episode 85

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMT

"I don't know what the stats are. But this is not a rivalry anymore" - Suryakumar Yadav's claim that India-Pakistan is not a rivalry anymore made me want to explore what rivalries are, and when - if at all - do they end?

Noman Ali and the Aesthetics of Pakistan Cricket - Episode 84

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 17:00:00 GMT

"Pakistan is a country of SLAs pretending to be pacers" - this throwaway text from Osman on PiPY led to this podcast: a discussion on the aesthetics of Pakistani bowling, how they changed irrevocably with Imran Khan, and how the continued presence of guys like Noman in the chaos since is what makes sports so beautiful.

Whitewashed Again - The Pakistan Injury Curse - Two Tier WTC - Afghanistan Boycott - Episode 75

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 11 Jan 2025 13:00:00 GMT

00:00 Introduction and Context of Pakistan's Cricket Performance
01:14 Analysis of Recent Matches and Player Performances
04:49 Pakistan's Injury Curse
08:59 Evaluating Pakistan's Test Team Consistency
13:02 Is Pakistan really a fast bowling country?
26:30 Pakistan cricket's mismanagement of bowlers
24:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Team Development
33:13 The Two-Tiered World Test Championship Debate
49:53 The Hypocrisy of the Afghan cricket boycott calls

Pakistan vs England 3rd Men's Test Preview - Episode 68

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Iss haftay hum ne episode mei title baad mei likha hai.

00:00 Introduction and Match Preview
02:55 Pindi pitch and the toss
06:01 Gillespie ka GOAT quote
14:58 Plot twist - the pitch kept lower than it turned
17:52 Celebrating Sajid & Noman
23:05 The challenges of captaining a 1+3 spin attack
31:34 In praise of Jamie Smith
40:00 Ranking both team's chances
52:50 Plans for SA & WI series and revisionism on pitches

Episode 31 Batta Fast Manjan #3 - Millennial vs Gen Z fans | T20 World Cup thoughts | #NZvPAK

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 14 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Two great cricket writers, Rameen (@rameenwhile) and Raiyan (@CricCritic2) join the show to discuss the two games from the New Zealand series, their thoughts on the T20 World Cup, and their take on how older cricket fans view the game.

Read this beautiful take by Rameen on Sundays and cricket: https://medium.com/@rameensalman/on-sundays-and-cricket-410620ed02d5

Here's a fascinating article by Raiyan on Pakistan's ideal T20 batter
https://medium.com/@raiyan201/pakistans-ideal-t20-batter-4554848a481

Episode 59 - The Legend of Arshad Nadeem

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 03:00:00 GMT

"He is the first splash on a blank canvas, the first flick of a torchlight into the abyss. If ever an athletics legacy will be built - though don't hold your breath - it will start with him."

From Osman's article: https://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/40801739/paris-olympics-2024-pakistan-gold-medal-javelin-all-hail-improbable-arshad-nadeem-first-maybe-last-kind

We try our best to capture the unprecedented nature of Arshad Nadeem's Olympic record shattering moment.

0:00 Arshad Nadeem's Gold medal - Pakistan's greatest sporting achievement?
5:24 Overcoming obstacles - Arshad's remarkable journey
9:20 Ya Ali and the folk-hero
15:07 The institutional obstacles for Pakistnai athletes
20:49 Earning money in non-traditional careers in Pakistan
27:50 India's sporting industrial complex
40:00 The realities Arshad deals with
43:30 The world's reactions
48:50 The magic of the Olympics
51:00 The magical last throw

Episode 30 | #AUSvPAK 3rd Test, 3rd Day Review | Micro-dosing khushiyan | Sexy Saim | Aamer Danger

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 05 Jan 2024 13:00:00 GMT

As closely fought as a whitewash can get, Shan Masood's team continues to put in some of the best performances by Pakistan in Australia, admittedly a low-bar. We discuss Jamal's heroics, Saim's sexiness, and the joys of test cricket.

Episode 41 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Midseason Review

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 21:00:00 GMT

Guess who's back? We take a look at each of the PSL sides and how their seasons have gone 8 games in. From realising that Karachi Kings, not Lahore, are the worst PSL side ever to getting excited about everyone from Saim Ayub and Khwaja Nafay to Hunain Shah and Arif Yaqoob, we cover all the highs and lows of the season so far.

0:00 Intro
1:39 Lahore Qalandars - the funnest team in the PSL
10:51 Karachi Kings - the absolute worst thing about Karachi
21:26 Islamabad United - wait, why are these guys not good?
31:20 Peshawar Zalmi - wait, these guys are good?
40:12 Quetta Gladiators - the Saify in the room...
50:00 Multan Sultans - the unsexy dynasty

Episode 32 - Batta Fast Manjan #4 - 2023 in Review

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Friend of the podcast, founder of the Five Rupees blog, and itinerant cricket columnist for Dawn, Ahsan Butt joins the show to discuss the year that was in Pakistan cricket.

Episode 16 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 04 Nov 2023 20:00:00 GMT

#PAKvNZ review - this f***ing team...

Episode 14 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 21:00:00 GMT

#PAKvRSA review - dil toooooots

Episode 10 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 19:00:00 GMT

SOMETIMES ITS CRAMPS, SOMETIMES ITS ACTING

Batta Fast at the World Cup - Episode 2

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 19:00:00 GMT

We discuss #PAKvNED, and how Pakistan played down to its opponents, how Saud Shakeel was an absolute revelation, and how we feel about Shadab and Hasan Ali's bowling.

Episode 8 - Junaid Khan vs India, Chennai 2012

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:00:00 GMT

The most requested spell ever since this podcast began, we recap Junaid Khan's brilliant, and hugely underrated spell against India in a forgotten bilateral series. We cover the many lows and few highs of Junaid's career, the absurdity of this tour, and spend some time with Mirza Ghalib.

Watch: https://youtu.be/50ahHdTqYYc

Episode 7: The Wasim Akram Interview

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 04 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT

The Sultan of Swing, the greatest left-armer in cricket history, the GOAT Wasim Akram joins Ahmer and Osman to discuss his favourite wickets and memories, his moral responsibility for making an an entire generation get the burger cut hairstyle, and what it was like bowling with Waqar, Imran and Shoaib.

Watch episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waHpU4Or1dc

Episode 47 - Batta Fast Manjan - A history of Pakistan cricketers in Cola ads

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT

To celebrate the star turn by Naseem Shah in his new ***** ad, we decide to take a look back at some of the iconic cola adverts starring Pakistani players. Thirty years of pure pop culture.

Original compilation of ads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhwhTaU14zM
Osman podcast discussing War Minus the Shooting: https://www.81allout.com/2021/02/22/an-unquiet-history-an-interview-with-writer-osman-samiuddin/
Ahmer article on separating art from artist: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/ahmer-naqvi-the-mohammad-asif-enigma-913199
Abid Hussain article on tape ball history (Nadeem Finger) https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/929545/tape-ball-tales

0:55 Intro to why we aren't doing data but Naseem ogling
4:00 BDS, Palestine and the ethics of working with such companies
9:00 Stop calling us boomers (we then proceed to do boomer shit)
10:40 1987 Have a ***** Day ad with Imran Khan
11:55 1990 with IK and Ws
14:00 1993 Vital Signs traffic jam
14:31 1994 Haroon
17:00 1996 the iconic Nothing Official About It ad
23:30 1997 Saeed and Afridi
26:50 1998 Saqlain
27:00 1999 Shoaib, Speed, 100mph
29:00 2000 The last Afridi launda ad
31:08 2001 Wasim bhai
32:10 2002 Lehmann, Warne and Street Cricket
34:19 2003 Problematic 'tribal' ad
34:50 2004 Osman rant on Strings
36:19 2005 Harasser with unknown
37:12 2006 Adnan Sami
38:30 2007 Younis Khan
40:51 2008 Retired Wasim and baby Asim Azhar(?)
41:30 2009 Last minute Afridi ad
42:40 2010 Aisam ul Haq ad
43:19 2011 Afridi and Shoaib
44:00 2012 Afridi golf etc
45:30 2013 Misbah, Junaid Irfan 'pahunch toa gaye ho'
48:20 2014 Afridi, Ws, Selfie, Gul, Sana Mir
49:22 2015 Afridi and Ukmal
52:05 2016 No cricketers
52:30 2018 No cricketers
53:30 2016 (no clip) Afridi and Misbah shipwrecked
55:00 Naseem's ad and his burgeoning sexiness

The Ship of Theseus or why Pakistan cricket never really changes - Episode 83

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In this lecture Ahmer argues that almost every time you watch a Pakistan cricket team play - men's, women's, u19, whatever - you end up seeing the same match. No matter how many times you repair and replace its parts, the ship remains the same.

Link to Jarrod's video: https://www.instagram.com/p/DPWYKyjCP_j/
Link to Danyal's article: https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/asia-cup-2025-ind-vs-pak-what-pakistan-say-what-pakistan-do-and-the-gap-between-them-1504056

Sex of Saim - Salman Ali Bevan - Pakistan vs South Africa Men's T20s & 1st ODI - Episode 72

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

00:00 Easy Ho Ja

03:04 Ahmer’s nightly fantasy

05:52 Saim Ayub: Dekha Na Tha

15:10 Salman Ali Agha: The Unsung Hero

21:05 Pak record in SA

30:05 Agha’s superb spin

36:53 Rizwan’s captaincy

44:56 Gillespie resignation

54:12 The fkn Champions Trophy

Episode 60 - Pakistan vs Bangladesh - The Latest Worst Ever Loss

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 15:00:00 GMT

We took a few days after the event to record this, which means we aren't at the fire and brimstone stage everyone else might be. We congratulate Bangladesh on a magnificent win, and lay out our causes for the defeat.

01:04 Bangladesh's Impressive Win Against Pakistan
08:44 Pakistan's Poor Performance and Team Selection
14:47 Flaws in the World Test Championship Ranking System
21:41 Issues with Pakistan's Pitch Preparation and Workload Management
33:05 Mistreatment of Players and Lack of Support
42:42 The Pressure on Shan’s Captaincy
52:48 The Impact of Rhythm and Schedule on Player Performance
01:02:33 The Need for Changes in the Team and Board
01:05:31 Predicting the Outcome of the Next Test Match

Episode 45 - Batta Fast Manjan - Clown Season at the PCB

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 11:00:00 GMT

We had planned to do a data deep dive on the recent PSL, but instead we have to content with all the elite level clownery going on at the PCB.

Turns out, the board changed captains and released a #wholesome press release which had never been shared with the players instead.

So now, we've got one recently sacked captain back, one highly fucked over player sacked without being told why, two of the most recent successful PSL captains not even considered, and two known haters of the current captain back in the team.

Of course, the big question is, which of these can run 2 kilometres with faujis?

00:00 Discussion on the latest farce
04:11 Lack of communication and mismanagement in the PCB
08:04 Mohsin Naqvi's role as chairman
12:16 Treatment of players in Pakistan cricket
25:30 The captaincy debate and overlooked captains in the PSL
30:40 The legacy of Sheharyar Khan
47:21 Same old genuine concern for the future of Pakistani cricket

Episode 28 | #AUSvPAK Day 3 Review | The romance of late night cricket |The rituals of jinxing

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 12:00:00 GMT

In a solo episode, Ahmer discusses how cricket creates stories of hope and glory in our minds; the pleasure of watching in the dark with friends on Whatsapp; and knowing when the good old days end and the loss begins.

How Much Winning Is Too Much? Episode 87

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 07 Nov 2025 14:00:00 GMT

An extremely #RichPeopleProblems issue leads to a deeper understanding of why we watch our favourite teams.

My essay on fandom and forgetting: https://karachikhatmal.com/the-i-who-becomes-a-we-the-importance-of-forgetting-to-fandom

F1 creator on why NBA content > other sports: https://ideefixe.co/p/the-creator-paradox-why-f1-and-tennis

Game of Zones: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLoqDIJHlyN3NIPW9D37rQEceGNZEiRmMX

Essay criticising Uncut Gems 'facile cruelty': https://www.theringer.com/2025/10/31/movies/uncut-gems-review-best-movies-21st-century

Essay on why Uncut Gems is a great movie about watching sports: https://unnamedtemporarysportsblog.com/uncut-gems-is-the-first-great-movie-about-watching-sports/

Essay on why Adam Sandler's character is like our favourite sports team: https://www.sbnation.com/2019/12/24/21028750/uncut-gems-review-sports-movie-adam-sandler

PAK v SA Test squad, Sadness of Shaheen, Champions Trophy drama - Episode 71 - Batta Fast Manjan

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Pakistan's men's squad for the tour to South Africa featured the omission of Shaheen Afridi, a development that was more sad than shocking. We debate the rest of the squad, and then get into the absolute sh*tshow that has been the Champions Trophy hosting crisis.

00:00 Reflections on Pakistan's Test Squad
05:52 The Future of Shaheen Afridi's Career
09:13 Do Tests still offer the same legacy as white-ball?
14:50 Why Pakistan is a graveyard for bowlers
17:51 Sajid Khan's Exclusion and Its Implications
20:55 Hope for Mohammed Abbas's Return
31:26 More complaints about how we've ruined our pacers
39:39 The Hybrid Model Controversy
50:28 BCCI's Actual Stance on Security Concerns
56:38 The Ineffectiveness of ICC Leadership

[Re-upload] WI Thrash Pakistan - The Jinx Comes True - feat. Backward Point - Episode 78

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMT

00:00 Introduction to Backward Point
01:29 Discussing the defeat
04:47 Babar Azam's Performance
07:36 Challenges in Pakistan's Batting
10:27 Issues with Domestic Cricket Conditions
12:08 Inability to Dismiss Lower Order Batsmen
21:52 AqibBall and Long-term Planning
29:36 Is the Spin Approach Fun?
31:16 How to Sustain Test Cricket
36:37 Flaws in the World Test Championship
40:41 Fan Experience in Pakistan
49:23 Press Box Dynamics

Follow Backward Point on Youtube!
https://www.youtube.com/@UCGHVj4AgR2FBB0slp2VOyuw

Ranking the Greatest ICC Event Performances by Pakistani players - @sportingmyths - Episode 80

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 17:00:00 GMT

Back with the @sportingmyths crew, we debate the GOAT ICC event performances. Before anyone gets too senti, the nominations and seedings were done kafi arbitrarily, because the intention was to just discuss some great performances.

Fakhar Zaman vs India 2017
Mohammad Amir vs India 2017
Shahid Afridi vs South Africa, 2009
Inzamam ul Haq vs New Zealand, 1992
Wasim Akram vs England, 1992
Babar Azam vs New Zealand, 2019
Rambo vs New Zealand, 1992
Misbah ul Haq vs India, 2007

Episode 6 - Waqar Younis vs South Africa, Durban 1993

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT

Peak Waqar, peak Haal, peak Pakistan. A slightly forgotten spell of a slightly overlooked genius, this reverse swing devastation of South Africa was perhaps Waqar at his most ferocious. We pick apart what made this spell special, and dissect everything from Waqar's swag and style to his injuries and decline.

Episode 50 - Batta Fast Manjan - How to think about T20s

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 21 May 2024 10:00:00 GMT

A discussion about #PAKvIRE became a long debate on what tactics should one look at in T20s, how Pakistan batting first and batting second are different teams, and what a bowler like Amir and a format like tapeball teaches us about the future of T20 cricket. Trust us, you will find this boring af.

0:00 Intro
02:00 The challenges of setting a target in T20s
07:30 Why T20Is are not the apex of the format
13:00 Understanding the value of runs and wickets in T20s
30:00 Mohammad Amir's vegetarian bowling
40:00 Rethinking what to value in T20 bowling and batting
45:00 Gary Kirsten on 'liberating' Babar Azam's batting

Episode 46 - Batta Fast Manjan - Rambo's PCB, Shaheen's Instagram and a Champions League revival

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 12:00:00 GMT

This week, we respond to many fan queries and do a detailed discussion of our criticism's of Ramiz Raja's stint as PCB Chairman. We also debate just how gold was Shaheen's 'don't anger me' Insta story, and discuss how a return of the franchise-based Champion's League tournament is both exciting and ridiculous.

00:00 Intro and Shaheen's insta story
9:53 The Chairman Rambo era
37:03 What does a revival of the Champions League mean?

Episode 48 - #PAKvsNZ F series review

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:00:00 GMT

*puke* A terrible series that taught us nothing and made us despair a lot. We dive deep mostly into Babar, but also the larger malaise afflicting Pakistan cricket.

0:00 - 5:00 Intro and whining
5:00 Lack of ambition and intent
11:14 Toxic national team atmosphere
24:23 Babar's lack of evolution
30:37 Did we learn anything at all?

Episode 43 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Deep Dive into ISLU's win with Rehan Part 1

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

In our favourite episode ever, great friend of the podcast and 3-time PSL winning General Manager of Islamabad United Rehan ul Haq joins us. We go match by match throughout the whole magical season, charting all the ups and downs and how Islamabad's side found their way back to the top.

0:00 Intro and banter
4:28 Why this PSL was his proudest professional achievement
7:51 The importance of team culture and how it was established at Islu
21:11 Match 1 - Beating Qalandars at home
25:41 Match 2 - Losing to Multan, Shadab as captain and Naseem as sexpot superstar
39:26 Match 3 - Losing to Quetta, Abrar's courage and chutzpah
45:42 Match 4 - Shocker vs Zalmi, Arif Yaqub's genius, playing vs Babar, Hesson's calmness

Episode 35 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Match 3 #MSvKK

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 18:00:00 GMT

So we get that boring, one-sided blowout match early. Multan looked to have scored below par before proving that was enough for two Karachi chases.

You can also watch the show on https://begin.watch, an upcoming, premium OTT platform called #Begin.

Episode 67 - 1348 Days Later - Pakistan vs England 2nd Test

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 22:00:00 GMT

Almost 4 years since their last test win at home, Pakistan beat England and give us a long overdue sugar rush.

00:00 1348 dino ke baad
03:07 Reflections on Pakistan's Win
05:56 The Role of Spinners in Pakistan's Victory
09:14 Sajid, Noman, Kamran, Salman & Their Contributions
12:16 Analyzing Batting Performance
18:07 Euphoria vs. Reality in Pakistan Cricket
21:02 Critique of Management and Selection committee
39:08 Why the Babar Azam dropping decision was a joke
43:01 Selection as Surgery/Punishment
47:17 Pak obsession with over training instead of specialised
49:34 Rizwan's Excellent Keeping
01:03:20 The Dramaybaazi/Main Character Syndrome of modern stars (meant as a compliment)

Heartbreak in Centurion - PAK v SA 1st Men's Test Review - Episode 74

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

00:00 Intro
00:29 Abbas's Travolta-like comeback
06:01 Analyzing Abbas's Bowling Performance
08:50 Abbas's changing pace
12:08 Celebrating like Shaiby
26:00 Rabada and Naseem's spells
29:49 Rabada vs Bumrah and Cummins
35:42 Race and Class Privilege in South African Cricket
36:53 South Africa's Incredible Journey to the WTC Final
40:44 The Big Three's Dominance of ICC Events
43:02 The Media's Role in Cricket Narratives
45:22 Recognising players outside of the Big 3
54:58 Why this match was a rare tragedy in SA
01:00:34 Empathising with Shan

Episode 63 - Batta Fast Manjan - Champions' Cup, Pak vs SA T20I series, Misbah's mentality

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 21 Sep 2024 02:00:00 GMT

In this episode, we look at the Champions Cup, what's been good about it, and what the cricket has been like. That discussion somehow became a deep dive into Misbah and his unique, nerdy approach to cricket. We then discuss Fatima Sana's strong performance in a patchy but encouraging 1-2 series loss to South Africa, and end with an overdue remembrance of the recently departed Haniya Aslam.

00:00 Introduction to Current Cricket Events
02:52 Analysis of the Champions Cup
06:13 Performance Insights and Player Evaluations
09:04 Tournament Structure and Future Implications
19:35 The Misbah segue, and trying to understand his philosophy
35:38 Fatima Sana leading Pak vs SA - series review
47:20 Remembering Haniya Aslam

Episode 66 - Patreon Q&As - Babar's origins, YK's rituals, Misbah v India, IK's fame and more

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 01:00:00 GMT

00:00 Quick thoughts on the latest debacle
05:04 Pakistani Fitness Levels and Performance Discrepancies
10:11 Can you change the culture?
14:51 Patreon shoutouts and Questions
17:15 Famous Sledges and Weird Superstitions
26:46 Why do Pak ex-cricketers slag off everyone?
39:15 Under the table payments in franchise leagues
40:42 The Impact of Salary Caps in Franchise Leagues
41:37 Did IK miss out on fame?
43:33 Team Misbah vs India
46:17 Saudi Influence in Global Cricket
48:32 A story on Babar Azam’s origins
56:46 The Future of Test Cricket and ICC's Role
01:07:55 Memorable non-Pak Cricket Moments

Episode 61 - Pakistan vs Bangladesh - The Latest Latest Worst Ever Loss, and Enter the Mentors

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 14:00:00 GMT

As predicted by us, Pakistan keep hitting new lows as Bangladesh completed a historic sweep. But our focus ended up being on the PCB's absolutely bone-headed decisions, and the existential threat faced by Pakistani cricket.

02:24 Bangladesh's Historic Test Series Win
08:16 Impressive Performances by Bangladeshi Bowlers
14:13 Questioning Pakistan's Leadership and Selection Decisions
19:09 Concerns about Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi
22:39 The Need for Strong Incentives for Test Cricket
27:12 The Lack of Recognition for Test Cricket
30:17 PCB's shenanigans with the Mentors
32:30 Unsustainable Financial Decisions and Neglect of the PSL
43:22 Imbalance Between Domestic and International Cricket
52:08 Mistreatment of Players and Lack of Player Development
59:36 Need for Better Governance and Investment

Episode 27 | #ausvpak 2nd Test Preview | Rizwan over Saffy | Injury Woes

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 25 Dec 2023 18:00:00 GMT

As Pakistan prepares to play the second test of its Australian tour, we preview what looks like a very bleak test match.

Episode 36 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Match 4 #LQvQG

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:00:00 GMT

The two-time winners are now two-time losers. Lahore slump to another defeat as Quetta looks rejuvenated.

You can also watch the show on https://begin.watch, an upcoming, premium OTT platform called #Begin.

00:00 Intro and Khwaja Nafay mania
2:46 That PSL time of the year
4:28 Jahandad and the joy of PSL
6:15 Enjoying these moments for what they are
7:21 Nafay's viral ride
9:38 Cricket's toxic babay
11:00 Lahore's multiple concerns
13:10 Haris's form
14:00 Part-time keeper or specialist?
16:30 Lahore's potential
17:30 Sahibzada vs Selfie

Patreon Q&As 3 - Episode 70

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 17 Nov 2024 03:00:00 GMT

00:00 Introduction to the Q&A Session
01:09 Who was the best Test player in every decade from the '50s onwards?
16:30 What will happen with the PCB, ICC and the BCCI in the Champions Trophy?
34:06 Which bowlers should make the squad for the SA tour?
37:59 What are the pop-culture implications of 1987-era Imran Khan being present today and dating Taylor Swift?
47:40 Did the recent series wins hide deeper structural problems in the men's team?
51:12 How much do individuals end up influencing bilateral cricket relations between India and Pakistan?
57:02 Players you thought would be great but weren't/Thoughts on Umar Akmal
1:00:15 Lovely anecdote about Osman and Bob Woolmer
1:04:30 Does Afridi still make the 21st century Pak Test XI as an opener?
1:05:07 Who should be in Pak men's T20 squad?

Episode 55 - Batta Fast at the T20 World Cup - Cricket's greatest injury

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMT

We can't stop gushing over Afghanistan's wonderful run to the semifinals, including a reflection on Mohammad Nabi's Hall of Fame career, and the greatest injury in cricket history.

1:00 Reviewing the group stages and celebrating Afghanistan's magical run
6:30 Gulbadin's magnificent, iconic injury
10:30 Afghanistan's winning tactics
14:00Mohammad Nabi's GOAT career
32:00 South Africa's atypical run
37:00 Previewing the semifinals
39:00 Rohit's incredible transformation
42:00 Hope for rain-free matches
45:00 Expectations for the finals

Episode 22 - Batta Fast Manjan #1 - Previewing Pakistan Tour of Oz |

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Introducing our Manjan series, where each episode sells the manjan around Pakistan cricket these days. In this episode, we preview Pakistan's tour of Oz, get cautiously excited by the prospect of Shan Masood's captaincy, worry about Pakistan's bowling, and take a look at the double standard masti from Hafeez and Wahab.

The Boy Who Never Got Out - Episode 88

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Aik bacha tha jo out nahi hota tha.

Link to Haroon Khalid's works: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/7247507.Haroon_Khalid

22 Saal Baad Pakistan beat Australia - Episode 69 - Pak vs Oz ODI Review

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 10 Nov 2024 22:00:00 GMT

00:00 CONGRATES TO PACE LOVERS

05:48 Seeing Pakistan cricket as a work of art rather than sport

08:54 Haris Rauf: Pace is Pace Yaar

11:59 The Game Changing Impact of Tape Ball Cricket

21:20 Pakistan’s pacers rediscovering their groove

22:58 Demythologising the Mighty 90s

25:10 Saim Ayub and the Saeed Anwar comparisons

37:42 Rizwan's Captaincy: A New Perspective

47:39 Political Ramifications of the Champions Trophy

01:01:27 The Future of ICC Dynamics

Episode 53 - Batta Fast at the T20 World Cup - Ghum Hour Continues

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 12 Jun 2024 12:00:00 GMT

What a delightfully horrible way to lose to India. We discuss the causes of the defeat, Pakistan's stagnant development, the clusterf**k that is the PCB, and India's own batting woes.

0:00 Intro and why Pakistan lost
3:30 Has Pakistan's core stagnated?
14:00 Why Pakistan's batting is not fit for purpose
25:15 How the bowlers have evolved more than batters
36:16 From Wahab to Mohsin, a collection of unserious people
44:30 India's batting struggles in T20 World Cups
52:10 The professional athlete's constant need to improve

Episode 34 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Match 2 #PZvsQG

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 18 Feb 2024 13:00:00 GMT

Once the marquee matchup of the league, both teams now seem to be in the midst of new chapters.

You can watch the show on https://begin.watch, an upcoming, premium OTT platform called #Begin.

0:00 - 1:21 Intro
1:22 - 2:21 Regeneration of Quetta
2:22 - 3:33 Peshawar's struggles
3:34 - 5:11 Saffy bhai and giving the kids a chance
5:12 - 12:31 Karachi's evolving school of batting, and Hanif Malik's impact
12:32 - 14:27 Peshawar's confounding tactics
14:28 - 17:06 Abrar's bowling and celebration
17:07 Power rankings

Episode 20 - Batta Fast at the World Cup - | #INDvAUS review | Dozakh ke shehzaday win yet again

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 19:00:00 GMT

#INDvAUS review - Dozakh ke shehzaday win yet again

Episode 10 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 06 Oct 2023 06:00:00 GMT

Welcome to our special series of shows for the World Cup!

In episode 1, we dig into possibly the most underwhelming start to any major tournament ever. We break down the one-sided domination of New Zealand in the opener, and we do the hope-churning task of previewing Pakistan's chances at this tournament

Watch out for episodes after every Pakistan match, as well as the knockouts.

Episode 1 - Shoaib Akhtar vs India, Kolkata 1999

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 18 May 2023 12:00:00 GMT

The first episode of our podcast kicks off a series where we discuss our favourite fast bowling spells by Pakistani players.

We begin with the birth of a legend - Shoaib Akhtar's two wickets in two balls, including Sachin on a golden duck, began one of the most exciting, intriguing and dramatic careers in cricket history.

We go from Bappi Lahiri to Salman Khan in trying to explain what and who Shaiby was.

0 – 2:20 – Intro to the podcast
2:45 – 3:40 – The spell as the Pakistani Dream: bowling two Indians, one of whom is Sachin in front of a full house off two consecutive balls
3:40 – 5:55 – Silence in the Biggest Stadium in the World & some more on the dreamlike nature of Shoaib impact
7:32 – 10:15 Maradona 1986 vs England comparison
13:00 – 14:30 - The Two Deliveries as works of art
20:20 – 22:17 - The Sallu Bhai comparisons
25:25 – 27:55 - The Faisalabad Story
28:25 – 33:40 - Gun Master Interlude – Bappi Da! Including the Jimmy Jimmy tangent
38:00 – 39:39 - Why Dravid was the greater wicket (and Shaibi bowling genius)
41:45 – 43:53 Shaibi Origin Story and being an outlier as a worldly star
43:59 – 45:10 Shaibi Saves a Child and Hello Nicole Kidman
45:11 – 47:00 The Groundedness of being Shoaib all the way through
47:10 – 49:20 On a White Horse in the Margalla Hills, with a Quran
49:20 – 50:50 Navigating a way through match-fixing era
52:55 – 53:33 The Mathew Hayden send-off
53:45 – 59:05 The Sachin Ball and the Art of Bunking School
59:20 – end Loving Sachin Ball contd

Debating the Legacy of 90s Pakistan Cricket with Osman Samiuddin - Episode 81

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 15 Mar 2025 15:00:00 GMT

00:00 Hafeez, Rashid and Legacy of 90s Cricket Players
03:57 The Impact of 90s Cricket on Modern Perceptions
10:36 Cultural Significance of 90s Cricket
14:44 Corruption and Instability
21:37 Why the 90s were an era of decline
30:04 The Lost Tournaments of the 90s
39:14 The Impact of County Cricket on Pakistani cricket
43:47 13 Captaincy changes in 3 years!
52:01 Late-Era Wasim Captaincy

Episode 57 - Great Pakistani Batting Innings - Inzamam ul Haq vs New Zealand, 1992

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 02:00:00 GMT

Welcome to the batting sibling of our great Pakistani pace spells series! We start off with a canonical entry, Inzi's starmaking turn at the '92 World Cup semifinal.

0:00 Intro
03:45 Inzi's iconic innings
08:36 Context for this match
15:45 Jonty's runout that made fielding a genuine skill
22:07 Inzi in cluth moments
28:50 The 1992 World Cup and the birth of modern cricket
37:50 How Inzi broke NZ's foolproof bowling
44:55 How this innings defined his reputation

Episode 2 - Shaheen Shah Afridi vs India, Dubai 2021

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 04 Jun 2023 19:00:00 GMT

If you're a cricketer who shares the same last name as one of the country's biggest ever stars, how do you stand out of his shadow? How about a stunning opening spell that led Pakistan's men's team to its first ever victory over India in a World Cup match?

Shaheen Shah Afridi was already a star when the 2021 T20 World Cup rolled around, but this spell took him to another level, the second episode in Batta Fast's discussion on favourite Pakistani pace spells.

We take a look at the historic status of Shaheen's spell, the changing nature of Pashtuns in Pakistani society and cricket, and potentially eclipsing the fame of his very famous father-in-law.

2:50 – 3:38 – Aao Shaheen Afridi ki nazar utaaro

6:43 – 9:00 – NostraOsmanus for Shaheen prediction

9:30 – 11:44 – And now it’s time for Ahmer’s WTF analogy, featuring the GoW opening

15:58 – 16:20 – Where we slander Bazid Khan

19:30 – 21:49 – And now it’s time for Ahmer’s WTF analogy II, featuring M Night Shyamalan

23:22 – 25:20 Hasan Cheema ki nazar bhi and Kylian Mbappe

33:20 – 36:24- Getting heavy on the Pashtun identity

56:40 – 58:40 If Shaheen went to Karachi Kings or Islamabad United

1:05:40 – 1:07:30 Shaheen and his Alpha transformation

1:09:29 – 1:10:20 Shaheen wins shaadi season

1:11:05 – 1:11:50 – I have Trump hair

Episode 51 - T20 World Cup Preview

Ahmer Naqvi — Wed, 29 May 2024 21:00:00 GMT

We get very excited about the upcoming T20 World Cup, including a chance to see a whole bunch of associate sides, new stars to emerge, and for good/bad mojo to decide the tournament.

0:00 The boredom of creating content vs the excitement for the World Cup
11:00 Unique stories from the associate sides and potential for upsets
25:00 Pakistan, West Indies & Sri Lanka - Aar ya Paar sides
28:00 How India's conservatism holds them back
35:00 Ugh, Australia
45:00 England's X-factors - Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer in the Caribbean
50:00 Recapping Pakistan's squad, and charting their possible route to a title
58:00 Semifinal predictions

Aqib's 11 - Episode 68 - Sajid & Noman help Aqib and Aleem Dar script epic heist

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 26 Oct 2024 21:00:00 GMT

Recently paroled con artist Aqib Javed is traveling around the country gathering people for his next big scheme: to rob three Tests owned by the ever ruthless English cricket team. With the aid of a right hand man named Aleem Dar, an umpire out of retirement, a Shani, a boundary dealer, a bald offie, a smooth leftie, an explosives expert, two failing openers, and a bitter casino mogul, they make up Aqib's Eleven, out to make one very big score.

00:00 Celebrating an Unbelievable Victory
03:10 The Context of Pakistan's Test drought
06:07 The Rise of Unsung Heroes - Sajid and Noman
12:01 The Importance of Unpredictability
14:53 How to explain Haal
20:54 The Randomness of this duo working out
24:02 Is Pakistan Cricket Embarrassed of Home Advantage?
34:14 Aleem Dar's Insights
36:43 Why this series was basically Ocean's 11 with Aqib as Clooney and Aleem Dar as Brad Pitt
38:31 Saud Shaqeel's Remarkable Innings
40:53 Rizwan's Exceptional Keeping Skills
44:52 Traditional Test Cricket vs. Bazball, Rohitball etc
49:47 Can Pakistan make this their new formula for home tests?
01:00:38 Why home advantage matters

Episode 5 - Wasim Akram vs England, Melbourne 1992

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT

The spell that gave birth to the legend of Wasim, to a left-arm fast renaissance in cricket, and to the death of English white-ball cricket for several decades.

Few moments in cricket history are as indelible as Wasim's double-wicket death strike in the final of the World Cup. We break down the spell, the legacy of Wasim's impact, and who he was before this spell changed his life, as well as ours.

Episode 56 - Batta Fast at the T20 World Cup - India WIN - Bumrah's GOAT status

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 15:00:00 GMT

Finally, the Indian team wins an ICC event after having dominated the world game for so long. We give the team their flowers, marvel at the way Bumrah has silenced all doubters, do the blasphemy of comparing him to Wasim, and consider the tactics and choking allegations from a fantastic final.

Episode 49 - Batta Fast Manjan - Bobby as Bollywood stars

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 06 May 2024 19:00:00 GMT

We are back to worship the algo, and so fittingly we have found a way to force the Kendrick Drake beef into this episode. We also take a look at what Babar can learn from Akshay Kumar and Aditya Pancholi, why Andre Russell is the GOAT, and our take on the World T20 squads.

Kendrick, Drake and the 2023 World Cup
Babar Azam, Akshay Kumar and Aditya Pancholi
Bobby's career at an inflection point
The role of bowling in modern T20s
Dr. Sohail's resignation and PCB shenanigans
T20 World Cup Contenders
Dre Russell Love

Episode 33 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Match 1 #LQvIU

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Welcome to Batta Fast's coverage of PSL9. We will be doing a post-match show for every game of this year's PSL, with the episodes being hosted on our Youtube page, as well as on an upcoming, premium OTT platform called #Begin. You can also watch this show on https://begin.watch

Thank you Aqib Javed - Spin is Spin Yaar - Episode 76

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 07:00:00 GMT

00:00 Pakistan's Historic Test Victory
02:46 Bowling Strategies and Player Performances
06:04 The Role of Spinners
09:03 Aqib Javed's Coaching Impact
15:09 World Test Championship and the Future of Test Cricket
38:12 Cricket's relationship with ecology
45:50 Pakistan's Home Advantage Strategy
51:27 The Terrible Calendar for Pakistan
56:24 Reflections on the World Test Championship Cycle
01:01:00 Realising we have jinxed Pakistan

Episode 24 - Batta Fast Manjan #2 - PSL Draft review

Ahmer Naqvi — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 18:00:00 GMT

The golden delicious Imran Ahmed Khan returns to join us in reviewing the latest PSL Draft, as well as the future of the league.

Episode 13 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT

#PAKvAFG review - absolute domination by Afghanistan. Shoaib Naveed aka Silly Tiddy aka PSL Daddy replaces Osman as we discuss Pakistan's woeful bowling, Babar's costly captaincy, and Afghanistan's class and composure.

Episode 37 - Batta Fast at the PSL - #MSvIU

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 20 Feb 2024 18:00:00 GMT

A match that was over in the first powerplay, or a slow-burning thriller? Ahmer and Osman can't agree on how to frame Multan's win over a lacklustre Islamabad.

You can also watch the show on https://begin.watch, an upcoming, premium OTT platform called #Begin.

0:00 Why Ahmer hated this match
1:45 Why Osman enjoyed it
4:52 Multan's efficiency
6:42 Where was Shadab?
10:36 Multan's dominance at home
12:38 Why is the fielding so bad?
14:19 Power Rankings

Episode 26 - #AUSvPAK 1st Test review | Pakistan's batting | Lyon's 500th | Cricket's disparities

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 17 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT

As Australia thrash Pakistan inside four days, we review the abject batting failure, the context of Lyon's 500 wickets, and an impassioned discussion on how cricket fails its poorer teams.

Episode 12 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Australia - shaitaan ki pasandeeda team.

Episode 15 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 20:00:00 GMT

Pakistan's semifinal chances, #PAKvBAN review, #NZvRSA review, #PAKvNZ preview, and calling out a shambolic PCB

Episode 11 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 14 Oct 2023 16:00:00 GMT

#PAKvIND review - ronay walay ke ronay ka waqt shurroo.

We discuss the stunning collapse, how it rates in the all time rivalry, how boring this match was, and why there is a limit to hoping for a method to the madness.

The Osman Retirement Episode - Episode 78

Ahmer Naqvi — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Just in time for the incredible disappointment of a winless home tournament, Osman Samiuddin announces his totally final (unless need of nation arises) absolutely complete retirement from the show.

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Podcast
01:49 Osman's Departure
05:18 Pakistan Cricket - can it really die?
10:27 That hockey wala trauma
15:15 How Pakistan has stumbled into every major win
22:00 Was the Misbah era worse?
30:59 The issues in this era
35:46 Has the PCB almost always sucked?
40:10 How does Pak cricket survive the scary future?
49:52 Why ex-cricketers need self-awareness

Episode 9 - The Waqar Younis Interview

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT

Batta Fast continues to host fast bowling royalty, as one of the greatest to ever do it joins the show. We talk to Waqar Younis about his greatest spells, what it felt like to miss out on the 1992 World Cup and his comeback from injuries, and his relationships with Wasim, Imran and others.

Watch the show: https://youtu.be/1QgjgkHYIpk

Episode 62 - 5000 Subscribers Special!

Ahmer Naqvi — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 18:00:00 GMT

First of all, thanks to Saim Salman and Waleed Ahmed.

In this v long episode, we try and take every question you guys sent us this past week to celebrate our 5000 subscribers.

In addition, here is the link to the Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/battafast

We will be doing a monthly version of this for our Patreons, so please do sign up!

Episode 44 - Batta Fast at the PSL - Deep Dive into ISLU's win with Rehan Part 2

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 11:00:00 GMT

APOLOGIES FOR THE LATE UPLOAD ON AUDIO!

Part 2 of our episode with the 3-time PSL winning General Manager of Islamabad United Rehan ul Haq. We go match by match throughout the whole magical season, charting all the ups and downs and how Islamabad's side found their way back to the top.

0:00 Match 5 - Trouncing the Kings
4:54 Match 6 - Rematch with Zalmi, Shadab's best PSL knock
10:06 Match 7 - Losing to nemesis Lahore, rise of Faheem
15:03 Match 8 - Beating Karachi, Pollard's genius, Haider's emergence
18:02 Match 9 - Did Islu hit their peak when beating Multan? Finally, home advantage, Usman Khan eater of spin, Munro's guts
26:14 His Imadness takes over the playoffs, integrating Imad into Isloo
32:37 Eliminator 2 - Overcoming that final hurdle
39:19 The final vs Multan, Ifti mania and the importance of momentum, Naseem's pep talk and clutch batting, Hunain's cuteness
49:21 Shadab's catch of Babar

Ranking (Almost) Every Pakistan Cricket Song Ever - Episode 77

Ahmer Naqvi — Sat, 25 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMT

00:00 Introduction to Anthems
03:00 Bol Qalandar Banger
06:00 Analysis of Ali Zafar's Anthems
11:27 Arif Lohar and The Funniest Anthem Story
18:05 The Lahore Qalandars' Unique Sound
23:54 Desi Hip Hop's Emergence in PSL and the Naseebo Song
27:02 The Karachi Kings' Anthem HateWatch
30:04 Many Generic Songs
41:23 Exploring the Impact of PSL Anthems
45:13 How Soch adds to Islamabad United's Vibe
49:39 DJ Bravo and the Iconic Gladiators Anthem
52:36 The Nostalgia of Classic Cricket Songs
55:45 The Legacy of Tu Hai Kahan
01:03:12 The Influence of Abraar-ul-Haq's Zor Laga Ke Haiyya
01:10:18 The Legendary Bhoom Bhoom Song

Link to the excel with all the songs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1avZji4wezP0kcElw1VdYnaYEODAeKoLxJdVHJQpqfHA/edit?usp=sharing

Link to playlist with most of these songs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3r0c7_s7gjhHksFQ0cK_7iWLx01-Haom

Episode 4 - Mohammad Amir vs India, Oval 2017

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT

"Pakistan cricket at its best - one minute down, next minute up!"

The return of the prodigal son, playing in the country where he was jailed, in an ICC final vs the eternal rivals - Mohammad Amir's tournament-winning spell in the 2017 Champion's Trophy felt like the long awaited return of the teenager caught in cricket's worst fixing scandal of the 21st century. But was it really that, and what did Amir's career mean before and after this spell? And what about all those dropped catches? We break down one of the most fascinating personalities and spells in Pakistan cricket history. Oh, and Nasser Hussain has a cameo talking about his iconic commentary for Virat Kohli's wicket!

Episode 3 - Mohammad Asif vs India, Karachi 2006

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMT

Has there ever been an enigma quite like Mohammad Asif? Even in the colourful history of Pakistan cricket, no one has quite combined both the highs and lows quite like Asif did. In a brief career punctuated by all sorts of scandals, Asif managed to mesmerise a fandom obsessed with pace by removing it from the equation. A cricketer who bowled like he was playing music, Asif's most famous spell wasn't the best example of his longform artistry. Yet in compiling a series of video game deliveries against one of cricket's most storied batting lineups, it was the sort of performance that meant he was never forgotten.

Episode 58 - Batta Fast Manjan - WTF is the PCB up to?

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 04 Aug 2024 21:00:00 GMT

We are back with a new episode and no new news or matches. So we just sit and cry about the PCB. Enjoy!

0:00 The Upcoming mega season of Pakistan cricket
3:10 Shan Masood's captaincy and Naseem's return
7:00 The NOC brouhaha and the future of the PSL
15:27 The potential of tapeball cricket
20:00 Frustration with existing PCB management
28:40 Mohsin Naqvi's multiple roles
41:48 Why tapeball offers self-sustainability
46:30 Shaheen's future and his mistreatment
53:00 Wiki's back baby

Episode 23 | Understanding the draft | Imran Ahmad Khan

Ahmer Naqvi — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 01:00:00 GMT

One of Pakistan cricket's great unsung heroes and a close friend of the podcast, Imran Ahmad Khan draws upon his experience as the former Head of Player Acquisition & Management at the PSL to help break down the league's draft process.

Episode 17 - Batta Fast at the World Cup

Ahmer Naqvi — Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMT

#PAKvENG but really a #CWC23review for Pakistan - it's all over