Batta Fast

00:00 Hafeez, Rashid and Legacy of 90s Cricket Players03:57 The Impact of 90s Cricket on Modern Perceptions10:36 Cultural Significance of 90s Cricket14:44 Corruption and Instability21:37 Why the 90s were an era of decline30:04 The Lost Tournaments of the 90s39:14 The Impact of County Cricket on Pakistani cricket43:47 13 Captaincy changes in 3 years!52:01 Late-Era Wasim CaptaincyFollow us on Youtube!

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 2017Mohammad Amir vs India 2017Shahid Afridi vs South Africa, 2009Inzamam ul Haq vs New Zealand, 1992Wasim Akram vs England, 1992Babar Azam vs New Zealand, 2019Rambo vs New Zealand, 1992Misbah ul Haq vs India, 2007Follow us on Youtube!

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 Podcast01:49 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 win22:00 Was the Misbah era worse?30:59 The issues in this era35:46 Has the PCB almost always sucked?40:10 How does Pak cricket survive the scary future?49:52 Why ex-cricketers need self-awarenessFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Introduction to Backward Point01:29 Discussing the defeat04:47 Babar Azam's Performance07:36 Challenges in Pakistan's Batting10:27 Issues with Domestic Cricket Conditions12:08 Inability to Dismiss Lower Order Batsmen21:52 AqibBall and Long-term Planning29:36 Is the Spin Approach Fun?31:16 How to Sustain Test Cricket36:37 Flaws in the World Test Championship40:41 Fan Experience in Pakistan49:23 Press Box Dynamics Follow Backward Point on Youtube! https://www.youtube.com/@UCGHVj4AgR2FBB0slp2VOyuwFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Introduction to Anthems03:00 Bol Qalandar Banger06:00 Analysis of Ali Zafar's Anthems 11:27 Arif Lohar and The Funniest Anthem Story18:05 The Lahore Qalandars' Unique Sound23:54 Desi Hip Hop's Emergence in PSL and the Naseebo Song27:02 The Karachi Kings' Anthem HateWatch30:04 Many Generic Songs41:23 Exploring the Impact of PSL Anthems45:13 How Soch adds to Islamabad United's Vibe49:39 DJ Bravo and the Iconic Gladiators Anthem52:36 The Nostalgia of Classic Cricket Songs55:45 The Legacy of Tu Hai Kahan01:03:12 The Influence of Abraar-ul-Haq's Zor Laga Ke Haiyya01:10:18 The Legendary Bhoom Bhoom SongLink to the excel with all the songs: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1avZji4wezP0kcElw1VdYnaYEODAeKoLxJdVHJQpqfHA/edit?usp=sharingLink to playlist with most of these songs: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3r0c7_s7gjhHksFQ0cK_7iWLx01-HaomFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Pakistan's Historic Test Victory02:46 Bowling Strategies and Player Performances06:04 The Role of Spinners09:03 Aqib Javed's Coaching Impact15:09 World Test Championship and the Future of Test Cricket38:12 Cricket's relationship with ecology45:50 Pakistan's Home Advantage Strategy51:27 The Terrible Calendar for Pakistan56:24 Reflections on the World Test Championship Cycle01:01:00 Realising we have jinxed PakistanFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Introduction and Context of Pakistan's Cricket Performance01:14 Analysis of Recent Matches and Player Performances04:49 Pakistan's Injury Curse08:59 Evaluating Pakistan's Test Team Consistency13:02 Is Pakistan really a fast bowling country?26:30 Pakistan cricket's mismanagement of bowlers24:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts on Team Development33:13 The Two-Tiered World Test Championship Debate49:53 The Hypocrisy of the Afghan cricket boycott callsFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Intro00:29 Abbas's Travolta-like comeback06:01 Analyzing Abbas's Bowling Performance08:50 Abbas's changing pace 12:08 Celebrating like Shaiby26:00 Rabada and Naseem's spells29:49 Rabada vs Bumrah and Cummins35:42 Race and Class Privilege in South African Cricket36:53 South Africa's Incredible Journey to the WTC Final40:44 The Big Three's Dominance of ICC Events43:02 The Media's Role in Cricket Narratives45:22 Recognising players outside of the Big 354:58 Why this match was a rare tragedy in SA01:00:34 Empathising with ShanFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Celebrating the sweep02:53 Shaheen finds his form09:46 On the circle of Love, Saim & Saeed 19:49 Comparing Generations: Saeed Anwar and Saim Ayub29:57 Sufyan, Salman and other Solid Performers33:49 Why doesn't South Africa hurt as much as Australia?40:00 Pakistan and the WTC Final39:07 Pakistan's Chances Against South Africa46:13 How to win in SA52:03 Do Bilaterals matter?57:48 How the Rizwan era might be differentFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Easy Ho Ja03:04 Ahmer's nightly fantasy05:52 Saim Ayub: Dekha Na Tha15:10 Salman Ali Agha: The Unsung Hero21:05 Pak record in SA30:05 Agha's superb spin36:53 Rizwan's captaincy44:56 Gillespie resignation54:12 The fkn Champions TrophyFollow us on Youtube!

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 Squad05:52 The Future of Shaheen Afridi's Career09:13 Do Tests still offer the same legacy as white-ball?14:50 Why Pakistan is a graveyard for bowlers17:51 Sajid Khan's Exclusion and Its Implications20:55 Hope for Mohammed Abbas's Return31:26 More complaints about how we've ruined our pacers39:39 The Hybrid Model Controversy 50:28 BCCI's Actual Stance on Security Concerns56:38 The Ineffectiveness of ICC LeadershipFollow us on Youtube!

00:00 Introduction to the Q&A Session01:09 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 Akmal1:00:15 Lovely anecdote about Osman and Bob Woolmer1:04:30 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?Follow us on Youtube!

00:00 CONGRATES TO PACE LOVERS05:48 Seeing Pakistan cricket as a work of art rather than sport08:54 Haris Rauf: Pace is Pace Yaar11:59 The Game Changing Impact of Tape Ball Cricket21:20 Pakistan's pacers rediscovering their groove22:58 Demythologising the Mighty 90s25:10 Saim Ayub and the Saeed Anwar comparisons37:42 Rizwan's Captaincy: A New Perspective47:39 Political Ramifications of the Champions Trophy01:01:27 The Future of ICC DynamicsFollow us on Youtube!

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 Victory03:10 The Context of Pakistan's Test drought06:07 The Rise of Unsung Heroes - Sajid and Noman12:01 The Importance of Unpredictability 14:53 How to explain Haal20:54 The Randomness of this duo working out24:02 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 Pitt38:31 Saud Shaqeel's Remarkable Innings40:53 Rizwan's Exceptional Keeping Skills44:52 Traditional Test Cricket vs. Bazball, Rohitball etc49:47 Can Pakistan make this their new formula for home tests?01:00:38 Why home advantage mattersFollow us on Youtube!

Iss haftay hum ne episode mei title baad mei likha hai.00:00 Introduction and Match Preview02:55 Pindi pitch and the toss06:01 Gillespie ka GOAT quote14:58 Plot twist - the pitch kept lower than it turned17:52 Celebrating Sajid & Noman23:05 The challenges of captaining a 1+3 spin attack31:34 In praise of Jamie Smith40:00 Ranking both team's chances52:50 Plans for SA & WI series and revisionism on pitchesFollow us on Youtube!

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 baad03:07 Reflections on Pakistan's Win05:56 The Role of Spinners in Pakistan's Victory09:14 Sajid, Noman, Kamran, Salman & Their Contributions12:16 Analyzing Batting Performance18:07 Euphoria vs. Reality in Pakistan Cricket21:02 Critique of Management and Selection committee39:08 Why the Babar Azam dropping decision was a joke43:01 Selection as Surgery/Punishment47:17 Pak obsession with over training instead of specialised49:34 Rizwan's Excellent Keeping 01:03:20 The Dramaybaazi/Main Character Syndrome of modern stars (meant as a compliment)Follow us on Youtube!

00:00 Quick thoughts on the latest debacle05:04 Pakistani Fitness Levels and Performance Discrepancies10:11 Can you change the culture?14:51 Patreon shoutouts and Questions17:15 Famous Sledges and Weird Superstitions26:46 Why do Pak ex-cricketers slag off everyone?39:15 Under the table payments in franchise leagues40:42 The Impact of Salary Caps in Franchise Leagues41:37 Did IK miss out on fame?43:33 Team Misbah vs India46:17 Saudi Influence in Global Cricket48:32 A story on Babar Azam's origins56:46 The Future of Test Cricket and ICC's Role01:07:55 Memorable non-Pak Cricket MomentsFollow us on Youtube!

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 Podcast03:05 Assad's Call for Positivity in Cricket Commentary09:03 The Nature of Journalism and Reporting11:58 CC Tournament Structure and Its Impact on Performance17:56 The Role of Central Contracts and Player Management27:09 Connection Camp39:00 Central Contracts and how no one understands their purpose53:00 Previewing the England SeriesFollow us on Youtube!

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 Events02:52 Analysis of the Champions Cup06:13 Performance Insights and Player Evaluations09:04 Tournament Structure and Future Implications19:35 The Misbah segue, and trying to understand his philosophy35:38 Fatima Sana leading Pak vs SA - series review47:20 Remembering Haniya AslamFollow us on Youtube!

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/battafastWe will be doing a monthly version of this for our Patreons, so please do sign up!Follow us on Youtube!

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 Win08:16 Impressive Performances by Bangladeshi Bowlers14:13 Questioning Pakistan's Leadership and Selection Decisions19:09 Concerns about Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi22:39 The Need for Strong Incentives for Test Cricket27:12 The Lack of Recognition for Test Cricket30:17 PCB's shenanigans with the Mentors32:30 Unsustainable Financial Decisions and Neglect of the PSL43:22 Imbalance Between Domestic and International Cricket52:08 Mistreatment of Players and Lack of Player Development59:36 Need for Better Governance and InvestmentFollow us on Youtube!

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 Pakistan08:44 Pakistan's Poor Performance and Team Selection14:47 Flaws in the World Test Championship Ranking System21:41 Issues with Pakistan's Pitch Preparation and Workload Management33:05 Mistreatment of Players and Lack of Support42:42 The Pressure on Shan's Captaincy52:48 The Impact of Rhythm and Schedule on Player Performance01:02:33 The Need for Changes in the Team and Board01:05:31 Predicting the Outcome of the Next Test MatchFollow us on Youtube!

"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-kindWe 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 journey9:20 Ya Ali and the folk-hero15:07 The institutional obstacles for Pakistnai athletes20:49 Earning money in non-traditional careers in Pakistan27:50 India's sporting industrial complex40:00  The realities Arshad deals with43:30 The world's reactions48:50 The magic of the Olympics51:00 The magical last throwFollow us on Youtube!

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 cricket3:10 Shan Masood's captaincy and Naseem's return7:00 The NOC brouhaha and the future of the PSL15:27 The potential of tapeball cricket20:00 Frustration with existing PCB management28:40 Mohsin Naqvi's multiple roles41:48 Why tapeball offers self-sustainability46:30 Shaheen's future and his mistreatment 53:00 Wiki's back babyFollow us on Youtube!

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 Intro03:45 Inzi's iconic innings08:36 Context for this match15:45 Jonty's runout that made fielding a genuine skill22:07 Inzi in cluth moments28:50 The 1992 World Cup and the birth of modern cricket37:50 How Inzi broke NZ's foolproof bowling 44:55 How this innings defined his reputationFollow us on Youtube!

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.Follow us on Youtube!

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 run6:30 Gulbadin's magnificent, iconic injury10:30 Afghanistan's winning tactics14:00Mohammad Nabi's GOAT career32:00 South Africa's atypical run37:00 Previewing the semifinals39:00 Rohit's incredible transformation42:00 Hope for rain-free matches45:00 Expectations for the finalsFollow us on Youtube!

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 destroyed2:00 Babar's captaincy, the fallout, the tactical issues11:00 Why PSL success hasn't translated for this team18:00 A look at PCB's mystifying selection process22:00 Disastrously unstable era at the PCB24:20 "Even for Pakistan cricket, this is a wild era"36:00 Reviewing this tournament in light of others37:30 Ranking the all-time worst ICC events for Pakistan38:30 2006 Champions Trophy40:30 2007 ODI World Cup44:00 2009 Champions Trophy (the fallout)48:00 2013 Champions Trophy49:00 2015 ODI World Cup51:00 2014 T20 World Cup52:00 2016 T20 World Cup55:00 2023 ODI World Cup59:00 Final RankingsFollow us on Youtube!

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 lost3:30 Has Pakistan's core stagnated?14:00 Why Pakistan's batting is not fit for purpose25:15 How the bowlers have evolved more than batters36:16 From Wahab to Mohsin, a collection of unserious people44:30 India's batting struggles in T20 World Cups52:10 The professional athlete's constant need to improveFollow us on Youtube!

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 Cup11:00 Unique stories from the associate sides and potential for upsets25:00 Pakistan, West Indies & Sri Lanka - Aar ya Paar sides28:00 How India's conservatism holds them back35:00 Ugh, Australia45:00 England's X-factors - Chris Jordan and Jofra Archer in the Caribbean50:00 Recapping Pakistan's squad, and charting their possible route to a title58:00 Semifinal predictionsFollow us on Youtube!

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 Intro02:00 The challenges of setting a target in T20s07:30 Why T20Is are not the apex of the format13:00 Understanding the value of runs and wickets in T20s30:00 Mohammad Amir's vegetarian bowling40:00 Rethinking what to value in T20 bowling and batting45:00 Gary Kirsten on 'liberating' Babar Azam's battingFollow us on Youtube!

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 CupBabar Azam, Akshay Kumar and Aditya PancholiBobby's career at an inflection pointThe role of bowling in modern T20sDr. Sohail's resignation and PCB shenanigansT20 World Cup ContendersDre Russell LoveFollow us on Youtube!

*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 whining5:00 Lack of ambition and intent11:14 Toxic national team atmosphere24:23 Babar's lack of evolution30:37 Did we learn anything at all?Follow us on Youtube!

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=xhwhTaU14zMOsman 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-913199Abid Hussain article on tape ball history (Nadeem Finger) https://www.thecricketmonthly.com/story/929545/tape-ball-tales0:55 Intro to why we aren't doing data but Naseem ogling4:00 BDS, Palestine and the ethics of working with such companies9:00 Stop calling us boomers (we then proceed to do boomer shit)10:40 1987 Have a ***** Day ad with Imran Khan11:55 1990 with IK and Ws14:00 1993 Vital Signs traffic jam14:31 1994 Haroon17:00 1996 the iconic Nothing Official About It ad23:30 1997 Saeed and Afridi26:50 1998 Saqlain 27:00 1999 Shoaib, Speed, 100mph29:00 2000 The last Afridi launda ad31:08 2001 Wasim bhai 32:10 2002 Lehmann, Warne and Street Cricket34:19 2003 Problematic 'tribal' ad34:50 2004 Osman rant on Strings36:19 2005 Harasser with unknown37:12 2006 Adnan Sami38:30 2007 Younis Khan 40:51 2008 Retired Wasim and baby Asim Azhar(?)41:30 2009 Last minute Afridi ad42:40 2010 Aisam ul Haq ad43:19 2011 Afridi and Shoaib44:00 2012 Afridi golf etc45:30 2013 Misbah, Junaid Irfan 'pahunch toa gaye ho'48:20 2014 Afridi, Ws, Selfie, Gul, Sana Mir49:22 2015 Afridi and Ukmal52:05 2016 No cricketers52:30 2018 No cricketers53:30 2016 (no clip) Afridi and Misbah shipwrecked55:00 Naseem's ad and his burgeoning sexinessFollow us on Youtube!

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 story9:53 The Chairman Rambo era37:03 What does a revival of the Champions League mean?Follow us on Youtube!

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 farce04:11 Lack of communication and mismanagement in the PCB08:04 Mohsin Naqvi's role as chairman12:16 Treatment of players in Pakistan cricket25:30 The captaincy debate and overlooked captains in the PSL 30:40 The legacy of Sheharyar Khan47:21 Same old genuine concern for the future of Pakistani cricketFollow us on Youtube!

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 Kings4:54 Match 6 - Rematch with Zalmi, Shadab's best PSL knock10:06 Match 7 - Losing to nemesis Lahore, rise of Faheem15:03 Match 8 - Beating Karachi, Pollard's genius, Haider's emergence18:02 Match 9 - Did Islu hit their peak when beating Multan? Finally, home advantage, Usman Khan eater of spin, Munro's guts26:14 His Imadness takes over the playoffs, integrating Imad into Isloo32:37 Eliminator 2 - Overcoming that final hurdle39:19 The final vs Multan, Ifti mania and the importance of momentum, Naseem's pep talk and clutch batting, Hunain's cuteness49:21 Shadab's catch of Babar

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 banter4:28 Why this PSL was his proudest professional achievement7:51 The importance of team culture and how it was established at Islu21:11 Match 1 - Beating Qalandars at home25:41 Match 2 - Losing to Multan, Shadab as captain and Naseem as sexpot superstar39:26 Match 3 - Losing to Quetta, Abrar's courage and chutzpah45:42 Match 4 - Shocker vs Zalmi, Arif Yaqub's genius, playing vs Babar, Hesson's calmness

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 Intro1:39  Lahore Qalandars - the funnest team in the PSL10:51 Karachi Kings - the absolute worst thing about Karachi21:26 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

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 match1:45 Why Osman enjoyed it4:52 Multan's efficiency6:42 Where was Shadab?10:36 Multan's dominance at home12:38 Why is the fielding so bad?14:19 Power Rankings

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 mania2:46 That PSL time of the year4:28 Jahandad and the joy of PSL6:15 Enjoying these moments for what they are7:21 Nafay's viral ride9:38 Cricket's toxic babay11:00 Lahore's multiple concerns13:10 Haris's form14:00 Part-time keeper or specialist?16:30 Lahore's potential17:30 Sahibzada vs Selfie

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

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 Intro1:22 - 2:21 Regeneration of Quetta2:22 - 3:33 Peshawar's struggles3:34 - 5:11 Saffy bhai and giving the kids a chance5:12 - 12:31 Karachi's evolving school of batting, and Hanif Malik's impact12:32 - 14:27 Peshawar's confounding tactics14:28 - 17:06 Abrar's bowling and celebration17:07 Power rankings

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

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. 

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-410620ed02d5Here's a fascinating article by Raiyan on Pakistan's ideal T20 batterhttps://medium.com/@raiyan201/pakistans-ideal-t20-batter-4554848a481

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.

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.

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.

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

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.