By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 13, 2020):-The Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Tournament will commence from February 17 at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad under the banner of Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA). According to Tournament Director Mohammad Khalil Chughtai, the international tournament is being organized and sponsored by family of Late Syed Dilawar Abbas and partially sponsored by Fatima Group and Priority Group of companies.  All the arrangements have been finalized, as the sing-in for the qualifying event will start on Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad. All the participating players and on-site alternate personally sign-in with the Referee. The qualifying matches will be played on 15th Feb (Saturday) and 16th Feb (Sunday), whereas the Main Round will start on Monday February 17, 2020 at same venue. International players from 15 countries Azerbaijan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Kuwait, Korea Great Britain, Nepal, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, United States of America (USA), Malaysia and host Pakistan have confirmed their participation. It will be a great opportunity for our upcoming national players to display their skills and earn valuable ITF Ranking Points, which will help them to play International tennis at home and abroad.

Ayaz Raza Afridi PESHAWAR (February 13, 2020):-Although, Test Cricketer from Khyber Pakhtoon Kawa (KPK) Naseem Shah achieved a great mark in the history of cricket by getting hat-Trick at Pindi Cricket Stadium while another guy from same region Waqas-ur-Rehman, an 18 years old journalist, made a history after covering  International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Championship matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. A young journalist associated to Radio Tazeeb Waqas-ur-Rehman covered a test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh for the Radio Tazeeb, at the age of 18 years and 2 months and the match was held at Rawalpindi stadium from February 7 to 11, 2020. Waqas said that it was not just a test match but it was a Test Championship and it had great importance. ”I am very lucky that I am covering an International Sports event at the age of 18. He said that he really enjoyed by doing work with the seniors and ideal journalists. On the other side the President of Khybar Pakhtoon Khawa Sports Writers Association and the sports journalist Ijaz Ahmad Daudzai claimed that it was an honor and it will be useful for Waqas to cover this match. He said that as a player feels honored by playing cricket for himself as it is same for a journalist to cover a big event. He was optimistic for the youngest journalist that he would continue sports journalism. General Secretary of KPK Radio Broadcasting Foram named Afsar Afghan claimed that sports journalism is such a difficult beat and especially coverage of a test match is quite difficult. He added more that “by covering of this teat match the youngest journalist waqas has proved that nothing is difficult in the world”. It is very being appreciated to cover the match for the radio and make people informed, also thanked to the Radio Tazeeb to give opportunity to a youngster, the secretary concluded.        

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 12, 2020)- The Prize distribution ceremony of 4th Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup, 3rd Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup and 27th National Ski Championship held at Serena Hotel Islamabad. President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi graced the occasion as chief guest. Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, who is also President Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan was also present at the occasion. Aziz Bolani, CEO Serena Hotels, ambassadors, high ranking defence & civil officials also attended the ceremony. Speaking at the occasion, the President thanked the international players for their participation in these events and hoped that they would take along cherished memories of Pakistan’s magnificent beauty and traditional hospitality. He urged the foreign players to act as the ambassadors of Pakistan and portray the true picture of this land of wonders in their respective countries. He lauded the efforts of Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan in the promotion of winter sports in the country and added that it would not only help in finding new talent but also promote tourism industry in the country. The chief guest awarded souvenirs to the winning players. 36 International Skiers along with Pakistani skiers participated in both men and women categories of these events.

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 12, 2020):-Five changes have been made in the Pakistan Shaheens’ line-up for a 50-over contest against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Aitchison College on 16 February after HBL PSL franchises called-up players for the preparations in the lead up to the tournament. Ehsan Adil, Imran Butt, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Asghar and Sajid Khan will replace Akif Javed, Haider Ali, Mohammad Mohsin, Saif Badar and Umar Khan respectively in the 12-player squad which will be captained by Saud Shakeel. The replacements have been made on the basis of performances in the domestic events with an aim of providing exposure and opportunities to top performers of the domestic events. Pacer Ehsan Adil took 18 wickets in nine first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 matches at an average of 32.67 for Central Punjab, the eventual winners of the tournament. With 934 runs in nine matches, 24-year-old Imran Butt was the highest run getter in the same tournament.   Mohammad Irfan Khan, a 17-year-old batsman, has been in the Pakistan U19 set-up since Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in June last year. He donned the national colours in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in September 2019 and during the recently-concluded ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. In the domestic circuit, the right-hander made 475 runs in 10 three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy contests at an average of 47.50. For their outstanding run with the ball in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 21-year-old Mohammad Asghar (27 wickets in eight matches) and 26-year-old Sajid Khan (25 wickets in six matches) have also been drafted in the 12-member line-up. Asghar and Sajid, the two spinners, were at the fourth and fifth spots in the list of highest wicket-takers that tournament. Meanwhile, Northern, who play a T20 match against the MCC at the same venue on 17 February, have also made a change in their line-up for similar reasons. Musa Khan, who graduated to the highest level by making his Test debut Down Under in Novermber last year, has been replaced with Munir Riaz, who took 14 wickets in six matches in the National U19 Three-Day Tournament 2019-20. Updated squads: Pakistan Shaheens Saud Shakeel (captain) (Sindh) Ehsan Adil (Central Punjab) Hassan Mohsin (Sindh) Imran Butt (Balochistan) Imran Rafiq (Southern Punjab) Mohammad Irfan Khan (Central Punjab Second XI) Mohammad Asghar (Balochistan) Omair Bin Yousaf (Sindh) Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Northern) Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Zeeshan Malik (Northern) Northern Rohail Nazir (captain, wicketkeeper) Faizan Riaz (vice-captain) Ali Imran Haider Ali Mubashir Khan (Northern U19) Munir Riaz (Northern U19) Nuaman Ali Sarmad Bhatti Shahzad Azam Shiraz Khan (Northern U19) Zaid Alam Zeeshan Malik  

LAHORE (PR):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB on Wednesday concluded its proceedings into an alleged misconduct involving Umar Akmal during a fitness test. After listening to all the parties involved, it was established that the incident happened due to a misunderstanding. After Umar Akmal offered his regrets for his actions, the PCB reprimanded him and also reminded him of his responsibilities as a senior cricketer. The matter is now closed. The PCB and Umar Akmal will offer no further comments.  

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its grief and sorrow over the passing of former Test batsman Waqar Hasan in Karachi this morning. He was 87. Waqar, born in Amritsar on 12 September 1932, was the last surviving member of the Pakistan’s first-ever Test side that played against India in New Delhi in October 1952. On that tour, Waqar had scores of eight, five (in New Delhi), 23 (in Lucknow), 81, 65 (in Mumbai), 49 (in Chennai) and 29 and 97 (in Kolkata). He was also the member of the Pakistan side which recorded a historic win over England at The Oval in 1954 by 24 runs. As an attractive batsman, Waqar ended his 21-Test career in 1959 after scoring 1,071 runs. His only century (189) came against New Zealand at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore in October 1955. His 189 was then a Pakistan record, which was broken next day by Imtiaz Ahmed, who scored 209 as the two batsmen put on 308 for the seventh wicket - a Pakistan record. Following retirement, Waqar continued to serve Pakistan cricket in various administrative roles, including chair of the national selection committee in 1982-83. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “It is a sad day for Pakistan cricket as today we have lost our last hero who put us on the world cricket map in 1952. He was from that elite group cricketers that laid the foundation of what turned into a proud cricket nation. “I had the privilege of knowing him personally and I have nothing but utmost respect for Waqar. “Waqar was not only an outstanding cricketer but a thorough gentleman who set very high standards. He was an articulate and smart cricket administrator who contributed in Pakistan with his wisdom and progressive approach and vision. “On behalf of the PCB, I offer my deepest condolences to Waqar Hasan’s family and friends, and assure them that Waqar will always be remembered for the immense contribution he made to Pakistan cricket.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-Belgium’s Vincent Vanasch has been named as the 2019 FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) can reveal. The Red Lions shot-stopper took the prize ahead of Australia’s Tyler Lovell and Victor Aly of Germany, who finished second and third respectively. Vincent Vanasch has made history as the first goalkeeper, who claimed three consecutive times FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards. In winning the title for the third time, the Belgium goalkeeper has cemented his reputation as the best ‘keeper in the world at the moment. At 33-years of age, Vanasch remains at the top of his game and, if selected, will be looking to compete in his third Olympic Games later this year. With more than 230 international caps to his name, Vanasch has been with the Belgium squad throughout their exciting journey over the past eight years. From a fifth-place finish at the London 2012 Olympics to silver at Rio 2016. The Red Lions were crowned World Cup winners in 2018 and took over top spot in the FIH World Rankings in December 2018. The success continued throughout 2019 for both Belgium and Vanasch. The team finished in second place in the FIH Pro League, behind Australia, before they stormed to victory in front of an exuberant home crowd at the Belfius EuroHockey Championships. Vanasch was voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the end of that triumphant event. The first-place finished, which came courtesy of a dominant 5-0 win over Spain in the final - sealed Belgium’s spot at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. In a move that underlines Vanasch’s determination to keep setting himself new targets, Vanasch has recently moved clubs from Waterloo Ducks to Rott-Weiss Cologne. Praise for the Belgium ‘keeper’s approach to his craft comes from his club coach André Henning: “Vincent’s achievements and success speak for themselves. His sober nature, his hard work, his extremely high will to win and his enthusiasm for work make us all enthusiastic.” Vote results: 1st place: Vincent Vanasch (BEL) 39.3% of all National Association votes 28.6% of all Media votes 40.8% of all Fans / Players votes 37% of all combined votes 2nd place: Tyler Lovell (AUS) 16.7% of the National Associations votes 55.8% of the Media votes 17.3% of the Fans / Players votes 26.6% of all combined votes 3rd place: Victor Aly (GER) 18.2% of the National Associations votes 3.9% of the Media votes 12.4% of the Fans / Players votes 13.2% of all combined votes

Salman Khan LAHORE (February  11, 2020):- Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti has said that matches of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 have been organized quite successfully on the first three days at Punjab Stadium; he was talking with media personnel at the Punjab Stadium media box on Tuesday. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Ch Shafay Hussain and a large number of kabaddi lovers witnessed exciting kabaddi matches. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said: “By holding Kabaddi World Cup, we have promoted Pakistan’s soft image to international community that Pakistan is a peaceful country. “Holding grand Kabaddi World Cup is a clear message for India and rest of the world that Pakistani people are sports loving. Punjab govt has made best security arrangements for all guest teams during their stay in Pakistan”. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti further said that security situation has been excellent due to wonderful coordination of our law enforcing departments. “The kabbadi lovers have fully enjoyed the thrilling matches of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 in Lahore and we are quite upbeat to witness similar exciting kabaddi clashes among best kabaddi players of the world in Faisalabad and Gujrat”. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti informed that after three days’ matches in Lahore, the participating teams will travel to Faisalabad on Feb 12, 2020 and then Gujrat for three days. “After completing their Faisalabad and Gujrat matches, the teams will return to Lahore for semifinal and final matches on Feb 15 and 16, 2020”. Australia trounced Azerbaijan by 53-24 in the first match on the third day of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 while Germany emerged winner in the second match 49-28 against England. India toppled Sierra Leone by 45-18 in the third and last match of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 on Tuesday. It is pertinent mention here that Kabaddi World Cup 2020 is being organized jointly by Punjab govt, Sports Board Punjab and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) at three cities of Punjab Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujrat from February 9 to 16, 2020. Three more matches will be played on the 4th day of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 on Wednesday in Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. Canada will face Azerbaijan in the first match at 1.30pm while the second match will be played between Iran and Germany at 2.45pm. Inexperienced Sierra Leone will meet strong England kabaddi team in the third match of the day at 4.00pm.   

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):- Ijaz-ur-Rhman and Mohammad Hussain Chatta have been elected the President and Secretary General of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) respectively for the next four years, unanimously. The election was held under the supervision of the 3-members election committee namely Chairman, Chaudhry Ahmed Nadeem Akbar and other two members Col Kamran Janjua and Mohammad Hassan. Ijaz ur Rehman (Islamabad) and Mohammad Hussain Chatta (Islamabad) were elected as President and Secretary General of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation unanimously by the House. Other office bearers are; Senior Vice President, Khawaja Ahmed Mustaqeen (Sindh); Vice Presidents Aleem Agha(Sindh) and Saleem Baig(Punjab); Joint Secretaries, Shabbir Lashkar (Sindh) and Noreen Ghaffar (Punjab); Finance Secretary, Shakeel Khan(KPK) and Information Secretary, Tanveer Ahmed Khan. Five members executive committee comprises; Mohammad Hussain(AJK), Asif Orakezai (KPK) , Ghulam Mohammad (Balochistan), Sajjad Shiggri (Gilgit Baltistan) and Malik Liaqat (Punjab) in the meeting. Meanwhile Chaudhry Ahmed Nadeem Akbar has been appointed as Director Operation of the Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-After a thrilling three weeks of competition, Bangladesh claimed their first ICC U19 Cricket World Cup title with victory over reigning champions India in the final in Potchefstroom. Mohammad Akbar Ali of Bangladesh pictured during the Winning Captain's Photocall at the JB Marks Oval on February 10, 2020 in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali named captain of squad which has representation from six sides The Tigers won a rain-affected final, chasing down India’s 177 to win by three wickets by the DLS method, suitably capping off a thrilling tournament in South Africa. The official team of the tournament features representatives from six sides and is skippered by Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali, with the likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Nyeem Young and Player of the Tournament Yashasvi Jaiswal all included. An adjudication panel of five selected both the team and player of the tournament, with commentators Ian Bishop, Rohan Gavaskar and Natalie Germanos joined by ESPN Cricinfo correspondent Sreshth Shah and ICC representative Mary Godbeer. ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup team of the tournament (in batting order): Yashasvi Jaiswal – India Ibrahim Zadran – Afghanistan Ravindu Rasantha – Sri Lanka Mahmudul Hasan Joy – Bangladesh Shahadat Hossain – Bangladesh Nyeem Young – West Indies Akbar Ali – Bangladesh (WK, Captain) Shafiqullah Ghafari – Afghanistan Ravi Bishnoi – India Kartik Tyagi – India Jayden Seales – West Indies       12th man: Akil Kumar – Canada About their performances during the tournament: Yashasvi Jaiswal (India) Few will question the Indian openers’ claims to Player of the Tournament honours after he played a crucial role in leading his side all the way to the Final. With 400 runs to his name in just six innings at an astounding average of 133, he topped the scoring chart comfortably, with an incredible 114 more than closest competitor Ravindu Rasantha. Ibrahim Zadran (Afghanistan) The side’s other opening spot goes to reliable Afghanistan batsman Ibrahim Zadran. He notched 240 runs in five innings at an average of 60 to help his country to a seventh-place finish, knocking 73 not out in the playoff against hosts South Africa to cap off their tournament in style. Ravindu Rasantha (Sri Lanka) The man who was closest to keeping on the coattails of Jaiswal in the scoring charts, Ravindu Rasantha’s total of 286 runs from six innings would likely have topped the table in most other circumstances. A swashbuckling 102 not out off just 111 balls proved the highlight of his competition as Sri Lanka downed Nigeria in the Plate quarterfinals. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (Bangladesh) The first representative from the winning side, Mahmudal Hasan Joy scored 184 runs at an average of 46 to prove a crucial linchpin in the Tigers’ line-up. But it was one innings in particular that sealed his place in this side, as a clutch century in Bangladesh’s Super League semi-final triumph over New Zealand helped to pave the way to glory. Shahadat Hossain (Bangladesh) Joy’s teammate Shahadat Hossain boasted a tournament-ending average to rival only Jaiswal’s. With three not-outs in his six innings, his 131 runs averaged out at a staggering 131. Nyeem Young (West Indies) An impressive fifth-place finish for the West Indies represented a solid return in South Africa, and Nyeem Young the side seem to have unearthed a future star all-rounder. He underlined his credentials straight from the off, making 61 with the bat to top-score in his side’s group-stage opener against Australia, before taking five for 45 to beat England next time out – becoming the first West Indian to take a five-for and make a half-century in an U19 match. Akbar Ali (Bangladesh) The side’s captain led his nation to a maiden title, much to the joys of their travelling support in Potchefstroom. He skippered with aplomb from behind the stumps throughout, showing deftness with the gloves to dismiss six batsmen throughout the tournament. Shafiqullah Ghafari (Afghanistan) Sixteen wickets for the tournament left Shafiqullah Ghafari trailing just one man in the charts – more on which shortly. But the devastating spinner will take home best-figures honours, with his six for 15 against South Africa the deadliest spell in tournament history for Afghanistan. Ravi Bishnoi (India) The man to top the wicket-taking charts was Indian spinner Ravi Bishnoi, whose 17 in six matches left him with a miserly average of 10.64. And even though his side could not make it two titles in a row, Bishnoi almost dragged them to victory over Bangladesh in the final with an impressive four for 30. Kartik Tyagi (India) The first of the quicks in the line-up, Kartik Tyagi’s swing terrorised opposing batsmen throughout the tournament. He took 11 wickets at an average of 13.90 to augment what was a deadly bowling attack for India. Jayden Seales (West Indies) West Indian quick Jayden Seales truly staked his claim as one of the side's best up-and-coming fast bowlers as he looks to join a prestigious tradition. The 18-year-old claimed 10 wickets at an average of 18.30, with a spell of four for 19 a highlight against Australia as the West Indies triumphed in the groups. Akil Kumar (Canada) Akhil Kumar was the shining light in Canada’s campaign, as they sealed a 13th-place finish. The quick took 16 wickets at an average of 15.37, finishing with figures of six for 46 in Plate playoff victory over Japan.