Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has approved Hazratullah Zazai as a replacement for Mujeeb ur Rahman in the Afghanistan squad.Hazratullah, who has played 43 T20Is, was named as a replacement after Mujeeb was ruled out due to an injury to his right index finger.The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket), Chris Tetley (ICC Head of Events), Johnny Grave (CEO, Cricket West Indies) and Kass Naidoo (Independent Representative). 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The London stage of the FIH Hockey Pro League drew to a close with Australia’s men wrapping up their campaign with a 5-1 drubbing of Great Britain while the Hockeyroos also got the better of the home side.(Women’s) China beat Germany (3-1): China’s campaign came to an end with a stunning 3-1 win over Germany, taking them clear of Australia in fourth place in the standings for now and severely denting any hopes Germany have of catching the Netherlands in top spot. The match kicked off with a tight midfield battle, China setting their defensive structure early and the Germans wary of the threat posed by their counterattack. There were opportunities at both ends and only a 27th-minute field goal from China’s Zhang Ying separated the teams at half time.The second half belonged to China, and they started by putting the German circle under siege in the opening minutes. Germany survived the onslaught and Lilly Stoffelsma equalised for them with a difficult deflection in the 37th minute. Chen Yi regained the lead for China with a well-executed slip under the shoulder from a crowded p-spot, and she completed the scoring with a penalty stroke in the final minute.(Women’s) Australi beat Great Britain (3-2): Lara Roper celebrated her 350th international cap in a losing cause as a clinical Australia wrapped up their tournament with a 3-2 win over hosts Great Britain. GB had a productive first quarter and Grace Balsdon fired them in front with an early drag flick. But Australia responded brilliantly to dominate the second quarter, their aggressive press giving them regular attacking opportunities as they forced GB into a high rate of turnovers. Grace Stewart equalised with a field goal, and a Brooke Peris penalty corner deflection in the 30th minute gave them a well-deserved lead at half time.The Hockeyroos kept up the pressure into the third quarter, but GB stuck to their task well and Tessa Howard levelled matters with a diving penalty corner deflection in the 39th minute. The home side carried good momentum into the fourth quarter and had the Australians on the back foot for a while, but they failed to take advantage and Rosie Malone snatched the win for the Aussies with a penalty corner deflection with eight minutes remaining.(Men’s) Spain beat Germany (4-2): Spain signed off on a high with a convincing 4-2 win over a weary-looking Germany. The Red Sticks started with tremendous energy and were rewarded from a Marc Miralles drag flick in the 9th minute. Germany had a brief spell at the beginning of the second quarter where they picked up their pace and Gonzalo Peillat levelled the scores with a drag flick, but their energy tapered off quickly. Spain then restored their lead just before half time, intercepting a poor pass in midfield and releasing Marc Reyne for the goal.The Spanish extended their lead in the third quarter when Alvaro Iglesias pounced after Germany failed to control a bouncing ball in their circle. Reyne then rounded off some superb Spanish passing for a field goal in the 48th minute, and although Germany finished strongly for Raphael Hartkopf to score from a tap-in, it was too little too late.(Men’s) Australia beat Great Britain (5-1): Australia concluded their tournament with a convincing 5-1 win over hosts Great Britain in an energetic and physical clash. The match started at a blistering pace with GB creating a half chance, Jake Whetton blasting Australia ahead, and Lee Morton equalising for GB, all within the first two minutes. The Kookaburras then took control for long periods and Jack Welch reclaimed the lead with a 29th-minute drag flick.The Aussies never let up in the second half and Ky Willott gave them a two-goal cushion with his 35th-minute drag flick. Tom Craig scrambled another over the line as the third quarter ran down, and Willott finished the scoring with a fantastic team goal in the 51st minute. Australia currently sit top of the standings and are guaranteed of at least third place, but their focus now will be on getting home to finish their preparations for Paris. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (June 13, 2024) revealed the winners of the ICC Player of the Month awards for May 2024 as Gudakesh Motie of the West Indies and Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka.Left-arm spinner Motie was inspirational as the West Indies enjoyed a promising build-up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 with a convincing series win over touring South Africa, while Sri Lankan skipper Athapaththu celebrates her second ICC Women’s Player of the Month after starring in her side’s surge to qualification for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh later this year.ICC Men’s Player of the Month Motie wins the accolade for the very first time, and claims the award following impressive wicket-taking exploits in the West Indies T20I series triumph.The 29-year-old becomes the second West Indies winner of the men’s prize, following in the footsteps of teammate Shamar Joseph who was crowned back in January. During May, Motie took eight wickets at an average of 8.50 across the three-match series in Jamaica, as the islanders gathered valuable momentum in the lead up to their T20 World Cup campaign.Defending a score of 175 in the first contest, Motie played a pivotal part in restricting South Africa’s middle order charge, with his three for 25 including the prized wicket of the dangerous Rassie van der Dussen.With a higher total to defend in the second match, the Guyanese once again hampered a promising South African run chase with career-best figures of three for 22.More success followed in the final outing, with the left-arm spinner exploiting conditions and varying his pace expertly in a spell of two for 21, which heralded a player of the series prize to accompany the series whitewash.Reacting to his award win, the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for May, Gudakesh Motie, said, “It means a lot to me and I am very happy to win this award. It’s very encouraging, I have put in a lot of work during this season and I am happy that I am seeing the rewards now.“The standout performance for me during the series against South Africa was the first game, where I took three for 25. The third wicket that night was my favourite.“Playing in a World Cup means a lot to me, and playing at home in front of our fans and knowing the conditions is also special. We have started strongly, playing three games and getting three wins, and I see us going all the way and lifting that cup on 29 June.”Having won a raft of awards of late, including the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2023, Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu continues her spell of scintillating form by claiming the ICC Women’s Player of the Month award for May – her second after previously winning in September 2023.The month heralded plenty of success for the Sri Lanka team, where they cemented their place at this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Bangladesh with victory at the Qualifier in Abu Dhabi.Athapaththu topped the runscoring charts at the event, and capped another fine spell of performances with 151 runs and six wickets in May, culminating in a sublime yet explosive 102 score in 63 balls against fellow finalists Scotland to guide Sri Lanka to the Qualifier trophy.ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May, Chamari Athapaththu, said, “I am extremely delighted and honored to once again receive the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award, and wish to mention that continuous recognition at this level keeps me motivated to further up my game and continue the good performance.""I wish to mention here that, both Kathryn [Bryce] and Sophie [Ecclestone] are also two exceptionally talented players with a proven record and wish them the very best, whilst I thank my teammates for their support given to me in this endeavour."

Sindh beat Balochistan by 8 wickets in the final, Mohammad Safdar hero of the daySports Bulletin Report ABBOTTABAD: Sindh beat Balochistan by 8 wickets in the final of the 7th edition of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, as the winners chased their 177 runs target in just 13.3 overs at APS Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Thursday.Balochistan set a competitive total of 176 runs in 19.1 overs. Naseeb Ullah (B2) led the charge with a well-crafted 42 off 27 balls, supported by Mohammad Ayyaz (B1) with 22 runs off 16 balls and Bashir Khan (B1), who scored a quickfire 32 off 16 balls. Despite their efforts, Balochistan's innings saw a regular fall of wickets, with the team being all out in the 20th over.Sindh's bowlers delivered a disciplined performance, with Irfan (B2) and Mohammad Idrees Saleem (B1) taking 3 wickets each. Irfan's economical spell of 4-0-15-3 was particularly impressive, significantly containing Balochistan’s scoring rate.In response, Sindh Blind chased the target with remarkable ease, scoring 177 runs for the loss of only 2 wickets in 13.3 overs. Mohammad Safdar (B3) was the star of the innings, remaining unbeaten on 97 off 48 balls, hitting 17 fours at a strike rate of 202.08. Ayoub Khan (B2) provided excellent support with a rapid 54 off 32 balls, including 6 fours and 2 sixes.The partnership between Safdar and Ayoub set a solid foundation, and despite losing Ayoub and Mohammad Shoaib (B1) in quick succession, Sindh comfortably reached the target. Sanwal Shahzada (B3) remained not out with 9 runs off 6 balls, ensuring Sindh’s victory. Balochistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Sindh’s aggressive batting. Haroon Khan (B2) conceded 55 runs in his 4 overs, while Imran Sarwar (B3) and Mohsin Khan (B3) also faced a tough time against Sindh’s batsmen. Bashir Khan (B1) was the only bowler to take wickets, with figures of 2-0-24-2. Mohammad Safdar got the man of the match award.Gen (R) Ayyaz Rana, Col (R) Khalid Bashir, Principal APS, Tariq Mehmood, Ex-DG Sports KP, Syed Sultan Shah, President World Blind Cricket Ltd, Syed Salman Tariq Bokhari, Director Marketing PBCC, Mohammad Bilal, Director Cricket Operations PCB, Tajamul Hussain, President Abbottabad Cricket Club of the Blind, and Shaukat Jadoon, Representative of PCB were present in the final.Tournament’s best awards:Mohammad Salman (B1 Category)Badar Munir (B2 Category)Akmal Hayyat (B3 Category)Nisar Ali (Best Wicket Keeper).

Sports Bulletin ReportTorino (Italy): The LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games proposed to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to add Para Climbing to the 2028 Paralympic Sports Program. With this proposal, LA28 becomes the first organizing committee in Games history to propose additional sports for both the Olympic and Paralympic Sports Programs. “LA28 is proud to propose adding Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Program, and to be the first organizing committee in history to propose a new sport for the Paralympic Games,” said LA28 Chief Athlete Officer Janet Evans. “We would like to thank the International Paralympic Committee for giving us the opportunity to add this exciting sport in 2028. We see this as a unique chance to give more athletes the ability to compete on the world’s biggest stage, while creating an expansive and elite adaptive sport program that exemplifies LA28’s commitment to elevating the Paralympic Movement.” “We are very excited about the announcement of LA28 and thank them for their proposal of the addition of Para Climbing to the Paralympic Sport Programme: it’s a wonderful recognition of the value of our great athletes – says Marco Scolaris, IFSC President. “We must wait now for the International Paralympic Committee’s Governing Board to vote on the proposal on June 26. When we were notified by the Los Angeles Organizing Committee, my first thought was for our athletes and their chance to show the world what they can do. My next was to some of our crazy visionaries who first believed in the magic of Para Climbing, together with us. I am talking about pioneers like the former Presidents of the Italian and French Federations, Ariano Amici and Pierre You. We all took our first ‘crazy’ step together in 2011 with Para Climbing’s debut at our World Championship and we hope that the next step will be the IPC confirmation.” 

Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Balochistan and Sindh moved into final of the PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after winning their respective matches at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Wednesday. The final will be played on Thursday at the same venue between Sindh and Balochistan.Balochistan beat Punjab by 4 wickets: In a roller-coaster match that kept the spectators on the edge of their seats, Balochistan Blind Cricket Team secured a nail-biting victory against Punjab Blind, chasing down a formidable target of 240 runs with just one ball to spare.Punjab Blind set a daunting target, scoring 239 for 2 in their 20 overs. Anees Javed (B2) and Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3) delivered remarkable performances with the bat. Anees Javed smashed an impressive 103 runs off 61 balls, including 17 boundaries, while Akmal remained unbeaten on 98 off 65 balls, hitting 13 fours. Their exceptional batting ensured Punjab posted a challenging total.Balochistan’s chase began with early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. However, Haroon Khan (B2) anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 106 off 57 balls, including 15 fours. The final overs saw Mohsin Khan (B3) contribute crucial 33 runs off 19 balls, providing the necessary support to Haroon.With 39 runs required off the last two overs, the match reached to a tense finish. Haroon and Mohsin displayed nerves of steel, capitalizing on every scoring opportunity. Balochistan successfully chased down the target, scoring 240 for 6 in 19.5 overs, clinching victory in a heart-stopping finish. For Punjab Blind, Israr Ul Hassan (B2) and Sajid Nawaz (B1) managed to claim a wicket each, but their efforts couldn't prevent Balochistan’s determined pursuit. Haroon Khan was declared Man of the Match.Sindh beat KPK by 6 wickets: KPK won the toss and decided to bat first. KPK posted a formidable total of 253 for 6 in their 20 overs. KPK innings was headlined by an explosive knock from Badar Munir (B2), who scored a stunning 99 runs off just 39 balls, including 16 boundaries and 2 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 253.85. His powerful hitting provided KPK with a strong foundation. Despite losing Zeeshan (B3) early for 11 runs, contributions from other batsmen such as Muhammad Rashid (B3) with 20 runs off 12 balls and Talha Iqbal (B3) who remained unbeaten with a rapid 41 off 21 balls, further bolstered the total. Extras also played a significant role, with Sindh’s bowlers conceding 44 runs through wides, no-balls, byes, and leg-byes. KPK’s aggressive batting and smart running between the wickets ensured they reached an imposing total of 253 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. M Idrees Saleem (B1) was the most economical, with figures of 4-0-38-1, while Salman (B1) and Kashif Siddique (B1) also managed to pick up a wicket each.In reply, Sindh’s chase was off to a solid start, with Safdar (B3) scoring a quickfire 40 off 22 balls. Ayoub Khan (B2) added 29 runs off 17 balls, and despite early wickets, Sindh maintained a brisk run rate. The standout performer was Nisar Ali (B2), who anchored the innings with a sensational unbeaten 82 off 40 balls, hitting 14 boundaries at a strike rate of 205.00. Sanwal Shahzada (B3) also played a crucial role, contributing 49 runs off 26 balls with seven fours and one six. Sindh reached the target in 17.2 overs for the loss of 4 wickets. Ahtisham Ul Haq (B2) was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 40 runs in his 3 overs. Badar Munir (B2) and Talha Iqbal (B3) took one wicket each. Nasir Ali got Man of the Match award.

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) announced that the Saudi Arabia Women’s National Futsal Team secured back-to-back victories against the Serbia national team. The team recorded a 3-2 win in the first match, with goals from Albandary Mubarak, Seba Tawfiq, and Albandary AlHwsawi. This was followed by a 5-2 victory in the second match, with Albandary Mubarak scoring all five of Saudia Arabia’s goals.Aalia AlRasheed, Head of the Women's Football Department at SAFF, said: “These wins show just how much effort and passion our team puts into every game. Winning against a strong team like Serbia really boosts our national team’s confidence and highlights the progress we’re making in women's futsal. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the hard work of our players and coaching staff pay off in such a significant way. We’ve been focusing on building a strong, cohesive team, and these victories are indications that we’re on the right path. Our goal is to keep pushing forward, learn from every match, and continue to grow. We’re determined to keep this momentum going and reach even greater heights. The support from SAFF and the dedication of our players are key to our success, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved so far."The friendly matches were part of the national team’s ongoing training camp in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, which commenced on 23 May 2024 and will run until 15 June 2024. This camp is a critical component of the team’s preparation for upcoming competitions and matches, focusing on fitness, physical conditioning, and tactical development.Head Coach Mato Stanković, who has been instrumental in the team’s development, continues to guide the 20-player squad in this training camp. The national team players who are currently in Sarajevo are: Layla Ali, Leen Mohammed, AlBandry Mubarak, Noura Ibrahim, Atha Fahad, Abeer Nasser, Raghad Mukhayzin, Rahaf AlMansouri, AlHanouf Saud, Mohrah AlMalhi, Nadeen Saleh, AlBandry AlHawsawi, Raghad Saleh, Lana Abdulrazaq, Bayan Sadgah, Seba Tawfiq, Yara Alfaris, Raghad Munai, Manar AlOnaizi, and Noura AlAthel. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The Executive Board of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has awarded the organization of the next FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup to India. The tournament will be played in December 2025. It will be the first time the FIH Hockey Junior World Cup will include as many as 24 teams.FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Giving more opportunities to play to a larger and more diverse number of National Associations is one of the key pillars of our Empowerment and Engagement strategy. We saw at the FIH Hockey5s World Cup in Oman this year how more diversity brings a huge added value to our events. Therefore, I’m very happy that we’ve increased the number of participating teams for the FIH Hockey Junior World Cups and I look forward to seeing these 24 young teams, representing the future of our sport, next year! At this stage, I would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Hockey India for their commitment to organise yet another fantastic event! »Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India said: "We're delighted that the International Hockey Federation (FIH) chose India to host the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the FIH and FIH President Dato Tayyab Ikram for entrusting us with this tournament. This prestigious tournament highlights India's growing importance in international hockey and shows our dedication to developing the sport for future generations. We're excited to share India's rich hockey history and provide a stage for young talent to showcase their skills."Shri Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India said: "Hosting the FIH Hockey Men's Junior World Cup 2025 is a significant step for us, and we appreciate the FIH's trust in us. This event offers a fantastic chance to bring hockey to even greater heights, inspiring a whole new generation of players and fans in India and globally. We're committed to making this tournament a memorable experience that celebrates everything hockey is about."It is important to mention that the last edition of the FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup took place in 2023 in Malaysia and was won by Germany.

Sports Bulletin ReportABBOTTABAD: Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) registered victories on the 5th day of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024, after thrashing their respective rivals at APS School Cricket Ground Abbottabad on Tuesday.Sindh beat Balochistan by 64 runs: Balochistan won the toss and put Sindh into bat. Sindh set a formidable target, scoring 221 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The standout performance came from Sanwal Shahzada (B3), who played a spectacular unbeaten innings of 83 runs off just 46 balls, hitting 6 fours and 3 sixes. Mohammad Ijaz (B3) also contributed significantly with a quickfire 25 runs off 19 balls. Balochistan’s bowling attack faced a tough challenge, with Kamran Akhtar (B3) being the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 40 runs in his 4 overs. Despite their efforts, Sindh batsmen maintained a steady run rate, bolstered by 39 extras from Balochistan's bowlers.In response, Balochistan Blind managed to score only 157 runs for 9 wickets in their 20 overs. Haroon Khan (B2) was the top scorer for Balochistan, contributing 36 runs off 24 balls. Mohsin Khan and Mohammad Ayyaz make 25* and 22 runs respectively. However, the disciplined bowling from Sindh, particularly from Mohammad Salman (B1), who took 4 wickets for 31 runs, and Idrees Saleem’s 2 wickets, restricted Balochistan from reaching the target. Mohammad Salman won Man of the Match prize.KPK beat Punjab by 51 runs: In a high-voltage first innings, KPK Blind set a formidable target of 281 runs for the loss of just 2 wickets in their allotted 20 overs against Punjab. KPK batting was spearheaded by Badar Munir (B2), who remained not out with a phenomenal 154 runs off just 63 balls, including 24 fours and 4 sixes, maintaining a strike rate of 244.44. He was well-supported by Mohammad Rashid (B3), who scored 78 not out off 40 balls, hitting 14 fours. Punjab Blind's bowlers faced a tough challenge against the formidable batting line-up of KPK. Babar Ali (B2) was only bowler, managed to take 1 wicket.In reply, Punjab put up a strong fight but fell short by 51 runs. Mati Ullah (B3) was the standout performer, smashing 62 runs off 27 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six. Akmal Hayat Nasir (B3) made 51 runs off 42 balls with 7 fours and 1 six.Punjab Blind's batting lineup faced early setbacks, losing two quick wickets. Zafar Iqbal (B1) was dismissed for 2 runs, and Moeen Aslam (B2) was bowled out on the very first ball by Badar Munir (B2). Mati Ullah's explosive innings brought some hope, but consistent wickets prevented Punjab Blind from maintaining the required run rate. Israr Ul Hassan (B2) contributed 15 runs off 6 balls, and Abdul Wahab (B1) added 10 runs off 8 balls. SanaUllah (B3) remained not out with 45 runs off 32 balls, while Anees Javed (B2) was unbeaten with 6 runs off 8 balls.KP bowlers showcased a disciplined performance. Badar Munir (B2) and Mohammad Asif (B1) both took 2 wickets each, conceding 32 runs in their 4 overs each. Talha Iqbal (B3) and Fakhar Abbas (B1) took 1 wicket a piece. Badar Munir was declared the best player of the match.

Let’s be honest: 120 was an easily chaseable target. No team has ever defended a lower total at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.Pakistan’s bowling was disciplined and they managed to restrict what is the best batting line-up in the world to just 119.Post-match, Rohit Sharma admitted that India didn’t bat well enough and the early wickets of the skipper and Virat Kohli brought the game to life.They are the backbone of the team and removing them cheaply gave Pakistan plenty of momentum.There has been a lot of talk about the drop-in pitch in New York and the surface was a little slow compared to the batting-friendly pitches we have become accustomed to in T20 cricket.But the pitch should never be used as an excuse and neither captain did so - they know that top-level professionals should know how to adjust to any conditions.Pakistan’s bowlers did very well and at the halfway stage, I believed India’s batters were 35 to 40 runs short of where they wanted to be.In my experience, international cricket and especially the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is all about handling pressure.On the big days, you have to have nerves of steel until you make it through.India stayed positive and calm until the last ball and the pressure of the run chase was not handled well by Babar Azam’s side.The key difference between the two teams was India’s consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field.The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting.For several reasons, this game wasn’t about playing aggressively. But strategy and smart cricket were required to get the run chase over the line, and those qualities are exactly what Pakistan lacked.India have now won seven of their eight matches against Pakistan at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and Pakistan fans are highly disappointed.First, Pakistan lost to hosts USA in a close game and now they have lost to India when they had only a small total to chase.The next match is against Canada at Nassau County International Stadium tomorrow and it goes without saying that this is a must-win game.I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes.I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan.Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three.There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet.