Sports Bulletin

ISLAMABAD (PR): The World Championship of Legends (WCL), featuring iconic cricket players from around the globe, is thrilled to announce its official broadcasting partners for various regions worldwide. This partnership ensures that cricket enthusiasts across different continents can experience the tournament live on Star Sports (India), Willow by Cricbuzz (North America), Cricbuzz (MENA Region), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa0, TNT Sports (United Kingdom), Fox Sports (Australia), and Sports MAX (Caribbean: Sports MAX).The WCL, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and presented by India’s second largest travel company EaseMyTrip, will take place from July 3rd to July 13th at Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK. It brings together legendary players for an unforgettable series of matches.Harshit Tomar, owner of the World Championship of Legends, stated: “We are excited to provide fans with the chance to see cricket legends in action once again. With our global broadcasting partners, we can reach a wide audience and celebrate the spirit of cricket worldwide. Partnering with Star Sports & Fancode will bring WCL to a broad audience in India, ensuring top-notch coverage of this historic event.”The WCL will feature teams from India, Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament includes cricket legends such as:* India Champions: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina* Australia Champions: Brett Lee, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting* West Indies Champions: Chris Gayle, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith* England Champions: Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel* Pakistan Champions: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan* South Africa Champions: Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn.

New Delhi (India): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) is set to elevate its status in the cricketing world introducing a nostalgic twist. In the event of a tie, matches will be decided by the classic bowl out format reminiscent of the early t20 setup instead of contemporary super overs. Teams will compete in this high-stakes format in an exciting atmosphere that is sure to evoke memories of legendary moments and iconic performances.The decision to adopt the “bowl out” method for resolving tied matches harks back to the early days of T20 cricket, providing a nostalgic and thrilling element for both players and spectators. This format, where bowlers aim to hit the stumps unguarded by a batsman, promises to deliver high tension and excitement, making every ball count in crucial moments. The World Championship of Legends will pay tribute to the rich history of cricket while offering fans a fresh alternative to the conventional tie-breakers utilized in modern cricket. It will transport cricket fans back to a more carefree era.Harshit Tomar, owner of WCL, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament: “2007, India vs Pakistan bowl out is still one of my favourite memories, hence we want to revive it and keep it very original.”As excitement builds for this premier cricket league, WCL is also introducing acclaimed television presenter and actress Mandira Bedi as the official host.Mandira Bedi, a renowned figure in the world of cricket broadcasting, will bring her charisma and deep understanding of the game to the tournament, engaging fans and players alike. Her involvement is expected to enhance the viewing experience, adding a touch of glamour and her energy to the already star-studded event.“Moreover, we all know Mandira Ji is one of the most renowned and loved television host and we welcome her on board”, shares Harshit TomarThe World Championship of Legends, co-owned by Bollywood icon Ajay Devgn, will feature legendary players from the past, showcasing their skills and passion for the game once more. The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 3rd to July 13th at the iconic grounds of Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK.With high-profile matches, legendary players, and innovative elements, WCL is poised to become a landmark event in cricket. Fans can look forward to a spectacular showcase of cricketing prowess and unforgettable moments, all under the captivating guidance of Mandira Bedi. (PR)

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Chris Gaffaney and Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpires for the USA’s historic first-ever knockout match at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which takes place against South Africa on June 19.The co-hosts qualified in second place from Group A, in part thanks to a magnificent Super Over victory against Pakistan, and will now take on the Proteas as well as England and fellow co-hosts West Indies in Group 2 of the Super 8s.Joel Wilson will be the TV Umpire for USA against South Africa, while he will also stand as on-field umpire alongside Gaffaney when the American team take on England in Barbados on June 23. Allahudien Paleker, who is making his senior men’s tournament debut in this competition, will act as the fourth umpire.The same day will see Kettleborough return to the middle for the seismic Group 1 clash between Australia and India alongside compatriot Richard Illingworth.Illingworth and Michael Gough will oversee Australia’s Super 8s opener against Bangladesh, while Nitin Menon and Ahsan Raza are the on-field umpires for England’s meeting with the West Indies.Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, making history in this competition as the first Bangladeshi official at an ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, is the TV Umpire for that one, and will act as on-field umpire alongside Chris Brown for England’s second Group 2 game against South Africa.Of the match referees, Jeff Crowe – who has overseen more T20Is than anyone else – will be in the chair for England’s clashes with the West Indies and South Africa as well as Australia against India.Super 8s – Match Official appointmentsJune 19: USA v South Africa (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Richard KettleboroughTV Umpire: Joel WilsonFourth Umpire: Langton RusereJune 19: England v West Indies (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Nitin Menon and Ahsan RazaTV Umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne ShahidFourth Umpire: Chris BrownJune 20: Afghanistan v India (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Rodney Tucker and Paul ReiffelTV Umpire: Allahudien PalekerFourth Umpire: Alex WharfJune 20: Australia v Bangladesh (Antigua)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Michael GoughTV Umpire: Kumar DharmasenaFourth Umpire: Adrian HolstockJune 21: England v South Africa (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid and Chris BrownTV Umpire: Joel WilsonFourth Umpire: Chris GaffaneyJune 21: USA v West Indies (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Paul Reiffel and Allahuddien PalekerTV Umpire: Rodney TuckerFourth Umpire: Alex WharfJune 22: India v Bangladesh (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Michael Gough and Adrian HoldstockTV Umpire: Langton RusereFourth Umpire: Richard KettleboroughJune 22: Afghanistan v Australia (St Vincent)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena and Ahsan RazaTV Umpire: Richard IllingworthFourth Umpire: Nitin MenonJune 23: USA v England (Barbados)Referee: David BoonOn-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Joel WilsonTV Umpire: Paul ReiffelFourth Umpire: Allahudien PalekerJune 23: West Indies v South Africa (Antigua)Referee: Ranjan MadugalleOn-field Umpires: Rodney Tucker and Alex WharfTV Umpire: Chris BrownFourth Umpire: Sharfuddoula Ibne ShahidJune 24: Australia v India (St Lucia)Referee: Jeff CroweOn-field Umpires: Richard Kettleborough and Richard IllingworthTV Umpire: Michael GoughFourth Umpire: Kumar DharmasenaJune 24: Afghanistan v Bangladesh (St Vincent)Referee: Richie RichardsonOn-field Umpires: Langton Rusere and Nitin MenonTV Umpire: Adrian HoldstockFourth Umpire: Ahsan Raza.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Medical Panel comprising Prof Rana Dilawaiz Nadeem, Dr. Mumraiz Naqshband and Prof Javed Akram has updated about the injury of five national players.Arshad Iqbal, the right-arm fast bowler who is recovering from an ankle injury, has been referred to for consultation at ASPETAR in Qatar, a renowned orthopedic and sports medicine hospital. After Eid Al Adha holidays, the PCB will book his appointment and make necessary travel arrangementsIhsanullah, the right-arm fast bowler who is recovering from a right elbow injury, commenced his initial rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and will continue the process in his hometown in Swat under the supervision of a PCB Medical Panel approved physiotherapistMohammad Wasim Junior, the right-arm fast bowler who sustained a back injury during a domestic tournament, has been undergoing rehabilitation at the NCA. Following Eid Al Adha holidays, he will return to resume his rehabilitation at the NCAShawaal Zulfiqar, the right-handed opening batter who sustained a shoulder injury during Pakistan women’s team tour to New Zealand in December 2023, underwent shoulder surgery in Islamabad last month. Her stitches were removed on 11 June. Doctors will further assess her case later this monthZeeshan Zameer, the right-arm fast bowler who sustained an ankle injury, will undergo surgery in Qatar next week. The decision was made by ASPETAR earlier this month after examining the cricketer and reviewing his medical reports. Following surgery, Zeeshan may stay in Qatar to complete his rehabilitation.

Babar Azam to lead Green Shirts, Pakistan to take on India on June 9 in New YorkAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board today unveiled its 15-player squad for next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which will be held in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies from June 1 to 29, 2024. Batter Babar Azam will lead the Green Shirts in the prestigious cricket fixture of the world.According to the media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the side was confirmed on Friday afternoon following a two-hour selection committee meeting in Birmingham, which was attended by Abdul Razzaq, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Bilal Afzal, Gary Kirsten, Mohammad Yousuf and Wahab Riaz. Razzaq, Asad and Bilal joined the deliberations through videoconference.Of the 15 players, Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub and Usman Khan have been picked for their maiden T20 World Cup, while Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim last appeared in the 2016 and 2021 tournaments, respectively. The other eight players participated in the 2022 event in Australia.Pakistan has one of the most impressive records in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup since its inception in 2007 in South Africa. It won the 2009 event under Younis Khan and twice reached the finals under Shoaib Malik (2007) and Babar Azam (2022). In 2010, 2012, and 2021, it reached the last-four stage.Names of players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman KhanPlayer support personnel: Wahab Riaz (senior team manager), Mansoor Rana (team manager), Gary Kirsten (head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Simon Helmot (fielding coach), David Reid (mental performance coach), Aftab Khan (high performance coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Irtaza Komail (chief security officer), Mohammad Imran (masseur), Mohammad Khurram Sarwar (team doctor), Talha Ijaz (analyst), Raza Kitchlew (media and digital manager) and Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach).Pakistan’s schedule of matches:6 June – vs USA, Grand Prairie Cricket Stadium, Dallas9 June – vs India, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York11 June – vs Canada, Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York16 June – vs Ireland, Central Broward Park & Broward County Stadium, Lauderhill, Florida

June 1: U.S. vs. Canada, DallasJune 2: West Indies vs. Papua New Guinea, GuyanaJune 2: Namibia vs. Oman, BarbadosJune 3: Sri Lanka vs. South Africa, New YorkJune 3: Afghanistan vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 4: England vs. Scotland, BarbadosJune 4: Netherlands vs. NepalJune 5: India vs. Ireland, New YorkJune 5: Papua New Guinea vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 5: Australia vs. Oman, BarbadosJune 6: U.S. vs. Pakistan, DallasJune 6: Namibia vs. Scotland, BarbadosJune 7: Canada vs. Ireland, New YorkJune 7: New Zealand vs. Afghanistan, GuyanaJune 7: Sri Lanka vs. Bangladesh, DallasJune 8: Netherlands vs. South Africa, New YorkJune 8: Australia vs. England, BarbadosJune 8: West Indies vs. Uganda, GuyanaJune 9: India vs. Pakistan, New YorkJune 9: Oman vs. Scotland, Antigua & BarbudaJune 10: South Africa vs. Bangladesh, New YorkJune 11: Pakistan vs. Canada, New YorkJune 11: Sri Lanka vs. Nepal, LauderhillJune 11: Australia vs. Namibia, Antigua & BarbudaJune 12: U.S. vs India, New YorkJune 12: West Indies vs. New Zealand, Trinidad & TobagoJune 13: England vs. Oman, Antigua & BarbudaJune 13: Bangladesh vs. Netherlands, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 13: Afghanistan vs. Papua New Guinea, Trinidad & TobagoJune 14: U.S. vs Ireland, LauderhillJune 14: South Africa vs. Nepal, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 14: New Zealand vs. Uganda, Trinidad & TobagoJune 15: Australia vs. Scotland, Saint LuciaJune 15: India vs. Canada, LauderhillJune 15: Namibia vs. England, AntiguaJune 16: Pakistan vs. Ireland, LauderhillJune 16: Bangladesh vs. Nepal, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 16: Sri Lanka vs. Netherlands, Saint LuciaJune 17: New Zealand vs. Papua New Guinea, Trinidad and TobagoJune 17: West Indies vs. Afghanistan, Saint LuciaJune 19: Qualifier, Antigua and BarbudaJune 19: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 20: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 20: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 21: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 21: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 22: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 22: Qualifier, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 23: Qualifier, BarbadosJune 23: Qualifier, Antigua & BarbudaJune 24: Qualifier, Saint LuciaJune 24: Qualifier, Saint Vincent and the GrenadinesJune 26: Semi-final 1, Trinidad and TobagoJune 27: Semi-final 2, GuyanaJune 29: Final, Barbados 

LAHORE (PR): Gary Kirsten will join the national men’s side in Leeds on 19 May to commence his two-year tenure as the white-ball head coach, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.Kirsten’s arrival will be three days prior to the start of the four-match T20I series against England at Headingley on Wednesday, 22 May. The series will be followed by the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and Caribbean, with Pakistan taking on the hosts in its opener in Dallas on 6 June.The 56-year-old South African was confirmed as the white-ball head coach along with Jason Gillespie as red-ball head coach last month. The Australian will arrive in Pakistan in July for August’s ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh to start his journey.Apart from next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and other bilateral white-ball series, Kirsten will be the head coach for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, and the ACC T20 Asia Cup 2025.Gary Kirsten said: “I’m truly excited to embark on this new journey with the Pakistan men’s cricket team. It’s an honor to coach such a talented and dynamic team, and I’m eager to contribute to their success on the international stage.“These are indeed thrilling times for Pakistan cricket, with a new administration and players who are driven to deliver solid results. The upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 presents a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase our skills and uphold Pakistan's legacy as a formidable force in cricket.“However, success will require collective effort, meticulous planning and unwavering support for one another. With 19 other teams vying for the title, we must consistently outperform our rivals to realise our aspirations.“On a personal level, I’ve missed the experience of coaching at the international level and nurturing talented players to reach their full potential. I’m committed to working closely with the team to elevate their game and bring joy to fans around the world.”Meanwhile, the PCB, on the recommendation of the team management, has added Simon Helmot (fielding coach) and David Reid (mental performance coach) to the player support personnel for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.Reid will join the side on 20 May, while Helmot will team up with the national side on 31 May. Aftab Khan, who is presently serving the side as the fielding coach, will assume responsibilities of High Performance Coach following the arrival of Helmot.

Sports Bulletin Report Dublin (Ireland): Pakistan surprised hosts Ireland after thrashing them by 7 wickets in the second T20 match of the series, thanks to Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan, who hit swashbuckling half-centuries to guide Pakistan to a convincing seven-wicket victory to square the Series 1-1 here on Sunday.The experienced duo rescued Pakistan from a shaky start of 13 for two in 1.4 overs in pursuit of 194 runs target by producing a highly entertaining partnership of 140 runs for the third wicket in just 78 balls, propelling the visitors to victory with 19 balls to spare.Fakhar and Rizwan hit 12 fours and 10 sixes between them, forcing the Ireland fielders into a leather chase and spectators to take cover.Fakhar hammered six fours and six sixes in a 40-ball 78, marking his 11th half-century in 85 matches, while player of the match Rizwan smashed six fours and four sixes in a 46-ball 75 not out, recording his 27th half-century in 95 matches.After Fakhar departed at the score of 153 for three in 14.3 overs, Azam Khan joined the onslaught, scoring an unbeaten 30 runs off 10 balls, including one four and four sixes. Azam’s entrance came with Pakistan needing 41 runs for victory in 33 balls.Fakhar and Rizwan accelerated their scoring rate after Pakistan reached 87 for two in 10 overs. The duo collected 14 runs in the 11th over, 13 runs in the 12th over, 21 runs in the 13th over, and 18 runs in the 15th over, which also saw the dismissal of the left-handed Fakhar.The young Ireland bowlers had a forgettable day with Graham Hume, Ben White, and Mark Adair each picking up a wicket but at high economy rates of 10.66, 9.75 and 11.21, respectively. Craig Young was the most expensive bowler, conceding 45 runs in his three overs.Earlier, Ireland posted their highest total of 193 for seven against Pakistan with a flurry of runs coming in the last six overs, including 21 runs in the 15th over, 12 runs in the 19th over, and 17 runs in the 20th over.Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, and Gareth Delany led a late charge, lifting Ireland from 110 for three in 13 overs. Earlier contributions from Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, and Harry Tector provided a solid foundation with 55 for two in the PowerPlay overs.Tucker top-scored with 51 off 34 balls, including five fours and two sixes, while Tector contributed a brisk 32 off 28 balls. Balbirnie’s brief stay yielded 16 runs off 14 balls.The most significant partnership of the innings was between Tucker and Tector, who added 62 runs for the third wicket. Tucker and Campher further added 41 runs for the fourth wicket, while the unbeaten eighth-wicket stand between Delany and Graham Hume added 28 runs from just nine balls.For Pakistan, Shaheen Shah Afridi stood out with figures of 3 for 49 in his four overs, including crucial breakthroughs in the death overs. Mohammad Abbas Afridi claimed two wickets for 33 runs, while Naseem Shah and Mohammad Amir chipped in with a wicket each.Scores in brief:Ireland 193-7, 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 51, Harry Tector 32, Gareth Delany 28 not out, Curtis Campher 22; Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-49, Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-33)Pakistan 195-3, 16.5 overs (Fakhar Zaman 78, Mohammad Rizwan 75 not out, Azam Khan 30 not out)Player of the match – Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Sports Bulletin ReportDublin (Ireland): Andy Balbirnie’s swashbuckling 77 runs off 55 balls laid the foundation for Ireland’s five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first T20I of the three-match series here on Friday, marking only the second T20I between the two nations.Chasing a difficult 183-run target, Ireland reached 43 for two in the PowerPlay and then 153 for four in 17 overs. Needing 11 runs off the final six deliveries, Curtis Campher struck two fours, ran a double and stole the winning run off a leg-bye off the penultimate ball to hand Ireland their first win over Pakistan. Campher remained not out on 15 runs from seven balls.Balbirnie was undoubtedly the star of Ireland’s victory and deserving player of the match. The opener clobbered 10 fours and two sixes, forming a crucial 77-run third-wicket partnership off 52 balls with Harry Tector, who contributed 36 off 27 balls with three sixes and a four.After Tector departed, Balbirnie added 39 runs off 20 balls for the fourth wicket with all-rounder George Dockrell, who clubbed two sixes and two fours in a 12-ball 24. Balbirnie’s other useful partnership was for the fifth wicket with Gareth Delany (10 not out), yielding 24 runs off 15 balls.For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi finished with figures of two for 36, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Imad Wasim snapped up a wicket each.Earlier, a blistering knock by Iftikhar Ahmed and his unbroken 32-run seventh-wicket partnership off 13 balls with Shaheen Shah Afridi lifted Pakistan from a precarious 150 for six in 17.5 overs to 182 for six in 20 overs.Iftikhar slapped three sixes and three fours in a 15-ball 37 not out, while Shaheen’s eight-ball 14 not out included two towering sixes.Pakistan seemed on course for a formidable total before they lost Babar Azam, Azam Khan, and Shadab Khan in the space of five deliveries, slipping from 116 for two in 14.3 overs to 123 for five in 15.2 overs. When Fakhar Zaman departed at the score of 150 in 17.5 overs, a score of 180 plus looked out of reach.However, Iftikhar and Shaheen demonstrated their power-hitting abilities to collect 32 runs in the remaining 13 deliveries to guide Pakistan to a score from where they could dictate terms.Babar Azam and Saim Ayub had laid the foundation of a strong total before the boat rocked, which was solidified by Iftikhar and Shaheen. After Mohammad Rizwan was run-out in the second over, Babar and Saim put on 87 runs from 57 balls for the second wicket.Babar, who batted at No. 3 to allow Saim to open the innings with Rizwan, notched up his 35th career T20I half-century when he scored 57 runs off 43 balls with a strike-rate of 132.5. His innings was studded with eight fours and a six.Babar has now scored 3,880 runs in 115 matches and will be aiming to become the second batter after Virat Kohli to achieve the 4,000 runs milestone. Kohli has scored 4,037 runs in 117 T20Is. Rohit Sharma has 3,974 runs in 151 matches, but he won’t be playing any T20Is until next month’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Saim struck four fours and three sixes in a 29-ball 45.

Sports Bulletin ReportDublin (Ireland): The Pakistan men’s cricket team will kick off its Europe tour with the first of three T20Is against Ireland on Friday May 10, 2024). The remaining two matches will also take place at the Castle Avenue on Sunday and Tuesday, before the team heads to Headingley, Leeds, on Wednesday for a series of four T20Is against England.Following the England series, with matches scheduled at Headingley (22 May), Birmingham (25 May), Cardiff (28 May), and The Oval, London (30 May), both England and Pakistan will head to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. England will face Scotland in Barbados on 4 June in their opening match, while Pakistan will launch their campaign against the USA in Dallas on 6 June. This marks the first time Ireland will host Pakistan for a T20I series. The two sides have previously met only once in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 where Pakistan won by 39 runs with Kamran Akmal receiving the player of the match award for his 51-ball 57 and two stumpings.Interestingly, both teams are in the same group for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 and will face each other in Florida on 16 June. Apart from the two sides, India, USA, and Canada are also in the same group, with the top two teams advancing to the second stage.Pakistan head coach, Azhar Mahmood said: “Our preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 began with the home series against New Zealand and now it’s all about putting the final touches on those preparations. We have clarity on our game plans, strategies and combinations. It’s about bringing everything together before we arrive in the United States.