Sports Bulletin

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (May 27, 2020):-The International Netball Federation (INF) on Wednesday organised an INF Roadshow of Asia, discussing the impact of coronavirus pandemic that has affected the international sports activities including that of netball events in Asia across the world. President INF Liz Nicholl (CBE) chaired the meeting and briefed the participants from the various countries about the recovery and development plans for the upcoming netball events. President Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) Mudassar Arain and other Asian countries attended the meeting. President INF assured that the international body would help and support the affected countries as well as provided the SOP protocol for future events. Mudassar later thanked the International Netball Federation for hosting INF Roadshow of Asia, which was conducted by INF President Liz Ncholl and CEO Clare Briegal. It is important to mention here that the world netball bodies have been forced to postponed the several international events due to the coronavirus pandemic including Asian Women Netball Championship, Asian Men Netball Championship and World Under-15 Girls Netball Championship which were to be held before July 2020. Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) has already postponed all netball activities in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown situation on the special instructions of the government and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

By: BIPIN   DANI  Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the world’s most active cricket club and the guardian of the Laws of the game will not change laws on LBW and Leg Byes. Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has recently proposed radical changes in the LBW laws, stating that a batsman should be given out leg-before as long as the ball is hitting the stumps irrespective of the spot of its landing and impact. “The new LBW law should simply say: ‘Any delivery that strikes the pad without first hitting the bat and, in the umpire’s opinion, would go on to hit the stumps is out regardless of whether or not a shot is attempted’, he has proposed. “The current law encourages “pad play” to balls pitching outside leg, while this change would force them to use their bat. The change would reward bowlers who attack the stumps and decrease the need for negative wide deliveries to a packed off-side field,”, Chappell, 76, has further said. "MCC has no plans to alter the LBW Law or the Leg bye Law in the near future", the club in an e mail to this Reporter said. Sunil Gavaskar is of the opinion to do away with the Leg Bye law (23-2). "Such suggestions are not new but would, MCC feels, result in an increase in negative, run-saving bowling from around the wicket at the batsman’s pads, which would not improve the game as a spectacle", the Law office said.

 Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (May 22, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has published guidelines for the safe resumption of cricket to assist its Members in restarting cricket activity in their countries as government restrictions owing to COVID-19 start to relax. “ICC Back to Cricket Guidelines” is a comprehensive document developed by the ICC Medical Advisory Committee in consultation with Member Medical Representatives, and provides guidance for the safe resumption of community cricket, domestic professional cricket and international cricket. The guidelines do not provide answers to when the game can resume in different parts of the world, rather provide a framework with practical suggestions on how members can resume cricket in a manner that protects against the risk of transmission of or infection with the COVID-19 virus. The ICC advises its Members to use these guidelines as the basis to create their own policies for return to cricket activity in compliance, in all cases, with local and national government regulations (which should always take precedence) and to ensure the cricket community applies the necessary safety measures when resuming cricket.

Sports Report ISLAMABAD (May 14, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee met on Wednesday via video link under the chairmanship of Iqbal Qasim. It was the second meeting of 2020 for the group. The group discussed the appointment and review process for the appointment of the six Cricket Association and High Performance Centre coaches. The Chairman of the Committee agreed to form a sub-committee, which will work closely with Director - High Performance to create a criteria and performance evaluation process for the coaches. The committee also had a discussion on the participation of departments in the 2020-21 season. It was agreed that the committee will provide its suggestions, which will be forwarded onto the PCB management for consideration. In addition to the above, the cricket committee was apprised of the appointment process and responsibilities of Director – High Performance (who attended the session on special invitation), PCB Men’s Central Contract List for 2020-21 and also received updates on women’s and domestic cricket by Urooj Mumtaz and Haroon Rashid, respectively. PCB Cricket Committee Chairman Iqbal Qasim said: “The agenda for the quarterly meeting was in line with areas that required discussion and to get engaging feedback from all members of the Cricket Committee. On department cricket in 2020-21 season, it remains a work in progress and the committee will shortly forward its thoughts to the management. “The PCB Cricket Committee was overall satisfied with the PCB Men’s Central Contract 2020-21 list and was impressed with the concept of the Emerging Player’s Category as well as elite category in domestic cricket in which leading performers, who are unable to break into the central contracts, will be included. This will further motivate the youngsters and help uplift and improve the quality of our domestic cricket.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD:-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Cricket Ireland decided to postpone the bilateral two-match T20I series, which was scheduled in July this year 2020 with mutual understanding on Thursday, as the Ireland Government had announced that behind closed-door matches can only be possible after 10 August. This date coincides with Pakistan’s tour to England for three Tests and as many T20Is for which the side is scheduled to depart late July. The matches in Dublin were planned for 12 and 14 July. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It is sad that due the current Covid-19 pandemic, we have to postpone our tour to Ireland. We were looking forward to returning to the venue, where we featured against Ireland in their inaugural Test in 2018, and country where our players have always been supported and admired by the friendly and knowledgeable fans. “We fully respect and endorse CI’s decision at this difficult time. As we have all reiterated, the safety and security of players, officials and fans comes first. It remains a challenging time for all nations that are due to be hosting home series in the coming months; we as a cricketing family will continue to rally and work closely together.  “The PCB stands firmly with CI in these difficult times and we look forward to revisiting Ireland as soon as normal services resume.” Cricket Ireland Chief Executive Warren Deutrom said: “With the Irish Government announcement on 1 May regarding the gradual process of lifting restrictions here in Ireland, it unfortunately became impossible to host the Pakistan T20Is in Dublin on the scheduled dates. “We subsequently discussed scenarios around delaying the fixtures – or even playing them elsewhere - but with numerous complications around Government roadmap timelines, bio-security, quarantining, and scheduling harmony, it just hasn’t been possible to find a way to get the matches played.” “We deeply regret this, as the cricketing bonds between Ireland and Pakistan are strong, and we were very excited to host the world’s top T20 side. We look forward to a time when we can once again meet on the pitch and wish our Pakistan Cricket Board colleagues good health during these challenging times.”

Sports Report LAHORE (May 13, 2020):-Former Test spinner Nadeem Khan has been appointed as the PCB’s Director – High Performance following a robust recruitment process. Nadeem was one of the 16 candidates who had applied for the role and was subsequently interviewed by Iqbal Qasim (Chairman, Cricket Committee), Wasim Akram (Member, Cricket Committee), David Parsons (Ex-Performance Director – ECB) and Wasim Khan (Chief Executive, PCB). Following his appointment, Nadeem has resigned as Coordinator – National Men’s Selection Committee with immediate effect. Nadeem’s replacement will be announced in due course. The position of Director - High Performance has been created during a restructuring process and following the departures of Director – Academies, Mudassar Nazar, and Director – Domestic Cricket Operations, Haroon Rashid, who will finish their time at the PCB on 31 May. Director – High Performance will be responsible for managing and overseeing both the departments as the PCB believes the new structure will serve the game and it’s cricketers in a more seamless way. Nadeem’s relevant experience for this role included setting up the Moin Khan Cricket Academy and not only reviving the UBL Sports Academy but also transforming it into a successful and self-sustaining financial proposition as well as a high-quality grooming institution for budding youngsters. While the UBL Sports Complex presently has 1200 students, the UBL cricket team, during Nadeem’s tenure, reached the final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in 2015-16 and won the Inter-Departmental One-Day Cup in 2017-18. It was also during Nadeem’s time that four UBL players graduated to the Pakistan men’s national cricket team and five featured in various pathway squads. Before turning into a successful administrator the 50-year-old Nadeem played first-class cricket from 1986-87 to 2002-03. During this period, he played two Tests, two ODIs and 153 first-class matches. The highlights of Nadeem’s international career have been the wicket of Brian Lara, who was stumped by Rashid Latif during the 1993 Antigua Test, and the run-out of Sachin Tendulkar in the famous Kolkata Test in 1999. Commenting on his appointment, Nadeem Khan said: “I am delighted to join the Pakistan Cricket Board at an exciting time when major reforms are taking place at all levels that are aimed at embracing international practices in an effort to enhance the overall standard of our cricket. Having previous experience in delivering performance systems and a tournament-winning side, I am looking forward to the challenges, competitive opportunities, and overseeing the development of the PCB High Performance Programme.   “One of my key objectives will be to identify the assets at a young stage through the High Performance Centres and then monitor their growth, development and progression through our domestic programmes. I have some big shoes to fill but I am looking forward to making a significant and meaningful contribution during my time with the PCB.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan welcomed Nadeem Khan: “I want to welcome Nadeem Khan to the PCB family. He brings with him tremendous respect, integrity and a huge amount of cricket knowledge. Nadeem’s understanding of all aspects of player pathways, domestic cricket and high performance systems will be vital as we aim to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket through the new direction we are taking. “Director – High Performance is a critical role in the PCB’s Strategic Plan and Nadeem has demonstrated over the past three decades that he is the best candidate to help us achieve our objective of supporting a merit-based, quality focused first-class cricket and high-performance system.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD:-Two captains, Azhar Ali and Babar Azam along with left arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi placed in “A” category in the Central Contact List (CCL) for Season 2020-21, which was released by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday. According to Media Department of PCB, as many as 18-players are the part of central contract list in different three categories, as pacer Naseem Shah and batsman Iftikhar Ahmad are two new names in the list. Three players are in category “A”, nine in “B” and six in “C” while three players are in the Emerging category, as the contact will be effected from July 1 this year 2020. PCB also confirmed Azhar Ali as Test and Babar Azam as ODI and T20I captains for the period during which Pakistan is scheduled to play nine Tests, six ODIs and 20 T20Is, besides the Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2020. Naseem Shah became the youngest Test bowler in the history to take a fifer and a hat-trick in consecutive Tests against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in Karachi and Rawalpindi, respectively. Iftikhar, who had the best average and strike rate in T20Is amongst the Pakistan batsmen, played two Tests, two ODIs and seven T20Is in the 2019-20 season. Shaheen, following his 18 Test and two T20I wickets, has moved up in Category A, while Abid Ali (174 runs in three Tests and 74 runs in an ODI), Mohammad Rizwan (212 runs and 16 dismissals in five Tests, 50 runs and two dismissals in five T20Is) and Shan Masood (396 runs in five Tests) have been awarded Category B. Furthermore, and as part of its commitment and strategy to reward high-performing young cricketers, the PCB has created a new Emerging Players’ Category, and the initial inductees are Haider Ali and fast bowlers Haris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain. Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz have missed out on central contracts but will remain in contention for selection in what will be a busier cricket season as compared to the one that has just concluded, while Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Yasir Shah have slipped one category each. In the forthcoming season, Pakistan is scheduled to play two T20Is in Ireland (July), three Tests and three T20Is in England (July-September), three ODIs and three T20Is in South Africa (October), three ODIs and three T20Is at home against Zimbabwe (November), two tests and three T20Is in New Zealand (December), two Tests and three T20Is at home against South Africa (January 2021) and two Tests and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (April 2021). In addition to these bilateral series, Pakistan will also feature in the Asia Cup T20 tournament and the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2020 in Australia. PCB Men’s Central Contract List for 2020-21: Category A:- Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi Category B:- Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Shan Masood, Yasir Shah Category C:-Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq,       Naseem Shah, Usman Shinwari Emerging Players’ Category:-Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain.  

By BIPIN DANI Former South Africa captain late Hansie Cronje's father, Ewie Cronje passed away at his residence in Bloemfontein on Monday afternoon. "My dad went to be with Lord at 2:05 pm this afternoon. He was at peace and we are so thankful for the full life he had and wonderful dad that he was", his elder son Frans Cronje, who has sent a note to his friends including this reporter, said. "From my mom, my sister and me, thank you so much for all the wonderful messages of the last few months. We will not be able to answer phone calls today, but will read every Whats App and other message. With much love...". "We decided, due to Covid 19 not to have any funeral at this stage. We will notify friends and family of any future arrangements", he note further said. The family has also sent a photograph, which was taken in January this year, when he said goodbye's to the family. "Yes, he had kept the photo my younger brother Hansie just above his bed", Frans added.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (May 12, 2020):-The Guyana Amazon Warriors have announced the West Indian players they will be retaining for the 2020 Hero Caribbean Premier League. International retentions and signings will be announced at a later date. This year teams can retain as many players from their 2019 squads as they wish. They could also transfer players to other teams and sign emerging players. The Amazon Warriors have chosen to retain six local Guyanese players, three regional West Indian players and they have signed a Guyanese player as one of their Emerging West Indies players ahead of the CPL draft.  The following are the Local and Regional players retained and signed by the franchise for CPL 2020: Nicholas Pooran (Trinidad & Tobago) Shimron Hetmyer (Guyana) Brandon King (Jamaica) Keemo Paul (Guyana) Sherfane Rutherford (Guyana) Romario Shepherd (Guyana) Chandrapaul Hemraj (Guyana) Kevin Sinclair (Guyana)* Odean Smith (Jamaica) Anthony Bramble (Guyana) Guyana Amazon Warriors Team Operations Manager, Omar Khan, commented on the retentions and signing: “The Guyana Amazon Warriors Franchise has and will always be committed to the continued development of our local and regional players. From the inception of the CPL we included young Guyanese players in our squad as part of the franchise’s mandate to provide opportunities to young aspiring Guyanese cricketers to assist in their overall development as professional cricketers. Shimron Hetmyer, Keemo Paul and Sherfane Rutherford have all benefitted from these opportunities prior to them becoming full-fledged members of our team. “We are extremely delighted that we were able to retain the majority of our local and regional players, including Nicholas Pooran and Brandon King, both of whom have been hailed by the cricket pundits as potential future stars of West Indies cricket and who were members of our team last year. The Guyana Amazon Warriors wish all of the retained players great success in the CPL 2020." The CPL is scheduled to take place between 19 August and 26 September but the tournament organisers are currently watching the current situation with COVID-19 closely and are liaising with medical advisors and governments. A decision on whether the tournament can proceed as planned, or at a different time, will be made as soon as possible.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (May 12, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the postponement of two further qualifying events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier Europe Division 2. As part of the ICC’s comprehensive contingency planning process and after consultation with Members and with the relevant government and public health authorities, the decision has been taken to postpone the qualifier to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 and the start of the qualification pathway to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier was due to take place in Sri Lanka between 3 and 19 July, where three teams were to qualify for the 2021 event in New Zealand. The start of the journey to the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 was scheduled to begin with the European Regional Qualifier in Denmark between 24 and 30 July. The ICC will work with all participating Members to identify when these events will be able to be staged. ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “In light of the continuing travel restrictions, global health concerns and government and public health authority advice we have decided to postpone two further upcoming qualifying events due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the Europe qualifier to the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 have both been impacted. “Our priority during this difficult period is to protect the well-being of players, coaches, officials, fans and the whole cricket community and we will take well-informed, responsible decisions in relation to both postponing events and resuming international cricket. “These are both important events with the Women’s CWC Qualifier one step away from New Zealand 2021 and the Europe qualifier which signifies the start of the U19 Cricket World Cup 2022 pathway. We will work in partnership with the Members to find an appropriate window to reschedule these events as soon as is safe and practical to do so. I would like to thank the Members for their cooperation and continued support.” The two remaining ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Regional Qualifier Division 2 events are being monitored and kept under review: the Africa event is due to take place in Tanzania between 7 and 14 August and the Asia event between 1 and 9 December in Thailand. The Division 1 events in all five regions are scheduled to take place in 2021.