Sports Bulletin

SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Pace bowling prodigy Mohammad Amir Khan is determined to make a big impression at the coveted ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The right-armer is the latest in the assembly line of Pakistan teenage fast bowlers following in the footsteps of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Musa Khan and Mohammad Hasnain. The Swat-born can clock the 140kmph mark on the speed gun. His pace and ability impressed the junior selection committee and the Pakistan U19 team management, who chose to induct him in the final squad for the tournament being hosted in South Africa. Amir, who was playing tape-ball cricket on the streets and fields of Swat till only a year ago, burst on the domestic U19 scene this year with a haul of 18 wickets in five three-day matches of the National U19 championship in which he represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Featuring in a training camp in September last year at the National Cricket Academy, Amir found himself bowling with the likes of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz who gave him useful tips. After resting from Pakistan’s opening warm-up game against Nigeria, Amir bowled his full quota of 10 overs at the Irene Country Club in Pretoria taking two wickets in his second spell as Pakistan cruised to a four wicket win against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Amir Khan said: “I didn’t get any wicket in my first spell as I struggled a bit for control and direction. I am pleased with my performance in the second spell in which I took two wickets and also effectively used the slower delivery. “My aim is to perform in every World Cup game and play a role in my team’s success. My pace is natural and I have worked hard on improving my run-up with the coaches. Our bowling coach Rao Iftikhar has worked with me and I have the support of the whole coaching staff. “Attending a camp with senior players always helps. When I was at the NCA, I bowled with Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir. Both gave me useful tips which gave me a lot of confidence and heart. They told me to maintain my line and length and learn the slower ball.” Amir, who first started playing cricket after watching the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 on TV, took a keen interest in tape-ball cricket where he made a name for his fast bowling before his rapid rise at the national junior level last year after he switched to the cricket ball. The youngster wants to bowl quick like Shoaib Akhtar and admires the skills of England’s James Anderson. The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup provides him the perfect platform of further raising his prospects of a national senior team call-up. Pakistan now travel to Potchefstroom today (Wednesday) after a five-day stay in Pretoria, where they won both warm-up games. Pakistan who are placed in Group C, play Scotland in their opening ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match on Sunday, 19 January. Their second match is against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 January, followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan)

SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Misbah-ul-Haq, head coach and chief selector of the national men’s cricket team, captain Babar Azam and coordinator – selection committee, Nadeem Khan, held a preliminary meeting on Wednesday (today) at the Gaddafi Stadium to discuss the side for the three T20Is against Bangladesh to be played here on 24, 25 and 27 January. The discussion process will continue on Thursday (16 January) when they will involve the six selectors, following which Misbah and Babar will announce the side at 2.30pm in the media conference room at Far End, Gaddafi Stadium.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-Ace Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been named in the International Cricket Council (ICC) One Day International (ODI) Team of the Year for the second time in his career after previously finding his place in 2017. The ICC announced its ODI team of the year on Wednesday, which also included (in batting order) Rohit Sharma (India), Shai Hope (West Indies), Virat Kohli (India, captain), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Ben Stokes (England), Jos Buttler (England, wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Mohammed Shami (India) and Kuldeep Yadav (India). In the 2019 calendar year, Babar scored 1,092 runs in 20 ODIs at an impressive average of 60.66. He also scored three centuries and six half centuries. His centuries came against England at Trent Bridge (115), New Zealand at Edgbaston (101 not out) during ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and Sri Lanka at National Stadium (115). In 2019, Babar featured in his first ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and made the Pakistan record for the highest score in an edition by recording 474 runs. He currently sits on the third spot in the ICC ODI Player Rankings. Since the inception of the ICC awards in 2004, Babar Azam is the eighth Pakistan player to feature in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Other Pakistan players to find their places in the teams of the year include Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rana Naved Ul Hasan (both 2005), Umar Gul (2009 and 2011), Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal (both 2012), Saeed Ajmal (2013), Mohammad Hafeez (2014), Babar Azam and Hasan Ali (2017). Reacting to the news, Babar Azam said: “I am thankful to the ICC and its jury for recognising my achievements with the bat in 2019 and considering me worthy of a place in the side that includes some of my favourite cricketers who entertained the fans throughout the year with their outstanding performances. “However, I will reserve my biggest gratitude to my team-mates and fans as without their support this would not have been possible. We played and performed as one team, with the fans always behind us despite our up and down performances. “These acknowledgements serve as additional incentives to cricketers to perform even better and continue to play their important part in further globalising this great sport. “2020 has started well for Pakistan cricket and we as a team look forward to building on it so that at the end of the year, there are more of us when the ICC announces the next set of winners same time next year. “I also want to congratulate Nida Dar, who was named in the ICC T20I Women’s Team of 2019. She has been one of the top women’s cricket performers and someone who is looked upon by the younger generation of women cricketers. “Women’s cricket in Pakistan is on a rise and Nida, along with others, is making significant contribution, which will be their legacy when they will decide to call it a day on their professional careers.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan congratulated Babar and Nida. “On behalf of the PCB, I want to congratulate both Babar Azam and Nida Dar for making Pakistan proud. “They are our assets and role models, and I hope their achievements will inspire the future generation of cricketers to not only take up this sport but also represent the country with honour, respect and distinction. What they have shown is that with a focus, clear goals and a dedication to improve, everything is possible. “Our Under-19 team is in South Africa, preparing for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. I am sure they will take a lot of heart from Babar’s achievement considering that he too graduated from this tournament to become one of the finest of his era.” Babar played in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups 2010 and 2012 where Pakistan finished runners-up and eighth, respectively.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday reached consensus with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on the upcoming series, which will be part of the Future Tours Programme. The process was facilitated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Shashank Manohar in Dubai afternoon on Tuesday. According to PCB media department, Now, Bangladesh will play three T20Is in Lahore from 24-27 January. They will return to Pakistan for the first ICC World Test Championship fixture, to be held from 7-11 February in Rawalpindi. Post the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which concludes in Lahore on 22 March, Bangladesh will visit Pakistan again and will play an ODI in Karachi on 3 April and the second ICC World Test Championship fixture from 5-9 April. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am pleased that we have amicably achieved a resolution that is in the best interest of this great sport as well as both the proud cricket playing countries. I also want to thank ICC Chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided and ensured the sport continues to grow and thrive in the two countries.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, who also attended Tuesday’s meeting at the ICC headquarters, said: “It is a win-win outcome for both the boards. I am glad that the uncertainty around the series is now over and we can start planning for the smooth delivery of the matches. Bangladesh will visit Pakistan thrice, which should give them the comfort that Pakistan is as safe and secure as any other cricket playing country. “The split series across three venues will also provide opportunities to fans and followers to watch live their favourite players in action and support good cricket from either side.” Tour schedule: 24 Jan – 1st T20I, Lahore 25 Jan – 2nd T20I, Lahore 27 Jan – 3rd T20I, Lahore 7-11 Feb – 1st Test, Rawalpindi 3 Apr – One-off ODI, Karachi 5-9 Apr – 2nd Test, Karachi  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) appointed Aysha as the captain of the national team for the forthcoming 4-Nation International Women’s T20 International Tournament that will be kicked off from January 17, 2020. Hosts Qatar will take on Omen in their opening fixture of quadrangular international women’s cricket showpiece. According to available information, Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur will be the deputy of captain Aysha. The Women’s T20 International Tournament, to be held at the Asian Town Stadium in Industrial Area from January 17-22, 2020, as hosts Qatar, China, Kuwait and Oman will compete for the top honour. Final will be played on January 21, 2020 at same venue. President QCA Yousef Jeham Al-Kuwari also announced that Issa al-Yacoub would be the Event Coordinator while Gul Khan Jadoon would perform the duties of Tournament Director during the five-day fixture. As many as 10 matches will be staged during the tournament including semifinals and finals. A play-off match will be played for third position. He also added, “The QCA has selected a 14-player squad for the Four-Nation Women’s T20 International Tournament after an extensive training-cum-selection camp. Also we have selected three reserve players. The Qatar women are is excited to return to the international cricket and would be keen to produce remarkable performance in the tournament. The QCA has good wishes for all players and participating teams,” he said. “The preparations are going on at a hectic pace and given final touches to make this event historic and we are committed to deliver a strong and memorable event to local fans, who are very supportive to any event that we stage in Qatar,” Al-Kuwari maintained. Team Manager Shivani Mishra, who is also the Qatar Women’s Cricket Development Officer, organised the preparations of the national team and selection. Aftab Ahmad is the coach of the team. Qatar squad Aysha Senior (captain), Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur (vice-captain), Aisha Abdur Rahman, Nahan Arif, Angeline Mare, Trupti Kale, Aleena Khan, Rochelle Sherlene Quyn, Akshata Arjun Sanguelkar, Saachi Dhadwal, Sabah Nawab, Apsara Weerasekara Bamunumudiyanselage, Sincy Sara Sherin, Khadija Ahmad Imtiaz Reserves: Khulood Omran Hussain, Krishnendhu Bindhu, Bandhana Puthalapattu Team officials: Shivani Mishra (team manager), Aftab Ahmad (coach), Sabeeja Adiyeri Panayan (trainer), Paramjeet Kaur Bhullar (coordinator), Issa al-Yacoub (event coordinator) and Gul Khan Jadoon (tournament director).

SB News KARACHI (January 13, 2020):-A 121-run stand for the second-wicket between Muneeba Ali and Bismah Maroof led PCB Challengers to an eight-wicket win over PCB Blasters in the fifth match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Monday. PCB Challengers chased down a 125-run target in 17.1 overs as Bismah, the captain of the Challengers, top-scored with an unbeaten 62 off 47 balls. The Pakistan captain cracked eight fours and was named player of the match. Muneeba followed up her 108 with run-a-ball 56, which was studded with seven fours. After Challengers’ lost Ayesha Zafar (0) without any runs on the board, the two denied any further inroads to the opposition bowlers and set up a comfortable win for their side. For Blasters, spinners Anam Amin and their captain Rameen Shamim picked up a wicket each for 22 and 23 runs respectively. Earlier, Blasters, after winning the toss and opting to bat, scored 124 for five in 20 overs on the back of Javeria Khan’s 67. The opener smashed 10 fours in 63 balls and stitched a 59-run partnership for the second-wicket with Javeria Rauf (27). Syeda Aroob Shah, Fatima Sana and Nida Dar took a wicket each for Challengers. In the last group match, PCB Challengers play PCB Dynamites on Tuesday at the National Stadium. Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 124-5, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 67, Javeria Rauf 27) PCB Challengers 125-2, 17.1 overs (Bismah Maroof 62 not out, Muneeba Ali 56) Result PCB Challengers win by eight wickets

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD:-The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), hsan Mani will meet Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) President, Nazmul Hassan, in Dubai this week on the sidelines of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Governance Review Committee meeting. According to media department of PCB, on this occasion, the head of the PCB will provide further updates on Bangladesh men’s national cricket team’s upcoming tour of Pakistan. The Dubai meeting is a continuation of the discussion process, which the PCB has followed to reach a consensus with the BCB on its national men’s cricket team’s tour itinerary.    

By  BIPIN   DANI  Sri Lankan pace bowler Suranga Lakmal returns to the national Test squad which has been chosen for the forthcoming Zimbabwe tour. According to the highly placed sources, the 33-year-old right arm fast bowler will replace Ashita Fernando. "Otherwise it is the same team that toured Pakistan (for the two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi in December) will be in Zimbabwe", the source at the SLC, said. Incidentally, Lakmal was originally chosen for the Pakistan tour but had to be last-minute dropped because of the dengue illness and Ashita Fernando was included in the side. The late comer Ashita Fernando, however, was not included in the final eleven. In the meantime, it is also learnt that Sri Lanka's tour of Zimbabwe is not hastily arranged as reported in certain section of the press. "It was already in pipe line and even the selectors had picked the Zimbabwe-bound team before recent India tour (where the T-20I series was lost)", the source added. The team has been sent for the sports minister's approval. Dimuth Karunratne's  team is scheduled to play two Tests (not to be recorded in World Test Championships) in Harare on January 19-23 and 27-31). The team with the same support staff members will leave (via Dubai) on wee hours on Thursday.   

SB News ISLAMABAD:-Badar Mohammad Khan, PCB’s Chief Financial Officer, has tendered his resignation after more than eight years in the role and will be departing at the end of the month. Badar Mohammad Khan said: “After serving under five PCB Chairmen since starting in July 2011, it is now time to move on and explore other opportunities. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the PCB and not only contribute in the financial and commercial growth of the company, but also meet and work alongside some of the best professionals. “I want to thank all my past and present colleagues for their support and wish the PCB future success.” PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “Badar has been an important member of the PCB Senior Management Team. On behalf of the PCB, I want to thank him for his contributions and wish him well in his future endeavors.” The PCB will soon start the process to find Badar M. Khan’s successor.      

SB News ISLAMABAD:-Opener Haider Ali and left-arm spinner Aamir Ali starred in Pakistan’s nine-wicket win over Nigeria U19 in their first warm-up match at the Mandela Oval, Hammanskraal. Aamir took three wickets and c0nceded just 12 runs in six overs as Nigeria were bundled out for 109 in 36.2 overs, after which Haider, who is also the vice-captain of the Pakistan U19 side, smashed 70 off 38 balls, hitting eight fours and four sixes, before he retired out. Aamir Ali said: “I have the experience of bowling on South African wickets. I enjoyed bowling in the match and I am confident that we can make the most of the practice matches and get acclimatised here. “During our camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, the coaches worked with us and taught us various bowling grips which helped spinners. “The team has prepared hard and I am hopeful we will do well in the tournament.” Haider followed the good work by Pakistan bowlers with a blistering 70 off 38 balls before he was retired out. He hit eight fours and four sixes. “I toured South Africa with the U19 team last year and have a fair idea about the pitches here. I tried to play my natural game and we were confident of doing well after restricting Nigeria to 109. “I played my shots and got the rewards. I will continue to bat the same way and play aggressively as that is my natural style of play. I am confident that I will produce the results by playing my own game.” The two-time champions now play Sri Lanka in the second warm-up match at Irene Country Club, Pretoria, on Tuesday. Pakistan who are placed in Group C, play Scotland in their opening ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match on Sunday, 19 January. Their second match is against Bangladesh on Wednesday, 22 January followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan)