Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has confirmed that England Men's white-ball Captain Eoin Morgan has retired from international cricket with immediate effect. During his 13-year international career with England, the 35-year-old won the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup as Captain in 2019 at Lord's, the first time England Men had won the world crown. He was also part of the England team that won the 2010 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Morgan is the all-time leading run-scorer and most-capped player for England Men in both ODI and T20I matches. During his seven-year tenure as Men's ODI captain, he guided England to number one in the ICC world rankings, including notable series victories against all the major nations. In his record-breaking 225 ODI caps, he scored 6,957 runs, including 13 hundreds at an average of 39.75. In his 126 matches as Captain, Morgan oversaw 76 victories with a win percentage of 60 per cent, the best win record by any England Men's ODI Captain in the history of the game. He captained the Men's T20I side on 72 occasions, equal to India's MS Dhoni as the most in T20 international cricket. In all, he represented England on 115 occasions scoring 2,458 runs. As a Test cricketer, he won 16 caps over a three-year period scoring two centuries. He also holds the world record for the highest number of sixes in an ODI innings, with 17 against Afghanistan at the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup. In 2020, he received a CBE for services to cricket. Morgan started his international career with Ireland, where he played 23 ODIs from 2006 to 2009. Eoin Morgan said: "After careful deliberation and consideration, I am here to announce my retirement from international cricket with immediate effect. "To call time on what has been without doubt the most enjoyable and rewarding chapter of my career hasn't been an easy decision, but I believe now is the right time to do so, both for me, personally, and for both England white-ball sides I have led to this point. "From my start in the international arena with Ireland to winning the World Cup in 2019, I have never lost sight of how integral family support is to any international sportsperson. To my Mum and Dad, my wife, Tara, and our family around the world, thank you for your unconditional support throughout the good and more challenging times in my career. Without you all, this incredible journey would not have been possible. "I must also thank my teammates, coaches, supporters, and those behind the scenes who have made my career and any successes possible. I am hugely proud of what I have achieved as a player and captain, but the things I will cherish and remember the most are the memories I made with some of the greatest people I know along the way. "I have been lucky enough to play in two World Cup winning teams, but I believe the future for England's white-ball teams is brighter than ever. We have more experience, more strength and more depth than ever before. I look forward to watching on with a huge level of excitement. "To what lies ahead for me, I will continue to enjoy playing at a domestic level while I can. I'm really looking forward to playing and captaining London Spirit in the second edition of The Hundred this year." Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, said: "On behalf of the ECB and everyone involved in cricket, I'd like to thank Eoin Morgan for his outstanding contribution to the game. "It will be wrong to think Eoin's legacy was just winning the World Cup in 2019; it is far greater than that. "As with all great players and leaders, he has changed the way the game has been played, and he has changed the way an entire generation and generations to come will play this form of the game. His legacy within the game will be felt for many years to come. "He is, without question, the best leader I have seen. I wish him well in the next chapter of his career."

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistani Test cricketer Abdullah Shafique determined to cement his place in national squad as well as in the last playing 11s with his bat performance despite of having a tough competition to make permanent place in the playing elevens, “This is challenge for me to satisfy my captain with my batting to stable berth in the team, “He was talking to journalists of twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad on Tuesday at Pindi cricket stadium. He added that he was toiling hard in the camp to show notable performance in the forthcoming 2 Test series against Sri Lanka next month. “There is a nice atmosphere in the camp and all players and officials have coordination to run the camp in a beneficial manner. I will not disappoint the selectors and my captain in the series, “he said. Abdullah Shafique, who played 5 Tests, said that he felt proud if some compared him with Rahul Dravid of India. “I am honoured that Babar compared me with Dravid. However, two-time World Cup-winning Australian captain Ricky Ponting is my favorite batter after current Pakistani captain Babar Azam and former Test cricketer Mohammad Yousaf, “he said while replying to a question. Talking about his experience being with the team during the home ODI series against West Indies, Abdullah said he learned a lot. "It was a great learning experience for me. I didn't get a chance to play but it was good being around the players who were playing. I will try to grab any opportunity that comes to me in the upcoming Sri Lanka Test tour," he concluded.

Sports Bulletin Report Lahore: Pakistan, as part of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 preparations, will participate in a T20I tri-series in Christchurch, New Zealand, from 7-14 October with Bangladesh as the third side. Number-three ranked Pakistan will take on number-eight ranked Bangladesh on 7 October and number-six ranked New Zealand on the following day. In the second round of matches, Pakistan will play New Zealand and Bangladesh on 11 and 13 October, respectively with the final scheduled for Friday, 14 October.In the T20 World Cup, Pakistan will open their campaign against India in Melbourne on 23 October. They will then play the two qualifiers on 27 and 30 October in Perth, before taking on South Africa on 3 November in Sydney and Bangladesh on 6 November in Adelaide. Pakistan captain Babar Azam: “I am pleased that we will be featuring in the tri-series in New Zealand as it will help us to arrive early and not only acclimatise for the T20 World Cup in Australia but also give final touches to our preparations. “I missed the last series in New Zealand due to a thumb injury and look forward to playing cricket in Christchurch against two good oppositions.” Pakistan will depart for Christchurch on 4 October after completing their seven-match T20I series against England on 2 October. Prior to the England series, Pakistan will take part in the ACC T20 Asia Cup, which is schedule in Colombo, Sri Lanka, from 27 August to 11 September. T20I tri-series itinerary 7 Oct –Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1200 PST) 8 Oct – Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (1200 PST) 9 Oct – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 11 Oct –Pakistan v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 12 Oct – Bangladesh v New Zealand, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 13 Oct –Pakistan v Bangladesh, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST) 14 Oct – Final, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0800 PST)

  BIPIN DANI Roman Walker's parents in England would have still been happy even if his son had taken the five wickets of any opponents but when this young boy took the five wickets against a strong Indian team, which included the prize victims of Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, they were pleasantly surprised.  Interestingly, the 21-year-old right-arm medium pacer has not even played a First Class match in his home country.  "We were so proud to see Roman take a 5-fer. It would have been amazing whatever team he had played against, but to take the wickets of some of the best players in the world was very special. Not only that, his bowling figures were excellent", the player's parents-mother : Michelle and father Bryan-, speaking exclusively over the telephone from the UK, said.  Rohit Sharma, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur were the victims of his bowling during India's first tour match in England.  "His sister Cheyenne and grandparents were so happy hearing how well he had done. Our extended cricket family and friends were quick to send their congratulations and share his news", the mother informs.  There were a few spectators in the crowd who came to watch Indian players. One among them was a school boy, who bunked his class and displayed the play-card showing : VIRAT SIR, YOU R D BEST. I MISSED SCHOOL TO C U".  Roman Walker was born and bred in Wrexham, Wales. He came through the Glamorgan academy as a youngster and made his professional t-20 debut for them in 2021. He then moved to Leicestershire on a 3-year contract at the end of the 2021 season. He has represented England U19s. He played in the Abu Dhabi T10 competition for Chennai Braves in 2021.  According to Robert Walker's agent, Tom Watts, Robert had been to India. "He spent some time on a training camp at the MIG club in Mumbai when he was 18. He loved the culture, people and the Indians' love for cricket", Watts informs, adding, "Food was too spicy for him though!".   

BIPIN DANI The first Test match between Sri Lanka and Australia to be played at the Galle International Stadium (June 29-July 3) will be dedicated to Shane Warne, it is confirmed. Accordingly, Shane Warne's brother Jason and his wife Shay will be witnessing the Test match, where other Sri Lanka's legendary cricketers are also invited. The invitation was sent by the Hon. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando. "The Galle stadium was one of Australian cricketer Shane Warne's favourite cricket grounds and he helped to raise money to rebuild it, after the devastation caused by the tsunami in 2004", Chalaka Gajabahu, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) said exclusively over the telephone from Colombo on Thursday evening, once the confirmation was received from Jason Warne. "We are honoured to invite the family of Shane Warne. With the great memory of Shane Warne's services to the nation, the Ministry of Tourism in Sri Lanka, together with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), have decided to dedicate this first Test to Warne", Gajabahu further added.

BIPIN DANI Today (Friday), the Sri Lankan fans will "support" the visiting Australian team during the 5th and the final D/N ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium. OneNationOnePeople, a non-profit national campaign organisation which is promoting harmony and co-existence between all Sri Lankans has appealed to all spectators to wear yellow jersey and carry Australian flags in hand to say thank you note for coming over to Sri Lanka and play matches. "This One group is with us. They work with us", Hon. Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, while returning from Europe, said exclusively over the telephone. "Let's flood the next one day match with Australian flag's and Thank you notes to show our gratitude as ONE NATION ONE PEOPLE ONE SRI LANKA. Let's show the world that we are not poor as humans. When it was much needed they came with a full team. They request all other countries to support Sri Lanka. They help to divert the attention to Sri Lankan tourism in a good way. They request the world to visit Sri Lanka and support Sri Lanka. Most importantly they "PUT A SMILE BACK ON OUR FACES", the message is conveyed via social media to all fans arriving for the match on Friday. Australians came to Sri Lanka in the most difficult time in the country and not just for 3 games but for a whole tour with the A team as well. The host team has already won the ODI series. 

BIPIN DANI The family of Sri Lankan batting all-rounder Charith Asalanka has a reason to celebrate his 25th birthday (which falls on June 29) one week in advance. The middle order left-hand batter registered his very first hundred in international cricket on Tuesday. "We are overjoyed with his maiden hundred", Charith's girl-friend, Kavindika, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Wednesday morning. "Interestingly, June 29 is a significant day in his life. Last year he made his international debut on his birthday day (ODI against England at Chester-Le-Street)". Charith's first international hundred was witnessed by his family at the ground. "Charith's parents (father : Vijith Priyanth (businessman), mother (Tanuja, housewife) and two siblings (brother and sister) were at the ground. I could not go but watched the match at my home with Charith's one of the other sisters", the girl-friend, who has known Charith for the last ten years added. "The presence of his family at the R Premadasa Stadium was enough support for my boy-friend to hit the ton" Charith's parents have been very supportive. Even Charith's younger brother (Hiruk), who is studying now plays good cricket and is a future star. Charith's late grand-father had a dream to see his grand-children to play cricket for the country", Kavindika added. Charith's first coach at school, Dhanushka Denagama is hoping many more centuries from his ward. "I hope he will be the team leader in the future. His innings on Tuesday reminded me of his childhood day", the coach said. Incidentally, Charith's father could not resist thanking Dhanushka the day after his son was instrumental in the unbeaten series win. "His father called me and thanked me for making his son a world class player", the coach signed off.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's top order batsman Kusal Mendis has become father for the first time. This was revealed by his father, Dinesh Mendis. "Kusal's wife Nishelle gave birth to a baby girl this between 7 and 8 Monday morning. Both the newly born baby and her mother are absolutely fine', he said exclusively over the telephone from Colombo. The 27-year-old top order right-hand handed batter, who scored 87 runs in the winning match against Australia on Sunday night saw his daughter on Monday morning. "Kusal came to the hospital (Ninewells Hospital) on Sunday night immediately after the match. The delivery was not done at the time. He, however has seen the baby this morning", the father further added. Kusal was still in the hospital at the time of filing this report (1 pm) on Monday noon. The parents are likely to name the girl as Hailey. The duo had married last year on February 12.

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named a 14-strong squad for the third LV= Insurance Test match against New Zealand starting at Headingley on 23 June. Surrey seamer Jamie Overton has been called up to the Test squad for the first time and will join his brother Craig in the squad. The 28-year-old has been in excellent form for league leaders Surrey in the LV= Insurance County Championship Division One taking 21 wickets this season at an average of 21.61. The England Test squad will report to Headingley on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the match starting on Thursday. England lead the three-match series two-nil. England Men's Test squad v New Zealand: Ben Stokes (Durham) captain James Anderson (Lancashire) Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire) Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire) Harry Brook (Yorkshire) Zak Crawley (Kent) Ben Foakes (Surrey) Jack Leach (Somerset) Alex Lees (Durham) Craig Overton (Somerset) Jamie Overton (Surrey) Matthew Potts (Durham) Ollie Pope (Surrey) Joe Root (Yorkshire)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-For the first time since the ICC ODI and T20I Player rankings were introduced, Pakistan batters have occupied the top two positions in the latest rankings, which the ICC released on Wednesday. Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam is joined by Imam-ul-Haq as the second-ranked ODI batter, while Mohammad Rizwan has moved up one place to second in the T20I rankings. Imam’s 199 runs in the ODI series against the West Indies in Pakistan’s 3-0 series win has helped him to move ahead of India’s Virat Kohli. Imam now leads Kohli (811 points) by four points, while Babar continues to sit on top of the tree with 892 points. Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has joined India’s Shikhar Dawan at 13th position. Amongst the ODI bowlers, Shaheen Afridi has broken into the top-five for the first time in his career. The left-arm fast bowler, who is ranked fourth in Tests with 827 points, is now in fourth position (up by two places). The list is headed by New Zealand’s Trent Boult (726 points), followed by Josh Hazlewood (691 points) and Matt Henry (683 points). Shadab Khan has also made good progress, rising eight places to 30th, while Mohammad Nawaz has vaulted 53 places to enter the top-50 in 47th position. In the T20I player rankings, Babar Azam is ranked number-one with 818 points, while Mohammad Rizwan is second (794 points). South Africa’s Aiden Markram has slipped to third on 772 points. Fakhar Zaman is the next highest-ranked Pakistan batter in 46th position (490 points). Amongst the T20I bowlers, Shaheen Afridi is in 12th position, followed by Shadab Khan (16th), Haris Rauf (29th), Mohammad Nawaz (60th) and Hasan Ali (63rd). In the latest Test rankings, Babar Azam has retained his fourth position, while Azhar Ali and Mohammad Rizwan are 18th and 19th, respectively. Abid Ali is 23rd, Abdullah Shafique is 35th and Fawad Alam is 42nd. Apart from Shaheen Afridi, notable Pakistan bowlers in the Test rankings are Hasan Ali (15th), Mohammad Abbas (20th), Yasir Shah (37th), Nauman Ali (62nd), Naseem Shah (68th), Faheem Ashraf (73rd) and Sajid Khan (75th).