Sports Bulletin

Bipin DaniA Sri Lankan psychologist Samantha Rupasiri has come forward "to help" Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya in his difficult times he's running through.Recently, Hardik and his wife Natasa Stankovic have officially confirmed their separation and the couple issued a joint statement on social media indicating their mutual decision to part ways and their plan to co-parent their son Agastya. As Hardik is in Sri Lanka to represent the Indian cricket team to participate in the 3 T-20Is, the psychologist has offered her services to keep the player mentally fit. "I am not aware whether the Indian team has brought any mental expert on this tour but if not, I am available to him for personal consultation", Samanrtha Rupasiri, who is officially serving in the Service Sector, speaking to this Reporter over the telephone from Colombo, said. Samantha Rupasri arised from University of Peradeniya in 2002 and contributed her guidance conducting educational sessions to Max Cricket Academy established at Keththarama in 2003. At that time Lasith Malinga,Nuwan Kulasekara,Dilruwan Perera, Dilhara Lokuhettige,Dhammika Prasadand and many more players were representing in U 19 squad.At present she is consulting several sports persons with the wide range of her knowledge as a sport psychologist. "Mainly sports psychologists are considering two major aspects. One is enhancing the performance of a player and other is to enhance the mental well-being". "It depends on Hardik's personal perception that he is coping with the situation. If he announced a separation of his marriage he would be able to face the situation.But everything depends on his mental condition, how he is managing his mindfulness. On this tour. If I am given a chance to interact with him I am confident of bringing him out of this trauma". 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out of the Pakistan Shaheens’ Darwin tour after picking up a back injury. Dahani will miss the second four-dayer against Bangladesh ‘A’ starting from Friday and the white-ball leg of the Darwin tour, which involves two one-day matches and the Top End T20 Series.25-year-old fast bowler, who picked up four wickets against Bangladesh ‘A’ in first four-day match, will return to Pakistan immediately and will be assessed by the medical panel before starting the rehabilitation process.Spin-bowling all-rounder Mubasir Khan has been added to the white-ball squad as cover for Dahani. Khurram Shahzad, who was set to return after the completion of two four-day match series against Bangladesh ‘A’, will now be available for selection in the two one-day matches against Northern Territory Strike and Bangladesh ‘A’ on 4 and 6 August, respectively.

Sports DeskISLAMABAD: Following a successful season in the current Lanka Premier League, the Strikers family is expected to return in another exciting show at the Max 60 Caribbean League. The Strikers family is determined to provide unrivaled cricket excitement and promises to deliver another thrilling display of cricketing prowess in the international cricket season.Mohammad Waseem's incredible batting prowess for the Colombo Strikers and Isuru Udana's dynamic all-around ability for the New York Strikers are expected to make it memorable in their match against the Caribbean Giants. Isuru Udana and Muhammed Waseem were also two of the unmatched talents that made the Strikers moments unforgettable on the field.Talking about participation at the upcoming Max 60 Caribbean League, Mohammad Waseem shares, “The team is hoping for a successful opening game against the Caribbean squad. The fact that we are flexible is to our advantage. Preserving our edge and strengthening it is our objective.”Isuru Udana a Sri Lankan cricket player for the New York Strikers stated, "I am confident that our team is well-prepared to compete for top honors in the upcoming Max 60 Caribbean League."Isuru also discussed his teams intention to work harder this season by sharing, "We want to win right away so were excited for our first game. I promise to make a major contribution both on and off the field. I am truly honored to have been chosen for the New York Strikers roster."A long-lasting legacy in the cricket world has been established by the Strikers team due to their dominance in major competitions like the Abu Dhabi T10 the Legends Cricket Trophy and the Lanka Premier League. The Strikers family never ceases to astound with their skillful fielding aggressive batting and cunning bowling.Being the owner of a successful International Franchise, Sagar Khanna shares, “The Strikers mission always has been to participate in more competitive international formats. Participation at the upcoming Max 60 Carribean League adds great anticipation even for fans who have been constantly supporting our game.”The Strikers Squad owner Sagar Khanna elaborates on the winning roster by saying, “As always our priority is to support our squad members for peak performance. Our team this season is full of veterans ready to add some excitement and thrills to our campaign on the Caribbean stage."CEO of Strikers Squad, Shazmeen Kara also shares, “Accepting new formats has been essential for both the Colombo Strikers and the New York Strikers. Participating in multiple leagues has allowed our teams to gain more recognition from fans and earn meaningful victories. We are prepared to pen another gripping tale of triumph as we begin this new chapter.”It is evident that the Strikers want to compete at the top level and establish themselves as outstanding cricket players. Outside of cricket leagues, the Strikers are a popular cricket team that constantly raises the standard. Their path has been defined by their pursuit of victory and dedication to perfection. 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Pakistan Shaheens bagged a hard-fought 148-run win over Bangladesh A in the last hour of play on day four of the first four-day match at the DXC Arena in Darwin on Monday. Shaheens took all 10 Bangladesh wickets in 79.2 overs on day four with Mehran Mumtaz and Shahnawaz Dahani sharing seven among them.Requiring 408 runs to win or to bat out the day to save the game, Bangladesh A’s opening batters started the day by bringing up fifty-run opening partnership continuing from the overnight score of 20-0. Dahani struck to remove Shadman Islam (26, 65b, 4x4s) in the 22nd over. Shaheens’ bowling attack toiled for another 21.1 overs when Mehran eked out the vital scalp of Parvez Hossain Emon, who had faced 138 balls for his 57 runs hitting six fours and two sixes. Mehran soon trapped Aich Mollah, for a paltry four, in the 50th over. For the next 12.2 overs Amite Hasan (71, 102b, 14x4s) and Shahadat Hossain put on 57 runs ringing the alarm bells for Shaheens. Dahani made much needed inroads in the Bangladesh A batting by removing well-set Amite in the 63rd over and Ariful Islam (4, 5b, 1x4) in the 65th over with a little over two hours’ time left in the day. With Shaheens five wickets away from triumph, Mehran Mumtaz landed a double blow in 71st over to end Shahadat’s (42, 62b, 7x4s) rearguard effort and removed Hasan Murad for a five-ball duck leaving Bangladesh A 221-7. It took Shaheens 15.2 more overs to remove the remaining three batters as Ripon Mondol resisted with an unbeaten 43 off 30 balls hitting seven fours and Mahidul Islam chipped in with a 66-ball 15 with Bangladesh A scoring 279 all out in 86.2 overs. Mehran and Dahani collected figures of 4-84 and 3-57, respectively. Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket each. The second four-day match will start on Friday, 26 July at the same venue. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): Ben Stokes will play in The Hundred this year, after the England Men v West Indies Men Test series is finished.Stokes, the England Men's Test captain, missed last year's competition but will be available for four games for Andrew Flintoff's Northern Superchargers team this season.The batters in England Men's Test squad - Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith - will all be available for their teams in The Hundred immediately after the end of the third Rothesay Test match at Edgbaston, scheduled to start on Friday 26 July.The availability of England Men's bowlers will be dependent on workload and international selection, but Gus Atkinson, Matthew Potts and Dillon Pennington are all likely to feature in The Hundred from the early rounds. Chris Woakes is expected to be available from Tuesday 6 August.

Sameer Ahmed KayaniEdgbaston (England): India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by 5 wickets in the final of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston on Saturday (July 13). The Yuvraj Singh-led side showcased their dominance in the competition and secured the coveted title in a match that went down to the wire as two teams fought hard.Pakistan Champions, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) gave the team a solid start, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check.The standout performer was Shoaib Malik, who scored a crucial 41 off 23 balls, anchoring the innings. Captain Younis Khan failed to make a mark as he was clean bowled by Irfan Pathan for 7. The middle-order collapsed and Misbah-ul-Haq was retired hurt after a brisk 18, late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) ensured Pakistan reached a respectable score.Indian bowlers, led by Anureet Singh who clinched three wickets with support from Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi and Irfan Pathan (one wicket each) were instrumental in containing Pakistan's batting lineup.In response, India Champions started their run chase with intent. Despite losing Robin Uthappa (10) early, Ambati Rayudu's explosive 50 off 30 balls set the foundation for the chase for the Men in Blue.Suresh Raina too departed cheaply for 4 in the same over, helping Pakistan make a comeback. But a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.With captain Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) at the crease, India sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs, much to the delight of their fans.Pakistan's bowlers, despite their best efforts, couldn't halt India's march towards the target. Aamer Yamin was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-0-29-2, supported by Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan, who took one wicket each.Brief Scores:Pakistan Champions: 156/6 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 41, Kamran Akmal 24; Anureet Singh 2/43)India Champions: 159/5 in 19.1 overs (Ambati Rayudu 50, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 34, Yusuf Pathan 30; Aamer Yamin 2/29)

Sports Bulletin ReportNorthampton (England): South Africa Champions overcame Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets in their second match of the World Champions League 2024 after chasing chased down a challenging target of 211 set by Pakistan Champions in Northapton, England. Sarel Erwee led the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 57 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 184.21. His innings included 11 fours and six sixes. Jacques Snyman provided excellent support, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 47 balls, with six fours and five sixes. Together, they put on an unbroken 183-run stand for the second wicket, dismantling the Pakistan bowling attack. The only wicket to fall was that of JP Duminy, who scored 9 off 8 balls before being dismissed by Sohail Khan.Earlier, Pakistan Champions posted a competitive 210/4 in their 20 overs. Shoaib Malik's unbeaten 51 off 26 balls and Sharjeel Khan's explosive 72 off 36 balls laid a solid foundation. Contributions from Sohail Maqsood (24 off 24), Shahid Afridi (20 off 10), and Abdul Razzaq (25* off 15) bolstered the total. Imran Tahir and Dale Steyn were the standout bowlers for South Africa, taking 1/19 and 1/24, respectively. This comprehensive victory by South Africa Champions highlighted their dominant form, and Sarel Erwee's century was a testament to his exceptional talent.Brief Scores (South Africa Champions vs Pakistan Champions):Pakistan Champions: 210/4 in 20 overs (Sharjeel Khan 72, Shoaib Malik 51*; Imran Tahir 1/19, Dale Steyn 1/24)South Africa Champions: 211/1 in 18.3 overs (Sarel Erwee 105*, Jacques Snyman 82*; Sohail Khan 1/38)Result: South Africa Champions won by 9 wicketsPlayer of the Match: Sarel Erwe 

Sports Bulletin Report Northampton (England): The West Indies Champions trounced hosts England Champions by 5 wickets in a World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 fixture at County Ground, Northampton on Tuesday.In the first match of the day, the West Indies Champions chased down a formidable target of 210 set by England Champions. Despite losing Chris Gayle early in the first over, Dwayne Smith and Chadwick Walton ensured a strong start, posting 65 runs for the loss of one wicket by the end of the powerplay. Walton particularly targeted Chris Schofield, scoring 20 runs off him in the sixth over. Although Smith was dismissed LBW by Samit Patel for 11, Kirk Edwards kept the momentum going.Walton continued his assault on Schofield, smashing 23 runs in the eighth over with three sixes and a four. He was finally dismissed by Ravi Bopara in the 12th over, scoring a blistering 85 off 42 balls. Following Walton's departure, Edwards fell for 14, leaving West Indies at 125/4. However, Ashley Nurse and Jason Mohammed forged a crucial partnership, adding 67 runs for the fifth wicket. Nurse and Darren Sammy completed the chase, leading West Indies Champions to a 5-wicket victory in 19.3 overs. Walton was named the player of the match for his explosive innings.England Champions, after being put in to bat first, faced an early setback with Phil Mustard falling for a duck to Samuel Badree. Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell stabilized the innings, guiding the team to 48/1 in 6 overs. Pietersen's quickfire 42 off 19 balls was instrumental, but he was dismissed in the eighth over with the score at 80/3. Bell and Ravi Bopara then put up a substantial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bell's 97 off 64 balls, along with Bopara's 53 off 30, propelled England to a total of 209/5 in 20 overs.Brief Scores (West Indies Champions vs England Champions):England Champions: 209/5 in 20 overs (Ian Bell 97, Ravi Bopara 53; Samuel Badree 1/24, Jerome Taylor 1/33)West Indies Champions: 210/5 in 19.2 overs (Chadwick Walton 85, Jason Mohammed 32*; Samit Patel 1/20, Ravi Bopara 1/39)Result: West Indies Champions won by 5 wicketsPlayer of the Match: Chadwick Walton

Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan champions is highly anticipated and cricket fans worldwide are looking forward to it. With all 23000 seats sold out, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch guaranteeing stadium patrons an amazing experience. Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the World Championship of Legends got underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 3 and will run through July 18.Younis Khan said: “We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game.”Suresh Raina said: “Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support.”Harshit Tomar Founder & CEO of World Championship Legends said: “There is an incredible level of excitement and anticipation when one of the most passionate and legendary rivalries in cricket history is involved in our inaugural tournament. The sold-out stadium and the tremendous support from the crowd highlight the special appeal and importance of this meeting. This historic match perfectly captures the essence and history of cricket and we are honored to be the host of it”Legends of retired cricket from all over the world came together for the inaugural edition of World Championship of Legends including Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, India Champions and Pakistan Champions. Legendary athletes that have made noteworthy contributions to the sport make up each team which elevates the competition and increases its excitement.India Champions (Squad): Yuvraj Singh (c), Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Anureet Singh, Pawan NegiPakistan Champions (Squad): Shahid Afridi (c), Sharjeel Khan, Umer Akmal, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rehman, Aamir Yamin, Taufeeq Umer, Shoaib Maqsood, Yasir Arafat, Tanveer Ahmed  

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, KarachiEngland in Pakistan (Three Tests)7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi24-28 Oct – Third Test, RawalpindiWest Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi24-28 Jan – Second Test, MultanNew Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan14 Feb – Final, MultanPakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney18 Nov – Third T20I, HobartPakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo5 Dec – Third T20I, BulawayoPakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)10 Dec – First T20I, Durban13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town.