Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI Haryana's 18-year-old Ajaj Gill has become a celebrity. He met his "god" Mahendra Singh Dhoni on Wednesday. The unusual thing about this fan meeting Dhoni is his 1436-km walk in 20 days from his Jalan Kheda home of Haryana to Ranchi and this was his second attempt to walk this distance merely to meet Dhoni. He could not meet Dhoni when he walked this distance a few months ago and realized that Dhoni had gone to Chennai to go to the UAE for the IPL matches. "I had not given up hope and this time I was determined to meet him and vowed that if he can't meet him, he would starve at his bungalow in Ranchi", speaking exclusively over the telephone, Ajay Gill said. Gill has Dhoni's name in his hair-style. He wears a jersey embroidered with Dhoni's name and photos. "I am his biggest fan", he claims. "I have been his fan since the day when he made his international debut (against Bangladesh in 2005). He was out for zero on his debut ODI, but I was confident that this long-haired young man would be a very successful cricketer". "I cried a lot when he announced his retirement. I have also been a local cricketer but had decided I would hold the bat again and continue to play only when I get a chance to meet my "God" in person and my dream came true only on 17th Nov.". "I touched the feet of my "God". He presented me with a cricket bat with his autograph and now I will begin playing the game again". "Initially, my family was not supporting me. Even the neighbours and friends used to tell me to leave this "madness". "Yes, Dhoni told me not to make this mistake of such a long walk again and blessed me to be his fan".  Now, Gill's return journey has made him a hero. Red carpet welcome awaits him. His next dream is to marry a girl whose name would only be Sakshi.

ABDULLAH ASJAD Rawalpindi (November 17, 2021):-Three wickets apiece from Arham Nawab and Mohammad Zeeshan helped Central Punjab U19 Blues bowled out Southern Punjab U19 Whites for 255 in reply to 337 on day two of the final of the National U19 Championship being staged at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi. At stumps, Central Punjab U19 Blues were 41 for three in their second innings leading by 82 runs. Earlier, resuming their first innings on the overnight score of 35 for no loss, Central Punjab openers Aun Shehzad and Arafat Ahmed provided a solid 58-run partnership for the first wicket. After the departure of Arafat (21, 45b, three fours), Aun was joined by right-handed batter Mohammad Shehzad. The pair knitted 122 runs for the second wicket. Aun scored 78 off 153, hitting nine fours and one six, while Shehzad contributed 94-ball 85, laced with 15 fours and one six. For Central Punjab, off-spinner Arham and right-arm fast Zeeshan picked three wickets each for 42 and 52 runs, respectively. Scores in brief: Central Punjab U19 Blues v Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Central Punjab U19 Blues 337 all out, 76.1 overs (Mohammad Waqas 101, Shawaiz Irfan 71, Abubakar 38, Ali Asfand 31; Faisal Akram 4-54, Arafat Ahmed 2-48, Mohammad Ismail 2-68) and 41-3, 18 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 2-27) Southern Punjab U19 Whites 255 all out, 74.1 overs (Mohammad Shehzad 85, Aun Shehzad 78, Mohammad Ammar 33; Arham Nawab 3-42, Mohammad Zeeshan 3-52, Awais Ali 2-55)

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka’s national senior men’s team head coach Mickey Arthur will join Derbyshire after the upcoming Test series against West Indies. According to highly placed sources at Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Arthur informed SLC of this on Tuesday. "I just wanted to inform you that with regret and against my preferred option I have signed a 3-year contract as Director of Cricket with Derbyshire County Cricket Club to commence after my last assignment being the Test series against West Indies", he has written an email to Shammi Silva (SLC chief), Ashely de Silva (CEO) and Mohan de silva (secretary). "I know that Sri Lanka is a far better place than when I arrived and have helped groom some very good talent as well as developing a team and brand that can give SLC some sustainable success in the future", he has said in a letter. Arthus says he is leaving with a heavy heart, and that his decision was forced by the lack of affirmation he had received from SLC about his future. "All I wanted was an indication from SLC that you were happy with the job that myself and my very loyal and good support staff were doing and I would have stayed, having not received anything I felt with no option. I have fallen in love with Sri Lanka Cricket, the players, the people and your beautiful country". Arthur is determined to help Sri Lanka win the upcoming series. "I am determined beyond no end to help the players beat the West Indies in the last series and would like nothing better to sign off with a Test series win", he has said in his letter, also sent to Tom Moody.

Sports Bulletin Report DUBAHI (November 17, 2021):-The ICC Board appointed Working Group has been established to review the status of the Afghanistan Cricket Board and cricket in Afghanistan in light of the recent governmental changes in the country. The group comprises Imran Khwaja (Chair), Ross McCollum, Lawson Naidoo and Ramiz Raja and will report back to the Board over the coming months. ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “The ICC Board is committed to continuing to support Afghanistan Cricket to develop both men’s and women’s cricket moving forward. We believe the most effective way for this to happen will be to support our members in their efforts to achieve this through its relationship with the new government. “Cricket is fortunate to be in the position to influence positive change in Afghanistan with the national men’s team a source of great pride and unity in a country with a young population that has experienced more upheaval and change than most. We should protect that status and continue to try to influence change through the ACB but will continue to closely monitor the situation and take any decisions accordingly.” Other updates The ICC Board approved the continuation of the ICC World Test Championship in its current form of a nine-team league over a two-year period with a final between the top two teams at the conclusion. Following the expansion of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to a 14-team event in the next cycle2027, the Board accepted a recommendation from the Chief Executives’ Committee that the primary avenue for qualification for the event is based on rankings at a pre-determined cutoff date with the 10 highest-ranked teams on the MRF Men’s ODI Rankings qualifying automatically, and the remainder being determined via a global qualifier. BCCI Chair Sourav Ganguly has been appointed to the position of Chair of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee after Anil Kumble stepped down having served a maximum of three, three-year terms. ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “I am delighted to welcome Sourav to the position of Chair of the ICC Men’s Cricket Committee. His experience as one of the world’s best players and latterly as an administrator will help us shape our cricketing decisions moving forward. I would also like to thank Anil for his outstanding leadership over the last nine years which has included improving the international game through more regular and consistent application of DRS and a robust process for addressing suspect bowling actions.” The Board also approved that first-class status and list A classification will be applied to women’s cricket to align with the men’s game and applied retrospectively. Going forward the ICC Women’s Committee will be known as the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee and will assume all decision making responsibility for women’s cricket reporting directly to the CEC. Johnny Grave, CEO of Cricket West Indies has been appointed to the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee. ICC Chair Greg Barclay added: “This has been an extremely productive set of Board meetings and I’d like to thank my fellow Board Directors for their efforts in travelling to Dubai to enable us to enjoy our first face to face meeting in more than two years. International travel is not easy in COVID times, but we have achieved a significant amount by being in the same room. “Finally, on behalf of the ICC Board, I’d like to thank the ICC staff for their continued commitment over the last two years. It hasn’t been a straightforward period and the challenges thrown at us by COVID have impacted on how they have had to operate. They have responded with great energy and have consistently delivered to a high standard culminating with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 which has been a resounding success.”

Special Report Dubai (November 16, 2021):-Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Ramiz Raja has thanked the International Cricket Council for awarding the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 to Pakistan, saying the event will showcase Pakistan’s passion for the sport. The ICC Board’s decision means Pakistan will defend the ICC Champions Trophy title in their backyard when the eight-team and 15-match tournament is held at three iconic venues in February 2025. Pakistan had defeated India by 180 runs in the 2017 tournament at The Oval. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am pleased no-end with the ICC’s decision to select Pakistan as a host nation for one of their elite tournaments. By allocating a major global event to Pakistan, the ICC has expressed complete confidence and faith in our management and operational capabilities and skills. “We have continued to demonstrate how a great host we are and through the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, we will again showcase our passion and love for the sport as this event will be a boon to the millions of home fans, who will see world class teams and their favourite international players from close quarters. “We not only endeavour to plan and deliver a world-class event, we will also prepare and field a strong and formidable side that can perform and entertain our home fans. We saw during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign how the nation got united and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 at home will be another opportunity to further strengthen that bond as we defend the title.”  

Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI (November 16, 2021):-Mohammad Waqas representing Central Punjab U19 Blues hit century against Southern Punjab U19 Whites on the opening day of the National U19 Championship final being staged at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. After being put into bat, Central Punjab were dismissed for 337 in the 77th over. Right-handed batter Waqas struck 16 fours and three sixes during his 132-ball 101 innings. He was supported by opening batter Shawaiz Irfan who contributed 71 off 113 balls, hitting 12 fours. Waqas and Shawaiz added 12o runs for the third wicket. Southern Punjab’s Faisal Akram with his left-arm spin took four for 54, while Arafat Ahmed and Mohammad Ismail bagged two wickets apiece. At stumps, Southern Punjab U19 Whites were 35 for no loss in nine overs. Scores in brief: Central Punjab U19 Blues v Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi Central Punjab U19 Blues 337 all out, 76.1 overs (Mohammad Waqas 101, Shawaiz Irfan 71, Abubakar 38, Ali Asfand 31; Faisal Akram 4-54, Arafat Ahmed 2-48, Mohammad Ismail 2-68) Southern Punjab U19 Whites 35-0, nine overs (Aun Shehzad 19 not out, Arafat Ahmed 16 not out)

SPECIAL REPORT (November 16, 2021):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) today confirmed the 14 host countries of the ICC men’s white ball events from 2024-2031. 11 Full Members and three Associate Members have been selected to host two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups, four ICC Men’s T20 World Cups and two ICC Men’s Champions Trophy events. Pakistan will host Champions Trophy in 2025. The USA and Namibia will host an ICC World Cup event for the first time. Whilst Australia, Bangladesh, England, Ireland, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Zimbabwe have previously staged major events and will do so again over the next decade. The hosts were selected via a competitive bidding process overseen by a Board sub-committee chaired by Martin Snedden along with Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Skerritt. The ICC Board accepted the recommendations of the committee who conducted a thorough review of each bid along with ICC management. A similar process to identify the hosts for ICC Women’s and U19s events for the next cycle will be undertaken early next year. ICC Chair Greg Barclay said: “We are delighted to have concluded this competitive bidding process for the first time for ICC events. To have 14 Members hosting 8 events is a reflection of the truly global nature of our sport and I’d like to thank every Member that submitted a bid and offer our congratulations to the successful bidders. “It is fantastic to be returning to so many previous hosts, but what is really exciting about this process is the countries who will stage ICC events for the first time including the USA which is a strategic growth market for us. This gives us the opportunity to deepen our connection with fans in traditional cricket nations and also reach new fans around the world.” Martin Snedden, Chair of the ICC Hosting Sub-Committee said: “We received a range of excellent bids to host the ICC Men’s events in the next cycle. We were committed to ensuring a broad spread of hosts to align with the ICC strategic objective of global growth and have ended up with 14 countries who will support that long term aim.” Ricky Skerritt, Cricket West Indies President and ICC Board member said: “The success of this joint bid by CWI and USA Cricket will be a huge boost for our cricket. It offers a vital strategic opportunity to promote and develop cricket, and related commercial activity, in North America and the Caribbean. I take this opportunity to thank all those at ICC, USA Cricket and CWI who helped to make this 2024 venue selection decision possible.” The awarding of the events to preferred hosts is subject to the completion of the host agreements and the ICC will now work closely with Members to finalise arrangements. 17 Members submitted a total of 28 proposals to host the eight ICC Men’s white ball events.

Ali Ahmed LAHORE:-National selectors today announced the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the two Tests against Bangladesh, which will be played in Chittagong (26-30 November) and Dhaka (4-8 December). Opener Imam-Ul-Haq, middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam and off-spinner Bilal Asif have been named in the 20-player squad, replacing Haris Rauf, Imran Butt, Shahnawaz Dahani and Yasir Shah, who were part of the 21-player side that toured the West Indies in July/August. Left-handed Imam has been recalled following his stellar performances in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which he has aggregated 488 runs in five innings of four matches, including an unbeaten double-century. Imam had played his 11th and last Test against Australia in Adelaide in November/December 2019. Bilal has replaced Yasir Shah who is still recovering from a thumb injury he sustained during the National T20 and is yet to feature in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The off-spinner has taken 16 wickets in five Tests and has been drafted in the side considering Bangladesh squad includes left-handed batters and also looking ahead to the home Tests against Australia. Kamran has returned to the side after missing the West Indies tour. He was in the squad for the home series against South Africa after scoring a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy record 1,249 runs in the 2020-21 season. Kamran is presently in Sri Lanka with the Pakistan Shaheens where he scored 58 not out and 45 in two innings of the rain-affected two-match four-day series. Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim: “We have selected the squad following discussions with the team management and after taking into consideration the opposition’s potential make-up and the conditions in which the Tests will be played. “As we already have four frontline fast bowlers, we have allowed Haris Rauf and Shahnawaz Dahani to return to Pakistan after the T20Is so that they can play in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and prepare for Australia Tests. An in-form left-handed Imam-Ul-Haq has replaced Imran Butt, who managed to score at 17.8 in 10 Test innings, but he has a chance to continue to play and perform in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy so that he can force his way back in the side. “Bangladesh are strong side in their backyard but we have the resources, talent and experience to perform strongly and then carry that momentum into the Australia Tests, which will be part of the ICC World Test Championship.” Pakistan Test squad: Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Naseem Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Zahid Mahmood (Sindh).

Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI:-Central Punjab Under-19 Blues will take on Southern Punjab Under-19 Blues in the National Under-19 Championship final, a four-day affair, at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. The two sides have topped their groups with Southern Punjab Whites winning three of their five matches and Central Punjab Blues winning two. The winning team will receive PKR1.5million while the runners-up will bag PKR750,000. The top performers – best player, best batter, best bowler and best wicketkeeper – will receive PKR50,000 each and the player of the final will pocket PKR25,000. The four-day final will be a good contest between bat and ball, as Southern Punjab Whites have dominated the batting charts, while Central Punjab Blues have shown their dominance with the ball in the tournament. Players to watch out for in the final: Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Mohammad Shehzad: The 18-year old leads the batting chart scoring 696 runs at 99.43 in five matches. The right-handed batter has scored three centuries and as many half-centuries with 208 as his highest score in the tournament. Southern Punjab U19 Whites – Arafat Ahmed: The 17-year old is a good all-round player available to Southern Punjab Whites. The left-handed batter has featured in five matches, scoring 430 runs at 61.43. His best score is 108 and has hit two centuries and one half-century. With left-arm spin, he has bagged 20 wickets at 12.65, with two five-wicket hauls to his name and has best figures of five for 16 in an innings. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Ali Asfand: The 17-year old has 23 scalps in five matches. Left-arm spinner has taken two five-wicket hauls in the tournament with five for 20 his best figures in the innings. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Arham Nawab: Arham with his right-arm off-spin has taken 23 wickets in five outings. The 18-year old has twice taken four wickets in an innings with four for 46 his best figures in an innings so far in the tournament. Central Punjab U19 Blues – Awais Ali: The 16-year old fast bowler has 22 wickets at 14.82. Like his teammate Arham, he too has two four-wicket hauls in an innings. His best figures in an innings are four for 23.

Sports Bulletin Report DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka:-Pakistan Shaheens won the three-match one-day series against Sri Lanka A 1-0 as the third and final match of the series was abandoned due to rain after 32 overs of Shaheens’ innings. Shaheens had won the first match on Thursday by six wickets while only one over was possible in the second match on Saturday before rain forced a premature end. On Monday, Shaheens were asked to bat first after Sri Lanka A captain Kamindu Mendis won the toss. Openers Omair Bin Yousuf and Abdullah Shafique provided a 49-run start in 10.5 overs. Abdullah was dismissed for 27 (35 balls, four fours). Omair posted his half-century, the right-hander hit seven fours in his 59 off 72 balls, he was sent packing by Ashian Daniel. Captain Saud Shakeel who had hit a century in the first four-day match continued his rich vein of form with a sparking unbeaten 59 off 72 balls (four fours, one six) before rain brought an end to the proceedings. Scores in Brief: No Result, Pakistan win three-match series 1-0 Pakistan Shaheens  167 for 4, 32 overs (Saud Shakeel 59 not out, Omair Bin Yousuf 59; Ashian Daniel 2-44)