Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (September 15, 2021):-After the Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja announced an increase in the retainers of domestic contracts by PKR100,000 across all five categories, the cricket board confirmed the list of 191 players who will be offered the enhanced packages for the 157-match six senior men’s events from 15 September to 30 March. Monday’s announcement means 10 players in A+ category will now receive a monthly retainer of PKR250,000 each, followed by PKR185,000 each for the 40 cricketers in Category A, PKR175,000 each for 40 players in Category B, PKR165,000 each for the 64 players in Category C and PKR140,000 each for the 37 players in category D. The retainers are in addition to the match fees, daily allowances, share in prize moneys and PCB-arranged lodging, boarding and traveling the domestic cricketers will receive during the six-and-a-half months of cricket. As such, a Category A+ player, featuring in all matches, can earn up to PKR5million, whereas, a Category D player, who shows fitness and form throughout the season, can earn up to PKR3.75m annually. This is a significant rise compared to a flat retainer of PKR50,000 that was offered to the domestic cricketers when the revised cricket structure was launched in the 2019-20 season. In the 2020-21 season, slab system was introduced and remunerations were fixed at PKR150,000 for A+ Category, PKR85,000 for Category A, PKR75,000 for Category B, PKR65,000 for Category C and PKR40,000 for Category D. The latest announcement reflects the value and importance the PCB has decided to put into its domestic events as it aims to attract, incentivise, challenge and provide opportunities to the talented youngsters so that top-notch cricketers can graduate to the next level and strengthen the men’s national cricket team. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “It is extremely important that our domestic cricketers are paid well-enough so they continue to focus on upgrading their skills and fitness levels without worrying about how they have to take care of their families, loved ones and careers. “It is duty of Pakistan Cricket Board to look after the cricketers in the country and I am very happy to announce this move. The significant increase in salaries, which I am hopeful will improve further in future, strengthens our current domestic system and removes ambiguities surrounding the welfare and sound earning opportunities for our cricketers who can adopt first-class cricket as a career.” Amongst the 191 cricketers who have been offered domestic contracts for 2021-22 include 20 cricketers from the recently-organised CCA two-day tournaments. Out of these 20 cricketers, 11 are from far-flung areas of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as the PCB remains committed in not only tapping talent from these areas but also involving them in the national framework. The 20 players to breakthrough the CCA Two-Day Tournament are: Balochistan – Abdul Hanan (Killa Abdullah), Aftab Ahmed (Loralai), Fahad Hussain (Jaffarabad), Mohammad Idrees (Quetta), Mohammad Javed (Pishin), Sanaullah (Loralai), Syed Zainullah (Pishin) and Tariq Jameel (Loralai) Central Punjab – Haseeb-ur-Rehman (Lahore), Mohammad Irfan Jnr (Sheikhupura), Mohammad Tabriaz (Sialkot) and Mohammad Waheed (Lahore) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Mohammad Ibrahim (Swabi), Waqar Ahmad (Lower Dir) and Yasir Khan (Bannu) Northern – Asad Raza (Faisalabad) Sindh – Khuzaima Bin Tanveer (Karachi), Mushtaq Ahmed Kalhoro (Sukkur) and Junaid Ilyas (Karachi) Southern Punjab – Mohammad Shroon Siraj (Sahiwal)

By Bipin Dani The Sri Lankan team management had sought the match official's permission to allow Dinesh Chandimal, the reserved player to keep wickets in place of Kusal Perera, who batted but was unfit to field in the last T-20I against South Africa on Tuesday. Consent of the opposing captain (Keshav Maharaj in this case) was not required, according to Jonny Singer, the Laws of Cricket Advisor at the MCC. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Lord's, London, he says, "Law 24.1 states: 24.1.1 the umpires shall allow a substitute fielder 24.1.1.1 if they are satisfied that a fielder has been injured or become ill and that this occurred during the match, or 24.1.1.2 for any other wholly acceptable reason. "If the umpires were satisfied that there had been such an injury (I believe a hamstring injury is being reported) then a substitute is permitted". Law 24.1.2 adds: A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires. The umpires appear to have given consent on this matter. In both cases, this is a decision for the umpires, not the opposing captain", Singer added. Tom Smith’s Cricket Umpiring and Scoring, MCC’s Official Interpretation of the Laws of Cricket, has the following to add on the subject: “It is the umpires alone who decide whether a player can have a substitute or runner for whatever reason. The captains have no say. Once a substitute fielder is allowed, there can be no objection as to who it is or where he/she can field. If a wicket-keeper is injured, a captain may ask for the umpire’s consent for a substitute to keep wicket – this will be a decision for the umpires, and the umpires alone, to make. There is nothing to stop them saying yes, but they should not be swayed by the pleas, or complaints, of either captain". There may, of course, be specific ICC Playing Conditions that supersede the Laws for this fixture.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD (September 15, 2021) Saint Lucia Kings and Patriots qualified for the final of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) after beating Trinbago Knight Riders and Guyana Amazon Warriors in the semifinals respectively on Tuesday night. SAINT LUCIA KINGS STORM INTO FINAL AFTER THRILLER A high-scoring thriller saw Saint Lucia Kings reach the final of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and eliminate defending champions Trinbago Knight Riders. The Saint Lucia Kings won the toss and chose to bat. Mark Deyal got the side off to a flying start and they maintained a high intensity throughout the innings, as Tim David and David Wiese combined to cause carnage in the latter overs, taking the side to a mammoth 205/4 after their 20 overs.  Trinbago Knight Riders got off to a fast start in response but slowly unravelled amidst a growing run rate, as David Wiese took his second five wicket haul of this year’s Hero CPL to end their title defence as they finished on 184 all out . Saint Lucia Kings had got off to a troublesome start as Rahkeem Cornwall was caught out in the first over. Yet Deyal would come in and play with an attacking intent that saw him launch eleven boundaries and reach his highest ever T20 score, 78 off just 44 balls. Roston Chase would aid the side with a valuable knock, before David and Wiese came in and formed a destructive partnership: 75 runs coming off the last 34 balls. Despite the high score, Sunil Narine was excellent with the ball for the Trinbago Knight Riders, conceding a paltry twelve runs from his four overs. Trinbago Knight Riders responded with a strong start, scoring 66 runs in the Powerplay for just the loss of one wicket, as Narine and Colin Munro kept the required run rate within reach. However, Wiese starred with the ball as he took both of their wickets, adding pressure to the chase. Despite quick-fire cameos from Darren Bravo and captain Kieron Pollard, it was not enough as the champions faltered under disciplined bowling from Alzarri Joseph and Wahab Riaz. Wiese then capped off a superb game by taking late wickets to reach his five wicket haul. Saint Lucia Kings reached their second successive Hero CPL final with the win and the result means we will have a new champion this year. Saint Lucia Kings 205/4 (Deyal 78, David 38; Narine 1/12, Hosein 1/27) beat Trinbago Knight Riders 184 all out (Narine 30, Ramdin 29 ; Wiese 5/39, Paul 2/21) by 21 runs. GAYLE AND LEWIS FIREWORKS TAKE PATRIOTS TO FINAL   In front of a home crowd, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots secured a place in the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) final with a dominant seven wicket victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors. The Patriots won the toss and chose to field first. Despite a bright start from the Amazon Warrior’s openers, wickets tumbled in the middle overs before a late burst from Shimron Hetmyer took his side to a substantial 178/9. In their chase, the Patriots once again opted to open with Chris Gayle, and he laid the platform for a successful chase, lashing the ball into the stands on numerous occasions, before Evin Lewis then took over to guide his side to a crushing victory. The Warriors consolidated after losing Brandon King in the fourth over of their innings, with Chandrapaul Hemraj and Shoaib Malik patiently building. However, three wickets in three successive overs, including that of captain Nicholas Pooran, saw the side collapse, reaching 131-8 at one point. Spinners Jon-Russ Jaggesar and Fawad Ahmed were exceptional for the Patriots during this period. It was left to Shimron Hetmyer to salvage the innings and he did so in spectacular style, scoring 45 runs from 20 balls, including a remarkable 25 runs from the last over of the innings. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in turn reached their highest powerplay score of this year’s Hero CPL, Gayle and Lewis bringing up 68-0 after the first six overs. Gayle was in destructive form, scoring 42 from 27 balls, and after he fell to youngster Kevin Sinclair, it was Lewis who took responsibility to lead the chase. Supported by captain DJ Bravo, who promoted himself to number three, Lewis blasted 77* off just 39 balls as the Patriots won with thirteen balls to spare. With this win St Kitts and Nevis Patriots will now go on to meet the Saint Lucia Kings in Wednesday’s Hero CPL final, with one side set to win their maiden title. St Kitts and Nevis Patriots 181-3 (Lewis 77*, Gayle 42; Smith 2/48, Sinclair 1/31) beat Guyana Amazon Warriors 178-9  (Hetmyer 45*, King 27, Hemraj 27; Jaggesar 2/19, Fawad 2/22) by seven wickets.

Sports Bulletin Report QUETTA (September 14, 2021): The six Cricket Association Second XI sides will feature in the opening event of the 2021-22 domestic season with the Cricket Associations T20 Tournament beginning on Wednesday at the Bugti Stadium in Quetta.  Two matches will be played on each day other than the final day of the tournament. The first match will start at 0930 while the second match will begin at 1330. The eight-day tournament will provide a perfect opportunity to budding youngsters to showcase their talent and get a chance to feature in the forthcoming National T20 Cup (First XI) to be played in Multan and Lahore from 25 September to 13 October. Another incentive for cricketers who have domestic contracts is the increase of PKR 100,000 in monthly retainers. The announcement was made by recently elected Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja in a press conference in Lahore on Monday. Central Punjab who won the Cricket Associations T20 last year will be looking to defend the title under Saif Badar when they take on Faraz Ali’s Sindh on the opening day. The captains of the participating teams while talking exclusively to pcb.com.pk expressed their delight over Chairman PCB’s monthly retainer increase announcement and talked about their preparations and combinations ahead of the tournament. Jalat Khan, Balochistan 2nd XI: “We had good practice sessions before the tournament. Our squad is balanced with good utility players in the side, but we will rely on our bowlers to restrict the opposing teams to help us do well in the tournament. “Chairman PCB’s announcement for increase in monthly-retainers for cricketers with domestic contracts will create a good healthy competition among the players to do well.” Saif Badar, Central Punjab 2nd XI: “The incentive announced by the Chairman PCB is really great for us, this will help us stay motivated and become more focused towards the game. The preparations for the tournament is really good, the players have worked really hard in the practice sessions and we are looking to play fearless game and defend our title. “Our combination is good, covering all bases of batting and bowling departments. We have three all-rounders in our team which are very vital for us in the T20 format.” Zohaib Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2nd XI: “The increase in monthly-retainers announced for cricketers with domestic contracts will help players to work more on their fitness to compete at the international level. “The players at our region play attacking cricket so we are looking forward to play our brand of cricket and win this tournament. “Our combination for the tournament is good with mixture of senior and young players in the squad. We have some young players who will be playing for the first time in this tournament and they have showed some great skill work in the camp.” Umair Masood, Northern 2nd XI: “The players had good practice sessions in the camp organised before the start of the season. We have a young squad as compared to other teams in the tournament and the players are really excited to perform to their best.” Faraz Ali, Sindh 2nd XI: “The increase in retainership is a pleasant surprise for us before the start of the season. It will motivate the players to do well and they will grab this opportunity with both hands. “We have been working hard in the pre-season camp especially in the T20 format to get ourselves ready in time for the T20 tournament.” Umar Siddique, Southern Punjab 2nd XI: “The increase in monthly-retainers is quite satisfying for the players to go out and express themselves in the ground. The preparation for the tournament is good, we had played some practice games in our pre-season camp and the players are eager to perform when the tournament resumes.” The squads and event schedule: Balochistan 2nd XI – Jalat Khan (captain), Awais Zia, Abdul Hanan, Abdul Nasir, Aftab Ahmed, Fahad Hussain, Fahad Iqbal, Gohar Faiz, Gulraiz Sadaf (WK), Hidayat Ullah (WK), M. Ibrahim Snr, M.Junaid, Mohammad Shahid, Najeeb Ullah Achakzai, Syed Zainullah and Taj Wali Central Punjab 2nd XI - Saif Badar (captain), Ahmed Abdullah Safi, Ali Shan, Asad Ali Jnr, Gohar Hafeez, Haseeb Ur Rehman, Junaid Ali, Kamran Afzal, M Faizan, M Irfan Jnr, Mudassar Riaz, Muhammad Imran Dogar, Muhammad Tabriaz Butt, Nisar Ahmed, Sohaib Ullah and Umar Akmal Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2nd XI - Zohaib Khan (captain), Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Jamal, Aitizaz Habib, Amir Azmat, Maaz Khan, Mishal Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Nabi Gul, Niaz Khan, Sajjad Ali, Saqib Jamil, Syed Arif Shah, Tahir Khan and Yasir Khan Northern 2nd XI - Umair Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Ali Imran, Aqib Liaqat, Asad Raza, Ather Mehmood, Mubasir Khan, Munir Riaz, Nasir Nawaz, Raza Hassan, Sadaqat Ali, Salman Irshad, Sarmad Bhatti, Taimoor Sultan, Zaman Khan and Zeeshan Malik Sindh 2nd XI - Faraz Ali (captain), Ammad Alam, Arish Ali Khan, Asif Mehmood, Ghulam Mudassir, Imtiaz Laghari, Jahanzaib Sultan, Mohammad Afzal (WK), Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Umar, Rameez Aziz, Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Shahid Meerani, Umair bin Yousuf (VC) and Usman Khan Southern Punjab 2nd XI - Umar Siddique (captain), Ahsan Baig, Ali Majid, Ali Shafique, Dilbar Hussain, Hassan Khan, Humayun Altaf, Kaleem Ullah, M Shahryar, M Sudais, Moinuddin, Mukhtar Ahmed, Shahroon Siraj, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Khan and Yousuf Babar Cricket Associations T20 schedule (all matches at Bugti Stadium in Quetta): 15 Sep - Balochistan v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Central Punjab v Sindh 16 Sep – Northern v Southern Punjab; Balochistan v Sindh 17 Sep – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Southern Punjab; Balochistan v Central Punjab 18 Sep – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Sindh; Central Punjab v Southern Punjab 19 Sep – Northern v Sindh; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa v Central Punjab 20 Sep – Balochistan v Northern; Sindh v Southern Punjab 21 Sep – Northern v Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Balochistan v Southern Punjab 22 Sep – Northern v Central Punjab

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (September 14, 2021): A wonderful cricketer, Naseer Islam started the cricket career in the decade of 80’s from North Nazamabad from school. Later, he started to play for Young Fighters Club Karachi. Naseer also represented Karachi Gymkhana and Karachi whites. In 1988, Naseer moved to United States of America (USA) and started playing cricket for club known as Pakistan Cricket Club (PCC) in 1990. After one year, he joined Potomac Cricket Club in 1991. It was new turn in his cricket career, when he attached with ICC Cricket Club and he played important role in back-to-back victories in the 2 championship. In 2001, Naseer Islam led the VCC for five years and won three championships from Washington Cricket League. “I remember when Bangladesh national team visited Washington DC in 1995 where I got called up to represent the US national team and played as 12th man. Also, I represented the US national team for over five year and still active to perform up to mark. Now playing for Potomac cc and representing DC Hawks in the minor league as an all-rounder. Height scored is 200 run in 40 over game and hit 6 sixes in an over, “he told Sports Bulletin over his mobile from Washington District of Colambia.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (September 14, 2021) President, Swiss-Pak Friendship Forum Raja Hafeez congratulated Geneva XI Stars Cricket Club on their notable performance and playing a vital role in the promotion of the game in the region. In a message, he viewed off that XI stars were doing excellent job in promoting the cricket and providing international standard coaching facilities to budding players.    “Professional mentors are playing brilliant role to promote the Swiss Pak Sports Activities in Geneva, we congratulate all our team members including Maroof Awan, Taufeeq Khurram, Rizwan Saeed, Usman Mohammad, Taimoor Ahmed, “he said. Secretary, Véronique Zoller also hailed the role of Pakistani guys in uplifting the standard of sports in Geneva.

By Bipin Dani Intro: Despite fans wondering if this is a BCCI marketing gimmick, many think MSD and Kohli's contrasting personalities will benefit Team India Body copy: The Indian cricket board has roped in former captain MS Dhoni (MSD) as the team mentor specifically for the World Cup, which will be held in the UAE next month. MSD, who retired from international cricket in last August, has been appointed to “provide support and direction,” to the Indian team management that is currently led by head coach Ravi Shastri. The “cool” Dhoni obviously captures headlines as the helping hand for the most aggressive Team India captain, Virat Kohli. While several fans wonder if the mentor tag is a mere distraction and yet another BCCI marketing gimmick, the Who’s Who of Indian cricket, past and present, think otherwise. Those in favour… India’s former chief selector MSK Prasad believes that India has an excellent team management who has handled the team during its thick and thin for the last few years. “And MSD’s addition will only enhance this team management’s strength. Virat’s aggressiveness on the field and MSD’s cool and calm temperament will definitely help the cause for both Virat and Team India,” he adds. Prasad also thinks Dhoni will be a wonderful addition to the T2 World Cup squad as a mentor of the side. “His experience of winning three ICC Trophies as captain will definitely help the team and the team captain Virat Kohli in the upcoming mega event. More importantly, there is no better player and captain than MSD in the history of T20 who can don the role of a mentor and enhance our chances of winning the T20 World Cup,” Prasad included. Sports psychologist Anusheela Brahamchari points out how both MSD and Kohli have their own set of experiences. “Provided the contrast in their personalities don’t collide, it is a potential opportunity for the team to build unbeatable strategies and optimum energy levels,” says Anusheela. The psychologist also believes that the coach mentor and captain of a team are its pillars especially because success in sport always demands a fine combination of attacking, risk-taking behaviour and calm, strategic planning.  “A team’s coach, mentor and captain set the tone of the team spirit, interpersonal dynamics and the fine strategies. Having Dhoni as the mentor and Kohli as the captain gives the team a potential chance of achieving that balance,” Anusheela adds. More thoughts Another sports psychologist Varadayini Gorhe (Chitale) also echoed the above thoughts. “Ricky Ponting mentoring the Australian team for the Ashes also helped the coaches gain a different perspective into the strategies. Similarly, more than the personalities, I think two very experienced heads coming together may prove to be a good combo. I think MSD would carry the knowledge of winning two World cups. That itself would be beneficial to the entire team, especially those who have never worked with him,” Varadayini points out. Another person who believes that this new combination will be beneficial for Team India is India’s former left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha. “Dhoni and Kohli share a good camaraderie. Virat enjoys MSD’s company and has always complimented him as a guiding force. I think the experience and understanding they have will only benefit the team,” he shares.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (September 14, 2021):-The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will travel to Bangladesh after five years to play the hosts in three T20 Internationals and two ICC World Test Championship matches after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates. The national side’s tour is part of the Future Tours Programme and will commence with the T20I series, which will be staged at Dhaka’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, on 19 November. The second and third T20Is will be played on 20 and 22 November.   The two teams will then travel to Chattogram for the first of the two Tests at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium from 26-30 November. This match will see the two sides face-off in the apex form of the game on Bangladeshi soil for the first time since May 2015, when Pakistan won the two-match series by completing a win in the final Test by a mammoth 328 runs. The two teams will return to Dhaka to play the final Test, which will start from 4 December. Pakistan are ranked second on the ICC World Test Championship points table with one win in two matches, while Bangladesh are yet to kick of their campaign. Pakistan have immaculate record in Tests against Bangladesh with 10 wins from 11 matches. They also enjoy an impressive record in the T20Is against Bangladesh with 10 wins from 12 matches. Fixtures: 19 Nov – First T20I, Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka 20 Nov – Second T20I, Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka 22 Nov – Third T20I, Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka 26-30 Nov – First Test, Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram 4-8 Dec – Second Test, Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, Dhaka

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI (September 13, 2021): Challengers and Strikers recorded comprehensive victories over Blasters and Dynamites in the Pakistan Cup for Women’s One-Day Tournament at the Oval Academy Ground and National Stadium, Karachi on Monday. Waheeda Akhtar starred with the ball as Challengers dismissed Blasters for 59 in 31.2 overs at the Oval Academy Ground. Waheeda who opened the bowling took four wickets for 11 runs in a match winning nine-over spell. She found great support from Anoosha Nasir, Saba Nazir and Syeda Masooma Zahra who all took two wickets each as Blasters were sent packing for a low score. Challengers chased down the target in 21 overs with Sidra Amin and Iram Javed contributing 25 and 18 unbeaten runs respectively. Waheeda was named player of the match. Over at the National Stadium, Strikers recorded a thumping 65-run win over Dynamites. Batting first, Strikers posted 237 for eight in their allotted 50 overs. Opener Ayesha Zafar top-scored with 65 off 66 balls, her innings included nine fours. Kainat Imtiaz contributed 57 off 73 balls, the Strikers captain hit five fours in her innings. Ghulam Fatima and Maham Tariq took two wickets each. Dynamites were bowled out for 172 runs in reply in 43.2 overs. Captain Muneeba Ali scored 51 off 70 balls (five fours, one six). Aliya Riaz (29) and Maham Tariq (24) were the only other batters to make significant contributions as Strikers bowlers took wickets at regular intervals. Player of the match Tooba Hassan took four wickets for 28 runs from her leg-breaks, Fatima Khan took two wickets for 10 runs in her four overs. Scores in Brief: Challengers beat Blasters by six wickets Blasters 59 all out, 31.2 overs (Sidra Nawaz 19; Waheeda Akhtar 4-11, Anoosha Nasir 2-6, Saba Nazir 2-8, Syeda Maso0ma Zahra 2-16) Challengers 60 for 4, 21 overs (Sidra Amin 25 not out, Iram Javed 18 not out; Nida Dar 3-16) Player of the match: Waheeda Akhtar Strikers beat Dynamites by 65 runs Strikers 237 for 8, 50 overs (Ayesha Zafar 65, Kainat Imtiaz 57; Ghulam Fatima 2-30, Maham Tariq 2-47) Dynamites 172 all out, 43.2 overs (Muneeba Ali 51, Aliya Riaz 29, Maham Tariq 24; Tooba Hassan 4-28, Fatima Khan 2-10) Player of the match: Tooba Hassan Next matches: 15 September – ChallengersVvs Strikers, National Stadium Dynamites Vs Blasters, Oval Academy Ground.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (September 13, 2021): Former Australian batsman Matthew Hayden and former South Africa pacer Vernon Philander have been appointed batting and bowling coaching consultants for Pakistan men’s national cricket team for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Pakistan Cricket Board’s 36th Chairman Ramiz Raja announced on Monday. “The national side has the potential to win the World Cup and we need to back the side selected for the global event,” he said while addressing media at the National High Performance Centre following his unopposed and unanimous election as PCB’s Chairman. “We need to fine-tune our plans. Pakistan cricket’s DNA consists fearlessness, and we need to define a proper model and provide clarity to achieve desired results.”  Ramiz Raja announced 192 cricketers with domestic contracts will see an increase of PKR100,000 in monthly retainers across all rungs. This means that domestic men’s cricketers in the 2021-22 season, which begins with the Cricket Associations T20, the Second XI competition, from 15 September at the Quetta’s Bugti Stadium, will now earn between PKR140,000 to PKR250,000 per month, which is an increase of 250 per cent for the players in the D category, the lowest category. “It is our duty to care for our cricketers and continue to take measures which strengthen our system,” Ramiz said. “This will also play a role in ending any uncertainty surrounding the current cricket structure; the welfare of present and former cricketers is paramount to me.” In a bid to further strengthen the age-group structure and ensure that young cricketers are fully equipped for the modern-day cricket, Mr Ramiz Raja announced plans to launch an U19 T20 league to develop cricketers from the nascent stages. “We need to develop an environment in which we generate professional cricketers at young level,” he said. “This will help the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises as well, who are on the lookout for youngsters. I would like the former greats to coach them. We need to give push to the age-group cricketers so they can excel in the sport from the early age.” Ramiz Raja also said that it was important to improve the quality of pitches at the grassroots level, as they are integral for the development of cricketers. In a move that will further strengthen the academies structure and provide upcoming cricketers with the desired facilities to enhance their skillsets and improve their fitness levels, Mr Ramiz Raja said high performance centres will be established in interior Sindh and Balochistan.