Sports Bulletin

SPORTS BULLETIN Islamabad (September 9, 2021):-Elite panellist Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza of the international panel will umpire in the three ODIs between Pakistan and New Zealand to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 17, 19 and 21 September. Mohammad Javed will be the match referee for the ODIs as well as the five T20Is, which will be played from 25 September to 3 October. Javed is on the ICC’s international panel of match referees. Aleem and Ahsan have been assigned on-field responsibilities for the ICC Men’s World Cup Super League fixtures as DRS will not be available. Apart from Aleem and Ahsan, who will also be involved in the T20Is, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi, Rashid Riaz and Shozab Raza will also share umpiring responsibilities in the matches to be played in Lahore. Asif, Rashid and Shozab are on the ICC’s international panel of umpires The following are the match officials’ appointments: 17 Sep – 1st ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire) and Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 19 Sep – 2nd ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire) and Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 21 Sep – 3rd ODI, Pindi Cricket Stadium. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire) and Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 25 Sep – 1st T20I, Gaddafi Stadium. Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire) and Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 26 Sep – 2nd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium. Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire) and Shozab Raza (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 29 Sep- 3rd T20I, Gaddafi Stadium. Aleem Dar and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire) and Shozab Raza (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee). 1 Oct – 4th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium. Asif Yaqoob and Shozab Raza (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire) and Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee) 3 Oct – 5th T20I, Gaddafi Stadium. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire) and Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire). Mohammad Javed (match referee).

Sports Bulletin RAWALPINDI (September 9, 2021):-Mohammad Nawaz has tested positive for Covid-19 and has been quarantined as per the PCB Covid-19 Protocols. The left-arm spinner had tested positive during the second round of testing, which were administered upon arrival in Islamabad on Wednesday. All other squad members have tested negative and, as such, the national side will hold a training session as scheduled on Friday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The New Zealand side will arrive in Islamabad on Saturday for three ODIs and five T20Is, which will be played from 17 September to 3 October.

By BIPIN DANI The visiting Sri Lankan team will be without the services of its batting coach Justin Sammons for the remaining three T-20Is, it is learnt here. Sammons was recently appointed as batting consultant for this tour and officiated in all three ODIs. However, according to highly placed sources in South Africa, he returned home with four ODI players (Janneman Malan, Beuran Hendricks, Kyle Verreynne and Lipo Sipamla) immediately on the day when the third and the last ODI was finished on Tuesday. The head coach Mark Boucher will also be the batting coach for the three T-20Is to be played on September 10, 12 and 14.  Teams' trainings South Africa (8-10 pm) and Sri Lankan (5-8 pm) players were scheduled to train on Thursday. Sri Lankan team will also have the services of its foreign physio Brett Harrop. "Kusal Perera's training session on an off-day on Wednesday was supervised by Harrop", the source attached with the stadium facilities confirmed.  Birthday boy Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka had "surprised visitors" minutes after midnight on Wednesday. "It is Shanka's 30th birthday and all team members knocked on the door at midnight. They all had brought cake for him and put on his face. All had fun last night and the housekeeping staff was invited to clean the room thereafter", one of the sources confirmed to this reporter.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lahore (September 9,  2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board has signed a three-year agreement with internationally renowned scoring platform CricHQ and world’s leading cricket data providers CricViz. CricHQ will be PCB’s live scoring partner and will digitise scoring from grassroots level all the way up to the top-tier of Pakistan cricket which is the First XIs of the six Cricket Associations. The partnership will enable the PCB to collect data and analyse player performances using match reports and statistics. Additionally, CricHQ will also provide video automation and capturing solutions for domestic matches in order to help coaches and players analyse performances. CricViz, widely regarded as one of the leading data analytics software in the world, will give the PCB analysts and coaches the licenses to their query tool. The analysts and coaches will also be trained on the software to help in preparation of pre-match, during match and post-match analysis using the software. Both partnerships are in line with the PCB’s plan to upgrade its data analytical wing to provide state of the art data analysis, match plus player impacts etc. These tools will help in modernising Pakistan cricket in terms of data analysis and selection of players. The players are also set to make considerable gains as the tools are designed to help improve their performances while overcoming the flaws in techniques that might creep in their game from time to time. Director High Performance Nadeem Khan: “We are delighted to enter into this very exciting partnership with CricHQ and CricViz. These partnerships will provide our players, coaches and selectors with the most modern statistics and tools that have become an integral part of present day cricket across the three formats. In recent years, these tools have turned the fortunes of many players and teams as data and statistics continue to revolutionise modern day cricket with the growing demands and advancements in technology. “CricViz is one of the leading data analytics software in the world. It will not only provide full access but also training to our analysts on their software so we can make pre-match, during match and post-match analysis using their software. “We would also be providing the same software at the domestic level to help up and coming players learn and understand how these tools can benefit them besides providing the coaching staff a great opportunity to upskill themselves and gauge their players.” “This upgradation will help our data analytical wing to provide state of the art data analysis, match plus player impacts to their respective coaches at various levels of our professional cricket.” CricHQ General Manager Global Grant Elliot: “We are very excited to be partnering with the PCB as their official scoring provider for all cricket. We look forward to using our technology to grow the talent and the game. It comes at a time when New Zealand plan to tour Pakistan after a break in international cricket. “We at CricHQ are passionate about growing innovating and using the latest technology. It’s clear that the PCB plan on using digital technology to get the edge on talent and stay in touch with all their stakeholder by digitising players and their fans.”

SPORTS DESK Islamabad (September 9, 2021):-Guyana Amazon Warriors moved back into the top four of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) table with a 17-run victory over the Saint Lucia Kings. The Amazon Warriors won the toss and elected to bat first, but they had to overcome an early wobble to post a competitive total lead by Brandon King’s enterprising 77. In reply the Kings looked as if they were in cruise control when Roston Chase and Tim David put together a big partnership but excellent death bowling tightened the screws and the Kings succumbed to the pressure. Having been supplanted in the top four by Jamaica Tallawahs earlier in the day, Guyana needed a win to reignite their competition. However, three early wickets in the PowerPlay put them on the backfoot as Wahab Riaz and Jeavor Royal made the early breakthroughs. King came to the Amazon Warriors rescue with his first Hero CPL 50 of the season but other than Nicholas Pooran’s 25 no batsmen was able to stick with King. Once King fell for his sparkling 77, Odean Smith was able to add some maximums to take Guyana to a challenging total of 151. Saint Lucia Kings were circumspect in their early reply and found themselves three wickets down with 43 runs on the board.  Gudakesh Motie’s parsimonious spin bowling saw him take 2/12 from his four overs to keep the Amazon Warriors well in the hunt. Roston Chase and Tim David put together a boundary laden partnership of 75 from 63 balls but just as it seemed they would take the Kings home, Naveen Ul-Haq and Odean Smith bowled four excellent overs to seal two crucial points for the Amazon Warriors.

JAMIL SIRAJ Sydney, Australia (September 9, 2021):-The Cricket Australia stands by its “sport for all' mantra and says if Taliban will not support women's cricket in Afghanistan, CA will have no alternative to call off the Hobart Test. The planned historic maiden men's Test between Australia and Afghanistan appears almost certain to be cancelled after the newly constituted Taliban government had been opposing the women cricket in the Islamic nation. In a statement released today, Cricket Australia confirmed it would be unable to proceed with the planned Test at Hobart's Blundstone Arena from November 27 if news reports of Taliban views on the women's game would true. "Driving the growth of women’s cricket globally is incredibly important to Cricket Australia," the statement said. "Our vision for the cricket is that it is a sport for all and we support the game unequivocally for women at every level. "If recent media reports that women’s cricket will not be supported in Afghanistan are not good. Cricket Australia would have no alternative to not host Afghanistan for the proposed Test Match in Hobart. "We thank the Australian and Tasmanian Governments for their support on this important issue." Spokesman for the for the Taliban government's cultural commission, Ahmadullah Wasiq, had told Australian broadcaster SBS News that cricket was not permitted for women under Islamic law. "Islam and the Islamic Emirate do not allow women to play cricket or play the kind of sports where they get exposed," Wasiq said. "In cricket, they might face a situation where their face and body will not be covered. Islam does not allow women to be seen like this. "It is the media era, and there will be photos and videos, and then people watch it." He also noted that, despite the Taliban's previously stated support for the Afghanistan men's team in international cricket, their stance on the women's game would not soften even if it placed the historic maiden Test against Australia in Hobart at risk. "We have fought for our religion so that Islam is to be followed," he told SBS. "We will not cross Islamic values even if it carries opposite reactions. We will not leave our Islamic rules." In the wake of those comments, Australia's Federal Sports Minister Senator Richard Colbeck urged the International Cricket Council (ICC) to take a stand against the Taliban's position, and added that while Afghans would remain welcome in Australia that would not be the case "under the flag of the Taliban". In speaking with ABC Radio this morning, Senator Colbeck said no decision had been made on whether visas would be granted to members of the Afghanistan men's team if the scheduled Test in Hobart goes ahead.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Karachi (September 8, 2021):-Four teams will compete for PKR1million prize money (winners) from Thursday when the Pakistan Cup Women’s One-Day Tournament commences here. The 14-match tournament will be staged at the iconic National Stadium and Oval Academy Ground. This tournament marks the beginning of an action-packed women’s season 2021-22 and it sees Strikers mark their debut. The fourth team has been added in the two domestic tournaments – Pakistan Cup Women’s One-Day Tournament and National Women’s T20 – as the player pool continues to grow gradually. Strikers, the new-entrants, are captained by Pakistan all-rounder Kainat Imtiaz. Blasters are led by Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz, Challengers by Pakistan captain Javeria Khan and Dynamites by Pakistan opener Muneeba Ali Siddiqui. In line with its policy of incentivising top-performers, every player of the match will get PKR20,000, while the runner-up team will get PKR500,000. The player of the tournament will earn PKR 50,000. To further promote the women’s game and attract girls towards the sport, the PCB will live-stream seven matches on its official YouTube channel. The final will be a day-night affair and will be staged at the National Stadium on 21 September. Meanwhile, the four captains have vowed to give their best in their tournament with an eye on the trophy. Sidra Nawaz, Blasters: “We have a very good team and we are really looking forward to the tournament. The aim would be to of course to win the title and make Blasters champions. The addition of the fourth team means we will get to play more matches which augurs well for our preparations for the upcoming international season especially the World Cup qualifiers.” Javeria Khan, Challengers: “The goal would be to get well in the short time we have had to build-up for the event, once the tournament starts we would aim to remain in a good positive mind. I think we have a balanced outfit that can do well and lift the trophy. My personal aim would be to make big runs and regain my batting form.” Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Dynamites: “Each team will play seven matches in the tournament which will provide the players an excellent opportunity of making an impression. The aim would be to attain good rhythm and momentum at the start of the tournament and carry it to the final.” Kainat Imtiaz, Strikers: “This is the first time that the fourth team, Strikers is entering the tournament. The induction of the fourth team is a great incentive and motivation for upcoming players as they will get the opportunity of expressing their talent. As Strikers captain my aim would be to deliver to the best of my abilities and lead my team to the tournament final.” Squads for the Pakistan Cup Women’s One-Day Tournament Blasters: Sidra Nawaz (captain and wicketkeeper), Aisha Javed, Arijah Haseeb, Bibi Nahida, Fajar Naveed, Fatima Sana Khan, Gull Firoza, Momina Riasat, Nida Rashid, Noreen Yaqoob, Omaima Sohail, Saima Malik, Shawal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah Support staff: Waqar Orakzai (Head Coach), Aqil Khan (Assistant Coach), Rabia Siddiq (Physiotherapist) and Fizza Abid (Manager). Challengers: Javeria Khan (captain), Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Dua Majid, Fareeha Mehmood, Gull Rukh, Iram Javed, Khadija Chishty, Najiha Alvi (wicketkeeper), Nazish Rafique, Saba Nazir, Sidra Amin, Syeda Masooma Zehra Fatima and Waheeda Akhtar. Support staff: Waseem Yousafzai (Head Coach), Shakir Qayyum (Assistant Coach), Anjali (Physiotherapist) and Rabail Khalid Hashmat (Manager). Dynamites: Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (captain), Aliya Riaz, Fatima Zahra, Ghulam Fatima, Humna Bilal, Huraina Sajjad, Kaynat Hafeez, Maham Tariq, Nashra Sundhu, Neha Shermeen, Rida Aslam, Sadaf Shamas, Soha Fatima (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Insharah Asad  Support staff: Muhammad Kamran Hussain (Head Coach), Muhammad Ali Niazi (Assistant Coach), Yumna Khan (Physiotherapist) and Asiya Khan (Manager). Strikers: Kainat Imtiaz (captain), Aima Saleem Satti, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Bisma Amjad, Fatima Khan, Gul Uswa, Hafsa Khalid, Jaweria Rauf, Natalia Parvaiz, Umme Hani, Syeda Asma Amin (wicketkeeper), Tuba Hassan and Yusra Amir (wicketkeeper). Support staff: Arshad Khan (Head Coach), Shahid Mehmood (Assistant Coach), Sabrina (Physiotherapist) and Shagufta Bano Qasim (Manager). Tournament schedule (matches to start at 10am, final to start at 2pm): 9 September – Dynamites vs Blasters, National Stadium Challengers’ vs Strikers, Oval Academy Ground. 11 September –Dynamites vs Challengers, National Stadium Blasters vs Strikers, Oval Academy Ground. 13 September –Dynamites vs Strikers, National Stadium Blasters vs Challengers, Oval Academy Ground. 15 September – Challengers vs Strikers, National Stadium Dynamites vs Blasters, Oval Academy Ground. 17 September –Blasters vs Strikers, National Stadium Dynamites vs Challengers, Oval Academy Ground 19 September –Blasters vs Challengers, National Stadium Dynamites vs Strikers, Oval Academy Ground 21 September –Third position play-off, Oval Academy Ground Final (day and night) National Stadium.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Islamabad (September 8, 2021):-The Barbados Royals claimed their second win of the 2021 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a 45 run victory over the Guyana Amazon Warriors. A strong all-round display from the Royals keeps their playoff hopes alive with three group games remaining. The Amazon Warriors never really recovered from a blistering start from the Royals batsmen who put their bowlers under real pressure after being asked to bat first.  The Royals innings started quickly with 67 runs from the PowerPlay with Johnson Charles (40) and Kyle Mayers (36) getting their team firing early on. The Amazon Warriors pegged things back with the wickets of Mayers and Azam Khan but a stand of 48 between Glenn Phillips and Smit Patel put the Royals back in front. Phillips top scored with 44 and he was well supported by Jason Holder who made 22 from just seven balls. When both fell within quick succession the Royals innings lost some impetus but they still posted a very competitive 185/8. Romario Shepherd was once again the pick of the Amazon Warriors bowlers, claiming 3/31 from his four overs. Gudakesh Motie bowled with penetration to claim 2/33. The Guyana Amazon Warriors reply started badly with three wickets falling inside their PowerPlay as they reached 39/3 off the first six overs. While wickets fell it was Mohammad Hafeez who looked to hold things together for the Warriors. He made it to 30 from 25 balls before he was well stumped by Smit Patel off a wide bowled by Ashley Nurse. When Hafeez fell the Amazon Warriors needed 115 runs from 65 balls and the pressure was on Shoaib Malik to see his side home. When he fell going for a big shot off Nyeem Young there was no way back for the Guyanese side. Some late order hitting from Odean Smith gave some respectability to the margin of defeat, but the Royals closed out a comfortable win with a very strong bowling display with wickets shared evenly across their attack. Barbados Royals 185/8 (Phillips 44, Charles 40; Shepherd 3/31, Motie 2/33) Guyana Amazon Warriors 140 all out (O Smith 43, Hafeez 30; Young 3/24, Lintott 2/16)

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Rawalpindi (September 7, 2021):-New Zealand will arrive in Islamabad on 11 September to play three ODIs and five T20Is. The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League and will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 17, 19 and 21 September, while the Gaddafi Stadium will host the T20Is from 25 September to 3 October. 9 September: A member of Pakistan squad will be available to media in a virtual media session at 1130. 10 September: Pakistan cricket team will hold a training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1630. The PCB will provide videos, photos and interviews of squad members, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 11 September: A member of Pakistan squad will be available to media in a virtual media session at 1130 Media interested in attending the session are requested to confirm their attendance to Ibrahim Badees. 12 September: A member of the New Zealand squad will be available to media in a virtual media session at 1130. Media interested in attending the session are requested to confirm their attendance to James Bennett at James.bennett@nzc.nz, at least, two hours before the start of the session. Pakistan will play an intra-squad practice match at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, which will begin at 1400. The PCB will provide videos and photos, which can be used for editorial purposes only. 13 September: Both the sides will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1630. 14 September: A member of the New Zealand squad will be available to media in a virtual media session at 1130. Both the sides will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1630. 15 September: A member of the Pakistan squad will be available to media in a virtual media session at 1130. New Zealand squad will play an intra-squad practice match at Pindi Cricket Stadium, which will begin at 1100. Pakistan team will practice at Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1830 to 2130. 16 September: Pakistan captain Babar Azam will hold his online pre-series media conference at 1130, which will be followed by New Zealand captain Tom Latham’s virtual session. At 1630, both the teams will train at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. 17 September:  First ODI - First ball to be bowled at 1430 18 September: Both teams are scheduled to hold training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1630. Media representatives are advised to speak with the respect team media manager before arriving at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as the teams may decide to cancel their training sessions. 19 September:  Second ODI – First ball to be bowled at 1430 20 September: Both teams are scheduled to hold training session at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1630. Media representatives are advised to speak with the respect team media manager before arriving at the Pindi Cricket Stadium as the teams may decide to cancel their training sessions. 21 September:  Third ODI – First ball to be bowled at 1430 22 September: Both the sides will depart for Lahore and have no media activities planned.

By BIPIN DANI In July this year Devdutt Padikkal became the first 21st-century-born cricketer to play for India. On Tuesday, it was Maheesh Theekshana, the right arm off-spinner, who became the first 21st century-born player from Sri Lanka to make debut against visiting South Africa at the R. Premadasa Stadium. "I am not surprised. It was the right time to hand over the cap to him", his mentor and the coach at the Colts' Cricket Club, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said. "Maheesh has done exceedingly well in the domestic circuit and he has been rewarded".  In fact, Theeshana already had got some clue about his possible inclusion in the final eleven.   Family elated "Today is the happiest day in our life. Our greatest hope in life has been fulfilled today", his grand-mother Indra Padmini said. "He is in the team because of his hard work and total dedication". "My grand-son has strived hard to reach this level. His focus is only to play for the country and write his name in the history book", the grand-mother, who is also a guardian to Mathees and his two younger sisters (Sathmi and Pinsara), said.