Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Promising 21-year-old leg-spinner Tuba Hassan was one of the three first-time women cricketers who were awarded central contracts for the 2022-23 season, which came into effect on Friday. The other two first-timers are Gul Feroza and Sadaf Shamas, who have been identified as future prospects. Tuba was adjudged ICC Women’s Player of the Month for May 2022 for her impressive debut series against Sri Lanka. She took five wickets in three T20Is, including three for eight in her debut match. Tuba was part of the Pakistan women’s team for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 as a travelling reserve. Tuba Hassan siad: “I am absolutely thrilled and excited at being given the prestigious central contract for the first time. Hard work has slowly started to pay off, but this is just the beginning. My focus remains on producing strong performances and contributing in my team’s success, rest I am sure will take care of itself as we have seen in this case. “I want to thank all my seniors, teammates, support staff and family members who have backed me in this journey to date. Playing and performing for Pakistan and my team remains my only objective, and with the support of a strong group of people around me, I remain confident that I will improve and live up to their expectations.” Asmavia Iqbal, Chair of Women’s Selection Committee said: “Eight players receiving enhanced contracts and three players being offered contracts for the first time is an indicator that we are heading in the right direction, though we still have a long road ahead to narrow the gap with the leading sides. We have made progress in the 2021-22 season and I am sure with the amount of cricket that lies ahead, we will emerge as an improved side at the end of the season. “Central contracts are not only a way to incentivise, appreciate and reward players for their contributions in the previous season, it is also a method to challenge the players to either reclaim or earn better contracts next season, which is only possible through on-field performances. With the investment being made and the opportunities that are presently available, I am optimistic that we will have more good news to share next year. Women’s Central Contracts 2022-23: Category A (3) – Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof and Nida Dar Category B (5) – Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Nashra Sandhu and Omaima Sohail Category C (5) – Ayesha Naseem, Muneeba Ali, Javeria Khan, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz Category D (7) – Ghulam Fatima, Gul Feroza, Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Sadia Iqbal, Sadaf Shamas and Tuba Hassan

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named squads for the Vitality IT20 series versus India starting on 7 July at the Ageas Bowl and the Royal London ODIs against India starting this month. England Men's Vitality IT20 squad v India: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Sam Curran (Surrey), Richard Gleeson (Lancashire), Chris Jordan (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Tymal Mills (Sussex), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire) Vitality IT20 Series Schedule: 1st IT20: England v India, Thursday 7 July 2022, Ageas Bowl (6.00pm start) 2nd IT20: England v India, Saturday 9 July 2022. Edgbaston (2.30pm start) 3rd IT20: England v India, Sunday 10 July 2022, Trent Bridge (2.30pm start) England Men’s Royal London ODI squad v India: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-captain), Moeen Ali (Worcestershire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Sam Curran (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Parkinson (Lancashire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey), David Willey (Yorkshire) Royal London ODI Series Schedule: 1st ODI: England v India, Tuesday 12 July, Kia Oval, (1.00pm start) 2nd ODI: England v India, Thursday 14 July, Lord’s (1.00pm start) 3rd ODI: England v India, Sunday 17 July, Emirates Old Trafford (11.00am start).

BIPIN DANI The brother of the late Australian spinner Shane Warne, who arrived with his wife Shay in Sri Lanka on Friday (at around 6 am) was "disappointed" with the early finish of the first Test match, which was being dedicated to Shane. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Galle, he said, "I am happy that Australia won the Test but disappointed it finished just before we got to the ground. We are very disappointed regarding the early finish because we were meant to be Friday afternoon and Saturday". "Fortunately we got to the ground and it was amazing to see the displays they have erected for the match. It is truly humbling to see the amount of respect being shown to my brother in Sri Lanka". "Sri Lanka is a wonderful country full of great people", he further added.   The commemoration gathering, which was likely to be hosted by the authorities on Sunday, is rearranged by a day and both teams are invited at the Jetwing Hotel on Saturday evening, it is learnt.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-The Pakistan Junior League got a positive shot in the arm when the state-owned PTV Sports threw its weight behind the first-of-its-kind event that is aimed at providing opportunities to the talented teenagers to demonstrate their skills in a franchise-based tournament, which will ultimately benefit Pakistan cricket. In a high-powered meeting held earlier this week in Islamabad, PTV Sports reiterated its commitment to supporting Pakistan cricket and, in this regard, promised to fully back the Pakistan Junior League. PTV Sports will be televising all matches, which will all be played in Lahore in October. As part of the event build-up, PTV Sports will also run promotional campaigns involving current and future stars, as well as fan-engaging content to not only encourage the participants but to also involve and attract hardcore Pakistan cricket fans to either watch emerging cricketers live at the Gaddafi Stadium or from the comfort of their TV lounges. PCB Chief Executive Faisal Hasnain: “Cricket unites our nation and in this background, the PCB was delighted by the assurances and commitments from PTV Sports, which is our national broadcast asset and by far, has the widest and biggest reach and audience. Their support in showcasing our future stars will significantly enhance the profile of the tournament and help the PCB to introduce highly-talented teenagers to the country through PTV Sports’ broadcast coverage. “Partners like PTV Sports are essential and integral to our endeavours and initiatives around promoting, growing and developing the game of cricket. Live pictures from the Pakistan Junior League that go to every nook and cranny of the country through PTV Sports will motivate youngsters to take up this great game, which will eventually help Pakistan cricket. “For the Pakistan Junior League, we will have high-quality production and with PTV Sports already now broadcasting fulltime in high-definition, the TV coverage will provide an excellent experience to the patrons and supporters of Pakistan cricket. “The PCB and PTV have been partners since broadcast coverage was introduced in cricket. This relationship has grown significantly over the years, and the PCB remains committed to further strengthening this bond by working together with the PTV to safeguard and promote Pakistan cricket’s interests.” PTV Managing Director Sayyed Mubashar Tauqir Shah: “PTV Sports is playing its part in promoting all sports, including cricket that has a massive following and impact on our society. Pakistan Junior League is an exciting concept and as part of the government’s drive to encourage and promote youngsters, we will fully back PCB and through our platforms, will ensure maximum coverage and promotion. The 2022-23 season of cricket will be very exciting and entertaining one. Apart from the Pakistan Junior League, Pakistan will host England and New Zealand twice, and the West Indies once. Then, we will have our marquee Pakistan Super League in February 2023. And if you add the ACC Asia Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 to the mix, this will be a bumper year for cricket fans and PTV Sports will be right there to meet the expectations and demands of our subscribers. I am delighted with the outcomes of the meeting with PCB and happy that they are aligned with our philosophy that revolves around excellence. I am confident PTV Sports and PCB will continue to work together to enhance the profile and image of the country, its people and the game.” PCB on Wednesday announced Javed Miandad, Daren Sammy, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik as mentors, with more mentors and other important announcements to be made in due course.      

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-Tthe line-up is topped by multi-platinum British pop-rock band Bastille, who will take to the stage at The Hundred men’s and women’s final at Lord’s on Saturday 3 September has been announced. They are joined by some of the freshest names on the UK music scene including Samm Henshaw, Katy J Pearson, Priya Ragu, English Teacher, Jordan Mackampa, Tamera, Lottery Winners, Mace The Great, Queen Millz, Casey Lowry and many more. For the second year running, the live music at all 34 games of The Hundred has been curated in collaboration with BBC Music Introducing. The partnership connects sports fans with both new and established artists who began their career on the BBC Music Introducing platform. The artists will perform in front of large audiences at some of the UK’s biggest cricket grounds, including Lord’s (London), The Kia Oval (London), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Emirates Old Trafford (Manchester), Sophia Gardens (Cardiff), Headingley (Leeds), Ageas Bowl (Southampton) and Trent Bridge (Nottingham). Kicking off on 3 August, The Hundred is cricket’s high-octane competition which fuses world class cricket with spectacular entertainment. The competition gives fans the chance to watch some of the best players in the world compete alongside epic music performances in a high energy, family-friendly environment. Brit and NME award-winning pop-rock band, Bastille, said: “We are really looking forward to being part of The Hundred Final this year. Woody in particular is a big cricket fan and loves what The Hundred has brought to the summer sporting schedule. Needless to say, we can't wait to be there!” In its first year in 2021, The Hundred attracted some of the biggest names in UK music including Becky Hill, Everything Everything, and Self Esteem, plus breakthrough acts such as Sports Team and Lauran Hibberd who are now on everyone’s playlists. 2022’s line up is set to be an equally big hit with new and existing fans of the game. Sophie Ecclestone, Manchester Originals star said: “The music last year was amazing, Lizelle and myself even had time for a little dance to Becky Hill during the opening game! It added so much to the competition and showed The Hundred is all about unmissable action on and off the pitch. I can’t wait to get a front row seat this summer and hopefully we can be dancing to Bastille after winning the competition.”

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated Eoin Morgan for an outstanding international career that saw him lead England to victory in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019. The 35-year-old, who was instrumental in England’s strong showing in limited overs games in recent years, announced his retirement from international cricket on Tuesday as the leading scorer for England in ODIs and T20Is. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice praised Morgan’s innovative batting and astute captaincy while wishing him all the best for the future. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “Eoin was an exceptional talent from his early days with the Ireland team and over the years he developed into a top-class batter and captain, leading England’s resurgence in limited overs cricket culminating in that quite extraordinary World Cup victory at Lord’s in 2019. On behalf of the ICC, I congratulate him for an outstanding career and wish him every success in the next phase of his career.” Morgan scored 99 on ODI debut for Ireland against Scotland in 2006 and played in all three formats after switching over to England in 2009. He was named as England’s white-ball captain in December 2014 and led the team to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2016. He also led them to the semifinals of the T20 World Cup last year. Morgan scored 700 runs with two centuries and three half-centuries in 16 Tests, 7,701 runs with 14 centuries and 47 half-centuries in 248 ODIs and 2,458 runs with 14 half-centuries in 115 T20Is. He was the top-ranked batter in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Rankings between August 2011 and February 2012 and made it to the top 10 of the ODI rankings in January 2014.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan women’s national cricket team’s final preparations for the tri-series in Ireland and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham begin from Friday (tomorrow). The 15-member squad will take part in extensive training and practice sessions in a 10-day camp at the House of Northern, Islamabad before the team’s departure on 12 July. During the camp, the squad led by Bismah Maroof would participate in fitness, fielding, batting and bowling drills besides playing scenario-based matches in accordance to the demands of the T20 format. Both the tri-series and Commonwealth Games are T20 events. As part of the preparations for the tour, national team’s head coach David Hemp worked with Karachi-based players in a four-day long camp last week which was focused on individual and scenario-based practice sessions. Pacers Aimen Anwar, Fatima Sana and Kainat Imtiaz and batters Muneeba Ali Siddiqui and Omaima Sohail were the players involved in the camp. Bowling coach Saleem Jaffer also assisted Hemp in the camp along with Sindh women’s coach Azam Khan. The tri-series and Commonwealth bound squad would depart for Belfast via Dubai on 12 July. Squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza (wicketkeeper), Iram Javed, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal and Tuba Hassan. Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmed (Analyst) and Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist). Additional support staff for the camp: Waqar Orakzai (Assistant coach), Saboor Ahmed (Strength and Conditioning coach).

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-Lancashire's Jos Buttler has been appointed captain of the England Men's white-ball teams by the England & Wales Cricket Board. He succeeds Eoin Morgan, who retired from international cricket earlier this week. The ECB Interim Chair, Martin Darlow, and Interim Chief Executive Officer, Clare Connor, approved the appointment on Wednesday evening following the recommendation by the Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Rob Key. Buttler has been part of England's white-ball teams for over a decade. He played his first T2OI game in 2011 and made his ODI debut a year later. The wicketkeeper/batter has been an integral part of the set-up, having been vice-captain since 2015 and has led the team 14 times previously (Nine ODIs & five T20Is). He has represented England 151 times in ODIs scoring 4120 runs at an average of 41.20, including 10 hundreds. In T20 internationals, he has won 88 caps scoring 2140 runs with an average of 34.51. He is one of three England cricketers (Dawid Malan and Heather Knight) to have scored hundreds in all three formats of the game. England Men's White-Ball Captain, Jos Buttler, said: "I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to Eoin Morgan for his outstanding leadership over the past seven years. It has been the most memorable period for everyone involved. He has been an inspirational leader, and it has been fantastic to play under him. There are lots of things that I have learnt from him that I'll take into this role. "It is a great honour to take over from Eoin, and the place he has left English white-ball cricket in is exciting, and I'm inspired for the challenges ahead. "There is excellent strength-in-depth in the white-ball squads, and I'm looking forward to leading the teams out for the series that are coming up against India starting next week and later in July against South Africa. "It is the greatest honour to captain your country, and when I have had the chance to step in the past, I have loved doing it. I can't wait to take this team forward." Clare Connor, Interim ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: "Jos is a fantastic role model who inspires through his performances on the pitch. He has been instrumental in setting new standards in men's white-ball cricket, and is the perfect leader to build on the incredible legacy which Eoin has built for our men's white-ball teams. "I'm excited to see where Jos and Matthew Mott take things from here, particularly as we build towards the ICC Men's T20 World Cup." Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, said: "Jos Buttler was the perfect choice to succeed Eoin Morgan as our white-ball captain, and I had no hesitation in offering him the role. "Jos has been part of our white-ball set-up for over a decade and was integral in the transformation of the way the team has played its attacking brand of cricket over the past seven years. "He is well respected in the dressing room by all of his teammates and will relish leading his country. "He is in the form of his life and is showcasing his talent against the best players and teams in the world. "I believe the extra responsibility will take his game to a new level and inspire those around him. "I'm looking forward to seeing him take us forward. He thoroughly deserves the opportunity."

Abdullah Asjad RAWALPINDI:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released the central contract lists for 2022-23, which comes into effect from Friday, 1 July. For the first time, the PCB has introduced separate red and white-ball contracts, while four more players have been added to the Emerging Category. This means a total of 33 players, 13 more than the previous season, have received contracts for the next 12 months. According to PCB, the Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam, along with Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been awarded both red and white-ball contracts. Amongst the 10 players who have received red-ball contracts, Azhar Ali has been promoted to Category A, Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah have been placed in Category C for the first time along with Saud Shakeel, who has been awarded Category D. Fawad Alam and Nauman Ali have been retained in Category B and C, respectively, whereas Abid Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah have been handed Category D contracts. Eleven limited-over specialists have been awarded white-ball contracts. Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan, who were in Category B in 2021-22, have been awarded Category A contracts, while Haris Rauf has been promoted to Category B. Mohammad Nawaz has been retained in Category C. Shahnawaz Dahani and Usman Qadir have been promoted from Emerging to Category D where they are joined by first-timers Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Zahid Mehmood. In the Emerging Category, the PCB as part of its strategy to encourage, develop and incentivise up-and-coming domestic performers, has increased the number of players from three to seven. Players in the Emerging Category are: Ali Usman, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Huraira, Qasim Akram and Salman Ali Agha. Chief Selector Mohammad Wasim said: “I want to congratulate all those who have earned central contracts for the 2022-23 season, especially our four younger players who have received red-ball contracts for the first time as part of our vision and strategy to identify, groom and develop specialists for the traditional and purist format of the game. “I understand there will be a few disappointed players who have missed out on contracts, but I want to reiterate that we are not limiting and restricting ourselves to these 33 players. As and when required, players from outside the list will be included. “We have also expanded our category of emerging cricketers from three to seven as it is very important for us to groom those cricketers who have potential to make it to the top level and give an incentive to those players who have excelled in our domestic tournaments.” Some of the salient features of the new central contracts are: A-10 per cent increase in match fees across all formats B-Increase in match fee for non-playing members from 50 per cent to 70 per cent of the overall match fee C-Introduction of a captaincy allowance to compensate the team captain for the additional responsibilities that comes with that role D-Allocation of an amount for current players with the aim to manage and reduce the workload of elite players and to ensure that they are fully fit, ready and fresh whenever they play for Pakistan RED AND WHITE-BALL CONTRACTS (5): Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi (all Category A), Hasan Ali (red-ball Category B, white-ball Category C) and Imam-ul-Haq (red-ball Category C, white-ball Category B) RED BALL CONTRACTS (10): Category A – Azhar Ali Category B – Fawad Alam Category C – Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah and Nauman Ali Category D – Abid Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and Yasir Shah WHITE-BALL CONTRACTS (11): Category A – Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan Category B – Haris Rauf Category C – Mohammad Nawaz Category D - Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir and Zahid Mehmood EMERGING CONTRACTS (7): Ali Usman (Southern Punjab), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Huraira (Northern), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab) and Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab).

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan selector and a member of the 1996 World Cup winning team Romesh Kaluwitharana has invited Shane Warne's brother Jason and his wife Shay for lunch at his resort-Kalu's Hideaway on Saturday on a way to their visit to Udawalawe National Park. On the invitation of Harin Fernando, the Hon. Tourism Minister and also Chalaka Gajabahu, the chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB),  Jason Warne and his wife are arriving in Sri Lanka on Friday morning. Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Galle, where Kalu was witnessing the first day of the ongoing Test against Australia, he said, "Some of the most memorable moments in my cricket career was when Sri Lanka toured Australia and having to play against one of the greatest cricketers was a privilege.  Shane Warne was Unique, flamboyant, one of the toughest competitors I have played against and most importantly a wonderful human being".  "His humanity was extraordinary having visited Sri Lanka after the Tsunami to help the people in need was just one example of the person he was outside cricket". "I am honored to be able to say a "Thank you Mate" to this great man by Warnie's brother Jason visiting my Hotel  Kalu's Hideaway. Hope Jason will enjoy our hospitality and see how much your brother was admired and why Sri Lanka was special to Warnie", the 52-year-old former wicket-keeper signed off.