Sports Bulletin

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The countdown to ‘The Big Time’ has officially begun with Melbourne’s iconic Yarra River the backdrop for a city centre cricketing arena created to celebrate 100-days-to-go until Australia hosts the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup for the first time. Melbourne Cricket Ground’s hallowed turf took centre stage with the pitch relocated into the centre of Melbourne to mark 100 days to go until the world's best cricketers from 16 teams compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. Australian International stars Aaron Finch, Georgia Wareham and Tayla Vlaeminck along with cricket legends Shane Watson, Waqar Younis and Morne Morkel teamed up with other Australian personalities to launch the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan. The Trophy Tour is set to visit 35 locations in 13 countries across four continents, more than ever before. The Men’s T20 World Cup trophy will make stops in Fiji, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Namibia, Nepal, Singapore and Vanuatu for the first time, taking the sport to more fans in different countries to get a glimpse of T20 cricket’s ultimate prize. The Trophy Tour that is designed for anyone, anywhere at any time will enable fans to get involved from home with a 3D augmented reality filter, housed on the official T20 World Cup Facebook and Instagram channels. Fans are encouraged to get creative and show the world where you play cricket using the trophy filter. The best of the fan-generated images will be celebrated weekly and a lucky few will be rewarded with ICC Men’s T20 World Cup themed prizes. Beginning in Melbourne and circling the globe, the Trophy Tour will make its final stop in Geelong on 16 October for the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 between 2014 Champions Sri Lanka and Namibia. Fans can follow the trophy’s journey around the world on the T20 World Cup’s social media channels or via the dedicated Trophy Tour section on the T20 World Cup website. Over 800,000 fans are anticipated to attend the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 with additional tickets to all matches released today, with the exception of the India and Pakistan match on October 23.  General allocation of tickets for this fixture were sold out within five minutes of going on public sale in February. Should more tickets become available for the fixture they will be released at a later date. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “With just 100 days to go until the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup there is a real sense of excitement ahead of the 16 teams coming together in Australia to compete for the ultimate prize in T20 cricket. “Celebrating the start of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, is another important milestone in taking the Trophy to ten countries for the first time ever, once again showing our commitment to using the T20 format as vehicle to grow the game and to engage new fans across the world.” Australian men’s captain Aaron Finch said: “It’s an exciting time for cricket with so many world class teams coming out to play all around the country. Now that there’s just 100 days to go, you can feel the excitement building among the team about the prospect of playing in a home World Cup in front of our fans. “In a World Cup every game is a tough game, and anyone can beat anyone on their day so the white ball cricket we’ve got coming up over the next couple of months is going to be crucial to make sure we are ready come the first ball of the World Cup in October.” ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, ambassador Shane Watson said: “As a player, there’s few things that can top playing in a home World Cup and I can’t wait to see the world’s best T20 players on the fast bouncy pitches in Australia. It’s going to be an incredible spectacle. “Leading up to the event, I’m also looking forward to taking the T20 World Cup trophy around our beautiful country to give fans the opportunity to be part of this massive cricket celebration.” Nissan Australia Managing Director, Adam Paterson said: “With 100 days until the first ball of the World Cup, Nissan is gearing up for a spectacular event across the country. We are proud to continue to play an important role in driving excitement and innovation, supporting the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour, driven by Nissan, with Nissan Ambassadors, Mel Jones and Mitchell Johnson behind the wheel.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has today announced the first five players selected as 100% Cricket Superstars ahead of a historic month for women’s cricket, culminating in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Sophie Ecclestone (England), Amelia Kerr (New Zealand), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Shafali Verma (India) and Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa) are the first crop of what will ultimately be a 100% Cricket Superstars squad that fans can pick from to decide on a final XI. The entertaining quintet represents a bright future for a women’s game that continues to grow in popularity following record-breaking digital and broadcast audiences at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year. "100% Cricket Superstars celebrates the best talent in the women’s game as part of the ICC's ongoing 100% Cricket campaign during a period that sees some of the sport’s most significant events take place," said Wasim Khan, ICC General Manager - Cricket. "With women’s cricket making its inaugural appearance at the Commonwealth Games later this month, we will also host the first ever ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in January which is immediately followed by the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. "The players selected today epitomise the future of women’s cricket and it’s going to be exciting to build up to a fan-led vote to narrow down what will be an amazing squad into an XI that I’m sure cricket fans around the world would love to watch!" The first 100% Cricket Superstars inductees were selected with the input of the ICC Women’s Cricket Committee. Shafali Verma 242 Test runs at 60.5 in two Tests; 473 ODI runs at 29.56 in 17 ODIs; 753 T20I runs at 24.29 in 32 T20Is The youngest player to debut for India in international cricket, and the youngest half-centurion, Shafali Verma made a seamless transition to the highest level of the game. A dashing opening batter capable of clearing the ropes with ease, Verma can take the match away from her opposition in a matter of moments, her power separating her from her peers. For all the power and aggression though, it’d be remiss not to acknowledge Verma’s early success in the long format of the game. Averaging over 60 across her four Test innings, Verma has shown a maturity to bat long periods in trying and foreign conditions. Sophie Ecclestone 17 wickets at 37.7 in five Tests; 76 wickets at 21.06 in 47 ODIs; 68 wickets at 13.28 in 50 T20Is A pivotal figure in the England team, and with over 150 international wickets to her name, it’s crazy to think that Sophie Ecclestone is still just 23 years of age. The No. 1 bowler in both the T20I and ODI MRF Tyres bowling rankings, the left-arm orthodox spinner probes with a nagging line and length, tying opposing batters down. Since her Test debut in 2017, no player has taken more Test wickets than Ecclestone’s 17. In T20Is since her debut in 2016, only two bowlers have taken more wickets than her 68. Hayley Matthews 1764 runs at 27.13 and 78 wickets at 24.79 in 69 ODIs; 1055 runs at 17.88 and 58 wickets at 17.93 in 61 T20Is The newly-appointed West Indies captain, 24-year-old Hayley Matthews is the past, present and future of her international team. Both the leading run-scorer and wicket-taker for her side in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022, Matthews was also Player of the Final at the ICC 2016 T20 World Cup in a dramatic win over Australia. Making 66 off 45 balls just days after her 18th birthday, Matthews made quite an impression in her first global tournament. Already third on the West Indies all-time list for runs in both white-ball formats, Matthews is on track to break records. She carries the West Indies torch. Amelia Kerr 1240 runs at 38.75 and 76 wickets at 27.00 in 53 ODIs; 234 runs at 15.60 and 41 wickets at 21.85 in 42 T20Is It’s going to take a special effort for someone to take away the world record for the youngest international double centurion from all-rounder Amelia Kerr. After scoring 232* against Ireland at just 17 years and 243 days in an ODI in Dublin in 2018, Kerr rounded out the day with a five-wicket haul for good measure, becoming the only player to achieve the double in international cricket. The 21-year-old Kerr is capable of ticking things along when early wickets fall, or attacking when her side is in the ascendancy. With the ball, Kerr has every leg-spinner’s delivery in her arsenal. The record books will likely be re-written again as Kerr continues to set the benchmark in the international game. Laura Wolvaardt 32 runs at 16.00 in one Test; 3039 runs at 45.35 in 77 ODIs; 618 runs at 26.86 in 36 T20Is Already with more than 3000 ODI runs to her name, the sky's the limit for South African batting sensation Laura Wolvaardt. Wolvaardt was a natural fit in ODIs, with 30 scores of over 50 in just 76 innings since she made her debut in 2016. She has evolved in the T20I format too, adding power to a refined game centred on control and expert strokeplay. Wolvaardt’s trademark cover drive is a glowing image of the women’s game, though it is the array of shots around the wicket that sets the right-hander apart. Only three players eclipsed Wolvaardt’s 433 runs at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 in New Zealand, though the trio all benefited from playing an extra match at the tournament.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites beat Balochistan U19 Whites by 10 wickets at the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad today to make it to the final of the National U19 Cup. The other finalist team was Central Punjab U19 Blues who topped Pool A after their final group match against Sindh U19 Blues was abandoned due to rain. The final will take place on Friday, 8 July at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura. At the Saeed Ajmal Academy in Faisalabad, after opting to bat first, Balochistan were bundled out for 56 in the 20th over. Only Tanveer Khan (10, 27b, two fours) managed to enter into double figures. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites’ Tahir Ali and Jawad Ali bagged three wickets apiece. Mohammad Tahir and Yasir Ahmed took two wickets each. In return, it took 7.4 overs for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites opening batters to achieved the target without losing any wicket. Right-handed Afkar Durani returned unbeaten on 31 off 25 balls faced which included four fours and one six. In first abandoned match of Pool B, Northern U19 Blues after opting to bat first were 99 for one in 16 overs when play was stopped due to rain and it couldn’t resume later due to persistent rain. Opening batter Hussnain Nadeem returned unbeaten on a 51-ball 55, hitting nine fours. In another abandoned match of the group, Central Punjab U19 Whites managed to score 87 for one in 19 overs when rain stopped play and the play couldn’t resume afterwards. Opening batter Ali Zoraiz scored an unbeaten 60-ball 54, hitting eight fours. After the conclusion of fifth and final round, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites kept their 100 per cent winning record and topped Pool B. From Pool A, Central Punjab U19 Blues topped the table with nine points from five matches, winning four matches and got one point from abandoned match. The final will take place between Central Punjab U19 Blues and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U19 Whites at the Rana Naveed Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura on Friday, 8 July. The toss will take place at 0900, while the first ball will be bowled at 0930.

BIPIN DANI Former Kenyan Cricket Captain Aasif Karim is in India for an event being curated by the Indian creative agency Words Rhythms Images (WRI). The 58-year-old Karim, who was also a Davis Cup Tennis player, is the director of the Kenya Film Commission. To further the cause of sports and cinema, he initiated the Kenya International Sports Film Festival under the aegis of the Safinaz Foundation. The highlight of the event is the screening of the award-winning film Madappally United directed by Ajay Govind, which won an award for its social message and most recently won the Golden Statuette at the 51st Roshd International Film Festival in Iran. In addition to the screening of the film, which was first held in Mumbai on Wednesday, the event will also feature the panel discussions and is set to cover multiple Indian cities including Delhi, Calicut and Ahmedabad. “Films are a great way to start a dialogue on social issues. I am looking forward to being a part of this event and in trying to understand how some of the issues raised by the film Madappally United can be tackled. This is also a great initiative which can take Indo-Kenyan relations in a new direction as far as entertainment and sports is concerned”, he said.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Netherlands star Max O’Dowd is determined to give absent head coach Ryan Campbell a World Cup in his homeland to look forward to as his side prepare for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier B. Campbell, who has been the Dutch head coach since January 2017, will not be with the squad in Zimbabwe as he continues his recovery from a heart attack in April that left him in a week-long coma. The 50-year-old was discharged in May and will be cheering on from home as the Netherlands take on former team Hong Kong, among others, in Group B knowing victory could see them head to Australia, his birthplace, for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, with two spots up for grabs. And O’Dowd sees success next week as the perfect chance to repay the 50-year-old's contribution to the team. “It was a very difficult time, made even tougher because just a couple of weeks before we had been with him in New Zealand playing in the ODI series,” opening batter O’Dowd recalled. “Then we were back in the Netherlands and he's not there, he's in a coma. That was a very scary thought for everyone and from what we were hearing about the damage that could have been done, it was very frightening. “We were all so pleased that Ryan did come out of the coma because we were hearing it was touch and go. It was tough for the playing group, but taking it all in, we realised how important he is for Dutch cricket. I'm just glad that he's back amongst the fold. “Obviously he's not with us in Zimbabwe but he's been a huge part of the last five years. It would mean a lot for all of us to qualify for Australia and hopefully take him with us to a World Cup in Aussie. “We've got a lot of young guys for whom it would be their first World Cup if we were to qualify and it would be an amazing experience. “We’ve had some amazing experiences over the last couple of months, playing against England and the West Indies, but a World Cup would be the top of their list. There are exciting times ahead, and we just hope we can pull it off because it's going to be very tough.” O’Dowd and his side begin their campaign for a fourth successive World Cup appearance on July 11 against Papua New Guinea, before facing the side Campbell represented in 2016. And while former South African international Ryan Cook has stepped in as interim coach, the Netherlands will be tapping into Campbell’s knowledge of Hong Kong. O’Dowd added: “I think Cambo has been sitting on the sidelines itching to get back involved. It’s obviously great to have him just back in the fold and he's someone that we talk to regularly. “He's been slowly working his way back into practices and team meetings and so on. He's got a lot of knowledge about that Hong Kong team and someone we turn to quite often about certain bowlers, certain batters. “I think the last time I played them may have been 2018 or even before that, so I think the side has changed a lot since then. “But he probably knows a lot about them, so we'll be sure to make use of all the info Cambos got for us.” The Netherlands end the group stages against Uganda and will hope to have done enough to advance to the knockout stages as they search for a third consecutive qualifier tournament win. O’Dowd has been in fine form in orange recently, scoring four ODI half-centuries in his past five matches against England and the West Indies. Last year, the 28-year-old became the first Dutchman to hit a century in T20Is, crashing 133 not out off 73 balls against Malaysia. But those returns have not been good enough for the right-hander's high standards. “I've done well, I've scored some runs. I guess it's been okay,” O’Dowd said. “If I look at myself, I quite like to be critical of my performances. “There are a few times where I’ve thrown away, in my opinion, hundreds and especially in that last ODI against the West Indies I think I threw away a chance to win the game. “But I’m happy to be performing consistently against the best in the world, which is a key thing and something that I strive towards. “Moving into the T20s now, it's trying to adapt my game and trying to expand on a couple of things, be a bit more fearless playing the T20 format, so it's very exciting.”

Sports Bulletin Report It has been a long climb back to the summit of international cricket for Zimbabwe but Blessing Muzarabani knows they are within touching distance of dining at the top table once more. The Chevrons were ineligible for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, following the agonising failure to secure a berth at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. Seamer Muzarabani believes his side are ready to remake their mark on the world stage but knows tough games lie ahead in ICC Men's T20 World Cup Global Qualifier B before they can do that. “It has been really tough for us,” admitted Muzarabani when reflecting on the past few years of Zimbabwean cricket. “I’m happy with the team right now because the guys are really working hard in the nets and hopefully we will execute our plan. I’m happy that we are getting these opportunities. I am just looking forward to going out there and just express ourselves.  I’m sure we’re going to enjoy it and try and win every game.” Before the last edition of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Chevrons had been mainstays, competing at every iteration since 2009. They now face three group stage games against Jersey, the USA and Singapore before the pivotal semi-final stage, with both finalists set to book their tickets to Australia. And with all games taking place on home soil in Bulawayo, Muzarabani is hoping the cricketers can put on a show for their country. “It’s going to be a good opportunity to go out there and play,” said the fast bowler. “We just need to win the game, that’s the first thing, and hopefully we will play well. We are going to make the crowd happy and our families happy. That’s our aim. We want to make our families proud, we want to make the supporters proud.” The qualifiers offer a chance for the Chevrons to begin a new era in Zimbabwe cricket and Muzarabani believes they have a good chance of doing so with an exciting batch of players coming through. “There’s some really good talent, some good young guys coming up,” he added. “There’s a really good batter, [Tadiwanashe] Marumani and there is Wesley [Madherve] as well. The future is looking bright but right now this is all about this tournament.” And for Muzarabani, the prospect of representing his country at the World Cup is one he can’t wait to go and grasp.  “I’d love to have that opportunity to play at the main World Cup because I’ve never been there,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of guys are looking forward to that. We’re going to give it our best so we get that opportunity to experience playing the World Cup. Hopefully it’s going to bring happiness to our supporters.”

Mohammad Rizwan Malik EDGBASTON (UK):-India have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised two ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against England in the rescheduled fifth Test in Birmingham. David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after India were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) playing conditions, a side is penalised one point for each over short. Consequently, two WTC points have been deducted from India’s points total. India captain Jasprit Bumrah plead guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Aleem Dar and Richard Kettleborough, third umpire Marais Erasmus and fourth umpire Alex Wharf leveled the charge.

BIPIN DANI The health of former Pakistani batsman Zaheer Abbas has worsened, it is learnt. The 74-year old Asian Bradman, who was being treated in Paddington's Saint Mary Hospital, is now shifted to Hammersmith Hospital for further care. Abbas' India-born wife Rita Luthra (known as Samina Abbas after marriage in 1988), speaking exclusively over the telephone from the hospital said, "this hospital is better for the treatment of the organs". Zaheer Abbas' kidney is enlarged and there are other complications as well. "One day he is better and the other day his condition deteriorates. On Sunday he had a temperature also. The foreign doctors are treating him here over here.  We are yet to trace any Indian or Pakistani doctor in this hospital. At present, he is in the separate ward but may be taken to an ICU", she said.   Earlier, Abbas' Dubai-based daughter Roshana said, "Through you my sister Hiba, Rudabah and I would like to say that we are very touched with the outpouring of love and prayers from dad’s fans and friends from all over the world and would like to thank every one of them. Please keep him in your prayers".

BIPIN DANI Australian Test captain Pat Cummins may be otherwise engaged at the moment, but we hear he is already polishing his lines for when he appears as special guest at The Chappell Foundation annual fundraising dinner at the SCG on August 10. This was revealed by Darshak Mehtra, the chairman of the Foundation. The 29-year-old captain will follow in the footsteps of Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Jimmy Barnes, who have all previously appeared at cricket’s biggest charity event. "We hear Cummins doesn’t mind an expensive wine having been introduced to the world of the fermented grape by no less than Dennis Lillee (a TCF patron). Cummins flew to Perth a few years back to work on fixing his bowling action with the former great. While that obviously worked a treat, the Australian captain says the wine habit he developed in the company of the great man has cost him a fortune since", Mehta says. "It’s a night for the tragic and the talented. Cummins, along with Ian, Greg and Trevor Chappell and a host of former cricketers, will join guests for sundowner drinks on the sacred turf before heading upstairs for the evening, which concludes with the skipper and Tracey Holmes in conversation", adds Mehta. Former PM John Howard is a great supporter of the charity night, which once saw John Singleton so moved by the occasion that he pledged a million dollars on the spot. The foundation raises money for homeless youth and is almost entirely without overheads, which means all money raised gets to the right places. The guests will also get a chance to visit the Sydney Cricket Ground dressing rooms with Cummins and Chappell.  

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's selection panel have named a 13-player squad for England Lions two Royal London 50-over internationals against South Africa starting on 12 July at Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton. Mo Bobat, ECB Performance Director, said: "It's always great when we can bring some of our best and highest potential players together, particularly to take on senior international opposition. The two games provide an excellent opportunity to continue to grow our depth and assess players' readiness for England. "The squad reflects a balance of England's next best players and some future players of note, as well as high performers from this season's Vitality Blast campaign. "With these games coming at the same time as England ODIs versus India and a County Championship round, we're very appreciative of the collaborative approach of counties, enabling us to field strong teams." The first match at Taunton will permit full squad participation to facilitate South Africa Team preparation for the international white-ball programme, but the second match at Worcester will be played as an 11-a-side List-A match. England Men's Assistant Coach Paul Collingwood has been appointed Head Coach for the two matches.  England Lions Squad versus South Africa: Tom Abell (Somerset-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Tom Banton (Somerset-WK), Sam Cook (Essex), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Steven Eskinazi (Middlesex), Sam Hain (Warwickshire), Adam Hose (Warwickshire), Benny Howell (Gloucestershire), Jake Lintott (Warwickshire), David Payne (Gloucestershire), George Scrimshaw (Derbyshire), Will Smeed (Somerset).