Sports Bulletin

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (UAE):-The shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award for June is dominated by batting superstars from England and New Zealand following their recent ICC World Test Championship (WTC) series. England enjoyed a successful start to Brendan McCullum’s coaching reign in the longest format, and two figureheads of their 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root, are shortlisted after outstanding contributions in three successful run chases. The lineup is completed by New Zealand batting ace, Daryl Mitchell, thanks to several key performances through the series. The ICC Women’s Player of the Month shortlist features two icons of South Africa with bat and ball. Shabnim Ismail dazzled while spearheading the bowling attack in their One Day International (ODI) series against Ireland, while compatriot Marizanne Kapp is nominated following her fierce resistance at the crease in the Test match against England. Starring for her opponents in that same match, England’s Nat Sciver is also included among the nominees in celebration of her outstanding display with the bat in her side’s mammoth first innings total. Jonny Bairstow (ENG) Bairstow was at his brutal best during the WTC series against New Zealand, scoring 394 runs at an average of 78.80. Despite a quiet showing at Lord’s, he recorded the second fastest century for an English batter in Tests when he struck a phenomenal 136 in the second innings in Nottingham. His partnership alongside skipper Ben Stokes shifted the momentum of the second Test in memorable fashion and helped clinch victory against the odds. Bairstow continued where he left off in the final Test, bludgeoning his way to England’s second-fastest 150 which laid the foundation for the series whitewash. Daryl Mitchell (NZ) Despite their WTC series defeat, Mitchell was a constant threat to an otherwise impressive and effective England bowling attack. Frequently arriving at the crease with his side’s backs against the wall, at times he appeared in unstoppable form, ending the series having amassed 538 runs at an average of 107.60, only failing to pass the half-century mark in one innings and registering a century in each match. This remarkable series of scores sees him nominated for the first time. Joe Root (ENG) Root continued his extraordinary form in the longest format, which stretches back well over the last 12 months. His unbeaten 115 in the second innings of the first Test at Lord’s secured victory and set the tone for three successful run chases against the current WTC title-holders, with Root seeing his side home in two of them. Passing the 10,000 Test runs milestone during the series, his scores of 176 and 86 not out in the second and third Tests helped him reclaim top spot in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Batting rankings in June and saw him end the month with 396 runs at an average of 99.00. Shabnim Ismail (SA) Ismail was once again the key weapon in the South African bowling attack during the ODI series in Ireland, taking 11 wickets at an incredible average of 5.00. Returning impressive figures of three for 16, three for 31 and a stunning five for eight in the final match in Dublin, she led from the front to reduce the hosts to scores of 69, 213 and 89, securing comfortable wins in each of the three fixtures. Ismail is shortlisted for the first time since she won the inaugural ICC Women’s Player of the Month award back in January 2021. Marizanne Kapp (SA) Kapp also celebrates her first nomination since January 2021 following her epic batting performances that proved crucial to rescuing her side in the sole Test match against England at Taunton. Her masterful 150 in the first innings set a national record for the highest Test score by a South African female and allowed her side to post a respectable 284 in response to a big first innings total by England. She continued to frustrate her opponents in the second innings by following up with 43 not out, salvaging an important draw. Nat Sciver (ENG) Sciver’s remarkable form in international cricket continues and sees her nominated for the second time in three months. England’s batters struggled to impose themselves on South Africa early in the Taunton Test, and at one point stood at 121 for five. Sciver struck an unbeaten 169 to help set an imposing 417 for eight, which would have been enough to secure victory but for rain and Kapp’s resilience.

BIPIN DANI Patrick Cummins-led Australian team skipped the commemoration gathering hosted in the memory of late Shane Warne on Saturday night, it is learnt.  According to the sources in Sri Lanka, the Hon., minister Harin Fernando hosted the cocktail party, which was attended by Shane's brother Jason and wife, Shay.  "Both the teams were invited for the function. The home team was in attendance but the visiting team is likely to have had Covid scare in mind. Since Angelo Mathews found Covid affected, all have taken utmost precautions", the source close to the minister, said.  "Apart from the SLC officials, the gathering was also attended by the selectors Pramodya Wickramsinghe and Romesh Kaluwithrana. Notable absentee was Muthiah Muralitharan, though his manager Kushil Gunasekera, the founder of the Foundation of Goodness was present", the source, who attended the function said on condition of anonymity.  Update on Angelo Mathews All-rounder Angelo Mathews, who had to miss the major part of the first Test in Galle due to Covid-19 has "better chance" of playing the second Test, commencing at the same venue from Friday.  "He was diagnosed on the 2nd day of the Test and is completing the five-day isolation on Sunday. His next Rapid Test is scheduled on Monday and if the tests reports are negative, he will be available. We want him to play the second Test", the SLC source added.  The first rain-affected Test, which finished under three-days, was won by the visiting team by 10 wickets.      

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-The match schedule for the remainder of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C has now been finalised after it was confirmed that three match officials will no longer take any part in the event. Following a road traffic accident in Belgium on 1 July involving the three tournament match officials, a decision has been reached that the individuals will take no further part in the event, even though the individuals have not sustained serious physical injury. As a result the fixtures originally scheduled for today at Ghent Oval - Gibraltar against Israel and Malta versus Hungary - have now been abandoned due to insufficient number of match officials to complete these fixtures during the remainder of the tournament. It has been agreed by the Event Technical Committee in order to complete the tournament, Group 1 (3rd) v Group 2 (3rd) - Gibraltar v Malta - and Group 1 (4th) v Group 2 (4th) - Israel v Hungary - will now take place on Sunday 3 July, previously scheduled as a tournament rest day, in line with the ICC's Tournament Playing Conditions. All remaining fixtures will now take place at Royal Brussels Cricket Club.  A revised summary of the remaining fixtures is below: 3rd July 2022 Israel v Hungary 11:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 3rd July 2022 Gibraltar v Malta 16:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 4th July 2022 Loser SF2 v Loser SF4 11:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club 4th July 2022 Winner SF2 v Winner SF4 16:00, Royal Brussels Cricket Club

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Capital Development Authority (CDA) in collaboration with Municipal Committee Islamabad (MCI) organized Amateur Premier Cricket League Tournament at F-9 Park Ground Islamabad. 12 cricket teams of the capital city took part in the tournament that was finally won by Islamabad Vikings. According to an official, Islamabad Vikings lifted the title after defeating Dhamyal Thanders in the final, who received Rs.100 thousands as winning prize money along with a shining trophy. Runner-up team captain got Rs. 50,000 with Trophy.  Choudary Shahzad, Assistant Director of Sports CDA, Rizwan Sarwar, Assistant Director Sports & Culture graced the ceremoney as guests of honours. Ch Shahzad said: “It was a nice tournament, which was staged first in the history of Islamabad under the floodlights and It was a nice opportunity for the players to show their game. All organizers worked hard to make this tournament successful. Naeem Sardar also worked day and night for this event”. Best Awards of Tournament: Best Batter: Adnan Khan (Dhamyal Thanders) Best Bowler: Talha Majeed (Islamabad Vikings) Best Wicketkeeper: Usman Ghani (Islamabad Vikings).

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD:-Two of Saturday's fixtures in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sub Regional Europe Qualifier C have been postponed after three match officials were involved in a road traffic accident in Belgium on the evening of 1 July. The match officials and driver of the vehicle were taken to hospital as a precaution, but have sustained no serious injury. Therefore, the Event Technical Committee has decided to postpone the Gibraltar against Israel and Malta versus Hungary fixtures originally scheduled to take place at Ghent Oval today, Saturday 2 July. The semi-finals featuring Belgium against Portugal and Spain versus Denmark taking place today at Royal Brussels Cricket Club are unaffected. The ICC will continue to monitor the welfare of the individuals involved and a further announcement regarding the postponed fixtures and match schedule for the remainder of the event will be made in due course.

BIPIN DANI The brother of the late Australian spinner Shane Warne, who arrived in Sri Lanka on Friday, will visit the Foundation of Goodness in Seenigama as part of his itinerary.  Jason Warne and his wife Shay are in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Minister of Tourism Harin Fenando and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB), The Foundation of Goodness was founded by Philanthropist Kushil Gunasekera, with whom Shane Warne associated in relief efforts after the 2004 tsunami. Member of Sri Lanka's national cricket selection committee and 1996 World Cup winner Romesh Kaluwitharana has also invited Jason and his wife for lunch at his resort, Kalu's Hideaway, on Saturday on the way to their visit to Udawalawe National Park. "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," Kaluwitharana said. "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."

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.