Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI The International Cricket Council (ICC) umpire Richard Kettleborough, who had a tough time in Bangladesh on the fourth day of the Test match could resume his duty on the last day. The 49-year-old Kettleborough had fallen ill on the fourth morning and had to return to the dressing room immediately after officiating in the few overs. "The excessive heat took a toll on him and had to be withdrawn", one of the sources said. His on field duty was taken over by the third umpire Joel Wilson and the reserve umpire Masudur Rahman had to move to the TV room. "Wilson officiated from both ends on the fourth day. Joel Wilson's onfield involvement was only temporary, so may well be only a scorecard footnote. Kettleborough was fine on the fifth morning and officiated in the Test the entire day".  Both Kettleborough and Wilson will swap their roles in the second Test beginning in Dhaka on May 23.

BIPIN DANI The Indian cricket board is in the "final negotiation stage" with the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to have a bilateral series between the women's teams of both countries, it is learnt.  According to the highly placed sources in the BCCI, the two teams will play three ODIs' and three T-20Is in Sri Lanka in July this year. The SLC is planning to host all matches in Kandy. However, the venues are yet to be finalized. "Australia's two men's teams (national and "A") will be touring Sri Lanka and therefore depending upon the availability of the grounds, the women's teams will play matches there", one source said. Sri Lanka's women team captain Chamari Atapattu and her colleagues, who left for Pakistan on Thursday noon had to miss the Indian cricket board-organized My11 Circle Women’s T20 Challenge in India this month, however, now the likelihood of the matches in July has brightened the chances of the team to play against India.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Hasan Raja announced an increase of Rs. 100,000 across all three pension categories under the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy. The increase means cricketers who have played in 10 or less Tests will now receive a monthly pension of PKR142,000, players who have played between 11 and 20 Tests will receive PKR148,000 and players who have featured in 21 or more Tests will receive PKR154,000. In a major amendment to the policy, the PCB also announced the pension will be transferred to the widow in the unfortunate event of a Test cricketer’s demise. Previously, the legal heirs of the cricketer were only entitled to receive a onetime payment equivalent to 12 months’ benefit calculated according to the bracket under which the pension was being paid to the cricketer. The PCB Players’ Welfare Policy was last updated in January 2019. To ensure there were no future delays in the increase in the pension amounts, the PCB also confirmed there will be an annual inflation increase. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said: “It gives me immense pleasure and happiness to announce the increase in pension amounts and other amendments to the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy. With a former cricketer at the helm of Pakistan cricket affairs, the expectation was that I will always protect and look after the interests and welfare of all present and past cricketers. I am delighted that I have been able to fulfil another of my commitments and have amended the policy in such a way that there will now be an annual increase in the pension amounts. “While improving the pension amounts, we have also ensured security for a cricketer’s widow. As a former cricketer, I know and understand the sacrifices of the families, particularly the spouses that allow cricketers to fulfil their ambitions and dreams of representing their country at the highest level. I am confident this incremental increase of the pension policy will give a lot of peace and satisfaction to the cricketers as well as their families. “The PCB is an institution that has a proud history of respecting and appreciating its cricketers. These amendments to the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy are a testament to our commitment and on behalf of this organisation, I once again assure all retired cricketers that we will continue to support them in any way we can, be it through the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy or the PCB Benevolent Fund, which exists to support and help cricketers facing financial challenges and hardships.” The latest changes to the PCB Players’ Welfare Policy will come into effect from 1 July 2022 and cricketers who have reached the age of 60 and above, will be able to benefit.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-The T20I series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka women teams begins on Tuesday, 24 May, at the Southend Club, Karachi. All three matches of the series will be staged at the same venue on 24, 26 and 28 May. Prior to the start of the series, the two teams will practice for three days (21 to 23 May) at the Southend Club. Schedule of activities: Saturday, 21 May: Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm Sri Lanka captain’s arrival press conference -  Southend Club media lounge at 1:00pm Sunday, 22 May: Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm One member of Pakistan squad to hold media talk 12:30pm Monday, 23 May: T20I series trophy unveiling for media at the Southend Club at 9:45am Training and practice session for both teams from 10:00am to 1:00pm Pakistan and Sri Lanka captains or head coaches to hold pre-series press conferences - Southend Club media lounge from 1:00pm T20Is: The three T20Is will begin at 2:00pm with the toss at 1:30pm.

Sports Bulletin Report KARACHI:-Uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Gull Feroza and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan have been included in the Pakistan women’s T20I squad for the three-match series against Sri Lanka that will be played at the Southend Club, Karachi from Tuesday 24 May. Uncapped batter Sadaf Shamas has been included in the ODI squad while Gull Feroza who hails from Multan has also earned a spot in the fifteen member 50-over matches’ squad. Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal finalised the squad in consultation with the head coach David Hemp and captain Bismah Maroof. The performances of the pre-series camp participants that was staged at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre, National Stadium and Southend Club from 9 May, form, fitness and past performances were considered in the selection process. Bismah, Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Fatima Sana who appeared in the FairBreak Invitational T20 event in Dubai have returned to Karachi and will take part in the three-day pre series training from Saturday, 21 May. Kainat Imtiaz (T20I) and Sadia Iqbal (both squads) have returned after recovering from injuries and proving their form and fitness in the pre-series camp. The pre-series camp will conclude today with a practice session at the Hanif Mohammad HPC, a 50-over practice match was staged between the 26 camp participants at the Southend Club on Tuesday. The three T20Is will be played on 24, 26 and 28 May. The ODIs that are a part of ICC Women’s Championship will be staged on 1, 3 and 5 June. Chief Selector Asmavia Iqbal said: “I want to wish the two squads the very best for the series, we have provided opportunities to Gull Feroza, Sadaf Shamas and Tuba Hassan on the basis of their future potential and skills. The three youngsters took part in the emerging camp last December and made an impression with their talent. I am pleased to see their progress and we all feel it is now the right time to give them exposure of international cricket. “We had sent Tuba as a reserve player in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, she continues to make good progress and since spin bowling has been a traditional strength of ours, I feel she can make a good contribution in our bowling strategy. Gull Feroza has also made good progress, she has an aggressive style of play and can provide us brisk starts in both T20Is and ODIs which are now a big requirement at the international stage. Sadaf besides her batting skills provides us a bowling option too with her medium pace skills. “For the rest of the squad, we considered the players fitness, form and their performances in the preparation camp where we played a number of practice T20 and 50-over matches. I believe we have two formidable squads for both T20Is and ODIs, both squads have good depth and most certainly have the pedigree to beat the Sri Lankan team in what should be an exciting series.” Names of T20I squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman 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. Names of ODI squad: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aiman Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (wicketkeeper), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper). Support personnel for both T20Is and ODIs: Asiya Khan (Manager), David Hemp (Head coach), Saleem Jaffer (Bowling coach), Waqar Orakzai (Assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (Strength and Conditioning coach), Rifat Asghar Gill (Physiotherapist), Dr Muhammad Khurram (Doctor), Zubair Ahmed (Analyst). Series itinerary 24 May – First T20I 26 May – Second T20I 28 May – Third T20I 1 Jun – First ODI 3 Jun – Second ODI 5 Jun – Third ODI

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Matthew Mott has been appointed as England Men's White-Ball Head Coach. Mott, 48, has signed a four-year agreement and is expected to be in place for England's three-match ODI series against The Netherlands in Amsterdam next month. The ECB's selection panel of Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England's Men's Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat unanimously agreed that he was the standout candidate for the role during the competitive interview process. Mott has led the Australian Women's Team since 2015 and during his seven years in charge has overseen one of the world's best winning records across international sport. Under his leadership, Australia Women have won consecutive ICC T20 World Cups, this year's ICC Women's 50-Over World Cup and are undefeated in four Ashes series. Mott has also helped Australia win 26 consecutive one-day internationals, a record in either the men's or women's game. Before taking up his post with Australia women in 2015, Mott worked as Head Coach of New South Wales - leading them to victory in the Champions League T20 tournament in 2009 - and then coached Glamorgan, reaching the final of the Yorkshire Bank 40 in 2013, before working as a consultant for Ireland during the 2015 ICC Men's World Cup. Managing Director of England's Men's Cricket Rob Key, said: "It is a real privilege to be able to announce Mathew Mott as the Head Coach of our men's white-ball team. He has had an incredible coaching journey with so many varied experiences that have brought him to this point where he was outstanding in the interview process and the perfect fit for our white-ball teams. "We are lucky to be able to appoint a Head Coach that has not only been involved in international cricket for the last few years but he has also worked in franchise cricket around the world. More importantly, what he has done with the Australian Women's team is what will be asked of him to achieve for our men's white-ball sides. "I'm confident that in Eoin Morgan and Matthew Mott, we have a formidable partnership that can push for more trophies in the coming years and that Matthew will be able to oversee any transition that team will go through in the future. "Furthermore, Matthew will also help us invest in English coaches getting them as much experience as possible over the next few years." Head Coach, Matthew Mott said: "I am delighted to accept the opportunity to take this white-ball role with England. Whilst I am Australian, I have deep connections, and several of my closest friends are in the UK, having spent considerable time in Scotland, Wales and England, both as a player and coach. "When this role became available, I was attracted by the chance to work with such an established and successful team under the astute leadership of Eoin Morgan and now Rob Key, whom I have always admired as an excellent cricket mind. "The idea of the split roles and the chance to work alongside Brendon McCullum in his red-ball role is an opportunity that I am incredibly enthusiastic about and certainly provides the right balance for my family as we embark on this exciting journey. "It was always going to take something special to leave the role that I have loved for the past seven years with the Australian Women's team. However, I genuinely believe that the time is right to play a role in helping the England Men's ODI and T20 group continue to evolve as one of the best teams in the world. "I am fully aware that this team has been functioning well and part of my initial plan is to work with the playing group and support staff on how we can firstly maintain, then enhance, the success they have started to build over the past few years. "Since the excitement of accepting this role, I, like many people around the world, have been trying to come to terms with the tragic loss of my great mate Andrew Symonds. The support of his beautiful family and close friends in the coming days will be vitally important, so I respectfully request some time to process his passing and the immense loss before making any further comment on the role at this stage."

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON:-England Men's 6-member selection panel have named a 13-strong squad for the first two Test matches of the summer against New Zealand starting at Lord's on 2 June. Yorkshire batter Harry Brook and Durham seamer Matthew Potts are called up for the first time. Brook has been the standout batsman in Division one of the LV= Insurance County Championship. The 23-year-old, who made his England T20 debut in January in the Caribbean, has scored 758 runs at an average of 151.60, including three centuries and four half-centuries for the white rose county during the summer campaign. The 23-year-old Potts has been in impressive form in the LV= Insurance County Championship. He is the season's leading bowler, with 35 wickets and four five-wicket hauls, including his most recent return of seven for 40 in Durham's win over Glamorgan. The seam duo of Lancashire's James Anderson and Nottinghamshire's Stuart Broad return to the squad for the first time since the Australia Test series earlier this winter. Managing Director Rob Key said: "This is the start of a new era for our Test team under the stewardship of Ben (Stokes) and Brendon (McCullum). With a blend of youth and experience, we have selected an exciting squad that can compete with New Zealand in next month's Test series. "We have rewarded players in Harry Brook and Matty Potts who have had outstanding starts to the County season, and they deserve the opportunity to stake a claim at this level. "It promises to be a mouthwatering series, and I can't wait for the team to start against a very good New Zealand side. It is a fascinating prospect for everyone connected with the sport in this country." The three-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. The England team will be looking to climb the rankings after a disappointing start to the second edition of the Championship. At the end of the two-year cycle, the top two teams will compete in the ICC World Test Championship Final due to be staged in the summer of 2023. The squad will come together for the first time next week in a camp before reporting to Lord's on 29 May ahead of the first Test on the 2 June. Selection Panel: The selection panel consists of Rob Key (Managing Director, England Men's Cricket), Brendon McCullum (England Men's Head Coach), Ben Stokes (England Men's Test Captain), Mo Bobat (Performance Director), James Taylor (Head Scout), David Court (Player ID Lead). Names of players: Ben Stokes (Durham) captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Alex Lees (Durham), Craig Overton (Somerset), Matthew Potts (Durham), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire) Schedule (Test Matches) 1st Test: England v New Zealand, 2-6 June, Lord’s Cricket Ground, London 2nd Test: England v New Zealand, 10-14 June, Trent Bridge, Nottingham 3rd Test: England v New Zealand, 23-27 June, Headingley, Leeds

BIPIN DANI Bangladeshi player Mushfiqur Rahim's parents (father : Mahbub Habib and mother Rahima Khatun) had no plan to go to the Stadium and witness the current Test series against Sri Lanka. However, they have now changed their plan and have decided to drive about 200 km from their native Bogra to Dhaka and watch the second Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium (SBNCS). "My son scored a hundred (on Wednesday) and also became the first cricketer in our country to score 5000 runs in a Test. We want to celebrate the occasion in Dhaka", Mahbub Habib said exclusively over the telephone. "We are happy for his performance in this Test and his two achievements (century and 5000 runs) on the same day have made us proud". Father, who is in the business of selling the building materials, agreed that it was a slow batting by his son. Rahim's 105 runs came in 282 balls and had only four fours in the innings. "Rahim didn't have enough runs and a century for quite some time and now he has scored a ton and it gives us satisfaction", the father of five children (4 sons and one daughter) added. Rahim is the only cricketer in the family. "He didn't want to come in my business". Rahim's elder brother is in the business of selling motorcycles. Another one is a computer engineer and the youngest brother is a student. Rahim, who married to Jannatul Kefayet in 2014 lives in Dhaka with son Shahrooz and they all can't wait to watch Rahim play in the 2nd Test beginning on May 23.

Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE):-Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza has been fined 50 per cent of his match fee for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the Men’s T20 International against Namibia at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Raza was found to have breached Article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “showing dissent at an Umpire’s decision during an International Match.” In addition to this, two demerit points have been added to Raza’s disciplinary record, for whom it was the first offence in a 24-month period, taking his cumulative demerit points to two. The incident occurred in the 16th over of Zimbabwe’s innings when Raza was given out LBW. He questioned the decision by showing his bat to the umpire, used inappropriate words about the decision numerous times as he was leaving the field of play, and shouted his displeasure again as he entered the dressing room. Raza admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by Match Referee Andy Pycroft, as such, there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Iknow Chabi and Langton Rusere and third umpire Forster Mutizwa levelled the charges. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

BIPIN DANI Sri Lanka's women's team captain Chamari Athapaththu believes that her recent form and experience of playing in the first ever 20-over FairBreak tournament in Dubai will benefit her in the upcoming tour of Pakistan. Sri Lankan team is to play three T-20Is followed by three ODIs' in Pakistan.  The 32-year-old bartting all-rounder recently played in the tournament where 90 players from 35 countries participated. She was the top scorer with 313 runs (in 7 matches she played) which also included an unbeaten score of 107 runs.  "I want to continue this form in Pakistan. I am excited about the Pak. tour", she said hours before returning to Colombo (to join the squad for Pak. tour). "It was really a good opportunity for me, playing against the best overseas players and associate players. FairBreak is a really good platform for all womens cricketers. So I'm keen to play in this league next year also", she added. Chamari, however, will miss the Indian cricket board-organized My-11 Circle Women’s T20 Challenge in India this month. The BCCI tournament (May 23-28) will clash with the Sri Lankan women's tour of Pakistan.