Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE (December 28, 2021):-Pakistan’s top-order women batter Bismah Maroof has confirmed her availability for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2022 and will participate in warm-up matches to be held in Karachi as part of the side’s selection and preparation for the New Zealand event that will take place from 4 March to 3 April 2022. Bismah, who has played 108 ODIs and T20Is each in a career that started in 2006, commenced her maternity leave in December 2020 and gave birth to a baby girl in August 2021. Bismah has already been re-integrated into cricketing activities and has resumed fitness sessions as part of her post-childbirth rehabilitation at the National High Performance Centre. She will soon commence net practice after overcoming a thumb injury. Bismah Maroof: “The past few months have been the best of my life. Becoming a mother and spending time with my daughter has given me immense pleasure, but it is now time to return to my passion of representing Pakistan at an international stage. “The maternity leave helped me realise the significance of navigating the balance of raising a child and maintaining my professional cricketing career as I missed being on the field each time I saw the girls in action. But thanks to the PCB Parental Support Policy, which has greatly facilitated my return to cricket, I can now resume my ambitions and aspirations of playing for Pakistan and hope to make a useful contribution in our target of doing well in New Zealand.” Under the policy, if Bismah is selected, she will be allowed to be accompanied by her dependent child and one support person of her choice. Bismah will be one of the 36 probables who will feature in a seven-match tri-series at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre from 10-19 January. The women players will be split into two squads and will be joined by a local boys’ side with the New Zealand-bound squad to be named on 25 January. Meanwhile, the PCB has confirmed Urooj Mumtaz has stepped down as Chair of Women’s Selection Committee to focus on her professional commitments as well as to pursue other opportunities within the game. Asmavia Iqbal has been named as the new head of the selection panel and will be assisted by junior selection committee members Saleem Jaffar and Taufeeq Umar. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I want to thank Urooj Mumtaz for her contributions as Chair of the Pakistan Women’s Selection Committee. You worked diligently in your role for which the PCB is grateful and indebted. We wish you best for your future endeavours.” Urooj Mumtaz: “It has been a wonderful experience to head the selection committee and contribute in the growth and progression of women’s cricket. I am grateful for the opportunity and thank all my colleagues, while wishing the team the very best in the 2022 international commitments and beyond.” Urooj was appointed Chair of the selection committee in March 2019. Probables for practice matches: Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Anoosha Nasir, Ayesha Bilal, Ayesha Naseem, Ayesha Zafar, Nahida Khan, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Fareeha Mehmood, Fatima Sana Khan, Ghulam Fatima (subject to fitness), Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Javeria Rauf, Javeria Khan, Kainat Hafeez, Kainat Imtiaz (subject to fitness), Maham Tariq, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sandhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Ramin Shameem, Saba Nazir, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Saima Malik, Sidra Ameen, Sidra Nawaz, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-Hani

Bipin Dani Sri Lanka's Test captain Dimuth Karunaratne will greet the New Year (2022) in the USA (United State of America). The 33-year-old opening batsman has been holidaying in the USA. Once the LPL (Lanka Premier League) began in Sri Lanka, the Test captain, who is not a part of the shortest format of the game left for New York. Confirming the news, his manager, Ravi de Silva speaking exclusively over the phone from Colombo, said, "He is on a private visit to enjoy some R&R (Rest & Recreation) in The Big Apple NYC in particular". "He is enjoying the nice weather there. Nice time away from all the fuss & holiday season in Sri Lanka". "Cool & Calm as always “Mr. Amiable” ala DK is enjoying some peace & tranquility - Ironically in a place where it never stops 24-7-365. He enjoys "Waking up in a City that Never Sleeps“. The Test captain visited the important spots- Dumbo Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Greenport etc. during his NY trip. Interestingly, the national chief selector Pramodya Wickramasinghe is also on a private visit to the Caribbean Islands. "He is on a personal trip there and will return to Sri Lanka on January 3", one of the sources in the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board said.

Aamir Ali Janjua DUBAI (December 27, 2021):-An all-round performance from skipper Qasim Akram led Pakistan Under-9 to a 21-run win over UAE U19 at the ICC Cricket Academy Ground in Dubai on Monday. The victory was Pakistan’s third win in a row and also confirmed their semi-final spot in the tournament. After opting to bat first, half-century by right-handed Qasim, followed by a 21-ball unbeaten 34 cameo by Ahmed Khan helped them post 219 for eight in 50 overs. Qasim top-scored with 50 off 67, hitting five fours. Haseebullah scored a 48-ball 39, which included two fours. Ahmed coming to bat at number-eight struck two fours and one six. For UAE, Aayan Afzal Khan picked three wickets for 44, while Nilansh Keswani bagged two for 32. In turn, UAE managed to score 198 for nine with wicketkeeper-batter Kai Smith and number-eight batter Aayan scoring 38 runs each. For Pakistan, Qasim with his right-arm off-spin grabbed three for 52. Maaz Sadaqat, Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Zeeshan bagged two wickets apiece. The semifinals will be played on 30 December with ICC Cricket Ground, Dubai hosting the first semi-final, while Sharjah Cricket Stadium to host second semi-final. Scores in brief Pakistan U19 beat UAE U19 by 21 runs Pakistan U19 219-8, 50 overs (Qasim Akram 50, Haseebullah 39, Ahmed Khan 34 not out; Aayan Afzal Khan 3-44, Nilansh Keswani 2-33) UAE U19 198-9, 50 overs (Aayan Afzal Khan 38, Kai Smith 38, Alishan Sharafu 35; Qasim Akram 3-52, Maaz Sadaqat 2-21, Mohammad Zeeshan 2-34, Mehran Mumtaz 2-35)

Bipin Dani More than 25 candidates have applied for the various coaching assignments in Sri Lanka, it is learnt. According to the information gathered from the reliable source in Sri Lanka, 20 people are local, who have responded to the advertisement which the SLC (Sri Lanka Cricket) board had advertised for the various coaching positions. Most of them were recently involved in the franchise teams coaching in the Lanka Premier League (LPL). There have been other 7-8 foreigners who too have shown interest, not necessarily all of them have applied for the senior men team's head coaching but even for the other teams. "Will begin the interview process next week or immediately in the New Year", Aravinda de Silva, the head of the Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC), speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, said on Sunday morning.  "Two members from our committee, who are available on the day/days of interviews will join Mahela Jayawardene in the process", he added. "Will also seek Tom Moody's views", the chairman added. Tom Moody has a contract with the SLC as Cricket Director.  Aravinda didn't specify it but it is believed that Mahela is likely to favor Sri Lankan coaches. Only the head coach for the senior men's team may be a foreigner.  

Karachi (Sports Report):-The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 day-night final between Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is on course for an exciting finish as Northern finished day-two at 184 for three in their first innings in reply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s 374-run first innings effort on Sunday at the National Stadium, Karachi. Shortly before close of play Northern captain Umar Amin (4) was dismissed by Sameen Gul which left the match evenly poised. Northern will start day-three 190 runs behind Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with seven first innings wickets standing. Northern’s in-form young opening pair of Haider Ali and Mohammad Huraira got their side off to a flying start. The two right-handers played a series of stunning drives as the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers struggled to find movement off the pitch under lights. The duo took Northern to 96 for no loss at dinner, shortly after the resumption of play, Huraira was dismissed for 51 off 65 balls (seven fours, one six), the fourth fifty of his maiden first-class season. Off-spinner Sajid Khan dismissed him lbw. Haider looked poised for his fourth first-class century before falling to Sajid in an attempt to clear the long-on boundary. His 81 came off 131 balls and included 14 fours. Earlier, resuming at the overnight first innings score of 252 for five, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were helped beyond the 350-run mark by all-rounder Asif Afridi who scored 68. Asif was involved in useful 39 and 63 run partnerships with Sajid Khan (22) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (21). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were bowled out for 374 shortly after the tea break. For Northern off-spinner Mubasir Khan took four while pacer Waqas Ahmed took three wickets. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa collected three batting points in the first innings while Northern had to settle for two. After the first 100 overs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 308 for seven. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 374 all out, 118.2 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 102, Kamran Ghulam 72, Asif Afridi 68; Mubasir Khan 4-52, Waqas Ahmed 3-94) Northern 184 for 3, 56 overs (Haider Ali 81, Mohammad Huraira 51; Sajid Khan 2-30) Match points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –three. Northern – two.

Sports Bulletin Report ISLAMABAD (December 26, 2021):-The mother of former Test cricketer Shoaib Akhtar passed away on Sunday morning and was laid to rest at H-11 graveyard in the evening soon after Namaz-a-Esar in capital city Islamabad. The 46-year-old cricketer turned analyst is said to be one of the fastest and fiercest bowlers in international cricket, as he possesses the record for the fastest delivery bowled in international cricket. Akhtar has represented Pakistan in 224 international matches — 46 Tests, 163 ODIs, and 15 T20Is.

Dubai, UAE (SB Report):-The International Cricket Council has expressed grief at the passing of former England captain Ray Illingworth at the age of 89. Born in Pudsey, Yorkshire, the off-spinning all-rounder, started his first-class career in 1951 at the age of 19. Illingworth represented England from 1958 to 1973, playing 61 Tests, scoring 1836 runs and picking 122 wickets. He captained England to a famous 2-0 Ashes victory in 1970/71. He had a tremendous first-class career, accumulating 24,134 runs and taking 2072 wickets. He also led Yorkshire to three consecutive County Championship wins from 1966 to 1968. ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “Ray Illingworth was a giant of English cricket and was one of England's finest captains. He made an enormous contribution to the game, not just as England’s captain, but also as coach and chairman of selectors. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” After retirement, Illingworth turned to broadcast and was a part of BBC's television coverage. He also served as England's coach in 1995/96 and was the chairman of selectors between 1994 and 1996.

Karachi (Sports Report):-Captain’s innings from Iftikhar Ahmed helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa post 252 for five on the opening day of the five-day pink-ball final of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 at the National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday. The right-handed batter Iftikhar brought up his first century of the tournament facing 168 balls. He stitched a 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Kamran Ghulam who scored 72 off 196 balls, hitting 11 fours. The right-handed Kamran fell to Mohammad Nawaz in the final session of the day. Iftikhar was the last wicket to fall on the first day, when he was bowled by Waqas Ahmed for 102 facing 170 balls, which included 13 fours. Wicketkeeper-batter Rehan Afridi (23, one four, 53b) and Asif Afridi (three off seven) were not out. For Northern, Waqas picked three wickets for 52. Earlier Northern won the toss and opted to bowl first. Regular captain Nauman Ali was side lined due to a foot injury, Umar Amin was named the side’s captain for the final. Seasoned pacer Waqas provided Northern the perfect start by sending back Fakhar Zaman and this season’s leading run-getter Sahibzada Farhan on consecutive balls of the second over the match. The experienced pair of Ashfaq Ahmed and Kamran took Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to 77 for two at tea, adding 71 runs in the first session for their third wicket alliance. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost Ashfaq’s wicket soon after the break, the right-hander fell for 45 off 92 balls (five fours) with off-spinner Mubasir Khan taking his wicket – the 26th of the season for the youngster. Captain Iftikhar joined Kamran at the crease after Ashfaq’s departure, Kamran reached the 13th half-century of his first-class career off 131 balls (nine fours). Kamran and Iftikhar added 73 runs till the break, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 158 for three at dinner after 55 overs. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 252-5, 87 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 102, Kamran Ghulam 72, Ashfaq Ahmed 45; Waqas Ahmed 3-52) Match points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 2; Northern 1

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai, UEA (December 25, 2021):-Pakistan Under-19 cricket team defeated India Under-19 cricket team by 2 wickets in a thrilling match in ACC Men's Under-19 Asia Cup. Mohammad Shehzad scored 81 runs and judged man of the match while Zeeshan Zameer took 5 wickets. Pakistan U-19 needed 2 runs on the last ball of the match to win that Ahmed Khan hit a four to lead the team to victory. He played an unbeaten innings of 29 off 19 balls with the help of 3 fours and a six.  Pakistan U-19 cricket team achieved the target of 238 runs on the last ball of the match at a loss of 8 wickets. Mohammad Shehzad of Pakistan made 81 off 105 balls with 5 sixes and 4 fours. Mohammad Irfan Niazi 32 and Rizwan Mahmood 29 runs were out. India's Raj Nad Bawa took four wickets. Earlier, thanks to the excellent bowling of fast bowler Zeeshan Zameer, India U-19 cricket team was bowled out for 237 runs in 49 overs. Zeeshan Zameer guided 5 players to the pavilion for 60 runs. Owais Ali took 2 wickets while Moaz Sadaqat and Qasim Akram took one wicket each. India Under-19 cricket team's wicket keeper Better Aradhya Yadav scored 50 and Harnoor Pinnu scored 46 runs.

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-We all have seen Yuvraj Singh's impeccable cricket as he hits balls off the ground with unmatchable sixes. But for the first time, the cricketer has been seen traveling in space. Well, sort of. For the first time, Colexion, Asia's biggest NFT marketplace, stepped ahead to push boundaries in space and launched satellite NFTs carrying prized possessions of the legendary India cricketer Yuvraj Singh in the metaverse last week. Colexion partnered with the 2011 ODI World Cup-winning batsman Yuvraj to release his own NFTs with augmented reality for this ground-breaking initiative. A hot-air balloon was launched from earth to orbit carried Yuvraj Singh's iconic bat, which he used to register his first-ever century in the 2003 ODI match against Bangladesh in Dhaka. Moreover, a never-before-released personalized video of Yuvraj Singh bat's entire space journey will be made accessible for fans, as it becomes the first minted NFT ever to be sent in orbit. The video will be uploaded on Colexion's official website in the last week of December. While speaking about his journey to space, Yuvraj, who is also an investor in Colexion, says, “I am excited to share my first NFT space journey exclusively on Colexion. Connecting with my fans on a new platform like this is exciting and I look forward to share some of my most cherished possessions like the first century bat.”  “I have always wanted to be closer to my fans and I am happy to partner with Colexion to be able to share these precious tokens from my cricketing journey with the people who have loved and encouraged me every step of the way. I look forward to engage with them in my Colexion digital avatar," he added, signing off from space. After this, Yuvraj will drop his first NFT that will be live on 25th December 2021. The NFT will contain a 3D version of the cricketer along with his signed 1st-century bat to be made available for his beloved fans. Furthermore, Colexion is creating a one-of-its-kind Virtual NFT Museum for all the NFTs of Yuvraj where his fans can be a part of his life's journey. Further, the cricketer's signed merchandise will be offered as giveaways on the platform as NFTs. Speaking about the initiative, Founder Abhay says, "We'll launch an autographed cricket bat along with a 3D statue of the cricketer, providing an exclusive opportunity to fans to own his digital collectibles. Colexion enables fans to witness this historic event and become a part of this massive revolution. We are creating interesting digital spaces for him to engage with his fans who will also be now able to 'own' special moments of his career." Through this historic initiative, Colexion aims to establish its footprint by becoming the first-ever NFT marketplace to launch exclusive NFT in space through high-end technology and innovation. NFT stands for non-fungible tokens- one-of-a-kind, blockchain-based assets that live on the blockchain and have become a blossoming business in the art world, with some selling recently for millions of dollars. Colexion is a platform that allows fans to buy, trade, and sell unique digital collectibles in the form of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). An NFT is a form of crypto asset which uses blockchain to record the ownership status of digital objects, such as images, videos, and text. And Colexion through unique trump cards enables fans to own NFTs of their favorite player or celebrity. Interestingly, sports NFTs are quite the buzz— today's card collectors have shifted their attention to sports NFTs that offer proof of unique ownership of a video, photo, or other digital capture of an important moment in sports history. Earlier, Colexion has launched the world's largest NFT drop of 30 celebrities in the form of trump cards, including music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman, cricketers Varun Chakravarthy and Dwayne Bravo, and Bollywood and TV stars Tanuj Virwani and Aamir Ali, among others. Launched by Colexion, interactive trump cards contain photos and models in 3D and 2D formats of the celebrities.