Cricket
IV-Day Match: Pakistan A score 212 for 5 at stumps on day 2
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens were 212 for five at stumps on the second day of the four-day match against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The visitors had earlier been dismissed for 310 on Tuesday morning.Hussain Talat (18 not out) and Muhammad Ghazi Ghori (5 not out) will resume Pakistan Shaheens’ innings on Wednesday, with the home side trailing by 98 runs.Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka ‘A’ added 17 runs to their overnight score of 293 for eight before being bowled out for 310. Sonal Dinusha, who resumed on 81, remained unbeaten on 85, while Isitha Wijesundara contributed a strokeful 51, which included seven fours and three sixes. Wijesundara had started the morning on 38 before falling to Kashif Ali.Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad, who had taken an impressive six for 30 on Monday before splitting his right-hand webbing during the second session while attempting a catch, did not bowl on Tuesday and has been ruled out of further participation in the match. Ahmed Safi Abdullah finished with figures of two for 100, while Kashif Ali and Ahmed Bashir claimed one wicket each on the second morning.In reply, Pakistan Shaheens saw solid starts from their top-order batters but none could convert them into substantial scores. Abdul Faseeh top-scored with 59 off 108 balls, including seven fours, while Mohammad Suleman made 40, Haider Ali scored 35 and Ali Zaryab contributed 32.The most notable partnership of the innings so far has been between Abdul Faseeh and Ali Zaryab, who added 86 runs for the second wicket off 165 balls. Another key stand came for the fourth wicket when Suleman and Haider put together 54 runs off 96 deliveries. Wanuja Sahan followed up his 63 in the first innings by bagging two wickets for 53 runs.Scores in brief (day 2 of 4):Sri Lanka ‘A’ 310 all-out, 79 overs (Sonal Dinusha 85 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 51, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100)Pakistan Shaheens 212-5, 71 overs (Abdul Faseeh 59, Mohammad Suleman 40, Haider Ali 35, Ali Zaryab 32; Wanuja Sahan 2-53).
Cricket Meets Cradle: Stars Prioritizing Paternity Leave Over Pitch
BIPIN DANIIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, who became a father for the second time (his wife delivered a baby-boy) in a local hospital in Mumbai on Friday and may miss the first Test match against Australia in Perth beginning next week. Rohit had communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wishes to stay back with his family and 2nd newborn for a few more days. He is likely to be available for selection for the second Test of the series.This decision by Rohit Sharma has sparked a debate on balancing professional commitments with personal milestones, highlighting the varied perspectives within the cricketing community on leadership and family priorities.Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on Rohit's decision, suggesting that if he misses the first Test, he should continue to participate as a player for the remainder of the series rather than as captain. Gavaskar proposed that Jasprit Bumrah should take over the captaincy duties for the entire series, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership.Former India pace bowler, Karsan Ghavri has backed Gavaskar's views. Speaking exclusively, he says, "Better Rohit Sharma takes a break. He will not be able to concentrate and do justice to both the places. National duty comes 1st. On the war field soldiers' mothers/ father, wife/ sister / child pass away, but they don’t run away from war. Gavaskar himself saw his 1st born son Rohan after a month (after the West Indies tour was over in 70s). However, former spinner, Maninder Singh is not ready to buy doesn't buy tyese arguments. "The birth of a child is always an emotional moment in anyone's life and if Rohit wanted to be with his wife during this period, he should be given this opportunity. How many times he or anyone else would get this moment in his life? She will be the best person to support his wife at the time. If I were at his place, I too would have sought a break. I was not on cricket duty but stood behind my wife at the time of delivery of my two children (son and daughter)", Maninder added. Adding further, Maninder said, "Rohit is an international professional cricketer and can easily be adjusted to the match conditions once he reaches Australia for the remaining matches. It will be upto the selection committee and the coach (Gautam Gambhir) whether to make him captain for the remaining Tests. It will be a dicey situation if the new captain succeeds in his absence but it is generally the senior player, who regains his place if he misses out any match for injury or illness or for any reason". Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has shown his support for Rohit Sharma's choice. Finch emphasized the significance of staying home with one's family during such a special time, considering it a beautiful moment that deserves to be cherished.Virat Kohli had twice chosen family over cricket. In January 2021, he missed three Tests in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia to welcome his first child, Vamika, with his wife, Anushka Sharma. Kohli’s second paternity leave came in February 2024, when he skipped England’s Test series to welcome his son Akaay in London, showing his commitment to family life.Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah celebrated the arrival of his first child, Angad, in September 2023. Bumrah left the Asia Cup midway to attend the birth, later rejoining the team during the Super Four stage. His absence was managed effectively by Team India, but Bumrah’s prioritisation of family over cricket earned praise from fans.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025 showcases in front of Taxila Museum
Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA: The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on Monday was showcased at the Taxila Museum, the historic Dharmarajika Stupa, and Khanpur Dam. Thousands of enthusiastic cricket fans visited and saw the trophy, and enjoyed a boat ride with the trophy at Khanpur Dam.The ICC Cricket Champions Trophy is being showcased in various cities across Pakistan, and as part of this tour, the trophy was brought to the historic city of Taxila. The trophy was displayed at the Taxila Museum, where thousands of cricket enthusiasts, including women, men, and children, gathered to catch a glimpse. The crowd was overjoyed to see the trophy up close and took numerous photographs with it.The trophy was also showcased at another historic site in Taxila, the Dharmarajika Stupa. Later, it was taken to Khanpur Dam, where it was given a boat ride, allowing fans to enjoy the trophy in a unique setting.
IV-Day match: Sri Lanka ‘A’ make 293 for 4 on first day, Khurram grabs 6 wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad continued his remarkable run from injury as Sri Lanka ‘A’ reached 293 for eight at stumps on the opening day of the second four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Monday.Khurram, who last week recorded match figures of nine for 102 in Pakistan Shaheens’ seven-wicket victory in the first four-dayer, delivered another outstanding performance with figures of 10-2-30-6. Despite his fiery spell that redcued Sri Lanka ‘A’ to 35 for five and later 150 for seven, a rearguard action, led by Sonal Dinusha, helped the visitors post a respectable total.No.7 batter Dinusha came to his side’s rescue with a resilient knock of 81 off 169 balls, laced with seven fours. No.9 batter Wanuja Sahan provided invaluable support with a brisk 63 off 79 balls, including six fours and a six, as the duo stitched a crucial 98-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Dinusha was also involved in three other useful stands.He shared a 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Pavan Rathnayake (35), followed by a 56-run stand for the seventh wicket with Dinura Kalupahana (30). An unbeaten ninth-wicket stand with No.10 Isitha Wijesundara had so far yielded 45 runs, with Wijesundara blazing his way to 38 not out off just 26 balls, including four fours and three sixes.Apart from Khurram, Ahmed Safi Abdullah was the only other bowler to make an impact, finishing with figures of 2 for 100.Scores in brief (day 1 of 4):Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and elected to field firstSri Lanka ‘A’ 293-8, 75 overs (Sonal Dinusha 81 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 38 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100)
Aqib Javed confirmed interim white-ball head coach
LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the appointment of Aqib Javed, a former international fast bowler, as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.During this tenure, Aqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee, and will be assigned additional responsibilities following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament.Meanwhile, the PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March.The white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten. Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the recent tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December). In the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.
Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs in 7 overs per innings contest
Sports Bulletin ReportBrisbane (Australia): Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs in the rain-hit seven-over opening game of the three-match T20I series at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday. Pakistan managed 63-9 in the allotted overs after Australia raced to 93-4 off the 42 balls they faced.Earlier, bad weather delayed the start of play before Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. After Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf removed the Australia opening batters for single digits, Glenn Maxwell hit five fours and three sixes in his breezy 19-ball 43.Marcus Stoinis struck an unbeaten 21 off seven balls including two fours and one six to propel Australia to a formidable total. Mohammad Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets in his solitary over.In turn, Pakistan were reduced to 24-6 in 3.2 overs before Abbas top scored with 20 not out off 10 balls hitting two fours and one six. Haseebullah (12, 8b, 1x4, 1x6) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (11, 6b, 1x6) were the other batters to enter double figures for Pakistan. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis picked up three wickets each while Adam Zampa returned figures of 2-9.Scores in brief:Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs at the Gabba, BrisbaneAustralia 93-4, 7 overs (Glenn Maxwell 43, Marcus Stoinis 21 not out; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-9)Pakistan 64-9, 7 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 20 not out; Nathan Ellis 3-9, Xavier Bartlett 3-13, Adama Zampa 2-11)Player of the match – Glenn Maxwell (Australia)Remaining matches:16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start)
Pakistan Blind Cricket Council confirms 16-man for T20 World Cup
Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) has announced a 16-player team for the upcoming T20 Blinds World Cup 2024, which would be played from November 23 to December 3 in two cities Lahore and Multan.The national selection committee headed by Masood Jan, and other members Mohammad Jameel, and Tahir Mahmood Butt finalized the squad and disclosed after the approval of the PBCC chairman Syed Sultan Shah. Nasir Ali will lead the Pakistan in the top international blinds cricket fixture while Badar Munir will act as vice-captain in the tournament.The PBCC also named three reserve players, including Mohammad Ayaz, Moeen Aslam, and Mohammad Rashid, while the team officials included Jameel as head coach, Masood as assistant coach, Malik Abrar Hussain as team manager, Naveed Hussain Abbasi as assistant manager, and Tahir as trainer. The home side will start their Blind T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against South Africa in the curtain raiser.Names of selected players:B1 Category: Zafar Iqbal, Mohammad Idrees Saleem, Mohammad Shahzaib, Fakhar Abbas, MohammadAsif, and Mohammad SalmanB2 Category: Nisar Ali (c), Badar Munir (vc), Babar Ali, Nematullah, and Haroon KhanB3 Category: Mohammad Safdar, Kamran Akhtar, Akmal Hayat Nasir, Talha Iqbal, and Matiullah
Shaheens overcome Sri Lanka A by 7 wickets in Rawalpindi
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances, Suleman (86) and Ali Zaryab (83) not out helped Shaheens to achieve the 222 runs target against Sri Lanka A here at Pindi Cricket Stadium in the first 4-day match of Series on Thursday.Earlier, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad picked up the last Sri Lanka wicket on the fourth ball of the day without any addition to the overnight score of 364 to finish with impressive figures of five for 70 and match figures of nine wickets for 102 runs.Suleman and Ali had joined hands after Pakistan Shaheens had slipped to 32 for two following the departures of Mohammad Huraira (9) and Abdul Faseeh (22). When Suleman departed at the score of 190 after hitting 11 fours in a 129-ball knock with Shaheens requiring 32 runs for victory, Haider Ali belted two sixes and a four in a rapid 14-ball 19 not out.Ali returned 83 not out from 125 balls with 11 hits to the fence. The highly-rated batter had scored 55 in Pakistan Shaheen’s 258 in response to Sri Lanka ‘A’ 115.While Suleman and Ali took the second innings honours, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was in sparkling form throughout the match. In his third competitive match since returning from injury after successful completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Stadium, the fast bowler returned figures of 10.1-3-32-4 and 25.4-4-70-5.Khurram’s fellow new ball partner, Kashif Ali, also had a good match, recording figures of five for 31 and two for 79. The second and last four-day match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 18 November.Scores in brief (day 4 of 4):Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by seven wicketsSri Lanka ‘A’ 115 all out, 33.1 overs (Sonal Dinusha 30, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 28; Kashif Ali 5-31, Khurram Shahzad 4-32) and 364 all-out, 96.4 overs (Wanuja Sahan 73, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 64, Sonal Dinusha 62, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Ahan Wickramasinghe 53, Nipun Dhananjaya 28; Khurram Shahzad 5-70, Mohammad Suleman 2-21, Kashif Ali 2-79)Pakistan Shaheens 258 all out, 82.1 overs (Hussain Talat 56, Rohail Nazir 55, Ali Zaryab 55, Abdul Faseeh 26, Mohammad Suleman 24; Vishwa Fernando 4-44, Isitha Wijesundara 2-49, Nisala Tharaka 2-57) and 222-3, 53 overs (Mohammad Suleman 86, Ali Zaryab 83 not out, Abdul Faseeh 22, Haider Ali 19 not out)Player of the match – Ali Zaryab (Pakistan Shaheens)Next match: 18-21 (2nd four-day, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium)
Shaheens, Sri Lanka ‘A’ set to meet in opening fixture of Series on Monday
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens led by Mohammad Huraira will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day games of the series commencing on November 11, 2024 (Monday) here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.The second four-day will be played from 18 to 21 November, while the series also includes three 50-over matches, scheduled to take place at the same venue from 25 to 29 November. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games, while Nuwanidu Fernando will lead them in the 50-over series.Five cricketers, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir in four-day squad have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, among the 14-member squad, four players - Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan had featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.Mohammad Huraira said: “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series. Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’ said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”Pakistan Shaheens squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain-Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando and Wanuja SahanMatch officials:11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee).
Salman Naseer appointed CEO of PSL and advisor to Chairman
Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Governors in its 75th meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday afternoon.Sumair Ahmad, a seasoned civil servant with an extensive administrative experience, most recently served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He assumes the Chief Operating Officer’s role from Salman Naseer, who has been appointed as Advisor to the PCB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) department. Salman began his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer and had previously indicated he would not seek a contract renewal in a similar role upon the completion of his five-year term in February 2025.Welcoming Sumair Ahmad and expressing gratitude for Salman Naseer’s years of service, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said:“Sumair is an outstanding professional with proven administrative skills and deep industry knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him to the PCB family and are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen and improve our administrative structures, moving closer to our goal of becoming a model, high-performing organisation.“Salman has been an exemplary leader at the Pakistan Cricket Board, making invaluable contributions during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer. His experience and insights have made him an asset to the PCB. Given our plans to establish PSL as an independent entity and to expand the league with two additional teams in 2026, we have appointed him as PSL’s Chief Executive Officer. He will also serve as Advisor to the PCB Chairman, ensuring his expertise continues to guide our strategic goals.”On his appointment, Sumair Ahmad said:“As a lifelong follower and supporter of Pakistan cricket, it is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer during these exciting and pivotal times. I am deeply grateful to the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for their trust and support. With the collaboration of my colleagues, I am eager to play a meaningful role here at PCB.“This organisation holds tremendous potential and cricket serves as a unifying force for the people of Pakistan.“During my tenure as Chief Operating Officer, I am committed to helping the Chairman bring his vision for Pakistan cricket to life. This vision centers on achieving success with our national teams, enhancing infrastructure, expanding opportunities for aspiring cricketers and ensuring good governance. I am excited to contribute to this journey and work towards making a lasting impact on the game that we all cherish.”Salman Naseer expressed gratitude and support for Sumair Ahmad:“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the PCB’s management team as Chief Operating Officer. This journey has been deeply rewarding, as we collectively made significant progress and overcame various challenges.“I am grateful to the PCB Chairman for his trust and to my colleagues for their support, without which our successes would not have been possible.“I would also like to thank the Board of Governors for their guidance and look forward to contributing to Sumair’s success at the PCB. With the experience and commitment he brings, I am confident that the PCB will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.”
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