Sports Bulletin

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 29, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the New Zeal tour regarding ICC Test Championship, as Mount Maunganui and Christchurch will be the venues of two Tests fixtures at the end of year 2020. According to media department of PCB, Mount Maunganui will hold the Boxing Day Test from 26-30 December, before the two teams head down to Christchurch for the second Test to be played from 3-7 January. The Test Championship matches will be played at the back of three T20Is, which will be staged in Auckland (18 December), Hamilton (20 December) and Napier (22 December). In the ICC World Test Championship, fourth-placed New Zealand leads fifth-placed Pakistan by 14 points but New Zealand have played one series less. A maximum of 120 points will be up for grabs (60 points for a win) in the series as both sides aim to narrow the gap with front-runners India (360 points), Australia (296 points) and England (292 points). In the ICC T20I Team Rankings, fourth-ranked Pakistan (261 points) leads sixth-ranked New Zealand by 19 points. Australia leads the pack with 275 points, followed by England (271) and India (266). PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan: “New Zealand boast some outstanding cricket facilities with supportive and knowledgeable crowds. Pakistan have always enjoyed touring New Zealand and have performed well there, and we look forward to similar performances from our side on this tour. “New Zealand series will be our penultimate series in the ICC World Test Championship with the last series against South Africa at home following this tour. We remain optimistic and committed to finishing on a high in the championship as it is our endeavour to become one of the top-performing Test playing nations.” Cricket New Zealand Chief Executive, David White: “It’s always a pleasure to host the Pakistan cricket team in New Zealand and I know there will be a lot of interest in the Test and T20 series. “Pakistan touring sides have been coming here since 1965 and many New Zealanders have grown up watching the likes of Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and of course, the great Imran Khan in action. “I’m sure the squads coming out here this summer will be similarly steeped in talent and class and will continue the great legacy that is Pakistan cricket.” New Zealand have hosted Pakistan in 13 Test series since 1965, with Pakistan enjoying a 7-2 advantage. Pakistan’s last series win was in 2011, but New Zealand came out on top by a comfortable 2-0 margin when the two sides met in 2016. In the 31 Tests between the two sides in New Zealand, Pakistan enjoy a 10-7 advantage. The Pakistan cricket team will depart on 23 November from Lahore and, as per New Zealand government regulations, undergo a 14-day quarantine period in Lincoln. During this period, they will be restricted to the bio-secure bubble and will not be allowed to take part in any cricket-related activity. The bio-secure bubble will expire following the 14-day quarantine period. Before their departure for Auckland and as part of standard Covid-19 protocols, the players and player support personnel will undergo mandatory testing in Lahore. Along with senior side, the PCB will also send Pakistan Shaheens’ squad to New Zealand as part of the players’ development and exposure. The series schedule and total players and player support personnel comprising the two squads will be finalised and announced in due course. Pakistan v New Zealand (in bracket are start times in Pakistan Standard Times): 18 Dec – 1st T20I, Eden Park, Auckland (1200 PST) 20 Dec – 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Hamilton (1200 PST) 22 Dec – 3rd T20I, McLean Park, Napier (1200 PST) 26-30 Dec – 1st Test, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui (0400 PST) 3-7 Jan – 2nd Test, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0400 PST)

SPORTS REPORT: ISLAMABAD (September 28, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced transparent 2020-21 contracts for 192 domestic players, which were based strictly on criteria, performance and forward-looking approach. From the 192 players, 10 have been awarded A Plus category comprising leading performers from the 2019-20 first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and players part of the national squad but without a central or emerging contract. These players are: Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Fahim Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sohail Khan (Sindh) and Zafar Gohar (Central Punjab). Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan men’s national team head coach and chief selector, who selected players for the A Plus category, said: “I want to congratulate the 10 players for securing the newly-introduced A Plus category contracts, which is a reward for their efforts and hard work in the 2019-20 season that either earned them recognition in domestic cricket or places in the Pakistan men’s national team. “I accept there will be a few players who will feel hard done but we could only pick a maximum of 10 players in this category. I want to assure every high-performing player that he will remain available for selection in the side and depending on how he performs in the 2020-21 season, will be in line for an increment next year. “We want to make Pakistan cricket tough, competitive and performance-based, and this slab-based retainer policy is a reflection of this strategy. I am confident this will induce more passion amongst the players, which, in turn, will not only benefit the players but also Pakistan cricket.” Category A comprises 38 players, including 10 best performers from the 2019-20 domestic season or the ones who have previously represented Pakistan at the highest-level. Category B includes 47 players who have played T20Is, are amongst the top 10 performers of the National T20 Cup (First XI) 2019-20, had a good first-class season in 2019-20 or have represented Pakistan Shaheens/Emerging since 2019. Category C includes 71 players who either featured in HBL PSL 2019 and 2020, were amongst the performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First and Second XI) 2019-20 performers, top 10 performers of the Pakistan Cup 2018-19, best batsman/bowler of Patron’s Trophy Grade-II 2018-19 or have represented Pakistan in age-group cricket. Category D boasts all other 26 players who are part of the six Cricket Association sides. PCB Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “I have always believed and emphasised on criteria and performance-based contracts and this is reflective in the 2020-21 domestic player contract categories. “While setting up the criteria, we have also moved from a fixed slab retainer structure to a category-based retainer structure because I think it is fair on leading or experienced players to be treated and paid differently to a beginner or a starter. Furthermore, this is also consistent to how we offer central contracts to our elite cricketers. “Through this model, we have also ensured we retain and protect our age-group cricketers, who in the past have dropped out either due to non-selection or non-recognition. These eight U19 cricketers who played in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 and 11 Emerging/Shaheen players will now remain part of the system and will get their opportunities to improve and move in an upward direction. “From these 192 domestic contracted players, 146 cricketers are those who were without any jobs while 24 had contractual employments. This indicates that the PCB looks after the wellbeing of all the talented and high-performing cricketers and remains on track to introducing professionalism in cricket, which is the only way to excellence.” 2020-21 domestic player contract categories with monthly retainers and selection criteria: A+ Category (10, monthly retainer PKR150,000) - Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Fahim Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sohail Khan (Sindh), Zafar Gohar (Central Punjab) Criteria - Top scorer, best bowler and best player of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20; part of Test squad but without a central or emerging contract; part of current Pakistan squads who also feature in future plans A Category (38, monthly retainer PKR85,000) - Adnan Akmal (Balochistan), Ahmed Shehzad (Central Punjab), Amir Yamin (Southern Punjab), Anwar Ali (Sindh), Ashfaq Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Asif Ali (Northern), Bilawal Bhatti (Southern Punjab), Ehsan Adil (Central Punjab), Faizan Riaz (Northern), Hammad Azam (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Hussain Talat (Southern Punjab), Imran Farhat (Balochistan), Junaid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kamran Akmal (Central Punjab), Khurram Manzoor (Sindh), Mir Hamza (Sindh), Mohammad Asghar (Sindh), Mohammad Irfan (SLA) (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern),  Mohammad Talha (Balochistan), Musa Khan (Northern), Rahat Ali (Southern Punjab), Raza Hasan (Northern), Saad Ali (Sindh), Saad Nasim (Central Punjab), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Butt (Central Punjab), Sami Aslam (Balochistan), Sharjeel Khan (Sindh), Sohaib Maqsood (Southern Punjab), Sohail Tanvir (Northern), Tabish Khan (Sindh), Umar Amin (Northern), Umar Gul (Balochistan), Usman Salahuddin (Central Punjab), Waqas Ahmed (Northern) and Zeeshan Malik (Northern) Criteria - Top 10 performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; international players part of Cricket Association squads B Category (47, monthly retainer PKR75,000) - Abdul Rehman Muzammil (Balochistan), Adeel Malik (Sindh), Adil Amin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Jamal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahsan Ali (Sindh), Akbar-ur-Rehman (Balochistan), Akif Javed (Balochistan), Ali Sarfaraz (Northern), Amad Butt (Balochistan), Awais Zia (Balochistan), Azeem Ghumman (Balochistan), Bismillah Khan (Balochistan), Fahad Iqbal (Sindh), Gulraiz Sadaf (Balochistan), Hasan Mohsin (Sindh), Imran Rafiq (Southern Punjab), Israrullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Jalat Khan (Balochistan), Jamal Anwar (Northern), Khalid Usman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Asad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Mohsin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Saad (Central Punjab), Mukhtar Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Nauman Anwar (Central Punjab), Naved Malik (Northern), Naved Yasin (Southern Punjab), Omair Bin Yousaf (Sindh), Rameez Alam (Southern Punjab), Rameez Aziz (Sindh), Rohail Nazir (Northern), Sahibzada Farhan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saif Badar (Southern Punjab), Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shoaib Ahmed Minhas (Northern), Taimur Ali (Balochistan), Taj Wali (Balochistan), Umaid Asif (Balochistan), Umar Khan (Southern Punjab), Umar Siddiq (Southern Punjab), Umar Waheed (Northern), Usman Qadir (Central Punjab), Waqas Maqsood (Central Punjab), Zahid Mehmood (Southern Punjab), Zain Abbas (Southern Punjab) and Zohaib Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Criteria - T20I players part of Cricket Association squad; players to have played 50 or more first-class matches; top 10 performers of National T20 Cup (First XI) 2019-20; Performers from 11-20 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; who have represented Pakistan Shaheens/Emerging since 2019; who have been part of Pakistan squad within the past 12 months. C Category (71, monthly retainer PKR65,000) - Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Abdullah Shafiq (Central Punjab), Ahmed Bashir (Central Punjab), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Central Punjab), Akhtar Shah (Balochistan),  Ali Imran (Northern), Ali Shafiq (Southern Punjab), Ali Zaryab (Central Punjab), Ammad Alam (Sindh), Anas Mehmood (Central Punjab), Arshad Iqbal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Asad Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ashiq Ali (Sindh), Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Azam Khan (Sindh), Bilawal Iqbal (Central Punjab), Danish Aziz (Sindh), Dilbar Hussain (Southern Punjab), Farhan Khan (Central Punjab), Ghulam Mudassar (Sindh), Gohar Faiz (Balochistan), Hayatullah (Balochistan), Imran Dogar (Central Punjab), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Irfanullah Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Jahid Ali (Sindh), Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khurram Shehzad (Balochistan), Maqbool Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Mehran Ibrahim (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Amir Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Basit (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasan (Sindh), Mohammad Huraira (Northern), Mohammad Ilyas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Junaid (Balochistan), Mohammad Mohsin Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Naeem Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Taha (Sindh), Mohammad Umair (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Muhammad Akhlaq (Central Punjab), Muhammad Imran (Southern Punjab), Munir Riaz (Northern), Musadiq Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nabi Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nasir Nawaz (Northern), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab), Rehan Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Rizwan Hussain (Central Punjab), Saad Khan (Sindh), Saifullah Bangash (Sindh), Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab), Salman Irshad (Northern), Sarmad Bhatti (Northern), Shehzad Tareen (Balochistan), Shehzar Mohammad (Sindh), Shiraz Khan (Northern), Sohail Akhtar (Northern), Suleman Shafqat (Central Punjab), Taimur Khan (Balochistan), Tayyab Tahir (Southern Punjab), Umair Masood (Northern), Usama Mir (Balochistan), Waleed Ahmed (Sindh), Zaid Alam (Northern), Zeeshan Ashraf (Southern Punjab) and Zia-ul-Haq (Southern Punjab) Criteria – Featured in HBL PSL 2019 and 2020; top 15 performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Second XI) 2019-20; performers from 20-30 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; have represented Pakistan A in the past; have represented Pakistan Emerging sides in the past two years; have represented Pakistan U19 in the past; played 20 or more first-class matches; top 10 performers of Pakistan Cup 2018-19 and best batsman/bowler of Patron’s Trophy Grade-II 2018-19. D Category (26, monthly retainer PKR40,000) - Ahsan Baig (Southern Punjab), Ali Usman (Southern Punjab), Anas Mustafa (Southern Punjab), Athar Mehmood (Northern), Atizaz Habib Khan (Central Punjab), Fahad Usman (Central Punjab), Hidayatullah (Balochistan), Ismail Khan (Northern), Mohammad Ali (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Suleman (Sindh), Mohammad Tariq Khan (Sindh), Mohammad Umar (Sindh), Najeebullah Achakzai (Balochistan), Nihal Mansoor (Northern), Nisar Ahmed (Central Punjab), Rameez Raja Jnr (Quetta, Balochistan), Samiullah Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saqib Jamil (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shadab Majeed (Northern), Shahid Nawaz (Central Punjab), Shahnawaz (Sindh), Shehbaz Khan (Balochistan), Waqar Hussain (Southern Punjab) and Ziad Khan (Northern). Criteria – All remaining players part of Cricket Association squads

SB REPORT PEHAWAR (September 27, 2020):-Hosts Peshawar on Sunday beat Islamabad by 25 runs in the final of T-20 Blind Cricket Tournament of 28th KPK National Sports Festival 2020 here at Islamia College University Cricket Ground. In the morning, Islamabad won the toss and decided to field first. Peshawar, which remained unbeaten in the league stage by winning all three games, batted beautifully and piled up 187 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in allotted 20 overs. Shafiullah 40, Haroon khan 36 and Sana Ullah 40 were their leading run getters. Islamabad in replay were restricted to 162 runs for the loss of 6 wickets.  Faizan khatak and Anees Javed were amongst top runs by scoring 45 and 37 runs respectively.  For Peshawar, Haroon Khan and Mohammad Asif took 2 wickets each. Syed Sultan Shah, Chairman Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Bilal Satti Director Marketing PBCC and Habibullah Khan Director Rehab PBCC were the guests of the occasion and distributed prizes. The event was played from 24th to 27th September 2020 at Peshawar that was hosted by Peshawar Cricket Club of the Blind with the support of KPK Sports Board. Four Team, Islamabad, Peshawar, Lahore and Attock took part in this event.

SPORTS REPORT: ISLAMABAD (September 27, 2020):-Central Punjab and Sindh will be hoping for change of fortunes when the razzmatazz of the T20 version commences on 30 September in Multan, the City of Saints, with the PKR9million National T20 Cup First XI tournament. Despite carrying star-studded line-ups in the last edition of the tournament, the two teams made early exits from Faisalabad, failing to reach the knockout stage. The two rivals, nonetheless, lightened up the tournament from day one with one of the most exciting matches of the edition. Under the Iqbal Stadium floodlights, Sindh chased down a 189-run total on the penultimate ball with only three wickets to spare. With the Pakistan Cricket Board’s focus on providing more white-ball opportunities keeping in mind the two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in the next two years, this year’s National T20 Cup will be played on a double league basis. As such, the fans will be treated with two match-ups between the rivals, which, as all the other matches of the tournament, will be broadcasted by PTV Sports. Central Punjab will be looking to avenge their last year’s defeat when they take on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men on 2 October at the Multan Cricket Stadium and 10 October at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Central Punjab Central Punjab boast a glittering line-up led by Pakistan men’s limited overs captain Babar Azam, whose meteoric rise with the bat continues to impress the followers of the game. The 25-year-old had an impressive tour of England with the men’s national team. In his subsequent run in the England T20 competition, Babar smashed a career-best 114 not out, hitting nine fours and five sixes in his 62-ball innings. Babar was one of the only two batsmen to record a century in the previous edition of the National T20 Cup. The other batsman was also from his team, Ahmed Shehzad who misses out this year’s tournament due to a hand injury. Babar will join Central Punjab in the second leg, which commences in Rawalpindi from 9 October. Until then, all-rounder Saad Nasim will lead Central Punjab. Kamran Akmal, another established T20 batsman, further strengthens Central Punjab’s batting department and he will be looking to display a better show than his outing in the last season’s National T20 Cup. Kamran is the leading run scorer in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League, one of the most competitive T20 tournaments around the world, with 1,537 runs at a strike rate of over 138. The Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batsman has three centuries in the tournament, the last one of which was recorded in the fourth fixture of the 2020 edition during a 149-run chase against Quetta Gladiators at Karachi’s National Stadium. Abid Ali, the only batsman to record a century on his maiden ODI and Test appearances, and 24-year-old Rizwan Hussain, another top-order batsman who brings skill and exuberance in the side, will support these two batsmen. Twenty-year-old Abdullah Shafiq will be another batsman to look out. The right-handed batsman recorded a century on his first-class debut in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 tournament and has a brilliant opportunity to learn from the star performers around him. The presence of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Saad and Zafar Gohar not only lengthens Central Punjab’s batting line-up but also increases their bowling options. Seventeen-year-old pacer Naseem Shah, who has won admirers all over the world with his raw pace and exceptional skill of moving the ball both in the air and off the surface, is expected to spearhead their bowling attack. Naseem will have the experienced lanky right-arm pacer Ehsan Adil as his potential fast bowling pair. Along with strong batting and pace bowling units, Central Punjab have a dynamic and versatile spin bowling attack. The spin bowling unit will be led by Pakistan Test spinner Bilal Asif, whose off-spin has accounted for 16 scalps in five Tests. While Bilal will bring the ball into the right-handed batsmen, Usman Qadir and Zafar will spin the ball away from their hitting arc with their wrist and finger spin, respectively. Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Saad Nasim (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Abid Ali, Ahmed Bashir, Bilal Asif, Ehsan Adil, Faheem Ashraf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Rizwan Hussain, Sohaibullah, Usman Qadir and Zafar Gohar. Player Support Personnel – Azhar Zaidi (manager), Shahid Anwar (head coach), Samiullah Niazi (assistant coach), Mohammad Asad (physio), Yasir Mahmood (trainer) and Sajid Yasin (analyst) Sindh A line-up full of T20 specialists, Sindh are another side in the tournament who have their all bases covered. They are captained by former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has an impressive youngster, Saud Shakeel, as his deputy. Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Ahsan Ali, Azam Khan and Asad Shafiq form the core of their dynamic batting unit, which has the potential to not only post but also surmount daunting totals. Openers Sharjeel and Khurram have made a big impression for themselves with their ability to score runs at a brisk rate. Sharjeel, the left-handed batsman, scored 199 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 144.20 in the HBL PSL 2020. He took Karachi Kings’ arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars by storm with an unbeaten 59-ball 74 – hitting five fours and five sixes – as he partnered with Babar Azam (69 not out from 46 balls) to secure a 10-wicket win at his side’s home ground, Karachi’s National Stadium. Khurram is the leading run-scorer in the history of the National T20 Cup with 2,235 runs in 75 innings at an average of 30.20. He would aim to improve on his last year’s National T20 numbers of 136 runs at 27.20 and provide Sharjeel solid support at the other end. Twenty-two-year-old Azam Khan left a mark in this year’s HBL PSL 2020 for his ability of hitting big sixes. The wicketkeeper-batsman accumulated 150 runs at a strike rate of over 130. Ahsan Ali, the 26-year-old, is another batsman who adds to Sindh’s firepower. He made his Pakistan debut in January this year at the Gaddafi Stadium, in a T20I against Bangladesh. In the lower order, Sindh can bank on all-rounder Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz to provide them strong finishes in the death overs. Amongst these batsmen who can hit the ball at will, Test batsman Asad Shafiq will be expected to anchor and hold Sindh’s innings together. Sindh’s bowling unit is equally impressive. It possesses young gun Mohammad Hasnain who not only has the ability to clock 150kph but also to hit yorker length in the death overs to deny batsmen any scoring opportunities. The right-arm pacer who represents Quetta Gladiators is currently leading the wicket-takers charts in the HBL PSL 2020 with 15 scalps to his name at an average of 19.13 In the last year’s National T20 Cup, Hasnain had the most wickets – nine at 18.22 – for Sindh. Right-arm pacer Sohail Khan will spearhead Sindh’s bowling attack and is expected to take the new ball. The 36-year-old has taken 117 wickets in the shortest format. Test pacer Mir Hamza is another bowler to watch out. The left-arm pacer has 21 T20 wickets under his belt. Sindh’s coach Basit Ali has picked Mohammad Asghar, a left-arm orthodox who will look to make the most of the assistance available from the surfaces in Multan and Rawalpindi. The 21-year-old has 57 wickets in the format and bowls at an economy of 7.21. Squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain, wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Ahsan Ali, Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azam Khan, Danish Aziz, Hassan Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Taha, Sharjeel Khan and Sohail Khan. Player Support Personnel - Rashid Khan (manager), Basit Ali (head coach), Iqbal Imam (assistant coach), Imran Khalil (trainer), Imtiaz Khan (physio) and Mohammad Asim Hussain (analyst).

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (September 26, 2020):-When country’s best 20-over players assemble in Multan and Rawalpindi for the PKR9million 33-match National T20 Cup from 30 September to 18 October, PTV Sports will be the fans’ go-to platform for live action after the participants’ health and safety forced the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament behind closed doors. The PCB, in a ground breaking agreement worth $200million, signed a three-year deal with PTV Sports and I-Media Communications Services with the PCB retaining the production rights. This arrangement is not only aimed at increasing the eyeballs or boosting revenues that can be reinvested into cricket or adding greater value to domestic competitions, but also to contribute in the capacity building of one of Pakistan’s oldest, respected and most prestigious institutions. Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam admitted cricket without fans was incomplete but felt this can be a blessing in disguise. Babar Azam: “The game is all about the fans, they are the ones who inspire and motivate us with their presence and support during good and bad days. But the flip side in these challenging times is cricket is taking place and PTV Sports, the channel I grew up watching, will be relaying live pictures in every TV lounge to keep the fans connected and involved with the tournament that will feature country’s best players in the shortest format. “Backed up by the PCB’s own digital assets, this competition should get the following, recognition and acknowledgement that it deserves even though nothing can replace in-stadia presence of the cricket followers and fans. “All I can request the fans on behalf of all competitors is to continue to support this tournament online and show the world through their positive engagement that we are one of the biggest sporting nations that loves its cricket and will back and support its players no matter what. “It is also a great opportunity for PTV Sports to maximise its viewers. PTV Sports has a strong archive of old and classic matches but by becoming a partner of the PCB, it can further strengthen itself as one of the premier sport channels through excellent and quality content.” Haider Ali, who became the first Pakistan batsman to hit a half-century on his T20I debut, said: “As a teenager, I have seen a number of games with my friends, family and colleagues from the stands. I know and understand the buzz and excitement of the spectators when they become part of the action. “But these are unprecedented times where we all have to make small sacrifices to keep the sport alive and healthy. We will miss the fans and the fans will miss live action, but the coverage plan put in place provides great opportunities to all die-hard supporters to follow and support their favourite players and teams. “We all look forward to the fans’ support through various online platforms that will inspire us to produce our best performances.” Haris Rauf, Northern’s fast bowler, said: “Fast bowlers, in particular, enjoy the crowds more as their voice and noise when they run into bowl motivates them to bowl faster. I will miss that part in the National T20 Cup, but hopefully their backing in the lead up matches through positive and supportive social media activations will give me that extra energy that will help me to contribute in my side’s title defence. “I am keenly looking forward to this competition as it will allow me to catch-up with my old mates whom I have not met for a long time due to Covid-19 restrictions. There is a lot to talk and listen, and I look forward to spending valuable time outside cricket with them.” Sarfaraz Ahmed, captain of Sindh, said: “We will badly miss the fans but at the same time I have complete faith that they will support the players and the event offsite so that they can continue to play their pivotal role in cricket promotion. “When I will walk on to the field, besides the task in hand, I will like to remember days when I played matches before full houses and the fans right behind me. This will be my motivation as I can never detach myself from the fans who have contributed in what I am today. “I want the younger generation especially to follow the tournament but not at the cost of their education as academic institutions have just opened after a long closure and at no stage they should sacrifice their studies. Cricket and education can co-exist; it is all about striking the right balance.” Shan Masood, who will lead Southern Punjab, said: “The best part about cricket coming back home was to play in front of our supportive and knowledgeable people, but sadly with the Covid-19 situation that won’t be the case for the National T20 Cup and we are going to miss their lively presence. “The fans’ backing is always invaluable to us and although they can’t be physically present at the venues, mainly due to their health and safety, I urge them to keep supporting all the competitors and the event by following the proceedings through television, live-streaming, mainstream media or the social media. “As always, the fans’ support and backing is much appreciated.”

SPORTS REPORT: MULTAN (September 26, 2020):-Last year’s champions Northern enter the National T20 Cup First XI tournament with a star-studded squad, capable of defending their title. The team consists of some of the leading T20 performers in the country, including exciting young cricketers. Northern will be in action from the first game of the much-awaited tournament as they face Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on 30 September at Multan Cricket Stadium. The defending champions are likely to face stiff competition from last year’s finalist Balochistan, who will be eager to make the most of the opportunities that come their way this season and have their eyes set on the coveted trophy and a lucrative winning prize money of PKR5million. The two finalists of the last edition of the National T20 Cup will face-off on 6 October at the Multan Cricket Stadium and 15 October at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Northern: Led by Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim, Northern have a side full of all-round talent, skill and capability. Imad will join his team for the second-leg of the tournament – to be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 9-18 October – as he is currently representing Nottinghamshire in the England T20 competition. In Imad’s absence Pakistan all-rounder Shadab Khan will lead Northern. Shadab has made a big impact with the bat recently scoring 263 runs at 37.57 for Islamabad United in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 at a hugely impressive strike rate of 159.39 to earn recognition as a ‘genuine all-rounder.’ Northern’s batting will be reliant on the dashing top-order batsman Haider Ali, who became the first Pakistan batsman to score a half-century on a T20I debut by smashing 54 off 33 balls earlier this month. Besides Haider, Northern have in their ranks the promising right-handed batsman Zeeshan Malik, richly experienced left-hander Umar Amin (second highest run-getter in National T20 Cup 2019, 266 runs at 38) Ali Imran, Hammad Azam, big-hitting Sohail Akhtar and Asif Ali, who will be playing the tournament after representing Jamaica Tallawahs in the Caribbean Premier League. The batting will be complimented by the presence of Mohammad Nawaz and Sohail Tanvir who will lend further balance to the side with their all-round skills. Tanvir was the leading tournament wicket-taker last year as he collected 14 wickets in seven games. Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir will be Northern’s wicketkeeper. Squad: Imad Wasim (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Ali Imran, Asif Ali, Farzan Raja, Haider Ali, Hammad Azam, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz, Musa Khan, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sohail Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Amin and Zeeshan Malik Player Support Personnel – Afaq Rahim (manager), Mohammad Wasim (head coach), Mohammad Masroor (assistant coach), Ali Sufyan (physio), Mohammad Aslam (trainer) and Mohammad Ahsan Ehsan (analyst) Balochistan: Balochistan went down by 52 runs in last year’s final against Northern at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. This time around, they will be determined to go a step ahead under Haris Sohail, who makes a return to competitive cricket after missing Pakistan’s tour of England. Balochistan have batting fire power in the shape of Awais Zia, Imam-ul-Haq, Haris, Imran Butt and the veteran Imran Farhat. Awais was the leading run scorer in last year’s edition as he accumulated 276 runs at 39.42 with the help of two half-centuries. Left-hander Imam-ul-Haq will be aiming to provide a flying start to the team along with Awais; Imam scored 191 runs in seven innings in last year’s edition at 27.28 and a strike-rate of 136.42 Haris and the two Imrans will be the middle-order batting spearheads backed by Akbar-ur-Rehman and wicketkeeper-batsman Bismillah Khan. Rising all-rounder Ammad Butt will be providing both big-hitting prowess in the lower-order along with his fast-medium bowling. Balochistan on paper have a potent bowling attack led by Umar Gul, a former Pakistan Test fast bowler who made a big reputation as a T2oI bowling exponent. The 36-year-old Umar, who collected 85 wickets in 60 T20Is, will be sharing his expertise and experience as the bowling spearhead. Balochistan also have in their ranks another experienced pace bowler in Umaid Asif, who took six wickets in as many games for Karachi Kings in this year’s HBL PSL. Upcoming pacer Khurram Shehzad will be providing back-up to the two senior pace bowlers. Left-armer Akif Javed who represented Islamabad United in this year’s HBL PSL would be aiming to build his growing reputation further as a fast bowler of immense potential. The presence of Yasir Shah, an established Test leg-spinner, further boosts Balochistan’s bowling stocks and he is joined by Usama Mir, an exciting young leg-spinner. Squad: Haris Sohail (captain), Bismillah Khan (vice-captain, wicketkeeper), Akbar-ur-Rehman, Akif Javed, Ammad Butt, Awais Zia, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Butt, Imran Farhat, Kashif Bhatti, Khurram Shahzad, Taimur Khan, Umaid Asif, Umar Gul, Usama Mir and Yasir Shah Player support personnel – Khuda Bux Silaci (manager), Faisal Iqbal (head coach), Wasim Haider (assistant coach), Ajab Gul Khan (trainer), Arif Shah (physio) and Shakir Khilji (analyst)

SALAMAN KHAN: MULTAN (September 25, 2020):-Twenty-one members of the men’s national team who toured England for three Tests and as many T20Is joined their respective First XI sides in Multan today after they returned second negative Covid-19 tests. These 21 players are Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Imran Khan Snr, Kashif Bhatti, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Sohail Khan, Usman Khan Shinwari and Yasir Shah. The results of the second Covid-19 tests of Sarfaraz Ahmed, captain Sindh, and Kamran Akmal, Central Punjab wicketkeeper-batsman, are expected tomorrow. Sarfaraz had his test earlier today, while Kamran will undergo his second test later in the day. The two will join their sides after they return negative results. Sohail Tanvir, who took part in the Caribbean Premier League, joined Northern after clearing his both Covid-19 tests. An individual, belonging to a First XI squad, who was isolated after his first test came out positive has cleared his second test. He will be eligible to join his team after clearing his third test, which will take place on 30 September. Meanwhile, Fawad Alam, who also toured England with the national squad and is leading Sindh Second XI, has joined his side in Lahore after returning his second negative test for Covid-19. The National T20 Cup First XI tournament, curtain-raiser for the domestic season 2020-21, will commence on Wednesday, 30 September in Multan, before it shifts to Rawalpindi on 9 October. The National T20 Cup for the Second XI teams will be played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium from 1-8 October.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 25, 2020):-Former Pakistan stars have expressed their excitement ahead of the National T20 First XI tournament that begins at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, 30 September. Northern will be defending the title they won last year when they outplayed Balochistan in the final at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. The tournament is being played on a double-league basis for the first time which means all six teams will play each other twice before the top-four secure semi-final berths at the end of the league stage. The second-half of the tournament will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, where the final will be held on Sunday, 18 October. The tournament will see the cream of Pakistan T20 stars in action, former cricketers Abdur Rehman, Bazid Khan, Imran Nazir, Moin Khan, Ramiz Raja, Rashid Latif, Saeed Ajmal and Younis Khan have expressed their keen interest in the event especially with the prospects of richly entertaining cricket at the start of the domestic season. While Rehman, Imran and Bazid are backing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Rashid and Moin are looking forward to the quality of cricket that is expected in the latest edition of the coveted T20 event. Ramiz and Ajmal think Northern have the firepower to defend their title, whereas Younis terms Balochistan his favourite side in the tournament. Ramiz Raja, former Test captain and a renowned cricket voice, said: “Excitement is in the air, and we can almost feel it. The National T20 tournament is just round the corner, and it is going to get bigger and better this year. The spread is massive; we are going to see some special talent, lock horns and vie for the top spot. I expect the fans will also participate in it, pick their best teams and keep an eye on their favourite players. “I feel the Northern side will again be a strong side, and it will be difficult to beat them because their captain Imad Wasim is good. They have Shadab Khan, as vice-captain who is progressing very well in the white ball cricket. Similarly, they have a stock in young talent, but I will have my eye on Haider Ali. He is becoming my favourite player because of his fearless batting, and I think he will emerge as a unique star in this tournament. “Haris Rauf is in the side and he has bowled really fast recently. Farzan Raja hasn’t played much but seems to be a quality leg spinner. Pakistan is in need of spinners so one must keep an eye on him.” Younis Khan, the captain of the Pakistan team that won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009, said: “I am supporting Balochistan cricket team. This team consists of senior and young exciting players, and I hope under Yasir Shah and star player Bismillah Khan; the team will give very good performances. My best wishes are with the team in the tournament. “Overall there is lot to see in the tournament. There will be many competitions within the tournament, which features both present and future stars. They will have their own competition going on. So I expect the fans to see matches from home as much as they can.” Moin Khan, who featured for Karachi Dolphins and scored first century of the tournament in 2005 against Lahore Lions, said: “I want to wish all the teams best of luck for the upcoming season. The National T20 Cup is about to begin, I have seen the six squads and I feel it will be a really exciting event; this tournament provides an opportunity for young players to make an impression and get selected for the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan men’s T20I squad. “Players should not let go of this opportunity, they should avail the opportunity and serve Pakistan.” Rashid Latif, former Pakistan Test captain, said: “Defending champions Northern have Mohammad Wasim as coach, Imad Wasim as captain while they also have Mohammad Amir. Haider Ali is a very exciting addition to the squad. If we talk about Khyber Pakhtunkhwa they have Abdul Razzaq as the new coach, they have Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Junaid Khan is an experienced bowler and Mohammad Hafeez is in great batting form. They also have Wahab Riaz and Shoaib Malik which makes them a richly experienced side; it would be interesting to see how they strategise with an eye on the tournament trophy. “Sindh coached by Basit Ali have Sarfaraz Ahmed as their captain with experienced players like Asad Shafiq and Khurram Manzoor. Shan Masood leads the Southern Punjab side, which is coached by Abdul Rehman, while Haris Sohail is captaining Balochistan. “Central Punjab have the world’s top player Babar Azam in their midst while they have players like Faheem Ashraf, Abdullah Shafiq, who is a quality young player, and Kamran Akmal, a proven performer. “I am hoping to see some young players make their name while spinners like Shadab Khan can regain form along with Mohammad Nawaz and Mohammad Asghar. Kashif Bhatti would appear for Balochistan. I really see this is a quality event and we all should support the tournament and make it a success.” Saeed Ajmal, who has the most wickets (89) in tournament’s history and was adjudicated player of the match in the final of the inaugural edition in 2005, said: “I am backing Northern as they have a very exciting side. In Imad, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir they have rich experience and quality. They also have some experienced players both in their batting and bowling departments who understand well the demands of T20 cricket. “What makes them a formidable unit is the presence of promising youngsters like Haider Ali and Rohail Nazir who have both progressed remarkably well in the last year. Haider has made a wonderful start to his career with his explosive half-century on T20I debut against England. Of course, he would be full of confidence going into the tournament.” Abdur Rehman, part of the Sialkot Stallions winning squad in year 2006,2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, said: “My favourite team for the National T20 Cup is Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. T20 cricket is based on all-rounders and the team’s head coach Abdul Razzaq is one of the best all-rounders produced by Pakistan. There are a lot of all-rounders in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa side including Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez while they also have Wahab Riaz. “They also have Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan which makes them a very balanced team.” Bazid Khan, who has featured in 20 T20 matches and is now a cricket expert, said: “Exciting times as the domestic season is about to begin with the National T20 Cup. In my view, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are the favourites because of the fact they have match winners in bowling. Wahab Riaz is a match winner, Shaheen Shah Afridi is a match winner and Junaid Khan, on his day, is a match winner as well. They are a very good T20 attack, one should not underestimate [spin all-rounder] Zohaib Khan who is also a very capable all-rounder. “Meanwhile in batting, the nature of the tournament is that there will be a lot of double-headers played on the same ground so experienced batsmen would need to gauge what is a good score for a particular game. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have the experience with Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Fakhar Zaman and Iftikhar Ahmed all very experienced especially in the T20 format. They would know what will be a good score to set and defend. “Rizwan as captain is also a boost for the side especially after his recent performances. The only weakness they might have is the spin department as they don’t have a proven frontline spinner who might come in handy at the backend of the tournament. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa can rely on Iftikhar, Shoaib and Hafeez as all three are quality spinners. I am backing Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and they are my favourites.”  Imran Nazir, part of Sialkot Stallions winning squad in year 2006-07, 2009, 2010 and 2012, said: “National T20 Cup is taking place and I am supporting Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The side has Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman. The team will be coached by our legend Abdul Razzaq. I hope the way Razzaq used to perform for the team, he will take out the same performance from his team players. My best wishes are with the team.”

By BIPIN DANI Former Australia batsman Dean Jones died on Thursday noon after a massive heart attack in his hotel room in Mumbai. He was 59. Jones was in India as a commentator for the IPL. "We could not believe it", former India all rounder Irfan Pathan, who is also on the commentary panel and staying in the same hotel in South Mumbai, said to this reporter. "He was fine yesterday. He also did a TV show with us. Today he is no more..". "Even today morning he had breakfast and was doing his usual walk and training. Suddenly the news came to us and we are shocked", he added.  Dean Jones was certain to remain present during the Lanka Premier League in Sri Lanka. He was a mentor to Anil Mohan, Founder & CEO IPG Group, the company which will be hosting the LPL. "He had hand holded me throughout my professional life. Still remember meeting him for the first time in Sri Lanka. We have worked together for over 18 years across multiple international series all over the world", Anil Mohan, speaking exclusively over telephone from Dubai, said. "He was one of the best cricketing commentators that I have ever seen and an even better human being. He was on IPG’s advisory board and was instrumental in every success of IPG. The world of Cricket has lost an Icon today and it is an irreplaceable void", he further added. Jones was a member of the Tied Test against India. "I very well remember his 200 and odd runs he scored despite being ill on the first day", Vikram Raju, the umpire of the Tie Test said from Bangalore. "He is a regular visitor at the IPL and the KPL. I met him last year when he was in Bangalore. He was a very decent nice man", Raju added.

SALAMAN KHAN MULTAN (September 24, 2020):-Asif Afridi, member of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa First XI squad for the National T20 Cup, has been quarantined after he was found to have breached the bio-secure protocols, it was announced today. The 33-year-old violated the social distancing protocols during a meeting with his friend in the team hotel lobby and, as such, he will now undergo an isolation as well as a Covid-19 test, the cost of which he will have to bear. After testing negative, Asif will re-integrate with his side. Asif Afridi said: “I sincerely apologise for my actions. These protocols have been designed for the safety of all participants and it is mandatory on everyone to abide by them to ensure health of everyone involved in the competition. In this case, I have let myself down but will be extremely careful in future.” The tournament will commence in Multan on 30 September, before it moves to Rawalpindi for second round action from 9-18 October.