Cricket
Air Chief condoles on demise of Azam Khan
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (March 31, 2020):-Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of legendary squash player Azam Khan who breathed his last in UK on Saturday.
The Air Chief, who is also President Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), showered praise upon one of the greatest squash players of all times, who died at the age of 95 year. Describing the legend as an inspiration for the young squash players in the country, the Air Chief said that Azam Khan proved that hard work and focused approach would ensure success in fulfilling the desired objectives in one's life.
He further said that Azam Khan carried along the legacy of his elder brother Hashim Khan by winning four consecutive British Open crowns from 1959 to 1962. He added that his name has acted as a motivating force for the younger generations of Pakistan squash players to achieve greater heights.
PCB confirms receiving Umar Akmal’s response
SB News
LAHORE (March 31, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed it has received Umar Akmal’s response to the Notice of Charge, which was issued on 17 March for two violations of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in unrelated incidents.
The PCB will now review and examine Umar Akmal’s response and provide further details on the next steps in due course. Until that stage, the PCB will not make any further comments on this matter.
Aleem Dar provides free meals to needy people
BIPIN DANI
Apparently Aleem Dar is the first international cricket umpire who has opened the doors of his own restaurant for the poor people in Pakistan.
ICC's Elite Panel umpire Dar has offered free meals to the jobless and poor people in Lahore.
Speaking over telephone from Lahore on Friday, he said, "my Restaurant (Dar's Delighto) is near to Shaukat Khanum Hospital in Lahore. I opened this restaurant 2 years back and from last one year we are serving free food to needy people".
Poor and needy patients and relatives coming to Imran Khan-built Shaukat Khanum Hospital are benefited with the food arrangements at Dar's restaurant.
"Within the next six months I am going to buy three Ambulances, which will also give free services to the poor people".
"And Insh-Allah (God willing) I will increase my charity work in future".
Incidentally, the 51-year-old umpire who has officiated in 386 international matches (132 Tests, 208 ODIs and 46 T-20Is) is also helping poor people in marriages.
"I am also running a cricket academy (Aleem Dar Cricket Academy) in Lahore, where the good talented poor boys are given free training and financial support to their families.
Interestingly, four impaired boys of his academy are the members of the Pakistan Deaf team.
On Friday, when it was heavily raining in Lahore, the restaurant had to call the police to make the people stand in a proper queue so as distance between the persons has a minimum distance of one meter.
Hero CPL to broadcast classic cricket encounters
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 27, 2020):-With no live sport currently available, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has partnered with cloud video production platform Grabyo to create a unique and innovative content experience for cricket fans to enjoy. From next week, CPL will be broadcasting classic matches from the last seven years of the tournament, but with a twist.
In an industry first, rather than airing the original commentary, CPL has enlisted its world-class broadcasting team, including Tom Moody, Danny Morrison, Ian Bishop, Daren Ganga and Alex Jordan to commentate live on the action. To make each match as realistic as possible, CPL will not give any of the match information to the commentary team before the game starts. Their reactions and comments will be as if they are watching the games live for the first time- providing unparalleled levels of authenticity.
The CPL digital team will also be covering these matches as if they are live, providing match clips, graphics and behind the scenes content to replicate the CPL experience. Opening the CPL vault has served as a reminder of the classic, high impact CPL games there has been. Now fans can re-live the best matches with an up to the minute twist, thanks to CPL’s brilliant commentary team.
The CPL has also featured some of the greatest T20 cricketers of all time, and fans will be able to enjoy some of their amazing performances as if they are watching them for the first time, with the commentators calling the game as if it was live.
These matches will be broadcast using Grabyo’s state of the art live streaming software, which will allow the commentators to broadcast remotely. The commentary team will be based in Australia, Trinidad and Barbados.
Tom Moody, CPL Director, International Cricket and commentator said: “Thinking of everyone around the world during this challenging time. I’m thrilled to be involved with CPL’s initiative to revisit some of the best matches since 2013. Some of the best players in the world in action showing their class and we’ll be calling it, without knowing what game we have in advance! I hope that the biggest party in sport brings some comfort and a smile.”
Pete Russell, CPL Chief Operating Officer, said: “The thoughts of everyone involved in CPL are with those who have had their lives impacted by this crisis and we have been spent a good deal of time thinking how we can provide sports fans with something different and exciting for them to enjoy as we get through this Pandemic. We all miss live sport, and we wanted this experience to be as immersive as possible. So we hope that cricket fans around the world enjoy this unique interactive experience with some of the best cricket commentators in the world and some of the best T20 cricket on the planet. I would also like to thank Grabyo who have helped make this happen. Their incredibly talented teams have highlighted how creativity and innovation will get us all through this challenging and worrying time.”
Gareth Capon, Grabyo CEO, added: “The time has come for sports federations to go the extra mile to engage with fans in this trying time. CPL is leading the way and showing everyone how to be truly fan-first. We are excited to play our part in this series and create unique experiences for cricket fans all over the world, delivering joy to those who need it now more than ever. We can’t wait to get started!”
PCB releases NOC policy for its players
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (March 27, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board on Friday (today) released its No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for centrally and domestically contracted players. The policy had been reviewed and approved by the Board of Governors during their 57th meeting, subject to minor changes.
According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), all centrally contracted players may seek clearance for up to a maximum of four leagues, including the HBL Pakistan Super League, says new policy.
Initial feedback and assessment of NOC requests will come through the International Cricket Operations department and national head coach/team management, who will carry out due diligence with respect to player workload and international commitments. As per NOC policies around the world, the Chief Executive of the Board will then be the final approving authority at the final stage of the process.
The domestic players contracted by the Cricket Associations will be required to directly approach their respective associations for any NOC approvals in the first instance. Input and feedback will then be sought from the cricket operations department, before moving to the last stage of the approval process.
For domestic players, who don’t feature in red-ball cricket but are white-ball regulars, it is has been made mandatory for them to commit to domestic 50-over and 20-over competitions in order to be eligible for NOCs.
As per the ICC regulations, both inactive and retired cricketers will require NOCs from the PCB for ICC approved events. However, the PCB will issue NOCs to players who have been retired for 24 months or more, unless there are compelling reasons which the PCB will have to provide in writing.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I think this is a flexible, balanced and comprehensive NOC policy which addresses as many of the likely scenarios that we will face.
“We have given primacy and importance to player workload, international and domestic commitments, but at the same time it was important that players are given the opportunities to make additional earnings and develop their skills around the world”.
“I am optimistic that moving forward, all the relevant stakeholders will have clarity and a better understanding of the process. To ensure that we maintain our relationships with cricket boards around the world, once granted, NOC’s will only be revoked if there are any injury concerns, or there are international or domestic playing obligations that need to be fulfilled.”
ICC opens its archives
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 26, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has opened its comprehensive archive of match footage and programming to its broadcast partners, giving fans throughout the world the opportunity to relive some of the greatest cricketing moments of the last 45 years as they stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fans watching TV
The move will enable fans around the world to watch memorable cricket matches, highlights and ICC films at a time live sport programming stands disrupted due to the Corona Virus. ICC events dating back to 1975, including the men’s and women’s ICC Cricket World Cups and T20 World Cups, the Champions Trophy as well as the U19 World Cups have been made available.
Additionally fans can join in the fun via Watch Parties on the ICC Facebook page where some of the most iconic games in the history of the sport will be replayed in full. Match highlights and tournament recaps will also be delivered through ICC social channels and the ICC website and mobile app and fans can get involved and vote on the memories they want to see from the ICC archive.
ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are facing unprecedented times as a sports industry and the need to connect with our fan communities is perhaps greater than ever. With no live cricket to unite our fans around the world we thought the next best thing would be to release our archive to broadcast partners so fans can enjoy some magnificent memories.
ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 1992 Classic - Wasim Akram
“We hope this move will help our broadcast partners replace cancelled sports fixtures with some highly engaging content and give cricket fans the opportunity to relive some of the great cricketing moments whilst we all stay at home.
“There will also be the opportunity for fans to get involved via the ICC social channels, with Facebook Watch Parties on the ICC Facebook page and votes for which matches from the last four decades they want to unlock from the ICC archive.”
The footage available to broadcasters will include memorable matches of the ICC men’s events including those between trans-Tasman rivals Australia and New Zealand, sub-continental adversaries India and Pakistan and featuring Ashes competitors Australia and England.
Selected matches of the 1975, 1979 and 1983 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup editions held in England, as well as most knockout matches of subsequent editions will be among the inventory available for broadcasters to show in full or as highlights as they rework their programming in the coming weeks.
Fans will also be able to re-experience matches of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2004 2006, 2009 and 2013, and five editions of the T20 World Cup from 2007 to 2014. Those looking for women’s matches, will get to watch the 2009 and 2013 editions, apart from matches of different T20 World Cups.
The official film, official highlights and behind-the-scenes programmes from the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019, which ended in a dramatic victory for hosts England at Lord’s, will also be made available, providing fans with both match action as well as behind the scenes stories.
There will also be several other similar programmes from other ICC Events while the programmes on women’s cricket include features on the stars of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2018 and the stars of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017.
PCB to make contribution in fight against COVID-19
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (March 25, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced its cricketers and staff will play their part in the fight against COVID-19 by making contributions to the government’s emergency fund.
The centrally contracted players will collectively donate PKR5million to the fund. In addition to the cricketers’ contribution, PCB staff up to the rank of Senior Managers will donate one day’s salary, while the General Managers and above will donate two days’ salary.
Furthermore, the PCB, as an institution, will match the contribution of its staff to the government fund.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “The Pakistan Cricket Board has always stood with the people of Pakistan in desperate times. This is one of the gravest, most challenging and unprecedented times, which our local and federal governments and health workers are having to face with.
“While we continue to pray for the wellbeing and success of our health workers so that normality returns to our society, we at the PCB are making a small contribution which will support the government in its endeavours against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I am fully aware like a lot of other generous people in our society, our cricketers and staff are privately supporting the local governments and various other charities by making contributions in their own ways. We are grateful to them for their valuable support.
“The success of nations is measured by how they come together in difficult times, and this is one such moment when we all must stand united.
“On behalf of the PCB, I once again urge the people of Pakistan to seriously take all precautionary measures as these have been designed for their and their loved ones’ safety. We are a resilient nation and I have no doubt we will defeat this pandemic together.”
· PCB media release on converting Karachi high performance centre into temporary sanctuary for paramedics available here
· PCB’s public awareness messages are available here
PCB health advisory:
· Stay indoors and avoid public gatherings
· Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 per cent alcohol if soap and water are not available
· Avoid shaking hands
· Maintain social distancing
· Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
· Practice respiratory hygiene
· If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early
· Stay informed
Rohit Sharma is a King of Pull shot, says his coach
BIPIN DANI
Rohit Sharma's personal childhood coach Dinesh Lad is not pleased about the ICC not having his ward in their picture on their tweet asking fans about the player with the best pull shot.
The ICC had asked its twitter users to pick the batsman with the best pull shot and they uploaded a photo of four players and did not include Rohit Sharma in the list.
The list included the photographs of Viv Richards, Ricky Ponting (Australia), Virat Kohli (India) and South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs.
"Rohit Sharma is a master of this stroke (pull shot). He is even better than Team India captain Virat Kohli. This I am not saying because I am Rohit's personal coach but according to me, he is the best puller in the world after Viv Richards. Even Ricky Ponting can be next to Rohit", the coach said.
"In the modern day cricket I rate Rohit as number 1 puller in the world. Most of the time he hits hard the ball in front foot and takes the ball on the middle of his bat and that's his biggest plus point".
Even Rohit Sharma was "amused" and he re-tweeted the photo and said "someone's missing here".
It can be recalled that when Rohit was in Australia during the 2007-08, former Australia captain turned commentator Ian Chappell marvelled at the young gun’s horizontal bat shots. Chappell was a great pull shot player himself although the stroke caused his dismissal quite a few times. He didn’t stop playing it despite former players advising him to stop it.
Sri Lanka-born sports physio in self isolation in Australia
BIPIN DANI
Sri Lanka-born sports physio Dulan Kodikara is in self-quarantine in Australia, it is learnt here.
The 37-year-old Kodikara has migrated to Australia in 2011 and is now working with the Cricket Australia (CA).
Speaking exclusveily over telephone from Australia on Monday morning, he said, "I went to my native place Negombo (Sri Lanka) with my family (wife and a 14-month old baby) earlier this month and just returned last week. I am in self quarantine for 14 days with my family as per Australian government directives".
Kodikara is a ports physio and current PhD scholar researching on "head, neck and facial injuries in Australian community cricket. Last year he was even invited to attend the Cricket Science and Medicine conference held in Loughborough.
"I was supposed to be on tour with Australian indigenous U-19 team to New Zealand from March 21-28. The tour, however, got cancelled as a result of COVID19", he added further.
Pet dog
In the meantime, all Sri Lankan cricketers spent three-day curfew period at home.
Sri Lanka's Test and ODI captain Dimuth Karunarathna spent quality time with his pet dog Rover.
"The happiest person in our home these days....Dog Dog Dog # no cricket #playing with pets #home days #Quaratine Life", he posted a message on social media with photographs playing with his dog.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a decision to grant a sum of LKR 25 million to the Government to help its efforts towards combating the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a national health crisis.
No decision before time regarding CPL 2020
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 23, 2020):-In light of recent effects of the COVID-19 virus impacts people around the world there has been some understandable speculation with regard to the upcoming Caribbean Premier League (CPL) season which is scheduled to take place from 19 August to 26 September 2020.
CPL has been in constant communication with our medical advisors in recent weeks, as well as speaking with Cricket West Indies about the current situation with regard to cricket around the world, and at present there has been no discussion about moving the event.
CPL believes it is too early to make such a decision, but this is an evolving situation and we are carefully watching how events unfold in the Caribbean and around the world. At present the CPL teams are planning for the tournament to take place as scheduled whilst also looking at alternative plans if they would be needed.
Our thoughts at this time are with the many CPL fans, players and staff from around the world who have been impacted by this crisis and we hope that they and their families stay safe and healthy.
ABOUT THE HERO CARIBBEAN PREMIER LEAGUE:
First started in 2013, the Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) is a franchise-based T20 format cricket tournament that combines two of the most compelling aspects of Caribbean life – dramatic cricket and a vibrant Carnival atmosphere. There was a combined broadcast and digital viewership of 312million during the 2019 season to make it one of the fastest growing leagues in world cricket. In 2019 the tournament made a positive economic impact across the Caribbean of US$136million. Barbados Tridents are the current Hero CPL champions and the other competing teams are Trinbago Knight Riders, Guyana Amazon Warriors, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots, St. Lucia Zouks and Jamaica Tallawahs. The 2020 tournament will take place between 19 August and 26 September.
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