Cricket
PCB converts Karachi high performance centre into temporary sanctuary for paramedics
SB News
LAHORE (March 23, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), on a request from the Sindh Government, has agreed to convert its Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre as a temporary living area for paramedic staff working at the makeshift hospital at Expo Centre, Karachi.
PCB Chief Operating Officer Salman Naseer said: “All the paramedic staff are our heroes as in these challenging and difficult times, they are risking their lives to save the lives and wellbeing of many affected by COVID-19.
“As a small token of our appreciation and acknowledgement to these unsung heroes and as part of our duty of care, the PCB is pleased to offer its state-of-the-art Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre as a temporary lodging and boarding for the paramedic staff working at Expo Centre hospital so that they can serve those suffering from COVID-19 more effectively and efficiently.”
Umar Akmal charged under PCB Anti-Corruption Code
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (March 20, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has charged Umar Akmal with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents.
Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code reads as: “Failing to disclose to the PCB Vigilance and Security Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code”.
Umar Akmal was issued the Notice of Charge on Tuesday, 17 March, and has 14 days (31 March 2020) to respond in writing to the charge.
According to Article 6.2, the range of permissible period of ineligibility for those charged and found guilty for a violation of Article 2.4.4 is a minimum of six months and a maximum of a lifetime.
Umar Akmal was provisionally suspended on 20 February 2020. The PCB will not make any further comment pending the outcome on this case.
MS Dhoni takes to badminton
By BIPIN DANI
Former India captain MS Dhoni, who has not been finding selectors' favour has turned to his favorite game badminton.
"Now IPL not happening in very near future, he has been playing badminton", Chittu Lohani, one of his closest friends, speaking exclusveily over telephone from Ranchi, said on Thursday.
"Even I played badminton with him".
The video of Dhoni playing badminton in Team India's cricket jersey with his friends has become viral in social media.
"To keep himself fit, he plays this sport", Chintu added.
Dhoni's first coach Chanchal Bhattacharya has revealed that Dhoni was a State level player. "He was selected in U-19 State Level badminton championship".
"He used to play badminton in school", he said, admitting he (Chanchal Bhattacharya) only remained his cricket coach and not badminton. "He developed playing badminton of his own. I don't recall any one who coached him this game", the coach further added.
"Most of the time, Dhoni prefers to relax at home", the friend added. "He mixes with his old friends like me often".
"Yes, he is fond of animals and vehicles. He has five dogs at home and loves to massage his pets".
The video of Dhoni massaging his one of the dogs also became viral.
Sometimes, Dhoni takes his dog to his routine morning walk. Once during the IPL season he took his dog in the dressing room. This happened when he wanted his "friend" to feel the dressing room atmosphere after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team won against Royal Challengers.
He even brought the dog to Pune where his team was to play against Rising Pune Super giant team. Sam, the female dog is one his favourite pets.
Dhoni even once admitted that he loves going back to them (dogs) after a series because they treat him the same, whether he has won or lost the match.
Dhoni's wife is also an animal lover.
"Recently Sakshi brought one sick street dog at home and looks after his medical treatment", the coach added.
"Dhoni also spends time with his daughter Ziva".
"Dhoni's parents (mother : Devki Devi)and father Pan Singh) are living together".
Dhoni's used to live in a royal three-storied bungalow in Ranchi's Harmu Housing but has now moved to an another lavish place, which has indoor nets, swimming pool, gym and all other amenities.
"Dhoni is a religious man and often visits Maa Devri Temple, which is about 60 km from Ranchi", the friend added and also sent his recent photograph with Dhoni at the temple.
FIH Hockey Pro League: postponement extended to 17 May
SB Report
Lausanne, Switzerland: Based on the latest developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular of the response to it by the relevant public authorities globally, FIH, with the support of all participating National Associations, has today decided to extend the postponement period of the FIH Hockey Pro League to 17 May.
Consequently, all matches currently scheduled until 17 May are on hold. FIH will keep on monitoring the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the decisions of the public authorities.
PCB confirms all 128 COVID-19 tests are negative
By Abdul Jabbar Faisal
ISLAMABAD (March 19, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Thursday) confirmed it conducted 128 COVID-19 tests on the players, support staff, match officials, broadcasters and team owners on Tuesday, 17 March, and all results have turned out to be negative. The tests were conducted as part of the PCB’s duty of care, following a suspect COVID-19 case.
Additionally, Multan Sultans underwent 17 COVID-19 tests on Monday, 16 March, which were also negative.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It was absolutely critical for the integrity and credibility of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board that all players, support personnel, broadcasters and match officials, those who had decided to stay back till the end of the tournament, tested negative for COVID-19.
“In this background, the PCB is pleased with the outcome of the results and happy that all these players and officials have rejoined their families without any health and safety doubts or concerns.
“The PCB will continue to put in place precautionary measures to better safeguard the health of its employees.
“I urge cricket fans and followers to exercise absolute caution and value their as well as others’ wellbeing. They can overcome this pandemic by maintaining hygiene, avoiding close physical contact like handshaking and hugs, staying away from gatherings, avoiding close contact when anyone who is experiencing cough and fever, and spreading awareness about safety measures.
“The PCB prays normalcy returns quickly to our society so that playing fields can once again witness resumption of healthy activities.”
Meanwhile, all the 25 remaining foreign players, support staff and match officials have already departed for their respective destinations.
PCB statements in the lead up to the HBL PSL 2020 postponement are available here.
PCB health advisory:
Wash your hands with soap / alcoholic sanitizers regularly and especially after coughing or sneezing, before & after eating food and after toilet use;
· Use tissue papers / handkerchief while sneezing;
· Properly dispose off used tissue papers / handkerchief etc. in dust bins;
· Avoid hand shaking and hugging with each other;
· Avoid close contact when anyone is experiencing cough and fever
Fakhar Zaman appreciates the efforts of Punjab government to fight against corona
SB News
LAHORE (March 18, 2020):-Pakistan’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman has appreciated the efforts of Punjab government to overcome coronavirus and did excellent arrangements to halt to spread.
In a message on Wednesday, Fakhar Zaman said, “Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for the awareness of masses in regard to coronavirus pandemic. We are united against this deadly virus. Right now it’s affecting the entire world. We can win this fight against coronavirus by making maximum and effective preventive measures”.
Fakhar Zaman urged the masses to support Punjab in the fight against coronavirus pandemic. “We must use hand-washing soap repeatedly and avoid unnecessary handshaking with friends and relatives. We must cooperate with paramedical staff and doctors as well in this testing time”.
Two more women umpires named in ICC panel
Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD (March 17, 2020):-The number of women match officials across different International Cricket Council panels has gone up to 12 as Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi of India were today named in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires.
The announcement comes soon after the launch of 100% Cricket, a 12-month campaign anticipated to build on the momentum of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The campaign, launched just before 86,174 people watched the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day, aims to create more excitement around the women’s game ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand.
Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: “These are exciting times for women’s cricket, and it is only appropriate that we have more women officials at the international level. We will work proactively with Member Boards to give female officials the pathway needed for their growth.
“I am sure Janani and Vrinda are looking forward to their time on the panel. I wish them all the best and hope they not only perform well on assignment, but continue to develop their skillset with our support as they travel along their journey.”
Narayanan, 34, who idolizes the late David Shepherd of England and retired India umpire Srinivas Venkatraghavan, has been umpiring in Indian domestic tournaments since 2018.
Janani Narayanan: "It feels great to know that Vrinda and I have been inducted into the ICC's development panel. This gives me the chance to learn from seniors on the circuit and improve in the years to come. Cricket has become part of my daily routine since the 90s and I look forward to be associated with the sport at a higher level.
“I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI for the opportunities given and the ICC for giving me this break. I would like to thank Mr Radhakrishnan, who has been my mentor since I first started umpiring. I would also like to thank my parents who never stopped me from watching cricket on TV, my senior umpires Sai Darshan, Ashwin Kumar and all my state panel umpires, national panel umpires and referees who have helped me learn and grow.
Rathi, 31, a former varsity player who has kept scores in international matches, has also been umpiring in Indian domestic cricket since 2018. Rathi was inspired to take up umpiring after watching retired woman umpire Kathy Cross of New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup 2013 and feels umpiring is a natural progression for her.
Vrinda Rathi: “I feel privileged to be named in ICC’s development panel as this opens new avenues for me. I am sure I will get to learn a lot from other members of the panel and look forward to future assignments.
“Having played cricket and also officiated as a scorer, this was a natural progression for me and I am happy at the way things have unfolded.
“I am thankful to the BCCI for backing me over the years and to the ICC for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family, colleagues and mentors for all the help and support over the years.”
The other ICC women match officials are: GS Lakshmi, Shandre Fritz (International Panel Match Referees); Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Mary Waldron, Jacquline Williams (all International Panel of ICC Development Umpires).
HBL PSL 2020 postponed, to be rescheduled
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (March 17, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Tuesday) postponed the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 with immediate effect and the two semi-finals and the final will be rescheduled for a later date. This decision was taken after a player, who had left Pakistan a few days ago, showed symptoms of COVID-19 and he will undergo screening shortly.
The PCB, as part of its duty of care, has made arrangements for all the players and players support staff of the four semi-finalists, match officials, franchise owners and production crew to undergo precautionary tests and has strongly advised them to wait for the results prior to undertaking any travel.
PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “This is absolutely the right thing to do after an overseas player, who will be tested in his country shortly, has shown symptoms of COVID-19.
“The PCB has also facilitated the process of carrying out immediate tests of all those who were involved with the HBL Pakistan Super League.
“This is an unprecedented situation, which is evolving with each passing day. The PCB has closely monitored the situation and had taken precautionary measures including consultation with relevant authorities and temperature screening of players, officials and media on match and non-match days.
“The PCB believes it has made the right decisions in the lead up to the postponement of the tournament that included consulting the team owners, holding the matches behind closed doors, allowing the players the option to withdraw from the tournament, rescheduling of the matches and reducing the number of event days.
“Obviously before postponing the tournament, we took into confidence the team owners.
“The PCB will use its reach and influence to play its part in all government’s drives and initiatives to create awareness and dealing with this pandemic. The PCB hopes and prays that normalcy returns quickly to our society so that everyone can return to a healthy and routine lifestyle and we can bring back cricket to the fans.”
The PCB has suspended its all domestic competitions and cricket activities.
Karachi ODI, Test and Pakistan Cup postponed
Sports Reporter
ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-The Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards have decided to postpone the upcoming One-Day International and Test in Karachi for a later date.
The two boards will now work together to identify a future opportunity to complete the ICC World Test Championship commitment. The first Test of the series was played in Rawalpindi from 7-10 February, which Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs.
The Bangladesh men’s national cricket team was due to arrive in Karachi on 29 March to play an ODI on 1 April and the second ICC World Test Championship Test from 5-9 April.
Meanwhile, the PCB has also indefinitely postponed the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament, which was scheduled to start from 25 March.
Sikandar Raza and Abid Ali join HBL PSL 2020
SB News
ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza has joined Peshawar Zalmi as a Silver category player, it was announced on Monday.
The 33-year-old will join Zalmi, who take on table-toppers Multan Sultans in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 2pm, today.
Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have included Pakistan batsman Abid Ali and Salman Ali Agha in their line-up. Both players come in as Silver category players.
Qalandars take on arch-rivals Karachi Kings in the second semi-final on Tuesday at 7pm.
The inclusions have been approved by the Event Technical Committee which includes PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem.
Semi-finals on Tuesday:
Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, 2pm
Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm
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