Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The second day of the second four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ was abandoned without a ball being bowled after the wet outfield at Islamabad Club kept the teams away from action.The umpires had undertaken three inspections throughout the day before drawing stumps after tea interval. The third day’s play is expected to begin at 9.45am with the toss expected to take place at 9.15am.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: Two left-handed batters, Saud Shakil (57 not out), and Saim Ayub (56) scored half-centuries to take Pakistan’s total score of 158 runs for 4 wickets in 41 overs against Bangladesh in the first Test at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Wednesday, as the match started at 2:30 pm due to wet out-filed owning the overnight heavy rain in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad.After the lunch break, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and asked the hosts to bat first under the cloudy weather. Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub opened Pakistan’s innings, as the hosts faced first damage in the 4th over when Abdullah was dismissed at just 3 runs, as his score was 2.Skipper Shan Masood hit one boundary during his 11-ball stay before falling prey to Shoriful Islam for six runs in the seventh over. Babar Azam was dismissed in the ninth over falling for a two-ball duck off the bowling of Shoriful with Litton Das taking his second catch of the innings. Following the three early blows, Saim and Saud came together to take Pakistan out of trouble with a 98-run fourth-wicket partnership. The rescue act between the two southpaws was spread on either side of the tea interval as they batted together for 22.5 overs. Over the course of the partnership, Saim (56, 98b, 4x4s, 1x6) brought up his maiden Test half-century before Hasan induced an edge off his bat in the 32nd over which was safely pouched by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the slip cordon. Saud contributed 42 runs in the stand with Saim before stitching an unbeaten 44-run partnership with Mohammad Rizwan till the close of play. For Bangladesh, Shoriful and Hasan bagged two wickets each. The second day’s play is expected to begin at 9.45am. Summarised Scorecard (Day-1):Pakistan Batting:Abdullah Shafique (c Zakir Hasan b Hasan Mahmud) 2 runs in 14 ballsSaim Ayub (c Mehidy Hasan Miraz b Hasan Mahmud) 56 runs in 98 balls (4x4, 6x1)Shan Masood (c Litton Das b Shoriful Islam) 6 runs in 11 ballsBabar Azam (c Litton Das b Shoriful Islam) 0 run in 2 ballsSaud Shakeel (not out) 57 runs in 92 balls (4x5, 6x0)Mohammad Rizwan (not out) 24 runs in 31 balls (4x2, 6x0)Bangladesh Bowling: Shoriful Islam (2 for 30), Hasan Mahmud (2 for 33)Pakistan Team: Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad Bangladesh Team: Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Shadman Islam, Zakir Hasan, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid RanaMatch Officials: Umpires: Adrian Holdstock (South Africa) and Richard Kettleborough (England)TV Umpire: Micheal Gough (England)Reserve Umpire: Rashid Riaz (Pakistan)Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has unveiled the ticket prices for the second Test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh set to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 30 August to 3 September.Continuing with the pricing structure from the first Test, tickets for the premium enclosures – Miran Baksh, Sohail Tanvir, and Yasir Arafat – will be available for PKR 200. VIP enclosures, including Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, will be priced at PKR 500 on weekdays and PKR 600 on weekends.For an enhanced match experience, fans can opt for the Gallery pass, which includes lunch and tea, priced at PKR 2,800. The Platinum box, which also includes lunch and tea, is available for PKR 12,500. Additionally, a full hospitality box can be reserved for PKR 200,000.In line the PCB’s commitment to making cricket accessible, ticket prices have been kept nominal. Tickets can be purchased online at PCB.tcs.com.pk or from the physical ticket booth located at Aviation Ground, opposite Rescue 1122, Rawal Road and also at the designated TCS express centres.A free shuttle bus service will also be running on two routes on match days for ease of access into the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium by spectators. Route 1 will run from Aviation Ground, Rawal Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate while the Route 2 will go from Government Satellite Town College for Boys, 6th Road, Murree Road to Allama Iqbal Park Entrance Gate.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 will be moved from Bangladesh to the United Arab Emirates. The event, scheduled to take place from 3 to 20 October, will now be staged in Dubai and Sharjah.ICC Chief Executive Geoff Allardice said: “It is a shame not to be hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup in Bangladesh as we know the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) would have staged a memorable event. I would like to thank the team at the BCB for exploring all avenues to try and enable the event to be hosted in Bangladesh, but travel advisories from the governments of a number of the participating teams meant that wasn’t feasible. However, they will retain hosting rights. We look forward to taking an ICC global event to Bangladesh in the near future. I’d also like to thank the Emirates Cricket Board for stepping in to host on behalf of the BCB and Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe for their generous offers of support, and we look forward to seeing ICC global events in both of those countries in 2026.”ICC Chair Greg Barclay confirmed to the Board that he will not stand for a third term and will step down from the post when his current tenure finishes at the end of November. Barclay was appointed as the Independent ICC Chair in November 2020, before being re-elected in 2022.Current directors are now required to put forward nominations for the next Chair by 27 August 2024 and if there is more than one candidate, an election will be held with the term of the new Chair commencing on 1 December 2024. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Right-arm fast bowler Aamir Jamal has been released from the Test squad ahead of the series against Bangladesh. Aamir, who was earlier included in the squad subject to fitness clearance, has been advised to work on his fitness at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.Aamir is recovering from a back injury which he sustained while playing county cricket this year. The first Test match between Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan will commence from 21 August at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.Pakistan squad for Bangladesh Test series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Shaheen Shah A 

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event where the future stars of women’s cricket will announce themselves over 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025. Over and above these exciting matches will be 16 warm-up fixtures played from 13 to 16 January, in preparation for the main event.The second edition of this exciting tournament comes on the back of a successful inauguration in South Africa in 2023 where India beat England by seven wickets in a thrilling final to be crowned the first-ever winners. It will also be the hosts, Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event.ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport. We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: "Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends. Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket.”Groups (4):Group A - India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.Group B - England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.Group C - New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) and playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.Group D - Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.Schedule (U19 Women’s T20 World Cup):January 18: Australia v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: England v Ireland, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: Pakistan v USA, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary, 19: India v West Indies, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: Ireland v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: England v Pakistan, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: South Africa v Samoa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 21: India v Malaysia, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: England v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 23: India v Sri Lanka, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 24: B4 v C4, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 24: A4 v D4, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 25: Super Six - B2 v C3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - B1 v C2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 25: Super Six - A3 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - C1 v B3, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 26: Super Six - A2 v D3, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 26: Super Six - A1 v D2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 27: Super Six - B1 v C3, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A3 v D2, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 28: Super Six - C1 v B2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A1 v D3, 2:30 pm, BayuemJas OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - C2 v B3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - A2 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 1, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalFebruary 2: Final, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

Pakistan earn a massive lead of 245 runs against Bangladesh “A” in a four-day fixtureAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Left-handed batter Umar Amin’s three figures innings (177 runs) demands to include him in the first Test match against Bangladesh, which will start on August 21 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as his (Umer) innings against Bangladesh A put hosts in driving seat on the second day of the four-match contest at Islamabad Club cricket ground.At stumps, Shaheens were 367 for four in 90 overs, with a first innings lead of 245 runs. Saad Khan (31 not out, 39b, 6x4s) and Kamran Ghulam (20 not out, 63b, 1x4,1x6), will resume batting on the third day, which will begin at 09.30am tomorrow. For Bangladesh ‘A’, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bagged two wickets for 49 runs.Earlier, after resuming their first innings at the overnight score of two for no loss, the home side were dealt a blow when left-handed batter Saim Ayub returned back to the hut, scoring 11 off 28 balls, which included a four. Mohammad Huraira was the second batter to be dismissed, scoring 39 off 67 balls, hitting five boundaries.The experienced Umar was then joined by captain Saud Shakeel and the pair knitted a 195-run partnership for the third wicket. During the partnership, left-handed Umar brought up his century. He fell 23 runs short of a double-century, and was dismissed for 177 off 211 balls, smashing 23 fours and three towering sixes.After Umar’s departure, fellow southpaw Saud soon followed the centurion and was stumped off the bowling of Hasan for 76 with the scorecard reading 322 for four. Saud’s innings included nine boundaries across 132 deliveries.Scores in brief (Day-2):Bangladesh 'A' 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41)Pakistan Shaheens 367-4, 90 overs (Umar Amin 177, Saud Shakeel 76, Mohammad Huraira 39, Saad Khan 31 not out, Kamran Ghulam 20 not out; Hasan Murad 2-49, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-67, Nayeem Hasan 1-81)Pakistan Shaheens lead by 245 runs

BIPIN DANIIn a heartwarming meeting that bridged the worlds of art and sports, veteran Sri Lankan artist Mueen Saheed recently had the pleasure of meeting Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli during Team India's recent visit to the country.During this meeting, Saheed presented Kohli with a deeply personal portrait featuring Kohli, his wife Anushka Sharma, and their late dog Bruno. The painting, intended to evoke joyful memories of their beloved pet, was warmly received by Kohli, who expressed his delight and gratitude.Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the artist said, "While Kohli made arrangements for this large portrait to be taken to his home in India, he leaves behind another signed painting of my work. He has promised me to visit my gallery when he revisits Sri Lanka again. This smaller painting shows Kohli in a stance of action, showcasing his batting prowess. Mueen Saheed has long been a passionate cricket enthusiast. His works have previously paid homage to cricket legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar,He is a contemporary of renowned Sri Lankan artists Seneka Senanayake and Laki Senanayake, has exhibited extensively around the world and continues to be one of the most compelling voices for abstract art in Sri Lanka. This recent meeting with Virat Kohli is a testament to Saheed's enduring influence and the universal appeal of his art, transcending boundaries and connecting with people from all walks of life.  

Naseem Shah (3-24), and Mir Hamza (3-33) performances thrash Bangladesh A batting lineAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A couple of sparking performances with red-ball, Naseem Shah (3-24), and Mir Hamza (3-33), constrained Bangladesh A on a meager total of 122 runs in 44.3 overs in their first innings of the four-day match here at Islamabad Club cricket ground on Tuesday. Pakistan scored 2 runs without wasting any batter at the stumps on Day-1, when the match called-off due to bad light in capital city Islamabad.Bangladesh captain Anamul Haque won the coin battle and decided to bat first, as the match started at 2:00 pm instead of 10:00 am in the morning owing to wet out-field. Apart from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who top-scored with a gritty 65 off 116 balls hitting nine fours, only Mominul Haque (11, 15b, 2x4s), Mushfiqur Rahim (14, 27b, 1x4, 1x6) and Rejaur Rehman Raja (10, 17b, 1x4) got into double figures.Mahmudul and Mushfiqur were also involved in the most productive partnership for Bangladesh A which was a 38-run stand, which was broken by Mohammad Ali. The Shaheens pacers shared eight wickets among them with Naseem Shah, making his return to red-ball cricket after more than a year, taking the 3-24 in 8.3 overs. Hamza bagged as many wickets giving away 33 runs in 11 overs.Ali was the most economical bowler as he conceded only 14 runs in 11 overs, picking up the valuable wicket of Mushfiqur, including six maidens. Umar Amin provided an important breakthrough for Shaheens as he dismissed the well-set Mahmudul. Leg-spinner Mohammad Rameez Jnr eked out two wickets for 41 runs in 11 overs.Scores in brief (Day-1):Pakistan Shaheens trail by 120 runsBangladesh 'A' 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41)Pakistan Shaheens 2-0, 2 overs (Saim Ayub 2 not out) 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Shaheens cricket team will take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first four-day match here at the Islamabad Club on Tuesday, as the match will be held from August 13 to 16, 2024. Saud Shakil will lead the host side. The second four-day match will be played at the same venue from August 20 to 23.Both Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ have packed their sides with players who will feature in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures, to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi on 21-25 August and 30 August-3 September, respectively. This is due to the fact that both Pakistan and Bangladesh have not played a Test since January and March, respectively. Pakistan’s last Test was against Australia in Sydney, while Bangladesh previous appearance in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle was against Sri Lanka at home in March.Test probables in the Pakistan Shaheens are Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan and Zakir Hasan are the Bangladesh ‘A’ players who will join the Test side following the four-day match.Saud Shakeel, who was recently named Pakistan Test vice-captain and has previously led Shaheens red-ball side against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in October-November 2021, will captain the home side in the first four-day match. Anamul Haque, who has represented Bangladesh in 74 international matches to date, will captain Bangladesh ‘A’.Pakistan Shaheens captain Saud Shakeel said: “It is an honour for me to lead the Pakistan Shaheens team. I have led this team on a few occasions in the past. I always enjoy my captaincy as I get involved in the game more than usual. This four-day series is crucial as some of the players have not played red-ball cricket recently. So, the match starting on Tuesday will serve as an important opportunity for the Test probables to gear up and be fully prepared and ready for the upcoming challenges that include nine ICC World Test Championship Tests. Bangladesh are always competitive, particularly with spin. We look forward to the challenge on our home turf.”Bangladesh ‘A’ captain Anamul Haque said: “We have been very excited about facing the Pakistan Shaheens side in their backyard. The Shaheens squad looks strong, especially the fast bowling department. With the highly experienced players on either side, the first four-dayer will be highly competitive. This series is also crucial for the Bangladesh players looking to prepare for the upcoming Test series and youngsters who aim to stake a claim in the senior side.”Pakistan Shaheens (squad): Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar AminBangladesh ‘A’ (squad): Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Zakir HasanMatch officials: Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee).