Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced match officials for the Pakistan Shaheens’ home series against Bangladesh ‘A’, which includes two four-day and three 50-over matches from 13-30 August.Nadeem Arshad will lead the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the 13-16 August and 20-23 August matches, while Iftikhar Ahmed will be the match referee for the three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.The umpiring responsibilities in the five matches will be shared between ICC/PCB International panel Umpires, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rashid Riaz, and PCB Elite Panel Umpires, Abdul Moqeet, Imran Jawed, Nasir Hussain, and Waleed Yaqoob.Umpire and match referee appointments:13-16 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)20-23 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)26 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Abdul Moqeet (on-field umpires), Waleed Yaqub (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)28 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)30 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee) 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (August 10, 2024): Pakistan Shaheens registered a 17-run win over Perth Scorchers in their opening game of the Top End T20 series 2024 on Saturday at the DXC Arena in Darwin.In pursuit of the 189-run target, Scorchers’ batters, Teague Wyllie (4, 5b, 1x4) and Sam Fanning (13, 11b, 2x4s) departed in the third and fourth overs, respectively.Joel Curtis (17, 21b, 1x4) and Corey Wasley (54, 27b, 6x4s, 3x6s) threatened the Shaheens bowling attack with a 58-run fourth-wicket stand which was eventually broken by legspinner Arif Yaqoob in the 11th over.In the following over, Jahandad Khan dismissed the aggressive Wasley as well with Scorchers requiring 96 runs in 51 balls. Baxter Holt (24, 21b, 1x4, 1x6) and Keaton Critchell (24, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) found the boundary on regular intervals for their 33-run fifth-wicket partnership before Holt was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas Afridi in the 16th over.Critchell departed for 24 off 18, hitting two fours and one six while Matthew Spoors, who remained unbeaten for 27 off 15 balls clubbing five fours, failed to make ends meet as Scorchers fell 17 runs short.Abbas and Jahandad picked up two wickets each while Mohammad Imran Jnr and Arif had one each to their name.Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Pakistan Shaheens posted a competitive total of 188-7 in the allotted 20 overs courtesy of 35-ball 57 from Usman Khan. Usman, batting at four, walked in to bat at the end of powerplay, struck four boundaries and three sixes in this outing keeping the Shaheens innings intact.Shaheens racked up 47 runs during the field restrictions, losing Haseebullah (12, 10b, 2x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (5, 11b, 1x4) in the course. Soon, Sahibzada Farhan too departed in the eighth over leaving Shaheens 58-3 in 7.3 overs.Skipper, Mohammad Haris (25, 19b, 3x4s) and Usman came together to put on 45-run fourth-wicket partnership off 28 balls before the former fell prey to Keaton Critchell in the 13th over.An over later, Mohammad Irfan Khan departed for a mere two off five balls, before Arafat Minhas played a powerful cameo of 31 runs facing 16 balls hitting three fours and one six.Usman and Arafat departed on consecutive deliveries before Mohammad Abbas Afridi (12 not out, 3b) belted two sixes in the last over to help Shaheens finish the innings with momentum. For Socrchers, Matthew Spoors bagged three wickets while Critchell, Luke Holt, Lucas Martin and Jhye Richardson picked up one each.Scores in brief (Pakistan Shaheens won by 17 runs):Pakistan Shaheens 188-7, 20 overs (Usman Khan 57, Sahibzada Farhan 36, Arafat Minhas 31, Mohammad Haris 25; Matthew Spoors 3-54)Perth Scorchers 171-6, 20 overs (Corey Wasley 54, Matthew Spoors 27, Keaton Critchell 24, Baxter Holt 24; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-32, Jahandad Khan 2-42).

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens will continue its training at the Islamabad Club for the series against Bangladesh ‘A’, while the Pakistan men’s cricket team will commence its preparations for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh on Sunday, 11 August, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.August 10, 2024: Bangladesh ‘A’ will arrive in the wee hours of Saturday. The PCB will share arrival images and videos with the media through its usual communication channels. Pakistan Shaheens will train from 2pm and beforehand at around 1.45pm, Kamran Ghulam will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 1.30pm to 3pm.August 11, 2024: Pakistan Test team will train at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 10am. Afterwards, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will preview his side’s 2024-25 red-ball season by holding a media conference. Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train from 10am at the Islamabad Club. This will be a vision only opportunity for which media is invited from 11am to 12.30pm.August 12, 2024: Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train at the Islamabad Club from 10am. Afterwards, opposite captains Saud Shakeel and Anamul Haque will hold their pre-match media talks and will also take part in trophy unveiling ceremony at the ground. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 11.30am. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity and no media interviews are planned.August 13, 2024: The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will commence at the Islamabad Club with the toss taking place at 09.30am and the first ball to be bowled at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train at 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity.August 14-15, 2024: It will be day two and three of the first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ with play starting at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Pakistan Test team has opted not to train and has no media commitments planned.August 16, 2024: Fourth day’s play between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will resume at 10am and afterwards, both captains are expected to be available for brief stand-up interviews to review the match. Meanwhile, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At this stage, it will only be a vision only opportunity and no media activities are planned. If there is a change, this will be communicated through PCB’s usual communication channels.

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams for the two ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 fixtures between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both teams are scheduled to play first Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 21 to 25 August. The second Test match between the two sides will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.For the Test series, three umpires will be from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and two umpires are from the ICC International Panel of Umpires.For the Rawalpindi Test, England’s Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpire alongside South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock. England’s Michael Gough will be the third umpire, while Rashid Riaz of Pakistan will act as a fourth umpire.In Karachi, Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock will perform the duties of an on-field umpires, while Richard Kettleborough will serve as a third umpire. Asif Yaqoob from Pakistan will be available as fourth umpire in the Test match.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid KhanAfridi has signed an agreement with Kashmir Supreme League to join as Supreme Ambassador of the KSL.According to an official of KSL, cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has signed an agreement with the Kashmir Supreme League, as a brand ambassador. Chairman, Kashmir Supreme League Masood Khan and Shahid Afridi signed the contract in Islamabad.Shahid Afridi expressed his determination to highlight the Kashmir cause worldwide through KSL. The Kashmir Supreme League will be held in mid-November while the trials will be held from August 10 in Muzaffarabad.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board’s men’s national selection committee today announced a 17-member Pakistan squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh. The first Test will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 21-25 August, while the second Test will be held from 30 August-3 September in Karachi.The Pakistan Test side’s training camp will commence at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 11 August and will be supervised by red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood. The Bangladesh cricket team is scheduled to arrive in Islamabad in the wee hours of 17 August and expected to train in the same afternoon.Names of players for Test Series: Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal (subject to Fitness), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, 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 AfridiThe 17-member Test squad will be led by Shan Masood, while left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel has been appointed as vice-captain. Saud takes over from Shaheen Shah Afridi as part of the selectors’ strategic decision that is aimed at managing Pakistan’s lead fast bowler’s workload management during the period from 21 August 2024 to 5 April 2025 in which Pakistan is scheduled to play nine Tests, 14 T20Is and, at least, 17 ODIs.Of the 17 players picked for the first Test series of the 2024-25 season, 13 players were involved in Pakistan’s last series against Australia in December/January 2023-24. Mohammad Huraira, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Ali have been rewarded for their consistent performances in the domestic circuit as well as for Pakistan Shaheens, while Naseem Shah is returning to the red-ball side after 13 months.Kamran Ghulam aggregated 1,025 runs in 11 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season and then had scored 148 runs in three innings against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month, including 100 not out in the first match. He was part of the squad for the home series against New Zealand in December/January 2022-23 but didn’t feature in the drawn two-match series.Fast bowler Mohammad Ali has been recalled after last featuring in the opening two Tests against England in 2022. He took 24 wickets in six first-class matches in the 2022-23 season, followed by 47 wickets in 14 first-class matches in the 2023-24 season. In the two four-day matches against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin, Ali took nine wickets, including six for 63 in the second innings of the second match.Huraira stroked a sparkling double-century against Bangladesh ‘A’ in Darwin last month. He also had stellar last couple of first-class seasons. In the 2022-23 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Huraira was the only batter to break the 1,000-run barrier, aggregating 1,024 runs in 11 matches for Northern. In the 2023-24 first-class season, the 22-year-old right-hander scored 961 runs in 14 matches for the Faisalabad Region and Higher Education Commission (HEC). He was part of the squad for the tour to Sri Lanka in July 2023 but didn’t feature in the series, which Pakistan won by 2-0.Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali (injured), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr (injured), Noman Ali and Sajid Khan were the players who failed to retain their places in the Test side.Imam managed 57 runs in two Tests against Sri Lanka and then scored 94 runs in the Perth and Melbourne Tests, Faheem took one wicket in the Perth Test, Sajid claimed three wickets in the Sydney Test, while Nawaz and Noman didn’t play in any of the Tests.Names of players for ODI Series: 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, Sameen Gul, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar AminPlayer support personnel – Umar Gul (head coach-cum-manager), Ghulam Ali (batting coach), Fahad Masood (fielding coach), Dr Imtiaz Khan (physiotherapist), Faisal Rai (analyst), Yasir Malik (trainer), Shafqat Shabbir (media and digital manager) and Malang Ali (masseur)Saud Shakeel will captain Pakistan Shaheens in the first match against Bangladesh ‘A’. The squad will also include Test team members Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed.For the four-day match, Pakistan Shaheens will commence their training session on Wednesday afternoon at the Islamabad Club under head coach Umar Gul. Jason Gillespie and Azhar Mahmood will assist Umar Gul before shifting their attention to the national side’s camp on 11 August.Following the four-day match, the eight Test probables will join the national side and the selectors will announce their replacements in the Pakistan Shaheens squad for the remaining matches against Bangladesh ‘A’.The PCB has been in contact with the Bangladesh Cricket Board and it is expected that the revised schedule of the Pakistan Shaheens versus Bangladesh ‘A’ series will be announced shortly.

London (PR): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that Matthew Mott has stepped down as the England Men’s White-Ball Head Coach with immediate effect.The decision follows England’s recent ICC T20 World Cup campaign, where the team was knocked out at the semi-final stage by eventual winners India.Mott, who met with Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, last week, will leave his role after two years in office.Appointed in May 2022, the 50-year-old Mott enjoyed immediate success, leading the team to victory in the ICC T20 World Cup in Australia in the autumn of 2022. Under his leadership, England achieved white-ball series victories against Australia, Bangladesh, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan.Assistant Coach Marcus Trescothick will take charge on an interim basis for the rest of the home summer. In September, the team will play a white-ball series against Australia, which includes three Vitality IT20s and five Metro Bank ODIs from 11 to 29 September.Rob Key, ECB’s Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, said: “On behalf of everyone connected to England cricket and me personally, I would like to thank Mathew for all he has done for the team since his appointment. He can be proud of his achievements as he leaves his post as one of only three coaches who have won a Men’s World Cup with England.“After three World Cup cycles in a short space of time, I now feel the team needs a new direction to prepare for the challenges ahead. This decision was not made lightly, but I believe it is the right time for the team's future success. With our focus shifting towards the Champions Trophy early next year and the next cycle of white-ball competition, it is crucial that we ensure the team is focused and prepared.“Marcus Trescothick is well respected in the dressing room and will take charge of team affairs alongside white-ball captain Jos Buttler. Marcus and Jos have a good rapport, and I think their partnership will help us maintain continuity and stability.“The search for a full-time replacement will now begin. It is essential that we go through the right process to ensure we get the best person for the job.”Matthew Mott, said: “I am immensely proud to have coached the England Men’s team; it has been an honour. We have put everything into trying to achieve success over the past two years, and I am incredibly proud of the character and passion that the team has displayed during that period, including a magnificent T20 World Cup victory in 2022.“I would like to thank the players, management, and everyone at the ECB for their commitment, support, and hard work during my time. I leave with many great friendships and incredible memories."Finally, I would like to thank the England fans, who have always backed us and given us fantastic support wherever we have travelled around the world.”England Men’s Interim White-Ball Head Coach, Marcus Trescothick, added:“I am looking forward to working with Jos Buttler, the players and coaches over the next few weeks. The focus is building towards the series against Australia and our plans for next year’s Champions Trophy campaign.“England cricket is in a strong position, and the potential is huge, given the quality we have available. It is about harnessing that potential and developing the work that has already been put in place by Mathew Mott and the rest of the set-up. I’m excited about the challenge and shaping how we want to play.”

Bipin DaniA Sri Lankan psychologist Samantha Rupasiri has come forward "to help" Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya in his difficult times he's running through.Recently, Hardik and his wife Natasa Stankovic have officially confirmed their separation and the couple issued a joint statement on social media indicating their mutual decision to part ways and their plan to co-parent their son Agastya. As Hardik is in Sri Lanka to represent the Indian cricket team to participate in the 3 T-20Is, the psychologist has offered her services to keep the player mentally fit. "I am not aware whether the Indian team has brought any mental expert on this tour but if not, I am available to him for personal consultation", Samanrtha Rupasiri, who is officially serving in the Service Sector, speaking to this Reporter over the telephone from Colombo, said. Samantha Rupasri arised from University of Peradeniya in 2002 and contributed her guidance conducting educational sessions to Max Cricket Academy established at Keththarama in 2003. At that time Lasith Malinga,Nuwan Kulasekara,Dilruwan Perera, Dilhara Lokuhettige,Dhammika Prasadand and many more players were representing in U 19 squad.At present she is consulting several sports persons with the wide range of her knowledge as a sport psychologist. "Mainly sports psychologists are considering two major aspects. One is enhancing the performance of a player and other is to enhance the mental well-being". "It depends on Hardik's personal perception that he is coping with the situation. If he announced a separation of his marriage he would be able to face the situation.But everything depends on his mental condition, how he is managing his mindfulness. On this tour. If I am given a chance to interact with him I am confident of bringing him out of this trauma". 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (Australia): Fast bowler Shahnawaz Dahani has been ruled out of the Pakistan Shaheens’ Darwin tour after picking up a back injury. Dahani will miss the second four-dayer against Bangladesh ‘A’ starting from Friday and the white-ball leg of the Darwin tour, which involves two one-day matches and the Top End T20 Series.25-year-old fast bowler, who picked up four wickets against Bangladesh ‘A’ in first four-day match, will return to Pakistan immediately and will be assessed by the medical panel before starting the rehabilitation process.Spin-bowling all-rounder Mubasir Khan has been added to the white-ball squad as cover for Dahani. Khurram Shahzad, who was set to return after the completion of two four-day match series against Bangladesh ‘A’, will now be available for selection in the two one-day matches against Northern Territory Strike and Bangladesh ‘A’ on 4 and 6 August, respectively.

Professor, Dr Aamir Hanif Raja distributes prizes among the players’ hosts Kirpa remain secondISLAMABAD (PR): Sher Dhamiyal cricket team awarded the trophy of the 2nd Kirpa Super League (KSL) that concluded here at a local cricket ground, as the tap-ball tournament final could not be completed owing to rain. Professor, Dr Aamir Hanif Raja graced the closing ceremony as a chief guest and distributed the prizes among the players.Final was played between hosts Kirpa and Sher Dhamiyal on Sunday. Sher Dhamiyal players set a 160 runs target for hosts in 15 overs. A spell of rain halted the proceeding of hosts and match ended without any result. As a good gesture, hosts decided to award the trophy to visiting team Sher Dhamiyal. Raja Adnan, the captain of Sher Dhamiyal received the winning trophy.The tournament was started on May 28, 2024, as the 16 teams from remote areas participated in the Kirpa Super League edition-II.Raja Itsam, Raja Farhan, Raja Adnan, and Raja Zeeshan were the organizer of the event. The management committee of this tournament was included Raja Luqman, Raja Arbab, Raja Moazzam, Raja Fahad, Raja Shahnawaz, Naveed Khokhar, and Raja Tauqeer. Raja Murad was leading the hosts side. The special guests of this tournament were Raja Nasir, Raja Israr, Raja Rais, Raja Adnan, Umair Zahid.