Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board is conducting fitness tests, for the first time ever in 104 districts across the 16 regions in the country. Over 2,300 players are appearing in the ongoing countrywide fitness tests. These tests are being conducted as per the Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi’s vision for incorporating a culture of fitness at grassroots level. In order to assemble the squads for the Regional Inter District Senior Tournament 2024-25, 23 players in each district have been shortlisted after the Challenge Cup that took place in April and May 2024. These 23 players in each district are undergoing strenuous fitness and strength testing under the watchful eye of the respective district and regional coaches and trainers. The players after passing the fitness test will then be summoned for a 45-day camp in their respective districts leading to the Inter District Senior Tournament in September. Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director - Domestic Cricket Operations: “The PCB has decided to conduct fitness tests at the district level instead of the regional level starting from this domestic season. “This initiative will surely push the players to prioritise their fitness right from the start and the culture will then expand to other domestic competitions. With more fitter players participating in the tournaments the quality of cricket will also increase.

Sports Bulletin ReportSouthampton (England): Hosts English Women defeated New Zealand by 59 runs in the opening fixture of a five-match T20 International series at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Englnad on Saturday.England Women opened their five-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand with a 59-run win at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Opener Danni Wyatt's 76 from 51 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 47 from 23 as well as Freya Kemp's unbeaten 26 saw England finish on 197-3.Sarah Glenn, one of England’s four spinners in their line-up, took three wickets in the 10th over, including Suzie Bates on 43 and captain Sophie Devine for a duck which were decisive. Charlie Dean took two while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and left-arm seamer Kemp claimed a wicket each.Women’s One-Day International Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s T20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.  

Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan champions is highly anticipated and cricket fans worldwide are looking forward to it. With all 23000 seats sold out, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch guaranteeing stadium patrons an amazing experience. Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the World Championship of Legends got underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 3 and will run through July 18.Younis Khan said: “We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game.”Suresh Raina said: “Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support.”Harshit Tomar Founder & CEO of World Championship Legends said: “There is an incredible level of excitement and anticipation when one of the most passionate and legendary rivalries in cricket history is involved in our inaugural tournament. The sold-out stadium and the tremendous support from the crowd highlight the special appeal and importance of this meeting. This historic match perfectly captures the essence and history of cricket and we are honored to be the host of it”Legends of retired cricket from all over the world came together for the inaugural edition of World Championship of Legends including Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, India Champions and Pakistan Champions. Legendary athletes that have made noteworthy contributions to the sport make up each team which elevates the competition and increases its excitement.India Champions (Squad): Yuvraj Singh (c), Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Anureet Singh, Pawan NegiPakistan Champions (Squad): Shahid Afridi (c), Sharjeel Khan, Umer Akmal, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rehman, Aamir Yamin, Taufeeq Umer, Shoaib Maqsood, Yasir Arafat, Tanveer Ahmed  

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, KarachiEngland in Pakistan (Three Tests)7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi24-28 Oct – Third Test, RawalpindiWest Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi24-28 Jan – Second Test, MultanNew Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan14 Feb – Final, MultanPakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney18 Nov – Third T20I, HobartPakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo5 Dec – Third T20I, BulawayoPakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)10 Dec – First T20I, Durban13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town.

Sports Bulletin ReportHouston, Texas (USA) As the dust settles on India's triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, preparations for yet another cricketing spectacle in America, the Legends Intercontinental T20 (LIT20), are in full swing. The league, featuring cricket legends such as Graeme Swann, TM Dilshan, and Liam Plunkett, is set to take place from August 16 to 28, 2024, at Moosa Stadium Houston in Texas, USA.Mohit Joon, a businessman from India, developed a disciplined and industrious work ethic at a young age, inspired by his father's dedication to his profession. At 26, he launched his own IT business, which he has successfully operated for years. His vision for a more advanced digital nation has enabled him to establish productive relationships with some of the world's leading experts in the field. He aims to create an empire that enhances both the medical field and the economy.Looking forward to his role, Mohit Joon stated, "I am excited to join the Legends Intercontinental T20 League as a promotor. Hosting and administering such a significant event is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to cultivating a global fanbase."Welcoming Mohit as the promotor, Arun Pandey, COO & Chairman of Legends Intercontinental T20, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mohit Joon to the LIT-20 family. The preparations are in full swing for the inaugural season. The successful T20 World Cup has made a great impact on the USA audience, we aim to leverage it with LIT-20 and take cricket to the next level. Joon's addition is essential to our ongoing journey."Beyond his role in the LIT20, Joon has ambitious plans to build an empire spanning multiple industries, starting with the food and beverage sector. He envisions operating several restaurants nationwide, owning mines, completing numerous government construction projects, and obtaining construction stakes in seven-star hotels. His goal is to provide luxury and welfare through travel goods and other necessities, uniting the entire world.The Legends Intercontinental T20, scheduled to be held at Moosa Stadium in Texas, will feature a single round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout phase. The tournament will include doubleheaders every day, a total of 24 thrilling matches. The event will feature seven teams: Indo Kings, Asian Avengers, Euro Rangers, American Mavericks, Trans-Tasman Titans, African Lions, and Caribbean Vikings, showcasing legendary cricket talents from around the world.  

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): With their debut match set for July 2, 2024 against Kandy the Colombo Strikers, a formidable cricket team are gearing up for a big comeback in the fifth season of the Lanka Premier League 2024 (LPL 2024). The Colombo Strikers team owned by Sagar Khanna and led by head coach Carl Crowe with support from assistant coaches Simon Helmot and Chaminda Vaas is confident in both their new additions and their core players.Colombo Strikers a team widely acknowledged as a dominant force in cricket have been successful in improving their performance in international cricket. The Colombo Strikers backed Pakistani cricketing icon Babar Azam’s historic debut in the LPL 2023, as a continuation of the New York Strikers Family whose triumph in the Abu Dhabi T10 and their dominant showcase at the Legends Cricket Trophy are widely recognized. As the Colombo striker’s family gets ready for the next LPL 2024 season, the team knows that they will enthrall fans with their captivating performances once more.Demonstrating excitement for both the tournament and the expansion of the franchise, Owner Sagar Khanna shares, “It would be the continuation of the franchise’s footprint to be set in the upcoming edition of lplt20. I am proud of the fact that the team once again fulfils expectations of the iconic talents we wanted to gather for our squad.”Coach Chaminda Vaas praised the Superstar Strikers strong lineup and highlighted their capacity to adjust to the particular requirements of the LPL T20 format, shares “The Strikers Squad has always been adaptable when it came to adapting the unique challenges of the various formats of International Tournaments. With the LPL T20 format at their disposal our team will undoubtedly take advantage of it to win the cup and receive top honors.”The New York Strikers family’s dominance in the previous Legends Cricket Trophy 90-ball format was also a result of coach Chaminda Vaas’s efforts. Regarding Colombo Strikers’ optimism for the forthcoming LPLT20, assistant coach Simon Helmot shares, “We anticipate LPL as a great opportunity for us to establish our good times in International Cricket Tournament. The upcoming edition brings us good fortunes to magnify our performance with a great showcase”The Colombo strikers’ fam adds the strongest lineup of international participation once again in their voyage to clinch the Lanka Premier League Trophy. At the head of the team is veteran all-rounder Thisara Perera who is renowned for his quick bowling and explosive batting. For his slick bowling motion Matheesha Pathirana brings a youthful exuberance and quickness to the team. Batting order depth is added by the dynamic batsman and wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips. Versatility will be offered by Shadab Khan a competent leg-spinner and batsman. Hard-hitting Afghan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz promises aggressive starts. Muhammad Waseem a rising batsman from the United Arab Emirates adds power hitting. One batsman who adds stability is Sadeera Samarawickrama who is a consistent performer.Bangladeshi fast bowler Taskin Ahmed adds to the pace attack. Experienced middle-order batsman Angelo Perera provides consistency. Balance is added by Dunith Wellalage a promising all-around player. Shevon Daniel, Garuka Sanketh and Chamika Gunasekara are examples of local talents who performed big. Shehan Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara, Binura Fernando, Kavin Bandara and Allah Ghazanfar complete the team each contributing their special talents in an effort to win the Lanka Premier League Trophy.Important players like Nipun Dhananjaya a youthful and gifted batsman renowned for his reliable technique and anchoring skills and middle order Chamika Karunaratne who was crucial in securing numerous wickets in the previous Lanka Premier League have also been retained.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Nida Dar has been retained as Pakistan captain for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup, which will be held in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, from 19 to 28 July. The squad was confirmed following a four-day camp, which concluded in Karachi on Saturday.Ayesha Zafar, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda Akhtar, who were part of the 17-member squad that toured England last month, have been left out. Instead, the selectors have named Iram Javed, Omaima Sohail, Syeda Aroob Shah and Tasmia Rubab.Iram’s 53rd and last T20I appearance was against Bangladesh at Chattogram in October 2023, Omaima played her 48th and last shortest format match against New Zealand in Queenstown in December 2023, while Aroob’s seventh and last appearance in a T20I was in Karachi against South Africa in September 2023.Tasmia Rubab, the 22-year-old left-arm fast bowler, is the only uncapped player in the side. She played for Pakistan A against West Indies A and Thailand in November 2023. Representing Multan in the recently held National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2023-24, Tasmia scored 86 runs and took 12 wickets. Tasmia also took four wickets at an economy-rate of 6.36 in the National Women T20 Tournament 2023-24.Names of players: Nida Dar (Captain), Other members of the squad are - Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba Hassan.Meanwhile, a training camp of the Pakistan women’s national cricket team for the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will commence in Karachi from 5 July and will continue until the side’s departure on 16 July. Head coach Muhammad Wasim will supervise the camp and will be supported by Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach – bowling) and Hanif Malik (assistant coach – fielding).Hina Munawar, Rabia Siddiq and Waleed Ahmed have already been confirmed as the team manager, physiotherapist and analyst, respectively.Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ along with India, Nepal and UAE, while Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia are in Group ‘B’. The top two teams from each group will play in the semi-finals on July 26.Pakistan will take on India on the opening day of the tournament on 19 July, while their matches against Nepal and UAE will be on 21 and 23 July, respectively.

Sports Bulletin ReportLondon (UK): England Women opened their Metro Bank ODI series against New Zealand with a nine wicket victory at Seat Unique Riverside, Durham.The tourist’s won the toss and elected to bat. England spinner Charlie Dean took four wickets as New Zealand finished on 157 all out. The White Ferns were 56 for 1 following the powerplay but were undone by England’s spin attack.Sophie Ecclestone dismissed the dangerous Amelia Kerr and captain Sophie Devine before Nat Sciver-Brunt bowled Maddy Green lbw. Brooke Halliday impressed with the bat, scoring 51 before being caught by Heather Knight off Sarah Glenn before Dean’s four wickets saw New Zealand all out inside 33.3 overs.Tammy Beaumont and Maia Bouchier opened the batting for England and both shone hitting 24 boundaries between them. Beaumont finished with 76 not out and Bouchier 67 with captain Knight completing the innings.Women’s One-Day International Series v New Zealand Women26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol

ISLAMABAD (PR): The World Championship of Legends (WCL), featuring iconic cricket players from around the globe, is thrilled to announce its official broadcasting partners for various regions worldwide. This partnership ensures that cricket enthusiasts across different continents can experience the tournament live on Star Sports (India), Willow by Cricbuzz (North America), Cricbuzz (MENA Region), Super Sports (Sub-Saharan Africa0, TNT Sports (United Kingdom), Fox Sports (Australia), and Sports MAX (Caribbean: Sports MAX).The WCL, approved by the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and presented by India’s second largest travel company EaseMyTrip, will take place from July 3rd to July 13th at Edgbaston and Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the UK. It brings together legendary players for an unforgettable series of matches.Harshit Tomar, owner of the World Championship of Legends, stated: “We are excited to provide fans with the chance to see cricket legends in action once again. With our global broadcasting partners, we can reach a wide audience and celebrate the spirit of cricket worldwide. Partnering with Star Sports & Fancode will bring WCL to a broad audience in India, ensuring top-notch coverage of this historic event.”The WCL will feature teams from India, Australia, West Indies, England, Pakistan, and South Africa. The tournament includes cricket legends such as:* India Champions: Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina* Australia Champions: Brett Lee, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Ben Cutting* West Indies Champions: Chris Gayle, Daren Sammy, Dwayne Smith* England Champions: Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Samit Patel* Pakistan Champions: Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan* South Africa Champions: Jacques Kallis, JP Duminy, Dale Steyn.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: A four-day training camp of the Pakistan women’s cricket team for next month’s ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024 started here at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi on Wednesday morning. Twenty-eight (28) cricketers have been invited for the camp by the women’s national selection committee, which will be onsite to assess and evaluate players’ performances before announcing the squad for the Dambulla, Sri Lanka, event.The players will also undergo practice sessions at the High-Performance Centre on Friday, while they will play T20 practice games at the Moin Khan Academy on Thursday and Saturday. The camp will be supervised by Abdur Rehman and Hanif Malik.Meanwhile, the PCB has confirmed the team management for the ACC Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Muhammad Wasim will be the head coach, while former Test bowlers Abdur Rehman and Junaid Khan will be the spin bowling and assistant coaches, respectively. The eight-team ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup will be played in Dambulla, Sri Lanka from 19 to 28 July. In the T20I tournament, Pakistan are placed in Group ‘A’ along with India, Nepal and UAE. Pakistan will take on arch-rivals India on the opening day of the tournament, while matches against Nepal and UAE will be played on 21 and 23 July, respectively. Names of players: Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Ayesha Zafar, Diana Baig, Dua Majid, Eyman Fatima, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Humna Bilal, Iram Javed, Maham Manzoor, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Quratulain, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Yusra Amir, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPlayers’ Support Personnel: Hina Munawar (manager), Muhammad Wasim (head coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach), Junaid Khan (assistant coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), strength and conditioning coach (tbc) and Waleed Ahmed (analyst)