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PPL 2024: Trials for selection of Rawalpindi Markhors on September 4
Abdul Jabbar FaisalRAWALPINDI: The trials to select the Rawalpindi Markhors team for the Punjab Premier League (PPL) will take place here at Ayub Park cricket ground on September 4, 2024, as Mohammad Rashid Iqbal will perform the duties of chief selector.According to an official, PPL will be played in October at Jinnah Cricket Stadium Gujranwala and eight teams from all over the province including Lahore Leopards, Multan Stallions, Gujranwala Titans, Faisalabad Lions, Air Sial The Pride of Pakistan, Rawalpindi Markhors, and Rahimyar Khan Thunders will fight for the title.
TENPIN BOWLING - National 27 Aug, 2024
ISLAMABAD (PR): Danyal Ijaz has won the title of the 6th Islamabad Tenpin Bowling Association (ITBA) Independence Tenpin Bowling Cup 2024, which was held at Leisure City Jinnah Park, Rawalpindi.General Secretary, Islamabad Tenpin Bowling Association, Saleem Baig was the chief guest and gave away the prizes. Danyal Ijaz obtained first position with 370 points and Waqas Parekh got 2nd position with 330 points while Rana Shehzad captured 3rd position.
CLIMBING - Int News 27 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportGuiyang (China): Slovenia’s Jennifer Eucharia Buckley became a double 2024 Youth Worlds champion after taking the U18 Boulder title in Guiyang, China with Japan’s Nagamori Hareru adding yet another piece of silverware to his nations tally.With a certain Janja Garnbret seemingly monopolising the top step of a climbing podium, her country mate Buckley also dominated the competition with four tops in the final to add the Boulder title to the Lead title she won just a few days ago.Buckley has stood on an IFSC World Cup podium in 2024 when she won a silver medal, behind Garnbret, in Innsbruck, Austria and she has taken that experience into the 2024 Youth Worlds.After her win Buckley said: “I feel great. I achieved what my main goal of the year was. I think in the World Cup’s I went for a different reason; it was more of an experience and learning, but here I came with a mission and a goal, and I’m really content I could make it come true.”Japan’s Murakoshi Kaho took silver to make it a full set of Youth Worlds medals after taking gold in Seoul, South Korea in 2023 and bronze in Dallas, USA in 2022. Murakoshi made two tops and four zones for her second-place finish.Completing the podium was Spain’s Geila Macià Martín who took her second bronze of the event after also taking the same colour in the Lead. Macià Martín made one top and four zones.Japan’s Oda Natsumi was in fourth also making one top but only three zones. Great Britain’s Lucy Garlick was fifth and Israel’s Tamar Cohen was sixth.In the men’s competition Nagamori topped three boulders and made the zone in all four for his gold medal, and enjoyed himself in the process.Nagamori said: “I got the top on the first boulder, and I was feeling great, so I threw a kiss to the crowd. I got another top on boulder four but I was too focussed at that stage and I was just thinking about the climbing, I didn’t have any headspace to throw another kiss.” The Japanese climber hasn’t been working on Boulder as much, but nevertheless it didn’t show: “I have been focussing more on Lead climbing for this competition so to win the Boulder title is a bit of a shock for me. But I’m happy, just so happy.”South Korea’s Park Beomjin was in silver medal position with two tops and four zones and was ahead of bronze medallist Corentin Laporte of Belgium.Laporte had one top on boulder four and won his medal by just one attempt better than Thailand’s Auswin Aueareechit who also scored one top and three zones. Aueareechit’s top came on boulder one. Fifth place was China’s Hu Junzhe and Japan’s Hommyo Kei was in sixth.
Indian Jay Shah elected unopposed as Chairman ICC
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Jay Shah has been elected unopposed as the next Independent Chair of the International Cricket Council (ICC). Shah, who has served as the BCCI Honorary Secretary since October 2019 and Chair of the Asian Cricket Council since January 2021, will assume this prestigious role on December 1, 2024.Shah was the sole nominee for the chairmanship after current Chair Greg Barclay decided not to seek a third term. Upon his election, Shah expressed his intent to advancing the global reach and popularity of cricket, particularly with its upcoming inclusion in the LA 2028 Olympics—a moment he views as a pivotal opportunity for the sport’s growth.Jay Shah said: “I am humbled by the nomination as the Chair of the International Cricket Council. I am committed to working closely with the ICC team and our member nations to further globalize cricket. We stand at a critical juncture where it is increasingly important to balance the coexistence of multiple formats, promote the adoption of advanced technologies, and introduce our marquee events to new global markets. Our goal is to make cricket more inclusive and popular than ever before. While we will build on the valuable lessons learned, we must also embrace fresh thinking and innovation to elevate the love for cricket worldwide. The inclusion of our sport in the Olympics at LA 2028 represents a significant inflection point for the growth of cricket, and I am confident that it will drive the sport forward in unprecedented ways.”Shah’s election marks a new chapter for the ICC as it seeks to expand the game’s reach and continue its evolution on the global stage.
ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024: England squad named
London (PR): England Women have named their squad for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 which takes place in United Arab Emirates in October.Wicketkeeper-batter Bess Heath and all-rounder Freya Kemp are selected in a T20 World Cup squad for the first time as is Danielle Gibson who was a travelling reserve for the last edition in South Africa.Bowler Sophie Ecclestone, the highest wicket taker in the 2023 T20 World Cup is named alongside fellow spinner Linsey Smith who returned to the England T20 squad earlier this year.The squad will head to Abu Dhabi for a training camp (13-24 September) before the official ICC warm-up games. They then face Bangladesh, South Africa, Scotland and West Indies in Group B across Sharjah and Dubai. Fast bowler Lauren Filer will join the squad for the preparation camp in Abu Dhabi.Head Coach Jon Lewis said: “Selecting teams and squads with this group of players has become incredibly tricky and tough. There are players who have been really unfortunate to miss out and they’ll be a big part of what we do with England Cricket in the future."I feel the 15 players selected give us a really well balanced squad in terms of experience, youth and most importantly the skills to cope and excel in the conditions we feel we will be faced with in the UAE.”Captain Heather Knight added: “World Cups are always special events to be involved in as a player and I’m really excited by the squad we have selected to take over to the UAE.“It’s an honour to lead the team into another World Cup. We’re looking forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead.”England Women squad for ICC Women's T20 World Cup: Heather Knight (Western Storm-Captain), Lauren Bell (Southern Vipers), Maia Bouchier (Southern Vipers), Alice Capsey (South East Stars), Charlie Dean (Southern Vipers), Sophia Dunkley (South East Stars), Sophie Ecclestone (Thunder), Danielle Gibson (Western Storm), Sarah Glenn (The Blaze), Bess Heath (Northern Diamonds), Amy Jones (Central Sparks), Freya Kemp (Southern Vipers), Nat Sciver-Brunt (The Blaze), Linsey Smith (Southern Vipers), Danni Wyatt (Southern Vipers)ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 scheduleSaturday 5 October, Bangladesh v England, SharjahMonday 7 October, England v South Africa, SharjahSunday 13 October, England v Scotland, SharjahTuesday 15 October, England v West Indies, DubaiThursday 17 October, Semi-final 1, DubaiFriday 18 October, Semi-final 2, SharjahSunday 20 October, Final, Dubai
PCB announces free entry for students for second Test
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced free entry for students for the second Test match between Bangladesh and hosts Pakistan, scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 30 August to 3 September.The students are required to be in their uniform and bring their educational institutions cards to enter the stadium. They will be able to witness the live action from any of the VIP enclosures – Imran Khan and Javed Miandad (subject to availability of seats) and premium enclosures – Miran Baksh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat.The decision was made to encourage students to come and witness exciting game of cricket between the two sides. Bangladesh are leading the two-match Test series 1-0, after defeating the hosts by 10 wickets in the first Test match which concluded on Sunday. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. The free entry policy for students does not apply on the seating capacity in PCB Gallery or Platinum Box.
BCA Appoints Sports Journalist Abdul Ghaffar as Media Coordinator
PESHAWAR (PR): Bajaur Cricket Association (BCA) has officially appointed sports journalist and cricket commentator Abdul Ghaffar Khan as its media coordinator, issuing a formal notification to this effect. Welcoming the decision, sports circles and club presidents praised this step as a positive move towards the promotion of cricket in Bajaur. Abdul Ghaffar Khan brings extensive experience in cricket commentary from Radio Pakistan and is a well-known sports journalist based in Islamabad.They further added that his appointment will not only enhance media coverage of matches in Bajaur but also highlight the issues faced by players at the governmental level. Expressing his commitment, Abdul Ghaffar Khan stated that he would utilize all his abilities to contribute to the development of cricket and cricketers in Bajaur.
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Fatima Sana to lead Pakistan
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Fatima Sana has been named as the Pakistan women’s cricket team captain for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates from 3 to 20 October. The decision was a unanimously one made by the women’s national selection committee.22-year-old Fatima, who has featured in 41 ODIs and 40 T20Is, has previously led Pakistan emerging and domestic sides. She also captained the Pakistan side to a famous ODI win against New Zealand in a Super Over at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch, in December 2023.Fatima will replace 37-year-old all-rounder Nida Dar, who took over as all-format captain from Bismah Maroof. Nida, a veteran of 112 ODIs and 153 T20Is, is part of the side that has been clubbed with Australia, India, New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Group A. The revised fixtures of the group will be announced by ICC in due course.The selection committee has made only one change in the squad, which featured in last month’s ACC Women’s Asia Cup in Sri Lanka. Right-handed batter Sadaf Shamas, who was also part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa, has made a comeback in the squad in place of wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi, who will travel with the side as a reserve player.From the 2023 edition, 10 players (Aliya Riaz, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin and Tuba Hassan) have been retained, while uncapped left-arm pacer Tasmia Rubab makes it to the final 15. Left-arm spinner Sadia Iqbal has been included in the squad subject to fitness.Pakistan squad: Fatima Sana (captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Gull Feroza, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wicket-keeper), Nashra Sundhu, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal (subject to fitness), Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab and Tuba HassanTraveling reserve: Najiha Alvi (wicket-keeper)Non-traveling reserves: Rameen Shamim and Umm-e-Hani
FOOTBALL - Int News 25 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): The stage is set ahead of the first ever AFC Women’s Champions League matches to take place in Saudi Arabia, with Women’s Premier League champions Al Nassr preparing to become the first women’s side from the Kingdom to participate in the illustrious competition on Sunday evening.The Riyadh club will make their debut in Group A of the competition’s preliminary stage on Sunday evening at Al Awwal Park against Myawady Women FC, the domestic champions of Myanmar. The two-time Saudi Arabian league champions will then face Young Elephants of Laos and champions of the UAE’s domestic women’s league, Abu Dhabi Country Club to round out the group.Al Nassr head coach, Sandro Mendes believes his side have what it takes to compete in Asia’s premier women’s club competition. “We know the teams we are facing, we’ve done our homework. We’ll take it game by game but we are Al Nassr and we’re ready to compete,” he said.With the official start to the Saudi Arabian Women’s Premier League in September, the challenge of qualifying to the next stage of the top women’s club competition in Asian football is something Mendes feels his side have prepared for.Mendes added, “It’s our first official game of the season but I believe we are ready. We’ve had a good preseason in Spain and added some strong international players with experience to the squad, so we hope to progress to the next stage.”Sousa said, “from my few weeks of training with the team so far, it’s clear that Al Nassr doesn’t just come to compete and take part. We’re ready to give our all in every match and obviously go for the win.”The Brazilian international, who competed in last season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League with her former club, is looking forward to the chance to make an impact on her debut in the club’s first ever appearance in Asia’s top women’s club competition.“For me, every player wants to make history for the club. Every competition is different but at a big club, you always want to win and make history. So hopefully we can take the first step in this competition,” she added.Organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the AFC Women’s Champions League is destined to usher in a new era of success and progress for women’s football in the years ahead – serving as the new premier continental competition for professional women’s clubs across the region. For the upcoming 2024/25 season, the highly anticipated inaugural edition will welcome the 21 domestic champions from AFC member associations.
CLIMBING - Int News 25 Aug, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportGuiyang (China): The U16 men and women brought the Lead climbing to a close at the IFSC Youth World Championships Guiyang 2024 as Japan and South Korea claimed the golds. Japan’s Hayashi Arisa added to her nation’s tally from the U18 and U20 categories the previous night while South Korea’s Jung Chanjin claimed his country’s first gold of the event. Hayashi was the last to climb in the women’s category and knew only a top would be enough. She confidently ascended the wall and concentration turned to elation as she turned to face the crowd knowing she was the new Youth world champion.Hayashi said: “I’m very, very happy. I like Lead and I have trained a lot of Lead for this event. I knew I had to top to win, and I felt a little bit nervous, but I wanted to win and get a medal and so I just had to do my best.”The home crowd in China just missed out on the golden celebration as Yu Chenxuan was the one Hayashi moved above for the win. It meant with her top Yu had to settle for silver ahead of Switzerland’s Julia Rasmussen who also topped for bronze.Another home favourite, Li Meini, just missed out on the podium despite also topping the route. Li was fourth ahead of Ukraine’s Rafael Kazbekova who was just one second away from also joining the group of climbers to top. She had hold 54 for fifth place.Great Britain’s Isabella Rinaldi was sixth with hold 43+, Japan’s Nakamura Marin was seventh on hold 42+ and South Korea’s Lee Suye was also on the same hold but in eighth.Just like Hayashi, Jung was also the last climber out in his competition and was also feeling confident after topping every route so far in the qualification and semi-final. It was his top in the semi-final that secured Jung the gold as he scored a hold 39+ climb just like silver medallist Hamada Ryusei of Japan, with his better countback scores securing the win.Joining Jung and Hamada on the podium was bronze medallist Park Taesung, also of South Korea. Park climbed to hold 37+ for his medal. Fourth place went to Japan’s Nakata Kazuki on hold 36+ and fifth was South Korea’s Lee Hayool with the same score.Italy’s Andrea Ludovico Chelleris was sixth on hold 34+, Japan’s Uehara Ikken was seventh on hold 28 and USA’s Beckett Hsin was unfortunately stopped on hold 14 following a quickdraw error. The Youth Worlds now moves away from Lead to the Boulder and Speed disciplines for all age categories - U16,U18, U20.
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