LAHORE (January 18, 2022):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed that it has received the final awards of the arbitration proceedings initiated by it against Techfront International FZE (Techfront) as well as the two separate arbitrations filed against it by Blitz Advertising (Pvt) Limited, before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), and the outcome of all arbitrations has been favourable towards the PCB. The dispute relating to Techfront International FZE (Techfront) was on default of rights fee payments due in respect of the Television Broadcast and Live Streaming Media Rights Agreements of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL), while the disagreement with Blitz Advertising was, inter alia, on the delayed television broadcast and live streaming media rights fee payments for HBL PSL 2020 matches. In the arbitrations, the sole arbitrator appointed by the LCIA dismissed Techfront and Blitz Advertising’s claims and directed both entities to pay to the PCB rights fees rightfully due to be paid to PCB as claimed as well as the costs claimed by the PCB in lieu of counter-claims, damages, arbitration and legal costs and other miscellaneous expenses incurred. All awards have been issued in accordance with the laws of Pakistan as well as LCIA Rules under which every award shall be final and binding on the parties and by virtue of the arbitration agreement, the parties undertake to carry out any award immediately and without any delay. PCB Chief Operating Officer Barrister Salman Naseer: “These are major triumphs for the PCB as we have been able to successfully claim substantial revenues of the HBL Pakistan Super League. This also indicates we have air-tight contracts and that we will go full distance in protecting the HBL PSL brand as well as the interests of our franchises.” (Press Release)

Sports Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suspended the ongoing National Under-13 and under-16 One-Day Tournaments after it became aware that some over-aged cricketers had been participating in the events taking place in Karachi and Multan, respectively. To protect the spirit and essence of these U13 and U16 tournaments by ensuring that only deserving cricketers feature in the relevant age-group competitions, which act as pillars of the PCB’s Pathways Programme, the PCB has decided to conduct a third round of bone age verification tests, following which the teams may be revised before both tournaments commence next week from scratch. Bone age tests in Multan, where each Cricket Association has fielded two teams each, will be conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, while tests on 150 cricketers (including playing members, traveling reserves and reserve pool of players per side) participating in the U13 event in Karachi will be held on Tuesday. Players found over-aged following the latest bone age tests, will not be allowed to participate in these competitions. However, before the PCB takes appropriate actions, it will provide these players a two-day appeals window at the back of the fresh tests, during which the players can either undergo another round of bone age test or submit their original birth certificates and other supporting documents to verify their ages. Until the tournaments resume, the teams will remain at their stations and will continue to train and practice under the supervision of the PCB-appointed coaches. PCB Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “After visual assessment confirmed that some over-age cricketers were participating in the U13 and U16 tournaments, suspending the events and conducting fresh bone age tests was absolutely the right thing to do. “The PCB, as the sole governing body of cricket in Pakistan, cannot allow over-age cricketers to take advantage of the flaws in the system and cause demotivation and mental stress to deserving under-age cricketers as well as their parents. “Falsifying age to become eligible to participate in age-group cricket is not only an offence but a menace that has been plaguing our system. This now needs to be corrected to protect the integrity of the tournaments as well as to stop the exodus of young talented cricketers. “The PCB will carry-out third round of bone age tests and players who are ultimately found to have breached the process, will be ejected from the tournaments before a decision on their future participation in PCB-organised events is made. Separately, the PCB will also review its internal processes and try to put in place protocols whereby only cricketers who are genuinely the relevant age get an opportunity to compete in PCB-organised events so that they remain on track to fulfilling their dreams though our pathways programmes.”

Sports Bulletin ISLAMABAD:-The ICC has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2022 has approved Benjamin Cliff as a replacement for Sonny Baker in the England squad. Baker has a back injury and is not able to take any further part in the tournament. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad. The Event Technical Committee consists of the Chair Chris Tetley (ICC Head of Events), Ben Leaver (ICC Senior Event Manager), Fawwaz Baksh (Tournament Director) Roland Holder (CWI Representative) Alan Wilkins and Russel Arnold (both independent representatives). England will next face Canada in Tuesday’s group A match at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis.

Sports Bulletin ISLAMABAD:-Dunith Wellalage was again the star for Sri Lanka as he took a five-fer and scored 52 to guide his side to a four-wicket victory over Australia in the ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup. The Lions came out on top in the tussle between the two unbeaten teams in Group D, with no Australian able to match Wellalage in Basseterre. Hosts West Indies did the business against Scotland as the bowlers dismissed Scotland for less than 100, with bowling coach and Windies legend Curtly Ambrose proudly watching on. Teddy Bishop then showed his skill with the bat to guide West Indies to a comfortable victory in Group D to sit second in the table with one game to go. Pakistan showed their batting strength as they played their opening game in Group C in Guyana, putting on 315 thanks to a Haseebullah Khan century. Zimbabwe fell 116 runs short in the chase despite an 83–run eighth-wicket partnership between Brian Bennett and Tendekai Mataranyika. West Indies show their all-round dominance in comfortable win over Scotland West Indies were ruthless after winning the toss and putting Scotland into bat as Shiva Sankar took the first three wickets including two in two balls on his way to match-best three for 17. Muhaymen Majeed made an entertaining knock at No.6, but his score of 11 was the second-highest of Scotland’s innings as they were unable to get close to the 178 they put on in a losing cause in their opener against Sri Lanka. Spin twins Onaje Amory and Anderson Mahase took a combined four for 42 as Scotland were restricted to 95 all out. Shankar was again involved as opener Oliver Davidson was the final wicket to fall, throwing a direct hit from deep to run out the left-hander who had battled to a valiant 43 from 93 balls. West Indies were steady in their march to the low total, their first wicket falling in the seventh over as Matthew Nandu was dismissed for eight off the bowling of Jack Jarvis, who was playing with a dislocated finger. Charlie Peet took the Windies’ second wicket, deceiving Shaqkere Parris with a pitched-up delivery that went straight through to the opener’s stumps to leave the hosts at 2-48. Wicket-keeper batter Rivaldo Clarke looked to combine with Teddy Bishop to guide West Indies home before falling to a similar delivery to the Parris dismissal but this time Davidson claimed the wicket as Clarke was caught behind. Bishop was able to stay at the crease to seal the win for the Windies, their first of the tournament, his six brought up the seven-wicket victory in just 19.4 overs. Wellalage stars again as Sri Lanka cruise to victory over Australia Australia struggled to build partnerships having been put in to bat by Sri Lanka, their highest stand coming between Campbell Kellaway and Nivethan Radhakrishnan as they put on 46 for the fourth wicket. Kellaway was Australia’s top scorer with 54 runs from 77 balls as the three-time champions slumped to 175 all out off the final ball of their innings. The last three wickets fell for eight runs as Wellalage produced his second double-wicket over of the match, as he also claimed his second five-fer of the World Cup. This time the slow left-armer went for one more run than against Scotland to return figures of five for 28, which sees him five clear in the early race to top the wicket standings. In reply, Sri Lanka kept above the required run rate but were consistently pegged back by the Australian quicks. Tom Whitney and William Salzmann took Sri Lanka’s second and third wickets in the space of three balls to reduce them to 41 for three in their chase of 176. Wellalage again helped to steady the ship, this time with bat in hand, putting on a 70-run partnership with Anjala Bandara, before Bandara was dismissed sending an outside edge into the hands of wicketkeeper Tobias Snell. Sri Lanka’s captain continued on to his half-century, coming off 69 balls and featuring four fours and one six. With the Lions requiring just five runs, it seemed that Wellalage would steer the team home but he was dismissed caught and bowled by Whitney and it was left to Raveen De Silva to hit the winning runs as Sri Lanka emerged the only unbeaten team in Group D. Haseebullah posts highest score of World Cup so far in Pakistan win Pakistan’s opener Haseebullah put on the highest score of the tournament so far with 135 from 155 balls as he and Irfan Khan combined for a 192-run third-wicket partnership. Irfan was forced to go for 81 from 77 balls, including eight fours, after being caught by David Bennett off the bowling of Mcgini Dube. Zimbabwe continued the fightback, led by right-arm seamer Alex Falao, who took the wicket of Haseebullah on his way to five for 58 as Pakistan ended with 315 for nine. The Chevrons had already produced a score higher than this against Papua New Guinea in their opening game of Group C but faltered in this chase. Matthew Welch and Steven Saul combined at the top of the order to put on 34 for the first wicket. The next six wickets fell for 77 runs before a timely partnership of 83 runs between Bennett and Mataranyika gave Zimbabwe a glimmer of hope. But with Bennett’s dismissal they were left needing 121 runs with only 58 balls remaining, Mataranyika followed his partner back to the hutch two balls later before the final wicket of Mcgini Dube fell to hand Pakistan a convincing 115-run victory.

Bipin Dani Sean Williams was the only centurion of the 1st ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday, though his Zimbabwe team could not win the match. Back home, his father, Collin Williams, who also played First Class cricket, did watch the match on TV.   "I have always said this and I will say it again, for any Zim player to make 100 in these types of games is a huge achievement. These young men have to work twice as hard when they bat on the international stage", speaking exclusively, he said. "I am a very proud dad, to sit and watch our son make a 100 on tv is just fantastic and uplifting. When they left for tour, I wasn’t sure on how much match practice and preparation the team had managed to get in, but clearly they had done fairly well as I thought a good few of the players were nice and positive". "As for Sean his attitude was indeed positive from ball one and went at a run a ball for his innings, I thought the openers did a nice job, they got off to a nice start". Sean Williams has dedicated this innings to his father. "For this reason, it was very emotional. Sean and I are very close and I had been talking to him and saying he still has plenty of cricket left in him, not only with the bat and ball but as a senior player, he has the right mentality to bring young players on", he added. Sean had announced his Test retirement in August last year. "No, I wasn’t disappointed at all as it was his choice really. Sometimes the cricket gets overshadowed by side shows, like I also said I feel he has still a lot more to offer. Sean is a natural player and he does things that always bring positive input, I think he is happy with that". "Our chats are simply about playing and doing the best he can for as long as he can. I could go on but for now I am simply a very proud dad and look forward to watching him again as I always do", he signed off.

Sports Bulletin Lausanne, Switzerland: It’s a welcome return to international hockey competition for seven men’s teams and eight women’s teams at the Men’s and Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 17-23 January, taking place in Accra, Ghana in the Theodosia Okoh Stadium. It is also a vitally important tournament for development and continued growth of hockey across the African continent, says former South African international and triple Olympian, Marsha Cox. Talking about the forthcoming competition, where the winner will book their place at the next blue riband event – the men's and women's World Cups – Cox said that it was imperative for hockey in the region to get even more competitive so that nations pushed each other to perform better and better. 'The fact that there are teams challenging South Africa’s dominance is very important. For any team to climb up the points system, we need all our teams across the continent to perform and climb the rankings.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Rawalpindi Express Shoaib Akhtar started a life changing career opportunity for 20 super talented Pakistani football players, as a program has been launched under the banner of Global Soccer Ventures (GSV) in collaboration with Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive. While addressing in a press conference at a local hotel on Monday along with other officials, fastest bowler of the world said that the road to UK and Ireland has now become unstoppable. “Including me and other top cricketer played football at the earlier stage of the life. I played football at the age of 16. Pakistan has tremendous talent of sports and I wish Pakistan should a multiple sports country instead of only cricket. We should focus on national game hockey, football and other sports and Pakistani can ink history in the top sports of the world, “he added. “The trials are being heavily invested into by GSV in Pakistan offering the very first UEFA scouting assessment on a national level in Pakistan to talent ID in 10 cities across 11 venues to subsequently offer life changing careers through professional football contracts in Ireland. The tour also includes 4 master-classes in Karachi, Islamabad, Quetta, and Lahore to develop local football coaching expertise to European standards under St. Patrick’s Football Club development program. At least 15-25 coaches have been selected on merit to attend master-classes to help up-skill their football coaching methods and transfer skills so they become certified train-the-trainers in Pakistan leaving a sustainable roll-out plan under Kamyab Jawan Sports Drive, “said an official. Yasir Mahmood, Chairman of GSV said on this occasion, “Football is here to stay for the right reasons to develop and provide an opportunity for Pakistani players. With Akhtar as an iconic cricket legend well regarded around the world will help play a transitional role in making football become on top of the minds of our nation”. Allison Blackburne, British Deputy High Commissioner said: “Football is not just a sport, for many in the UK it’s a way of life, and it would be great to see it become more popular in sport-loving Pakistan. I’m delighted that talented young players here in Pakistan will have this opportunity provided by GSV to learn from some of the best UEFA coaches through St Patrick’s Athletic Football Club” Karel Freaye, Belgian UEFA licensed coach said, “Football is for everyone and I am looking for talent with potential to develop and grow into professional players in Europe.  I am really excited to see what football technical excellence Pakistan has to offer with football as I see trial registrations rising by the hour”. Usman Dar, SAPM on Youth Affairs and Chairman Kamyab Jawan Program said, “The revival of sports is the top priority of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government. I welcome GSV in their efforts for reviving football in Pakistan. PM’s Kamyab Jawan Program together with GSV will ensure that through football talent hunt we will produce the next football Kamyab Jawan heroes who will represent Pakistan nationally and internationally”. Garret Kelleher, President of St. Patrick’s Football Club said: ‘It is simply wonderful that the resources are now being put in place in Pakistan to allow football inspiring those with a passion for the game to fulfil their dreams and aspirations just like Shoaib Akhtar has in the world of cricket representing Pakistan at the highest level”.

Sports Report Lahore (Sports Report):-As many as four matches were played in the third edition of Corporate Challenge Cup at Ittefaq Cricket Ground and Race Course Cricket Ground. Teams from Digital Planning Services, Olive Group, UCS and Jaffer Brothers won their round matches. In the first match played at Ittefaq Cricket Ground, Digital Planning Services (DPS) defeated Auditor General of Pakistan by 7 wickets. The team of Auditor General of Pakistan was bowled out for 163 while playing first. Irshad Hussain remained prominent by scoring 49 runs. Mudassar Rathore led three players to the pavilion. The DPS team achieved the target at a loss of three wickets. Ali Arham batted brilliantly and scored a century while Sharafuddin and Qasim Malik fielded one player each. Ali Arham was awarded Man of the Match for his excellent innings. In the second match, Jaffer Brothers beat Locative & UB Sports by 7 wickets. UB Sports team scored 127 runs for the loss of 7 wickets while playing first, Mohammad Yousuf remained the top scorer by scoring 36 runs, Syed Abrar dismissed two players. Jaffer Brothers team achieved the target at a loss of three wickets. Mohammad Salman played an unbeaten innings of 64 runs, Tehseen Mirza, Rehmat UB and Wasim Ahmed took one wicket each. Mohammad Salman was awarded the best player of the match for his excellent batting. Olive Group and UCS also won their round matches.

Sports Bulletin Lausanne, Switzerland (January 17, 2022):-The FIH Rules of Hockey are updated in the January following the Olympic Games or FIH Hockey World Cups. FIH Sport Director and double-Olympian Jon Wyatt introduces the main Rules changes, which have just come into force. Jon, what is the process for changing the Rules and how was it applied this time? The Rules are issued by the FIH Rules Committee (made up of Rules experts from the 5 Continental Federations) under the authority of the International Hockey Federation (FIH). They are updated normally every 2 years in the January following the Olympic Games or FIH Hockey World Cups. This allows an 18-month run in to the next global tournament for all players, coaches, fans and officials to become familiar with any changes and adapt accordingly. Due to the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games, the update scheduled for January 2021 was also postponed by a year, hence publishing the new Rules now. The FIH Rules Committee undergoes an extensive consultation and discussion process with athletes, coaches, National Associations, officials and spectators together with match and competition reports, video analysis, Rules trials and Tournament Regulations which vary the Rules, as part of the Rules review, that ultimately leads to any Rules changes. Due to the short turnaround in this cycle to the 2022 FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup in July this year, the amendments to the Rules in this version are relatively minor so as to minimise the adaptations required by players, coaches and officials. What are the changes in the new Rules and why have they been made? Removal of Penalty Corner protective equipment - Rule 4.2 has been changed to allow for defending players using Penalty Corner protective equipment to continue to play the ball outside the circle after an interception during the taking of a penalty corner. Players can now continue to run with the ball while keeping their protective equipment on but they must remove that same equipment immediately after, at the first opportunity to do so and always inside the 23 m area. No player using PC protective equipment can play the ball outside the 23 m area at any time. This has been introduced to protect athlete safety so that the focus can be on the ball and the play, and not on removing protective equipment during a pressurised defensive situation. It was trialled in the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup in Bhubaneswar in December 2021, and received unanimous support from coaches, athletes and officials. Aerial balls - Rule 9.10 was changed to allow for the playing of what is commonly referred to as Aerial Balls. The previous text did not cover for the possibility for players to safely intercept a falling ball, which is now seen as both legitimate and positive to the development of the game. This followed extensive discussions before, during and after the Tokyo Olympic Games, during which a more consistent interpretation and understanding of this element of our game was agreed. Aerial Balls will continue to be closely monitored by all stakeholders so that player safety can be maintained. The other Rules changes are essentially cosmetic and clarifications of existing Rules. When do these Rules come into effect? The Rules of Hockey apply to all levels of the game and are effective from 1 January 2022 at International level. National Associations have discretion to decide the date of their implementation at National level, based on their domestic seasons. Typically, rule changes are not introduced into domestic leagues mid-season, although we hope that with the simplification of the removal of protective penalty corner equipment rule, this may be adopted immediately in many domestic leagues even if they are currently half way through as it makes this aspect of the game safer, easier to understand for players and easier to officiate for umpires. What areas are being considered for future potential Rule changes? We continue to seek ways of making our sport even more enjoyable for all of our participants whilst retaining hockey’s unique and attractive characteristics and keeping the game as safe as possible, as athletes and equipment continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Of particular interest are penalty corners and how this set play that is unique to hockey and provides so many highlights and so much excitement, can be maintained in as safe a way as possible. Over recent years changes in stick technology and the changing body shape and strength of athletes has led to faster shots at goal and therefore a corresponding increase in the equipment being worn by defenders to protect against the possibility of injury. This has led to new challenges for coaches (offensive and defensive penalty corner tactics), athletes (wearing and discarding protective equipment including face masks, gloves, knee, thigh and foot guards) and officials (balancing player safety with the spectacle of the drag flick). Over the next 2-3 years, we will carry out an extensive research, consultation and ideas process to find the best solutions to this evolving balance of the spectacular with athlete safety, and look forward to new and innovative ideas that can be trialled and tested at all levels of hockey.

Sports Bulletin ISLAMABAD (January 17, 2022):-Bangladesh’s defence of their ICC Under 19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title got off to a poor start as they slipped to a seven-wicket defeat against England in their Group A opener. England’s bowling attack decimated the Bangladesh batting line-up as the reigning champions were reduced to 51 for nine in the 25th over at Warner Park in St Kitts and Nevis. Ripon Mondol of Bangladesh plays a shot ahead of Alex Horton of England during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre. Ripon Mondol of Bangladesh plays a shot ahead of Alex Horton of England during the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre. No.11 Ripon Mondol hit 33 not out in a spirited last-wicket stand of 46 with Naimur Rohman (11) to drag Bangladesh up to 97, but they were still dismissed with the best part of 15 overs going to waste. In reply, the Young Lions lost opener George Thomas and captain Tom Prest but Jacob Bethell and James Rew put on 65 before the former was run out just shy of the finish line as England cruised to victory. Bangladesh captain Rakibul Hasan was part of the side that lifted the trophy in South Africa in 2020 and elected to bat after winning the toss. Seamer Joshua Boyden had openers Mahfijul Islam (3) and Ariful Islam (4) caught behind by wicket-keeper Alex Horton and Bangladesh were reeling at seven for three in the eighth over when James Sales got in on the act as No.3 Prantik Nawrose Nabil departed without scoring to give Horton his third victim. William Luxton ran out Md Fahim to make it eight for four before first-change bowler Thomas Aspinwall got his reward for running in and hitting the deck hard when he had Ashiqur Zaman caught by Luxton for nine. Left-arm spinner Fateh Singh picked up his first scalp of the tournament when Aich Mollah was caught by Sales for 13 to leave Bangladesh 31 for six in the 17th over. They then belatedly brought up their half-century before losing three wickets for just one run. Horton took his tally to six catches behind the stumps as Aspinwall took his second wicket and left-armer Boyden picked up two more as he recorded impressive figures of four for 16 from nine overs. Ripon’s counter-attacking 33 included five fours and a six as the tailender added a modicum of respectability to the Bangladesh total. Boyden dropped a catch at fine leg to deny Sales another wicket, but England did not panic and eventually a superb diving grab from Rew off the skipper Prest’s off-spin saw the back of Naimur after the last two had hung around for 11 overs. England got off to a slightly nervy start with the bat as Bethell survived a run-out scare when SM Meherob could not gather the ball at the stumps with only five on the board. He survived a close lbw appeal off Ashiqur shortly after before opening partner Thomas began to up the ante after a cautious start. But having hit three fours, Thomas perished for 15 when he miscued another attacking shot off Ripon to leave England 20 for one in the ninth over. Joshua Boyden of England poses for a picture with his player of the match award following  the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. Joshua Boyden of England poses for a picture with his player of the match award following the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup match between Bangladesh and England at Warner Park Sporting Complex on January 16, 2022 in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis. That breakthrough gave Bangladesh a small glimmer of hope but when the English captain Prest nicked one behind off his counterpart Rakibul for just four soon after, the game was very much on. However, Rew joined Bethell and together they batted superbly, counteracting the Bangladesh spin attack to alleviate any potential English nerves. Bethell eventually paid for some hesitant running - which had been a feature of his innings - but by the time he was run out by Ariful for a well-made 44 from 63 balls the game was all but over. Luxton strode out to the crease and promptly hit his first ball down the ground for six before Rew, 26 not out off 39 balls, hit the winning runs off the first ball of the 26th over. England picked up a comfortable two points to go top of Group A ahead of their match against Canada on Tuesday while Bangladesh will look to bounce back on Thursday against the same opponents, who lost to the UAE in their opener on Saturday.