SB Report COLOMBO (December 13, 2021):-Angelo Mathews returned from an injury to lead Colombo Stars to a much-needed 41-run win over Galle Gladiators with a 57-ball 73 in Lanka Premier League 2021 match on Sunday at the R. Premadasa Stadium Colombo, Sri Lanka. After electing to bat first, Colombo Stars captain Mathews opened the innings and helped his team in posting a solid total of 162/7 in the rain-curtailed 18-over match. He hit 8 boundaries and 3 sixes in his innings. Colombo Stars innings was also bolstered by Dinesh Chandimal who made 36 off 14, smashing 4 fours and 2 sixes in his innings. In reply, Galle Gladiators were bowled out for 121 in 16.5 overs with Stars pacer Naveen ul-Haq claiming 3 for 27, suffering their second successive defeat in two days. Kusal Mendis scored 64 runs in 39 balls, with 7 fours and a six in the chase. But he found no support from the remainder of the Galle Gladiators' batting order. Seekuge Prasanna, who took 2 for 23, and Ravi Rampaul, who picked 2 for 34, also contributed with the ball for Colombo Stars as they picked up only their second win of the season.    

Special Report Colombo, Sri Lanka (December 13, 2021):-Jaffna Kings fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who has already picked five wickets in three games at the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2021 season, went on to name his picks for top fast bowlers and batsmen in the world at the moment, and he included India pacer Jasprit Bumrah and opening batsman Rohit Sharma in the list. In a recent interaction, Riaz was asked to name some of the best fast bowlers in the world at the moment, and he went on to praise Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Starc. "They have a lot of capability. They read the game and execute their plans really well. If they require yorkers, or if they require slow ones, they would read the wicket and bowl accordingly," Riaz said. The Pakistan speedster was also asked to name the batsmen he finds difficult to bowl to and he picked AB de Villiers' and also explained the reasons behind the same. "There are a lot of such players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam who are hard to bowl to. But one player I have always been afraid to bowl to is AB de Villiers. He always knows what is coming next from me. He reads the game well, and always plays well against me," Riaz added. The Pakistan speedster further went on to describe his Jaffna Kings teammate Wanindu Hasaranga as the best leg-spinner in the world right now and credited him for the team's success this season so far. "If I am honest, Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the best leg-spinners right now in the world. Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have been really good this season for our team. They really set the tones in the powerplay overs by taking wickets and restricting the opposition," Riaz said. Kings have won 4 out of 5 games so far in the season and are currently lying at the top of the table. The defending champions Kings had lost their first game against Galle Gladiators but have bounced back superbly since then. "We learned from the mistakes we made in our first match. Now we are trying to cover all those basics. Everybody is ticking every box and that's why we are winning as a team," Riaz said. Riaz further went on to praise the Kings management for packing up a stacked squad this season with plenty of options on the bench. "Hats off to Jaffna coach and captain who have selected this team knowing the conditions and what combinations this team needs. The good thing is that everybody is responding well to all of them," Riaz said. Speaking on the team's game plan to defend the title, Riaz said that they are making plans game by game and not thinking far ahead. "You have to play good cricket throughout the tournament. You cannot say you are the favourites in the tournament as that can put you on the back foot. I can see the hunger in boys to win. We are thinking about one game at a time. We are not thinking about championship or too far ahead," he said. The veteran pacer further went on to praise the Lanka Premier League tournament for giving a chance to youngsters to learn from some of the best cricketers in the world. "It's great exposure for youngsters as they will learn to play against some of the best players in the world. They will share the dressing room with senior players like Thisara Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, and gain experience. That is the exposure you require to make an impact at the international stage," he signed off.

Sports Report Lahore (December 13, 2021):-Faraz Aijaz and Ayesha Aijaz of Softball Federation of Pakistan topped in the Empowering Athletes Seminar’s Quiz competitions that held  under the auspices of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) by winning the first positions held in Lahore. Faraz Aijaz on the first day of the Seminar participating in sports medicines and injuries quiz gained 92.86 points under 1 minute and 29 seconds to grab the first position whereas Javeria Ahmed of Tug of War got second and Mutaiba Arif from Gymnastics got the third position respectively. Ayesha Aijaz in competition manipulation in sports gaining 100 points in 1 minute and 15 seconds grabbed the first position; Sundas and Dawood Baig from Wushu Federation got second and third place. President POA lt. General (Retd) Syed Arif Hassan, POA Vice President Chaudhry Mohammad Yaqoob, and Secretary General Khalid Mahmood presented honorary shields and gifts to the position winning athletes in the quiz competition.

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (December 13, 2021):-The Benazir Bhutto Shaheed National Tennis Championships started at Islamabad Tennis Complex (ITC) G-6 Islamabad on Monday with qualifying round matches. Men singles, Boys Under-18 singles and boys Under-12 qualifying rounds were played. The championship was inaugurated with Quran Khawani, Senator Taj Haider was also present on this occasion. Adel Borghei the ITF Certified International Official will be supervising the championships while Shahzad Alvi the ITF White Badge Official will be the Tournament Referee. Results: Men’s Singles (Qualifying Round-1): Syed Murtaza Hussain Bt Hamza Jawad 6-2; RafayTarrar Bt Mohammad Abdullah 6-0; Zakir Ullah Khan Bt Tajammul Shehzad 6-0; Kamran Irfan Bt Abdul Wahid 6-1; Abdullah shafqat Bt Mohammad Maaz Khan 6-1; Danish Raza Bt Mohammad Danish Ramzan 6-1; Aqil Khan Bt Hamza rehmat 6-0 Qualifying Round-2 Jibran Ul Haq Bt Saad Asjad 6-0; syed Murtaza Hussain Bt Mohammad Abdullah 7-5; Mohammad Talha Khan Bt Mohammad Usama Saeed 6-0; Hasam Khan Bt RafayTarrar 6-1; Uzair Khan Bt Mamoon Ilyas 6-4; Parbat Kumar Bt Noor E Mustafa 6-1; Abbas Khan Bt Zakirullah Khan 6-3; Saqib Hayat Bt Mohammad Zaryab Khan 6-4; Sami Zeb Khan Bt Yawar Abbas 6-3; Shaeel Dura bBt Mohammad Ihtesham 6-2; Mohammad Bilal Farooq Bt Talha Saqib 6-1; Tahirullah Khan Bt Nazar Asghar 6-0; Talha Bin Asif Bt Raza Ghaus 6-4; Irfanullah Khan Bt Shafqat Rasool 6-4; Shaheen Mehmood Bt Bilal Taibzada 6-0; Huzaima Abdul Rehman Imran Haider 6-1; Kamran Irfan Bt Hassan Ali 6-4; Farman Shakeel Bt Abdullah Shafqat 6-3; Ahmed Nael Qureshi Bt Mahatir Mohammad Mahatir 6-4; Jabir Ali Bt Azeem Khan 6-4; Kamran Khan Bt Azan shahid 6-3; Qualifying Round-3 Jibran Ul Haq Bt Syed Murtaza Hussain 6-1; Mohammad Talha Khan Bt Hasam Khan 6-2; Uzair Khan Bt Shakir Ullah 6-2; Parbat Kumar Bt Abbas Khan 6-1; Sami Zeb Khan Bt Saqib Hayat 7-6(2); Mohammad Bilal Farooq Bt ShaeelDurab 6-2; Nalain Abbas Bt Tahirullah Khan 6-4; Talha Bin Asif Bt Irfanullah Khan 6-1; Huzaima Abdul Rehman Bt Shaheen Mehmood 6-0; Adnan Rasheed Khan Bt Kamran Irfan 7-6(3); Farman Shakeel Bt Faizan Shahid 6-4; Mohammad Usman Ejaz Bt Danish Raza 6-0; Ahmed Nael Qureshi Bt Jabir Ali 6-1; Mohammad Hamza AasimBt Abdullah Kareem 6-0; Ilham Khan Wazir Bt Aqil Khan 6-1; Abdul Hannan Khan Bt Kamran Khan 6-1; Qualifying Round Final Mohammad Talha Khan BtJibran Ul Haq 7-5; Parbat Kumar Bt Uzair Khan 6-4; Sami Zeb Khan Bt Mohammad Bilal Farooq 6-2; Talha Bin Asif Bt Nalain Abbas 6-3; Huzaima Abdul Rehman Bt Adnan Rasheed Khan 6-0; Mohammad Usman Ejaz Bt Farman Shakeel 6-4; Mohammad Hamza Aasim Bt Ahmed Nael Qureshi 6-2; Ilham Khan Wazir Bt Abdul Hannan Khan 7-6(1) BOYS U-18 Qualifying (Round-1) Mamoon Ilyas Bt Tajmmul Shehzad 6-1; Mohammad Talha Khan Bt Taimoor Khan 6-0; Saif Ullah Khan Bt Mohammad Ali 7-6(3); Azan Shahid Bt Bilal Taibzada 6-0; Umer Masood Bt Hamza Rehmat 7-5; Round-2 Reza Ghaus Bt Faizan Shahid 7-5; Mohammad Abdullah Bt Mamoon Ilyas 7-5; Mohammad HamzaAasim Bt Mohammad Ibrahim Saqib 6-1; Umer Masood Bt Mohammad Ibrahim Ashraf 6-4; Mohammad Zaryab Khan Bt Abdullah BB 6-0; Ahtesham Humayun Bt Mustansir Ali Khan 6-2; Mohammad Talha Pes Khan Bt Saifullah Khan 6-2; Mohammad SalaarBt Azan Shahid 6-2.

Special Report KARACHI (December 13, 2021):-The first T20 International of three-match series between Pakistan and West Indies will start at 6:00 pm today at National Cricket Stadium Karachi. Babar Azam will lead Green Shirts and Nicholas Pooran will be the captain of West Indies team. Toss will be taken place at 5:00 pm at same venue. Pakistan Squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir West Indies Squad: Nicholas Pooran (c), Darren Bravo, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope (Wicketkeeper), Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Roston Chase Schedule: 13 Dec – The first T20I will begin at 1800 14 Dec – The second T20I will begin at 1800 16 Dec - The third and final T20I will begin at 1800 18 Dec – The first ODI will start at 1300 20 Dec – The second ODI will start at 1300 22 Dec – The third ODI will start at 1300.

Lahore (Press Release):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced that, following a robust recruitment process, it has appointed Faisal Hasnain as its new Chief Executive. He will formally assume charge in January 2022. Faisal is a UK qualified Chartered Accountant and has had a professional career of over 35 years in high-profile finance and sports administration roles with some of the world’s leading blue chip organisations. This includes his role in Monaco and Dubai as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and as the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC). As the ICC’s Chief Financial Officer, Faisal managed an overall financial portfolio of around $3billion and was also involved in the sale of the ICC’s commercial rights for the 2007-2015 and the 2016-2023 commercial cycles. With Zimbabwe Cricket, he was instrumental in the refinancing of their commercial debts, arriving at the financial arrangements between ZC and the ICC, securing ZC’s funding and status within the ICC and securing hosting rights for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 – Zimbabwe’s first global event in 15 years.  PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Faisal Hasnain as the PCB’s Chief Executive and welcome him to Pakistan cricket family. “Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen. With the plans I have for the PCB, Faisal will be a perfect fit as he can utilise his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger.” Faisal Hasnain: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been awarded with this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve Pakistan cricket and thank the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for having the confidence in my capabilities. “I am fully committed to playing my part in delivering the PCB Chairman’s vision for Pakistan cricket, fulfilling the expectations and dreams of millions of passionate Pakistan cricket fans and strengthening  the relationships with our existing commercial partners, the ICC and other Cricket Boards and developing new partnerships as we move forward. “These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution.” About Faisal Hasnain      •             Born on 10 May 1959 in Karachi •             Chartered Accountant (England & Wales) •             Chief Financial Officer, International Cricket Council, 2002-2008 & 2010-2017 •             Managing Director, Zimbabwe Cricket - 2017-2018 •             Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Golf - 2010-2010 •             Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Golf – 2009-2010 •             Chief Operating officer, Dubai Event Management Company – 2008-2008 •             Financial Controller, Citigroup/Saudi American Bank, London – 1992-2002 •             Manager, Ernst & Young, Riyadh – 1989-1992 •             Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Finance, Chase Manhattan, Karachi – 1986-1989 •             Senior Auditor, Westbury & Company, London – 1979-1985

Islamabad (Sports Report):-The senior goalkeepers of Pakistan national hockey team got visas of Bangladesh to join the national squad, which will participate in the Asian Hockey Champions Trophy, scheduled to start from December 14, 2021 in Dhaka, Bangladesh. According to an official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF), the both goalkeepers Amjad Ali and Mazhar Abbas have left for Dhaka via Qatar. Before the flight, national hockey goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas said that Green Shirts would try their best to deliver up to mark in the 5-nation international competitions. “We request to whole nation to prayer for the team. Also, special thanks to the PHF and the Ministry of Sports Bangladesh for their diligent efforts in obtaining visas on an emergency basis, “he added. Goalkeeper Amjad Ali said that he hopes to be part of the national team in the first match of Pakistan. He said that he would do his best for the best performance. The Asian Champions Trophy is being played in Dhaka from December 14 to 22. Pakistan will play its first match against Japan on December 14 at 5:00 pm (Pakistan Time). Pakistan and India are joint defending champions of the Asian Champions Trophy title

Islamabad (Sports Report):-President, Pakistan Professional Boxing League (PPBL) Syed Nauman Shah has revealed that the 1st Arabian Sea Title Belt fight between Ahmad Samir Dawrani from Afghanistan and Muzzafar Khan from Pakistan would be taken place on January 22 next year 2022 at Laiquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex under the banner of World Boxing Council (WBC). "The WBC is proud to be part of the development of our sport in Pakistan and this region of the world. The WBC will follow the administrative and medical specific requirements," he said while addressing a press conference at National Press Club Islamabad. Meanwhile Umer Toor, a spokesman for PPBL mentioned that the three other international boxers would be the part of this campaign, as they would play exhibition fights. “Three Pakistani boxers will fight with international boxers. Two of the Boxers are from the United Kingdom (UK) while one is from Spain. Aaron Alhambra, Ryan Walker and Jordan Dujon will visit Islamabad for a prestigious boxing fixture, “he added. It is pertinent to add here that the Arabian Sea region consists of 16 countries, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Afghanistan, Somalia, Djibouti, Maldives, and India.

Lahore (Sports Report):-Pakistan Cricket Board and Arif Habib Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the installation of drop-in pitches. This partnership is aligned to PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja’s vision of improving the quality of pitches, which, in turn, will help budding cricketers to improve their techniques and produce improved performances on overseas tours. The partnership was signed between the Arif Habib Group and the PCB during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 draft. The Arif Habib Group, as part of their commitment to contribute to Pakistan Cricket by improving cricket facilities and infrastructure, will sponsor two drop-in pitches and has also offered the PCB access to its cricket stadium, which is located in the Naya Nazimabad area in Karachi. As per the agreement, Arif Habib Group will install drop-in pitches at Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium and one more at a location to be identified and confirmed by the PCB in due course. The process for the procurement of drop-in pitches is expected to be completed in 2022. Once the upgradation is complete, the PCB will host and organise domestic matches at the Naya Nazimabad Stadium including U19 and women’s matches while practice sessions and exhibition matches for the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises can also be staged at the stadium from the 2023 edition onwards. Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja: “The installation of drop-in pitches is surely going to benefit our players both at the domestic and international levels. Over the years, we have struggled to cope with the extra bounce and pace that some of the pitches in Australia and New Zealand provide. “Despite abundance of talent and ability, we are yet to win an away Test series in Australia while our record in New Zealand has also taken a beating in recent trips. I want to thank Mr Arif Habib for coming forward and helping us in this regard. “The Arif Habib Group has a keen interest in cricket which is apparent from the quality cricket facility that they are developing in Karachi. I am sure both PCB and Arif Habib Group will mutually benefit from this agreement in the years to come, as this deal has enormous potential that will come to fruition in due course.” Chairman Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib: “We are delighted to partner with the PCB for the exciting drop-in pitches plan which will help our present and future stars especially while preparing for the challenges of playing and performing abroad. “The Arif Habib Group is fully aligned with the PCB’s vision. Soon after taking charge Chairman Ramiz Raja met in Karachi and we were impressed with his vision for Pakistan cricket which made us commit to this initiative as we believe this is a new beginning for cricket and the cricket economy in the country. “We have already taken significant steps for the game of cricket as we know it is the passion point for the entire country; the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium is a testament of our commitment to the cause. After this collaboration with the PCB, we will step-up our efforts to ensure that the stadium meets the requirements of top-cricket in terms of the pitches, outfield, infrastructure and spectator comfort so that the stadium can host exciting cricket games.”

Karachi (Sports Report):-Bowlers dominated day-one of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 round-nine matches which started across three Karachi venues today. The ninth-round is crucial for the top four teams Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Northern and Central Punjab who are fighting for the two December 25-29 final spots while fifth placed Southern Punjab still have an outside chance of snatching a final spot if they win their ninth and tenth round matches. On Monday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were rolled over for 116 after they were asked to bat first by Balochistan at the UBL Sports Complex. Balochistan bowlers Taj Wali and Kashif Bhatti ran through the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa batting on a pitch that offered early help to the bowlers. The left-arm pacer Taj took four wickets for 19 while left-arm-spinner Kashif Bhatti grabbed four wickets for 20 runs. Kamran Ghulam top-scored with 35 while Sajid Khan who was adjudged the player of the match for Pakistan in the Dhaka Test last week, contributed 25 not out. Balochistan had to endure an even worse stint with the bat as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers shot them out for 100 in a mere 26 overs with pacer Arshad Iqbal taking four wickets. Asif Afridi, Sameen Gul and Imran Khan Snr took two wickets apiece. Despite their 116-run total Khyber Pakhtunkhwa collected a 16-run first innings lead. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had to endure another torrid start as they finished day-one at 17 for two in their second innings. Over at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium in the match between Sindh and Central Punjab which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, table-toppers Sindh were restricted to a first innings score of 155 for nine (declared) by Central Punjab who opted to bowl first in an uncontested toss. Fast bowler Sohail Khan lifted the side to some semblance of respectability with a fighting 65 off 91 balls (nine fours, two sixes). This was Sohail’s fifth first-class fifty, the right-hander helped his side get past the 150-run mark. Fawad Alam scored 32. Seamers Muhammad Ali and Muhammad Saad took three wickets apiece for Central Punjab. Central Punjab were 78 for three at close of play, they will be relying on in-form Abid Ali who was unbeaten on 45 when stumps were drawn for the day. Abid, was the player of the match in the Pakistan-Bangladesh Test series. Salman Ali Agha fought singlehandedly for Southern Punjab with a splendid 142 as the side was bowled out for 238 in their first innings at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex against Northern.  Salman hit 23 fours and one six in his sterling 193-ball effort, this was the 10th first-class century of his career. The next best scorer for Southern Punjab was Zeeshan Ashraf with 24. Left-arm-spinner Nauman Ali who represented Pakistan in the Test series against Bangladesh took six wickets for 104 runs – 22nd five-wicket haul of his first-class career. Northern were off to a poor start in their first innings as they ended day-one at 54 for three. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Balochistan –UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 116 all out, 41 overs (Kamran Ghulam 31, Sajid Khan 25 not out; Taj Wali 4-19, Kashif Bhatti 4-20) and 17 for 2, 8 overs. Balochistan 100 all out, 26 overs (Ayaz Tassawar 22; Arshad Iqbal 4-31, Asif Afridi 2-8) Points so far: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – six, Balochistan – six. Sindh vs Central Punjab - State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Sindh 155 for 9 (declared), 52 overs (Sohail Khan 65, Fawad Alam 32; Mohammad Ali 3-20, Mohammad Saad 3-24) Central Punjab 78 for 3, 23.1 overs (Abid Ali 45 not out) Points so far: Sindh – one, Central Punjab –three Southern Punjab vs Northern - National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 238 all out, 69.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 142; Nauman Ali 6-104; Mubasir Khan 2-34) Northern 54 for 3, 18 overs Points so far: Southern Punjab – six, Northern –one