Saad Kayani KARACHI (December 2, 2021):-Pakistan cricket selectors today announced the T20I and ODI squads for the home series against the West Indies, which will be played in Karachi from 13-22 December. The 20-over matches will count towards the ICC T20I Rankings, while the 50-over games will be part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League. From the 18 players who were part of the recently-concluded T20I series against Bangladesh, Hasan Ali, Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik have been left out, while fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain has been added to the 15-man squad. Likewise, from the 17 players who were available for selection for the England ODIs in July, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jnr have replaced Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Salman Ali Agha and Sarfaraz Ahmed in the 17-member side, while Abdullah Shafique has been named as a traveling reserve. Chief selector Mohammad Wasim: “As we have been playing T20Is since October and now have a pretty settled and balanced side, we have decided to reduce the number of players to 15. As such, we have not included Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shoaib Malik. “For the ODIs, which we last played in July, we have accepted the team management’s request and provided them two additional resources. “In consultation with Hasan Ali and taking into consideration that he has been playing non-stop cricket since returning from a back injury, we have decided to give him time off from this series.” Names of players for T20Is: Babar Azam (captain, Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain, Northern), Asif Ali (Northern), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Usman Qadir (Central Punjab), Names of players for ODIs: Babar Azam (captain, Central Punjab), Shadab Khan (vice-captain, Northern), Asif Ali (Northern), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern), Haris Rauf (Northern), Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Usman Qadir (Central Punjab) Traveling reserve: Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab) Player Support Personnel: Mansoor Rana (manager), Saqlain Mushtaq (interim head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant to head coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saaiman (strength and conditioning coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Talha Ejaz (team analyst), Col (retd) Muhammad Imran (Security Manager), Ahsan Iftikhar Nagi (media and digital manager), Dr Najeeb Soomro (team doctor) and Malang Ali (Masseur) Series schedule 13 Dec – 1st T20I, Karachi 14 Dec – 2nd T20I, Karachi 16 Dec – 3rd T20I, Karachi 18 Dec – 1st ODI, Karachi 20 Dec – 2nd ODI, Karachi 22 Dec – 3rd ODI, Karachi

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (December 2, 2021):-Qasim Akram will lead the 15-player Pakistan Under-19 squad in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup which will be played in January-February 2022 in the West Indies. The Lahore-born Qasim will also captain the team in the Under-19 Asia Cup that will be played in the UAE later this month. The junior selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board had invited 21 high-performing cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 (eligibility criteria) for a training camp that is currently underway in Lahore to prepare the side for the two tournaments, the camp began last week. Besides the final 15 for both events, the squad also includes two travelling reserves who will be part of the touring party for both tournaments. The squad includes four players who took part in the preceding U19 World Cup that was played in South Africa in January-February 2020, Pakistan finished third in the event. Qasim, openers Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Mohammad Shehzad and middle-order batter Irfan Khan Niazi were the four players to feature in the South Africa event. Following the 2020 event, Qasim was hugely impressive for Central Punjab in all three formats in the 2020-21 domestic season which was his first, Abdul Wahid scored a double-century for Balochistan in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy besides impressive batting in the National T20. Irfan appeared for Central Punjab in the National T20 and has already earned the reputation of being a clean striker of the ball, Shehzad was also one of the most prolific batters in the 2021-22 U19 one-day and three-day events. Besides the quartet, the squad includes promising players like spinners Faisal Akram (left-arm-wrist-spinner), Ali Asfand (left-arm-spinner), Mehran Mumtaz (left-arm-spinner) and Arham Nawab (off-spinner). Faisal represented Southern Punjab in the National T20. Abdul Faseeh, Haseebullah, Rizwan Mehmood and Maaz Sadaqat were the standout performers with the bat in the domestic U19 circuit. Pacers Ahmed Khan, Awais Ali and Zeeshan Zameer have also performed admirably besides impressing the selectors and coaches with their potential. Pakistan Shaheens and U19 head coach Ijaz Ahmed will lead the support staff on the two tours. Chairman Junior Selection Committee Saleem Jaffer: “Selection of U19 squads is always one of the most challenging and difficult tasks due to the available pool of talent. And this selection was no different, but we have tried to pick the best available 17 players who can help Pakistan win the World Cup for the country. “The PCB has prepared a robust plan for pathways cricket and I can assure all teenage cricketers who have missed out on selection this time that they will get a chance at some stage down the line. “I want to congratulate the 17 players who have made into the squad for the UAE and the West Indies tournaments. I remain confident that this side has the capability and potential to do well in both the upcoming events.” Name of players: Qasim Akram (captain, Central Punjab), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Haseebullah (wicketkeeper, Balochistan), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh) and Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh) Traveling reserves: Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper, Sindh), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab). Support staff: Ijaz Ahmed (Head coach), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (Bowling coach), Mohtashim Rasheed (Fielding coach), Mohammad Javed (Strength and Conditioning coach), Waleed Ahmed (Analyst), Hafiz Naeem-ul-Rasool (physiotherapist) and Taimur Azam (Manager).

Kala Lumpur, Malaysia (SB Report):-Japan defeated Pakistan2-1 in the Asian Men’s Team Squash Championship 2021 match on Thursday morning at National Squash Centre, Bukit Jalil, Kala Lumpur Malaysia and asked Pakistan lads to fly back home. Four top Pakistan players and three officials failed to save the blushes of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). It was a back-to-back second nightmare for the PSF officials, as a day back India team also defeated Pakistan for the first time in the history of world squash. Japan also treated Pakistan squash and ousted Pakistan for the first time in an international squash fixture. Now, Pakistan will play for 5 to 8 position first time in the history of Pakistan squash. Ivan Yuen then doubled the lead with an 11-7, 11-9, 11-7 win over Ravindu Laksiri before Syafiq Kamal completed the win by beating Shariff Hakeem 11-3, 11-4, 11-5. World No 269 Ryunosuke Tsukue delivered the winning point for Japan by beating world No 113 Amaad Fareed 12-10, 11-7, 11-6 in the deciding rubber. Japan No 1 Ryosei Kobayashi had earlier given the team the lead by beating Tayyab Aslam 11-6, 10-12, 13-11, 11-3 before Nasir Iqbal levelled by beating Tomotaka Endo 11-9, 11-9, 11-7. Results: Tayyab Aslam lost Ryosei Kobayashi (1-3) 6-11, 12-10, 11-13, 3-11 (53m) Nasir Iqbal beat Tomotaka Endo (3-0) 11-9, 11-9, 11-7 (30m) Amaad Fareed lost Ryunosuke Tsukue (0-3) 10-12, 7-11, 6-11(37m) 

Karachi (SB Report):-Northern took complete control of their Quaid-e-Azam Trophy seventh-round fixture against Central Punjab while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa gained a healthy first innings lead over Sindh on day-two. Southern Punjab and Balochistan batters took the attack to the bowlers for a second consecutive day. Over at the the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi, Southern Punjab were bowled out for 483 in their first innings on day-two after resuming at 327 for three. Middle-order batter Yousuf Babar scored his second first-class century, the right-hander remained unbeaten on 119 off 203 balls (13 fours). Salman Ali Agha who completed his century yesterday was dismissed for 135 (17 fours, 209 balls). Aamer Yamin scored a breezy 43 off 33 balls (six fours, one six) to propel the side past the 450-mark. Khurram Shehzad and Akif Javed took three wickets apiece for Balochistan. Southern Punjab collected the full five first innings batting points while Balochistan had to contend with two bowling points. Balochistan roared back in the contest courtesy a blazing century by opener Shan Masood who was making his first-ever appearance for the team. The left-hander registered the 16th first-class century of his career, Shan scored 105 off only 82 balls (17 fours, one six). After Shan’s dismissal Balochistan stuttered to 184 for four before an unbroken 92-run partnership between Ayaz Tassawar (58 not out) and captain Bismillah Khan (57 not out) took them to 276 for four at stumps. The two will resume the Balochistan innings tomorrow, 203 runs behind the Southern Punjab total. Their impressive batting so far have earned them two valuable batting points and they will be aiming to keep the scoring momentum going as they chase the full five batting points. Aamer Yamin and Ali Usman with two wickets each were the two wicket-takers for Southern Punjab. Over at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium in the match between Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa declared their first innings at 265 for nine after gaining a 120-run first innings lead over Sindh on day-two. Resuming at the overnight 124 for two, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost six wickets with 169 runs on the board. The innings was revived by all-rounder Asif Afridi who followed his three-wicket bowling performance with 50 off 44 balls (seven fours, one six). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa added two batting points to their six-point bowling tally. Sindh collected three bowling points with fast bowler Sohail Khan playing a leading role with the ball with figures of 21.1-3-82-5 (37th first-class five-wicket haul). Sindh started their second innings in a poor fashion as opener Ahsan Ali (2) and Omair Bin Yousuf (9) fell with only 11 runs on the board. At this stage, the seasoned pair of Khurram Manzoor and captain Asad Shafiq rescued the side. The two had crossed their fifties and were at the crease when stumps were drawn for the day. Khurram has so far hit seven fours in his 59 (136 balls) while Asad’s even 50 has come off 96 balls with the help of eight fours. Over at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex, resuming his innings at 141, the hugely promising Haider Ali registered the maiden double-century of his first-class career. The 21-year-old was eventually dismissed for a scintillating 206 off 221 balls (27 fours, four sixes). Haider added 229 for the fourth-wicket with Faizan Riaz who contributed 67 as Northern amassed 445 for eight in 106 overs before declaring their innings. Northern collected the full five batting points on offer, pacer Muhammad Ali took three wickets for Central Punjab. Fast bowler Haris Rauf who was making his first Quaid-e-Azam Trophy appearance in the season then rocked the Central Punjab batters with his fearsome pace as he returned his best-ever first-class bowling haul. The right-armer, fresh from representing Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and the three-match T20I series against Bangladesh took a liking to the red ball taking six wickets for 41 runs from 15 overs of electrifying pace. Hussain Talat with 51 punctuated with four fours and two sixes was the best Central Punjab performer with the bat, opener Imran Dogar scored 43 while Mohammad Saad and Ali Zaryab contributed 38 and 37. Central Punjab finished the day reeling at 223 for eight, needing another 72 runs to avoid a follow-on with only two wickets in hand. After gaining full five batting points, Northern have already accumolated three bowling points. They will be striving to collect three additional bowling points by bowling out Central Punjab with-in 100 overs of their innings when play resumes tomorrow. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab vs Balochistan –UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Southern Punjab 483 all out, 117.5 overs (Salman Ali Agha 135, Yousuf Babar 119 not out, Zeeshan Ashraf 102; Kashif Shehzad 3-63, Akif Javed 3-78) Balochistan 276 for 4, 44.5 overs (Shan Masood 105, Ayaz Tassawar 58 not out, Bismillah Khan 57 not out; Aamer Yamin 2-44) Points so far: Southern Punjab – six, Balochistan – three. Sindh vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Sindh 145 all out, 42.1 overs (Asad Shafiq 31, Faraz Ali 31; Irfanullah Shah 5-43, Asif Afridi 3-16) and 137 for 2, 43 overs (Khurram Manzoor 59 not out, Asad Shafiq 50 not out; Irfanullah Shah 1-24) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 265 for 9 (declared) 64.1 overs (Musadiq Ahmed 75, Asif Afridi 50, Iftikhar Ahmed 40; Sohail Khan 5-82, Mir Hamza 3-62) Points so far: Sindh – three, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa - eight. Northern vs Central Punjab – National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Northern 445 for 8 (declared), 106 overs (Haider Ali 206, Faizan Riaz 67, Mohammad Huraira 54; Mohammad Ali 3-68) Central Punjab 223 for 8, 60.3 overs (Hussain Talat 51, Imran Dogar 43; Haris Rauf 6-41) Points so far: Northern - eight, Central Punjab - three.

Kala Lumpur, Malaysia (SB Report):-A nerve-jangling clash in Kala Lumpur saw India claim a narrow victory 2-1 over Pakistan thanks to Saurav Ghosal, who overcame Pakistan No 1 Tayyab Aslam 3-2, in the decider fixture in the Asian Men’s Team Event Squash Championship that is going on in the capital city of Malaysia. India beat Pakistan (2-1) Ramit Tandon beat Asim Khan 11-5, 11-9, 14-12 Nasir Iqbal beat M Mangaonk 9-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-7 Saurav Ghosal beat Tayyab Aslam 9-11, 7-11, 11-1, 11-7, 11-8.        

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (December 2, 2021):-The 14th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2022 will be rolled off from January 25, 2020 at Leisure City Bowling Club, Jinnah Park Rawalpindi under the aegis of Pakistan Tenpin Bowling Federation (PTBF) and in collaboration with Leisure City Bowling Club, Jinnah Park Rawalpindi. According to an official of PTBF, the competitions will be staged in 10 different disciplines during the 6-day National Tenpin Bowling Championship including Master Singles, Doubles, Team, Deaf, Amateur, Women, Inter-school, Inter Colleges, Inter Universities and Media. Top national players along with peoples from different professions will take part in different categories. President PTBF, Ijaz-ur-Rehman said: The preparation is under way for holding the 14th National Tenpin Bowling Championship 2022 and hopefully soon will complete the requirements of this mega event. Due to lack of resource and non interest of the current government in sports national players facing a lot of problems relating to sports, without coaches and proper platform players will never respond accordingly.  Therefore, we are requesting to our honorable prime minister of Pakistan Imran Khan to take serious action for the betterment of sports in Pakistan, because our prime minister remains the best sports person and he can better understand the problems of national athletes.

Islamabad (Sports Desk):-It was another pulsating day of action at the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 as Germany, Argentina, France and host nation India all secured their places in the competition semi-finals by winning their encounters in the last eight.  Germany’s shoot-out victory over Spain in the first match of the day earned them a semi-final clash against home favourites India, who narrowly defeated Belgium in today’s final match. Argentina’s superb 2-1 victory over the much-fancied Netherlands sets up a semi-final clash with the impressive France, who were comfortable winners against Malaysia. The timings for those semi-finals, which take place on Friday 3 December, are as follows.  Germany 2-2 Spain (3-1 After Shoot-Out) Six times Junior World Cup champions Germany rescued victory from the jaws of defeat, scoring a dramatic late equaliser against Spain before edging the first quarter-final in the shoot-out. Germany opened the scoring in the fifth minute thanks to Christopher Kutter’s penalty stroke, with Spain’s Gerard Clapes restoring parity six minutes later with a penalty corner. Chances for Germany came and went before Spain’s Eduard de Ignacio-Simo netted a magnificent solo goal with just over one minute remaining. Just when it seemed that Germany’s competition was going to come to an end, Masi Phandt rattled home a penalty corner before Valentin Altenburg’s team triumphed 3-1 in the shoot-out to break Spanish hearts.  “It was really amazing”, said Germany goalkeeper Jean Danneburg, who came off the bench to produce a game winning performance in the shoot-out, earning him the Player of the Match award. “The feeling to catch the balls was so awesome. I’m so happy and proud of my team, that they scored the penalties. For the shoot-outs, I was very nervous this time. But I kept my focus on the important things. It’s a lot of fun with this team!” Spain’s Alvaro Portugal expressed his disappointment. “I felt the team played better than Germany at times. We’ll now look at what did not go well in this match.” Netherlands 1-2 Argentina The second match of the day was also packed full of drama, with Argentina claiming a stunning late victory over a Netherlands team that many considered to be amongst the frontrunners for the title. The two teams traded goals within a minute of each other in the second quarter, with Joaquin Kruger touching home a crash-ball for Argentina before 17-year-old Dutchman Miles Bukkens netted his 12th goal of the competition with an expertly converted penalty corner. The Dutch looked the more likely scorers in the final stages, but it was Argentina who emerged triumphant when Franco Agostini’s cross from the left took a huge deflection from a Netherlands stick and flew into the goal. The Europeans rallied hard, but Argentina’s outstanding defensive line held firm to keep alive their hopes of adding a second Junior World Cup title to the one claimed in 2005. “It was a very hard match and we’re very happy with this win”, said Argentina’s Tadeo Marcucci, who was named Player of the Match. “I also would like to congratulate the Netherlands, who are a great team. Now, we have to focus on the next match and analyse our opponent in the semi-final. We have confidence in ourselves, with the staff examining all our games.” Netherlands captain Silas Lageman said: “We’re very disappointed. I don’t know what happened. We got a few cards so that obviously made the game more difficult. We were pushing for the lead, then a high ball came through and I don’t really know what happened. But it went in with a minute and a half to go when we were heading for shoot-outs.”  France 4-0 Malaysia  France captain Timothée Clément scored a hat-trick of penalty corners to help his team claim a comfortable 4-0 triumph over Malaysia and secure a place in the competition semi-finals for only the second time in their history. Clément netted superb drag-flicks in the 14th and 24th minute respectively to open a 2-0 lead for the Europeans, before Timothée’s younger brother Mathis Clément scored a spectacular volley from another penalty corner situation shortly after half time. France – the beaten finalists in the New Delhi 2013 Junior World Cup – added gloss on a dominant performance when the elder Clement completed his treble in the final minute of the match with another penalty corner. “It feels amazing, being in the semi-finals of the World Cup is simply fantastic”, said Player of the Match Timothée Clément after the game, before looking ahead to his team’s upcoming semi-final opponents. “Argentina is a very good team so now we will focus on this match. We will analyse this team to see how they play.” On competing in Bhubaneswar alongside sibling Mathis, Timothée said: “Playing a World Cup with my brother is amazing; he had a very good game today.” Malaysia captain Akhimullah Anuar said: “The match was good. But with the pandemic we had a very short preparation time. So, we’ve done our best. Today, penalty corners worked very well for France and that’s the result. Belgium 0-1 India Reigning champions and hosts India produced a magnificent defensive display to defeat Belgium by a solitary goal in a replay of the competition final from Lucknow 2016. Belgium had more shots, circle penetrations, possession, and penalty corners, but it was India who emerged winners thanks to a 21st minute penalty corner effort from Sharda Nand Tiwari, who flicked high into the goal from the left of the circle. Belgium piled on the pressure in the final stages and boosted by a yellow card five-minute suspension for India’s Yashdeep Siwach, certainly looked capable of tying the match and forcing a shoot-out. A late penalty corner arrived moments after Belgium replaced their goalkeeper with an outfield player, but India goalkeeper Pawan produced two vital saves to send his team into the competition semi-finals at the expense of their opponents.  “With the plan we had, we tried to execute that but still a few things couldn’t happen”, said India’s Vishnukant Singh, who was named Player of the Match. “It was a really tough match. We cannot underestimate our opponents. Our plan was to win and it is important that we enjoy that.” Belgium captain Dylan Englebert said: “We played a great game. I think it was beautiful to watch, great actions and we did our best. With a bit more luck we might have scored and gone to shoot-outs. Of course, we are disappointed, but I’m proud of my team and proud of what we did. I think we gave everything, and that is what we are happy [about].”  Results (Day-7): Germany 1-1 Spain (3-1 After Shoot-Out) Player of the Match: Jean Danneberg (GK – GER) Netherlands 1-2 Argentina Player of the Match: Tadeo Marcucci (ARG) France 4-0 Malaysia  Player of the Match: Timothée Clement (C – FRA) Belgium 0-1 India Player of the Match: Vishnukant Singh (IND) Semi-final Day Match Schedule – Friday 1 December 2021 (All times India Standard Time – UTC +05.30) 5-8th classification 10:30: Belgium v Spain 13:30: Malaysia v Netherlands Semi-finals 16:30: France v Argentina 19:30: India v Germany

Dubai, UAE (SB Report):-Lancer Capital has inked new historic in cricket after acquiring a franchise in the forthcoming United Arabs Emirates (UAE) T20 Cricket League that will be held next year 2022. According to an official, Lancer Capital has investments in a variety of best-in-class assets.  The Chairman of Lancer Capital, Avie Glazer, is an owner of the Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers.  Glazer has also been the Co-Chairman of Manchester United since 2005.  Manchester United won more trophies than any other club in English football. Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE T20 League Chairman and Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board said; “I am very excited to welcome Glazer to the UAE T20 Family! To have a partner who has invested into sports properties with a long term investment perspective is a testament to the strength of the UAE T20 League’s Business Model and its value proposition to its stakeholders and an ode to the UAE as the destination of choice for global sports events.” Avram Glazer, Chairman of Lancer Capital LLC said; “I am very excited to be a part of UAE T20 at its formation.  UAE T20 promises to be a world class event that will be transformative to the growth of cricket in the Emirates.” Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased that a legendary sports owner like Avie Glazer has chosen to partner with the UAE T20 League. This is a resounding thumb up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established sports business owners. Our partnership with Lancer Capital will enable us to combine fans of the two widely followed sports – football and cricket – in a never done before manner”

Karachi (Sports Report):-The 12th Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) Open Golf Championship commenced on Wednesday at Karachi Golf Club (KGC) under the control of Services Sports Control Board, Joint Services Headquarters in collaboration with Pakistan Navy. Over 400 professionals, amateur, veterans, juniors and ladies golfers are competing in the prestigious gold showpiece. Championship carries Rs. 10 million prize money excluding other prizes like cars, heavy bikes and LEDs. Opening ceremony of the championship was held at KGC and President Services Sports Control Board, Rear Admiral Abdul Basit Butt graced the occasion as chief guest. Besides, the sponsors and official dignitaries, attended the ceremony including professional and amateur players. At the end, the chief guest Rear Admiral Abdul Basit Butt thanked all the organizers especially Pakistan Navy, KGC and sponsors for providing all out support in organizing this event at Karachi and formally declared the Championship open.

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai (December 1, 2021):-Fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has made it to the top five of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings for the first time in his career after a fine show in the first Test against Bangladesh which Pakistan won by eight wickets. The 21-year-old left-armer, who grabbed seven wickets including a haul of five for 32 in the second innings of the Chittagong Test, has moved up three places to fifth position after overtaking James Anderson, Kagiso Rabada and Neil Wagner. Shaheen’s new-ball partner Hasan Ali too is at a career-best position after finishing with a similar seven-wicket match haul that included a five-for in the first innings. Hasan has advanced five places to 11th place. His previous best in Tests was 14th, reached in May this year. Pakistan’s opening batters were not the ones to be left behind. Abid Ali may have missed out on a century in each innings but his scores of 133 and 91 helped him shoot up 27 slots to a career-best 20th position while Abdullah Shafique enters the rankings at 83rd with scores of 52 and 73. For Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim is up four places to 19th with scores of 91 and 16 while Liton Das has moved up 26 places to a career-best 31st position after accruing 114 and 59. Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam has progressed two places to 23rd after an eight-wicket match haul that included seven scalps in the first innings. The thrilling draw in Kanpur between India and New Zealand had quite a few performances from either side that reflect in the latest weekly update that also includes the first Test between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at Galle, which the host side won by 187 runs. Debutant Shreyas Iyer’s Player of the Match effort of 105 and 65 helped him enter the rankings in 74th position while opener Shubman Gill (up six places to 66th) and Wriddhiman Saha (up nine places to 99th) also made notable progress after notching half-centuries. Ravindra Jadeja is up two places to 19th among bowlers with five wickets in the match and is also up one place to second among all-rounders. Ravichandran Ashwin is the third-ranked all-rounder and 79th among batters. For New Zealand, Tom Latham’s knocks of 95 and 52 place him back in the top 10 as he goes up from 14th to ninth. Fast bowler Kyle Jamieson is ninth among bowlers, his three wickets in each innings resulting in a gain of six places. Tim Southee has gained 15 rating points to reach within one point of second-placed Ashwin (840) after his eight-wicket match haul. Sri Lanka, whose win in their first match of the ICC Men’s Test Championship put them on top of the table powered by MRF (on percentage points), also had some improvements after the Galle Test. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne’s Player of the Match effort of 147 and 83 has lifted him four places to seventh, just one below his career-best sixth position attained in August 2019. Former captains Angelo Mathews (up two places to 23rd) and Dinesh Chandimal (up four places to 46th) have also advanced. Left-arm spinners Lasith Embuldeniya (up four places to 37th) and Praveen Jayawickrama (up six places to 44th) and off-spinner Ramesh Mendis (up 28 places to 57th) have improved in the rankings for bowlers.