SALMAN KHAN MULTAN (October 1, 2020):-Balochistan overcame Sindh in their opening contest of National T-20 Cricket Cup 2020 by just 2 runs in the last over of the game at Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Sindh required 11 off the last over. Umaid Asif allowed the opposition batsmen only two singles from the first three balls before Sohail Khan smashed the lanky pacer for a six on the fourth. Sindh lost two wickets as non-strikers Hassan Khan and Mohammad Hasnain tried to sneak singles on the last two balls with Sohail (31 not out from 16 balls) failing to make a connection with the ball. Umaid provided Balochistan an earlier breakthrough in their defence of 181-run target by dismissing Sharjeel Khan (10 off eight) on the first ball of the fourth over. All-rounder Amad Butt, struck in back-to-back overs – fifth and seventh – accounting for Saud Shakeel (13 off eight) and opener Khurram Manzoor (14 off 17). Amad’s and Balochistan’s next wicket was Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (20 off 21) as the right-arm fast finished with three wickets for 39 runs. Asad Shafiq was the top-scorer for Sindh with a 25-ball 32, which included four fours, as he held an end. His stay at the crease was curtailed by 19-year-old Akif Javed, who later bowled Anwar Ali (20 off 11, two sixes) as he returned two for 32 in four overs. Earlier, Balochistan posted 180 for eight thanks to Bismillah Khan’s eighth T20 half-century after their captain Haris Sohail chose to bat. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed four fours and three sixes in his 42-ball 58 as he joined Imam-ul-Haq (10 off 11) in the third over with 32 runs on the board after opener Awais Zia scored a breezy nine-ball 25 – hitting four fours and a six.  Reflecting on his performance, Bismillah Khan, who was named man-of-the-match, told pcb.com.pk: “My aim was to stay at the wicket and bat deep as we had lost wickets earlier in the innings. Spending time at the crease allowed me to score runs. “I receive a lot of support from the people of Balochistan and my hometown Quetta. They express their happiness through text messages and calls whenever I score runs.” Bismillah and Haris (25 off 14) knitted a 67-run partnership for the fourth-wicket before the Balochistan captain was run out in the 15th over. Sindh’s Mohammad Hasnain took two wickets for 31 runs. The two teams meet again in the tournament on 11 October at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Scores in brief: Balochistan 180-8, 20 overs (Bismillah Khan 58, Awais Zia 25, Haris Sohail 25; Mohammad Hasnain 2-31) Sindh 178-9, 20 overs (Asad Shafiq 32, Sohail Khan 31 not out, Anwar Ali 20, Sarfaraz Ahmed 20; Amad Butt 3-39, Akif Javed 2-32) Balochistan won by two runs

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (October 1, 2020):-The qualifying round of the PTF – ITA Islamabad Super Cup 2020 started on Thursday here at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Complex, the main round will kick off on Friday at same venue. PTF is the first federation which is organizing a national event following a long break owing to covid-19. On this occasion President PTF, Salim Saifullah stated that more events would also be held in the near future as well. He also appreciated the efforts of the PTF and ITA management for joining hands in organizing the subject event. Two qualifying matches were played on the opening day in the Men’s category between Pakistan No. 7 and 8 against the wild cards Barkatullah and Mohammad Shoaib. The opening ceremony of the PTF -ITA Islamabad Super Cup will be held on Friday at 11 AM. Tariq Murtaza President Islamabad Tennis Association and Chairman Rawalpindi Development Authority will grace the occasion as a chief guest. It is pertinent to note that due to COVID-19; only participating players, parents and coaches will be allowed to witness the subject event. Results: Men’s Singles Qualifying Matches: Barkatullah beat Yousaf 6-7(7), 7-5, 7-6(3). Ahmed Choudhry beat Mohammad Shoaib 7-5, 6-4 Following are the matches will be played tomorrow: Men’s Singles Main Draw: Aqeel Khan vs. Mudassir Murtaza, Ahmed Chaudhary vs. Heera Ashiq,     Shahzad Khan vs. Muhammad Abid,  Barkatullah vs. Muzammil Murtaza Junior’s Singles Main Draw: Faizan Fayyaz Khan vs. Zalan Khan, Nalain Abbas vs. M. Huzaifa Khan, Sami Zeb vs. Aqib Hayat, Subhan Salik vs. Hamid Israr

SB REPORT LAHORE (October 1, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed an Australia-based David Hemp coach for national women team, said an official of cricket board media department on Thursday. Hemp, who turns 50 next week, has previously coached the Melbourne Stars’ and Victorian women's cricket teams in Australia’s Women's Big Bash League between 2015 and 2020, and is also a former Bermuda and Glamorgan captain. Hemp played 271 first-class matches and scored over 15,000 runs for Glamorgan, Free State and Warwickshire. He also represented Bermuda in 22 one-day internationals from 2006 to 2009, scoring 641 runs with a century and four half-centuries. Hemp is a qualified UK level four coach who has had a coaching role with Australia’s team for cricketers with an intellectual disability; Premier Cricket’s Prahran and was the director of coaching at Scotch College. Urooj Mumtaz, Acting Head of Pakistan Women’s Wing and Chair of women’s selection committee: “The PCB is pleased to have appointed David Hemp as Pakistan national women’s team head coach. David brings with him wealth of experience and knowledge, more importantly around women’s cricket development, which is extremely critical to our strategy as part of our endeavour to increase the pool of cricketers and also help them top rise to the level of the front-running international sides. “David has worked for five years in Australia with the Melbourne and Victoria women’s sides and he is a perfect fit for the role we were looking for as he will be able to use that experience and knowledge to translate into our system that will ultimately benefit Pakistan women’s cricket. “I am sure our players will make optimum use of David’s expertise and strict work ethics, while I am sure David will have an enjoyable time when he relocates to Pakistan to join the elite company of illustrious coaching staff of Atiq-uz-Zaman, Grant Bradburn, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Zahid and Saqlain Mushtaq at our National High Performance Centre.” David takes over from Iqbal Imam, who had succeeded Mark Coles. Pakistan will feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier next year for the event proper that will take place in New Zealand in 2022. The PCB had advertised for the role on 18 August and a total of 38 coaches, including 18 foreigners from various Test playing countries had expressed their interests. The final interviews were carried by Wasim Khan (PCB Chief Executive), Urooj Mumtaz and Grant Bradburn (Head of International Coach Development) last week.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 30, 2020):-President, Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) Brigadier (Retd) Khalid Sajjad Khokhar called on Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Air Marshal Arshad Malik on Wednesday at Islamabad. During the meeting, regarding the promotion of the national game hockey and its affairs came under discussion, the resumption of the partnership between the Pakistan Hockey Federation and the PIA, and the restoration of the PHF-PIA relationship. President PHF Brigadier Retired Khalid Sajjad Khokhar while appreciating the valuable services rendered by Pakistan International Airlines for Pakistan Hockey said that PIA had always played a significant role in the National Game. Chief Executive Officer PIA Air Marshal Arshad Mehmood Malik took the visit in a very positive manner and said that he would try to solve all the problems of PHF.

SALMAN KHAN MULTAN (September 30, 2020):-A record second-wicket partnership between Zeeshan Malik and Haider Ali orchestrated a 79-run win for Northern against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the opening match of the National T20 Cup First XI tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Northern were 24 for one after three overs when 19-year-old Haider, who made his Pakistan debut in the last of the three T20Is against England earlier this month, joined Zeeshan at the crease. The two batsmen added 180 runs in 14.1 overs that lifted the defending champions to 242 for three, the second highest score in a T20 innings in the history of the National T20 Cup, after Shadab Khan elected to bat first. Haider smashed five sixes and seven fours in his blazing 90 off 48 balls. Reflecting on his performance, Haider told pcb.com.pk: “It is always a great feeling to start off a tournament on a high and this innings has provided me a lot of confidence. Though I am a little disappointed on missing out what would have been my maiden century in T20 cricket, I thoroughly enjoyed the partnership with Zeeshan Malik. Our decision to bat first paid dividends as it allowed us to make the most of the true bounce on offer. “My aim is to now build on this start and play a vital role in helping my side defend the title.” Zeeshan, the 23-year-old right-handed batsman, smashed a 47-ball 77, which was studded with eight fours and three sixes, before Junaid Khan, who took two wickets for 44 runs in four overs, bowled him. Asif Ali struck three fours and a six in 10 balls during his 23 not out. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were dealt an early blow as Mohammad Nawaz, left-arm orthodox, bowled Fakhar Zaman on the fourth ball of the innings. By the first ball of the seventh over, they had lost their captain Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Hafeez, which reduced them to 46 for three. Problems amplified for them as Shoaib Malik fell in the 13th over after scoring a 19-ball 20, following which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost track of the run chase. Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Nawaz took two wickets apiece for 34 and 37 runs, while Musa Khan dismissed Mohammad Mohsin (14 off 10), Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) and Usman Khan Shinwari (0) in the last over. At the end of the 20 overs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 163 for nine. They have a chance to avenge this defeat on 16 October when the two sides meet again at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Scores in brief: Northern 242-3, 20 overs (Haider Ali 90, Zeeshan Malik 77, Asif Ali 23 not out, Ali Imran 21; Junaid Khan 2-44) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 163-9, 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 62, Iftikhar Ahmed 28, Shoaib Malik 28; Musa Khan 3-31, Sohail Tanvir 2-34, Mohammad Nawaz 2-37)

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD:-The first International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission meeting with Milano Cortina 2026 was held virtually today, 29 September 2020. The local Organising Committee updated the Commission members on its considerable progress since winning the right to host the Olympic Winter Games last year and its desire to deliver sustainable Games with a strong legacy in the spirit of Olympic Agenda 2020 and its New Norm. IOC President Thomas Bach welcomed the members of the Commission, which is chaired by Sari Essayah. They were joined by Milano Cortina 2026 and Italian National Olympic Committee President Giovanni Malagò and Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Vincenzo Novari. The Commission heard from representatives of the Organising Committee founders, including the President of the Italian Paralympic Committee, Luca Pancalli; Mayor of Milan Giuseppe Sala; Mayor of Cortina Gianpietro Ghedina; and President of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana; while an address was also delivered on behalf of the President of the Veneto Region, Luca Zaia. The representative of the Italian Government, Valerio Toniolo; the President of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Arno Kompatscher; and the President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Maurizio Fugatti, also addressed the Commission. Speaking after the meeting, Essayah said: “Milano Cortina 2026 has made considerable progress despite the challenges posed by COVID-19. The integration of Olympic Agenda 2020 and the New Norm into the project, particularly around the use of existing venues, will provide a sustainable legacy for both international sport and local communities within Italy. We are only at the beginning of our journey and, while there are still many key decisions to be taken, I hope that these Games will be held up as an example for future Olympic Winter Games.” She continued: “The Olympic Movement is unified in supporting the Organising Committee to realise its ambition to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave behind a legacy for generations of Italians to enjoy. The solid foundations that Milano Cortina 2026 has built are testament to the cooperation and collaboration of the Olympic and local stakeholders which shows that we truly are stronger together.” Following this, Milano Cortina 2026 President Giovanni Malagò said: “I am delighted to welcome IOC President Thomas Bach and the Milano Cortina 2026 Coordination Commission, brilliantly chaired by Sari Essayah. I am deeply grateful for their words and the continual support they provide towards our efforts. This was our first meeting, albeit virtual, after being awarded the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games at the IOC Session. Along with the staff headed by Vincenzo Novari, during these difficult months we have been working to shape the Organising Committee and these Italian Games through an innovative and sustainable approach. We are aware of the many important challenges yet to come, but we are ready to face them as a team, with the IOC and the Milano Cortina 2026 stakeholders, in order to deliver an unforgettable edition of the Games.” One of the major milestones praised by the Coordination Commission was the adoption, by the Italian Parliament, of an Olympic Law which dictates the organisation and governance of Milano Cortina 2026. The Commission also heard about the development of Milano Cortina 2026 staffing, with over 50 employees now working for the organisation, many of whom hold existing expertise in winter sports events. This topic gave the Organising Committee an opportunity to detail its planned staffing model, which will see the core Organising Committee team consist of around 600 people, with four decentralised departments established to focus on Governance, Games Delivery, Digital and Revenues. In addition, the development of Milano Cortina 2026’s Games vision was covered. This underpins its strategy right up until Games time, revolving around its desire to “Make all Italians fall in love with the Games and winter sports, and the world to fall in love with Italy”. The Commission heard that a fundamental component of the local Organising Committee’s strategy is sustainability, in terms of economic, environmental and social sustainability. Milano Cortina 2026 explained that its Games will represent a stimulus for its economy, working towards creating new opportunities and long-term employment. Milano Cortina 2026’s legacy plans were also detailed as it looks to leave future generations with arenas, mobility infrastructure and assets for tourism that are all financially sustainable. The Organising Committee is focused on increasing inclusion, spreading the Olympic values across the country, promoting healthy lifestyles thanks to the practice of sport, and providing the territories with stronger major events management expertise. Another key topic was the venue masterplan. On this point, the IOC Coordination Commission highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Working Group, established by the IOC Executive Board earlier this year. This group, which is looking into the sustainability and legacy of the sliding centre and the speedskating oval, consists of the Organising Committee, the local authorities and the International Federations concerned. Its work builds on the concerns raised about those two venues by the Evaluation Commission last year.

SALAMAN KHAN: MULTAN (September 30, 2020):-A star-studded commentary panel, including leading international commentators in Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram, will call the 33-match National T20 Cup that will begin with the opening match between defending champions Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday afternoon at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Broadcast coverage will start at 2.45pm, with the first ball in the PKR9million tournament to be bowled at 3pm. The second match of the day will get underway at 7.30pm. The PCB as part of its commitment to its cricket fans and followers, will produce live pictures in High Definition, which will be relayed in TV lounges by PTV Sports. As part of improving its coverage and promotion of domestic cricket, the PCB will produce the tournament through 14 High Definition cameras, including eight manned and six unmanned cameras, while enhanced international standard graphics will further improve the viewers’ experiences and bring them closer to live action. Last year, the season was covered with 12 cameras. Besides the famed trio of Bazid, Ramiz and Wasim, Pakistan men’s national Test team captain Azhar Ali will also be a part of the commentary panel following a successful stint as an expert and analyst during the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. Former Pakistan women’s national team captain and one of the most celebrated and globally recognised women cricketer, Sana Mir, will also be a member of the distinguished panel. She will be accompanied in the commentators’ box by fellow women cricketer Marina Iqbal. Renowned TV presenter Zainab Abbas will present for eight days, while Sawera Pasha will host the pre- and post-match shows. Tariq Saeed will lead the panel of Urdu commentators as the PCB has fulfilled its fans’ demand and expectations to provide insight in the local language through specialist commentators. Noted commentator and presenter Sikander Bakht, and first-class cricketer Shehzar Mohammad will also be part of the commentary team. Ramiz will be part of the panel on the opening two days and would then return for the semi-finals and final that will be staged in Rawalpindi, while Wasim will be available for the weekend games in Rawalpindi on 9, 10 and 11 October. Bazid will be calling the entire Multan-leg. Azhar Ali: “I am really excited to commentate on the National T20 Cup following the wonderful experience I had at the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. This tournament is set to capture the imagination of cricket fans across the country with the great pool of players available in the shape of country’s top T20 talent. “It is also an opportunity for me to have a close look at some of the emerging and U19 players who are featuring in the tournament as the instant nature of the format makes it a big test of temperament for the young and upcoming players.” Bazid Khan: “The National T20 Cup promises to be a scintillating event and it’s heartening to see that efforts are being put in to promote quality cricket. I look forward to calling the action this season and I hope that the Pakistani fans will enjoy our coverage.” Ramiz Raja: “The National T20 Cup couldn’t have come at a better time for all of us. We have all had to sit back due to Covid-19 but cricket is making a proper comeback through this exciting tournament where Pakistan’s top talent will be on display. “I am also looking forward to being a part of the commentary panel for our domestic cricket where we will contribute to further elevate this exciting product that carries immense potential to grow and succeed.” Sana Mir: “I have experienced cricket in the backyard, on the streets, at grounds and at international level and also from the studios lately. Now this will be the first time for me to experience it from the commentary box. I hope it is a bit easier compared to being on the ground and I am totally looking forward to it.” Wasim Akram: “I am very excited to be a part of the broadcast team for the National T20 Cup. We are all right behind this new domestic structure and I am sure it will be a great viewing experience for all the fans.” Zainab Abbas: “I’m really looking forward to the National T20 Cup and its regional rivalries.  It feels good to be part of the broadcasting panel and I am glad that steps are being taken to improve the quality of production. Multan and Rawalpindi are both excellent venues and we will get to see quality cricket in an action-packed event.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 29, 2020):-The National T-20 Cricket Cup 2020 will start from Wednesday at Multan Cricket Stadium, as the second phase will be held at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi from October 9. The final will be played at same venue on October 18 behind the doors. The 33-match tournament, which will be broadcast live in its entirety in High Definition on PTV Sports, marks the beginning of competitive cricket in the country after more than six months and, as such, serves as the curtain-raiser for the 2020-21 domestic season. The Pakistan Cricket Board is the first cricket board to announce and organise a complete domestic season in these unprecedented and difficult Covid-19 times. The PCB has made comprehensive arrangements for the upcoming season to protect the wellbeing and livelihood of the domestic cricketers. Due to the ongoing pandemic and to ensure health and safety of all competitors, the tournament will be played behind closed doors under strict Covid-19 protocols. The tournament will be played in two phases: the first one running from 30 September to 6 October in Multan and the second phase to be staged from 9-18 October in Rawalpindi. With two ACC Asia Cups and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups scheduled for the next two years, this year’s National T20 Cup First XI tournament will be played on double-league basis to provide adequate preparation to the players who are likely to represent the Pakistan men’s national team in these events. The tournament also provides an opportunity for the country’s best short format cricketers to impress the national selectors and, also, the HBL Pakistan Super League franchise owners and management ahead of the Player Draft for the 2021 season, which is scheduled to be held in November. With a coveted trophy and a total prize money of PKR9million on offer, Northern, who will be led by Shadab Khan until their captain Imad Wasim (currently engaged in the Vitality Blast T20 tournament in the UK) joins the side in Rawalpindi, will be eager to defend their title. And, the other five teams will be fighting tooth and nail to secure berths in the final of the tournament, which will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 18 October. Balochistan will aim to take the next step after they ended as runner-up in the last edition of the tournament, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab, who managed to reach the semi-finals, will be keen on bettering their last performances. Central Punjab and Sindh will be under special focus as their last National T20 Cup, played at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, was cut short for their failure to qualify for the semi-finals. In the Multan-leg Central Punjab will be led by Saad Nasim, Central Punjab’s regular captain Babar Azam will join the side for the Rawalpindi-leg. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, bowling coach Waqar Younis, Head of High Performance Coaching, Grant Bradburn, and Head of International Player Development, Saqlain Mushtaq, will watch the matches as part of their responsibility to scout the young talent, help the coaching staff and bridge communication gap between the domestic cricket and High Performance Centre. Balochistan captain Haris Sohail: “We are really excited and want to give a better performance than last year when we lost the final. Our aim is to win the trophy and we have worked hard in the build-up. Last year, we played great cricket and it was only a passage of five to six overs in the final where we could not play good cricket and that is where I feel we lost the final. “We have a strong top and middle-order while in Yasir Shah and Kashif Bhatti we have quality spinners, we have a strong pace attack with the addition of Umaid Asif.” Saad Nasim captain Central Punjab: “It is a big opportunity for me to lead Central Punjab in the first leg of the tournament; we have some exciting U19 talent that has given new energy to our squad. We are determined to put the disappointing performances of last year behind us and target a semi-final spot, of course with an eye on the tournament trophy by playing the final. We have good combination of youth and experience. Kamran Akmal and Abid Ali will lead the batting charge with their experience and quality. “Bilal Asif and Naseem Shah are quality bowlers in our ranks and we have upcoming players like Rizwan Hussain, Abdullah Shafiq, Qasim Akram and Sohaibullah. We also have quality all-rounders in Zafar Gohar and Usman Qadir. We have a balanced side full of talent and youngsters who have a bright future. Our aim is to play positive cricket and make it all the way in the tournament.” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Mohammad Rizwan: “Our team has all bases covered as we have strong batting and bowling departments. We are known for playing an aggressive brand of cricket and many people are rating us as favourites. “We play Northern, the defending champions, in the opening match of the tournament and it is going to be good competition as both teams are highly competitive.” Northern vice-captain Shadab Khan: “Leading Northern in the Multan-leg is a big opportunity for me, which I am aiming to grab with both hands. We are the title defenders and our team and the combination is pretty much the same as the last year. The boys are preparing hard and are looking in good shape despite returning to cricket after some time, which makes me confident that we will be able to defend our title. “Two youngsters I am looking forward to making a mark in this tournament are Zeeshan Malik, who played with me at the U19 level, and Haider Ali, who could not play last year but is all set to play a vital role in our team this season.” Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed: “I think in our team, Sharjeel Khan will play a key role. He is a dashing batsman and stroke player and when he plays well he makes a match one-sided. In T20 format, you need to perform in both batting and bowling departments, we have balance and experience in both departments. “We would aim to gain and then sustain momentum with an eye on the semi-finals; T20 is a kind of format where momentum is the key and if we get that early we can go a long way in the tournament.” Southern Punjab captain Shan Masood: “We are well-aware that this tournament is going to be highly competitive as all the top T20 players in the country are participating in it. With this tournament being played on double-league basis, what matters the most is how the teams finish and carry the momentum from here to the Rawalpindi-leg. “I am very happy with the core of our team, which might not include big names but comprise youngsters who will be empowered and will be designated responsibilities in all departments. Our coach Abdur Rehman has put in a lot of thought in selecting this team, which provides us ample options depending on what side we play in which stadium. I am very confident that if we stick to our plans, we will play the final in Rawalpindi.” National T20 Cup Second XI tournament: The National T20 Cup for the Second XIs will be played at the Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s home of cricket, from 1-8 October. The tournament will be played on single-league basis to increase competition amongst the six Cricket Association Second XI teams as they will aim to put their foot on gas from the outset. This tournament will further help the First XI teams gauge their up and coming cricketers from their Cricket Associations and, as such, will serve as a pathway for the players to graduate to the top domestic level.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD:-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been recognised for two groundbreaking digital initiatives at the prestigious Leaders in Sports Awards 2019. The ICC’s coverage of the record-breaking ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the bold collaboration with Wimbledon for the One Day in July video both took home awards. With its coverage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC set out to attract new fans in Australia and around the world, bring people closer than ever before and create a digital and broadcast experience like no other to elevate our sport’s female superstars to a stage of their own. With its coverage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC set out to attract new fans in Australia and around the world, bring people closer than ever before and create a digital and broadcast experience like no other to elevate our sport’s female superstars to a stage of their own. New stars were made for millions of young girls and boys around the world. Then, on the 8th March – International Women’s Day 2020 – 86,174 fans packed into the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground to witness history being made in what was not just a life changing moment in women’s cricket, but in women’s sport. The results speak for themselves. The event was the most successful women’s cricket tournament ever. The results of the coverage included: 1.1b billion video views on ICC platforms, which was a 20x increase on the last Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 90 million global television viewers and over 5.4 billion minutes in India alone A 131% increase in global unique broadcast audience from the 2018 event and a 103% increase in overall global viewing numbers 12 billion sponsor impressions making it the most successful women’s ICC tournament ever The One Day in July in collaboration with Wimbledon was a unique collaborative approach between two major global sporting bodies, capturing the drama, emotion, and action from one of sport's most memorable days. The video reached 5.9M people across the ICC’s digital platforms and was watched more than 4.3M times. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious Leaders in Sports Award for two initiatives that showcase how cricket connects with the world. This is simply testimony to the fact that cricket truly has the power to engage more deeply with diverse audiences across the globe. It is proof that our commitment to the game and our journey of digital transformation has begun well and is on the right track.”  At a time when COVID-19 has severely impacted live sports, the ICC’s channels have gone from strength to strength, in being able to engage with cricket fans across the world in the first half of 2020. Some of the highlights include: A staggering 1.65 billion video views in the first half of 2020, ensuring the ICC channel topped the rankings in terms of video consumption among leading sporting bodies on Facebook Across the April-June lockdown period, overall interactions on the ICC Facebook page were more than two and a half times higher than other leading leagues and sports bodies across the world Daily video consumption on Facebook jumped from 3 million minutes viewed to 15 million minutes per day (outside of the ICC live events)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 29, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the New Zeal tour regarding ICC Test Championship, as Mount Maunganui and Christchurch will be the venues of two Tests fixtures at the end of year 2020. According to media department of PCB, Mount Maunganui will hold the Boxing Day Test from 26-30 December, before the two teams head down to Christchurch for the second Test to be played from 3-7 January. The Test Championship matches will be played at the back of three T20Is, which will be staged in Auckland (18 December), Hamilton (20 December) and Napier (22 December). In the ICC World Test Championship, fourth-placed New Zealand leads fifth-placed Pakistan by 14 points but New Zealand have played one series less. A maximum of 120 points will be up for grabs (60 points for a win) in the series as both sides aim to narrow the gap with front-runners India (360 points), Australia (296 points) and England (292 points). In the ICC T20I Team Rankings, fourth-ranked Pakistan (261 points) leads sixth-ranked New Zealand by 19 points. Australia leads the pack with 275 points, followed by England (271) and India (266). PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan: “New Zealand boast some outstanding cricket facilities with supportive and knowledgeable crowds. Pakistan have always enjoyed touring New Zealand and have performed well there, and we look forward to similar performances from our side on this tour. “New Zealand series will be our penultimate series in the ICC World Test Championship with the last series against South Africa at home following this tour. We remain optimistic and committed to finishing on a high in the championship as it is our endeavour to become one of the top-performing Test playing nations.” Cricket New Zealand Chief Executive, David White: “It’s always a pleasure to host the Pakistan cricket team in New Zealand and I know there will be a lot of interest in the Test and T20 series. “Pakistan touring sides have been coming here since 1965 and many New Zealanders have grown up watching the likes of Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and of course, the great Imran Khan in action. “I’m sure the squads coming out here this summer will be similarly steeped in talent and class and will continue the great legacy that is Pakistan cricket.” New Zealand have hosted Pakistan in 13 Test series since 1965, with Pakistan enjoying a 7-2 advantage. Pakistan’s last series win was in 2011, but New Zealand came out on top by a comfortable 2-0 margin when the two sides met in 2016. In the 31 Tests between the two sides in New Zealand, Pakistan enjoy a 10-7 advantage. The Pakistan cricket team will depart on 23 November from Lahore and, as per New Zealand government regulations, undergo a 14-day quarantine period in Lincoln. During this period, they will be restricted to the bio-secure bubble and will not be allowed to take part in any cricket-related activity. The bio-secure bubble will expire following the 14-day quarantine period. Before their departure for Auckland and as part of standard Covid-19 protocols, the players and player support personnel will undergo mandatory testing in Lahore. Along with senior side, the PCB will also send Pakistan Shaheens’ squad to New Zealand as part of the players’ development and exposure. The series schedule and total players and player support personnel comprising the two squads will be finalised and announced in due course. Pakistan v New Zealand (in bracket are start times in Pakistan Standard Times): 18 Dec – 1st T20I, Eden Park, Auckland (1200 PST) 20 Dec – 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Hamilton (1200 PST) 22 Dec – 3rd T20I, McLean Park, Napier (1200 PST) 26-30 Dec – 1st Test, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui (0400 PST) 3-7 Jan – 2nd Test, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0400 PST)