By  BIPIN   DANI England's 33 first-class umpires have set themselves the target of walking to Lahore and back - virtually, at least - before the ongoing tour of Pakistan finishes. "The total distance of 9,436 miles between Gaddafi Stadium (Lahore) to Old Trafford, Manchester is almost the distance that the umpires would, as a group, cover on field whilst umpiring during a domestic cricket season. The idea for the walk came during the Covid 19 lockdown, to not lose the miles that they would normally cover", Hassan Adnan, one of the participant First Class England umpires,  whose parents are in Lahore, said exclusively over telephone. After playing First class cricket for 16 years, Adnan moved to England.  "Monies raised will go to 3 worthy charities: PCA Benevolent Fund Prostate Cancer and British Asian Trust". Later, Paul Baldwin, another umpire provided more details about the initiative. “The 33 of us were challenged to be ready for any potential season start and after being shown the data for our total mileage covered in 2015, of 10,000 miles on field we decided we should try and find somewhere appropriate to do a return journey from.” “The group wanted to support the Professional Cricketer’s Trust because most of us are former professional players. The Trust has helped out a number of us over the years, not just financially, but mentally too, and it seemed only right that we gave back to a body that has been so supportive of us”, Baldwin signed off. ICC's Elite Panel umpire Aleem Dar encouraged the umpire by sending a special video message.

SB REPORT LAHORE (August 10, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board today confirmed it will file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), in Lausanne, Switzerland, against the reduction of Umar Akmal’s ban for breaching the PCB Anti-Corruption Code. The decision was made following a review of the detailed order of the independent adjudicator, whereby the length of Umar Akmal’s ban has been reduced from 36 months to 18 months (running concurrently) on grounds of taking a compassionate view. Under Article 7.5.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, an appeal against the decision of the independent adjudicator lies exclusively before the CAS. “The PCB takes matters relating to anti-corruption very seriously and firmly maintains a zero-tolerance approach. The PCB believes a senior cricketer like Umar Akmal was aware of the consequences when, after having attended a number of anti-corruption lectures at domestic and international level, having witnessed the consequences of indulging in corrupt conduct, still failed to report the approaches to the relevant authorities. “The PCB doesn’t take any pride in seeing a cricketer of Umar’s stature being banned for corruption, but as a credible and respectable institution, we need to send out a loud and clear message to all our stakeholders that there will be no sympathy whatsoever for anyone who breaches the regulations. “The PCB, in its commitment and drive against corruption in sports, has already submitted a draft proposal with the relevant government authorities around legislation on criminalising corruption in sports and has also reviewed the existing legislation enacted within Pakistan whilst noting that the same fail to adequately target and address corruption/illegal manipulation in sports. “In the draft paper, the PCB has proposed severe sanctions pertaining to corruption, illegal manipulation, betting, match and spot-fixing as well as aiding and abetting such conduct; and proposes the penalties to be imposed on individuals found guilty of engaging in such offences.” Previous media releases on the anti-corruption matter relating to Umar Akmal are available here.

SB REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 10, 2020):-The schedule of Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s training sessions and media conferences has been released of the second Test, which will start at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Thursday, 13 August. Tuesday, 11 August The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will train at the Ageas Bowl from 1400 PST (1000 BST). There will be no media conferences but the PCB will provide videos and photos, which can be used only for editorial purposes. Wednesday, 12 August At 1700 PST (1300 BST), a member of the Pakistan squad will hold a virtual media conference for the England and Pakistan media. The squad will train at the Ages Bowl from 1800 PST (1400 BST). The PCB will provide videos and photos, which can be used only for editorial purposes. Thursday, 13 August The toss for the second Test is scheduled to take place at 1430 PST (1030 BST), with the first ball to be bowled at 1500 PST (1100 BST). After the day’s play, there will be post-day’s play media conferences. Friday, 14 August until the end of the Test Play is scheduled to start at 1500 PST (1100 BST). After the end of the day’s play or match, there will be media conferences.

SB REPORT ISLAMABAD (August 9, 2020):-The England all-rounder Ben Stokes will miss the remaining two Tests of the ongoing series against Pakistan owing to some family reasons. According to available information from UK, Stokes will leave the UK later this week and travel to New Zealand. He will miss England's two Test matches against Pakistan at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday 13 August and Friday 21 August.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 9, 2020):-Pakistan opener Shan Masood’s solid first-innings century and crucial second innings knocks by the England pair of Chris Woakes and Jos Buttler reflect in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings, which were updated on Sunday after the first Test in Manchester. Left-hander Shan’s knock of 156, which helped Pakistan take a 107-run first innings lead, has lifted him 14 places to a career-best 19th position, making him the second highest ranked Test batsman from his side after sixth-placed Babar Azam. Masood’s previous best was 32nd position in February this year. Player of the Match Woakes has progressed 18 places to 78th position after figuring in a 139-run sixth-wicket stand with Buttler that guided England to a three-wicket win. Woakes, who scored 19 and 84 in the match, has also jumped to seventh position in the list of all-rounders. Buttler’s innings of 38 and 75 have lifted him from 44th to 30th while Ollie Pope has attained a career-best 36th position after scoring 62 and seven. In the bowlers’ list, Pakistan leg-spinners Yasir Shah and Shadab Khan have made notable gains. Shah, a formerly top-ranked bowler, has moved up two places to 22nd after finishing with eight wickets in the match. Shadab has re-entered the rankings at a career-best 69th position. For England, Stuart Broad remains in third position after taking six wickets in the match, but has closed the gap with New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner to seven points. Jofra Archer’s four wickets have helped him advance two places to 37th in the list. In the ICC World Test Championship points table, England have moved to 266 points, within 30 points of second-placed Australia. Indian are leading on the table with 360 points, New Zealand are fourth with 180 points and Pakistan fifth at 140. Each series of the WTC is worth 120 points, distributed evenly over the number of matches in a series. The points range from 60 for each match of a two-Test series to 24 for each match of a five-Test series.

By  BIPIN   DANI    Several fans on social media were left infuriated seeing ex-Pakistani skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed carrying drinks for his team mates on the second day of the first Test match against England, which England won by three wickets.  Sarfaraz Ahmed wasn't a part of the playing XI (his place was taken by Mohammad Rizwan) and seeing their ex-captain becoming a 'water-boy' for Pakistan players and also carrying team mate's shoes, many fans expressed their unhappiness on social media.  Sarfaraz Ahmed's wife, Syeda Khusbaht, however, is not losing sleep over it.  Speaking exclusively over telephone, she said, "my husband's spirit and passion for the game is incredible and beyond belief. He's a team man. People love him. He would be the first man to raise his hand up to go out and help his team mates".  It may be noted here that Virat Kohli, who was rested (Rahane led the side), was seen running drinks to the field on day-1 against Australia (Dharamsala, 4th Test, 2017).  Former India captain MS Dhoni, was rested for the 2nd T20I on 2018 India tour of Ireland; and was spotted carrying kit-bag and drinks for team-mates on the field. Also, Don Bradman, though was not a captain, was dropped after scoring only 18 and 1 on his Test debut, he did 12th man duties in the next match (in the home series against England in 1928).  

By  BIPIN   DANI       Legendary West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has denounced claims that he has tested positive for coronavirus.  "It is only a rumour", Lara's brother, Richard, a golf player, speaking exclusively over telephone from Trinidad said.  Brian Lara, himself a good golf player is believed to have been playing golf in Barbados and may have come in contact with another Barbadian Ottis Gibson. The former Windies cricketer and overseas coach Gibson has tested positive and Lara also voluntarily underwent corona tests.   "Lara's tests are negative and he has telephoned and confirmed this to the family", the brother added.  The 51-year old Lara took to social media also and reaffirmed his global fan-base of the inaccuracy of this rumour.  Lara posted an image stating, "I have been tested for COVID-19 and the results confirm that I am negative for the virus".   "Lara has been stuck in Barbados since when he returned from London and because of the borders being closed between Barbados and Trinidad he is unable to return here".  It may be recalled here that Lara attended Sir Everton Weekes's funeral in Barbados last month (his visit was not specifically meant for the funeral) and was one of the pallbearers.  

SPORTS REPORT Manchester (August 5, 2020):-Pakistan and England men’s cricket teams observed a one-minute silence before the start of the first Test at Old Trafford as mark of respect for all those affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since the outbreak of the pandemic, nearly 6,000 people out of 280,000 infected have lost their lives in Pakistan, while in the United Kingdom; around 46,000 deaths out of 305,000 cases have been recorded. Worldwide, nearly 689,000 people out of 18 million have succumbed to the virus. After all cricket activities were suspended in March, the Pakistan Cricket Board joined hands with the England and Wales Cricket Board for the resumption of international cricket to provide a lead to the global sport, ensuring the game continues to thrive, grow and develop. Pakistan men’s national cricket team is in the United Kingdom since 28 June and have been looked after well by the ECB that has not only ensured their health, safety and comfort, but also provided them world-class training and practice facilities to prepare for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “For Pakistan cricket, this is a very emotional time. While we resume international cricket as part of our obligation and commitment to the global sport, our heart goes out for all those who have been affected by the pandemic. “While we offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of all the victims, we assure that Pakistan cricket will always remain indebted for their support. “The one-minute silence is also our appreciation, gratitude and tribute to the front-line healthcare workers who have been working tirelessly and selflessly, and have even laid down their own lives in efforts to save others. “In this pandemic, the paramedics are undoubtedly our real heroes without whose dedication and strong work ethics, the losses would have been far bigger and greater. “Pakistan and England observing a minute’s silence is also a sign of mutual respect. The two boards and teams enjoy a strong bond. This relationship has never been so formidable and we look forward to fostering it in future as we aspire to benefit from each other’s experience, knowledge and support.”  

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 4, 2020):-Cricketing icons have thrown their weight behind Pakistan men’s national cricket team ahead of their three ICC World Test Championship fixtures against England, which begin from Wednesday. Pakistan are unbeaten against England in the last four Test series (2010 onwards). They beat England in home series in 2012 (3-0) and 2015 (2-0) before levelling the 2016 (2-2) and 2018 (1-1) away series. Some of the greatest cricketers to don the golden star feel Azhar Ali’s men will provide a stiff challenge to the hosts and have an equal chance of winning a Test series there for the first time since 1996. Aamir Sohail, who scored a double-century in the 1992 Manchester Test and was part of the squads that won 1992 and 1996 Test series in England, said: “I want to wish the Pakistan team best of luck for their series against England. We are hoping and praying that the Pakistan team will do well in England. “Come on, Pakistan! Give it your best.” Abdul Razzaq, member of the Pakistan team that drew a two-match Test series in England in 2001, said: “I wish good luck to our team for the England tour. There is a lot of experience in the coaching staff and it will help the players a great deal. Pakistan batting department boasts Azhar Ali, Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam. They will have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders and will be encountered by tough conditions. “The bowling department consists Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf and Sohail Khan, and they form a great combination. The spin department contains Yasir Shah and Shadab Khan. “I am hopeful this will be a very successful tour. The team is based on strong combinations and we will get to see a very good series and it will help Pakistan improve their rankings.” Mohammad Yousuf, who recorded most Test runs in a calendar year in 2006 including three centuries in four matches in England, said: “The whole country is behind our cricket team. There are great expectations from Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali. I pray that both our senior and junior players give good performances on this tour. “Good luck!” Moin Khan, who scored a century in the 1996 Leeds Test and was member of the teams that beat England in 1992 and 1996 away series, said: “We are here to back the team to the fullest in the Test series which begins from Wednesday. Our hope from the team is that they will stay positive and will play positive, aggressive cricket, which is the actual Pakistani flair. “I want to wish you all the best. Be determined and fight it out. Nothing is impossible in life. All the best.” Ramiz Raja, who scored three half-centuries in the 1992 Test series and was also member of the team that beat England in the 1987 series, said: “I wish good luck to Pakistan. The series against England brings a big opportunity and a chance to be a hero. “England might have got a head start with the three Tests against the West Indies, but they will be under pressure against Pakistan as they are a quality side. Be united when you play. Unlike ODIs and T20Is, one bad session will not cost you a match; rather you will get opportunities to overcome your mistakes. Slip catching is going to be very important, as it will put England under pressure. “There should be clarity in your purpose, which is to beat England in England.” Rashid Latif, who scored a half-century on debut in the Oval Test of the 1992 series and was part of the sides that beat England in the 1992 and 1996 series, said: “Pakistan have a world-class player in Babar Azam. Young pacers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah are joined by Mohammad Abbas and they will give tough time to the opposition. Abid Ali has scored two centuries and is joined by Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq and Shan Masood. And, Mohammad Rizwan is also playing well. “I am hopeful Pakistan will perform well in England.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (August 3, 2020):-Pakistan players will be aiming to progress in the ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings as they revive their campaign in the ICC World Test Championship with a three-match series against England starting in Manchester on Wednesday. Captain Azhar Ali and his deputy Babar Azam will be among the players in focus for Pakistan, up against a side that last week completed its first come from behind three-Test series win on home soil since 1888, with players like Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad performing splendidly against the West Indies to make massive gains in the player rankings. Azhar, presently 27th among batsmen, will be hoping to regain the form that lifted him to sixth in December 2016, while Babar will be hoping to progress from a career-best aggregate of 800 rating points. Babar is currently sixth after having occupied a career-high fifth place in February. Asad Shafiq (18th) and Shan Masood (33rd) are other Pakistan batsmen to have enjoyed higher rankings in the past but will have to contend with a sharp bowling attack in order to move up again. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas (13th) and experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah (24th), who have in the past, been ranked third and first, respectively, and left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Afridi (32nd) are other Pakistan players to watch. For England, Stokes displaced West Indies captain Jason Holder from the top of the all-rounders’ list during their last series and formerly top-ranked Broad rose to third position in the bowlers’ list, currently led by Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins. Stokes is also England’s top-ranked batsman in fourth position, with captain Joe Root (ninth) and opener Rory Burns (17th) their next batsmen on the list. Dom Sibley (35th), Jos Buttler (44th) and Ollie Pope (46th) get a chance to build on recent progress in home conditions, as do fast bowlers Mark Wood, Sam Curran and Jofra Archer, ranked close to each other from 36th to 39th positions. In the WTC points table, England moved up to third position after the series against the West Indies and could potentially leapfrog Australia to second place, while Pakistan have the chance of overtaking New Zealand to fourth position. Apart from the 2-1 win over the West Indies, England drew a five-match series against Australia 2-2 and won a four-match series against South Africa 3-1. Pakistan lost both matches of a two-Test series to Australia, beat Sri Lanka 1-0 in a two-match series and won their first match against Bangladesh at home, with another Test due on a subsequent leg postponed due to Covid-19. Each series of the WTC is worth 120 points, distributed evenly over the number of matches in a series. The points range from 60 for each match of a two-Test series to 24 for each match of a five-Test series.