By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 29, 2020):-Former Test captain and wicket-keeper batsman Rashid Latif termed a wicketkeeper an important member of any team, as trio Sarfraz Ahmed, Rizwan Khan and Rohail Nazir were mentally strong on Wednesday while delivering an online lecture to three national wicketkeepers. Rashid, who played 37 Test and 166 One Day Internationals (ODI), during his lecture termed wicketkeeper as the most important member of a cricket team. “A good run out or a catch by the wicketkeeper can turn a match on its head and in favour of the team, “he said. He, who took 119 catches in Test and 117 in ODI, emphasised on the importance of physical and mental fitness and termed them the keys to sustained performances for wicketkeepers. Rashid Latif advised the three keepers to watch videos of former England wicketkeepers Alan Knott and Jack Russell. “Balance behid the stumps is very important for a wicketkeeper, strength in feet and legs help maintain balance, “He maintained. Great Rashid Latif, who stumped 11 in Test matches and 38 in ODI, also gave batting tips to the three players, besides the trio, Pakistan senior team management members head coach Misbah-ul Haq, bowling coach Waqar Younis and Shahid Aslam were also present during the session.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (April 29, 2020):-Deepak Agarwal, one of the team owners of the Sindhi's franchise in the 2018 T10 league, accepted one charge of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has banned Deepak Agarwal from all cricket for two years, with six months of that suspended, after he accepted one charge of breaching the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Agarwal was charged as a participant under the Code due to the fact he was one of the team owners of the Sindhi’s franchise in the 2018 T10 Cricket League. The charge is as follows: 1. Article 2.4.7 – obstructing or delaying an investigation, including concealing, tampering with or destroying any documentation or other information that may be relevant to that investigation and / or that may be evidence of or may lead to the discovery of evidence of corrupt conduct under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code. Under the provisions of the Code, Agarwal chose to admit the charges and agreed the sanction with the ICC in lieu of an Anti-Corruption Tribunal hearing. Subject to him satisfying conditions in respect of the suspended part of the sanction, he will be free to resume his involvement in the game on 27 October 2021. Alex Marshall, ICC General Manager – Integrity said: “There were a number of examples of Mr Agarwal obstructing and delaying our investigations and it was not just a one off occurrence. However, he made a prompt admission of his breach of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code and continues to provide substantial assistance to the ACU in relation to several investigations involving other participants. This cooperation is reflected in his sanction.”

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 29, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) brings an exciting opportunity for the fans to come up with their favourite combinations in the Dream Pairs campaign, which commences on 29 April (Wednesday) at 2pm. The fans are invited to jot down their favourite batting (opening and middle-order) and bowling (pace and spin) pairs from different generation of cricketers who donned Pakistan’s golden star in Test cricket on the PCB’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter platforms. Towards the end of the campaign, the fans will also be asked to vote for a wicketkeeper who they would want to watch. Pakistan has produced some of the greatest cricket stars and legends who have gone on to make a mark on the most prestigious format of the game. The players have been shortlisted on the basis of number of runs - that they have scored on certain positions – and the number of their wickets. The criteria is below: ·         Opening batsmen (position one and two) with minimum 1,000 Test runs as openers ·         Middle-order batsmen (position three to seven) with minimum 2,500 Test runs in the middle-order positions ·         Fast bowlers with minimum 75 Test wickets ·         Spinners with minimum 75 Test wickets ·         Wicketkeepers with at least 50 Test dismissals Looking ahead to the campaign, Mohammad Yousuf, who scored 24 Test centuries in his career, said: “This is a brilliant initiative by the PCB which not only makes our young and energetic fans aware about the legends of the game but also gives them something to engage within these testing times when we all are required to stay home. Babar Azam, who has scored a century in his each of his three Test matches in Pakistan, said: “Pakistan has produced some of the best Test batsmen who have been equally good against pace and spin in home and away conditions. Amongst such an outstanding bunch of batsmen, it would be a tough call for the fans to choose their best pairs. “My favourite pair comprises Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan. This generation of cricketers have learned a lot from Yousuf bhai’s skill and class and Younis bhai’s ‘never give up’ mind-set and we will continue to learn from them. “Now, I want to know which are our fans’ favourite pairs and why.” Saeed Ajmal, who brought Test victories for Pakistan with his crafty spin, said: “It is often said that bowlers hunt in pairs and that is something we have seen on the field. I have had the opportunity to bowl with some of the most extraordinary spinners that my country has produced and we were able to record a number of wins for Pakistan together. “But, if you ask me, I would have loved to have bowled with the legendary Abdul Qadir. He was a great leg-spinner and possessed a remarkable googly. And, I had a doosra in my arsenal. So, ours would have been a great pair.”

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 28, 2020):-Wushu medal winners of 13th South Asian Games 2019 Tuesday received cash award in a ceremony held at Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), Dr Fehmida Mirza distributed the cheques among the national Wushu players. According to a spokesman for PSB, Wushu team had won 3 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals in the recently concluded South Asian Games 2019, which were held in two different cities of Nepal. In line with approved cash award policy, gold medalists were given Rs.1.000 million each, silver medalists got Rs.500, 000 while bronze medalists received cheques of Rs.250, 000 each. Maaz Khan, Sajid Hussain and Mohammad Amjad Iqbal won gold medals, Farhan Ali, Shahzab, Maira Karamat and Sundas won silver medals while Fatima Bibi, Abdul Khaliq, Saddam Hussan and Mohammad Dawood claimed bronze medals. Total Rs.6.000 million was distributed to the players. Secretary IPC Mohmmad Ali Shahzada, Additional Secretary IPC Amna Imran and Azam Dar Deputy DG PSB were present on the occasion. Dr. Fehmida Mirza Minister for IPC, who is also President PSB, congratulated the medal winners and urged the players to continue their struggle focusing the next edition of SA Games, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Dates of these games are yet to be decided. She once again stated that provinces should come forward to allocate more resources as after 18th amendment of constitution; provinces are primarily responsible to deal with the subject of sports. They should also support these shining stars along-with federal government. She also directed PSB to prepare a database of the players especially of winners of SA Games enabling to connect the elite players with the Prime Minister through a sports portal. This will also facilitate the players to upload their videos on the portal to interact with dignitaries and this will also help to know the problems of the players. Minister also advised the sportspersons to remain active on the social media to learn soft skills. In view of prevailing situation of Covid-19, the Minister advised the players to take advantage of PSB’s ‘Tele-Health Service’ and also keep themselves fit for future endeavors. The players of Wushu team thanked the federal government and especially Dr. Fehmida Mirza Federal Minister for IPC/President PSB for the prize money at this critical time. One of the participating players from Quetta stated that besides the federal government provinces should also play their due role to support the players so that youth, a major portion of the country, may utilize their energies in healthy sports activities and it can also make enabling environment for the youngsters to choose sports as their profession. 

By BIPIN DANI First lot of Pakistani cricketers, who are stranded in Sri Lanka due to current lock-down worldwide will be leaving for Karachi and Lahore on Tuesday (April 28), it is learnt there. "There had been seventeen Pakistani cricketers, who came to play for several clubs in Sri Lanka and seven of them had already left in the month of Match because of their commitments with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)", the 36-year-old all rounder Kashif Naved said over telephone from Sri Lanka.   Kashif Naved (Panadura Cricket Club) is one of the five lucky, who would be leaving for Pakistan on Tuesday. The other four, who will be leaving for Pakistan on Tuesday are : Mohtasheem Ali (Kalutra Town Cricket Club), Ahsan Baig (Tamil Union), Ali Maher (Galle Cricket Club) and Qaisar Ashraf (Nugegoda Cricket Club). "The arrangement has been done for the five cricketers to travel in a Cargo. We already had Sri Lanka Airlines travel tickets and therefore given the first preference", he added. "Our High Commissioner and Dy. High Commissioner (Tanveer) made special arrangement for us", he added. The remaining five, who will be sent later are : Azhar Attari (Panadura Cricket Club), Ali Manzoor (the son of former Pak player-Manzoor Elahi: Kalutra Town Cricket Club), Faizan Khan (Tamil Union), Abid Hasan (Galle Cricket Club) and Basit Ali (Nugegoda Cricket Club). The respective clubs have made splendid arrangements for stranded players during their extended stay in Sri Lanka.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 27, 2020):-Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, in a short order on Monday, handed Umar Akmal a three-year ban from all cricket. In a detailed hearing held at the National Cricket Academy, Umar Akmal decided to represent himself and was heard at length, while the PCB was represented by Taffazul Rizvi. Umar Akmal was charged with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents on 17 March. On 9 April, the PCB referred the matter to Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee after determining that the batsman had not requested for a hearing before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal. PCB Director – Anti-Corruption and Security, Lt Col Asif Mahmood, said: “The PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible for three years on corruption charges, but this is once again a timely reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code. “The anti-corruption unit regularly holds education seminars and refresher courses at all levels to remind all professional cricketers of their obligations and responsibilities. And even then if some cricketers decide to take the Code in their hands, then this is how things will pan out. “I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached. This is in their as well as their teams’ and country’s best interest.”

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 27, 2020):-Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) distributed the cash awards, in three different sessions, to the medal winners of 13th South Asian Games, which were held on 1-10 December, 2019 in Nepal. According to Director Media PSB, Mohammad Azam Dar, during the second phase, prizes were distributed among the medal winners of Taekwondo team that had grabbed 3 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze medals. According to cash award policy, gold medalists were given Rs.1.000 million each, silver medalists got Rs.500, 000 while bronze medalists received pocketed Rs.250, 000 each. Muqadas Ashraf, a squash players and winner of silver medal also received Rs.500, 000. On the direction of Federal Minister for IPC Dr. Fehmida Mirza, who is also president PSB, the remaining cheques of rest of the squash players namely Madina Zafar, Faiza Zafar and Amna Fayyaz were handed over to Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). Col. (R) Waseem Ahmed President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation and Wing Commander Tahir Sultan Secretary General Pakistan Squash Federation were also present on this eve.     Dr. Fehmida Mirza congratulated to national players and official of respective federation and said that performance of Taekwondo players remained outstanding in SA Games 2019, wherein, players won total 17 medals as compare to its 2016 chapter with 7 medals in total. She urged that despite limited resources federal government was taking all possible measures to promote sports in the country. While speaking on the occasion, the national athletes thanked to federal government and especially Dr. Fehmida Mirza Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), who is also president PSB, for inviting to receive the prize money at this critical time of need when all the sports events have been suspended due to Covid-19 and playgrounds are presenting a deserted picture. They also showed their gratitude for making all travelling and logistic arrangements for SA Games, taking care of the players during execution phase of the games and above all rewarding the players financially by the federal government. The President, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Col (Retd) Wasim Ahmed highlighted the performance of each player and thanked the Federal Minister Dr. Fehmida Mirza for timely rewarding the players, arranging camps by PSB for SA Games and requested for future support to produce better results. He added that next edition of SA Games would be hosted by Pakistan. “National players will have to concentrate on their skill full training using latest equipments and technologies, participation and take home ground advantage aiming to win more medals to improve the overall medal tally, “he siad. In addition to the federal government support, the President PTF also requested the provinces to help the provincial sports associations to dig out talent from grass root level and train the sportspersons on modern and scientific lines. He also informed that PTF is holding a video link championship owing to Covid-19 and it will start from mid May, 2020 under the guidance of Korean Coach. While responding to the President PTF, the President PSB assured that PSB will make every effort to support the concerned National Sports Federations so that their athletes may get training under this critical situation.        

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 26, 2020):-The six-day SA Athletics Technical Officials Course and Seminar under the auspices of South Asian Athletics Federation (SAF) started yesterday through video link, which was hosted by the Indian Athletics Federation. On the inaugural day of the seminar, President, Athletics Federation of Pakistan (AFP), who is also the Chairman of South Asian Athletics Federation (SAAF), Major General (Retd) Mohammad Akram Sahi while addressing the participants through video link said that Corona virus spread all over the world and with its harmful effects. He said that Corona virus has gripped the entire world to avoid with its harmful effects, stressed the need and importance of the use of technology, saying that the corona virus also hit playgrounds in all countries. He hoped that the world would soon overcome the virus and rehabilitate its playgrounds. He said that this seminar would promote the sports of athletics in the region. General Akram Sahi also welcomed the participants from all SA countries and thanked them. President, South Asian Athletics Federation,  Dr. Lalit K Bhanot said and hoped that our collective efforts during this difficult  time of Corona virus pandemic would help the promotion of Athletics in our region and our technical officials would gain valuable knowledge from the seminar. Besides, Sports Minister, President Indian Athletics Federation, President World Athletics Federation and President Asian Athletics Association also addressed the participants and stressed the importance and significance of the seminar. Chairman Technical Committee Asian Athletics Federation, Kwan Kee gave  rules of road races and cross country and their interpretation and  Dr. Krisztina Hovarth from Hungary,  also gave a lecture on medicine and public health. During the six-day seminar, Chris Cohen from UK, Yukio Seki from Japan, Luca Verrascina from Italy, Pierce O’Callaghan from Ireland besides various international experts and experienced athletes from other countries will give lectures to participants on a various issues, including the rules of the game. More than 800 technical officials from eight countries are participating in the technical course and seminar including Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Nepal. Ten Pakistani technical officials including eight men and two women are attending the course and seminar namely, Wing Cdr  Pervaiz Saeed Mir TI(M), Lt Col Ghulam Shabbir Anjum, Chaudhry Tariq Mehmood Sidhu, Husnain Syed, Tanweer Hussain, Mudassar Hameed , Abdul Majeed, Qalandar Abbas, while women Nabeela Kamran and Humaira Mehmood Khan. The Course and seminar will continue till April 30.

By BIPIN DANI  Umpires at the bowler’s end have traditionally held whatever the bowler has requested, including hats, caps, jumpers and sunglasses. Once cricket is permitted again after the current pandemic, alternate arrangements will be necessary, according to the former ICC Elite Panel umpire Daryl Harper. Speaking exclusveily over telephone from Australia, he said, "Umpires may provide hanging space for jumpers and hats on their backs using a small bag supported around the waist. Perhaps the wicket-keeper will place any items on the ground behind his regular position where the spare fielder’s helmet is currently located. A playing condition could be applied to allow for the same penalty to be awarded when a live ball strikes the new object". "Umpires around the world will be cautious about handling any ‘foreign’ objects. It is only natural. Many umpires belong to the older age demographic so great care and consideration will be necessary to safeguard especially the older generation".  "Rather than an umpire refusing to hold a jumper or hat, I prefer to imagine that alternate arrangements will be planned before the restart. The best relationship between players and officials is achieved by mutual respect", he added.  "There is also the space outside the field of play where a bowler fielding near the boundary can leave his equipment, without any delay".  Harbhajan Singh's hat The former umpire also narrated an incident involving India's Harbhajan Singh. "I only made one exception in my career and that involved everyone’s favourite Indian spin bowler, Harbhajan Singh. In Colombo in July 2010, for Sri Lanka’s first post-Murali Test, I objected to holding Harbhajan’s washing hat when he bowled at my end. It was grubby, sweaty and slimy to the touch. I used a flannel in my left hand to avoid making contact with the smelly headwear, gripping the hat with the flannel to protect myself against any infection. I considered it a health hazard, long before any virus was raging around the globe". "Harbhajan appeared offended by my actions and even requested my assistance to find him replacement hats in Australia where we knew they were manufactured. To explain just how cooperative umpires can be, I organised the delivery of five replacement hats, delivered by my friend and colleague Steve Davis direct to Harbhajan then on tour in South Africa, late in 2010". "The disappointing conclusion came in the Caribbean when I next encountered the big man in Jamaica in July 2011. At no stage did he either thank me for supplying his new clean hats, nor did he offer to reimburse me as we had pre-arranged". "No surprise then that I retired immediately after that Test", Harper concluded. (A MESSAGE FROM DARLY HARPER) : The tale about Harbhajan is entirely accurate and the photo was taken with my camera : Daryl Harper.)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 26, 2020):-Cricket greats, including Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram, will hold online sessions with current and emerging red and white-ball cricketers to help them remain focused and make optimum use of their time in the wake of Covid-19 lockdown. The sessions have been arranged by the Pakistan national men’s cricket team management in collaboration with the International Cricket Operations Department as they are looking at novel and innovative ideas to ensure its elite players and future prospects remain connected with the game in these unprecedented times and also learn from the experiences of some of the very best the country has produced. Apart from Javed and Wasim, Mohammad Yousuf, Moin Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar and Younis Khan will also share their insights about the game as well as their strategies, preparations and thought processes in the lead up to and during a series or an event. The sessions will be run category-wise with Javed, Yousuf and Younis speaking with around 21 batsmen in three different sessions. Wasim and Shoaib will be giving lectures to 13 fast bowlers. Six spinners will attend the session to be run by Mushtaq while Moin and Rashid will hold sessions for five wicketkeepers. Javed, an ICC Cricket Hall of Famer who scored 16,213 runs in 357 international matches from 1975 to 1996, will set the ball rolling when he delivers his lecture on Monday afternoon. Wasim, another ICC Cricket Hall of Famer with 916 wickets in 460 international matches, will connect with the fast bowlers on Tuesday, followed by the sessions of Rashid and Mushtaq with the wicketkeepers and spinners on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I am grateful to these distinguished cricketers who have agreed to share their experiences with our young and emerging stars. These stalwarts have many inspirational and motivational stories to share with the young group and I want the current players to absorb what they hear and take learnings from these world-class performers. The interactive sessions will be split based on areas of specialisation. “We have to plan with the mindset that the England series will go ahead. A number of these greats have been part of series winning sides in England and, therefore, their insight into how to plan and prepare for that series will be invaluable. “Themes discussed will include work ethics, approach to the game, plans, practices and methods to perform under pressure, and dealing with challenges that come from being high profile players. “The online lectures will not be limited to these cricketers and we’ll hopefully be requesting a few more, depending on their availability and our requirements.” Javed Miandad, who was a member of the 1987 and 1992 Test series winning sides in England, said: “I have always loved sharing my thoughts on the way I have seen and played my cricket. I have not always played text book cricket, but I have researched the game and modified it according to my requirements, and that has been my success. “I look forward to engaging with these players and hope I will be able to give them another perspective which can enhance their individual and team performance. These are our players and this is our team, and anything I can do to uplift their objectives, I will always be available.” Rashid Latif said: “Wicketkeepers have an enhanced role in modern day cricket. Now, they are expected to contribute with the bat as well, something Moin and I did successfully in the 90s. That obviously came with mental toughness as well as more practice, training and striking the right balance between the gloves and the bat so that they continue to supplement each other positively. “More than me telling them what they should be doing, my approach to this session will be to be open to questions and address their concerns as I have always believed an individual knows himself better than anyone else. This should be an interesting session and I look forward to making the most of it.” Naseem Shah, the youngest to take a Test hat-trick, said: “This is an exciting initiative. I can spend whole week listening to these greats of Pakistan cricket. They are the ones who have been role models for most of us and them sharing with us their success stories, is brilliant. “Of course, the added incentive of the sessions is listening to Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar. It will be an opportunity to hear from them how they assessed their opponents and out-thought them with their pace and skill. “Waqar Younis has been helping me a lot, which is evident from my performance, but this is an opportunity to learn how they used to hunt in packs.”