SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-All-rounder Anwar Ali will replace Umar Akmal in the Quetta Gladiators’ line-up for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 following the event’s technical committee’s approval. The technical committee is chaired by PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan and it includes Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. The 32-year-old comes in as a Silver category player. He has turned out for Quetta Gladiators in all previous editions, scoring 191 runs and taking 23 wickets in 32 HBL PSL matches. Quetta Gladiators, the defending champions, will begin their title defence tonight with the opening match of the fifth edition against two-time champion Islamabad United at the National Stadium, Karachi, at 9pm.  

SB News KARACHI (February 20, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee held its first meeting of 2020 under the chairmanship of former Test spinner Iqbal Qasim. Wasim Akram, Umar Gul, Urooj Mumtaz, Ali Naqvi, Wasim Khan and Zakir Khan (both co-opted members) attended the session. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq and Haroon Rashid, Director – Domestic cricket operations, attended the meeting on special invitations. The cricket committee recommended the PCB should explore a window in the 2020-21 domestic cricket to slot in a tournament for the departments. In this relation, Director – Domestic cricket operations, Haroon Rashid, has been requested to look into the potential window in the next season and update the cricket committee at the next meeting, which is expected in April. Haroon briefed the committee that the PCB has hosted 12 tournaments, comprising 190 matches, in the season to date. His presentation also included learnings, such as quality of practice facilities, food provision for players, player remunerations and standard of wickets, amongst other areas. The committee requested that updates on the areas for improvement be provided at the next meeting in April. The cricket committee appreciated that the quality of cricket this season had vastly improved, which has also been acknowledged through player feedback. There was a discussion on the appointment of the six Cricket Association coaches and the process that will be adopted for analysing and assessing their performance. It was agreed that further investment in developing the knowledge, skills and capabilities of the elite coaches was needed in order to adopt more modern practices. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan briefed the committee that a more through fit for purpose and revised No Objection Certificate (NOC) policy for players had been developed. The committee supported the revised NOC policy, while requesting that the PCB should fully and strictly follow it to ensure that Pakistan’s elite cricketers continue to give precedence to domestic tournaments above all else. The committee had a healthy discussion with Misbah-ul-Haq, who appraised them on his selection policies, performance of the side and forward planning. The cricket committee recommended more clarity around the selection process. Misbah informed the committee that he had developed a nucleus of players, especially across Twenty20 cricket. The former captain added the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will help him give final shape to his pool of players for this year’s Asia Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Urooj Mumtaz, who is also head of women’s wing and chair of the national women’s selection committee, provided an overview and update on the progress women’s cricket have made in the past 12 month. She informed the committee about the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which will be held from 21 February to 8 March. Pakistan will play their opening match against the West Indies on 26 February in Canberra. Urooj briefed the committee on the ICC’s decision to introduce the ICC Women’s U19 Cricket World Cup, which will help in identifying and developing young talent and nurturing them into word-class cricketers. The committee congratulated Urooj on the progress being made. The committee insisted more investment, effort and work was needed to further promote and develop women’s cricket.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 20, 2020):-that Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan is continued at S.Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad. The 3rd Seed Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) qualified for the Girls Singles final by eliminating Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) in a well contested two set match 6-1, 7-6(6), the match lasted two hours. In the other unfinished semi final top seed Ren Ke (CHN) is leading 5-2 in the final set when match was stopped due to heavy rain in Islamabad and reschedule tomorrow at 9:30 AM. Girls Singles Final will be played on Saturday morning. Meanwhile, the 2nd Seed Mohammad Shaib of Pakistan moved into the semi final by winning her encounter against Tuna Nergizoglue (TUR) in smooth sailing without any resistance. Unseeded Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) continued his winning streak and advanced into the semi final by beating Kerem Ozlale (TUR) in a three set entertaining and thrilling match; Kerem Ozlale won the 1st set at 7-5 by breaking last game of Subhan in which he did two double faults. In the second set Subhan changed the game plan and won the second set at 6-1 by breaking 3rd, 5th and 7th game of Kerem Ozlale; In the final set Subhan Bin Salik kept the same pressure and won the final set at 6-3 by breaking 2nd and 6th game. This match also lasted 2 hrs 10 minutes. Subhan Bin Salik will face Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) in the Semi final. In the 3dr quarter final, Aryan Giri (NEP) was leading 4-3 in the second set after losing the first set 5-7 against 4th seed Ahmed Kamil (PAK) when the match had to halt due to rain. Ahmed is due to serve at 3-4. 4th Quarter could not be started between top seed Hakten Garayev (AZE) and 5th Seed Souta Oomura (JPN) and rescheduled to play tomorrow at 9:30 AM and winner of this match will play semi final against winner of Ahmed Akmil (PAK) and Aryan Giri (NEP) not before tomorrow 1:30 PM. The Doubles semi finals of Boys and Girls could not be started due to rain and have rescheduled tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow is also sing-in for the second week J5 Islamabad ITF Pakistan Junior (24-29 Feb-2020) for Boys Qualifying event between 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Following are the results: Boys’ Singles (Quarter Finals) Mohammad Shaoib (PAK) beat Tune Nergizoglu (TUR) 6-2, 6-1; Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Kerem Ozlale (TUR) 5-7, 6-1, 6-3; Unfinished Match: Ahmed Kamil (PAK) Vs Aryan Giri (NEP) 7-5; 3-4 Girls Singles Semi Finals Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) 6-1, 7-6(6) Unfinished Match: Ren Ke (CHN) Vs Billur Gonlusen (TUR) 5-7, 6-1, 5-2. Boys Doubles Semi Finals (Abandoned due to rain) Girls Doubles Semi Finals (Abandoned due to rain)

Sheikh M0hammad Anwar It is said, “Hospitals become barren where playing grounds are functional”.  The world of sports has a big moral power and civilized world through heir sports took their countries to a new height, however, nobody could deny the importance of sports. Similarly, Imam Ghazali said that a healthy body has a healthy mind which compels for positive thinking. Healthy minds always decide positive and effective decisions. Here, I would like to say that If some understood the spirit of sports, he is Chief Executive Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation Hafiz Imran Butt. Last days, it happened to me to go Uzbekistan (Tashkent) as Team Manager in connection with International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship Uzbekistan (Tashkent) Qualification Event Olympic Games 2020 along with Hafiz Imran Butt, in which, players of 47 countries participated. We reached Uzbekistan along with Talha Talib and Zohaib Manzoor by HY464 Uzbekistan airways. Talha Talib had secured a gold medal and two silver medals in International Solidarity Weight Lifting Championship held in Qahirah 2018, while, in Uzbekistan, Talha Talib won three gold medals in 67 kg category in the recent Championship. Similarly, Zohaib Manzoor secured fifth position, in 96kg category. Sensational scenes were observed in Weight lifting hall where, no Pakistani was present except Hafiz Imran Butt, I and the above mentioned players.  While, Talha Talib won gold medal in 67 kg category, Stage 142 and Clean and Jerk 162 and hoisted the Pakistani flag in Uzbekistan. The weight lifting hall was echoed with Pakistan Zindabad. Talking to the media, Talha Talib that he was very happy over the victory, first of all, I am thankful to Allah Almighty, Who reached me in victory stand and he attributes his victory to Pakistani Nation and Pakistan Weight Lifting Federation whose prayers help him win the championship. Talha said, “We can give excellent performance, if government provide facilities to us like that provided to players in other countries”.  Sheikh Anwar said that it was his first tour along with Pakistani weight lifting team as a manager to Uzbakistan, for which “I am grateful to the federation”.   He lamented that India sent 10 players to Uzbakistan for taking part in International weight lifting championship and 16 players including male and female players for Asian Youth International Weight Lifting Championship while Pakistan sent two players. However, I came to know that the weight lifting federation was facing financial constraint, due to which, two players were sent. Under the 18th amendment, neither Pakistan Sports Board nor provinces support financially to the federation, due to which, federation was facing financial crunch. When, I talked to Indian team manager, he told me, that their federation get annual grant of Rs 120 to 150 million from Indian government, besides providing facility of air travelling. “It was shocking me, and I thought, ‘Alas’ Pakistan government patronage our players like that of India, then Pakistan can obtain the lost glory in the sports sector”. Mr Ellia of Kazakhastan, who made the record of World Champion in Olympic Chamion 2008, 2012 and 2014, told us in a meeting that his doctor, physiotherapist, neutrician coach, training coach and loader are with me at all times.  He disclosed that preparations for Olympic games would be started the very next day and a training camp would be set up for them. It is a tragic that players in Pakistan get a brief time, due to which, players could not practice properly. Sheikh Anwar expressed the pleasure that it was not a less than honour, that Paksiani players won gold medals in World Championship. He said that Pakistan could not materialize the dream of making champion in sports, until sports at school and college level are organized. It was surprising for him that from 15 to 16 years male and female students participated in the Youth Olympic Championship. He stressed the need for imparting training to children from 8 to 10 years of age so that they could be able to take part in Asian and Commonwealth Games. The well grooming of parents certainly transferred to their children, and in this regard, Noah Butt, Abdullah Butt and Talha Talib were an example. Sheikh Anwar said it was deplorable that Wapda, army, police, railways and HEC players had no rods and plates of international standard. As we saw in Uzbakastan competitions, rods and plates of ELEIKO and ZKC companies were available in abundance for players of other countries for practice. While talking, Hafiz Imran Butt said that he visited Uzbakastan in 2018 and that time, the airport of Tashkent was old and now it was modern that like of Dubai airport. When, he asked he protocol officer, how much time the airport took to complete, he told that only 10 months. He demanded the government to support players of other sports other than Cricket players. He stressed the need for building training halls of international standard for promoting individual sport like weight lifting sports. World Champion Al-bagh Faris who came from Qatar asked this writer, “Have you ever organized international weight lifting competitions in Pakistan” and the answer was ‘No’ as there was no hall for weight lifting competitions in Pakistan. However, the writer stressed the need for promoting weight lifting sport and facilitating players to bring laurel for Pakistan.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 19, 2020):-Local girl Zoha Asim failed to show impressive performance in the second round of the ongoing Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex on Wednesday. In girls Singles Hannah Kaile Shen from Hong Kong made the major upset of the tournament when she overwhelm 2nd seed Dorasa Cheraghi from Iran in straight set win by breaking 9th game in first set and 7th game in second set and moved into the Semi final.  The match lasted 1 hr 45 minutes.  Top seed Ke Ren from China was leading 1-0 against Amina Saliyayeva from USA when she conceded the match due to the diarrhea and fever. 3rd seed Mina Toglukdemir and 4th seed Billur Gonlusen from Turkey are also registered straight set wins and move into the semi finals.  In the Boys singles;  4th seed Ahmed Kamil of Pakistan struggle hard to win his encounter against Nikta Bortnichek from Russia in a well contested thrilling three set match. Wild Card entrant Kerem Ozlale and Tuna Nergizoglue from Turkey, and Aryan Giri from Nepal also move into the quarter final by winning their respective matches in straight sets. In the Boys Doubles event Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) qualified for the semi final by eliminating Chinese Taipai players Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) in straight sets. Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) also moved into the semi final when they got walk over against 2nd seed Matteo Covato (ITA) / Souta Oomura (JPN) due to muscular soreness injury to Matteo Covato from Italy.  Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation visited PTF Complex to witness the matches of ITF J5 Islamabad; he interacted with the foreign players, coaches and their parents; He also welcomed them in Pakistan. The PRO of Ministry of IPC and the Pakistan Sports Board team also visited PTF Complex and appreciated the arrangements and professional conduct of the international event. Following are the results: Boy’s Singles (Pre-Quarter Finals) Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Qwyn Quittned (AUS) 6-0, 6-2; Tune Nergizoglu (TUR) beat Abdullah (PAK) 6-1, 6-0; Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Nikta Bortnichek (RUS) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-0, 6-3. Girls Singles Quarter Finals Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) beat Dorsa Cherghai (IRI) 6-4, 6-4; Billur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Ren Ke (CHN) beat Amina Salibayeva (USA) 1-0 (Retd). Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2. Boys Doubles Quarter Finals Ahmed Kamil (PAK) / Mohammad Shaoib (PAK) beat Kuan Chang Huang (TPE) / Chun Tang (TPE) 6-1, 7-5;   Min-Hung Kao (TPE) / Araiz Malik (PAK) W/O Matteo Covato (ITA) / Sauta Oomura (JPN); Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quitiner (AUS) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 7-5, 6-2; Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Zalan Khan (PAK) / Raahim Agha (BGR) 6-1, 6-4. Girls Doubles (Quarter Finals) Amel Sammari (TUN) / Hannah Kaile Shen (HKG) w/o Amina Salibayeva (USA) / Asima Sazanova (KAZ); Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) / Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)  / Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) 6-1, 7-5; Sie Ding Chain (MAS) / Ke Ren (CHN) beat Jeongmin IM (KOR) / Jun Seo Lee (KOR) 6-0, 6-4;

SB News KARACHI (February 18, 2020):-The PCB Cricket Committee will hold its first meeting of the year tomorrow, 19 February, at a local hotel in Karachi. This will be the first of the four gatherings that the revamped committee, under Iqbal Qasim, will hold in 2020. Some of the items on the agenda of the meeting are: i)                    Presentation by Misbah-ul-Haq, chief selector and head coach of Pakistan national men’s team, on the team’s performance since his appointment ii)                  Update on women cricket by Urooj Mumtaz iii)                Review of the domestic season and of ICC’s pitch consultant Andy Atkinson’s report

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, the biggest cricket spectacle in Pakistan since the 2008 Asia Cup, will carry mammoth prize money of US$1million, it was announced today (Tuesday). The winners of the 22 March final under Gaddafi Stadium lights will collect a cheque of U$500K along with a glittering and brand new trophy, while the runner-up will receive a cheque of US$200K. In addition to the above, there will be number of other cash awards, including U$4,500 each to all the 34 player of the matches. Furthermore, US$80K will be equally distributed to player of the tournament, best batsman, best bowler and Spirit of Cricket. The remaining amount will be distributed for other match-related awards like best catch, best run-out and most sixes. The 34-match 32-day HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be the biggest cricket extravaganza to take place in Pakistan and first since the six-team Asia Cup 2008. Twelve years ago, the then four Test playing countries were joined by the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong in a 13-match tournament in Karachi and Lahore. Sri Lanka had defeated India in the final at the National Stadium by 100 runs. Prior to this tournament, Pakistan had staged the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 1987 and 1996. In 1987, Pakistan had hosted 10 matches at seven venues, while 16 matches were played at six venues in 1996. Although a domestic tournament, the six-team HBL Pakistan Super League will be held across four venues with Karachi staging nine, Lahore 14, Rawalpindi eight and Multan three. The opening match of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will be held between defending champions Quetta Gladiators and two-time former winners Islamabad United at the National Stadium and will commence at 9pm following an attractive opening ceremony, which will begin at 6.45pm.

By BIPIN DANI Meher Mohammad Khalil, the bus driver who turned Sri Lanka's "hero" in 2009 met Kumar Sangakkara during the recent trip to Pakistan. Former Sri Lanka captain and wicket-keeper batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who happens to be the first Asian president of the world's most famous cricket club-MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) has taken his team to Pakistan to play one 50-over game and three T20 matches in Lahore. Speaking exclusively over telephone from Lahore, Meher Khalil said, "I met Sangakkara at the Aitcheson College ground in Lahore before the match. It was my pleasure to meet the legend". Incidentally, Sangajkkara was a member of the squad which was attacked by the terrorist attack on 3rd March in 2009. "It was Sangakkara's first visit after the incident and he did enquire about the country and wished me well". "We are fortunate enough to have a great cricketer in our country and I am sure he will encourage the other countries to come and play here". Meher Khalil had earned fame and success after saving Sri Lanka’s cricket team from a deadly 2009 attack in Pakistan. He was even invited by the Sri Lankan government and was accorded the VIP treatment during his stay in Sri Lanka.   "I could not meet Sangakkara during my Sri Lanka visit but I had met him in South Africa when he toured with the team there. I was employed in South Africa for a short period", Khalil added. Playing golf The 43-year-old Sangakkara also played golf in Lahore. “MCC team enjoyed a bright sunny day in Lahore with a game of golf” , the PCB official said. "President Kumar Sangakkara and other members of the squad were seen playing on their rest day", the official added.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 18, 2020):-Only Pakistan girl Zoha Asim moved into the second round of the ongoing Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Championships 2020 after defeating her opponent  2-1 at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. Solitary local girl Zoha Asim registered her victory in the first round against Sie Ding Chai from Malaysia in sizzling three sets match.  In the first set, Zoha started her match with confidence and took a early lead 2-1 but in the next game she was unable to maintain her lead and Chai leveled the match 4-4all. Zoha again built up the lead by holding her 9th game and broke the 11 game of Chai and won the 1st set at 6-4. Chai won the second set by breaking 4th, 6th and 8th game of Zoha and level the match 1 set all. Zoha hit six double faults in the second set. Zoha won the final set at 6-2 by breaking 1st, 3rd and 7th game of Chai. In an absolutely thrilling encounter of the day was between Dorsa Gherghai (IRI) and Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) in the Girls single match that won by Dorsa Cherghai from Iran, the match lasted 2 hrs 34 minutes. In the Boys Singles, Subhan Bin Salik made the major upset of the tournament when he eliminated 3rd Seed Matteo Covato (ITA) in straight hard fought match and moved into the quarter final.   In the Boys Doubles event unseeded pair from Turkey Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) caused the major upset of the tournament when they brushed off their opponents 3rd seed Nikita Bortinichek (RUS) / Haktan Garayev (AZE) in a excited three set match 7-6(2), 3-6, 10-7. Results: Boys Singles (Round-II) Haktan Garayev (AZE) beat Chun Tang (TPE) 6-3, 6-4; Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Iustin Belea (ROU) 6-3, 6-0; Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Matteo Covato (ITA) 6-4, 6-4; Souta Oomura (JPN) beat Birtan Duran (TUR)3-6, 6-2, 6-3;  Girls Singles (Round-I) Dorsa Cheraghi (IRI) beat Leyla Nilufer Elmas (TUR) 6-3, 3-6, 6-4; Hannah Kalle Shen (HKG) beat Asima Sazanova (KAZ) 6-3, 6-4; Amina Salibayeva (USA) beat Jeongmin IM (KOR) 6-2, 6-2; Billur Gonlusen (TUR) beat Abhilasha Bista (NEP) 6-1, 6-3; Zhansaya Bakytzhan (KAZ) beat Amel Sammari (TUN) 7-5, 2-6, 6-3; Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Sie Ding Chai (MAS) 6-4, 2-6, 6-2; Mina Toglukdemir (TUR) beat Jun Seo Lee (KOR) 6-4, 6-3; Ke Ren (CHN) W/O Neyara Weerawansa (SRI). Boys Doubles (Round-I) Min-Hung Kao (TPE)/Araiz Malik (PAK) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) / Farman Shakeel (PAK) 6-4, 6-3; Raahim Agha (GBR) / Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-1, 6-3; Iustin Belea (ROU) / Qwyn Quittner (AUS) beat Tuna Nergizoglu (TUR) / Emir Toglukdemir (TUR) 6-1, 6-4; Kaun Chang Huang (TPE) / Chung Tang (TPE) beat Abdullah (PAK) / Aoi Ooka (JPN) 6-3, 6-3; Sami Zeb (PAK) / Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) / Curtis Hong Tseng Tan (HKG) 6-3, 6-1; Birtan Duran (TUR) / Kerem Ozlale (TUR) beat Nikita Bortinichek (RUS) / Haktan Garayev (AZE) 7-6(2), 3-6, 10-7.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Kabaddi team inked news history when they overcame defending champions India by 43-41 in the high-voltage tension-filled final of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 and became world kabaddi champions for the first time at Punjab Stadium on Sunday night. Iran toppled Australia 54-33 and earned bronze medal. It is important to mention here that whenever Kabaddi world cup event took place in India, everyone point out the cheating of India. Also, local media of India and International media hinted out number of errors in the final against Pakistan. We were host and show everything to world with camera when Indian players showed their dissatisfaction over any decision of umpire we showed then reply and started the match again after their satisfaction. Both Pakistan and their arch-rivals India demonstrated best kabaddi throughout the tense final match. India, with the score of 24-18, took a lead of six points in the first half. However, Pakistan regrouped and bounced back in the second half and gradually regained their confidence and ultimately won the historic final against their strong opponents by 43-41. Punjab Governor Ch Mohammad Sarwar graced the grand closing ceremony as chief guest. He awarded gold medals, winning trophy and Rs 10 million to triumphant Pakistan team while India received silver medals and Rs 7.5 million. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti, Punjab Minister for Agriculture Malik Nauman Langrial, Punjab Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Raja Basharat, PKF President Shafay Hussain, Secretary Sports Punjab Ehsan Bhutta and Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh were also present on this occasion. All the players of Pakistan particularly captain M Irfan, Waqas Butt Shafiq were in best of their performance in a battle of nerves. Before the start of final, Pakistan’s legend singer Ibrab-ul-Haq mesmerized the public gathered in capacity in the stadium to witness the most exciting and stirring battle of attrition. Security was so much maintained that a large number of people were not allowed in the stadium despite having tickets. Pakistan captain Irfan Mana won the toss and decided to raid. In the very first attempt, Pakistan applied pressure on their blue attired rivals to go up in points through Mohammad Shafiq Chishti. But Vinay Khatri leveled the score. In the fluctuating encounter as one teams took the lead the other came with an equalizer. Navjot Singh Jota, Ravi Deora and ArshChola remained prominent performers for India in the tense clash. At 3-all Pakistan main raiders Shafiq and Waqas Butt conceded three back to back points to be at the back foot at 3-6 and then 4-7. The difference of three points which was increased to six between them remained intact with India showing better strength and technique. And by the close of first half, Pakistan was down with six points at 18-24. In the second session, Pakistan was in the receiving end as India maintained its lead. At the time when the points were at 24-28 with home team being down, there were some technical hiccups with India claiming Pakistan raider failed to cross the line in 30 seconds but were awarded point and after several reviews the committee declined India's appeal. Pakistan later had an incredible fight back from there on to come on equal terms at 32-32 and then went ahead two points. During the entire time the fans remained on their toes and expressed joy on Pakistan's fight back at 36-34. Here too the game was again stopped with India calming point on a double touch but that too was rejected by referees. Just minutes before the finish, Pakistan raider claimed a double touch point which India opposed but the later was awarded a point. Their nerve-wrecking attempts continued till the final whistle and ultimately the two teams separated with Pakistan's winning 43-41. Earlier, Iran proved too strong for Australia in the third and fourth position match of the mega event here. Iran maintained its grip on the game from the start till the final whistle. Though in between Australia penetrated to get some points but Iran kept things in total control. Iran led the match 30-16 in the first half and won the match 54-33 by the end of the game. Ramandeep Singh Peeta was declared the best raider while Ali Raza Safari was adjudged best stopper. As many as nine teams including Pakistan, India, Germany, Azerbaijan, Iran, Canada, Sierra Leone, England and Australia participated in the tournament organized jointly by the Punjab government, Sports Board Punjab and the Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF). The matches were played in three venues – Punjab Stadium Lahore, Iqbal Cricket Stadium Faisalabad and Zahoor Elahi Stadium Gujrat.