PCB invites Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad as special guests at Rawalpindi Test By Abdul Jabbar Faisal  ISLAMABAD, 8 December 2019:In a show of gratitude, respect and appreciation for their services to cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board has invited Sri Lanka’s Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad of Pakistan as special guests for the historic Rawalpindi Test, which will be played from 11-15 December. Warnapura and Miandad were opposite captains in the first-ever Test between the two countries at Karachi’s National Stadium in March 1982. Pakistan had won that Test by 204 runs after scoring 396 and 301-4d. Sri Lanka scored 344 and 149. The two celebrated and respected cricketers will take part in the captains’ photo-shoot with the series trophy on 10 December, while special presentations will be made to them during lunch interval on day one of the Test. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am most grateful to the two distinguished cricketers for accepting our invitation to attend the historic occasion despite their busy schedules. This means a lot to Pakistan and its cricket followers across the globe. “11 December will be a very special day in Pakistan cricket history and it is appropriate that it is celebrated with Bandula Warnapura and Javed Miandad on our side. They are icons of cricket, whose services to the game are unmatched. “The PCB respects and values all its international cricketers and this is a small token of our love, appreciation and respect for them. The PCB will continue to acknowledge and hold similar events for others cricketer as we are now road to hosting regular international cricket at home.”

Muneeb and Arafat shine in PCB-Pepsi U16 One-Day tournament  SB Report Lahore, 8 December 2019:  Central Punjab U16 v Sindh U16, Bohranwali Ground, Faisalabad Muneeb Wasif claimed six wickets as Central Punjab U16 beat Sindh U16 by seven wickets in the first round of PCB-Pepsi One-Day Tournament at the Bohranwali Ground in Faisalabad on Sunday. Muneeb, the right-arm fast bowler took six for 32 as Sindh U16 were bowled out for 171 in 44.1 overs, after being put into bat. Awais Qarni top-scored with 41 off 40 balls and struck four fours and two sixes. Chasing a 172-run target, Central Punjab U16 achieved victory in the 42nd over with seven wickets remaining. Azan Awais hit six fours in his 90-ball 54 while Obaid Shahid scored an unbeaten 49 off 85 balls with two fours.  Southern Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy, Faisalabad At Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground in Faisalabad, Arafat Ahmed’s all-round performance helped Southern Punjab U16 beat Balochistan U16 by 13 runs. Arafat returned undefeated on 46 off 64 balls and struck seven fours as Southern Punjab U16 scored 162 for eight in 45 overs, after being sent into bat. For Balochistan U16, Basit Ali took two for 17 in nine overs. In reply, Balochistan U16 were dismissed for 149 in 38 overs. Ajmal Khan top-scored with 41 off 40 balls. Mohammad Abu Bakar was the pick of the bowlers for the Southern Punjab U16 with figures of three for 38 in six overs. Scores in brief:  Sindh U16 v Central Punjab U16, Bohranwali Ground, Faisalabad  Sindh U16 171 all out, 44.1 overs (Awais Qarni 41, Aaliyan Mehmood 39; Muneeb Wasif 6-32) Central Punjab 172-3, 42 overs (Azan Awain 54, Obaid Shahid 49 not out) Result: Central Punjab U16 won by seven wickets Southern Punjab U16 v Balochistan U16, Saeed Ajmal Academy Ground, Faisalabad  Southern Punjab U16 162-8, 45 overs (Arafat Ahmed 46 not out; Basit Ali 2-17) Balochistan U16 149 all out, 38 overs (Ajmal Khan 41; Mohammad Abu Bakar 3-38, Arafat Ahmed 2-27) Result: Southern Punjab U16 win by 13 runs  

Mohammad Irfan stars on the first day of PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament final  SB Report  Lahore, 8 December 2019:  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Irfan bagged five for 32 against Northern U16 on the opening day of the PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament final at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Irfan, left-arm spinner took five wickets for 32 as Northern U16 after electing to bat were dismissed for 113 in 51.5 overs. Mohammad Arshad top-scored with 37 off 59 balls and struck five fours. In reply, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 scored 191 for the loss of three wickets in 40 overs when stumps were drawn. Abbas Ali scored an unbeaten 77 off 99 balls while Haseeb Khan scored a half-century. Scores in brief: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U16 v Northern U16, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad  Northern U16 113 all out, 51.5 (Mohammad Arshad 37; Mohammad Irfan 5-32) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 191-3, 40 overs (Abbas Ali 77 not out, Haseeb Khan 56)  

Pakistan names squad for Sri Lanka Tests By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Middle-order batsman Fawad Alam and fast-bowler Usman Shinwari have been recalled for the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship fixtures against Sri Lanka. The two players have replaced Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Musa, respectively, as the selectors have followed the policy of consistency and continuity while picking the side for Pakistan’s first home Test series in over 10 years. Thirty-four-year-old Fawad Alam played his third and last Test in Dunedin in November 2009, while Shinwari is yet to make his Test debut despite having played in 17 ODIs and 16 T20Is since making his international debut in 2013. Fawad has been one of the most prolific and consistent batsmen in Pakistan’s domestic circuit, having scored 672 runs (average 56) in the 2015-16 season, 499 runs in the 2016-17 season (average 55.44), 570 runs (average 40.7) in the 2017-18 season, 699 runs (average 69.9) in the 2018-19 and 781 runs (average 71) in the ongoing 2019-20 season. Usman Shinwari took 15 wickets in six Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 first-class matches at an average of just over 25. The first Test will be played in Rawalpindi from 11-15 December, while the second Test will be held in Karachi from 19-23 December. Chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I want to congratulate Fawad Alam on his selection for the Sri Lanka Tests. It is a reward for his continued hard work, perseverance and dedication to the game. His selection is not only a lesson to the emerging cricketers but also a testament of the selectors’ policy of valuing domestic cricket and rewarding consistent performers. “Usman Shinwari has been drafted into the side as he has been part of the Pakistan cricket team set-up for the past few years, which is backed up with his fitness, form and ability to bowl long spells at a good pace, which was evident during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. I am sure he will make up a good combination with Imran Khan, Mohammad Abbas, Naeem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. “We have retained 14 of the 16 players who went to Australia. This indicates our consistency and continuity as we believe in first picking the best available players and then providing them sufficient opportunities to justify their talent. The retention of the 14 players also reflects the trust and faith we have in these players, who have the ability and talent to turn things around. “The Australia tour was well below our expectations and has affected our pride. We prepared as best as we possibly could but just couldn’t convert those preparations into on-field performances. We are now seeing Australia as a huge learning experience and will make all out efforts to overcome the weaknesses that have been identified.” Squad 1.        Azhar Ali (captain) (Central Punjab) 2.       Abid Ali (Sindh) 3.       Asad Shafiq (Sindh) 4.       Babar Azam (Central Punjab) 5.       Fawad Alam (Sindh) 6.       Haris Sohail (Balochistan) 7.       Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan) 8.      Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 9.       Kashif Bhatti (Sindh) 10.   Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab) 11.     Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 12.    Naseem Shah (Central Punjab) 13.    Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern) 14.    Shan Masood (Southern Punjab) 15.    Yasir Shah (Balochistan) 16.    Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)

Serena Hotels Huawei International Squash Championship 2019, starts from December 15 By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-Besides, hosts Pakistan, the players from Egypt, Hong Kong, United Kingdom, United States of America (USA), Malaysia, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Jordon and Austria will participate in the forthcoming Serena Hotels Huawei International Squash Championship 2019 which will be kicked off from December 15, here at Mushaf Squash Complex. According to an official of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), Serena Hotels Huawei International Squash Championship for Men and Women will be concluded on December 19, 2019 at same venue Mushaf Squash Complex. The championships are pursuing prize money of $20K for Men and $12K for Women. This International event will provide a platform to local and foreign PSA international players to compete for winning the trophies. The event will also be a wonderful opportunity for squash lovers in Pakistan to see world class players in thrilling action. Top ranking Pakistani players will also be competing in the event to bring laurels for country.  Top 50 world ranking players (Youssef Ibrahim of Egypt & Tsz-Wing Tong of Hong Kong) are the top seeded man & woman players for the both events. Apart from Pakistani players, Squash lovers would be able to witness thrilling matches of some of the great foreign players from Egypt, Hong Kong, UK, USA, Malaysia, Germany, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Jordon and Austria.

Pakistan squad for ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 named Abdullah Asjad Islamabad, 6 December 2019:The National Junior Selection Committee has named an experienced 15-player Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, which will be held in South Africa from 17 January to 9 February. In-form wicketkeeper-batsman Rohail Nazir has been retained as captain, while prolific opener Haider Ali has been appointed as vice-captain. Pakistan, the 2004 and 2006 champions and three-time runners-up, are placed in Group C of the 16-team event and will play Scotland in their opening match on 19 January in Potchefstroom. Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval in Bloemfontein on Wednesday, 22 January, while their third and final group match will be on 24 January at the JP Marks Oval against Bangladesh. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League, while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from Tuesday, 28 January and the top four sides will qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners competing for the title on Sunday, 9 February, in Benoni. Squad (players born on or after 1 September 2000 were eligible for selection): Openers – Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Shehzad (Multan) Middle-order batsmen – Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot) and Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore) Wicketkeeper – Rohail Nazir (captain) All-rounders – Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Fahad Munir (Lahore) and Qasim Akram (Faisalabad) Spinners - Amir Ali (Larkana) and Arish Ali Khan (Karachi) Fast bowlers - Amir Khan (Peshawar), Naseem Shah (Lahore) and Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management – Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Ansari (security manager). Saleem Jaffar, chair of the junior selection committee, said: “I want to congratulate all the players on their selection in the Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020. “I know some of the players will be disappointed at not being picked, but it was a tough task as we had a pool of some very exciting and exceptionally talented players to choose from. I would encourage all the players who have missed out on selection to remain positive and motivated as I am confident there will be opportunities for them down the road. “Criteria for selection was current performances and meritocracy, and I am pleased it was a consensus decision. These players have been performing up to our expectations and I am hopeful they will carry their good form into the series and produce solid performances. “Barring Aamir Khan, Arish Ali Khan and Mohammad Huraira, all others have represented Pakistan in international junior series this year. However, the three boys made our task easier by consistently producing impressive performances in the domestic season.” Three players – Ammad Butt Jnr, Akhtar Shah and Saim Ayub – were not considered for selection due to injuries. The Pakistan cricket team can make changes to their combination until 10 January 2020 without needing an ICC approval. After 11 January, players can be replaced on fitness grounds and will require the approval of the ICC’s Event Technical Committee. About the players (in alphabetical order): Rohail Nazir (captain) - This will be his second ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. After scoring a century on his first-class debut last year, he was appointed U19 captain last year for the ACC U19 Asia Cup. He was one of the most impressive players in the bilateral series against Sri Lanka and South Africa, and then carried his form into the ACC Emerging Cup. In five first-class matches this year, he has scored 170 runs. Haider Ali (vice-captain) – Scored 317 runs in Pakistan’s 7-0 win over South Africa in June/June and then followed up with 214 runs in Pakistan’s 3-2 series win over Sri Lanka. In last month’s ACC Emerging Cup, he scored 218 runs in five matches. In six first-class matches this year, he has scored 503 runs. Aamir Khan – The 18-year-old took 18 wickets in five matches in the PCB U19 three-day tournament after bagging one wicket in two PCB U19 one-day tournament. In the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he took five wickets in three matches. Abbas Afridi – Took 17 wickets and scored 129 runs in 13 matches in Sri Lanka, South Africa and in the Asia Cup. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Abdul Wahid Bangalzai – The 17-year-old was the fifth leading run-getter in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 246 runs, while in the three-day competition with 276 runs. He also played in the ACC U19 Asia Cup. Amir Ali – The 18-year-old left-arm spinner made his first-class debut this season and took one wicket. Prior to that, he toured South Africa and returned as the most successful bowler with 13 wickets. In the ACC Asia Cup, he took four wickets in three matches, while he picked up seven and 28 wickets, respectively in the PCB U19 One-Day and Three-Day competition, respectively. Arish Ali Khan – The left-arm spinner was the leading wicket-taker with in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 15 wickets, while in the three-day tournament, he was the second leading wicket-taker with 30 wickets. He has been selected for the first time in the Pakistan U19 squad. Fahad Munir – 17-year-old all-rounder scored 170 runs and took five wicket sin the tour to South Africa, while he scored 50 runs and took three wickets in the ACC U19 Asia Cup. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Haris – The 19-year-old middle-order batsman from Peshawar toured South Africa and also featured in the ACC Asia Cup, scoring 275 runs in seven matches and 96 runs in three matches, respectively. In the recently-concluded three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he scored 31 runs in three matches. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Huraira – The 18-year-old right-handed batsman was the top-scorer in the PCB U19 One-Day Tournament with 342 runs and then followed up with 358 runs in the three-day event –third most in the event. Mohammad Irfan Khan – Scored 83 runs in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, third most by a Pakistan batsman. Prior to that, he had scored 208 runs in South Africa, while he scored 475 runs in 10 three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches. Didn’t play in this year’s PCB U19 events after having already competed in three previous U19 events Mohammad Shehzad – The 16-year-old opener played in away and home series against Bangladesh U16. In the away series, he scored 26 runs in three 50-over matches, while in the home series, he scored 72 runs in two 50-over matches. In the ongoing PCB U16 three-day tournament, he has scored 175 runs in two matches at an average of 67. He has also taken six wickets. Naseem Shah – Made his Test debut against Australia in Brisbane. He took four wickets in the Asia Cup, 12 wickets in South Africa and 18 wickets in four Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class matches this season. Tahir Hussain – The left-arm fast bowler took six wickets in four PCB U19 One-Day Tournament, while in three matches of PCB U19 three-day event, he bagged three wickets.  Qasim Akram – The 17-year-old all-rounder scored 296 runs and took three wickets, and scored 260 runs and took 15 wickets in the PCB U19 One-Day and Three-Day Tournaments, respectively. In the Asia Cup, he scored 30 runs and claimed four wickets, while he scored 77 runs and 124 runs in South Africa and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Gilgit Baltistan qualify for National Women’s Football Championship 2019   Abdullah Asjad Islamabad ISLAMABAD:-The Gilgit Baltistan women’s football team qualified for the final round of the National Women’s Football Championship 2019 after finishing 1-1 draw against Young Rising Football Club Rawalpindi here at Jinnah Stadium, Pakistan Sports Complex on Friday. Earlier, they had defeated hosts Islamabad 3-0 at same venue. On Friday, the important fixture of the qualifying round, Young Rising Stars Club and Gilgit teams displayed excellent skill of the game. In the first half, Shahzadi scored the first goal for Gilgit in 34th minutes of the match and led her team 1-0. Later on, in the second half Farah equalized the match after netting the ball in the 60th minutes of the match. The match ended in draw 1-1. Both teams were awarded each one point. Gilgit qualified the National Women’s Football Championship 2019 from Islamabad region. The tournament is being played under the control of Army Sports Directorate.  

Celebrating the people behind the scenes SB Report Lausanne, Switzerland: They are the team behind the team, the ones that get things done. Quietly, efficiently and without ever stepping in the limelight, thousands of people play their part in making sure that our sport appears in its very best light. On 5 December, FIH is joining the United Nations and many other organisations in celebrating International Volunteer Day. In highlighting the work of the men, women and young adults who willingly give up hours of their time across all aspects of the sport, we are also reminding ourselves to stop and thank people on a regular basis. It is also worth considering all the many roles within hockey that are filled by volunteers. The most visible are the umpires and tournament officials who leave their families and take time off work to make sure that international events are run smoothly and efficiently. From the tournament director and umpire manager through to the umpires and technical officials - the third team are all volunteers. 

Central Punjab settle with draw to book spot in final  SB Report Karachi, 5 December 2019:With 120 points in the bag before the tenth round of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy, Central Punjab followed a perfect script to settle for a draw in their last round fixture, of the premier four-day first class tournament, against Southern Punjab. On the fourth and final day at the State Bank Stadium on Thursday, Central Punjab's openers Salman Butt and Kamran Akmal topped up the overnight one-run lead with a 124-run stand. Kamran Akmal perished on a 72-ball 47 while Salman Butt marched on to his 25th first-class ton. Captain Ahmed Shehzad, too, crafted a hundred to achieve a remarkable feat of two centuries in the match. At the close of play, Central Punjab were 309 for one after 81 overs with Salman Butt (158) and Ahmed Shehzad (100) at the crease. Butt and Shehzad piled up 185 runs together to ensure the desired result. With the draw, Central Punjab accumulated enough points to qualify for the final of Quaid-e-Azam trophy to face the other finalist, Northern which overpowered Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in a thrilling encounter at the UBL stadium. Meanwhile, Central Punjab collected 13 points (five batting, three bowling points and five points for a draw) from the match and topped the six-teams table with 133 points. Central Punjab and Northern will play the final at the National Stadium from 27 to 31 December 2019. Scores in brief: Central Punjab 597-9 declared, 170 overs (Abdullah Shafiq 133, Usman Salahuddin 114, Mohammad Saad 105 not out, Ahmed Shehzad 100; Salman Ali Agha 3-85, Rahat Ali 2-104, Zia-ul-Haq 2-135, Zulfiqar Babar 2-151) and 309-1, 81 overs (Salman Butt 158 not out, Ahmed Shehzad 100 not out, Kamran Akmal 47) Southern Punjab 392 all out, 95.1 overs ( Zeeshan Ashraf 141, Agha Salman 140; Bilal Asif 5-130, Ehsan Adil 3-75, Zafar Gohar 2-110) Result: Match drawn

Imran and Fawad make tons as Sindh and Balochistan match ends in draw  SB Report Karachi, 5 December 2019:Sindh’s Fawad Alam scored his fourth century of the season and Balochistan’s Imran Butt also continued his run of form with another ton on the final day of four-day tenth-round of first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match at the National Stadium on Thursday. Balochistan had reached 181 for one in 26.2 overs in their second innings when the match ended in a draw. Earlier Sindh had totaled 515 in 170.1 overs in their first innings in reply to Balochistan’s 471 for nine declared. Butt who was out cheaply in the first innings made amends with a fine 101 not out from 99 balls with 15 fours. This allowed him to finish as the top run-getter in the tournament’s round matches with 934 runs, a tally  that included four centuries. Balochistan’s captain, Imran Farhat was also undefeated on 40 from 26 balls when the match ended. Fawad's 34th century of his first-class career was the highlight of a day where Sindh responded with 515 in 170.1 overs in reply to Balochistan’s first innings total of 471 for nine. The left-hander faced 233 balls and hit 12 fours and a six in his innings of 116 runs after he resumed on the overnight score of 69. Fawad who has scored over 12,000 runs in first class cricket also shared a productive seventh wicket partnership of 47 with Anwar Ali who made 58 runs. All-rounder, Anwar who has been in good form since returning from an injury to first class cricket this season stroked nine fours in his 117 balls innings. Sindh lost their overnight batsman, Hasan Mohsin for 23 to Khurram Shehzad after which Fawad and Anwar stood firm. After Fawad was caught by Bismillah Khan off Taj Wali, Anwar produced a ninth wicket stand of 52 runs with Mir Hamza (14). Taj Wali and Jalat Khan finished with three wickets apiece. Balochistan finished at the bottom of the six-team table at the completion of the 10 rounds while Sindh were placed fifth going winless in the tournament. Scores in brief: Balochistan 471-9 declared, 150.2 overs (Imran Farhat 137, Akbar-ur-Rehman 122, Amad Butt 106, Asif Zakir 53; Mir Hamza 4-98, Sohail Khan 3-75) and 181-2, 26.2 overs ( Imran Butt 101 not out, Imran Farhat 40 not out) Sindh 515 all out, 170.1 overs (Saud Shakeel 151, Fawad Alam 116, Khurram Manzoor 109, Anwar Ali 58; Jalat Khan 3-96, Taj Wali 3-122) Result: Match drawn