Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Nida Dar will continue to lead Pakistan women’s team as the national selection committee headed by Saleem Jaffar announced a 15-member squad for the Bangladesh tour scheduled to take place later this month.Pakistan will depart for Bangladesh on 20 October to feature in a six-match white-ball series which also includes three ODIs, part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. The series itinerary will be announced in due course by the home board.The experienced Iram Javed stages a comeback to the national side after a gap of one year. The right-handed batter last played for Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Iram also featured for Super Women against Amazons in the three women’s exhibition T20 matches earlier this year in Rawalpindi.Shawaal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah have been excluded from the squad that played against South Africa last month in the white-ball series in Karachi, while Fatima Sana, who got injured in the second ODI against South Africa, is still in the process of recovering. Both Shawaal and Aroob are part of the 28 probables of the Pakistan women's emerging team taking part in the training camp in Muridke. The emerging team will play a bilateral series and a triangular tournament involving West Indies and Thailand's emerging cricket teams later this month.Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarNon-travelling reserves: Amber Kainat, Omaima Sohail and Sidra Nawaz (wk)Player support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach for camp only) Muhammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst)Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar: “Our selection committee has carefully deliberated over the squad for the Bangladesh tour, aiming to strike the right balance between bat and ball, as we believe this squad is well-equipped to face the challenges in Bangladesh.“Young Shawaal Zulfiqar has been omitted from the squad as she requires more grooming before representing again at the international level. The members of the selection committee have recalled experienced Iram Javed in the squad. Iram’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen our batting order in Bangladesh conditions.“Fatima Sana is on the road to recovery, and we are committed to giving her the time she needs to be fully prepared for the upcoming away series against New Zealand where the selection committee feels the right-arm fast bowler will be more productive.”

Pakistan number one tennis player Aqeel Khan reaches in the semifinalSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan number one tennis player, Aqeel Khan moved into the semifinal of the ongoing Sheheryar Malik Memorial Pakistan Open Tennis Championship after beating Mudassar Murtaza in the quarterfinal here at Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy Nishtar Park on Wednesday.Results:Men's Singles (Quarterfinals):Aqeel Khan beat Mudassar Murtaza 6-2, 6-3Yousaf Khalil beat Heera Ashiq 6-4, 6-3Mohammad Abid beat Abdullah Adnan 6-2, 6-0Men's Doubles (Pre-Quarters):Qasim Ali/Suleman Junaid beat Sami Zeb Khan/ Saqib Hayat 5-7, 6-2, 15-13Mohammad Abid/Ahmad Chaudhary beat Hamza Roman /Asad Ullah 6-1, 6-1Ahmad Babar/Imran Bhatti beat Faizan Fayyaz/Sikandar Hayat 6-3, 6-1Mudassar Murtaza/Abdullah Adnan beat Baqir Ali/Hasheesh Kumar 6-4, 4-6, 10-4Zaid Mujahid/Waqas Malik beat Bilal Asim/Ahmad Nael 6-1, 2-6, 10-3Seniors Doubles 55+ (semifinals):Rashid Malik/Israr Gul beat Inam ul Haq/Waqar Nisar 6-0, 6-0Arif Feroze/Brig Manzoor beat Nauman Aleem/Dr.Shahzaib Pervaiz 6-0, 6-1Seniors Doubles 45+ (Quarterfinals):Talha Waheed/Hassan Said beat Mehboob Waheed/Rana Humayun 6-4, 6-2Israr Gul/Qasim Ali beat Munir Gill/Qadir Nawaz 6-1, 3-6, 10-2Boys’ Under-18 (Quarterfinals):Bilal Asim beat Ahtesham Humayun 6-0, 6-0Hamid Israr beat Yafat Nadeem 6-2, 6-4Hamza Roman beat Asad Zaman 6-3, 6-0Mohammad Salaar beat Mahatir Mohammad 6-4, 4-6, 6-3Ladies’ Singles (Quarterfinals):Soha Ali beat Kainat Ali 6-0, 6-0Sheeza Sajid beat Labika Durab 6-4, 6-1Meheq Khokhar beat Laiba 6-1, 6-2Boys’ Under-16 (Quarterfinals):Asad Zaman beat Abdul Basit 6-2, 6-1Sheheryar Anees beat Muzamil Khan 6-3, 6-3Amir Mazari beat Hamza Ali Rizwan 6-3, 2-6, 6-0Ahtesham Humayun beat Taimoor Ansari 6-1, 6-1Boys’ Under-14 (Quarterfinals):Amir Mazari beat Abdur Rehman 6-2, 6-2Umar Jawad beat Hamza Ali RizwanHaziq Areejo beat Ismail Aftab 6-2, 3-6, 10-7Abdul Basit beat Ansari Ullah 6-3, 6-1

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab, Shahid Zaman, inaugurated the ITF-PTF Wheelchair Tennis Development Initiative Coaching Camp at the Sports Board Punjab Tennis Academy, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Tuesday. Wheelchair tennis has already made its debut in Karachi under the leadership of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Vice President Muhammad Khalid Rehmani, who has been playing a pivotal role in not only promoting the sport in Sindh but also expanding its reach across the nation. Punjab, now the second province to embrace wheelchair tennis, will have PLTA Secretary Rashid Malik (Tamgha-e-Imtiaz) overseeing the sport. Malik's responsibilities include coaching and nurturing wheelchair tennis players while actively seeking out and developing talented athletes from all over the country. Speaking at the launch ceremony of the wheelchair tennis camp, which saw the participation of 16 wheelchair tennis players from various regions of the province, Secretary Sports Shahid Zaman praised the initiative, saying, "This is a commendable effort by Khalid Rehmani, a pioneer of wheelchair tennis in Pakistan. In Punjab, under the guidance of Rashid Malik, wheelchair players will receive training and grooming aimed at transforming them into champions. "Through the Sports Board Punjab, these players will receive comprehensive support, including wheelchairs, tennis rackets, balls, and access to tennis facilities, all provided free of charge. There is tremendous talent in Punjab, and with the help of qualified coaches, we hope this talent will master the finer aspects of the game," the Secretary Sports added. Expressing his gratitude, Khalid Rehmani said, "I extend my appreciation to Secretary of Sports & Youth Affairs Shahid Zaman for gracing the event as the chief guest and for announcing free-of-cost facilities and tennis equipment for these wheelchair players. I'm also thankful to Mr. Rashid Malik for accepting this responsibility, and I am confident that under his capable guidance and supervision, wheelchair tennis and its players will soon gain popularity in Punjab. "Our primary goal for 2024 is to prepare wheelchair tennis players for the Paris Paralympics and ITF Unilock Asia Region Cup Wheelchair Tennis. We plan to gather talented wheelchair tennis players from every corner of the country, provide them with training and grooming, and select the best among them for these major events," Rehmani explained. "We are also looking to introduce wheelchair tennis in Quetta, which possesses immense talent. With proper training and maximum international exposure, we hope to produce champions capable of making their mark on the global wheelchair tennis stage," Rehmani asserted.  

Sports Bulletin ReportCAMBODIA: Otis Khan, the forward for the Pakistani football team, is eager to excel in the crucial World Cup Qualifier against Cambodia, expressing his hopes for a successful performance. Speaking highly of their preparation and belief in the team's abilities, Otis Khan said: "We know it will be a difficult game. Cambodia is a formidable side and has prepared well for the match but I always believe in us 100 percent and we must fight till the end, focusing on executing our roles as a cohesive unit," he stated. "The foreign coach possesses a vast knowledge of football and he has implemented an excellent structure within the team. I firmly believe that if we stick to our game plan given by our qualified coach and try to give our best, we can secure a victory against Cambodia,” he added. Recognizing that they are the underdogs, having never won a World Cup Qualifier before, the national team player termed this challenge as an opportunity. "Preparation is going really well, and our training sessions are detailed, with each player understanding their responsibilities. "I have a great belief in my team and I believe we can emerge victorious in this game and create a history. It's something we're all striving for, and we understand the significant opportunities that victory will bring, both individually and as a team. We must give our all – fight, run, and leave everything on the field for Pakistan," Otis Khan asserted.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the latest crop of international stars shortlisted for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards following an action-packed month of cricket in September.The three-person ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist features one of England’s prolific short-format batters and an Indian duo that were instrumental in their trophy-winning Asia Cup campaign last month.Mohammed Siraj enjoyed a return to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI rankings for bowlers in late September, and was the chief architect of India’s success in the final with a remarkable bowling display. Joining him on the shortlist is Shubman Gill, hoping to win his second Player of the Month prize after his run-scoring heroics in the Asia Cup continued into the subsequent ODI series against Australia. England’s Dawid Malan completes the lineup, nominated for the first time after a superb showing in the series against New Zealand.The shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award features a young South African duo that recorded an impressive T20I win in Pakistan, and Sri Lanka’s influential skipper, who led them to a historic T20I series victory in England.ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:Shubman Gill (IND):The Indian batter has enjoyed a hugely successful 2023 so far, and could potentially be in line to win his second Player of the Month accolade after runs again came flooding in during September. The 24-year-old registered 480 runs at an average of 80 in his eight ODIs during the month, with notable highlights including a stylish century against Bangladesh in Colombo, and 74 and 104 in back-to-back games against Australia.Dawid Malan (ENG):The England batter arrived into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in sublime form in ODI cricket, scooping the Player of the Series award in the recent victory over New Zealand at home. His scores during the series progressed with each match. After a half-century in the second fixture, he came within a whisker of three figures with 96 at the Oval, before he passed the landmark in the final outing across London at Lord’s. His 277 ODI runs in September came at an average of 92.33.Mohammed Siraj (IND):The pacer returned to the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI bowler rankings in September thanks to a glittering performance to dismantle Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Colombo. Siraj took 11 wickets in total across six ODIs, but his month will be remembered for the memorable way in which he tore into the defending champions, bowling them out for 50 runs, taking six wickets for 21 which included a four-wicket over.ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:Chamari Athapaththu (SL):Sri Lanka’s iconic skipper was at the peak of her powers in the T20I series against England in September. After narrowly losing the rain-effected first contest, Athapaththu registered back-to-back Player of the Match performances to clinch their maiden victory over the home side in any format. Her trademark explosive batting and economical bowling helped restrict England to low totals in the second and third matches. A terrific 55 runs in 31 balls in the second match was followed by a match-winning 44 in 28 balls in the decisive encounter, along with three priceless England wickets.Nadine de Klerk (SA):The South African all-rounder celebrates her first nomination in the Player of the Month awards after valuable runs and wickets helped claim ODI victories over Pakistan and New Zealand last month. De Klerk chipped in with scores throughout September, only being dismissed once, and scoring 171 runs including successive half-centuries. The Player of the Series against Pakistan also impressed with the ball, recording 13 wickets in her five ODI outings at a superb average of 12.76.Laura Wolvaardt (SA):Despite losing the T20I series 3-0 against Pakistan, Wolvaardt was named Player of the Series after amassing 157 runs in her three matches. A quiet ODI series against Pakistan followed before the South African once again rediscovered her form, this time against New Zealand, striking a classy half-century before an unbeaten 124 saw her side confirm the series win and Wolvaardt claim another Player of the Series prize.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Iftikhar Ahmed and Iqbal Sheikh, both part of PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees will lead the playing control team in the six-match series between Pakistan U19 and Sri Lanka U19 in Karachi from 15 to 31 October.The solitary four-day match will be played from 15 to 18 October at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. ICC/PCB International Panel of Umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will perform the duties of on-field umpires in the match, while Imtiaz Iqbal will be reserve umpire from PCB Elite Panel of Umpires. Iqbal Sheikh will be serving as the match referee.The four-day match will be followed by five 50-over matches and will be played from 22 to 31 October at the same venue. Asif Yaqoob, Imran Jawed and Imtiaz Iqbal, will form the umpiring panel for the one-day matches.The only four-day match will begin at 1000, while toss will take place at 0930 PKT. The first ball in the One-Day matches will be bowled at 0930 PKT.Names of Umpires and match referees:15-18 October – Four-day match. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)22 October – First One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)24 October – Second One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)27 October – Third One-Day match. Imran Jawed and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)29 October – Fourth One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)31 October – Fifth One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee).

Sports Bulletin ReportHyderabad (India): Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their second match of Cricket World Cup 2023 here at Rajeev Gandhi International Cricket Stadium today (October 10) afternoon. Pakistan defeated Holland by 81 runs in their previous match at the same venue. Sri Lanka lost their first match against South Africa. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Doctor will re-examine pacer Naseem Shah in the third week of this month October, as he will be monitored till the next check-up by the same doctor, who operated on his shoulder. Ihsanullah: Ihsanullah, who has featured for Pakistan in one ODI and four T20Is, suffered an elbow injury. The 20-year-old has been ruled out from international cricket since playing for Pakistan in the ODI series against New Zealand at home this year in April.Ihsanullah had to undergo surgery in a private hospital in Lahore. A doctor was flown in from England to operate Ihsanullah in the first week of September. After the operation, the fast bowler was placed in an elbow brace for four weeks, with a doctor and physio attending him on a daily basis. His condition is satisfactory and the brace will be removed at the end of fifth week. Afterwards, he will proceed with rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.Mohammad Hasnain: 23-year-old Hasnain sustained an ankle injury while playing in the Sri Lanka Premier League in August. He traveled to England from Sri Lanka and had an MRI. The scans revealed the fast bowler requires rehabilitation for his ankle, which is under process since 13 September in England.Naseem Shah: 20-year-old Naseem got injured during Asia Cup, ruling him out of the ICC World Cup 2023. Following the injury, the fast bowler underwent shoulder surgery earlier last week. During the operation, he remained absolutely stable and was discharged from the hospital the next day. He will be attended by two physiotherapists for his rehabilitation initially at the hospital and also later at the training ground and gym. During this entire period, he will be continuously monitored and the doctor who operated on him will see him again in the third week of October.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Urtasker Group of Companies organized a captivating Football Championship for Breast Cancer Awareness in October, fondly known as "Pink Month." In an inspiring display of unity, 2 female and 5 male teams came together to raise awareness for a noble cause. This event was held in collaboration with the Leisure Leagues and World Group and showcased Urtasker's commitment to corporate social responsibility. The event was held at Zaraj Football Ground in Rawalpindi.The two formidable female teams battled fiercely on the field, representing Urtasker and Leisure Leagues. In a heart-pounding match, the Urtasker’s female team emerged triumphant with a 1-0 victory, demonstrating their dedication to the cause.Meanwhile, in the male category, the New Yorkers showed their sportsmanship by winning against the Pindi Badshah with a score of 1-0 in the final. However, in the true spirit of fair play and unity, the New Yorkers gave the winning title to the Pindi Badshah team.There were 10 pool matches among 5 teams, and the qualifiers played the semifinals and final. The other teams included Jhelum Stallions, Urtasker Hawks, and Urtasker United.Zeeshan Riaz, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer of Urtasker said: "This tournament was about more than just football; it was about coming together as a community to support a crucial cause. We're proud to have played a part in raising awareness for breast cancer and promoting unity through sports."This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Urtasker Group of Companies has celebrated the spirit of sportsmanship and contributed significantly to the ongoing fight against breast cancer. By organizing this impactful football championship, they have successfully combined passion for the game with an unwavering commitment to creating awareness and promoting unity in the community.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD: Pakistani female cricket commentator, and sports presenter, Zainab Abbas left the Cricket World Cup and reached Dubai after receiving threats in India.According to available information from abroad, Zainab Abbas has left India owing to some security threats, and pressure was mounting on her in India, as she was there to perform her duties during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, a mega quadrennial event of the world.Now, she has reached Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is pertinent to mention here that in her tweet regarding Kashmir 9 years ago, an Indian citizen filed a case for her tweet regarding Kashmir. Zainab was receiving threats in India and she decided to leave the World Cup and reach Dubai.Also, an official of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that she (Zainab Abbas) reached Dubai.