Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Three-day-long domestic cricket season 2021-22 review concluded on Wednesday with a day-long seminar involving the 24 head and assistant coaches of the six Cricket Association sides, Pakistan men’s national team’s head, batting and assistant coach and national selector Muhammad Wasim. High Performance Director Nadeem Khan spoke to the participants in the first-half of the seminar and made a presentation on players tracking system. The player tracking system has been in use for the last two seasons and aims to evaluate a player’s performance in an analytical manner with allocation of points. Nadeem’s interactive presentation was followed by an extensive evaluation and review session which was conducted by the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team Saqlain Mushtaq. Chief selector Muhammad Wasim also spoke to the participants about the goals and objectives of domestic cricket and how the selection and playing strategies need to be in sync with the Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s needs and requirements. On Monday and Tuesday, the 24 coaches were individually interviewed by a three-member committee that comprised Shahid Mahboob (Head Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre Karachi) and NHPC coaches Umar Rasheed and Sajjad Akbar. Director High Performance Nadeem Khan: “We have been making extensive reviews at the end of the domestic cricket season in the last two years. This year’s review seminar was once again focused on a comprehensive debrief of the season in the presence of all 24 head and assistant coaches, Pakistan men’s team’s head, assistant and batting coach and the chief selector. “We carefully reviewed the player profiling process that we introduced to the system two years ago. Player profiling helps us in determining a player’s performance, progress and shortcomings. Each player’s profile is built from the age-group level, the coach speaks to the players and agrees with them on what all is expected of them both on and off the field and how they can progress in their cricket careers. “Over the last two years, we have succeeded in developing a robust players profiling system that has helped us immensely in tracking players in all aspects of their development. At the seminar, we discussed on the ways and means of further improving the system and how it can serve us well in the forthcoming domestic and international cricket season. I am pleased that we also had the men’s team’s coaches and chief selector present as the aim of domestic cricket is to work closely and in alignment with the aims, objectives, targets and goals of Pakistan’s national men’s cricket team.” Saqlain Mushtaq, Pakistan men’s national cricket team head coach: “This was a very fruitful and rewarding session for us as we all reiterated our aim of taking Pakistan cricket to the top in all three formats. We identified areas of improvement, discussed the method and brand of cricket we want to play at the domestic and international level and how we needed all stakeholders to be aligned to our ultimate goal. “Our collective aim is to make Pakistan dominate at the international level and to achieve this we have identified a set of benchmarks. Through constant reminder, aggressive style of play and strategy we can surely achieve anything and everything and I am pleased that the coaches at the domestic level as well as our relevant stakeholders are focused and determined and want to produce players that become world beaters.” Mohammad Wasim, Pakistan men’s chief selector: “Domestic cricket around the world is run in lines of the requirements at the international level to ensure that the gap between the two is as minimum as possible. In the last two years, we have delivered hugely competitive cricket seasons which have helped in improving both the pool of players as well as performance of the national side. We have been able to develop a quality-based domestic system with the reduced number of players which have helped narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket. “Each year we have made robust reviews and have aimed to identify areas of improvement collectively so that all of us remain aligned. These reviews are extremely helpful in not only reviewing a cricket season but also in planning for the next cricket season and setting new targets and objectives for the coaches.” Abdul Rehman, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa head coach: “This assessment process helps the coaches review their own performances and evaluate where they stand in terms of the delivery of their goals and objectives while preparing for the season ahead. These workshops and seminars are held in a cordial atmosphere where all participants provide their feedback in a candid manner. “This year too we have had detailed discussions which were aimed to identify areas of improvement and alignment of our collective goals and objectives. As we now start our preparations for the next domestic season, this review will help us figure out our plans, short and long term objectives with the ultimate aim of making a healthy and significant contribution to the further improvement of Pakistan cricket.”

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts for the democratisation of the game continued in the 2021-22 season as it provided guidance and assistance to the six Cricket Associations for the growth and promotion of cricket at the grassroots level. The efforts reaped great benefits for club cricketers with as many as 3,822 club sides across the country playing 7,009 matches. The six CAs conducted cricket leagues in their respective jurisdictions in the five-month period between October 2021 and February 2022, providing a pathway for the aspiring cricketers to graduate to the apex domestic level and also helping in the unearthing of cricket talent in both urban and rural centers. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose talent across all rungs continues to dominate the domestic scene, saw 844 clubs play 1,530 matches from 13 November 2021 to 20 January 2022. Central Punjab and Sindh had the next best number of club participation with 788 and 670 sides playing 1,482 and 1,172 matches, respectively. In Southern Punjab, 517 clubs played 1,100 matches, while 512 clubs in Balochistan and 491 in Northern featured in 700 and 1,025 games, respectively. The club cricket leagues in the Balochistan, Central Punjab, Northern, Sindh and Southern Punjab began on 20 October 2021 and finished early this year. Nadeem Khan, Director – High Performance: “Club cricket acts as a feeder for domestic cricket and it was vital that we created an atmosphere in which our six Cricket Associations were able to maximise cricket at grassroots. “I want to congratulate the Cricket Associations, who have delivered these matches and have more such activities planned that are in line with the PCB has a vision of helping grassroots cricket grow and flourish. The PCB aims to continue to work closely with the six Cricket Associations so that we can collectively provide maximum playing opportunities to the budding cricketers in an effort to help them achieve their career objectives.” In the coming months, the PCB will run an independent scrutiny process to further boost the development of the game at the club level. Separately, extensive work continued to attract schoolchildren towards cricket, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Central Punjab and Southern Punjab organised school cricket leagues. Three-hundred school teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa played 565 matches from 7 October to 8 November last year. Southern Punjab’s school league saw 184 schools compete in 295 matches from 15 November 2021 till 5 January 2022, while 162 schools in Central Punjab have played 458 matches to date with the two-day league presently ongoing. Earlier in the month, Dar-e-Arqam Lahore won the Central Punjab Weekend School Championship 2021-22 on the basis of first innings lead in a draw against Divisional Public School Faisalabad at Pakistan’s home of cricket, the Gaddafi Stadium.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-The BRB Group will sponsor 100 contracts for junior cricketers that will be awarded under the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme. The contracts are initially being awarded for a one-year period. The PCB-BRB Group collaboration for this project has been initiated with the signing of a three-year long MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). Alongside the financial support, the PCB will invest in personality development and grooming of these youngsters. The focus will be on providing quality education whilst also upskilling cricketing talent. These 100 players will be earning monthly retainers of PKR 30,000 each. Scholarships will also be provided to these players in top schools and college/universities. Technical education on the side-lines of a comprehensive cricket skill acquisition plan will also be delivered as a part of the programme. Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja: “We want to thank the BRB Group for their support for the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme that will shape the future of Pakistan cricket. I have personally taken great interest in the project and it remains very close to my heart. “One of our major objectives is to invest in pathway cricket to ensure our future cricketers get the best possible training, grooming, education and financial support. I am delighted with the progress we have made in a short span of time. We have identified talented players who are in their early to late teens and are the future of Pakistan cricket, we will now fully focus on the development of their cricket, education and basic life skills. “The investment that we are making on grassroots is unprecedented, and I am confident that these steps will change the landscape of the game in the country for the future generations.” Chairman BRB Group Bilal Khawaja: “We are very excited about our collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board for the training, development and grooming of Pakistan’s future cricket stars under the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme. Cricket unites us as a country and has remained a source of joy, inspiration and pride for the last many decades. “BRB Group is keen on playing a major role in shaping Pakistan cricket’s future, I am sure these cricketers will go on to serve the country with distinction in the years ahead. The PCB and BRB Group are not only focused on making these youngsters’ good cricketers but we are also endeavouring to educate them and to teach them life skills. This is an unprecedented initiative by the PCB and we are delighted to make a strong contribution.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-After the adoption of new domestic structure in 2019, which brought many opportunities for players and coaches, it also helped nurture talent from Balochistan. Young duo Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Haseebullah are the prime examples of the talent produced by Balochistan. The 19-year old Haseebullah is from Pishin – a place 50 kilometers away from Quetta (capital of Balochistan). The left-handed batter represented Pakistan U19 in this year’s ICC U19 World Cup in West Indies. He was amongst the top run-getter for Pakistan and second overall in the mega event, scoring 380 runs from six matches at 76.00. He scored two centuries and one half-century and struck 27 fours and 10 sixes. He didn’t stop there and carried his form in the recently concluded Pakistan Cup (One-Day) tournament. He topped the batting charts with 614 runs from 12 matches at 55.82 with a strike-rate of 98.24, which included three centuries and one half-century. The young batter is a real product of grassroots cricket, where he performed for Balochistan U16 and got a chance to represent Pakistan U16 in 2019. After representing Balochistan U19, he went on to represent Pakistan U19 in Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup. After performing in the U19 World Cup, he got a chance to represent first XI of Balochistan Cricket Association where he continued to perform to his potential. Haseebullah comes from a cricketing family, where his father Azizullah and uncle Hameedullah both were first-class cricketers. Haseebullah–Balochistan: “Since my childhood I was inclined towards cricket as my father and uncle was first-class cricketers. I started playing cricket under the able guidance of my father and uncle. Till today my father does throw downs for me during the batting sessions while my uncle helped me in wicket-keeping drills. “In Pakistan team my favourite batter is Fakhar Zaman due to his aggressive batting.” Reflecting on his recent performances, the left-handed batter said: “If you see I have scored more centuries then half-centuries, it is because once I score around 30 to 40, I try to go for big runs. I recently scored 131 against Sindh in the semi-final of Pakistan Cup which I rate as my favourite innings as scoring against quality bowlers and in a knockout match was something very special.” He praised the talent of Balochistan despite having few facilities in that part of the country. “There is some exceptional talent in the Balochistan region. The new domestic structure has really helped local talent to come forward and represent in first and second XIs of the Balochistan Cricket Association.” Azizullah: father of Haseebullah: “My son is really fond of the game and the new domestic structure has helped him in cherishing his dream. Me and my brother really like to work on the skills of Haseebullah and we are really happy Haseebullah is giving back by performing at the highest level of the Cricket Association. As we all belong to this game, there is only cricket which is discussed in our dining room. I only wish that my son represents Pakistan in the longest format of the game so more talent can come forward from our region.”

Sports Bulletin Report MULTAN:-Yasir Shah-led Balochistan made history when they defeated defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium to clinch the Pakistan Cup – the final tournament of the 2021-22 domestic cricket season. This was Balochistan’s first title since the inception of the new domestic structure in 2019. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already annexed the U13, U16, U19, National T20 Cup and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy titles and were looking to take the sixth title home, but was unable to do so courtesy brilliant bowling and captaincy from Yasir Shah and batting from young right-handed batter Abdul Wahid Bangalzai. Chasing 172 to win, Balochistan achieved the target in the 32nd over for the loss of two wickets. The 19-year old Bangalzai took the centre stage in the final with a brilliant unbeaten 80 off 77 balls, the right-hander hit nine fours and two sixes in his innings to ensure a commanding victory for his side. Bangalzai added 77 runs for the second wicket with Haseebullah (45 off 58, six fours) to provide his side a solid platform. Asad Shafiq who batted at number four, returned undefeated on 21 off 33 balls (one four) in a 70-run unbeaten third wicket stand with Bangalzai. Balochistan took away the glittering Pakistan Cup trophy besides the PKR5million winners’ prize. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bagged PKR2.5million. For his match winning performance, Yasir was named the player-of-the-match. Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were asked to bat first by Balochistan captain Yasir.  Right-arm fast Khurram Shahzad sent back Ashfaq Ahmed in the first over for naught. Kamran Ghulam held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. The right-hander scored 70 off 91 balls (seven fours, one six). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa folded for 171 runs in 46 overs as leg-spinner Yasir took four wickets for 33 in 10 overs. Khurram and Akif Javed took two wickets apiece. Scores in brief: Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 171 all out, 46 overs (Kamran Ghulam 70; Yasir Shah 4-33, Akif Javed 2-35, Khurram Shahzad 2-36) Balochistan 175-2, 31.2 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 80 not out, Haseebullah 45, Asad Shafiq 21 not out; Khalid Usman 2-47) Player-of-the-Match PKR 50,000: Yasir Shah Player-of-the-Tournament PKR 250,000: Haseebullah Best Batter of the Tournament PKR 250,000:  Haseebullah Best Bowler of the Tournament PKR 250,000: Yasir Shah Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament PKR 250,000: Mohammad Haris

Sports Bulletin Report MULTAN:-All eyes will be on defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa when they take on Balochistan in the final of the Pakistan Cup on Friday at the Multan Cricket Stadium. The 50-over tournament will be the last tournament of the 2021-22 domestic cricket season, in which the Pakistan Cricket Board delivered 11 tournaments (280 matches). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already annexed the U13, U16, U19, National T20 Cup and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy titles and if they succeed in winning on Friday, this will be their sixth title of the 2021-22 season and seventh in succession. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa qualified for the final after defeating Central Punjab by six wickets in the first semi-final on 28 March, while Yasir Shah-led Balochistan progressed to the title match after overpowering Sindh by 13 runs in the second semi-final on 30 March. The winner will collect a cheque of PKR5million, while the losing side will receive PKR2.5million. Separately, PKR1million will be distributed between the Player of the Tournament, Best Batter, Best Bowler and Best Wicketkeeper, while the Player of the Final will receive PKR35,000. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Khalid Usman: “We have played some outstanding cricket during the season and we would like to end it on a winning note. “The players have responded well in different conditions and different formats, and I hope they will do well in the final. Balochistan is a good side and they have performed well in crunch situations and so, we are hoping that fans are up for a good contest tomorrow.” Balochistan captain Yasir Shah: “I am really proud of the players; the way they have responded in this tournament. “Our combination is really good and I am hopeful of lifting the title on Friday. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is a great side, but we have the resources to beat them in all departments of the game.” Both sides have met twice in the tournament before going into Friday’s final. In the third round match at the Multan Cricket Stadium on March 6, Balochistan inflicted a crushing eight-wicket win over Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Imran Butt and Asad Shafiq scored unbeaten half-centuries, while Amad Butt and Khurram Shahzad bagged three wickets apiece for the winning team. In the return match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on 26 March, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bounced back and won the match by 49 runs. Adil Amin’s 92 and captain Khalid three wickets played an instrumental role in the victory. Top performers: Balochistan’s Haseebullah is the second highest run-getter in the tournament with 569 runs from 11 matches at an average of 56.90. The left-handed batter was named player-of-the-match in the second semi-final against Sindh for his 114-ball 131. Test cricketer and Balochistan’s middle-order batter Asad Shafiq currently occupies fourth spot in the batting charts with 489 runs at 97.80. Another Test cricketer and Balochistan’s opening batter Imran Butt has scored 481 runs from 11 outings in the tournament at an average of 53.44. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kamran Ghulam holds the seventh spot in the batting charts with 461 runs from 11 matches at 41.91. The 2020 Domestic Cricketer of the Year was named player-of-the-match in the first semi-final against Central Punjab for his 120-ball 109. Adil Amin is on the ninth spot with 453 runs from 11 matches at 45.30. Amongst the bowlers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s captain Khalid leads the table with 23 wickets from 11 matches.  Khalid is followed by his rival captain Yasir, who has taken 20 wickets from 11 matches.

ABDULLAH ASJAD ISLAMABAD:-Sindh beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa(KPK) by 29 runs in a one day fixture of the Pakistan Cup 2022 at the House of Northern Islamabad on Wednesday. KPK skipper Khalid Usman asked opposite captain Mir Humza to bat first while Sindh’s batters set a mammoth target of 375 runs in 50 overs. Left-handed batter Sharjeel Khan played a sparkling innings and scored double ton. He scored 206 after facing just 136 deliveries as he smashed 19 fours and 14 maximums. Omair Bin Yousaf scored 40 runs in 37 balls while Danish Aziz added 38 runs in team total in 35 balls. KPK bowler Mohammad Wasim got 2 wickets and conceded 72 runs. Asif Afridi sent out solitary batter of Sindh for 37 runs while skipper Khalid Usman picked up a single wicket. In reply, KPK reached close to the big total of 375 but did not chase their target and bundled out at 345 runs in 47 overs and lost the match by 29 runs. Mohammad Sarwar was top scorer with 89 runs in 63 balls. He hit 8 fours and 5 sixes. Adil Amin scored 75 runs in 62 balls and smashed 8 fours and one huge six. Kamran Ghulam managed 55 runs in 61 balls with 5 fours and 2 maximum. Sindhi pacer Shahnawaz Dahani grabbed 5 wickets after conceding 64 runs. Sohail Khan got 2 wickets for 70 runs while captain Mir Humza took one wicket a piece. Summarized scorecard Sindh Batting: - total (374-6) 50 overs Sharjeel Khan (206 runs in 136 balls) 19 fours 14 sixes, Omair Bin Yousaf (40 runs in 37 balls) 5 fours, Danish Aziz (38 runs in 35 balls) 5 fours Pakhtunkhwa (KPK):-Bowling Mohammad Wasim( 2 for 72), Asif Afridi (1 for 37), Khalid Usman (1 for 48) Pakhtunkhwa(KPK) Batting :- total (345-10) 47 overs Mohammad Sarwar (89 runs in 63 balls)8 fours 5 sixes, Adil Amin ( 75 runs in 62 balls)8 fours 1 six, Kamran Ghulam (55 runs in 61 balls)5 fours 2 sixes    

ABDULLAH ASJAD ISLAMABAD:-Khyber Pakhtonkhawa (KPK) beat Northern by 29 runs in Pakistan cup 2022 One-Day match at Diamond Cricket Ground on Tuesday. KPK skipper Khalid Uman won the toss and decided to bat first and set 280 for 9 runs total on the score board against Northern. KPK batter Kamran Ghulam scored 118 runs in 100 balls. He hit 7 fours and 6 sixes. Fakhar Zaman added 31 runs after wasted 74 deliveries while Adil Ameen contributed 30 runs in his 30 balls innings. Northern Bowler Aamir Jamal picked up 2 wickets for 27 runs. Imad Wasim took 2 for 52 runs while Sulman Irshad got 2 wickets. In reply, Northern team all out at 250 run in 47.5 over’s. Imad Wasim scored 53 runs in 71 balls. He hit 6 fours. Nasir Nawaz scored 50 runs in 59 balls. Asif Ali added 50 runs. KPK bowler Asif Afridi took 3 wickets for42 runs. Khalid Usman 3 for 50 runs. Mohammad Waseem got single wickets. Summarized Scorecard KPK (Batting): 279 for 9 in 50 overs Kamran Ghulam(118 runs in 100 balls)7 fours 6 sixes, Fakhar Zaman(31 runs in 74 balls) 2 fours, Adil Amin (29 runs in 30 balls) 3 fours,1 six Northern (Bowling): Aamir Jamal 2 for 27 runs, Imad Wasim 2 for 52 runs, Sulman Irshad 2 for 71 Northern Batting: 250 runs all out in 47.5 overs Imad Wasim (53 runs in71 balls) 6 fours, Nasir Nawaz (50 runs in 59 balls) 5 fours, 2 sixes, Asif Ali (50 runs in 63 balls) 4 fours, 1 six KPK (Bowling): Asif Afridi 3 for 42 runs, Khalid Usman 3 for 50 runs, Mohammad Waseem 1 for 26 runs.

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Southern Punjab defeated Northern by 67 runs in the 8th match of Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament on Tuesday at Diamond Cricket Ground Islamabad. After winning the toss, Northern decided to bowl first. Sothern Punjab set 285 runs target on score board against Northern. Selman Agha played a wonderful innings and scored 171 runs in just 134 balls and he hit 18 fours and 6 brilliant sixes. Khushdil shah added 24 runs in team total and smashed 2 fours and solitary six. Sharoon Siraj scored 20 runs. Northern bowler Aamir Jamal took 3 wickets for 56 runs. Mubashir Khan got 2 wickets and conceded 51 runs while Musa Khan took 2 for 62 runs. In reply, Northern failed to chase 285 runs. Mubashir Khan scored 65 runs in62 balls. Rohail Nazir scored 40 runs in 42 delivers while Mohammad Hurira scored 28 runs in 20 balls. Sothern’s bowler Aamir Yameen took 2 wickets while Abbas Afridi got one wicket. Summarized Scorecard Southern Punjab Batting:  284 all out in 48.1 overs Sulman Agha (171 runs in 144 balls) 18 fours 1 six, Khushdil Shah (24 runs in 33 balls)2 fours,1 six, Sharoon Siraj(20 runs in 38 balls)2 fours Northern Bowling Aamir Jamal 3 for 56 runs, Mubashir Khan 2 for 51 runs, Musa Khan 2 for 62 runs Northern Batting: 217 all out 43.2 overs Mubashir khan (65 runs in 62 balls) 7 fours 1 six, Rohail Nazir (40 runs in 42 balls) 6 fours, Mohammad Hurira ( 28 runs in 20 balls) 6 fours Southern Punjab Bowling Amir Yamin 2 for 29 runs, Khushdil Shah 2 for 29, Imran Randhawa 2 for 30 runs  

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD:-Northern beat Sindh by 2 runs in Pakistan Cup 2022 match at the House of Northern Islamabad on Sunday. Northern's Skipper Haider Ali decided to ball first after winning the toss against Sindh elevens. Sindhi batters set 252 runs total on scoreboard all out in just 44.4overs in 50 overs per inning fixture. Opener Sherjeel Khan scored 118 runs and faced 84 delivers and hit 11 fours and huge 7 sixes while Danish Aziz added 30 runs in team total for 60 deliveries wasted and smashed 3 fours. Mohammad Hassan scored 28 runs for 39 balls. Northern bowler Asif Ali bowled with best economy rate. He conceded only 10 runs and took 3 wickets. Amir Jamal got 2 for 46 balls while Zaman khan picked up 2 wickets for 47 runs. In reply, Northern scored 128 runs for 4 wickets in 23.2 overs. But bad luck for Sindh the rain interrupted the match as Northern won by 2 runs by (DSL) method. Northern Batter Mohammad Huraira scored 41 runs in 39 balls. Umer Amin scored 41 runs 10 (44 balls) while Asif Ali scored 20 runs only. Sindhi bowler Shahnawaz Dahani took 3 wickets and Baber Ahmed got single wicket. Summarized scorecard Sindh Batting: 252 all out in 44.4 overs Sharjeel Khan 118 runs (84 balls in 84, 11 fours, 7 sixes), Danish Aziz 30 runs (60 balls, fours), Mohammed Hassen 28 runs (39 balls, 2 fours) Northern Bowling: Asif Ali (3 wickets for 10 runs), Amir Jamal (2 wickets for 46 runs), Zaman Khan (2 wickets for 47 runs) Northern Batting: 128 for 4 in 23.2 overs Mohammad Huraira 41 runs (39 balls, 8 fours), Umer Amin 41 runs (44bals, 3 fours, 1 six), Asif Ali 20 runs (17 balls), 1 four, 1 six Sindh Bowling: Shah Nawaz Dahani (3 for 29 runs), Baber Ahmed (1 for 37 runs) Result:-Northern won by 2 runs on DSL Venue:-House of Northern Islamabad Toss:-Northern