Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will commence in Pakistan on Wednesday, 19 February, with winners of the 2017 edition, Pakistan, taking on New Zealand in the opening match of the tournament at the National Stadium in Karachi. The first ball of the match will be bowled at 2pm PKT.The eight-team tournament will be played across three venues in Pakistan – Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi – as well as in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 19 February to 9 March. Pakistan is all set to host an ICC event for the first time since the ICC Cricket World Cup 1996, which concluded with the final at the Gaddafi Stadium, where Sri Lanka defeated Australia by seven wickets.In the lead-up to the ICC Champions Trophy, the three venues in Pakistan – Gaddafi Stadium Lahore, National Stadium Karachi and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone major upgradation, offering players and spectators world-class facilities.Pakistan enter the tournament as the defending champions, having beaten India in the final of the 2017 edition, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed. Fakhar Zaman was the player of the final for his imperious 114 off 106 deliveries, while Hasan Ali was named the player of the tournament for his tally of 13 wickets in five games.The eight participating teams have been divided into two groups with hosts Pakistan, Bangladesh, India and New Zealand pooled in Group A while Group B comprises Afghanistan, current ODI World Cup champions Australia, England and South Africa.Following their opening encounter against New Zealand, Pakistan will play their next two group matches on 23 February against India in Dubai and on 27 February against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.In the group stage, three matches apiece will be played in Dubai, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi.The first semi-final will be played on 4 March in Dubai. The newly-upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore will host the second semi-final on 5 March. If India do not qualify, the final will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium on 9 March, however, if they qualify, it will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.Apart from winning this tournament in 2017, Pakistan has also reached the semi-finals of this competition on three occasions: 2000, 2004 and 2009.Pakistan captain, Mohammad Rizwan said: “A global event has come to Pakistan after 29 years, so I believe the entire nation is celebrating this historic occasion. There are no doubts about our performance, we have worked hard and learned from our mistakes. We hope that we play well tomorrow Insha’Allah. Our sole focus is on winning the tournament for the country and our people and we hope that we achieve the desired results.”Pakistan’s 15-player squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicket-keeper), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.

Islamabad (Sports Desk): England Men have called up Somerset batter Tom Banton as cover for the third ODI against India in Ahmedabad, which starts on Wednesday.Warwickshire batting all-rounder Jacob Bethell, who featured in the first ODI defeat in Nagpur, has sustained a left hamstring injury. The injury will be assessed further when the team arrive in Ahmedabad on Monday.Banton, who last played for England in an ODI in August 2020, has been in outstanding form in T20 franchise cricket. He is currently the leading run-scorer in the UAE ILT20 competition, where he has amassed 493 runs from 11 innings at an average of 54.77, including two centuries. He is set to arrive in India tomorrow (Monday).

Lahore (PR): Pakistan opener Saim Ayub is progressing well in his recovery from a right ankle fracture and will continue his rehabilitation in England. Following comprehensive MRI scans, X-rays and medical assessments, Saim had been ruled out for 10 weeks from the date of injury (3 January). His availability for the New Zealand tour will be subject to clearing all fitness tests and medical requirements.Pakistan will tour New Zealand for five T20Is and three ODIs from 16 March to 5 April, which will be followed by the HBL Pakistan Super League, which starts on 8 April. 

The anticipation will be palpable at Galle International Stadium. The 2nd and final Test match against Australia is underway, and cricket enthusiasts from around the world have their eyes glued to the event. However, a noticeable absence hung in the air—the world’s highest Test wicket taker (800), Muthiah Muralidaran, would not be present to witness the thrilling showdown or hand over the Warne-Muralidharan trophy to the series winner."No, I won't be able to make it," the 52-year-old distinguished former right-arm off-spinner said over the telephone from Colombo. His voice was tinged with regret. "I am leaving for India this week to play a match against India's cricketers," he added, a note of excitement creeping in."Sathya Sai Grama is hosting a cricket match between Indian and Sri Lankan players on February 8, and being a devotee of Sathya Sai Baba, along with a few Sri Lankan players, I will be participating in the match," Murali explained. This match, hosted under the theme 'One World One Family Cup 2025,' was more than just a game—it was a celebration of unity and humanity.Muralidaran's ties to India ran deep. He married Madhimalar Ramamurthy, a Chennai native, on March 21, 2005. Madhimalar was the daughter of the late Dr. S. Ramamurthy of Malar Hospitals and his wife, Dr. Nithya Ramamurthy. This connection made Murali not just a son-in-law of India but also a beloved figure in Indian cricketing circles.The upcoming match at Sathya Sai Grama in Muddenahalli, Chikkaballapur district, promised to be a spectacle. Last year, during the first edition of the 'One World One Family Cup,' cricket legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh had captained the teams, which comprised players from seven nations. This year, the format is different. Retired greats from India and Sri Lanka are reuniting on the field, playing for the cause of humanity."Our team will be led by Aravinda de Silva," Murali revealed. Alongside him, Chaminda Vass, Marvan Atapattu, Kalu, Ajanta Mendis, and a few others would represent Sri Lanka. The Indian team, coordinated by GR Vishwanath, includes the Pathan Brothers—Irfan and Yousuf—Venkatesh Prasad, Sunil Joshi, and others from Karnataka State. Although Vishy wasn't playing, his presence was crucial to the coordination of players.As the sun rises on Galle International Stadium, fans know that Muthiah Muralidaran's absence is for a noble cause. His commitment to the 'One World One Family Cup 2025' showcases the power of sport to bring people together, transcending boundaries and celebrating the spirit of unity.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The tri-nation ODI series involving hosts Pakistan, along with New Zealand and South Africa will be played from 8 t0 14 February at the newly constructed Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.Pakistan will take on New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, with the first ball to be bowled at 2pm PST. In the single-league tournament, New Zealand will take on South Africa on Monday, 10 February at the same venue in the day game. The match is scheduled to begin at 09.30am.After the second match, the action will move to Karachi, where the home side will take on South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in a day-night match on Wednesday, 12 February. The final of the event will be played between the top two sides on Friday, 14 February with the first ball to be bowled at 2pm PST.Mohammad Rizwan on the eve of the tri-nation series said: “We are excited to be playing again in front of our home crowd and in the newly constructed stadiums in Lahore and Karachi. The preparations have gone well so far with the players looking to give their best in the tournament leading up to the ICC event.”New Zealand, who had their first training session at the LCCA Ground on Thursday evening, will look to make a winning start in the tournament. Mitchell Santner said, “We had a good training session in Lahore under lights and can’t wait to take on the home side on Saturday.“It is great to be back in Pakistan and the side had a good outing when we toured last time. The tri-nation series will provide us a great opportunity to know about the wickets and help us prepare well for the upcoming pinnacle event.”Temba Bavuma said: “It is a great opportunity for the side to warm up before the mega event. We have a mixed squad and the tri-nation tournament will help us acclimatise to the conditions before we gear up for the ICC event.”Schedule of tri-series matches: (day/night matches will start at 2pm, day match will begin at 0930):8 February – Pakistan v New Zealand (d/n)10 February – New Zealand v South Africa (d)12 February – Pakistan v South Africa (d/n)14 February – Final (d/n) 

BIPIN DANIThe Galle International Stadium was buzzing with anticipation. The Sri Lankan cricketing world gathered to honor one of its finest, former captain Dimuth Karunratne, on the occasion of his 100th and final Test match against Australia. His family—father Lal, mother Chandrika, wife Inami Avandya, and uncle—was present, beaming with pride. The only missing face was that of his younger sister, Dikri, who is in Australia, working as a marketing assistant.Speaking exclusively from Australia, Dikri's emotions were palpable. "I honestly regret not being there for him during such a significant moment, and it’s something that has really weighed on my heart. Not being there in person made me feel incredibly emotional and sad. While I did speak to him and wished him all the best, I can’t help but feel that my presence would have made a difference. As a sibling, being there to offer support and share that experience with him would have meant so much. I know that just being there physically, standing by his side, would have given him even more strength and comfort during such an important time in his career. It’s hard to put into words how much I wish I could have been there to truly share that final moment with him."Dikri's journey alongside her brother was a tapestry woven with memories. "He is, without a doubt, one of the most hardworking and focused individuals I’ve ever known. I still vividly remember when our parents would take him to different grounds for his matches when we were little. The bag he carried on his chest was bigger than he was back then, and it’s a memory I’ll never forget."Reflecting on Dimuth’s career, she added, "This journey was far from easy for him. Like many others, he faced countless ups and downs to get to where he is today. But through it all, the support he received from our mother and father was one of the greatest blessings in his life. Their unwavering belief in him kept him going, no matter how difficult things got."She recalled the tough times, "I also remember the tough times—when he was injured and had to be hospitalized. The physical pain he endured and the mental strength it took to push through those challenges are things people don’t often see. From the outside, it may seem like everything came easy, that he was just playing and scoring well. But the reality is, to reach that level, he had to pour his heart and soul into the game, making countless sacrifices and working harder than anyone could imagine. The journey wasn’t just about talent; it was about persistence, resilience, and a deep love for the game.""It’s been such an honor to be his sister and grow up alongside someone as special as him. While it’s incredibly emotional to see his final match, we can’t help but feel proud of everything he’s accomplished throughout his career. The fact that his 100th and final Test match is at the same Galle Cricket Ground where he debuted makes it even more meaningful. These moments are truly unforgettable. As a family, we completely support his decision to retire. He feels this is the right time, and he knows it will give younger, talented players the chance they deserve. Through it all, he’s remained humble, thoughtful, and kind—a true inspiration," she concluded with pride and love.On the field, Dimuth showcased his unwavering spirit, scoring 36 runs before being bowled by Nathan Lyon. The moment was bittersweet, but a personal message from his wife Inami on the eve of his retirement decision encapsulated it all. "Through every high and low, I never left your side. I’m the one who was happier when you even scored or not! I’ll be right by your side for every beautiful moment and sad moment!"The Galle International Stadium stood witness to a chapter closing, but also the celebration of a stellar career. As Dimuth Karunratne walked off the field, he carried with him the love and pride of his family, the respect of his teammates, and the admiration of fans worldwide. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-player squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 19 February to 9 March. The PCB has until 11 February to make any changes to the squad; thereafter, replacements will only be permitted on medical grounds, subject to approval by the ICC Event Technical Committee. The same squad will also feature in the tri-nation ODI series, featuring New Zealand and South Africa in Lahore and Karachi, in the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.The squad, to be captained by Mohammad Rizwan with Salman Ali Agha as vice-captain, includes three members from the 2017 title-winning side - Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf and Fakhar Zaman. Babar and Fakhar, along with Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Saud Shakeel had also featured in the last 50-over ICC event - the ICC Men’s 50-over Cricket World Cup 2023.Pakistan’s 15-player squad: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah AfridiOpener Fakhar Zaman, who scored a century in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final against India, makes a comeback after overcoming injury and illness that had sidelined him from international cricket since June 2024. Fakhar demonstrated his return to complete fitness and form during the Champions T20 Cup 2024 in December, where he was the third-highest run-scorer with 303 runs at an impressive strike-rate of over 132. In 82 ODIs, Fakhar has scored 3,492 runs with 11 centuries and 16 half-centuries at an average of 46.5 and strike-rate of 93.4.Asad Shafiq, member, National Selection Committee: “The selectors have continued to adopt a horses for courses approach in assembling this squad for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Our focus has been on selecting players who have consistently excelled in domestic competitions under similar conditions, demonstrating their readiness to perform in a global event. One of the standout qualities of this side is its flexibility - an essential trait in today’s modern-day cricket. We are confident that this squad strikes the right balance between youth and experience, and has all bases covered. Each player has been chosen with a clear role in mind, ensuring the captain has versatile options at his disposal.“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.“Saim Ayub has not been included in the squad due to an ankle injury, but we remain optimistic about his recovery. We understand how much he was looking forward to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and recognise how devastating it must be for him to miss a global event, especially when he is in such exceptional batting form. However, as a valuable asset to our team, we are committed to prioritising his long-term health over making any rushed decisions.Player support personnel: Naveed Akram Cheema (team manager), Hina Munawar (team operations manager), Aqib Javed (interim head coach), Azhar Mahmood (assistant coach), Shahid Aslam (batting coach), Mohammad Masroor (fielding coach), Abdul Rehman (spin bowling coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Drikus Saiman (strength and conditioning coach), Talha Butt (analyst), Irtiza Komail (security manager), Dr Wajid Ali Rafai (team doctor), Syed Naeem Ahmad (media and digital manager) and Sergio Basil Mullins (masseur).Upcoming ODIs:8 Feb – vs New Zealand, Lahore (tri-nation ODI series)12 Feb – vs South Africa, Karachi (tri-nation ODI series)19 Feb – vs New Zealand, Karachi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)23 Feb – vs India, Dubai (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)27 Feb – vs Bangladesh, Rawalpindi (ICC Champions Trophy 2025)

BIPIN DANIThe highly anticipated Warne-Murali Trophy Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is underway, and it has already begun to evoke fond memories and excitement among cricket enthusiasts. In an exclusive conversation with this Reporter, Jason Warne, the brother of the late legendary cricketer Shane Warne, shared his thoughts and cherished memories related to the series. This Reporter also played a pivotal role in arranging Jason's previous visit to Sri Lanka through the Sri Lanka Promotion Tourism Board.Jason Warne expressed his excitement and anticipation about the current series, even though he won't be in Sri Lanka to witness the matches in person this time around. He said, "I am looking forward to watching the ongoing series between Sri Lanka and Australia. Unfortunately, I will be watching from Australia this time, unlike the last tour when I was fortunate enough to be in Galle to watch the opening match."He fondly reminisced about Galle, describing it as a beautiful place with a ground that holds special significance. "Galle is such a beautiful place and ground, and it brings back great memories of my brother's performances on the ground and how much it meant to him to do what he could to help with the rebuilding of the ground and the wider region following the Tsunami."Jason touched upon the fitting nature of the Murali-Warne Trophy, particularly given the spin-friendly conditions. "It’s fitting that they are playing for the Murali-Warne trophy in such spin-friendly conditions! I am sure Shane would love to be watching this test and see which spinner can make their mark this year!!"Encouraging cricket fans to visit Galle, Jason shared his own positive experiences: "For anyone thinking of heading to Galle to watch a test match, please do. I really enjoyed the beautiful beaches, amazing restaurants, historic fort area, the elephant safari, as well as Kalu’s hideaway and the wonderful Galle cricket ground."Jason concluded his reflections with a hopeful note, "Here’s hoping for another great Test match and some spin bowling performances to make Murali and Shane proud."

Rawalpindi (SBR): The upgradation work of main pavilion and media boxes of Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been completed while installation of chairs in enclosures is in final stage. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Mohsin Naqvi visited Rawalpindi Cricket stadium.Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi inspected various parts of the stadium including pavilion, media box, VIP boxes and observed the finishing work. Chairman PCB expressed satisfaction over the progress on the upgradation project. Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi also reviewed the proposed security arrangements for the teams. He said that an ICC tournament is being held in Pakistan after a long time and all preparations are complete for the mega event.The ICC Champions Trophy is set to begin from 19 February, with three matches to be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At this venue, Bangladesh will play New Zealand on 24 February, Australia to play against South Africa on 25 February while the hosts Pakistan will take on Bangladesh at the same venue on 27 February

Multan (PCB Report): Pakistan finished the day two of the first Multan Test against West Indies with a 202-run lead after the spin twins Noman Ali and Sajid Khan wreaked havoc with the ball here at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Saturday.Pakistan were 109-3 in the second innings at stumps in 31 overs when bad light forced stumps. Skipper Shan Masood returned after scoring a 70-ball 52 with the help of two fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Huraira stayed at the crease for 58 balls accumulating 29 runs with the help of three fours.Kamran Ghulam and Saud Shakeel will be on the crease as Pakistan resume their second innings on day three.Earlier in the day, Noman and Sajid shared nine wickets among them to dismantle the West Indies batting line-up who were restricted for 137 all out in 25.2 overs. Noman starred with figures of 5-39 in 11 overs, his seventh Test five-for.Sajid started the damage with four wickets upfront while bowling with the new ball as West Indies slipped to 22-4. After opening the bowling, he took back to back wickets on the first two balls of the third over of innings and then struck twice in the fifth over.For West Indies, No.10 batter Jomel Warrican top-scored with an unbeaten 31 off 24 balls hitting four boundaries and one six. Jayden Seales, batting at No 11, contributed with a 13-ball 22-run cameo clubbing three sixes, while Gudakesh Motie chipped in with 19 runs.Warrican and Seales also came together for a valuable 21-ball 46-run last wicket partnership.At the beginning of the play, Pakistan resumed from their overnight score of 143-4 and could only add 87 runs to their total as the two half-centurions Saud Shakeel (84, 157b, 6x4s) and Mohammad Rizwan (71, 133b, 9x4s) were removed by Kevin Sinclair. Seales and Warrican picked up three wickets each.Scores in brief (Day 2 of 5)1st Test – Pakistan vs West Indies at the Multan Cricket Stadium, MultanToss: Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat firstPakistan 230 all out, 68.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 84, Mohammad Rizwan 71; Jayden Seales 3-27, Jomel Warrican 3-69, Kevin Sinclair 2-61, Gudakesh Motie 1-48) and 109-3, 31 overs (Shan Masood 52, Mohammad Huraira 29; Jomel Warrican 2-17)West Indies 137 all out, 25.2 overs (Jomel Warrican 31 not out, Jayden Seales 22, Gudakesh Motie 19; Noman Ali 5-39, Sajid Khan 4-65)