Sports Bulletin

SALMAN KHAN MULTAN (October 1, 2020):-Balochistan overcame Sindh in their opening contest of National T-20 Cricket Cup 2020 by just 2 runs in the last over of the game at Multan Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Sindh required 11 off the last over. Umaid Asif allowed the opposition batsmen only two singles from the first three balls before Sohail Khan smashed the lanky pacer for a six on the fourth. Sindh lost two wickets as non-strikers Hassan Khan and Mohammad Hasnain tried to sneak singles on the last two balls with Sohail (31 not out from 16 balls) failing to make a connection with the ball. Umaid provided Balochistan an earlier breakthrough in their defence of 181-run target by dismissing Sharjeel Khan (10 off eight) on the first ball of the fourth over. All-rounder Amad Butt, struck in back-to-back overs – fifth and seventh – accounting for Saud Shakeel (13 off eight) and opener Khurram Manzoor (14 off 17). Amad’s and Balochistan’s next wicket was Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed (20 off 21) as the right-arm fast finished with three wickets for 39 runs. Asad Shafiq was the top-scorer for Sindh with a 25-ball 32, which included four fours, as he held an end. His stay at the crease was curtailed by 19-year-old Akif Javed, who later bowled Anwar Ali (20 off 11, two sixes) as he returned two for 32 in four overs. Earlier, Balochistan posted 180 for eight thanks to Bismillah Khan’s eighth T20 half-century after their captain Haris Sohail chose to bat. The wicketkeeper-batsman smashed four fours and three sixes in his 42-ball 58 as he joined Imam-ul-Haq (10 off 11) in the third over with 32 runs on the board after opener Awais Zia scored a breezy nine-ball 25 – hitting four fours and a six.  Reflecting on his performance, Bismillah Khan, who was named man-of-the-match, told pcb.com.pk: “My aim was to stay at the wicket and bat deep as we had lost wickets earlier in the innings. Spending time at the crease allowed me to score runs. “I receive a lot of support from the people of Balochistan and my hometown Quetta. They express their happiness through text messages and calls whenever I score runs.” Bismillah and Haris (25 off 14) knitted a 67-run partnership for the fourth-wicket before the Balochistan captain was run out in the 15th over. Sindh’s Mohammad Hasnain took two wickets for 31 runs. The two teams meet again in the tournament on 11 October at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Scores in brief: Balochistan 180-8, 20 overs (Bismillah Khan 58, Awais Zia 25, Haris Sohail 25; Mohammad Hasnain 2-31) Sindh 178-9, 20 overs (Asad Shafiq 32, Sohail Khan 31 not out, Anwar Ali 20, Sarfaraz Ahmed 20; Amad Butt 3-39, Akif Javed 2-32) Balochistan won by two runs

SB REPORT LAHORE (October 1, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed an Australia-based David Hemp coach for national women team, said an official of cricket board media department on Thursday. Hemp, who turns 50 next week, has previously coached the Melbourne Stars’ and Victorian women's cricket teams in Australia’s Women's Big Bash League between 2015 and 2020, and is also a former Bermuda and Glamorgan captain. Hemp played 271 first-class matches and scored over 15,000 runs for Glamorgan, Free State and Warwickshire. He also represented Bermuda in 22 one-day internationals from 2006 to 2009, scoring 641 runs with a century and four half-centuries. Hemp is a qualified UK level four coach who has had a coaching role with Australia’s team for cricketers with an intellectual disability; Premier Cricket’s Prahran and was the director of coaching at Scotch College. Urooj Mumtaz, Acting Head of Pakistan Women’s Wing and Chair of women’s selection committee: “The PCB is pleased to have appointed David Hemp as Pakistan national women’s team head coach. David brings with him wealth of experience and knowledge, more importantly around women’s cricket development, which is extremely critical to our strategy as part of our endeavour to increase the pool of cricketers and also help them top rise to the level of the front-running international sides. “David has worked for five years in Australia with the Melbourne and Victoria women’s sides and he is a perfect fit for the role we were looking for as he will be able to use that experience and knowledge to translate into our system that will ultimately benefit Pakistan women’s cricket. “I am sure our players will make optimum use of David’s expertise and strict work ethics, while I am sure David will have an enjoyable time when he relocates to Pakistan to join the elite company of illustrious coaching staff of Atiq-uz-Zaman, Grant Bradburn, Mohammad Yousuf, Mohammad Zahid and Saqlain Mushtaq at our National High Performance Centre.” David takes over from Iqbal Imam, who had succeeded Mark Coles. Pakistan will feature in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier next year for the event proper that will take place in New Zealand in 2022. The PCB had advertised for the role on 18 August and a total of 38 coaches, including 18 foreigners from various Test playing countries had expressed their interests. The final interviews were carried by Wasim Khan (PCB Chief Executive), Urooj Mumtaz and Grant Bradburn (Head of International Coach Development) last week.

SALMAN KHAN MULTAN (September 30, 2020):-A record second-wicket partnership between Zeeshan Malik and Haider Ali orchestrated a 79-run win for Northern against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the opening match of the National T20 Cup First XI tournament at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Northern were 24 for one after three overs when 19-year-old Haider, who made his Pakistan debut in the last of the three T20Is against England earlier this month, joined Zeeshan at the crease. The two batsmen added 180 runs in 14.1 overs that lifted the defending champions to 242 for three, the second highest score in a T20 innings in the history of the National T20 Cup, after Shadab Khan elected to bat first. Haider smashed five sixes and seven fours in his blazing 90 off 48 balls. Reflecting on his performance, Haider told pcb.com.pk: “It is always a great feeling to start off a tournament on a high and this innings has provided me a lot of confidence. Though I am a little disappointed on missing out what would have been my maiden century in T20 cricket, I thoroughly enjoyed the partnership with Zeeshan Malik. Our decision to bat first paid dividends as it allowed us to make the most of the true bounce on offer. “My aim is to now build on this start and play a vital role in helping my side defend the title.” Zeeshan, the 23-year-old right-handed batsman, smashed a 47-ball 77, which was studded with eight fours and three sixes, before Junaid Khan, who took two wickets for 44 runs in four overs, bowled him. Asif Ali struck three fours and a six in 10 balls during his 23 not out. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were dealt an early blow as Mohammad Nawaz, left-arm orthodox, bowled Fakhar Zaman on the fourth ball of the innings. By the first ball of the seventh over, they had lost their captain Mohammad Rizwan and Mohammad Hafeez, which reduced them to 46 for three. Problems amplified for them as Shoaib Malik fell in the 13th over after scoring a 19-ball 20, following which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa lost track of the run chase. Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Nawaz took two wickets apiece for 34 and 37 runs, while Musa Khan dismissed Mohammad Mohsin (14 off 10), Shaheen Shah Afridi (0) and Usman Khan Shinwari (0) in the last over. At the end of the 20 overs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were 163 for nine. They have a chance to avenge this defeat on 16 October when the two sides meet again at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Scores in brief: Northern 242-3, 20 overs (Haider Ali 90, Zeeshan Malik 77, Asif Ali 23 not out, Ali Imran 21; Junaid Khan 2-44) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 163-9, 20 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 62, Iftikhar Ahmed 28, Shoaib Malik 28; Musa Khan 3-31, Sohail Tanvir 2-34, Mohammad Nawaz 2-37)

SALAMAN KHAN: MULTAN (September 30, 2020):-A star-studded commentary panel, including leading international commentators in Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja and Wasim Akram, will call the 33-match National T20 Cup that will begin with the opening match between defending champions Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Wednesday afternoon at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Broadcast coverage will start at 2.45pm, with the first ball in the PKR9million tournament to be bowled at 3pm. The second match of the day will get underway at 7.30pm. The PCB as part of its commitment to its cricket fans and followers, will produce live pictures in High Definition, which will be relayed in TV lounges by PTV Sports. As part of improving its coverage and promotion of domestic cricket, the PCB will produce the tournament through 14 High Definition cameras, including eight manned and six unmanned cameras, while enhanced international standard graphics will further improve the viewers’ experiences and bring them closer to live action. Last year, the season was covered with 12 cameras. Besides the famed trio of Bazid, Ramiz and Wasim, Pakistan men’s national Test team captain Azhar Ali will also be a part of the commentary panel following a successful stint as an expert and analyst during the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. Former Pakistan women’s national team captain and one of the most celebrated and globally recognised women cricketer, Sana Mir, will also be a member of the distinguished panel. She will be accompanied in the commentators’ box by fellow women cricketer Marina Iqbal. Renowned TV presenter Zainab Abbas will present for eight days, while Sawera Pasha will host the pre- and post-match shows. Tariq Saeed will lead the panel of Urdu commentators as the PCB has fulfilled its fans’ demand and expectations to provide insight in the local language through specialist commentators. Noted commentator and presenter Sikander Bakht, and first-class cricketer Shehzar Mohammad will also be part of the commentary team. Ramiz will be part of the panel on the opening two days and would then return for the semi-finals and final that will be staged in Rawalpindi, while Wasim will be available for the weekend games in Rawalpindi on 9, 10 and 11 October. Bazid will be calling the entire Multan-leg. Azhar Ali: “I am really excited to commentate on the National T20 Cup following the wonderful experience I had at the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020. This tournament is set to capture the imagination of cricket fans across the country with the great pool of players available in the shape of country’s top T20 talent. “It is also an opportunity for me to have a close look at some of the emerging and U19 players who are featuring in the tournament as the instant nature of the format makes it a big test of temperament for the young and upcoming players.” Bazid Khan: “The National T20 Cup promises to be a scintillating event and it’s heartening to see that efforts are being put in to promote quality cricket. I look forward to calling the action this season and I hope that the Pakistani fans will enjoy our coverage.” Ramiz Raja: “The National T20 Cup couldn’t have come at a better time for all of us. We have all had to sit back due to Covid-19 but cricket is making a proper comeback through this exciting tournament where Pakistan’s top talent will be on display. “I am also looking forward to being a part of the commentary panel for our domestic cricket where we will contribute to further elevate this exciting product that carries immense potential to grow and succeed.” Sana Mir: “I have experienced cricket in the backyard, on the streets, at grounds and at international level and also from the studios lately. Now this will be the first time for me to experience it from the commentary box. I hope it is a bit easier compared to being on the ground and I am totally looking forward to it.” Wasim Akram: “I am very excited to be a part of the broadcast team for the National T20 Cup. We are all right behind this new domestic structure and I am sure it will be a great viewing experience for all the fans.” Zainab Abbas: “I’m really looking forward to the National T20 Cup and its regional rivalries.  It feels good to be part of the broadcasting panel and I am glad that steps are being taken to improve the quality of production. Multan and Rawalpindi are both excellent venues and we will get to see quality cricket in an action-packed event.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 29, 2020):-The National T-20 Cricket Cup 2020 will start from Wednesday at Multan Cricket Stadium, as the second phase will be held at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi from October 9. The final will be played at same venue on October 18 behind the doors. The 33-match tournament, which will be broadcast live in its entirety in High Definition on PTV Sports, marks the beginning of competitive cricket in the country after more than six months and, as such, serves as the curtain-raiser for the 2020-21 domestic season. The Pakistan Cricket Board is the first cricket board to announce and organise a complete domestic season in these unprecedented and difficult Covid-19 times. The PCB has made comprehensive arrangements for the upcoming season to protect the wellbeing and livelihood of the domestic cricketers. Due to the ongoing pandemic and to ensure health and safety of all competitors, the tournament will be played behind closed doors under strict Covid-19 protocols. The tournament will be played in two phases: the first one running from 30 September to 6 October in Multan and the second phase to be staged from 9-18 October in Rawalpindi. With two ACC Asia Cups and ICC Men’s T20 World Cups scheduled for the next two years, this year’s National T20 Cup First XI tournament will be played on double-league basis to provide adequate preparation to the players who are likely to represent the Pakistan men’s national team in these events. The tournament also provides an opportunity for the country’s best short format cricketers to impress the national selectors and, also, the HBL Pakistan Super League franchise owners and management ahead of the Player Draft for the 2021 season, which is scheduled to be held in November. With a coveted trophy and a total prize money of PKR9million on offer, Northern, who will be led by Shadab Khan until their captain Imad Wasim (currently engaged in the Vitality Blast T20 tournament in the UK) joins the side in Rawalpindi, will be eager to defend their title. And, the other five teams will be fighting tooth and nail to secure berths in the final of the tournament, which will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on 18 October. Balochistan will aim to take the next step after they ended as runner-up in the last edition of the tournament, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Southern Punjab, who managed to reach the semi-finals, will be keen on bettering their last performances. Central Punjab and Sindh will be under special focus as their last National T20 Cup, played at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, was cut short for their failure to qualify for the semi-finals. In the Multan-leg Central Punjab will be led by Saad Nasim, Central Punjab’s regular captain Babar Azam will join the side for the Rawalpindi-leg. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, bowling coach Waqar Younis, Head of High Performance Coaching, Grant Bradburn, and Head of International Player Development, Saqlain Mushtaq, will watch the matches as part of their responsibility to scout the young talent, help the coaching staff and bridge communication gap between the domestic cricket and High Performance Centre. Balochistan captain Haris Sohail: “We are really excited and want to give a better performance than last year when we lost the final. Our aim is to win the trophy and we have worked hard in the build-up. Last year, we played great cricket and it was only a passage of five to six overs in the final where we could not play good cricket and that is where I feel we lost the final. “We have a strong top and middle-order while in Yasir Shah and Kashif Bhatti we have quality spinners, we have a strong pace attack with the addition of Umaid Asif.” Saad Nasim captain Central Punjab: “It is a big opportunity for me to lead Central Punjab in the first leg of the tournament; we have some exciting U19 talent that has given new energy to our squad. We are determined to put the disappointing performances of last year behind us and target a semi-final spot, of course with an eye on the tournament trophy by playing the final. We have good combination of youth and experience. Kamran Akmal and Abid Ali will lead the batting charge with their experience and quality. “Bilal Asif and Naseem Shah are quality bowlers in our ranks and we have upcoming players like Rizwan Hussain, Abdullah Shafiq, Qasim Akram and Sohaibullah. We also have quality all-rounders in Zafar Gohar and Usman Qadir. We have a balanced side full of talent and youngsters who have a bright future. Our aim is to play positive cricket and make it all the way in the tournament.” Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Mohammad Rizwan: “Our team has all bases covered as we have strong batting and bowling departments. We are known for playing an aggressive brand of cricket and many people are rating us as favourites. “We play Northern, the defending champions, in the opening match of the tournament and it is going to be good competition as both teams are highly competitive.” Northern vice-captain Shadab Khan: “Leading Northern in the Multan-leg is a big opportunity for me, which I am aiming to grab with both hands. We are the title defenders and our team and the combination is pretty much the same as the last year. The boys are preparing hard and are looking in good shape despite returning to cricket after some time, which makes me confident that we will be able to defend our title. “Two youngsters I am looking forward to making a mark in this tournament are Zeeshan Malik, who played with me at the U19 level, and Haider Ali, who could not play last year but is all set to play a vital role in our team this season.” Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed: “I think in our team, Sharjeel Khan will play a key role. He is a dashing batsman and stroke player and when he plays well he makes a match one-sided. In T20 format, you need to perform in both batting and bowling departments, we have balance and experience in both departments. “We would aim to gain and then sustain momentum with an eye on the semi-finals; T20 is a kind of format where momentum is the key and if we get that early we can go a long way in the tournament.” Southern Punjab captain Shan Masood: “We are well-aware that this tournament is going to be highly competitive as all the top T20 players in the country are participating in it. With this tournament being played on double-league basis, what matters the most is how the teams finish and carry the momentum from here to the Rawalpindi-leg. “I am very happy with the core of our team, which might not include big names but comprise youngsters who will be empowered and will be designated responsibilities in all departments. Our coach Abdur Rehman has put in a lot of thought in selecting this team, which provides us ample options depending on what side we play in which stadium. I am very confident that if we stick to our plans, we will play the final in Rawalpindi.” National T20 Cup Second XI tournament: The National T20 Cup for the Second XIs will be played at the Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s home of cricket, from 1-8 October. The tournament will be played on single-league basis to increase competition amongst the six Cricket Association Second XI teams as they will aim to put their foot on gas from the outset. This tournament will further help the First XI teams gauge their up and coming cricketers from their Cricket Associations and, as such, will serve as a pathway for the players to graduate to the top domestic level.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD:-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has been recognised for two groundbreaking digital initiatives at the prestigious Leaders in Sports Awards 2019. The ICC’s coverage of the record-breaking ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and the bold collaboration with Wimbledon for the One Day in July video both took home awards. With its coverage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC set out to attract new fans in Australia and around the world, bring people closer than ever before and create a digital and broadcast experience like no other to elevate our sport’s female superstars to a stage of their own. With its coverage of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the ICC set out to attract new fans in Australia and around the world, bring people closer than ever before and create a digital and broadcast experience like no other to elevate our sport’s female superstars to a stage of their own. New stars were made for millions of young girls and boys around the world. Then, on the 8th March – International Women’s Day 2020 – 86,174 fans packed into the famous Melbourne Cricket Ground to witness history being made in what was not just a life changing moment in women’s cricket, but in women’s sport. The results speak for themselves. The event was the most successful women’s cricket tournament ever. The results of the coverage included: 1.1b billion video views on ICC platforms, which was a 20x increase on the last Women’s T20 World Cup in 2018 90 million global television viewers and over 5.4 billion minutes in India alone A 131% increase in global unique broadcast audience from the 2018 event and a 103% increase in overall global viewing numbers 12 billion sponsor impressions making it the most successful women’s ICC tournament ever The One Day in July in collaboration with Wimbledon was a unique collaborative approach between two major global sporting bodies, capturing the drama, emotion, and action from one of sport's most memorable days. The video reached 5.9M people across the ICC’s digital platforms and was watched more than 4.3M times. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “We are delighted to receive the prestigious Leaders in Sports Award for two initiatives that showcase how cricket connects with the world. This is simply testimony to the fact that cricket truly has the power to engage more deeply with diverse audiences across the globe. It is proof that our commitment to the game and our journey of digital transformation has begun well and is on the right track.”  At a time when COVID-19 has severely impacted live sports, the ICC’s channels have gone from strength to strength, in being able to engage with cricket fans across the world in the first half of 2020. Some of the highlights include: A staggering 1.65 billion video views in the first half of 2020, ensuring the ICC channel topped the rankings in terms of video consumption among leading sporting bodies on Facebook Across the April-June lockdown period, overall interactions on the ICC Facebook page were more than two and a half times higher than other leading leagues and sports bodies across the world Daily video consumption on Facebook jumped from 3 million minutes viewed to 15 million minutes per day (outside of the ICC live events)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (September 29, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has confirmed the New Zeal tour regarding ICC Test Championship, as Mount Maunganui and Christchurch will be the venues of two Tests fixtures at the end of year 2020. According to media department of PCB, Mount Maunganui will hold the Boxing Day Test from 26-30 December, before the two teams head down to Christchurch for the second Test to be played from 3-7 January. The Test Championship matches will be played at the back of three T20Is, which will be staged in Auckland (18 December), Hamilton (20 December) and Napier (22 December). In the ICC World Test Championship, fourth-placed New Zealand leads fifth-placed Pakistan by 14 points but New Zealand have played one series less. A maximum of 120 points will be up for grabs (60 points for a win) in the series as both sides aim to narrow the gap with front-runners India (360 points), Australia (296 points) and England (292 points). In the ICC T20I Team Rankings, fourth-ranked Pakistan (261 points) leads sixth-ranked New Zealand by 19 points. Australia leads the pack with 275 points, followed by England (271) and India (266). PCB Director – International Cricket, Zakir Khan: “New Zealand boast some outstanding cricket facilities with supportive and knowledgeable crowds. Pakistan have always enjoyed touring New Zealand and have performed well there, and we look forward to similar performances from our side on this tour. “New Zealand series will be our penultimate series in the ICC World Test Championship with the last series against South Africa at home following this tour. We remain optimistic and committed to finishing on a high in the championship as it is our endeavour to become one of the top-performing Test playing nations.” Cricket New Zealand Chief Executive, David White: “It’s always a pleasure to host the Pakistan cricket team in New Zealand and I know there will be a lot of interest in the Test and T20 series. “Pakistan touring sides have been coming here since 1965 and many New Zealanders have grown up watching the likes of Hanif Mohammad, Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and of course, the great Imran Khan in action. “I’m sure the squads coming out here this summer will be similarly steeped in talent and class and will continue the great legacy that is Pakistan cricket.” New Zealand have hosted Pakistan in 13 Test series since 1965, with Pakistan enjoying a 7-2 advantage. Pakistan’s last series win was in 2011, but New Zealand came out on top by a comfortable 2-0 margin when the two sides met in 2016. In the 31 Tests between the two sides in New Zealand, Pakistan enjoy a 10-7 advantage. The Pakistan cricket team will depart on 23 November from Lahore and, as per New Zealand government regulations, undergo a 14-day quarantine period in Lincoln. During this period, they will be restricted to the bio-secure bubble and will not be allowed to take part in any cricket-related activity. The bio-secure bubble will expire following the 14-day quarantine period. Before their departure for Auckland and as part of standard Covid-19 protocols, the players and player support personnel will undergo mandatory testing in Lahore. Along with senior side, the PCB will also send Pakistan Shaheens’ squad to New Zealand as part of the players’ development and exposure. The series schedule and total players and player support personnel comprising the two squads will be finalised and announced in due course. Pakistan v New Zealand (in bracket are start times in Pakistan Standard Times): 18 Dec – 1st T20I, Eden Park, Auckland (1200 PST) 20 Dec – 2nd T20I, Seddon Park, Hamilton (1200 PST) 22 Dec – 3rd T20I, McLean Park, Napier (1200 PST) 26-30 Dec – 1st Test, Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui (0400 PST) 3-7 Jan – 2nd Test, Hagley Oval, Christchurch (0400 PST)

SPORTS REPORT: ISLAMABAD (September 28, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced transparent 2020-21 contracts for 192 domestic players, which were based strictly on criteria, performance and forward-looking approach. From the 192 players, 10 have been awarded A Plus category comprising leading performers from the 2019-20 first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and players part of the national squad but without a central or emerging contract. These players are: Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Fahim Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sohail Khan (Sindh) and Zafar Gohar (Central Punjab). Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan men’s national team head coach and chief selector, who selected players for the A Plus category, said: “I want to congratulate the 10 players for securing the newly-introduced A Plus category contracts, which is a reward for their efforts and hard work in the 2019-20 season that either earned them recognition in domestic cricket or places in the Pakistan men’s national team. “I accept there will be a few players who will feel hard done but we could only pick a maximum of 10 players in this category. I want to assure every high-performing player that he will remain available for selection in the side and depending on how he performs in the 2020-21 season, will be in line for an increment next year. “We want to make Pakistan cricket tough, competitive and performance-based, and this slab-based retainer policy is a reflection of this strategy. I am confident this will induce more passion amongst the players, which, in turn, will not only benefit the players but also Pakistan cricket.” Category A comprises 38 players, including 10 best performers from the 2019-20 domestic season or the ones who have previously represented Pakistan at the highest-level. Category B includes 47 players who have played T20Is, are amongst the top 10 performers of the National T20 Cup (First XI) 2019-20, had a good first-class season in 2019-20 or have represented Pakistan Shaheens/Emerging since 2019. Category C includes 71 players who either featured in HBL PSL 2019 and 2020, were amongst the performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First and Second XI) 2019-20 performers, top 10 performers of the Pakistan Cup 2018-19, best batsman/bowler of Patron’s Trophy Grade-II 2018-19 or have represented Pakistan in age-group cricket. Category D boasts all other 26 players who are part of the six Cricket Association sides. PCB Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “I have always believed and emphasised on criteria and performance-based contracts and this is reflective in the 2020-21 domestic player contract categories. “While setting up the criteria, we have also moved from a fixed slab retainer structure to a category-based retainer structure because I think it is fair on leading or experienced players to be treated and paid differently to a beginner or a starter. Furthermore, this is also consistent to how we offer central contracts to our elite cricketers. “Through this model, we have also ensured we retain and protect our age-group cricketers, who in the past have dropped out either due to non-selection or non-recognition. These eight U19 cricketers who played in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 and 11 Emerging/Shaheen players will now remain part of the system and will get their opportunities to improve and move in an upward direction. “From these 192 domestic contracted players, 146 cricketers are those who were without any jobs while 24 had contractual employments. This indicates that the PCB looks after the wellbeing of all the talented and high-performing cricketers and remains on track to introducing professionalism in cricket, which is the only way to excellence.” 2020-21 domestic player contract categories with monthly retainers and selection criteria: A+ Category (10, monthly retainer PKR150,000) - Bilal Asif (Central Punjab), Fahim Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Imran Khan Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kashif Bhatti (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sohail Khan (Sindh), Zafar Gohar (Central Punjab) Criteria - Top scorer, best bowler and best player of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20; part of Test squad but without a central or emerging contract; part of current Pakistan squads who also feature in future plans A Category (38, monthly retainer PKR85,000) - Adnan Akmal (Balochistan), Ahmed Shehzad (Central Punjab), Amir Yamin (Southern Punjab), Anwar Ali (Sindh), Ashfaq Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Asif Ali (Northern), Bilawal Bhatti (Southern Punjab), Ehsan Adil (Central Punjab), Faizan Riaz (Northern), Hammad Azam (Northern), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Hussain Talat (Southern Punjab), Imran Farhat (Balochistan), Junaid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Kamran Akmal (Central Punjab), Khurram Manzoor (Sindh), Mir Hamza (Sindh), Mohammad Asghar (Sindh), Mohammad Irfan (SLA) (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern),  Mohammad Talha (Balochistan), Musa Khan (Northern), Rahat Ali (Southern Punjab), Raza Hasan (Northern), Saad Ali (Sindh), Saad Nasim (Central Punjab), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Butt (Central Punjab), Sami Aslam (Balochistan), Sharjeel Khan (Sindh), Sohaib Maqsood (Southern Punjab), Sohail Tanvir (Northern), Tabish Khan (Sindh), Umar Amin (Northern), Umar Gul (Balochistan), Usman Salahuddin (Central Punjab), Waqas Ahmed (Northern) and Zeeshan Malik (Northern) Criteria - Top 10 performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; international players part of Cricket Association squads B Category (47, monthly retainer PKR75,000) - Abdul Rehman Muzammil (Balochistan), Adeel Malik (Sindh), Adil Amin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahmed Jamal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ahsan Ali (Sindh), Akbar-ur-Rehman (Balochistan), Akif Javed (Balochistan), Ali Sarfaraz (Northern), Amad Butt (Balochistan), Awais Zia (Balochistan), Azeem Ghumman (Balochistan), Bismillah Khan (Balochistan), Fahad Iqbal (Sindh), Gulraiz Sadaf (Balochistan), Hasan Mohsin (Sindh), Imran Rafiq (Southern Punjab), Israrullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Jalat Khan (Balochistan), Jamal Anwar (Northern), Khalid Usman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Asad (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Mohsin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Saad (Central Punjab), Mukhtar Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Nauman Anwar (Central Punjab), Naved Malik (Northern), Naved Yasin (Southern Punjab), Omair Bin Yousaf (Sindh), Rameez Alam (Southern Punjab), Rameez Aziz (Sindh), Rohail Nazir (Northern), Sahibzada Farhan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saif Badar (Southern Punjab), Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shoaib Ahmed Minhas (Northern), Taimur Ali (Balochistan), Taj Wali (Balochistan), Umaid Asif (Balochistan), Umar Khan (Southern Punjab), Umar Siddiq (Southern Punjab), Umar Waheed (Northern), Usman Qadir (Central Punjab), Waqas Maqsood (Central Punjab), Zahid Mehmood (Southern Punjab), Zain Abbas (Southern Punjab) and Zohaib Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Criteria - T20I players part of Cricket Association squad; players to have played 50 or more first-class matches; top 10 performers of National T20 Cup (First XI) 2019-20; Performers from 11-20 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; who have represented Pakistan Shaheens/Emerging since 2019; who have been part of Pakistan squad within the past 12 months. C Category (71, monthly retainer PKR65,000) - Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Abdullah Shafiq (Central Punjab), Ahmed Bashir (Central Punjab), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Central Punjab), Akhtar Shah (Balochistan),  Ali Imran (Northern), Ali Shafiq (Southern Punjab), Ali Zaryab (Central Punjab), Ammad Alam (Sindh), Anas Mehmood (Central Punjab), Arshad Iqbal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Asad Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ashiq Ali (Sindh), Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Azam Khan (Sindh), Bilawal Iqbal (Central Punjab), Danish Aziz (Sindh), Dilbar Hussain (Southern Punjab), Farhan Khan (Central Punjab), Ghulam Mudassar (Sindh), Gohar Faiz (Balochistan), Hayatullah (Balochistan), Imran Dogar (Central Punjab), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Irfanullah Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Jahid Ali (Sindh), Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khurram Shehzad (Balochistan), Maqbool Ahmed (Southern Punjab), Mehran Ibrahim (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Amir Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Basit (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasan (Sindh), Mohammad Huraira (Northern), Mohammad Ilyas (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Junaid (Balochistan), Mohammad Mohsin Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Naeem Snr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Taha (Sindh), Mohammad Umair (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Muhammad Akhlaq (Central Punjab), Muhammad Imran (Southern Punjab), Munir Riaz (Northern), Musadiq Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nabi Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Nasir Nawaz (Northern), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab), Rehan Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Rizwan Hussain (Central Punjab), Saad Khan (Sindh), Saifullah Bangash (Sindh), Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab), Salman Irshad (Northern), Sarmad Bhatti (Northern), Shehzad Tareen (Balochistan), Shehzar Mohammad (Sindh), Shiraz Khan (Northern), Sohail Akhtar (Northern), Suleman Shafqat (Central Punjab), Taimur Khan (Balochistan), Tayyab Tahir (Southern Punjab), Umair Masood (Northern), Usama Mir (Balochistan), Waleed Ahmed (Sindh), Zaid Alam (Northern), Zeeshan Ashraf (Southern Punjab) and Zia-ul-Haq (Southern Punjab) Criteria – Featured in HBL PSL 2019 and 2020; top 15 performers of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (Second XI) 2019-20; performers from 20-30 in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy (First XI) 2019-20; have represented Pakistan A in the past; have represented Pakistan Emerging sides in the past two years; have represented Pakistan U19 in the past; played 20 or more first-class matches; top 10 performers of Pakistan Cup 2018-19 and best batsman/bowler of Patron’s Trophy Grade-II 2018-19. D Category (26, monthly retainer PKR40,000) - Ahsan Baig (Southern Punjab), Ali Usman (Southern Punjab), Anas Mustafa (Southern Punjab), Athar Mehmood (Northern), Atizaz Habib Khan (Central Punjab), Fahad Usman (Central Punjab), Hidayatullah (Balochistan), Ismail Khan (Northern), Mohammad Ali (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Sarwar Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Suleman (Sindh), Mohammad Tariq Khan (Sindh), Mohammad Umar (Sindh), Najeebullah Achakzai (Balochistan), Nihal Mansoor (Northern), Nisar Ahmed (Central Punjab), Rameez Raja Jnr (Quetta, Balochistan), Samiullah Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Saqib Jamil (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shadab Majeed (Northern), Shahid Nawaz (Central Punjab), Shahnawaz (Sindh), Shehbaz Khan (Balochistan), Waqar Hussain (Southern Punjab) and Ziad Khan (Northern). Criteria – All remaining players part of Cricket Association squads

SPORTS REPORT: ISLAMABAD (September 27, 2020):-Central Punjab and Sindh will be hoping for change of fortunes when the razzmatazz of the T20 version commences on 30 September in Multan, the City of Saints, with the PKR9million National T20 Cup First XI tournament. Despite carrying star-studded line-ups in the last edition of the tournament, the two teams made early exits from Faisalabad, failing to reach the knockout stage. The two rivals, nonetheless, lightened up the tournament from day one with one of the most exciting matches of the edition. Under the Iqbal Stadium floodlights, Sindh chased down a 189-run total on the penultimate ball with only three wickets to spare. With the Pakistan Cricket Board’s focus on providing more white-ball opportunities keeping in mind the two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups in the next two years, this year’s National T20 Cup will be played on a double league basis. As such, the fans will be treated with two match-ups between the rivals, which, as all the other matches of the tournament, will be broadcasted by PTV Sports. Central Punjab will be looking to avenge their last year’s defeat when they take on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s men on 2 October at the Multan Cricket Stadium and 10 October at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Central Punjab Central Punjab boast a glittering line-up led by Pakistan men’s limited overs captain Babar Azam, whose meteoric rise with the bat continues to impress the followers of the game. The 25-year-old had an impressive tour of England with the men’s national team. In his subsequent run in the England T20 competition, Babar smashed a career-best 114 not out, hitting nine fours and five sixes in his 62-ball innings. Babar was one of the only two batsmen to record a century in the previous edition of the National T20 Cup. The other batsman was also from his team, Ahmed Shehzad who misses out this year’s tournament due to a hand injury. Babar will join Central Punjab in the second leg, which commences in Rawalpindi from 9 October. Until then, all-rounder Saad Nasim will lead Central Punjab. Kamran Akmal, another established T20 batsman, further strengthens Central Punjab’s batting department and he will be looking to display a better show than his outing in the last season’s National T20 Cup. Kamran is the leading run scorer in the history of the HBL Pakistan Super League, one of the most competitive T20 tournaments around the world, with 1,537 runs at a strike rate of over 138. The Peshawar Zalmi wicketkeeper-batsman has three centuries in the tournament, the last one of which was recorded in the fourth fixture of the 2020 edition during a 149-run chase against Quetta Gladiators at Karachi’s National Stadium. Abid Ali, the only batsman to record a century on his maiden ODI and Test appearances, and 24-year-old Rizwan Hussain, another top-order batsman who brings skill and exuberance in the side, will support these two batsmen. Twenty-year-old Abdullah Shafiq will be another batsman to look out. The right-handed batsman recorded a century on his first-class debut in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 tournament and has a brilliant opportunity to learn from the star performers around him. The presence of all-rounders Faheem Ashraf, Saad and Zafar Gohar not only lengthens Central Punjab’s batting line-up but also increases their bowling options. Seventeen-year-old pacer Naseem Shah, who has won admirers all over the world with his raw pace and exceptional skill of moving the ball both in the air and off the surface, is expected to spearhead their bowling attack. Naseem will have the experienced lanky right-arm pacer Ehsan Adil as his potential fast bowling pair. Along with strong batting and pace bowling units, Central Punjab have a dynamic and versatile spin bowling attack. The spin bowling unit will be led by Pakistan Test spinner Bilal Asif, whose off-spin has accounted for 16 scalps in five Tests. While Bilal will bring the ball into the right-handed batsmen, Usman Qadir and Zafar will spin the ball away from their hitting arc with their wrist and finger spin, respectively. Squad: Babar Azam (captain), Saad Nasim (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafiq, Abid Ali, Ahmed Bashir, Bilal Asif, Ehsan Adil, Faheem Ashraf, Irfan Khan Niazi, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Naseem Shah, Qasim Akram, Rizwan Hussain, Sohaibullah, Usman Qadir and Zafar Gohar. Player Support Personnel – Azhar Zaidi (manager), Shahid Anwar (head coach), Samiullah Niazi (assistant coach), Mohammad Asad (physio), Yasir Mahmood (trainer) and Sajid Yasin (analyst) Sindh A line-up full of T20 specialists, Sindh are another side in the tournament who have their all bases covered. They are captained by former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has an impressive youngster, Saud Shakeel, as his deputy. Sharjeel Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Ahsan Ali, Azam Khan and Asad Shafiq form the core of their dynamic batting unit, which has the potential to not only post but also surmount daunting totals. Openers Sharjeel and Khurram have made a big impression for themselves with their ability to score runs at a brisk rate. Sharjeel, the left-handed batsman, scored 199 runs at an impressive strike-rate of 144.20 in the HBL PSL 2020. He took Karachi Kings’ arch-rivals Lahore Qalandars by storm with an unbeaten 59-ball 74 – hitting five fours and five sixes – as he partnered with Babar Azam (69 not out from 46 balls) to secure a 10-wicket win at his side’s home ground, Karachi’s National Stadium. Khurram is the leading run-scorer in the history of the National T20 Cup with 2,235 runs in 75 innings at an average of 30.20. He would aim to improve on his last year’s National T20 numbers of 136 runs at 27.20 and provide Sharjeel solid support at the other end. Twenty-two-year-old Azam Khan left a mark in this year’s HBL PSL 2020 for his ability of hitting big sixes. The wicketkeeper-batsman accumulated 150 runs at a strike rate of over 130. Ahsan Ali, the 26-year-old, is another batsman who adds to Sindh’s firepower. He made his Pakistan debut in January this year at the Gaddafi Stadium, in a T20I against Bangladesh. In the lower order, Sindh can bank on all-rounder Anwar Ali and Sarfaraz to provide them strong finishes in the death overs. Amongst these batsmen who can hit the ball at will, Test batsman Asad Shafiq will be expected to anchor and hold Sindh’s innings together. Sindh’s bowling unit is equally impressive. It possesses young gun Mohammad Hasnain who not only has the ability to clock 150kph but also to hit yorker length in the death overs to deny batsmen any scoring opportunities. The right-arm pacer who represents Quetta Gladiators is currently leading the wicket-takers charts in the HBL PSL 2020 with 15 scalps to his name at an average of 19.13 In the last year’s National T20 Cup, Hasnain had the most wickets – nine at 18.22 – for Sindh. Right-arm pacer Sohail Khan will spearhead Sindh’s bowling attack and is expected to take the new ball. The 36-year-old has taken 117 wickets in the shortest format. Test pacer Mir Hamza is another bowler to watch out. The left-arm pacer has 21 T20 wickets under his belt. Sindh’s coach Basit Ali has picked Mohammad Asghar, a left-arm orthodox who will look to make the most of the assistance available from the surfaces in Multan and Rawalpindi. The 21-year-old has 57 wickets in the format and bowls at an economy of 7.21. Squad: Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain, wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Ahsan Ali, Anwar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Azam Khan, Danish Aziz, Hassan Khan, Khurram Manzoor, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Asghar, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Taha, Sharjeel Khan and Sohail Khan. Player Support Personnel - Rashid Khan (manager), Basit Ali (head coach), Iqbal Imam (assistant coach), Imran Khalil (trainer), Imtiaz Khan (physio) and Mohammad Asim Hussain (analyst).

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (September 26, 2020):-When country’s best 20-over players assemble in Multan and Rawalpindi for the PKR9million 33-match National T20 Cup from 30 September to 18 October, PTV Sports will be the fans’ go-to platform for live action after the participants’ health and safety forced the Pakistan Cricket Board to stage the tournament behind closed doors. The PCB, in a ground breaking agreement worth $200million, signed a three-year deal with PTV Sports and I-Media Communications Services with the PCB retaining the production rights. This arrangement is not only aimed at increasing the eyeballs or boosting revenues that can be reinvested into cricket or adding greater value to domestic competitions, but also to contribute in the capacity building of one of Pakistan’s oldest, respected and most prestigious institutions. Pakistan’s white-ball captain Babar Azam admitted cricket without fans was incomplete but felt this can be a blessing in disguise. Babar Azam: “The game is all about the fans, they are the ones who inspire and motivate us with their presence and support during good and bad days. But the flip side in these challenging times is cricket is taking place and PTV Sports, the channel I grew up watching, will be relaying live pictures in every TV lounge to keep the fans connected and involved with the tournament that will feature country’s best players in the shortest format. “Backed up by the PCB’s own digital assets, this competition should get the following, recognition and acknowledgement that it deserves even though nothing can replace in-stadia presence of the cricket followers and fans. “All I can request the fans on behalf of all competitors is to continue to support this tournament online and show the world through their positive engagement that we are one of the biggest sporting nations that loves its cricket and will back and support its players no matter what. “It is also a great opportunity for PTV Sports to maximise its viewers. PTV Sports has a strong archive of old and classic matches but by becoming a partner of the PCB, it can further strengthen itself as one of the premier sport channels through excellent and quality content.” Haider Ali, who became the first Pakistan batsman to hit a half-century on his T20I debut, said: “As a teenager, I have seen a number of games with my friends, family and colleagues from the stands. I know and understand the buzz and excitement of the spectators when they become part of the action. “But these are unprecedented times where we all have to make small sacrifices to keep the sport alive and healthy. We will miss the fans and the fans will miss live action, but the coverage plan put in place provides great opportunities to all die-hard supporters to follow and support their favourite players and teams. “We all look forward to the fans’ support through various online platforms that will inspire us to produce our best performances.” Haris Rauf, Northern’s fast bowler, said: “Fast bowlers, in particular, enjoy the crowds more as their voice and noise when they run into bowl motivates them to bowl faster. I will miss that part in the National T20 Cup, but hopefully their backing in the lead up matches through positive and supportive social media activations will give me that extra energy that will help me to contribute in my side’s title defence. “I am keenly looking forward to this competition as it will allow me to catch-up with my old mates whom I have not met for a long time due to Covid-19 restrictions. There is a lot to talk and listen, and I look forward to spending valuable time outside cricket with them.” Sarfaraz Ahmed, captain of Sindh, said: “We will badly miss the fans but at the same time I have complete faith that they will support the players and the event offsite so that they can continue to play their pivotal role in cricket promotion. “When I will walk on to the field, besides the task in hand, I will like to remember days when I played matches before full houses and the fans right behind me. This will be my motivation as I can never detach myself from the fans who have contributed in what I am today. “I want the younger generation especially to follow the tournament but not at the cost of their education as academic institutions have just opened after a long closure and at no stage they should sacrifice their studies. Cricket and education can co-exist; it is all about striking the right balance.” Shan Masood, who will lead Southern Punjab, said: “The best part about cricket coming back home was to play in front of our supportive and knowledgeable people, but sadly with the Covid-19 situation that won’t be the case for the National T20 Cup and we are going to miss their lively presence. “The fans’ backing is always invaluable to us and although they can’t be physically present at the venues, mainly due to their health and safety, I urge them to keep supporting all the competitors and the event by following the proceedings through television, live-streaming, mainstream media or the social media. “As always, the fans’ support and backing is much appreciated.”