Sports Bulletin

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 15, 2021):-The ICC and UNICEF are aiming to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing amongst children and adolescents and encourage greater conversation and understanding of it throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 beginning on Sunday. The event – the biggest ever in the UAE and Oman – begins on 17 October and comprises 45 matches across four venues and features cricket’s biggest names and best teams. As the pinnacle of the shortest format of cricket, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 attracts a global audience reaching billions of young fans and families. The partnership will highlight the need for more conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community. According to the latest available estimates, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 is estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally (source: UNICEF- SOWC 2021). Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. School closures and physical distancing measures due to COVID 19 have reduced children and young people’s regular coping mechanisms and contributed to increased isolation and mental health risks. Lockdowns and other pandemic containment measures, in addition to the direct impact of COVID-19, have resulted in mental stress of parents’ and care givers. This has in turn affected their ability to provide a protective and nurturing environment for their children. OnYourMind campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will urge for greater commitment, connection and conversation around mental health and physical wellbeing. Through this initiative ICC will use its global platforms, including its broadcast and digital channels to support UNICEF’s work and drive the message around: what affects children’s mental health, how to break the silence and talk about mental health wellbeing, destigmatise mental health issues, how to reach out and seek support and what can parents and adults do to improve the mental wellbeing of children. This partnership comes at the back of ICC’s commitment to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of over 2,000 individuals that are involved in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, many of whom including players, coaches and support staff, will be in a “managed event environment” throughout. Geoff Allardice, Acting CEO ICC said: “Cricket has the incredible power and reach to raise awareness and effect change and we’re proud to partner with UNICEF to help break the stigma around mental health.  #OnYourMind encourages us all to talk more openly about this with our children to promote and protect their mental health. UNICEF India Representative Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, said: “We anticipate that that the COVID-19 pandemic related stresses that have affected the mental health of children and young people in India is likely to have a lasting impact if we do not act now! We must work with them to bust the stigma around mental health that prevents many from sharing and seeking support. Lets together break the silence and end stigma on mental health issues. We value UNICEF’s partnership with ICC to break the silence. Together, through this platform we hope to reach millions with the message, its okay to speak up about what’s #OnMyMind.” Cricket fans are urged to visit the ICC online and digital channels to find out more about how they can get involved in the campaign.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 15, 2021):-The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup returns on Sunday with no margin for error for the eight nations who are taking part in the first round. Waiting in the wings are a further eight sides who will be keen to hit the ground running in the Super 12s. Group 2 contains some of the big hitters of the game, with India, New Zealand and Pakistan, as well as T20’s newest powerhouse, Afghanistan. They will be joined by the winners of Group B in the first round – one of Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea or Scotland – as well as the runners-up from Group A, in which Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands and Sri Lanka will do battle. Group 2 begins on 24 October with one of the sport’s biggest rivalries as India take on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With just two places available for the semi-finals, and six teams who will fancy their chances of making it, every match should be a thriller. Afghanistan (fifth appearance) Afghanistan’s progress has been meteoric since making their maiden appearance in the 2010 ICC T20 Men’s World Cup. And in 2021 they will take another step by qualifying automatically for the Super 12s by virtue of their world ranking. That means the team spearheaded by Rashid Khan, the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade, and Mohammad Nabi, who tops the ICC MRF Tyres T20I all-rounders rankings, will now be dreaming of a first qualification for the semi-finals. Mujeeb Ur Rahman Rashid has become Afghanistan’s first global superstar with the leg-spinner announcing himself on the world stage five years ago at the last T20 World Cup in India. Aged just 17, he took 11 wickets and bowled expertly in tandem with Nabi, who was the only person to take more wickets than him in the tournament. Mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, fresh from a stint with the Northern Chargers in The Hundred, is another big threat to opposition batters. Afghanistan were eliminated in the Super 10s in 2016 with only one win from four, although that was against the eventual champions West Indies. India (seventh appearance) India were the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions but have only been back to the final once since lifting the trophy in 2007.  A return could be on the cards if they hit their straps, with head coach Ravi Shastri selecting a squad crammed with world-class stars, while the conditions are likely to be similar to those found at home. After three straight Round 2 exits between 2009 and 2012, India reached a second final in 2014 – where they lost to Sri Lanka – and the semi-finals two years later on home soil.  Virat Kohli Virat Kohli was named Player of the Tournament in 2016 after averaging 136.50 from five innings and the 32-year-old will captain India this time around, as they hope to emulate West Indies and become two-time winners.  He will be supported by vice-captain Rohit Sharma, while the likes of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and big-hitting batter Rishabh Pant add extra stardust.  India beat Pakistan in the 2007 Final and meet them again in the opening game here.  New Zealand (seventh appearance) New Zealand are still searching for their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and their recent history in global tournaments suggests they will be tough to beat. In June, they became the first-ever World Test champions by beating India at the Hampshire Bowl, while they narrowly lost in the final of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to England in a Super Over. Martin Guptill Led by world-class batter Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s squad contains plenty of familiar names, including the likes of fast bowlers Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult and opener Martin Guptill. With eight players aged over 30, they are also one of the most experienced.  New Zealand’s record at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup leaves plenty to be desired, with two semi-final appearances from six tournaments. They first reached the last four in the inaugural competition in 2007, where they lost to Pakistan by six wickets, and then again last time out in 2016, where they went down to England by seven wickets.   Four Round 2 exits are squeezed in the middle but, ranked fourth in the world on the eve of the 2021 edition, they will be confident of a strong performance.  Pakistan (seventh appearance) Pakistan have a rich history in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and arrive in UAE and Oman as one of the sides to beat.  They played in the first T20 World Cup Final in 2007, where they lost to India, before lifting the trophy two years later with a Shahid Afridi-inspired performance against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.  Babar Azam To further underline their status as one of the premier T20 nations, Pakistan reached the semi-finals at each of the next two tournaments in 2010 and 2012 and will be keen to return to the business end once more.  Ranked third in the world, they have the squad to do so under captain Babar Azam. They boast one of just three players at the entire tournament aged 40 and over in Mohammad Hafeez but only three others are over 30 in a young squad that is packed with talent.  Azam is ranked the second-best batter in T20 cricket, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also inside the top 10. 

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 15, 2021):-Grant Bradburn has decided to step down from the Head of High Performance Coaching role to pursue further coaching opportunities. During his three years in Pakistan, the former New Zealand Test spinner served Pakistan cricket as national side’s fielding coach from September 2018 to June 2020, before taking on the development of coaching responsibilities. He remained a popular figure within the cricket fraternity and is regarded highly by players, coaches and colleagues. Grant Bradburn: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve Pakistan, providing challenge and support, to drive the players, coaches and teams forward. I will leave PCB grateful for the wonderful opportunities and the experiences I have gained. “As a foreigner, I felt welcomed and valued by my present and former PCB colleagues, players, officials and the Pakistan public. I have always felt safe here, loved exploring this wonderful country and made many lifetime friends. “My wife Maree and three children have also sacrificed a lot in allowing me to serve Pakistan cricket. Covid-19 regulations made it challenging for them to visit Pakistan and feel the warmth, love and friendship this country offers. It is now time for me to prioritise family and move forward to the next coaching challenge.” Director High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “Grant served Pakistan cricket with passion and dedication. He was always full of energy and ideas, a number of which he implemented following the restructuring of the National High Performance Centre. I thank Grant for his contributions to Pakistan cricket and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

BIPIN DANI It was a double delight for Ireland's 16-year-old Amy Hunter, who not only became the youngest international centurion but her unbeatern ODI ton came on her 16th birthday enabled the Ireland women's team to register a win against Zimbabwe. Interestingly, Hunter overtook the record which was held by India's Mithali Raj, against Ireland. Mithali had scored 114 (n.o.) in an ODI at the age of 16 years and 205 days in June 1999. “We are just so excited for Amy, although there is also a lot of relief there, as we know how hard she works and how many hours of training she puts in”, her mother Sara Hunter says exclusively. “Amy has been playing boys cricket since a young age, and she showed a true passion for cricket from an early age. She said she found cricket addictive, and as parents we saw that in how she has dedicated herself to the game.” Sara's both parents-father Jim- are doctors by profession. “Amy has just flown in from Zimbabwe and is exhausted after the tour and all the media attention over the last 48 hours. She’ll rest up with a day off school, but in true style she is planning to be back out there this weekend playing hockey for her school”, the mother continued. “We are so thankful that we could follow Amy’s innings on the livestream, as we couldn’t travel out there, and appreciate Zimbabwe Cricket for putting that on - and thankful for the Irish coaches and support staff that looked after Amy and her teammates in the tour.” Amy's brother, James is also a cricketer, informs Norman Shannon, the chairman of the cricket committee of the Instonians Cricket Club. "We are proud of Amy's superb performance. Amy and James played for our club. Now she plays for Malahide Cricket Club in the South as a higher standard. She is the only girl to score a hundred for Instonians Women's team", he added. 

H Shah MANCHESTER (October 14, 2021):-A 14-strong squad has been selected for the Lions tour of Australia starting in November. The touring party will depart on the 4 November along with the Test specialists selected in the Ashes squad. Selection is subject to passing Lions minimum fitness standards, which will be administered over the coming weeks. Lions squad to tour Australia Tom Abell (Somerset), Josh Bohannon (Lancashire), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Alex Lees (Durham), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Liam Norwell (Warwickshire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Rob Yates (Warwickshire) The squad includes four players, James Bracey, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes and Dom Sibley, who are capped at Test level Lancashire batter Josh Bohannon, Surrey wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the Warwickshire pair of seamer Liam Norwell and opening batter Rob Yates are new to the Lions set-up. The rest of the squad have had Lions experience in the past. Durham opener Alex Lees returns to the Lions for the first time in six years. The 28-year-old left-hander has been in excellent form in the LV= Insurance County Championship and will be looking to make an impression on this tour. The Lions will be in camp alongside the England Ashes squad and will play two intra-squad matches (1 x 3-day and 1 x 4-day matches) in Queensland. They will also take on Australia A in a four-day match. Dates and venues are still to be confirmed. The party will return home on 16 December. Coaching appointments will be announced in due course.

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (October 14, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board today provisionally suspended Zeeshan Malik of Northern Cricket Association under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit. Article 4.7.1 read as: Where either: (a) the PCB decides to charge a Participant with an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code; or (b) the PCB considers that there are other exceptional circumstances relevant to a Participant (for example, where any relevant police authority has arrested and/or charged a Participant with an offence under any relevant criminal law in respect of facts or circumstances that may also constitute an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code), it shall have the discretion, in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to Provisionally Suspend the Participant pending the Anti-Corruption Tribunal’s determination of whether he/she has committed an offence. Any decision to Provisionally Suspend the Participant will be communicated to the Participant in writing, with a copy sent at the same time to the ICC and, where applicable, the National Cricket Federation to which the Participant is affiliated.

BIPIN DANI Afghanistan cricket team will participate in the upcoming T-20 World Cup under the old national flag-banner, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources in Kabul and the UAE, it has been made clear to the officials of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Doubts were recently raised about the participation of the team in the World Cup following the Taliban taking over the charge of the nation. "Afghanistan's old national flag is being displayed in the Expo 2020, a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022", one of the sources confirmed from the UAE. The team is, however, likely to miss the first practice match against South Africa on 18th.  "Only eight Afghanistan players are in the UAE. The rest of the squad members, who were practicing in Qatar, could get late visas and arrive on Wednesday night/Thursday morning".   "As per the standard rule, they need to spend six-day quarantine before being allowed to practice and therefore the match may have to be skipped", the source aware of the development said. The authorities are in negotiations with the ICC and the Indian cricket board, it is learnt.    Andy Flower, the new batting consultant has already joined the squad in the UAE.  

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (October 13, 2021):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa successfully defended the National T20 title thanks to their captain Iftikhar Ahmed’s all-round performance, which fashioned a seven-wicket win over Central Punjab in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. The 31-year-old all-rounder stroked a whirlwind 45 not out off 19 as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa overhauled a 149-run target with 18 balls spare. Iftikhar arrived at the crease with his side requiring 59 runs from 7.4 overs and smashed two sixes and six fours to finish as the second best batter in the tournament with 409 runs scored at a staggering strike rate of 170.41. The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain completed the run chase by smoking Mohammad Faizan for a four through cover on the last ball of the 17th over and unleashed a roar in the Lahore night sky. He was won the player of the final and the best player of the tournament awards. Adil Amin with an unbeaten 25 off 21 provided Iftikhar support from the other end. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s run chase was off to a quiet start as Central Punjab captain Wahab Riaz bowled a maiden over to Sahibzada Farhan. Young wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris spanked Sameen Gul for a four and a six in the second over before he was dismissed. The second wicket 47-run stand between Farhan, who was named as the best batter for scoring the 447 – the most in the tournament – at a strike rate of 132, and Kamran Ghulam (37 off 31) staged the recovery and put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa into a strong position. Farhan made 26 off 28 and was dismissed by young off-spinner Qasim Akram. That Central Punjab bowlers had something to bowl at was due to the 85-run second wicket alliance between Ahmed Shehzad and Kamran Akmal. The pair came together after Mohammad Akhlaq was caught behind off Imran Khan Snr on the second ball and put Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bowlers on the backfoot. Ahmed, who top scored in the innings with 36-ball 44, smashed Arshad Iqbal for two fours in the second over, but it was the fifth over when their partnership truly kicked off as the two smashed left-arm orthodox Asif Afridi for two fours and a six in an over that added 16 to the total. Ahmed finished the powerplay with a magnificent six over point as Central Punjab gathered 51 from the first six overs. It was left-arm orthodox Khalid Usman who ended their partnership as he deceived Kamran in the air and had him stumped. Kamran smashed three fours and two sixes in his 29-ball 42. The next over, Central Punjab’s problems compounded as Iftikhar introduced himself into the attack. Ahmed fell six runs short of what would have been his 40th T20 half-century as he hold out to long-off. In his next over, Iftikhar accounted for Saif Badar and Hussain Talat as Central Punjab slipped from 85 for one to 101 for five and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain finished with a superb three for five. Qasim was the only batter in the middle-order to make a valuable contribution with 11-ball 20. He struck two sixes to Imran in the 17th over, which added 20. But, from there on, Central Punjab lost wickets on regular intervals. Mohammad Imran removed Mohammad Faizan and Qasim on back to back deliveries in the 18th over and Arshad sent Faheem Ashraf and Zafar Gohar back to the pavilion in the next over. Imran returned in the last over to remove Wahab and end Central Punjab’s innings with four balls spare. Scores in brief Central Punjab 148 all out, 19.2 overs (Ahmed Shehzad 44, Kamran Akmal 42, Qasim Akram 20; Iftikhar Ahmed 3-5, Mohammad Imran 3-26, Arshad Iqbal 2-28) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 152-3, 17 overs (Iftikhar Ahmed 45 not out, Kamran Ghulam 37, Sahibzada Farhan 26, Adil Amin 25 not out; Sameen Gul 1-19, Qasim Akram 1-27, Mohammad Faizan 1-46) Player of the final:  Iftikhar Ahmed Player of the tournament: Iftikhar Ahmed (409 runs and eight wickets) Best batter of the tournament: Sahibzada Farhan (447 runs) Best bowler of the tournament: Imran Khan Snr (16 wickets) Best wicketkeeper of the tournament: Rohail Nazir (12 dismissals)

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (October 13, 2021):-The qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Australia will continue this week with Denmark, Germany, Italy and Jersey set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier supported by Dream 11 hosted at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground in Spain. The qualification pathway to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 Australia will continue this week with Denmark, Germany, Italy and Jersey set to compete in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier supported by Dream 11 hosted at the Desert Springs Cricket Ground in Spain. The event will be played from 15 - 21 October as a double round robin format with the teams finishing first and second to progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers A and B, which will take place in 2022. Little separates the teams on the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s T20I Team Rankings with Jersey (24th), Italy (26th), Denmark (30th) and Germany (36th) all within 12 positions of one another. The previous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier in 2019 went down to the wire of the final match with Jersey narrowly pipping Germany to book their place at the Global Qualifiers. Jersey joined The Netherlands and Scotland as the two other European Associate Member representatives at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifiers in 2019 and narrowly missed out on a place in the finals, winning three of their six group matches. Freddie Klokker, Denmark captain said: “It has been nearly two years without any ICC events, so we can’t wait to get the tournament underway and play some very competitive cricket. There is a great opportunity for every team to go through to the next round so we as a team are really looking forward to the challenge ahead. If we are good enough to qualify for the next round, it would be a great opportunity to promote and advertise the great game that we play in Denmark.” Venkatraman Ganesan, Germany captain said: “We are extremely excited to be a part of this tournament and the opportunity to progress to the Global Qualifiers is a big motivation for the whole squad. Qualifying to the next round will be quite huge for cricket in Germany and I hope it will raise the profile of the sport significantly, opening up new and exciting opportunities to grow the sport in our nation. Good luck to all other participating teams.” Gareth Berg, Italy captain and coach said: “Cricket Italia are very excited to once again be partaking in an official ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualifier. We have undergone some changes both in mindset and players with the aim of moving our game forward. So as a cricket nation I am excited by the new challenges this brings us both personally and as head coach and captain. Events like this are a great breeding ground for unearthing some real talent in Associate cricket. It’s a shame we can’t get all our players involved due to covid restrictions but the squad we have picked are hungry for success and want to win games of cricket for Italia.” Charles (Chuggy) Perchard, Jersey captain said: “After months of hard work, we’re all hugely excited to have the opportunity to be representing our Island in an ICC competition again. As a squad, we’ve got big dreams of qualifying for a World Cup and hopefully this will be the first step in our journey.” ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier 15 October 2021 - Germany vs Jersey (10h15); Italy vs Denmark (15h15) 16 October 2021 - Denmark vs Germany (10h15); Jersey vs Italy (15h15) 17 October 2021 - Denmark vs Jersey (10h15); Italy vs Germany (15h15) 18 October 2021 - Rest Day 19 October 2021 - Denmark vs Italy (10h15); Jersey vs Germany (15h15) 20 October 2021 - Italy vs Jersey (10h15); Germany vs Denmark (15h15) 21 October 2021 - Germany vs Italy (10h15); Jersey vs Denmark (15h15)

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 13, 2021):-Tickets went on sale last week, with thousands being snapped up in record time. There are still tickets available for games across all four venues; Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Oman and Sharjah and the world’s best players are calling on the expat community in the middle-east not to miss out.  Jos Buttler, England, said. “Wherever we travel, England fans show up and cheer us on.  So we want as many at our games as possible, not least as so many live in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and it will be great to have them in stadia cheering us on.” Aaron Finch, Australia, said: “We know we have loads of Aussie fans here in the UAE and would love for them to come watch us across the tournament. It’s a wonderful chance for them to see Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and all of our guys together against some of the very best sides in the world. After the challenges of the past 18 months for everyone here and overseas it would be awesome to have the fans there cheering us on.” Trent Boult, New Zealand, added: “The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is always a really exciting event and we expect this version in the UAE and Oman to be no different. We know there are plenty of BLACKCAPS fans in this part of the world and we’re hoping to see them in the stands cheering us on with crowds now confirmed for all matches. It's pretty special seeing Kiwi support when you’re playing away from home and in a world event.” Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa said: “We have huge matches including clashes with Australia in Abu Dhabi, the West Indies in Dubai and England in Sharjah.  Fans of the Proteas are worldwide so we can’t wait for them to fill the stands and help create a special atmosphere.” Ireland’s Paul Stirling added: “We have a good record of spectators coming and watching us everywhere in the world, particularly here. You always see an Irish flag and Irish cricket supporters everywhere. We certainly always go and visit them in the Irish Village so hopefully they can come and visit us!” The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 is the largest sporting event to be held in the region and it will be the biggest global cricket event since the pandemic with fans in stadia. Tickets remain available to fans to watch the top 16 T20 teams in the world vying for the ultimate prize in the shortest format, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starting in Muscat on 17 October and concluding in the UAE on 14 November. With prices starting at just 10 OMR and 30 AED in Oman and UAE respectively, the event is accessible to all cricket fans. Tickets are available to purchase on https://www.t20worldcup.com/tickets . The schedule offers a host of key rivalry fixtures and mouth-watering match ups.  The tournament kicks off with the Round 1 match between Oman and Papua New Guinea in Muscat.  Whilst, Australia and South Africa play the first match of Super 12s on 23 October in Abu Dhabi followed by the replay of the 2016 final between England and West Indies also on 23 October in Dubai. One of cricket’s biggest rivalries, India and Pakistan, will take place on 24 October in Dubai. In addition to the top quality cricket, fans will also get to enjoy a host of entertainment choices, including DJs, fan zones and various other exciting activations around each venue, offering families and the young plenty of fun. Among full member nations Bangladesh, Ireland and 2014 winners Sri Lanka, there are also Namibia, Netherlands, Oman, Papua New Guinea, and Scotland all battling to qualify for the Super 12 stage.  There are four available places joining Afghanistan, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and West Indies in the Super 12 stage.