Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Sixteen teams from around the world will take part in the 41-match event where the future stars of women’s cricket will announce themselves over 15 days of competition from 18 January to 2 February 2025. Over and above these exciting matches will be 16 warm-up fixtures played from 13 to 16 January, in preparation for the main event.The second edition of this exciting tournament comes on the back of a successful inauguration in South Africa in 2023 where India beat England by seven wickets in a thrilling final to be crowned the first-ever winners. It will also be the hosts, Malaysia’s first appearance in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup as well as Samoa’s first appearance in an ICC World Cup event.ICC CEO, Geoff Allardice said: “We are delighted to announce the schedule for the second edition of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and bringing an ICC event of this stature to Malaysia for the first time since the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. This is a special event to the ICC and forms an important part of our Global Growth Strategy of raising the profile of women’s cricket and further growing the game around the world. It is also a unique opportunity to introduce our vast global audiences to the future stars of the sport. We look forward to building on the success from the foundation laid at the inaugural event in South Africa in 2023. We wish all the teams the very best of luck in their preparation and to the Malaysian Cricket Association in organising the event.”Host Tournament Director for the ICC U19 Women’s World Cup 2025, Dinesh Muthuraman said: "Malaysia is proud to host the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025, continuing our tradition of supporting the growth of cricket on the global stage. In 2008, we had the honour of hosting the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup, where current stars like Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson and Trent Boult among many others, showcased their talents. Now, it is the turn of women’s cricket, and we are confident that this U19 Women’s T20 World Cup will be a launching pad for the next generation of cricketing legends. Women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth both in Malaysia and around the world. We are fully confident that this World Cup will further accelerate that momentum, leading to significant developments in the sport, especially for women’s cricket.”Groups (4):Group A - India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3) and Malaysia (A4), playing at Bayuemas Oval in Selangor.Group B - England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3) and USA (B4) playing at Dato’ Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval), Johor.Group C - New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa’s Qualifier (C3) and Samoa (C4) and playing at Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak.Group D - Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia’s Qualifier (D3) and Scotland (D4) and playing at UKM YSD Oval in Selangor.Schedule (U19 Women’s T20 World Cup):January 18: Australia v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: England v Ireland, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 18: Pakistan v USA, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary, 19: India v West Indies, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: Ireland v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 20: England v Pakistan, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 20: South Africa v Samoa, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 21: India v Malaysia, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: England v USA, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 23: India v Sri Lanka, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 24: B4 v C4, 10:30 am, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 24: A4 v D4, 2:30 pm, JCA Oval, JohorJanuary 25: Super Six - B2 v C3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - B1 v C2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 25: Super Six - A3 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 25: Super Six - C1 v B3, 2:30 pm, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 26: Super Six - A2 v D3, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 26: Super Six - A1 v D2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 27: Super Six - B1 v C3, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A3 v D2, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 28: Super Six - C1 v B2, 10:30 am, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)January 28: Super Six - A1 v D3, 2:30 pm, BayuemJas OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - C2 v B3, 10:30 am, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 29: Super Six - A2 v D1, 2:30 pm, UKM YSD OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 1, 10:30 am, Bayuemas OvalJanuary 31: Semi-Final 2, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas OvalFebruary 2: Final, 2:30 pm, Bayuemas Oval

Pakistan earn a massive lead of 245 runs against Bangladesh “A” in a four-day fixtureAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Left-handed batter Umar Amin’s three figures innings (177 runs) demands to include him in the first Test match against Bangladesh, which will start on August 21 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi, as his (Umer) innings against Bangladesh A put hosts in driving seat on the second day of the four-match contest at Islamabad Club cricket ground.At stumps, Shaheens were 367 for four in 90 overs, with a first innings lead of 245 runs. Saad Khan (31 not out, 39b, 6x4s) and Kamran Ghulam (20 not out, 63b, 1x4,1x6), will resume batting on the third day, which will begin at 09.30am tomorrow. For Bangladesh ‘A’, left-arm spinner Hasan Murad bagged two wickets for 49 runs.Earlier, after resuming their first innings at the overnight score of two for no loss, the home side were dealt a blow when left-handed batter Saim Ayub returned back to the hut, scoring 11 off 28 balls, which included a four. Mohammad Huraira was the second batter to be dismissed, scoring 39 off 67 balls, hitting five boundaries.The experienced Umar was then joined by captain Saud Shakeel and the pair knitted a 195-run partnership for the third wicket. During the partnership, left-handed Umar brought up his century. He fell 23 runs short of a double-century, and was dismissed for 177 off 211 balls, smashing 23 fours and three towering sixes.After Umar’s departure, fellow southpaw Saud soon followed the centurion and was stumped off the bowling of Hasan for 76 with the scorecard reading 322 for four. Saud’s innings included nine boundaries across 132 deliveries.Scores in brief (Day-2):Bangladesh 'A' 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41)Pakistan Shaheens 367-4, 90 overs (Umar Amin 177, Saud Shakeel 76, Mohammad Huraira 39, Saad Khan 31 not out, Kamran Ghulam 20 not out; Hasan Murad 2-49, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1-67, Nayeem Hasan 1-81)Pakistan Shaheens lead by 245 runs

BIPIN DANIIn a heartwarming meeting that bridged the worlds of art and sports, veteran Sri Lankan artist Mueen Saheed recently had the pleasure of meeting Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli during Team India's recent visit to the country.During this meeting, Saheed presented Kohli with a deeply personal portrait featuring Kohli, his wife Anushka Sharma, and their late dog Bruno. The painting, intended to evoke joyful memories of their beloved pet, was warmly received by Kohli, who expressed his delight and gratitude.Speaking exclusively over the telephone from Colombo, the artist said, "While Kohli made arrangements for this large portrait to be taken to his home in India, he leaves behind another signed painting of my work. He has promised me to visit my gallery when he revisits Sri Lanka again. This smaller painting shows Kohli in a stance of action, showcasing his batting prowess. Mueen Saheed has long been a passionate cricket enthusiast. His works have previously paid homage to cricket legends like Kumar Sangakkara and Sachin Tendulkar,He is a contemporary of renowned Sri Lankan artists Seneka Senanayake and Laki Senanayake, has exhibited extensively around the world and continues to be one of the most compelling voices for abstract art in Sri Lanka. This recent meeting with Virat Kohli is a testament to Saheed's enduring influence and the universal appeal of his art, transcending boundaries and connecting with people from all walks of life.  

Naseem Shah (3-24), and Mir Hamza (3-33) performances thrash Bangladesh A batting lineAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: A couple of sparking performances with red-ball, Naseem Shah (3-24), and Mir Hamza (3-33), constrained Bangladesh A on a meager total of 122 runs in 44.3 overs in their first innings of the four-day match here at Islamabad Club cricket ground on Tuesday. Pakistan scored 2 runs without wasting any batter at the stumps on Day-1, when the match called-off due to bad light in capital city Islamabad.Bangladesh captain Anamul Haque won the coin battle and decided to bat first, as the match started at 2:00 pm instead of 10:00 am in the morning owing to wet out-field. Apart from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who top-scored with a gritty 65 off 116 balls hitting nine fours, only Mominul Haque (11, 15b, 2x4s), Mushfiqur Rahim (14, 27b, 1x4, 1x6) and Rejaur Rehman Raja (10, 17b, 1x4) got into double figures.Mahmudul and Mushfiqur were also involved in the most productive partnership for Bangladesh A which was a 38-run stand, which was broken by Mohammad Ali. The Shaheens pacers shared eight wickets among them with Naseem Shah, making his return to red-ball cricket after more than a year, taking the 3-24 in 8.3 overs. Hamza bagged as many wickets giving away 33 runs in 11 overs.Ali was the most economical bowler as he conceded only 14 runs in 11 overs, picking up the valuable wicket of Mushfiqur, including six maidens. Umar Amin provided an important breakthrough for Shaheens as he dismissed the well-set Mahmudul. Leg-spinner Mohammad Rameez Jnr eked out two wickets for 41 runs in 11 overs.Scores in brief (Day-1):Pakistan Shaheens trail by 120 runsBangladesh 'A' 122 all out, 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41)Pakistan Shaheens 2-0, 2 overs (Saim Ayub 2 not out) 

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Shaheens cricket team will take on Bangladesh ‘A’ in the first four-day match here at the Islamabad Club on Tuesday, as the match will be held from August 13 to 16, 2024. Saud Shakil will lead the host side. The second four-day match will be played at the same venue from August 20 to 23.Both Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ have packed their sides with players who will feature in the ICC World Test Championship fixtures, to be played in Rawalpindi and Karachi on 21-25 August and 30 August-3 September, respectively. This is due to the fact that both Pakistan and Bangladesh have not played a Test since January and March, respectively. Pakistan’s last Test was against Australia in Sydney, while Bangladesh previous appearance in the current ICC World Test Championship cycle was against Sri Lanka at home in March.Test probables in the Pakistan Shaheens are Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub and Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Hasan Mahmud, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan and Zakir Hasan are the Bangladesh ‘A’ players who will join the Test side following the four-day match.Saud Shakeel, who was recently named Pakistan Test vice-captain and has previously led Shaheens red-ball side against Sri Lanka ‘A’ in October-November 2021, will captain the home side in the first four-day match. Anamul Haque, who has represented Bangladesh in 74 international matches to date, will captain Bangladesh ‘A’.Pakistan Shaheens captain Saud Shakeel said: “It is an honour for me to lead the Pakistan Shaheens team. I have led this team on a few occasions in the past. I always enjoy my captaincy as I get involved in the game more than usual. This four-day series is crucial as some of the players have not played red-ball cricket recently. So, the match starting on Tuesday will serve as an important opportunity for the Test probables to gear up and be fully prepared and ready for the upcoming challenges that include nine ICC World Test Championship Tests. Bangladesh are always competitive, particularly with spin. We look forward to the challenge on our home turf.”Bangladesh ‘A’ captain Anamul Haque said: “We have been very excited about facing the Pakistan Shaheens side in their backyard. The Shaheens squad looks strong, especially the fast bowling department. With the highly experienced players on either side, the first four-dayer will be highly competitive. This series is also crucial for the Bangladesh players looking to prepare for the upcoming Test series and youngsters who aim to stake a claim in the senior side.”Pakistan Shaheens (squad): Saud Shakeel (captain), Kamran Ghulam, Mehran Mumtaz, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Mohammad Huraira, Naseem Shah, Saad Baig (wicket-keeper), Saad Khan, Saim Ayub, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicket-keeper) and Umar AminBangladesh ‘A’ (squad): Anamul Haque (captain), Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mosaddek Hossain Saikat, Mushfiqur Rahim, Nayeem Hasan, Rejaur Rahman Raja, Ruyel Miah, Sahadat Hossain, Tanvir Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Zakir HasanMatch officials: Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee).

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced match officials for the Pakistan Shaheens’ home series against Bangladesh ‘A’, which includes two four-day and three 50-over matches from 13-30 August.Nadeem Arshad will lead the Playing Control Team (PCT) for the 13-16 August and 20-23 August matches, while Iftikhar Ahmed will be the match referee for the three 50-over matches on 26, 28 and 30 August.The umpiring responsibilities in the five matches will be shared between ICC/PCB International panel Umpires, Faisal Khan Aafreedi and Rashid Riaz, and PCB Elite Panel Umpires, Abdul Moqeet, Imran Jawed, Nasir Hussain, and Waleed Yaqoob.Umpire and match referee appointments:13-16 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)20-23 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A”. Faisal Aafreedi and Nasir Hussain (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Nadeem Arshad (match referee)26 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Abdul Moqeet (on-field umpires), Waleed Yaqub (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)28 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)30 August – Pakistan Shaheens vs Bangladesh ‘A’. Rashid Riaz and Waleed Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Abdul Moqeet (third umpire), Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee) 

Sports Bulletin ReportDarwin (August 10, 2024): Pakistan Shaheens registered a 17-run win over Perth Scorchers in their opening game of the Top End T20 series 2024 on Saturday at the DXC Arena in Darwin.In pursuit of the 189-run target, Scorchers’ batters, Teague Wyllie (4, 5b, 1x4) and Sam Fanning (13, 11b, 2x4s) departed in the third and fourth overs, respectively.Joel Curtis (17, 21b, 1x4) and Corey Wasley (54, 27b, 6x4s, 3x6s) threatened the Shaheens bowling attack with a 58-run fourth-wicket stand which was eventually broken by legspinner Arif Yaqoob in the 11th over.In the following over, Jahandad Khan dismissed the aggressive Wasley as well with Scorchers requiring 96 runs in 51 balls. Baxter Holt (24, 21b, 1x4, 1x6) and Keaton Critchell (24, 18b, 2x4s, 1x6) found the boundary on regular intervals for their 33-run fifth-wicket partnership before Holt was dismissed by Mohammad Abbas Afridi in the 16th over.Critchell departed for 24 off 18, hitting two fours and one six while Matthew Spoors, who remained unbeaten for 27 off 15 balls clubbing five fours, failed to make ends meet as Scorchers fell 17 runs short.Abbas and Jahandad picked up two wickets each while Mohammad Imran Jnr and Arif had one each to their name.Earlier, after opting to bat first, the Pakistan Shaheens posted a competitive total of 188-7 in the allotted 20 overs courtesy of 35-ball 57 from Usman Khan. Usman, batting at four, walked in to bat at the end of powerplay, struck four boundaries and three sixes in this outing keeping the Shaheens innings intact.Shaheens racked up 47 runs during the field restrictions, losing Haseebullah (12, 10b, 2x4s) and Tayyab Tahir (5, 11b, 1x4) in the course. Soon, Sahibzada Farhan too departed in the eighth over leaving Shaheens 58-3 in 7.3 overs.Skipper, Mohammad Haris (25, 19b, 3x4s) and Usman came together to put on 45-run fourth-wicket partnership off 28 balls before the former fell prey to Keaton Critchell in the 13th over.An over later, Mohammad Irfan Khan departed for a mere two off five balls, before Arafat Minhas played a powerful cameo of 31 runs facing 16 balls hitting three fours and one six.Usman and Arafat departed on consecutive deliveries before Mohammad Abbas Afridi (12 not out, 3b) belted two sixes in the last over to help Shaheens finish the innings with momentum. For Socrchers, Matthew Spoors bagged three wickets while Critchell, Luke Holt, Lucas Martin and Jhye Richardson picked up one each.Scores in brief (Pakistan Shaheens won by 17 runs):Pakistan Shaheens 188-7, 20 overs (Usman Khan 57, Sahibzada Farhan 36, Arafat Minhas 31, Mohammad Haris 25; Matthew Spoors 3-54)Perth Scorchers 171-6, 20 overs (Corey Wasley 54, Matthew Spoors 27, Keaton Critchell 24, Baxter Holt 24; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-32, Jahandad Khan 2-42).

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Shaheens will continue its training at the Islamabad Club for the series against Bangladesh ‘A’, while the Pakistan men’s cricket team will commence its preparations for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against Bangladesh on Sunday, 11 August, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.August 10, 2024: Bangladesh ‘A’ will arrive in the wee hours of Saturday. The PCB will share arrival images and videos with the media through its usual communication channels. Pakistan Shaheens will train from 2pm and beforehand at around 1.45pm, Kamran Ghulam will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 1.30pm to 3pm.August 11, 2024: Pakistan Test team will train at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 10am. Afterwards, Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood will preview his side’s 2024-25 red-ball season by holding a media conference. Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train from 10am at the Islamabad Club. This will be a vision only opportunity for which media is invited from 11am to 12.30pm.August 12, 2024: Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will train at the Islamabad Club from 10am. Afterwards, opposite captains Saud Shakeel and Anamul Haque will hold their pre-match media talks and will also take part in trophy unveiling ceremony at the ground. Media will be allowed to cover the activities from 11.30am. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity and no media interviews are planned.August 13, 2024: The first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will commence at the Islamabad Club with the toss taking place at 09.30am and the first ball to be bowled at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. At the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan Test team will train at 10am. This will be a vision only opportunity.August 14-15, 2024: It will be day two and three of the first four-day match between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ with play starting at 10am. At the end of the day’s play, star performers from either side will be available for brief stand-up interviews. Pakistan Test team has opted not to train and has no media commitments planned.August 16, 2024: Fourth day’s play between Pakistan Shaheens and Bangladesh ‘A’ will resume at 10am and afterwards, both captains are expected to be available for brief stand-up interviews to review the match. Meanwhile, Pakistan Test team will train from 10am at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. At this stage, it will only be a vision only opportunity and no media activities are planned. If there is a change, this will be communicated through PCB’s usual communication channels.

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Sri Lanka’s Ranjan Madugalle, who is a member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control teams for the two ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 fixtures between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both teams are scheduled to play first Test match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi from 21 to 25 August. The second Test match between the two sides will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi from 30 August to 3 September.For the Test series, three umpires will be from the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires and two umpires are from the ICC International Panel of Umpires.For the Rawalpindi Test, England’s Richard Kettleborough will be the on-field umpire alongside South Africa’s Adrian Holdstock. England’s Michael Gough will be the third umpire, while Rashid Riaz of Pakistan will act as a fourth umpire.In Karachi, Michael Gough and Adrian Holdstock will perform the duties of an on-field umpires, while Richard Kettleborough will serve as a third umpire. Asif Yaqoob from Pakistan will be available as fourth umpire in the Test match.

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Shahid KhanAfridi has signed an agreement with Kashmir Supreme League to join as Supreme Ambassador of the KSL.According to an official of KSL, cricketer Shahid Khan Afridi has signed an agreement with the Kashmir Supreme League, as a brand ambassador. Chairman, Kashmir Supreme League Masood Khan and Shahid Afridi signed the contract in Islamabad.Shahid Afridi expressed his determination to highlight the Kashmir cause worldwide through KSL. The Kashmir Supreme League will be held in mid-November while the trials will be held from August 10 in Muzaffarabad.