Sports Bulletin

BIPIN DANI  Sri Lanka's national selector Romesh Kaluwitharana, who turned 52 on Wednesday "politely" refused to celebrate his birthday. As per the policy adopted by the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) board, one national selector remains with the team and former wicket-keeper Kaluwitharana has been in the bio bubble and staying at the team hotel. "The team members did wish him on his birthday and invited him to cut the cake prepared by the hotel. However, he politely refused the invitation", one of the hotel sources speaking exclusively, said. "He does not like the present tradition of celebrating the birthday where the cake is applied all over the face and is only a waste of food".      "Keeping the distance from the players (so as to enable him to protect his face from being cake-painted), he straight away headed to his room after the completion of the fourth day's play of the first Test match". 

Dubai (SB Report):-Nearly 10,000 hours of live coverage – more than ever before - offered across TV and digital platforms in 200 countries at the back of increased viewership and consumption in India, Pakistan, UK, Australia and the strategic market of USA. Cricket and sports fans across the world enjoyed unparalleled coverage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, when the tournament returned after five years. The pinnacle of the shortest format of the sport offered explosive cricket and entertainment for everyone and featured cricket’s biggest names and best teams.  The event, the biggest ever cricket tournament to be staged in the UAE and Oman, broke viewership records in several regions, including garnering a record television reach of 167 million, and a record consumption of 15.9 billion minutes in India on the Star India Network, for the highly-anticipated India-Pakistan clash. The encounter is now the most viewed T20I match in history, exceeding the previous high of the India-West Indies semi-final match from the 2016 edition of the ICC event held in India. The overall TV consumption for the full tournament in India was recorded at 112 billion minutes, this despite India’s early exit from the tournament. Viewership share amidst younger audiences in India (children below the age of 15) was at a healthy 18.5% at the back of a highly successful marketing campaign “Live the Game” targeting a younger demographic. In the UK, viewership for the India v Pakistan match grew by 60% on Sky UK whereas the overall viewership for the market went up by 7%. In Pakistan, the event was being broadcast by three players for the first time namely PTV, ARY and Ten Sports, which led to further growth in viewership by 7.3% compared to the 2016 edition of the event.  In Australia, the viewership increased by 175% on the Fox Network. In the USA, which the ICC recently named as one of the focus markets for the sport, the tournament was the most viewed cricket tournament ever on ESPN+. ICC’s partnership with Facebook was a driver for the significant increase in video views, with a total of 4.3 billion views across all channels for the tournament, compared to 3.6 billion views which were garnered for the 2019 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. The consumption across ICC’s digital assets also grew, recording a total of 2.55 billion minutes. ICC’s social media channels also saw a significant growth in engagement at 618 million across those platforms, which is a 28% jump since the 2019 edition of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup. ICC CEO Geoff Allardice said: “We are pleased with these outstanding global viewership numbers, that demonstrate the power of T20I cricket to attract a huge audience across the globe on linear and digital platforms. It reinforces our belief that there is a significant opportunity and appetite to grow the game in our strategic growth markets including the USA, so more fans can enjoy it, more kids are inspired by it and sponsors and broadcasters want to be a part of it.”

Karachi (Sports Report):-Sindh further consolidated their strong position on day-two of the sixth-round Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2021-22 clash against Balochistan while Central Punjab gained a first innings lead over Southern Punjab. The match between Northern and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained evenly poised after an absorbing day’s play on Thursday. Resuming at the overnight score of 229 for one, Sindh were bowled out for 442 runs in their first innings against Balochistan at the UBL Sports Complex, Karachi. Opener Ahsan Ali who scored a century on Wednesday, fell six runs short of his double-century. The right-hander hit 28 fours in his 194 off 220 balls. Middle-order batter Saad Khan contributed 56 off 78 balls as Sindh gained a massive 338-run first innings lead. Khurram Shehzad took three while Akif Javed and Gohar Faiz took two wickets apiece. Balochistan were dismissed for just 96 in their first innings. Balochistan in their second innings had reached 132 for five in 32 overs by close, still a 206-run deficit with two days play left in the match. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed, who had collected his maiden first-class five-fer yesterday, took four second innings wickets today to further increase Balochistan woes. Sindh collected a total of 11 first innings points while Balochistan had to be content with three first innings points. In the Punjab derby between Central and Southern Punjab at the State Bank of Pakistan Stadium Karachi which is being live streamed on PCB’s YouTube channel, Central Punjab opener Rizwan Hussain scored a brilliant unbeaten 153 to guide his side to a 20-run first innings lead with five wickets in hand at close of the second day’s play. The left-handed Rizwan hit 21 fours and one six in his 221-ball stay at the crease. Rizwan added 127 runs for the third-wicket with Mohammad Saad who contributed 61 off 107 balls (nine fours). Mohammad Imran and Aamer Yamin took two wickets apiece for Southern Punjab, Central Punjab will resume their first innings tomorrow at 248 for five. In the Northern-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa match at the National Bank of Pakistan Sports Complex Karachi, Adil Amin’s unbeaten 104 off 209 balls (12 fours) helped Khyber Pakhtunkhwa equal Northern’s first innings 250-run total. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were at one stage reeling at 77 for six, all-rounder Asif Afridi provided valuable support to Adil as the pair added 129 runs for the seventh-wicket. Asif hit seven fours and two sixes in his 62 off 94 balls. Before the Adil-Asif partnership, the right-handed Adil added 47 runs for the sixth-wicket with captain Khalid Usman (35), the two started their alliance with their side placed at a precarious 30 for five. By close, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had reached 250 for eight after 81.1 overs batting. Kashif Ali took three while Zaid Alam took two wickets for Northern. Scores in brief: Balochistan vs Sindh – UBL Sports Complex, Karachi Balochistan 96 all out, 31.5 overs (Imran Butt 33; Abrar Ahmed 5-23, Sohail Khan 4-26) and 132 for 5, 34 overs (Imran Butt 35, Ayaz Tassawar 34 not out; Abrar Ahmed 4-40) Sindh 442 all out, 95.2 overs (Ahsan Ali 194, Khurram Manzoor 94, Saad Khan 56; Khurram Shehzad 3-80, Akif Javed 2-54) Points so far: Sindh 11, Balochistan three. Southern Punjab vs Central Punjab –State Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Southern Punjab 228 all out, 77 overs (Umar Siddiq 85, Salman Ali Agha 61, Waqas Maqsood 4-52, Mohammad Ali 4-57) Central Punjab 248 for 5, 75 overs (Rizwan Hussain 153 not out, Mohammad Saad 61; M0hammad Imran 2-43, Aamer Yamin 2-56) Points so far: Central Punjab six, Southern Punjab three. Northern vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –National Bank of Pakistan Stadium, Karachi Northern 250 all out, 83.4 overs (Mubasir Khan 96, Mohammad Huraira 70; Arshad Iqbal 2-38, Sameen Gul 2-41) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 250 for 8, 81.1 overs (Adil Amin 104 not out, Asif Afridi 62; Kashif Ali 3-33, Zaid Alam 2-29) Points so far: Northern five, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa seven.

Lahore (Sports Report):-The National Junior Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited 21 high-performing cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 for a training camp that will be held in Lahore to prepare the side for the upcoming Under-19 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. The camp will be staged from 26 November to 16 December before the 17-player squad departs for the UAE on 19 December for the Asia Cup to be played from 20 December to 2 January. Following the UAE event, the side will proceed to the West Indies on 3 January where the World Cup will be played from 14 January to 5 February. For the World Cup, Pakistan will be based in Trinidad and Tobago where they will play their Group C matches against PNG (15 Jan), Afghanistan (20 Jan) and Zimbabwe (22 Jan). If Pakistan finishes in the top-two of Group C, they will feature in the Super League, matches of which will be played in Antigua and Barbuda. In the scenario of Pakistan finishing third or fourth in Group C, their Plate Championship matches will be in Trinidad. The 21 players have been selected based on their performances in the recently-concluded U19 tournaments, which were organised by the PCB. A few prominent top performers, such as Abdul Faseeh, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mehran Mumtaz, Haseebullah and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai graduated from the pathway events to feature in the seniors competitions, including the four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, three-day Cricket Associations Championship and Cricket Associations Challenge. Qasim Akram represented Pakistan Shaheens on their tour of Sri Lanka which concluded earlier this month. During the training camp, the 21 players will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and potential when they will participate in a series of preparatory activities, including intra-squad matches at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan have featured in all 13 World Cups since its inception in 1988. Their best results were in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2004 and 2006, respectively when they lifted the silverware. Pakistan finished runners-up in 1988 and 2010, while they achieved third-place in 2000, 2008, 2018 and 2020. From the current Pakistan Test squad, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made a name at the global stage after featuring in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Names of players: Abbas Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Asif Ali (Sindh), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Azan Awais (Central Punjab), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Ghazi Ghori (Sindh), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Umer (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh), Zeeshan Ahmed (Central Punjab), Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh)

Chittagong (SB Report):-Pakistan today announced their 12-player squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, which will be played at the Ch. Zahoor Ahmed Cricket Stadium, Chittagong from Friday. The match will start at 1000 local time. The second Test will commence from Saturday, 4 December at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka Squad: Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Vice captain & wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower's sunglasses were stolen from the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, it is learnt. According to the sources, they were stolen when Flower was running with team physio during the rain break. "They were kept on the wall next to the net-area where the additional five players, who are not part of the dressing room squad, were training", the source said. The theft happened when the team coaching staff was busy training the additional five players (Ashita Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Roshen Silva, Kamil Mishara and Suminda Lakshan) at the nets adjacent to the ground. Flower had not bought the expensive sunglasses but they were sponsored by Speed, the same sponsor as some of the Sri Lankan players including Dinesh Chandimal. Flower is not lodging a police complaint. "He is not making a complaint but believes that whoever took them needs them more than Flower'', the source, aware about the theft, said.  

ISLAMABAD:-Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Shadandi Cricket Club Bhara Kahu by 170 runs in the friendly match here at Elevens Star Cricket Ground near F-9 Park Islamabad. Shifa International Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi won the toss and elected to bat first, Shifa International Azmat Bashir hit a fine century 146 not out runs 56 balls with 5 sixes and 21 fours, while Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi (57), Tahir Akhtar (39) and Shahzad Kiani (26) were their leading run-getters. Iftikhar (2 for 45) and Waqar (2-31) bowled well for Shadandi Club. In reply, Shadandi Club could score 144 for seven in 20 overs, Ismail (32) and Waqar (27) were the key contributors. Shifa International Riffat Neshan bowled well and claimed 3 for 32 in 4 over, While Ali Mubashir (2 for 13), Muzammil Rana (1 for 12) and Muneeb Qutab (1 for 28) were the other main wicket-takers. (Press Release)

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk):-Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL) will acquire the rights to own and operate a new franchise cricket team in the Emirates Cricket Board’s upcoming UAE T20 League. The move is the first major overseas expansion of Reliance Industries’ cricket operations in the global franchise-based cricket leagues. RIL through Mumbai Indians is amongst the eight founding members of the IPL and over the years has evolved as the most successful cricket club both on-and-off the field. The deal will see UAE’s T20 League benefit from the company’s commercial and cricket know-how, promising a new and exciting brand of cricket for the Emiratis along with the best learnings, experiences, and entertainment. Chairman of the UAE T20 League and vice chairman Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Khalid Al Zarooni feels that RILs investment in UAE T20 League demonstrates the confidence of the corporate industry in UAE’s vision and ability to deliver a world class cricketing event. “We aim to transform cricket in the UAE through the UAE T20 League. Our wider plan includes expansion of cricket through various development programs being conducted in UAE by the League franchisees including talent hunts, coaching, and training by some of the best in the business,” says Zarooni. “RIL has the legacy with a proven track record in establishing the most successful team in franchise cricket. Association of vanguard like RIL with the League demonstrates the confidence in our system and the strength of our infrastructure to deliver world class events. We are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to having an exciting and continuing alliance,” he added. Commenting on the occasion, Nita Ambani, co-owner & architect of Mumbai Indians said, “With great pride and joy, we take our Mumbai Indians brand of fearless cricket to a new geography. We are thankful to our fans, both in India and overseas, for supporting MI wholeheartedly. I look forward to strengthening and further expanding our global fanbase, and having a longer engagement with them through this new League. While Mumbai Indians will continue to remain at the heart of our cricket operations, the popularity of global T20 leagues and attractiveness of the UAE market offer a unique opportunity for us to further unlock the value of our sports management expertise. It also allows us a platform to develop young international talent and share best practices both on and off the field.” Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians believes that the UAE T20 League presents a unique opportunity to build on existing global partnerships and benefit the growth of cricket in UAE. Says Akash Ambani: “We are extremely proud to have created a global franchise in Mumbai Indians, integrated with high values and ethos and our contribution to the Indian cricket ecosystem. We are equally confident of shaping another successful brand in the UAE and bring in our experiences to benefits the growth of cricket in the UAE.” Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary ECB said: “The trust being shown by prominent business houses in the UAE T20 League is extremely encouraging. We are pleased with RIL’s association with the League as a franchise team owner. Having seen the professionalism in the operations of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, their success in putting together the most successful team in franchise cricket and the passion with which they pursue their goals, we are very confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both RIL and the League and will support cricket development in UAE.” UAE T20 League sanctioned by Emirates Cricket Board will be held annually. For the initial few years, the League will feature 6 franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. The League will involve some of the biggest names in world cricket and provide a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. Having RIL on board to the UAE T20 League is the first in a series of other important announcements about the League to be made in the upcoming days. About Reliance Industries Limited Reliance is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated turnover of INR 539,238 crore ($73.8 billion), cash profit of INR 79,828 crore ($10.9 billion), and net profit of INR 53,739 crore ($7.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2021. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, retail, and digital services. Reliance is the top-most ranked company from India to feature in Fortune’s Global 500 list of “World’s Largest Companies”. The company stands 55th in the Forbes Global 2000 rankings of “World’s Largest Public Companies” for 2021 – top-most among Indian companies. It features among LinkedIn’s ‘The Best Companies to Work For In India’ (2021). About Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians is owned by Reliance Industries Ltd through its 100% subsidiary IndiaWin Sports, and competes in the Indian Premier League having its home ground at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Over the last decade, Mumbai Indians has emerged as the most consistent cricket franchise maintaining its Number Uno position with seven titles, which includes a record 5 trophies in IPL and two Champions League T20 titles. The franchise commands immense brand value in the sporting world, with stakeholders trust, brand investment, fan engagement and performance. Brand Finance, a global brand valuation agency has recently accorded AA+ brand strength rating to Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians has the reputation of a global sporting club with its far worldwide reach through digital presence, having close to 29 million fans engaged digitally across the globe.  

BIPIN DANI One more Sri Lanka women's team player is tested positive in Zimbabwe, it is reliably learnt. According to highly placed sources in Harare, Kavisha Dilhari, who was sharing room with one of the other three players (Sachini Nisansala), tested positive for Covid-19 during the last PCR test conducted on Monday. "Unlike the senior men players, all women players are sharing the hotel rooms and that's how the 20-year-old right-arm off-break bowler was infected", the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone said.   The total four, who are isolated after tested positive are : The vice-captain Harshitha Madavi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Sachini Nisansala and Kavisha Dilhari. All four are under medical care. Tour on Sri Lanka's participation in the Women's World Cup qualifier is in no doubt. The ICC has made it known to all the participating teams that the matches would be played as per original schedule. 

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai:-Bangladesh batters Fargana Hoque and Rumana Ahmed have made notable gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after helping their team beat Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 Group B match in Harare on Sunday. Fargana’s steady 45 that laid the foundation for the three-wicket win, helped her gain one slot to reach 25th position in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays. Rumana’s unbeaten 50, that got the team over the line with two balls to spare, has lifted her five places to 29th position. Off-spinner Salma Khatun is up four places to 35th among bowlers while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter has progressed four slots to 41st position after their team’s opening match in the nine-team tournament being played across four venues in Harare with three teams due to book spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand in March-April. For Pakistan, Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar have made significant progress among batters after putting on 137 runs for the sixth wicket. Aliya, who scored 61 not out off 82 balls, is up five places to 32nd while Nida’s 111-ball 87 has helped her gain seven slots and reach 37th position. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu’s two wickets have carried her four places to 17th position while Nida is also up four places to 29th after taking one for 17 in 10 overs. Anam Amin has gone from 43rd to 40th position.