Sports Bulletin

ABDUL JABBRA FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 11, 2020):-Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan have been at the forefront of some of Pakistan’s most historic and memorable Test matches since the former took over the Pakistan men’s national team’s captaincy in 2010 during one of their most difficult periods. The duo now reunites for the much-awaited and anticipated tour of England in August-September as they aim to put the side back on road to victory. While batting together, Misbah and Younis scored 3,213 runs in 53 Tests innings at an average just under 70. On 15 occasions, they stitched century stands, while the number of their half-century stands was seven. Misbah and Younis signed off on their careers in Dominica in style after inspiring Pakistan to a 101 runs victory over the West Indies, which gave Pakistan their maiden series win the Caribbean. As Younis, who for the first time takes up the batting coach role in a backroom staff led by Misbah, the PCB takes a look at some of their memorable performances between 2010 and 2017 with Misbah the captain and Younis his batting mainstay. Pakistan v South Africa, 1st Test, Dubai 2010 (Drawn): In his debut Test as captain, Misbah-ul-Haq bailed the team out of trouble to secure a draw on the fifth and final day, courtesy an unbroken 186-run fourth wicket partnership with Younis. Coming together at 157 for three in pursuit of a 451-run target, the two batted together for 57 overs to ensure a draw. Younis scored an unbeaten 131 off 230 balls (nine fours, four sixes), while Misbah was not out on 76, coming from 185 balls, which included eight fours and a six. Pakistan v England, 3rd Test, Dubai 2012 (Pakistan won by 71 runs): Younis scored a masterful 127 in the second innings, while Misbah grafted for useful 31 as Pakistan completed a famous 3-0 whitewash against England, who were then the number-one ranked Test side in the world. Pakistan had made a remarkable comeback after being dismissed for 99 in the first innings on the opening day of the Test. Younis had looked slightly off-colour in the opening two matches of the series while Misbah scored 52 in the first innings of the first Test. Younis finished the series in style in a match winning 216-run partnership with Azhar Ali (157) as Pakistan celebrated a historic series sweep by securing a 71-run win. Zimbabwe v Pakistan, 1st Test, Harare 2013 (Pakistan won by 221 runs): Younis scored a memorable second innings double-century (200 not out, 404 balls, 15 fours, three sixes), while Misbah contributed 52 off 157 balls – his second half-century of the match – in Pakistan’s convincing 221-run win in the first of the two-Test series. Younis added 116 runs for the fourth wicket with Misbah to steady the tourists after they were left reeling at 23 for three, after trailing by 78 runs on the first innings. Once the foundations were laid of a comeback, courtesy the partnership between the two senior batsmen, Younis went onto play a central part in Pakistan’s rearguard which was well supported by the bowlers who blew away the hosts for 120 runs in the second innings in Zimbabwe’s 342-run chase. Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi 2013-14 (Match Drawn): A 218-run partnership between Misbah and Younis helped Pakistan post 383 in the first innings after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 204. Once again, the pair had come together with Pakistan in a sticky spot. This time the scorecard read 83 for three. Both completed their centuries with Younis scoring 136 off 198 balls (19 fours and a six) and Misbah registering 135 off 306 balls (16 fours and a six). The high scoring match ended in a draw. Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd Test, Sharjah 2014 (Pakistan won by five wickets): Pakistan salvaged a sensational last-day win to secure a 1-1 result in the three-match series. Set 302 runs to win in the final two sessions of the match, Pakistan went past the target in 57.3 overs. Misbah batted with his usual composure and rotated the strike brilliantly in his unbeaten 68 off 72 balls – his second half-century in the match – while Younis contributed 29 off 42 balls. Misbah added 109 runs for the fifth wicket with Azhar (103) to secure a famous win for Pakistan in fading light at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Pakistan v Australia, 1st Test, Dubai 2014 (Pakistan won by 221 runs): That Pakistan registered a convincing victory over Australia was due to one man, Younis Khan. The run-machine produced two scintillating centuries – 106 off 223 in the first innings and an unbeaten 103 off 152 in the second innings. Pakistan  posted an imposing 454 all-out in the first innings of the match, thanks to Younis whose fourth wicket partnership with Misbah (69 off 182 balls, 2 fours, 2 sixes) was worth 83 runs, before Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 109 off 105 balls. After Pakistan bowlers restricted Michael Clarke’s men to 303 all-out in their reply, Pakistan, rode to 286 for two declared, on the back of Younis’ second ton of the match, which paved the path for the 221-run win. Pakistan v Australia, 2nd Test, Abu Dhabi 2014 (Pakistan won by 356 runs): The incredible pair powered Pakistan to their first series win over Australia in 20 years by topping their batting performances from the Dubai Test. Younis scored a magnificent 213 off 349 balls (15 fours, two sixes) while Misbah scored two centuries, the second one equalling the then record for the fastest in the format. In the first innings of the match, Younis and Misbah, who scored 101 off 168 (10 fours and a six), combined for a 181-run partnership to set a mammoth 570 for six declared. With a 309-run first innings lead, the Pakistan captain stunned the world with a belligerent 101 not out off 57 balls (11 fours, 5 sixes) in the second innings to level the fastest Test hundred record (56 balls) in an unbeaten 141-run stand with Azhar Ali, who made 100 not out from 174 balls. With 603-run target to surmount, Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack provided no respite to Australia team as the visitors were bowled out for 246. Misbah was named man-of-the-match while, Younis snapped the man-of-the–series award. Pakistan v New Zealand, 1st Test, Abu Dhabi 2014 (Pakistan won by 248 runs): Pakistan continued to post massive totals as this time the hosts made 566 for three – after opting to bat – on their way to a convincing victory. The Younis-Misbah pair scored unbeaten centuries in an unbroken 193-run first innings stand. Younis scored 100 off 141 balls (10 fours) while Misbah scored 102 off 162 balls (nine fours and a six). Left 480 to chase, the Black Caps managed 231 all-out as Pakistan began the three-match series with a dominating win; New Zealand won the final Test in Sharjah to secure a 1-1 result. Bangladesh v Pakistan, 2nd Test, Dhaka 2015 (Pakistan won by 328 runs): Following a high-scoring draw in Khulna, Pakistan, in the second and final Test, thumped the hosts to win the series. Azhar Ali scored an impressive double-century in a 250-run third wicket stand with Younis, who added yet another century to his tally with a 195-ball 148 (11 fours and three sixes). With Bangladesh’s batting faltering and Pakistan securing a solid 354-run first innings lead, Misbah smashed 82 runs – on the back of nine fours and three sixes – at a strike-rate of over 113 to set an imposing 550-run target. Bangladesh were dismissed for 221 in their chase to hand the tourists an impressive win. Sri Lanka v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Pallekele 2015 (Pakistan won by seven wickets): Record books were rewritten in July 2015 as Misbah launched Jehan Mubarak for a six over long-on to secure Pakistan’s highest successful run chase (382 for three) in the format. Fittingly, both Misbah and Younis were at the crease at the iconic moment as Pakistan secured their first series win in Sri Lanka since 2006 by beating the hosts 2-1 to jump to third spot in the ICC Test rankings. Younis, unbeaten on 171, was the central figure in the run-chase as he rescued Pakistan from 13 for two with a 242-run third wicket partnership with Shan Masood, who registered his maiden Test century, before taking Pakistan over the line in Misbah’s company. Misbah remained not out on 59. England v Pakistan, 1st Test, Lord’s 2016 (Pakistan won by 75 runs): The iconic images of Misbah, was push-ups following his first Test century at the home of cricket and Younis marshalling the troops for the salutes after the historic win were not mere feel-good moments. They embodied how the two men had carried the young Test side in the past six years. Pakistan, batting first, posted 339 all-out. Misbah’s 114 was the highlight of the innings as the Pakistan captain struck 18 fours in his 199-ball stay. Yasir Shah’s magical wrist spin limited the hosts to 272 all-out as the leggie accounted for six scalps. Yasir picked up four more wickets to derail England’s 283-run chase and returned figures of 10 for 141 as Pakistan won the first of the four-match series. England v Pakistan, 4th Test, The Oval 2016 (Pakistan won by 10 wickets): The 69th Independence Day will always be associated with the picture of Misbah’s men posing with the national flag on the lush The Oval outfield after a resounding 10-wicket win over England. Coming into the match after back-to-back defeats, Younis took upon himself to make his and Misbah’s last tour of England a memorable one as the champion batsman scored a double-century in Pakistan’s first innings, after England had posted 328 all-out. Younis embellished the Pakistan innings with his 218 in which he struck as many as 31 fours and four sixes and racked up a 150-run stand with Asad Shafiq, who made 109 off 179 balls (12 fours and two sixes). Younis’ master class leaned the match so heavily in Pakistan’s favour that they needed only 40 runs to win after England struggled their way to 253 all-out in their second innings. Pakistan strolled to the target with ease and grace as Younis was declared man-of-the-match and Misbah man-of-the-series for scoring a century and two half-centuries. Following the win, Pakistan became the number one ranked Test side for the first time since the official rankings were introduced in 2003. Australia v Pakistan, 1st Test, day/night Brisbane 2016 (Australia won by 39 runs): Pakistan displayed a gritty performance before going down by 39 runs in the pink ball Test. Chasing a near impossible 490-run target, Pakistan started proceedings on the final morning at the score of 382 for eight, needing another 108 for victory. The side was eventually dismissed for 450 – Pakistan’s highest fourth innings total and overall fourth highest – but not before giving the home side a run for their money. Asad Shafiq scored 137, Azhar Ali 71 and Younis Khan 65 were well assisted by Mohammad Amir (48), Yasir Shah (33), Wahab Riaz (30) and Sarfaraz Ahmed (24). Younis’s 65 came after his first-ball duck in the first innings, while Misbah had a double failure, scoring four and five. Australia subsequently won the Melbourne and Sydney Tests by an innings and 18 runs, and 220 runs respectively, with Younis scoring 175 not out and 13 in Sydney. West Indies v Pakistan, 3rd Test, Dominica 2017 (Pakistan won by 101 runs): In their final Test series, Misbah immortalised himself in the history of the game as he became the first Pakistan captain to conquer the unchartered Caribbean territory while also finishing as the most successful Test captain, while Younis joined the royalty of Test batting by surpassing 10,000 Test runs, the first player from Pakistan to achieve the feat. The pictures of Younis Khan, standing in slip-cordon, gesturing to Yasir under a darkening sky before what turned out to be the final delivery of the series are now engraved in Pakistan’s Test history. The images underscored how Misbah and Younis complimented and supplemented each other, while also carrying a young and inexperienced side. After winning the Jamaica Test by seven wickets, the West Indies bounced back to level the series with victory in Barbados by 106 runs. With the three-match series hanging in balance, Pakistan made 376 all-out at the back of Azhar’s century and half-centuries by Babar Azam, Sarfaraz and Misbah. Pakistan secured a 129-run first innings lead with Mohammad Abbas, in his debut series, and Yasir claiming five and three wickets respectively. Pakistan declared their second innings at 174 for eight in the last session of the fourth day to set a 304-run target for the hosts. With maiden Test series win insight, Pakistan needed four wickets in the last session with Roston Chase, who remained not out for 101, and Jason Holder batting. The nail-biting session stretched till the last ball of the penultimate over before Yasir – who took five wickets in the innings bowled Shannon Gabriel and completed a memorable win that sparked wild celebrations in the Pakistan camp.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 11, 2020):-Pakistan stars are thrilled at the addition of Mushtaq Ahmed and Younis Khan in the backroom staff for the upcoming tour of England in which they will play three Tests and as many T20Is in August-September. The presence of Mushtaq and Younis – the spin bowling and batting coaches for the tour – further strengthens the support staff, which also includes head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling Waqar Younis, as the squad is likely include up to 25 players for both the formats. Pakistan’s last two Test series in England – in 2016 and 2018 – ended in draws. For this much-anticipated series, which has crucial World Test Championship points attached to it, the Pakistan players are eager to make the most of the star-studded backroom staff. Pakistan Test captain Azhar Ali, who accumulated 2,628 runs with Younis in 48 innings, said: “I have been fortunate to play a number of Tests with Younis. In my books, he is one of the best non-England batsmen to perform consistently and score heavily in English conditions in the past two decades. “With a great technique, mental strength and match assessment, he not only dominated the opposition on the field but off the field as well. I think this offers an excellent opportunity for the emerging and younger batsmen to learn from Younis during a pressure series than they will ever learn during a training camp or an off-season. “On a personal note, it gives me great confidence that in Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq, Waqar Younis and Younis, there will be a collective experience of 332 Tests sitting in the backroom on which I can fall for guidance and support. I don’t recall we have ever gone into a series as well equipped as this one, which will surely brighten up our chances.” Pakistan Test vice-captain Babar Azam, who averages a staggering 102.50 in last five Tests and knitted a 131-run partnership with Younis in Kingston in April 2017, said: “Younis Khan is a living legend and I admire him for the way he used to plan and construct his innings. I look up to his resilience, grit and determination. He has done wonders for Pakistan and we are privileged that he will be part of our dressing room again. “As part of a young and learning group of batsmen, there can’t be a better feeling to have the geniuses of Misbah and Younis on my side upon which I can strengthen and define my future career.” Opener Shan Masood, who struck his first Test century during a match-winning partnership with Younis in Pallekele in 2015 (Pakistan’s record chase), said: “I am very excited at the news of Younis being appointed as our batting coach and it is a great step to reap the services of one of Pakistan’s best. “Personally, I have always had a student-mentor relationship with him, having played with him in domestic teams and, more importantly, in the Pakistan team. The fact that we will all be sharing a dressing room with him excites me, as there is so much experience to draw from. “While as a player, Younis always loved helping his peers. Often, he spent more time on other players than he did on himself and seeing him in this role means we will have access to the knowledge of someone who has been so successful at the highest level.” Wrist spinner Yasir Shah, fastest bowler to take 200 Test wickets in terms of innings, said: “Mushtaq has been one of my mentors. During his career as a spin bowling coach, he has helped a number of slow bowlers to become more effective. “I feel my recent Test performances have not been up to my expectations but, if selected and with Mushtaq on my side, I hope to play a big part in the team’s overall objective of winning the first Test series in England since 1996.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (June 9, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed interim changes to its playing regulations, which include the ban on the use of saliva to shine the ball and allowing home umpires in international series. The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) ratified recommendations from the Anil Kumble-led Cricket Committee, aimed at mitigating the risks posed by the COVID-19 virus and to protect the safety of players and match officials when cricket resumes. COVID-19 Replacements: Teams will be allowed to replace players displaying symptoms of COVID-19 during a Test match. In line with concussion replacements, the Match Referee will approve the nearest like-for-like replacement. However, the regulation for COVID-19 replacements will not be applicable in ODIs and T20Is. Ban on applying saliva to the ball: Players will not be permitted to use saliva to shine the ball. If a player does apply saliva to the ball, the umpires will manage the situation with some leniency during an initial period of adjustment for the players, but subsequent instances will result in the team receiving a warning. A team can be issued up to two warnings per innings but repeated use of saliva on the ball will result in a 5-run penalty to the batting side. Whenever saliva is applied to the ball, the umpires will be instructed to clean the ball before play recommences. Non-neutral umpires: The requirement to appoint neutral match officials will be temporarily removed from the playing conditions for all international formats owing to the current logistical challenges with international travel. The ICC will be able to appoint locally based match officials from the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials and the Emirates ICC International Panel of Match Officials. Additional DRS reviews: The CEC has also confirmed an additional unsuccessful DRS review for each team in each innings of a match, keeping in mind that there may be less experienced umpires on duty at times. This will increase the number of unsuccessful appeals per innings for each team to three for Tests and two for the white-ball formats. The ICC Cricket Operations team will support Match Referees when processing Code of Conduct will be breached, and a neutral Elite Panel match referee will conduct any hearing remotely via video link. Additional logo allowed: Meanwhile, the CEC has also approved a relaxation of rules on apparel logos for the next 12 months. A logo, not exceeding 32 square inches in size, may be placed on the chest of the Test match shirt and sweater in addition to the three other logos allowed as per regulations. As of now, logos on chests are only allowed in ODIs and T20Is.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 9, 2020):-Pakistan’s most successful Test batsman and former captain Younis Khan has been appointed as the men’s national team batting coach for the upcoming tour of England, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced on Tuesday. In addition to Younis, the PCB has also appointed wrist spinner and a veteran of 52 Tests Mushtaq Ahmed as the team’s spin bowling coach and mentor for the three-Test and three-T20Is series, which will be played in August-September. The pre-series and series details will be announced in due course. The appointments have been made to provide head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling coach Waqar Younis the necessary and essential resources that can help them further uplift the performance of the side. Furthermore, and as part of the tour arrangement, additional players will be sent to England, which makes it even more important to have equally capable coaches to provide best training and preparation opportunities to the players. Younis, 42, scored 10,099 runs at over 52 in 118 Tests from 2000 to 2017. This included a career-best 313 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in 2009, which lifted him to No.1 position in the ICC rankings. Against England, Younis holds an equally impressive record. In 16 innings of nine Tests in England, the champion batsman scored 810 runs at over 50 with two centuries (218 at The Oval in 2016 and 173 at Headingley in 2006) and three half-centuries. In two Tests in Pakistan and six in the United Arab Emirates, he scored a total of 616 runs at just under 50 with two centuries (127 and 118 in Dubai) and one half-century. With 139 catches in Tests, Younis cemented himself as Pakistan’s best fielder and 13th overall in the history of the game. Separately, Younis had a season with Yorkshire in the 2007 English County Championship in which he amassed 824 runs in 13 matches at an average of 48.47. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I am delighted that someone of the stature and incredible batting record of Younis Khan has agreed to join the Pakistan cricket set-up as national men’s team batting coach. When I spoke with him, his commitment and enthusiasm to take up this assignment and serve his country was never in doubt and he jumped at the opportunity. “Younis’ work ethics, commitment to match preparation, game awareness and tactics in the English conditions will be invaluable. He is a role model to a number of current players and is hugely respected. I have no doubt that the squad will benefit from the immense value that he will bring, both on and off the field. “Mushtaq knows the English conditions as well as anyone, having spent a lot of time playing county cricket and working with the England cricket team. Apart from guiding the spinners and playing a mentor’s role, Mushtaq can be helpful to Misbah in match planning and preparations. “It is crucial that the side understands the conditions that they will encounter in the upcoming series and so having the experience of the likes of Younis Khan and Mushtaq Ahmed to compliment head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and fast bowling coach Waqar Younis will be invaluable. “These appointments are part of the PCB’s commitment to help and support Misbah and his team to achieve the objectives of producing strong performances that can help the national side to once again become a force to be reckoned with.” Younis Khan said: “For me, there has never been a bigger honour and a better feeling than to represent my country and I feel privileged to have been again offered the opportunity to serve it for a challenging but exciting tour of England. “The Pakistan side includes some immensely talented cricketers who have the potential to achieve greater heights. Together with Misbah-ul-Haq, Mushtaq Ahmed and Waqar Younis, we will try to make them better and prepare them as best as we can with on and off field coaching and guidance. “I have never been shy of sharing my experiences and knowledge, and I think this particular tour provides me with an ideal opportunity where I can spend post-training time with the players to engage with them on batting techniques, bowler assessments, mental toughness exercises besides talking them through with scenario planning. “We all know English conditions demand not only precise technique but patience and discipline, and if you can master these, then you will not only excel in England but anywhere in the world. With the quality we have in the team, I think we have a good chance to produce good results if we prepare properly, get our processes right and hit the ground running as soon as we land..” Head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I welcome Younis Khan and look forward to reuniting with him in Pakistan colours as our cricket careers have almost run concurrently. We know each other better than most think as we have worked hand in glove in the past decade to contribute in some of Pakistan’s most historic and memorable Test wins. “When I took over the captaincy during a difficult period in 2010, Younis proved to be a great ally and support, and I am confident he will provide similar assistance as we head to England with a clear objective of putting Pakistan cricket back on the road to success. “With the reputation and record Younis brings with him not only as a disciplined and hardworking batsman but also as an athletic fielder and a strategist, I see this as a great opportunity for our young players to hone their skills and learn how to make the transition from a good to a great cricketer. “It always requires more than just talent to stamp your mark on the world stage, something which Younis demonstrated throughout his career. “Mushtaq Ahmed is loaded with the experience of helping elite cricketers from different countries and is widely regarded as a mentor. Mushtaq is always involved in the game and this attitude will further help us in our pre-series preparations and enhance our prospects in the series. “Due to events beyond human control, the series in England will be one of the most challenging and difficult and, as such, we need to have the best talent and brains on our side. Younis as well as Mushtaq clearly tick all these and additional boxes, which will assist us in achieving our targets.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 8, 2020):-As many as 161 key stakeholders of Pakistan cricket benefitted from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s one-off welfare initiative, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed after the payment process was completed on Monday. The initiative was launched last month to provide financial relief to first-class cricketers, match referees, scorers and grounds staff facing hardships due to an abrupt halt on cricket activities following the Covid-19 outbreak. This had resulted in the loss of additional income opportunities for these stakeholders during Ramadan after the government announced suspension of all sport activities and events during to the pandemic. The beneficiaries from the PCB’s scheme hail from 51 cities, including far-flung areas such as Chaghi, Dadu, Dera Murad Jamali, Hub, Layyah, Mardan, Thatta and Turbat. The PCB has provided support to 93 grounds staff, 31 scorers, 21 match officials and 16 first-class cricketers through the scheme under the following criteria: ·     First-class cricketers who featured in the 2018-19 season and have played at least 15 first-class  matches in the past five seasons  from 2014-15 to 2018-19 ·     Match officials and scorers who have officiated in PCB-organised events over the past two seasons ·     Grounds staff that had been employed by the now defunct regional/district cricket associations before 1 January 2013 (should have approximately eight years of service) *Those falling in the aforementioned categories should have been unemployed Consequently, first-class cricketers, meeting the above criteria, received PKR25,000 each, followed by the match officials PKR15,000 and, the scorers and ground staff PKR10,000 each. Expressing his satisfaction, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It was important for PCB to continue to lead through its actions at this difficult time”. “Most of the people who have benefitted from this initiative are the ones who were previously associated with the cricket board and as a responsible organisation we strongly believe that it was binding on us to provide whatever assistance we could”. “While these payments may be a token of support, we have attempted to reach as many as possible to minimise the financial blow in these difficult and unprecedented times.” Earlier, the PCB contributed over PKR10million in collaboration with the centrally contracted cricketers and staff in Prime Minister’s Covid-19 Pandemic Relief Fund. The board also offered to turn the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre in Karachi into a sanctuary for the paramedic staff on duty in the makeshift hospital at Expo Centre. Separately, PCB Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer made contributions to Chairman’s Welfare Fund late last week.

Sports Report ISLAMABAD (June 6, 2020):-Left-arm spinner Anam Amin and middle-order batter Omaima Sohail are the new entries in the significantly improved, enhanced and performance-based PCB women’s central contract list for 2020-21, which will come into effect from 1 July. Bismah Maroof, Javeria Khan and Diana Baig are the three players to get promotions at the back of their international performances in the just-concluded 2019-20 season. The nine central contracts see an increase of 33 per cent in the monthly retainers of the Category A players, while players in Category B and C will receive 30 and 25 per cent rise, respectively. In a continuation to last year, the Pakistan national women’s team will travel business class on all flights longer than five hours. Separately, and as part of the PCB’s strategy to enhance the profile of women’s cricket, inspire and incentivise aspiring cricketers and bring it at par with men’s cricket, the PCB has introduced emerging contract list. The nine-player list includes 16-year-old Syeda Aroob Shah, 15-year-old Ayesha Naseem (who made her Pakistan debut in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup this year), 22-year-old Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Fatima Sana, Kainat Hafeez, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir and Sadia Iqbal (who won player-of-the-match award on her T20I debut against Bangladesh in October). In a significant boost for the domestic cricketers, the match fee and event prize money have been increased by 100 per cent, while daily allowances have been increased by 50 per cent. In addition and following a review of the 2019-20 season, the PCB has decided to retain Bismah Maroof as captain till the end of the 2020-21 season. However, it has also been decided not to renew the contract of head coach Iqbal Imam who will now resume his duties in the high performance set-up. Iqbal’s replacement will be made through an advertisement process. Women’s central contract list 2020-21: Category A – Bismah Maroof and Javeria Khan Category B - Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig and Sidra Nawaz Category C - Anam Amin, Nahida Khan, Nida Dar and Omaima Sohail. Women’s emerging contract list 2020-21: Ayesha Naseem, Fatima Sana, Kainat Hafeez, Muneeba Ali Siddiqui, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Saba Nazir, Sadia Iqbal and Syeda Aroob Shah Twenty-two-year-old Muneeba Ali, who made an impact with 292 runs at a healthy average of 58.40 in the National T20 Championship with a century and three half-centuries in five matches, has been included in the nine-player emerging contract list. The left-handed batter is joined by 16-year-old leg-spinner Syeda Aroob Shah, who bagged a player-of-the-match award on her ODI debut against Bangladesh Women in Lahore in November 2019 and was the highest wicket-taker in the national one-day championship. The Pakistan national women’s team is scheduled to feature in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier and the ACC Women’s T20 Cup in the next 12 months, while an U19 team will feature in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Urooj Mumtaz, the chair of the national women’s selection committee, while announcing the central contracts said: “On behalf of the selection committee, I would like to congratulate all the players who have received the central contracts. “The selection committee had detailed deliberations prior to announcing the central contracts. International performances over the past 12 months, fitness standards and the players’ ability to contribute in both white ball formats were key measures that formed the criteria for the selection. “Bismah and Javeria have been promoted to Category A, following leading performances with the bat in the last year. Over the last one year, Bismah scored 213 runs at an average of 42.60 in five ODIs and 236 at 39.33 in T20Is, while Javeria was the highest run-getter for Pakistan in T20Is with 260 runs including three half-centuries. “Diana Baig has been promoted to Category B and she joins Aliya Riaz and Sidra Nawaz – both of whom have been retained in this category – as she topped the T20I bowling charts for Pakistan in the last 12 months. Leading the pace bowling attack she has shown tremendous improvement with control over the ball along with being an exceptional fielder. “I am pleased for both new entries, Omaima Sohail and Anam Amin. Omaima has been added after being a consistent member of the side in both formats while Anam has been outstanding with the ball in T20 cricket, being the highest wicket-taker in the domestic and joint-highest in international circuit. “We had to take some tough decisions and would like to emphasize and encourage those who have missed out to take this as an opportunity to improve their game and make a strong comeback. Nida Dar sees a demotion following her below par international season. However she remains an integral member and I am confident in her ability and hope she will bounce back with strong performances. “An overall performance-based review will take place six months into the contracts, primarily to motivate the players to continue to excel, eliminating the element of complacency. “I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Bismah Maroof on retaining her leadership role in both ODI and T20 formats for the upcoming season. She has been a phenomenal performer and has risen to the occasion whenever the situation demanded. I am confident that she will continue to inspire the national women’s team dressing room and keep our performance chart trending upwards. “I am extremely delighted to announce the emerging contract category. Nine players have been included, comprising of talented individuals who have showcased their skill on the international and domestic stage, along with those future prospects who are on the fringes of the national circuit. The addition of this category will incentivise players to remain dedicated to the game, importantly increasing the pool of players and creating a competitive environment at the junior level.”

Sports Report ISLAMABAD (June 6, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Executive Wasim Khan today announced that over the next three months he will personally donate a total of PKR1.5million to support former players, match officials, scorers and ground staff who are struggling through financial hardships. Wasim took the voluntary decision to make this donation as a way of giving back to the game’s key stakeholders at a time when there was a greater need. “I have decided to personally make this donation to help those players, match officials, scorers and ground staff who are in dire need of financial assistance, “Wasim said. “This small contribution is to support the Chairman’s Welfare Fund that is already in place and to show solidarity with him as we look to provide as much support to the players, match officials, scorers and ground staff facing hardships in these tough economic times. “As head of the executive team, I also think it is appropriate that I take a personal lead with this and it’s a decision that feels absolutely right to me. After past culture of all PCB staff receiving substantial annual incremental increases, we have made a decision to tighten our expenditure over the next 12 months and only award increases to staffers who earn PKR100,000 a month or less. This will commence from the new fiscal year, which starts on 1 July.” PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I appreciate Wasim Khan’s gesture and commend him for leading by example. Wasim’s actions show that he is not only a good leader, but one who thinks and cares about the wellbeing of past and present players and other stakeholders. “Wasim has consistently shown his commitment to Pakistan cricket and this is another example of his contribution and leadership. “I am sure that Wasim’s generosity will help cricketers in need in these difficult times.”

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (May 28, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Thursday) announced the appointments of Grant Bradburn as Head of High Performance Coaching and Saqlain Mushtaq as Head of International Player Development as part of the prestigious High Performance Centre’s restructuring. The restructuring is aimed at providing a clear pathway to the young and aspiring player support personnel and players within the game. In addition to the two former Test cricketers, LUMS graduate Asser Malik, who has a wide-ranging experience with various multi-national companies, has been confirmed as High Performance Operations Manager. The three appointments have been made following a robust recruitment process that included presentations by the candidates, followed by interviews conducted by a high-powered panel that also included members of the PCB Cricket Committee. Bradburn is presently the fielding coach of the Pakistan men’s national team, a role he took in September 2018 following a successful coaching stint with the Scotland men’s national cricket team. An off-spinner who played seven Tests and 11 ODIs from 1990 to 2001 for New Zealand, Bradburn also coached New Zealand A and New Zealand U19. Bradburn, a Level III coach, will be responsible for raising the overall standard of player support personnel across all the high performance centres of the country. He holds a strong reputation of creating united and successful environments with a strong focus on bringing new methods on coaching through individual learning and through developing systems that provide consistent feedback, assessment and support that ultimately fosters coaches’ development. Saqlain played international cricket between 1995 and 2004 and will be responsible for identifying, developing and preparing players so that they could go on to become world-class cricketers. Saqlain, known for introducing the Doosra, in his first full year (1996) with the Pakistan national men’s cricket team at the age of 18 established a record for the most ODI wickets in a calendar year (65). He then did even better the following year, setting a mark (69) that still stands. His impact was so great that he became the fastest bowler in history in terms of time (one year and 225 days) to reach the landmark of 100 ODI wickets, and to this day, no one else has got there in less than two years. Saqlain, also a Level III coach, has previously worked as a spin bowling coach with Bangladesh, West Indies and England men’s cricket teams, apart from serving as a consultant for PCB, Cricket Australia and New Zealand Cricket. Grant Bradburn: “I am honoured that my association and relationship with Pakistan cricket continues. I consider it a privilege to work here in Pakistan among highly skilled players and coaches, while I have realised there is incredible talent and passion for the game in this country. “I now aim to support our best players by enabling our current and future coaches with the skills they need to create world’s best players and winning environments. In turn, this proud cricket nation will aim to become self-reliant on cricket coaching resources that are both world leading and uniquely Pakistan. “I have attended meetings with other members of the High Performance Centre and have been impressed with their approach, vision and strategy. I am looking forward to making a meaningful contribution during my time at the High Performance Centre and I plan to succeed in creating an environment which all coaches will find challenging, productive and rewarding.” Saqlain Mushtaq: “It is an honour and a privilege to represent Pakistan. In this background, I am delighted to have been offered this exciting opportunity to work on skilful and exciting young cricketers and help them grow in their careers. “I have previously worked with a diverse group of cricketers and helped them improve their cricket. I am confident I will be able to translate all my knowledge and experience in the High Performance Centre and help the PCB raise the bar and set new benchmarks. “Before agreeing to the role, I had a look at a number of things, including the cricketing environment and people I will be working with. I think the vision, aspirations and strategy of the PCB is heading in the right direction and, as such, it is the right time to join the high performance team in Lahore and try to take Pakistan cricket back to its glory days.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “The High Performance Centre is the heart of Pakistan cricket, which will ultimately set the direction of Pakistan cricket’s future. The unique skills and understanding that each of these individuals have of their specific areas will help create alignment to International standards and best practices. “The PCB’s objective is to help the men’s national team reclaim their top rankings and we will leave no stone unturned in creating opportunities and providing tools to the players to achieve these targets. “I am confident the team of Nadeem Khan, Grant Bradburn and Saqlain Mushtaq will create greater alignment between domestic and International cricket, make our high performance programs relevant in the modern world and will drive the standards and levels of professionalism required within our system.” The PCB will announce Bradburn’s replacement in the men’s national cricket team in due course.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (May 27, 2020):-The International Netball Federation (INF) on Wednesday organised an INF Roadshow of Asia, discussing the impact of coronavirus pandemic that has affected the international sports activities including that of netball events in Asia across the world. President INF Liz Nicholl (CBE) chaired the meeting and briefed the participants from the various countries about the recovery and development plans for the upcoming netball events. President Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) Mudassar Arain and other Asian countries attended the meeting. President INF assured that the international body would help and support the affected countries as well as provided the SOP protocol for future events. Mudassar later thanked the International Netball Federation for hosting INF Roadshow of Asia, which was conducted by INF President Liz Ncholl and CEO Clare Briegal. It is important to mention here that the world netball bodies have been forced to postponed the several international events due to the coronavirus pandemic including Asian Women Netball Championship, Asian Men Netball Championship and World Under-15 Girls Netball Championship which were to be held before July 2020. Pakistan Netball Federation (PNF) has already postponed all netball activities in the country due to the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown situation on the special instructions of the government and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

By: BIPIN   DANI  Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the world’s most active cricket club and the guardian of the Laws of the game will not change laws on LBW and Leg Byes. Former Australia captain Ian Chappell has recently proposed radical changes in the LBW laws, stating that a batsman should be given out leg-before as long as the ball is hitting the stumps irrespective of the spot of its landing and impact. “The new LBW law should simply say: ‘Any delivery that strikes the pad without first hitting the bat and, in the umpire’s opinion, would go on to hit the stumps is out regardless of whether or not a shot is attempted’, he has proposed. “The current law encourages “pad play” to balls pitching outside leg, while this change would force them to use their bat. The change would reward bowlers who attack the stumps and decrease the need for negative wide deliveries to a packed off-side field,”, Chappell, 76, has further said. "MCC has no plans to alter the LBW Law or the Leg bye Law in the near future", the club in an e mail to this Reporter said. Sunil Gavaskar is of the opinion to do away with the Leg Bye law (23-2). "Such suggestions are not new but would, MCC feels, result in an increase in negative, run-saving bowling from around the wicket at the batsman’s pads, which would not improve the game as a spectacle", the Law office said.