Sports Bulletin

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 28, 2020):-Wushu medal winners of 13th South Asian Games 2019 Tuesday received cash award in a ceremony held at Pakistan Sports Board (PSB). Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), Dr Fehmida Mirza distributed the cheques among the national Wushu players. According to a spokesman for PSB, Wushu team had won 3 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze medals in the recently concluded South Asian Games 2019, which were held in two different cities of Nepal. In line with approved cash award policy, gold medalists were given Rs.1.000 million each, silver medalists got Rs.500, 000 while bronze medalists received cheques of Rs.250, 000 each. Maaz Khan, Sajid Hussain and Mohammad Amjad Iqbal won gold medals, Farhan Ali, Shahzab, Maira Karamat and Sundas won silver medals while Fatima Bibi, Abdul Khaliq, Saddam Hussan and Mohammad Dawood claimed bronze medals. Total Rs.6.000 million was distributed to the players. Secretary IPC Mohmmad Ali Shahzada, Additional Secretary IPC Amna Imran and Azam Dar Deputy DG PSB were present on the occasion. Dr. Fehmida Mirza Minister for IPC, who is also President PSB, congratulated the medal winners and urged the players to continue their struggle focusing the next edition of SA Games, scheduled to be held in Pakistan. Dates of these games are yet to be decided. She once again stated that provinces should come forward to allocate more resources as after 18th amendment of constitution; provinces are primarily responsible to deal with the subject of sports. They should also support these shining stars along-with federal government. She also directed PSB to prepare a database of the players especially of winners of SA Games enabling to connect the elite players with the Prime Minister through a sports portal. This will also facilitate the players to upload their videos on the portal to interact with dignitaries and this will also help to know the problems of the players. Minister also advised the sportspersons to remain active on the social media to learn soft skills. In view of prevailing situation of Covid-19, the Minister advised the players to take advantage of PSB’s ‘Tele-Health Service’ and also keep themselves fit for future endeavors. The players of Wushu team thanked the federal government and especially Dr. Fehmida Mirza Federal Minister for IPC/President PSB for the prize money at this critical time. One of the participating players from Quetta stated that besides the federal government provinces should also play their due role to support the players so that youth, a major portion of the country, may utilize their energies in healthy sports activities and it can also make enabling environment for the youngsters to choose sports as their profession. 

By BIPIN DANI First lot of Pakistani cricketers, who are stranded in Sri Lanka due to current lock-down worldwide will be leaving for Karachi and Lahore on Tuesday (April 28), it is learnt there. "There had been seventeen Pakistani cricketers, who came to play for several clubs in Sri Lanka and seven of them had already left in the month of Match because of their commitments with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)", the 36-year-old all rounder Kashif Naved said over telephone from Sri Lanka.   Kashif Naved (Panadura Cricket Club) is one of the five lucky, who would be leaving for Pakistan on Tuesday. The other four, who will be leaving for Pakistan on Tuesday are : Mohtasheem Ali (Kalutra Town Cricket Club), Ahsan Baig (Tamil Union), Ali Maher (Galle Cricket Club) and Qaisar Ashraf (Nugegoda Cricket Club). "The arrangement has been done for the five cricketers to travel in a Cargo. We already had Sri Lanka Airlines travel tickets and therefore given the first preference", he added. "Our High Commissioner and Dy. High Commissioner (Tanveer) made special arrangement for us", he added. The remaining five, who will be sent later are : Azhar Attari (Panadura Cricket Club), Ali Manzoor (the son of former Pak player-Manzoor Elahi: Kalutra Town Cricket Club), Faizan Khan (Tamil Union), Abid Hasan (Galle Cricket Club) and Basit Ali (Nugegoda Cricket Club). The respective clubs have made splendid arrangements for stranded players during their extended stay in Sri Lanka.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 27, 2020):-Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, in a short order on Monday, handed Umar Akmal a three-year ban from all cricket. In a detailed hearing held at the National Cricket Academy, Umar Akmal decided to represent himself and was heard at length, while the PCB was represented by Taffazul Rizvi. Umar Akmal was charged with two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents on 17 March. On 9 April, the PCB referred the matter to Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee after determining that the batsman had not requested for a hearing before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal. PCB Director – Anti-Corruption and Security, Lt Col Asif Mahmood, said: “The PCB doesn’t take any pleasure in seeing a promising international cricketer being declared ineligible for three years on corruption charges, but this is once again a timely reminder to all who think they can get away by breaching the anti-corruption code. “The anti-corruption unit regularly holds education seminars and refresher courses at all levels to remind all professional cricketers of their obligations and responsibilities. And even then if some cricketers decide to take the Code in their hands, then this is how things will pan out. “I request all professional cricketers to stay away from the menace of corruption and immediately inform relevant authorities as soon as they are approached. This is in their as well as their teams’ and country’s best interest.”

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 27, 2020):-Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) and Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) distributed the cash awards, in three different sessions, to the medal winners of 13th South Asian Games, which were held on 1-10 December, 2019 in Nepal. According to Director Media PSB, Mohammad Azam Dar, during the second phase, prizes were distributed among the medal winners of Taekwondo team that had grabbed 3 gold, 6 silver and 8 bronze medals. According to cash award policy, gold medalists were given Rs.1.000 million each, silver medalists got Rs.500, 000 while bronze medalists received pocketed Rs.250, 000 each. Muqadas Ashraf, a squash players and winner of silver medal also received Rs.500, 000. On the direction of Federal Minister for IPC Dr. Fehmida Mirza, who is also president PSB, the remaining cheques of rest of the squash players namely Madina Zafar, Faiza Zafar and Amna Fayyaz were handed over to Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF). Col. (R) Waseem Ahmed President Pakistan Taekwondo Federation and Wing Commander Tahir Sultan Secretary General Pakistan Squash Federation were also present on this eve.     Dr. Fehmida Mirza congratulated to national players and official of respective federation and said that performance of Taekwondo players remained outstanding in SA Games 2019, wherein, players won total 17 medals as compare to its 2016 chapter with 7 medals in total. She urged that despite limited resources federal government was taking all possible measures to promote sports in the country. While speaking on the occasion, the national athletes thanked to federal government and especially Dr. Fehmida Mirza Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC), who is also president PSB, for inviting to receive the prize money at this critical time of need when all the sports events have been suspended due to Covid-19 and playgrounds are presenting a deserted picture. They also showed their gratitude for making all travelling and logistic arrangements for SA Games, taking care of the players during execution phase of the games and above all rewarding the players financially by the federal government. The President, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation Col (Retd) Wasim Ahmed highlighted the performance of each player and thanked the Federal Minister Dr. Fehmida Mirza for timely rewarding the players, arranging camps by PSB for SA Games and requested for future support to produce better results. He added that next edition of SA Games would be hosted by Pakistan. “National players will have to concentrate on their skill full training using latest equipments and technologies, participation and take home ground advantage aiming to win more medals to improve the overall medal tally, “he siad. In addition to the federal government support, the President PTF also requested the provinces to help the provincial sports associations to dig out talent from grass root level and train the sportspersons on modern and scientific lines. He also informed that PTF is holding a video link championship owing to Covid-19 and it will start from mid May, 2020 under the guidance of Korean Coach. While responding to the President PTF, the President PSB assured that PSB will make every effort to support the concerned National Sports Federations so that their athletes may get training under this critical situation.        

By BIPIN DANI  Umpires at the bowler’s end have traditionally held whatever the bowler has requested, including hats, caps, jumpers and sunglasses. Once cricket is permitted again after the current pandemic, alternate arrangements will be necessary, according to the former ICC Elite Panel umpire Daryl Harper. Speaking exclusveily over telephone from Australia, he said, "Umpires may provide hanging space for jumpers and hats on their backs using a small bag supported around the waist. Perhaps the wicket-keeper will place any items on the ground behind his regular position where the spare fielder’s helmet is currently located. A playing condition could be applied to allow for the same penalty to be awarded when a live ball strikes the new object". "Umpires around the world will be cautious about handling any ‘foreign’ objects. It is only natural. Many umpires belong to the older age demographic so great care and consideration will be necessary to safeguard especially the older generation".  "Rather than an umpire refusing to hold a jumper or hat, I prefer to imagine that alternate arrangements will be planned before the restart. The best relationship between players and officials is achieved by mutual respect", he added.  "There is also the space outside the field of play where a bowler fielding near the boundary can leave his equipment, without any delay".  Harbhajan Singh's hat The former umpire also narrated an incident involving India's Harbhajan Singh. "I only made one exception in my career and that involved everyone’s favourite Indian spin bowler, Harbhajan Singh. In Colombo in July 2010, for Sri Lanka’s first post-Murali Test, I objected to holding Harbhajan’s washing hat when he bowled at my end. It was grubby, sweaty and slimy to the touch. I used a flannel in my left hand to avoid making contact with the smelly headwear, gripping the hat with the flannel to protect myself against any infection. I considered it a health hazard, long before any virus was raging around the globe". "Harbhajan appeared offended by my actions and even requested my assistance to find him replacement hats in Australia where we knew they were manufactured. To explain just how cooperative umpires can be, I organised the delivery of five replacement hats, delivered by my friend and colleague Steve Davis direct to Harbhajan then on tour in South Africa, late in 2010". "The disappointing conclusion came in the Caribbean when I next encountered the big man in Jamaica in July 2011. At no stage did he either thank me for supplying his new clean hats, nor did he offer to reimburse me as we had pre-arranged". "No surprise then that I retired immediately after that Test", Harper concluded. (A MESSAGE FROM DARLY HARPER) : The tale about Harbhajan is entirely accurate and the photo was taken with my camera : Daryl Harper.)

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 26, 2020):-Cricket greats, including Javed Miandad and Wasim Akram, will hold online sessions with current and emerging red and white-ball cricketers to help them remain focused and make optimum use of their time in the wake of Covid-19 lockdown. The sessions have been arranged by the Pakistan national men’s cricket team management in collaboration with the International Cricket Operations Department as they are looking at novel and innovative ideas to ensure its elite players and future prospects remain connected with the game in these unprecedented times and also learn from the experiences of some of the very best the country has produced. Apart from Javed and Wasim, Mohammad Yousuf, Moin Khan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Rashid Latif, Shoaib Akhtar and Younis Khan will also share their insights about the game as well as their strategies, preparations and thought processes in the lead up to and during a series or an event. The sessions will be run category-wise with Javed, Yousuf and Younis speaking with around 21 batsmen in three different sessions. Wasim and Shoaib will be giving lectures to 13 fast bowlers. Six spinners will attend the session to be run by Mushtaq while Moin and Rashid will hold sessions for five wicketkeepers. Javed, an ICC Cricket Hall of Famer who scored 16,213 runs in 357 international matches from 1975 to 1996, will set the ball rolling when he delivers his lecture on Monday afternoon. Wasim, another ICC Cricket Hall of Famer with 916 wickets in 460 international matches, will connect with the fast bowlers on Tuesday, followed by the sessions of Rashid and Mushtaq with the wicketkeepers and spinners on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq said: “I am grateful to these distinguished cricketers who have agreed to share their experiences with our young and emerging stars. These stalwarts have many inspirational and motivational stories to share with the young group and I want the current players to absorb what they hear and take learnings from these world-class performers. The interactive sessions will be split based on areas of specialisation. “We have to plan with the mindset that the England series will go ahead. A number of these greats have been part of series winning sides in England and, therefore, their insight into how to plan and prepare for that series will be invaluable. “Themes discussed will include work ethics, approach to the game, plans, practices and methods to perform under pressure, and dealing with challenges that come from being high profile players. “The online lectures will not be limited to these cricketers and we’ll hopefully be requesting a few more, depending on their availability and our requirements.” Javed Miandad, who was a member of the 1987 and 1992 Test series winning sides in England, said: “I have always loved sharing my thoughts on the way I have seen and played my cricket. I have not always played text book cricket, but I have researched the game and modified it according to my requirements, and that has been my success. “I look forward to engaging with these players and hope I will be able to give them another perspective which can enhance their individual and team performance. These are our players and this is our team, and anything I can do to uplift their objectives, I will always be available.” Rashid Latif said: “Wicketkeepers have an enhanced role in modern day cricket. Now, they are expected to contribute with the bat as well, something Moin and I did successfully in the 90s. That obviously came with mental toughness as well as more practice, training and striking the right balance between the gloves and the bat so that they continue to supplement each other positively. “More than me telling them what they should be doing, my approach to this session will be to be open to questions and address their concerns as I have always believed an individual knows himself better than anyone else. This should be an interesting session and I look forward to making the most of it.” Naseem Shah, the youngest to take a Test hat-trick, said: “This is an exciting initiative. I can spend whole week listening to these greats of Pakistan cricket. They are the ones who have been role models for most of us and them sharing with us their success stories, is brilliant. “Of course, the added incentive of the sessions is listening to Wasim Akram and Shoaib Akhtar. It will be an opportunity to hear from them how they assessed their opponents and out-thought them with their pace and skill. “Waqar Younis has been helping me a lot, which is evident from my performance, but this is an opportunity to learn how they used to hunt in packs.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (April 26, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has congratulated former Pakistan captain Sana Mir for an excellent career that saw her play 226 international matches, including 137 as captain. Sana, who was the first female bowler from Pakistan to take 100 ODI wickets, announced her retirement on Saturday. Her list of achievements includes becoming the first from her country to top the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Rankings, reaching number one in the bowlers’ list in October 2018. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney: “Sana has been the face of Pakistan cricket over the years and one of the most consistent performers around the world. She has been a wonderful leader of the Pakistan team and a great ambassador of the game in her country and abroad.” “This is an important period for the women’s game and I hope Sana will be able to use her vast experience and contribute to its growth in whatever way she can. On behalf of everyone at the ICC, I wish her all the very best for her future.” Sana Mir was the first bowler from Pakistan to be ranked No.1 in the MRF Tyres ICC Women's ODI Rankings Sana, an off-spinner who was also a valuable batter, is among only five women players to complete the double of 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs. She was ranked ninth among bowlers at the time of her retirement at the age of 34. Sana played in three ICC Women’s Cricket World Cups (2009, 2013 and 2017) and six ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018). She was the captain at the 2013 and 2017 World Cups and the T20 World Cups of 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016. Sana finished with 1,630 runs and 151 wickets in 120 ODIs. In 106 T20Is, she scored 802 runs and took 89 wickets.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 25, 2020):-National player and former captain, Sana Mir on Saturday (today) announced the retirement from international cricket. She has a glittering 15-year cricketing career during which she played 226 internationals, including 137 as captain from 2009 to 2017. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), in a statement, Sana Mir said: “I want to extend my gratitude to the PCB for giving me an opportunity to serve my country for 15 years. It has been an absolute honour and privilege. I extend my gratitude to all the support staff, players, ground staff and everyone behind the scenes for their contribution in my career and development of women's cricket. “I also want to thank my family and mentors who provided unconditional support that allowed me to fulfil my dreams of representing Pakistan at a global stage and would also like to thank my departmental team ZTBL for their support throughout my career. I look forward to continue serving them if department cricket continues. “Last few months have provided me with an opportunity to contemplate. I feel it is the right time for me to move on. I believe I have contributed to the best of my ability for my country and the sport. “During my cricket journey, I have met and built strong friendships and bonding with some amazing cricketers in women’s cricket. Listening about their stories and philosophies have not only made me a tougher and stronger athlete but have also taught me great things about life, which are beyond yourself or the sport or winning and losing. “When I reflect on my debut, it gives me great satisfaction that I have been part of the process that has eventually resulted in a packed-to-capacity Lord’s for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017 final, something that was further boosted by a record 87,000 spectators for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. These are great success stories for women’s cricket. “I would like to extend my gratitude to ICC for its continuous support to women’s cricket. Tournaments like ICC Women’s Championship have been a real game changer, especially for teams like Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka as they proved vital in helping us express our talent at the international level. “Last but not the least, all the cricket fans and supporters around the world, the words fall short when I want to thank all of you for your love, support and encouragement you extended in the past 15 years. It has been an honour to serve Pakistan in cricket and to wear the green jersey with absolute pride. It is time for me to move on. InshaAllah the service will continue in essence and in a different form. Pakistan Zindabad.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan paid tribute to Sana Mir: “On behalf of Pakistan cricket, I congratulate Sana Mir on a highly successful career. She has been the face of Pakistan women’s cricket for many years and the real source of inspiration for the young generation of women cricketers. “Through her determination and passion, Sana broke the glass ceiling for women cricketers in the country. Through her performances, she not only improved the profile of women’s cricket in Pakistan, but also enhanced the image of Pakistan globally. “Sana is a true legend of women’s cricket who attracted, inspired and motivated young women athletes. Moving forward, I am sure she will continue to contribute positively to women’s cricket.” Sana Mir’s career at a glance: ·         Made her ODI debut against Sri Lanka in Karachi in December 2005, while her last ODI was against Bangladesh in Lahore in November 2019. ·         In 120 ODIs, she took 151 wickets and scored 1,630 runs ·         With 151 ODI wickets, she shares fourth position on the all-time list with Anisa Mohammed of the West Indies. The list is headed by India’s Jhulan Goswami ·         In October 2018, she peaked to number-one on ICC Women’s Rankings for ODI Bowlers ·         She is one of the nine women cricketers to have taken 100 wickets and scored 1,000 runs in ODIs. The list is headed by Lisa Sthalekar of Australia ·         Made her T20I debut against Ireland in Dublin in May 2009, while her last T20I was against Bangladesh in Lahore in October 2019 ·         In 106 T20Is, she took 89 wickets and scored 802  runs ·         Captained Pakistan in 72 ODIs, winning 26 and losing 45, and 65 T20Is, winning 26 and losing 36 ·         Captained Pakistan at two World Cups (2013 and 2017) and five ICC Women’s T20 World Cups (2009, 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016) ·         Named captain of Wisden’s women’s team of the decade ·         Along with Mithali Raj, included in ICC Women’s Committee as players’ representative ·         She is currently ranked 9th and 41st in the ICC’s ODI and T20I bowlers’ lists, respectively. She is 10th and 23rd ranked all-rounder in ODIs and T20Is, respectively ·         Won 2010 and 2014 Asian Games gold with the Pakistan national women’s cricket team

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (April 22, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Wednesday announced following advice from the Koninklijke Nederlandse Cricket Bond (KNCB), it has indefinitely postponed its July tour to the Netherlands after the Dutch government banned all events (sports and cultural) until 1 September 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Pakistan national men’s cricket team was scheduled to play three One-Day Internationals in Amstelveen on 4, 7 and 9 July. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It is sad that we have to postpone our July tour to the Netherlands, but in the prevailing circumstances, this is absolutely the right thing to do as human lives are far more precious and valuable than a cricket match or an event. “Netherlands has been severely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic and we offer our heartfelt condolences to all those who have lost their lives. Like any other country, the PCB stands firmly with the KNCB and hope they will be able to overcome this crisis.   “The Pakistan national cricket teams have always enjoyed touring the Netherlands and as soon as things return to normal, the PCB will engage with the KNCB to reschedule the tour so that we can fulfil our obligation. “The Pakistan national men’s cricket team’s tours to Ireland, for two Twenty20 Internationals, and England, for three Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals, are on track at this stage. We are keeping a watching brief and are in contact with our counterparts in Dublin and London, respectively. As is always the case, the PCB will be happy to be guided by the hosts on the upcoming tours but without compromising on the health and safety of its players and team support personnel.” Betty Timmer, Chair of KNCB, said: “It is extremely disappointing that we won’t be able to host any international cricket in the Netherlands this summer. However, the health and safety of the players, staff and fans is our main priority, and in that light the ban on events by the Dutch government is understandable. “We truly hope that by next season the situation is under control again, so we can host the Super League series against England, Ireland and the West Indies as planned. We would love to welcome back all cricket fans on our grounds in the summer of 2021.”

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (April 20, 2020):-Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan has issued notices to Umar Akmal and PCB requiring their attendance for a hearing on Monday, 27 April. The hearing is presently scheduled at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Safety precautions and social distancing measures will be strictly enforced in order to safeguard all those involved. Umar Akmal had not requested for a hearing before the Anti-Corruption Tribunal after he was charged for two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents. Until the Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel has announced his public decision, the PCB will not comment on the matter.