Sports Bulletin

By  BIPIN  DANI Former India captain MS Dhoni, who has not been finding selectors' favour has turned to his favorite game badminton.  "Now IPL not happening in very near future, he has been playing badminton", Chittu Lohani, one of his closest friends, speaking exclusveily over telephone from Ranchi, said on Thursday.  "Even I played badminton with him".  The video of Dhoni playing badminton in Team India's cricket jersey with his friends has become viral in social media.    "To keep himself fit, he plays this sport", Chintu added.  Dhoni's first coach Chanchal Bhattacharya has revealed that Dhoni was a State level player. "He was selected in U-19 State Level badminton championship".  "He used to play badminton in school", he said, admitting he (Chanchal Bhattacharya) only remained his cricket coach and not badminton. "He developed playing badminton of his own. I don't recall any one who coached him this game", the coach further added.  "Most of the time, Dhoni prefers to relax at home", the friend added. "He mixes with his old friends like me often".  "Yes, he is fond of animals and vehicles. He has five dogs at home and loves to massage his pets".  The video of Dhoni massaging his one of the dogs also became viral.  Sometimes, Dhoni takes his dog to his routine morning walk. Once during the IPL season he took his dog in the dressing room. This happened when he wanted his "friend" to feel the dressing room atmosphere after Chennai Super Kings (CSK) team won against Royal Challengers.  He even brought the dog to Pune where his team was to play against Rising Pune Super giant team. Sam, the female dog is one his favourite pets.  Dhoni even once admitted that he loves going back to them (dogs) after a series because they treat him the same, whether he has won or lost the match. Dhoni's wife is also an animal lover.  "Recently Sakshi brought one sick street dog at home and looks after his medical treatment", the coach added.  "Dhoni also spends time with his daughter Ziva".  "Dhoni's parents (mother : Devki Devi)and father Pan Singh) are living together".  Dhoni's used to live in a royal three-storied bungalow in Ranchi's Harmu Housing but has now moved to an another lavish place, which has indoor nets, swimming pool, gym and all other amenities. "Dhoni is a religious man and often visits Maa Devri Temple, which is about 60 km from Ranchi", the friend added and also sent his recent photograph with Dhoni at the temple.   

SB Report Lausanne, Switzerland: Based on the latest developments of the COVID-19 outbreak and in particular of the response to it by the relevant public authorities globally, FIH, with the support of all participating National Associations, has today decided to extend the postponement period of the FIH Hockey Pro League to 17 May. Consequently, all matches currently scheduled until 17 May are on hold. FIH will keep on monitoring the situation closely, following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the decisions of the public authorities.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (March 19, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Thursday) confirmed it conducted 128 COVID-19 tests on the players, support staff, match officials, broadcasters and team owners on Tuesday, 17 March, and all results have turned out to be negative. The tests were conducted as part of the PCB’s duty of care, following a suspect COVID-19 case. Additionally, Multan Sultans underwent 17 COVID-19 tests on Monday, 16 March, which were also negative. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “It was absolutely critical for the integrity and credibility of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cricket Board that all players, support personnel, broadcasters and match officials, those who had decided to stay back till the end of the tournament, tested negative for COVID-19. “In this background, the PCB is pleased with the outcome of the results and happy that all these players and officials have rejoined their families without any health and safety doubts or concerns. “The PCB will continue to put in place precautionary measures to better safeguard the health of its employees. “I urge cricket fans and followers to exercise absolute caution and value their as well as others’ wellbeing. They can overcome this pandemic by maintaining hygiene, avoiding close physical contact like handshaking and hugs, staying away from gatherings, avoiding close contact when anyone who is experiencing cough and fever, and spreading awareness about safety measures. “The PCB prays normalcy returns quickly to our society so that playing fields can once again witness resumption of healthy activities.” Meanwhile, all the 25 remaining foreign players, support staff and match officials have already departed for their respective destinations. PCB statements in the lead up to the HBL PSL 2020 postponement are available here. PCB health advisory:          Wash your hands with soap / alcoholic sanitizers regularly and especially after coughing or sneezing, before & after eating food and after toilet use; ·         Use tissue papers / handkerchief while sneezing; ·         Properly dispose off used tissue papers / handkerchief etc. in dust bins; ·         Avoid hand shaking and hugging with each other; ·         Avoid close contact when anyone is experiencing cough and fever

SB News LAHORE (March 18, 2020):-Pakistan’s star batsman Fakhar Zaman has appreciated the efforts of Punjab government to overcome coronavirus and did excellent arrangements to halt to spread. In a message on Wednesday, Fakhar Zaman said, “Punjab government has made excellent arrangements for the awareness of masses in regard to coronavirus pandemic. We are united against this deadly virus. Right now it’s affecting the entire world. We can win this fight against coronavirus by making maximum and effective preventive measures”. Fakhar Zaman urged the masses to support Punjab in the fight against coronavirus pandemic. “We must use hand-washing soap repeatedly and avoid unnecessary handshaking with friends and relatives. We must cooperate with paramedical staff and doctors as well in this testing time”.  

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (March 17, 2020):-The number of women match officials across different International Cricket Council panels has gone up to 12 as Janani Narayanan and Vrinda Rathi of India were today named in the International Panel of ICC Development Umpires. The announcement comes soon after the launch of 100% Cricket, a 12-month campaign anticipated to build on the momentum of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The campaign, launched just before 86,174 people watched the final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on International Women’s Day, aims to create more excitement around the women’s game ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 in New Zealand. Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: “These are exciting times for women’s cricket, and it is only appropriate that we have more women officials at the international level. We will work proactively with Member Boards to give female officials the pathway needed for their growth. “I am sure Janani and Vrinda are looking forward to their time on the panel. I wish them all the best and hope they not only perform well on assignment, but continue to develop their skillset with our support as they travel along their journey.” Narayanan, 34, who idolizes the late David Shepherd of England and retired India umpire Srinivas Venkatraghavan, has been umpiring in Indian domestic tournaments since 2018. Janani Narayanan: "It feels great to know that Vrinda and I have been inducted into the ICC's development panel. This gives me the chance to learn from seniors on the circuit and improve in the years to come. Cricket has become part of my daily routine since the 90s and I look forward to be associated with the sport at a higher level. “I take this opportunity to thank the BCCI for the opportunities given and the ICC for giving me this break. I would like to thank Mr Radhakrishnan, who has been my mentor since I first started umpiring. I would also like to thank my parents who never stopped me from watching cricket on TV, my senior umpires Sai Darshan, Ashwin Kumar and all my state panel umpires, national panel umpires and referees who have helped me learn and grow. Rathi, 31, a former varsity player who has kept scores in international matches, has also been umpiring in Indian domestic cricket since 2018. Rathi was inspired to take up umpiring after watching retired woman umpire Kathy Cross of New Zealand at the Women’s World Cup 2013 and feels umpiring is a natural progression for her. Vrinda Rathi: “I feel privileged to be named in ICC’s development panel as this opens new avenues for me. I am sure I will get to learn a lot from other members of the panel and look forward to future assignments. “Having played cricket and also officiated as a scorer, this was a natural progression for me and I am happy at the way things have unfolded. “I am thankful to the BCCI for backing me over the years and to the ICC for giving me this opportunity. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my family, colleagues and mentors for all the help and support over the years.” The other ICC women match officials are: GS Lakshmi, Shandre Fritz (International Panel Match Referees); Lauren Agenbag, Kim Cotton, Shivani Mishra, Claire Polosak, Sue Redfern, Eloise Sheridan, Mary Waldron, Jacquline Williams (all International Panel of ICC Development Umpires).

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 17, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Tuesday) postponed the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 with immediate effect and the two semi-finals and the final will be rescheduled for a later date. This decision was taken after a player, who had left Pakistan a few days ago, showed symptoms of COVID-19 and he will undergo screening shortly. The PCB, as part of its duty of care, has made arrangements for all the players and players support staff of the four semi-finalists, match officials, franchise owners and production crew to undergo precautionary tests and has strongly advised them to wait for the results prior to undertaking any travel. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “This is absolutely the right thing to do after an overseas player, who will be tested in his country shortly, has shown symptoms of COVID-19. “The PCB has also facilitated the process of carrying out immediate tests of all those who were involved with the HBL Pakistan Super League. “This is an unprecedented situation, which is evolving with each passing day. The PCB has closely monitored the situation and had taken precautionary measures including consultation with relevant authorities and temperature screening of players, officials and media on match and non-match days. “The PCB believes it has made the right decisions in the lead up to the postponement of the tournament that included consulting the team owners, holding the matches behind closed doors, allowing the players the option to withdraw from the tournament, rescheduling of the matches and reducing the number of event days. “Obviously before postponing the tournament, we took into confidence the team owners. “The PCB will use its reach and influence to play its part in all government’s drives and initiatives to create awareness and dealing with this pandemic. The PCB hopes and prays that normalcy returns quickly to our society so that everyone can return to a healthy and routine lifestyle and we can bring back cricket to the fans.” The PCB has suspended its all domestic competitions and cricket activities.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-The Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket boards have decided to postpone the upcoming One-Day International and Test in Karachi for a later date. The two boards will now work together to identify a future opportunity to complete the ICC World Test Championship commitment. The first Test of the series was played in Rawalpindi from 7-10 February, which Pakistan won by an innings and 44 runs. The Bangladesh men’s national cricket team was due to arrive in Karachi on 29 March to play an ODI on 1 April and the second ICC World Test Championship Test from 5-9 April. Meanwhile, the PCB has also indefinitely postponed the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament, which was scheduled to start from 25 March.

SB News ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza has joined Peshawar Zalmi as a Silver category player, it was announced on Monday. The 33-year-old will join Zalmi, who take on table-toppers Multan Sultans in the first semi-final on Tuesday at 2pm, today. Meanwhile, Lahore Qalandars have included Pakistan batsman Abid Ali and Salman Ali Agha in their line-up. Both players come in as Silver category players. Qalandars take on arch-rivals Karachi Kings in the second semi-final on Tuesday at 7pm. The inclusions have been approved by the Event Technical Committee which includes PCB CEO Wasim Khan, Bazid Khan, Marina Iqbal, Sameer Khosa and Dr Sohail Saleem. Semi-finals on Tuesday: Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, 2pm Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-The action-packed group-stage of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 concluded on Sunday and such has been the intensity of the competition that it took all 30 games for the semi-final line-up to be decided. Over the course of the last week, players and teams tumbled many individual records as fans continued to enjoy riveting contests. Statistican Mazher Arshad recaps the third week of the HBL PSL 2020. Chris Lynn’s best Chris Lynn took Lahore Qalandars to the HBL PSL 2020 semi-finals with his T20 career-best performance. The Australian batsman smashed 113 not out off 55 balls, his highest score in the format, in a must-win game against Multan Sultans at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. This was also his only second century in T20 cricket. This was the first-ever century by a Lahore Qalandars’ batsman in the history of HBL PSL and eighth overall. Previously, highest score by a Qalandars’ batsman was registered by Ben Dunk when he thundered his way to 99 not out against Karachi Kings at the Gaddafi Stadium in the ongoing edition. Lynn reached 50 off 22 balls which is the joint-fastest for Qalandars along with Umar Akmal’s 22-ball 50 against Quetta Gladiators in Dubai in 2016. Most sixes in an innings Lahore Qalandars batsman Ben Dunk broke his own record of most sixes in an innings in HBL PSL from the previous week. Dunk had hit 10 sixes against Quetta Gladiators in Lahore. He bettered it by hitting 12 sixes this time against Karachi Kings and helped his team to chase 188. The Australian batsman finished at 99 not out becoming the first batsman in T20 history to have two scores of 99 as he had registered a similar score for NMB Giants in the Mzansi Super League last year. Lahore’s chasing record Lahore Qalandars are the first team in HBL PSL to successfully chase 180-plus targets on four occasions. Three of those instances have come in this year’s edition as they scaled 188 against Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi and 187 against Multan Sultans (all three at the Gaddafi Stadium). Last year, they chased 201 against Sultans in Sharjah. Quetta Gladiators have chased 180-plus targets thrice, Karachi Kings have done it twice and Islamabad United have done it once. Peshawar Zalmi and Multan Sultans are the two teams who are yet to achieve the feat. New finalist As the HBL PSL 2020 semi-finals will be played between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars, there will be at least one new finalist this year. Sultans, Kings and Qalandars have never featured in a final. In the last four editions, only three teams played the HBL PSL finals. Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators have featured in three finals, while Islamabad United have played in two. It is also first time in the HBL PSL that Gladiators and United have failed to go beyond the group-stage. Six to start the innings Karachi Kings’ opener Sharjeel Khan achieved a unique feat in HBL PSL when he hit six off the first ball of the innings against Islamabad United at National Stadium Karachi. No batsman before Sharjeel had kicked off the innings with a six. He hit one more six and two fours in that over taking the overall tally to 20 runs. It was first time in PSL that Kings scored 20 runs in the first over of an innings. 10-wicket win Sharjeel Khan also had an unbeaten opening partnership of 151 runs with Babar Azam in Karachi Kings’ home match against Lahore Qalandars, making it the only second instance in HBL PSL where a team won by 10 wickets. Previously, Peshawar Zalmi was the only team to win by 10 wickets, also against Qalandars, at Sharjah in 2018. The unbeaten 151-run partnership between Sharjeel and Babar was the fourth highest for any wicket in HBL PSL. Youngest to score 50 in HBL PSL At 19 years and 160 days, Peshawar Zalmi’s emerging player Haider Ali became the youngest to score a half-century in the tournament when he smashed 69 off 43 balls against Lahore Qalandars at the Gaddafi Stadium. Haider is the first teenager to register half-century in HBL PSL. The previous record belonged to Islamabad United’s Hussain Talat, who was 20 years and 74 days old, when he hit 56 off 39 against Quetta Gladiators in Dubai in 2017. Best Powerplay performance Banking on Samit Patel’s career-best T20 figures of four for five, Lahore Qalandars had the best Powerplay outing as a bowling unit when they reduced Quetta Gladiators to 21 for six in six overs in Lahore. Only once before had a team (Peshawar Zalmi against Qalandars in Dubai in 2017) had taken six wickets in the Powerplay but that came at cost of 45 runs. 350 wickets milestone Sohail Tanvir’s match-winning spell of three wickets for Multan Sultans against Peshawar Zalmi made him the first Pakistani and only sixth in the world to 350 wickets in T20 cricket. Among pacers, Tanvir (351 wickets) is now only behind Lasith Malinga (390) and Dwayne Bravo (497) whereas Shakib Al Hasan (354), Imran Tahir (365) and Sunil Narine (379) are the three spinners who have more wickets than him. Another feature of Tanvir’s bowling in this year’s HBL PSL has been his economy rate. Of players who have bowled at least 20 overs in the tournament, he is the only bowler with an economy rate below 7.00 with 6.80.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (March 16, 2020):-Aleem Dar and Michael Gough, both from the Elite Panel of ICC Umpires, will be involved in this week’s semi-finals and final of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 at the Gaddafi Stadium. On Tuesday afternoon at 2pm, Aleem, who has officiated in the most number of matches in the HBL PSL (42), will be joined by the ICC international panel’s Ahsan Raza as an on-field umpire for the first semi-final between Multan Sultans and Peshawar Zalmi. Shozab Raza and Tariq Rasheed will be third and fourth umpires, respectively, while Mohammad Anees will lead the Playing Control Team. Later in the day at 7pm, England’s Michael Gough will carry-out on-field umpiring duties with Rashid Riaz, also a member of the ICC’s international panel, for the mouth-watering Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars fixture. Asif Yaqoob and Faisal Afridi will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively while Sri Lanka’s Roshan Mahanama will be the match referee. On Wednesday, 18 March, Aleem and Gough will combine to umpire in the second HBL PSL final at the Gaddafi Stadium to date. While this will be Aleem’s third HBL PSL final, for Gough, this will be his maiden appearance. Ahsan Raza and Rashid Riaz will be the third and fourth umpires, respectively. Roshan Mahanama will be the match referee. Upcoming fixtures March 17, 2020:–Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi (1st semi-final) (2pm-5.15pm). Aleem Dar and Ahsan Raza (on-field umpires), Shozab Raza (third umpire), Tariq Rasheed (fourth umpire); Mohammad Anees (match referee). Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars (2nd semi-final) (7pm-10.15pm). Rashid Riaz and Michael Gough (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Roshan Mahanama (match referee) (both matches at Gaddafi Stadium) March 18, 2020:-Final, Gaddafi Stadium, 7pm-10.15pm. Aleem Dar and Michael Gough (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Roshan Mahanama (match referee)