Sports Bulletin

Lahore (Sports Report): Pakistan maintained their unbeaten record in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier with a comprehensive, 65-run victory over the West Indies. The hosts made it three wins from three matches to go top of the standings, as captain Fatima Sana starred with the ball to power her side to victory at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.The result puts Pakistan in pole position to qualify for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 alongside Bangladesh, as the two remaining unbeaten sides in the qualifier.Matthews and Fletcher restrict Pakistan battersPakistan elected to bat but Hayley Matthews struck early to remove Gull Feroza for two in the fourth over, leaving the hosts six for one.Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin built a strong foundation for the innings, combining to bring up Pakistan’s half century before Muneeba was trapped leg before for 33 by Afy Fletcher.The West Indies continued to chip away at regular intervals, as Aliya Riaz and Omaima Sohail fell for 20 and 16 respectively, and Sidra brought up her half century before she was bowled out by Ashmini Munisar for 54.Sidra Nawaz chipped in with 23 useful runs but two wickets apiece for Matthews, Karishma Ramharack and Afy Fletcher helped the West Indies dismiss Pakistan for 191, the final wicket falling from the penultimate ball of innings’ last over.Pakistan made the perfect start with the ball, as Fatima dismissed fellow skipper Matthews leg before wicket with the first ball of the innings.Shemaine Campbelle immediately sought to get the West Indies’ innings up and running and was beginning to find boundaries when she was run out for 14 to leave her side 15 for two.Opener Zaida James was also run out for four as the West Indies slipped to 29 for three.Jannillea Glasgow and Chinelle Henry looked to rebuild and brought their side over the half century mark before both fell in the same over to Nashra Sandhu.Stafanie Taylor and Shabika Gajnabi picked up the mantle as the West Indies sought to resurrect their run chase, but Taylor was caught by Muneeba off the bowling of Rameen Shamim for 17 to bring a promising partnership to an end.Gajnabi’s 21 dragged her side towards three figures but was bowled by Fatima to leave her side requiring 95 runs with three wickets in hand.That proved too much for the West Indies’ tail, despite a valiant 22 from Aaliyah Alleyne, as they were bowled out for 126, Fatima leading the way with three for 16.Scores in briefPakistan v West Indies – Gaddafi Stadium, LahoreResult: Pakistan win by 65 runsPakistan 191 all out in 49.5 overs (Sidra Amin 54, Muneeba Ali 33; Matthews 2/30, Afy Fletcher 2/39)West Indies 126 all out in 39.2 overs (Aaliyah Alleyne 22, Shakiba Gajnabi 21; Fatima 3/16, Rameen 2/26)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The President’s Trophy Grade-II 2024-25 is set to begin on Tuesday, 15 April across eight cities including Abbottabad, Haripur, Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Sheikhupura and Swabi. The 85-match tournament comprises of three-day matches except the final, which will be a four-day affair scheduled to take place from 22-25 May. Over 400 players across Pakistan will get the opportunity to showcase their skills in this red-ball tournament. The winner of the tournament will be awarded PKR 5 million, while the runner-up team will collect PKR 2.5 million out of a total prize pot of PKR 7.75 million. The triumphant team will also qualify for the President’s Trophy Grade-I in the next domestic season replacing Eshaal Associates. A total of 27 Departmental teams are taking part in the tournament, which are divided into four groups. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-final stage set to take place from 14-16 May, while the semi-finals are slotted from 18-20 May. Group A (Karachi): Kingsmen, Navy, Pak Saudi International, Pakistan Customs, Port Qasim and Wing 999 SportsGroup B (Islamabad and Rawalpindi): Army, Capital Development Authority (CDA), Ghani Institute, JDW Sugar Mills, JJ’s Consultancy Group, ONETEN Communication and PHA Rawalpindi.Group C (Abbottabad, Swabi and Haripur): Haider Cricket Club, Mit Solutions, PAF, Sardar Group, Service Industries, SNSJ Marketing, Vital TeaGroup D (Sheikhupura and Lahore): Ahmed Glass, Azlaan Traders, Income Tax, Kingsmen Academy, Railways, Sahir Associates and Sabir’s Poultry.

Quetta beat Attock by 3 wickets, and Gujranwala defeat Hyderabad by 84 runs in semifinalsMurtaza BhattiGujranwala: Hosts Gujranwala and Quetta reached in the final of the PBCC T20 Blind Cricket Trophy2025 (Grade-2) after thrashing Attock and Hyderabad respectively in the semifinals at Jinnah Stadium Gujranwala on Monday. The final will be played on Tuesday (April 15) at the same venue.In the first semifinal, Quetta won the toss and elected to bowl first. Attock were bowled out for just 119 runs in 13.1 overs. Zaheer Ahmed top-scored with 33 runs off 18 balls, while Bashir Ahmed contributed 14 runs off 12 balls. For Quetta, Syed Ehsan Ullah took 3 wickets, and KaleemUllah, Niamat Ullah, and Shahid picked up 2 wickets each.In response, Quetta chased down the target comfortably, reaching 120 for the loss of 3 wickets in just 11 overs. Niamat Ullah continued his impressive form, scoring a brilliant unbeaten70 off 31 balls while Naseeb Ullah added 25 off 17. Haroon and Numan claimed one wicket each for Attock. Quetta won by 7 wickets. Niamat Ullah got man of the match award.Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Hyderabad won the toss and opted to field first. Gujranwala posted a formidable total of 250 runs for the loss of 2 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Veteran Mohammad Akram played a sensational innings, remaining unbeaten on 131 off just 67 balls, while Mohammad Rizwan scored 43 off 32 balls. Ubaid Ullah took 2 wickets for Hyderabad.In reply, Hyderabad managed 167 for 4 in their 20 overs. Mohammad Salman was the top scorer with 58 off 60 balls and Imran Sarwar contributed 44 off 27. For Gujranwala, Mohammad Akram took 2 wickets and Syed Zubair Shah chipped in with 1. Gujranwala won by 84 runs. Mohammad Akram judged best player of the match.

BIPIN DANIPunjab's 24-year-old batting all-rounder, Abhishek Sharma, etched his name in IPL history with a phenomenal maiden century, dedicated to the loyal Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) fans—the Orange Army. The left-handed batter's scintillating knock on Saturday night electrified the Hyderabad crowd and shattered multiple records.In an extraordinary display of power-hitting, Abhishek scored an awe-inspiring 141 runs off just 55 balls. His innings included a stunning 24 boundaries—14 fours and 10 sixes—making it a spectacle to remember in the T20 world. But what added an emotional touch to this iconic moment was what came next. Right after his remarkable performance, Abhishek pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket, which bore the heartfelt message: "This one is for the Orange Army (SRH's fans)."Speaking exclusively to this reporter, the following morning, Abhishek's father, Rajkumar Sharma, shared, "We were totally unaware about this paper. Even his team members were not aware." Rajkumar and his wife, Manju Devi, had arrived in Hyderabad a day prior to the match, a gesture aimed at lifting their son's morale and supporting the team during tough times. "The confidence level of the team members was so low, so we decided to go and boost the morale of my son, Abhishek," the proud father said.The presence of family has proven to be a lucky charm for Abhishek in the past as well. Rajkumar fondly recalled, "In one of his earlier knocks, my daughter (a physiotherapist) was on the ground. It seems to have worked wonders for him." Abhishek himself attributed his spectacular knock to his parents' support. "I was waiting for my parents to be at the stadium. Our entire team was waiting for them," he revealed with a smile after the match.This memorable innings has cemented Abhishek Sharma's place as a star in the making, while also underscoring the significance of family and fans in an athlete's journey. The Orange Army, no doubt, will cherish this tribute for years to come. 

Sports Bulletin ReportRawalpindi: Quetta Gladiators spinner Usman Tariq was reported by on-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Chris Brown for a suspect bowling action during his side’s HBL PSL X match against Lahore Qalandars at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday evening.As per the rules, Usman can continue to bowl in future matches. However, if the spinner is reported again, he will be suspended from bowling and will need to obtain clearance from an ICC accredited lab before he can resume bowling.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: A captain’s knock by Kathryn Bryce and fine bowling from the bowlers, led by Rachel Slater helped Scotland claim a solid, 58-run victory over Thailand in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground on Sunday. The Scotland skipper made 60, ably supported by Megan McColl’s 57, to help them to 206 all out batting first.Despite a promising start from Thailand in response, only Natthakan Chantham (63) was able to build a big score in the chase, with Slater’s three for nine at the start of the innings proving to be crucial for Kathryn Bryce’s charges. That leaves Scotland with two wins from their first three fixtures with a big clash against Bangladesh up next, while Thailand are still searching for their first win of the tournament.Bryce and McColl provide Scotland a good foundation: Scotland won the toss and elected to bat first but lost Pippa Sproule for one off the bowling of Nattaya Boochatham (2/46).That brought skipper Kathryn Bryce to the crease, she and Abbi Aitken-Drummond started to rebuild before Boochatham picked up her second wicket when she removed Aitken-Drummond for 22.Sarah Bryce joined her sister but quickly departed for five, however a 67-run stand between the elder Bryce and Ailsa Lister got Scotland back on track.Lister became the first of Onnicha Kamchomphu’s three victims, caught by Naruemol Chaiwai for a run-a-ball 38.Bryce followed for 60, bowled by Kampchomphu (3/28), but Megan McColl dug in to marshal the lower order.Even as wickets fell at regular intervals, her 57 from just 60 balls pushed Scotland past 200, before she was the last wicket to fall with nine overs still remaining.Thailand chase stumbles under Scotland pressure: The chase started positively with Boochatham (20) and Chanida Sutthiruang (18) putting on 41 runs for the first wicket.However, Rachel Slater proved difficult to get away from and got early results when she picked up both openers in the same over to get Scotland going.She then bowled Nannapat Koncharoenkai for three, taking her figures to three for nine, and leaving Thailand at 46 for three.Natthakan Chantham and skipper Chaiwai added 25 before the captain was trapped leg before by Abtaha Maqsood, and Scotland were able to chip away regularly despite Chantham’s best efforts.She was eventually bowled out by Maqsood for 63, ending any hopes of a successful chase, with Katherine Fraser sealing victory by having Kampchomphu caught to wrap up the 58-run success.Scores in brief:Scotland v Thailand – LCCA GroundScotland 206 all out in 41 overs (Kathryn Bryce 60, Megan McColl; Thipatcha Putthawong 3/28, Onnicha Kamchomphu 3/34)Thailand 148 all out in 31.3 overs (Natthakan Chantham 63, Nattaya Boochatham 20; Rachel Slater 3/9, Abtaha Maqsood 3/26, Katherine Fraser 3/28)Scotland won by 58 runs 

BIPIN DANIIn the high-octane world of cricket, individuality often shines brightest. For Digvesh Rathi, the young leg-spinner making waves in the IPL, his signature "notebook celebration" has drawn both admiration and criticism. While his skill with the ball is undeniable, his choice of celebration has landed him in hot water with the Indian cricket board on two occasions, sparking a debate about where the line between flair and decorum should be drawn.The Evolution of the Notebook Celebration1. The Initial Controversy : The first instance of Rathi's notorious celebration occurred after he dismissed Priyansh Arya during a match against Punjab Kings. Mimicking the act of jotting down notes, Rathi’s gesture was interpreted as provocative. Although Arya, a personal friend, shrugged it off, the cricketing authorities did not. Rathi was penalized 25% of his match fee, with criticism pouring in from various quarters. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar notably remarked, “When you celebrate like this, it implies you didn’t expect to take a wicket. Such behavior borders on arrogance.”2. The Second Incident: Just a few matches later, Rathi repeated his act after claiming the wicket of Naman Dhir. The repeat offense cost him 50% of his match fee and an additional demerit point. The cricket board reiterated its stand against unsportsmanlike conduct, putting the spotlight on Rathi’s actions once again.3. A Theatrical Spin : The most recent chapter in Rathi’s controversial celebrations saw him take it a step further. After dismissing his idol, Sunil Narine, he theatrically bent down to the ground, mimicking the act of signing the grass. According to his coach, Sachin Shukla, this gesture was less of a taunt and more of a symbolic autograph, reflecting a deep respect for the player he idolizes. “It’s more about commemorating his performance,” Shukla explained, adding that Rathi has long maintained a habit of recording his successes.Support from Close Quarters: Despite the growing controversy, Rathi has found steadfast support among those who know him best. Speaking exclusively, Sachin Shukla, his personal coach at Dronacharya Cricket Academy came to his defense: “Yes, the first instance involved some contact with the batter, but it’s important to note that Priyansh Arya is his friend, and there was no animosity. Different players have their own ways of celebrating, and as long as it doesn’t harm anyone, I don’t see an issue with it.”Elaborating further on the notebook celebration done on the ground, the coach said, "Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass—more a symbolic autograph than a taunt, perhaps a gesture of respect. After all, Sunil Narine is his idol. His "notebook celebration" likely reflects a long-standing habit of recording his best performances, something he's been doing for years".Rathi’s elder brother, Sunny Rathi, who serves as a constable, also weighed in on the matter. “After his first penalty, we warned him to tone it down. But Digvesh is adamant—he sees himself as an aggressive bowler and insists that his celebrations reflect his mindset. He once told me, ‘If I stop celebrating in my style, I’ll lose my edge. I don’t want to become a defensive player.’”The Man Beyond the Field: Born into a modest family, Digvesh Rathi’s story is one of resilience and ambition. His father, Dharmendra Singh, earns a livelihood working at construction sites, while his mother, Manju Devi, is a homemaker. His younger brother, Nirdosh, shares an interest in cricket, perhaps inspired by Rathi’s own passion and achievements.While the controversies surrounding Rathi’s celebrations continue to divide opinions, they also underscore the fiery personality of a player who is determined to make his mark. For Rathi, every wicket is not just a statistic but a story worth penning down—quite literally. 

Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA : National Cricket Club Hazro have won the final of the All Pakistan T20 Cricket Tournament. In the final, the tournament's hot favorite team, Al-Faisal Cricket Club Attock, faced a tough and thrilling match and was defeated by 6 runs. Shahzaib from the champion team was declared the Player of the Match.The final of the All Pakistan T20 Cricket Tournament (APL Season 9) was played between Al-Faisal Cricket Club Attock and National Cricket Club Hazro at Attock Cricket Stadium (PCB Attock). Batting first, National Cricket Club scored 179 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Shahzaib played a highly responsible innings, scoring 76 runs and remained not out. Abbas scored 35, Nabi Gul made 17, and Shahab contributed 16 runs.From Al-Faisal Cricket Club, Rana Fasih bowled impressively, taking 2 wickets for just 23 runs in his 4 overs. Al-Faisal Cricket Club made a strong attempt to chase the target. Usman's half-century could not turn the game in their favor—he scored 56 runs off just 28 balls. Rana Fasih also contributed 25 runs off 16 balls, but the team could only reach 173 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Thus, National Cricket Club Hazro won the final by 6 runs and earned the title of champions. Shahzaib from the winning team was declared the best player of the match.At the end of the tournament, the chief guest, Member of National Assembly Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, distributed prizes among the players and officials. The winning team, National Cricket Club, received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, Al-Faisal Cricket Club, was awarded Rs. 100,000 and a trophy. In addition, players showing outstanding performance in categories like Man of the Match, Best Bowler, Best Batsman, and Best Fielder received cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 each.

BIPIN DANICricket has often showcased extraordinary sibling rivalries, where brothers compete on opposing teams, turning family bonds into thrilling showdowns on the field. Two of the most notable examples in Indian cricket feature the Pandya and Pathan brothers, both of whom have left indelible marks with their intense yet respectful rivalries. Pandya Brothers: IPL 2025 Showdown: In one of the standout moments of the IPL 2025 season, Krunal Pandya, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), faced off against his younger brother Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians. The match, held on a lively Monday evening at the Wankhede Stadium, was an emotional affair for the Pandya family and an exhilarating contest for fans. Hardik, in his usual aggressive style, smashed a blistering 42 off just 15 balls, threatening to tilt the match in Mumbai’s favor. However, Krunal stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a stellar bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 45 runs. His heroics helped RCB secure a narrow 12-run victory in a match that could have gone either way. While Krunal’s performance stood out, Hardik’s wicket was not among his dismissals that day. Despite this, the emotions of playing against his brother were evident during the post-match presentation, where Krunal reflected on the experience: "The bond that we have, at the end of the day, we knew only one (Pandya) would win. But the love and affection we have for each other is very natural. He batted well. We won, and I also wanted to win. He also wanted to win.” Pathan Brothers: Iconic IPL Rivalry: Years before the Pandya brothers, another sibling rivalry graced the IPL when Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan found themselves on opposite sides. Known for their contrasting styles, Irfan’s swing bowling posed a challenge to Yusuf’s explosive batting. Their duels were moments of pure cricketing drama, blending competition with mutual respect. Although neither consistently dominated the other, their encounters added unique flavor to the game, showcasing the depth of talent in one family and the joy cricket brings to fans who witness these special moments. Sibling rivalries like those of the Pandya and Pathan brothers add a rare emotional depth to cricket. These clashes remind us that cricket is not just a sport but a celebration of relationships, competition, and shared love for the game. Few spectacles are as compelling as the sight of brothers pushing each other to their limits while never letting their bond falter.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The highly anticipated launch ceremony of the Global Celebrity League (GCL), a groundbreaking cricket league merging legendary cricketers and renowned celebrities, concluded with grandeur at an exclusive event in Dubai. Hosted by the vibrant and dynamic Shifali Bagga, the event was attended by distinguished dignitaries, celebrated cricketers, and prominent film and television stars from India and Pakistan.The evening commenced on a solemn note with attendees observing a moment of silence in tribute to the late founding chairman of GCL, His Excellency Sheikh Saud Abdullah Al Thani, who passed away last week, honoring his vision and contribution.Highlighting the event were the spectacular jersey and logo reveals of the five participating teams—Pakistan Firefox, Indian Thunders, Afghan Warriors, Bangal Tigers, and Qatar Global—generating immense enthusiasm among the attendees and setting the stage for an exhilarating competition ahead.A major attraction of the ceremony was the official signing of two iconic teams, Pakistan Firefox owned by Mr. Waqas Alvi . Indian Team owner Mr. Sumit Rajpal was represented by Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and film stars, Neha Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan proudly represented their team, while cricket legends Imran Nazir, Wahab Riaz, and Shahid Afridi championed the Pakistan side. Team owners accompanied their respective stars and celebrities, marking the official beginning of intense cricketing rivalry.President of GCL, Arif Malik, addressed the esteemed gathering, articulating the vision and strategic objectives of the league. He officially announced the league dates, revealing that the much-awaited T10 GCL matches will be held from May 27th to June 4th, 2025, at the renowned Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The highlight fixture, the opening clash between cricketing giants India and Pakistan, will immediately follow a grand opening ceremony. With that being said, Naghma khan League Director of GCL has made this event a huge success through hard work and diligence. Her goal was always to ensure a seamless collaboration of all the teams and make this cricket league reach heights of success.Shikhar Dhawan and Wahab Riaz delivered passionate speeches, expressing their excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming matches in Doha, Qatar, and promising a highly entertaining and competitive league.Global Celebrity League's brand ambassador, cricketing sensation Shahid Afridi, virtually joined the event via video call, engaging the audience with a promise of thrilling cricket action and friendly competition, particularly highlighting the anticipated India-Pakistan encounters. Afridi's lively interaction with Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and other celebrities amplified the excitement.