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UAE declared neutral venue for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selected the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 cricket fixture, as this mega cricket event will be hosted by Pakistan under the banner of International Cricket Council (ICC).According to a spokesman for PCB, Amir Mir, Pakistan Cricket Board has formally informed the ICC about the neutral venue decision. Now, India and Pakistan's Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE.The decision regarding the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy was to be made by the host, Pakistan, and the final decision on the venue was made after a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan.It is pertinent to mention here that Sheikh Al Nahyan, currently in Pakistan, is also the Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board.
US Junior: Mohammad Harmas Ali & Mahnoor Ali ink new history
Mohammad Harmas Ali lifts gold medal in U11, Mahoor Ali claim top position in U13 categoryIslamabad (Sports Desk): Pakistani junior squash players, Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja clinched gold medal in U11 category while female player Mahnoor Ali claimed top position in U13 category of the US Juniors’ Squash Championship 2024.The 2024 U.S. Junior Open Squash Championships–the world’s largest individual squash tournament with 1,007 players representing fifty-one nations–saw just three nations earn titles as Egypt, the United States and Pakistan, at the Arlen Specter US Squash Center.Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja, Under-11 player, produced sparking performance in the final match and overpowered his American opponent second seed Archibald Anolik in straight games 3-0, as the score line was 11-8, 11-8, and 11-8. Raja pulled off a perfect title run without dropping a game during the whole tournament.Egypt’s Ruqayya Salem was the only repeat champion as the GU17 top seed successfully defended her title. Salem held off a tough challenge from 2023 GU15 champion and three seed Charlotte Sze to win the title 11-8, 11-6, 8-11, 11-2.The BU17 final came down to U.S. four seed Aiden Chiang and Egyptian three seed Michael Fayez. After winning his semifinal coming back from 2-0 down, Fayez pulled off another five-game comeback in the final to clinch the title 6-11, 11-9, 7-11, 11-5, 11-7 in sixty-three minutes.The U15 divisions produced two all-American finals and two first-time U.S. Junior Open champions as neither top seed reached the final. GU15 two seed Isabella Tang defeated four seed and 2023 GU13 champion Vivienne Sze 12-10, 11-5, 9-11, 11-3. BU15 four seed John-Jayden Luo was the lowest-seeded player to win a title as the New Jersey native defeated Californian three seed Vivaan Mehta 11-6, 7-11, 11-7, 11-7. Pakistan’s Mahnoor Ali upset Egypt’s top seed Linda Elsayed in a close GU13 final 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6. Egyptian BU13 two seed Malek Ahmed edged his top-seeded compatriot Adam Ragab in a five-game final 4-11, 11-9, 11-2, 5-11, 11-3.The GU11 division produced another five-game final between the American top two seeds. Two seed Alice Wang came back to defeat top seed Ariana Valerio 3-11, 11-8, 7-11, 11-9, 13-11.
POLO - Local News 22 Dec, 2024
FG/Din Polo beat Diamond Paints 4-3 in a thrilling final at Lahore Polo ClubLahore (SBR): FG/Din Polo emerged title winners in the Patrons Aibak Polo Cup 2024, defeating Diamond Paints 4-3 in the thrilling final at Lahore Polo Club on Sunday.The final marked the 48th edition of the historic Aibak Cup, hosted by Lahore Polo Club, and attracted a large audience of spectators and families. Prior to the final, various events were held, including a cavalcade, barrel racing, and tent pegging competitions for men and women. A match between the Lahore Polo Club's Young Ladies' Polo Team and the Young Boys' Polo Team also took place, with the girls securing the victory.The tournament's distinguished patrons in attendance included Salman of Overdose, Mir Shoaib Ahmed (CEO of Diamond Paints), Farooq Amin Sufi (Director Marketing, Master Paints), Dr. Faisal Qadeer Khokhar (Director, Remington Pharma), Taimur Ali Malik (Director, Guard Group), Mohammad Abubakar Siddique (Director, Black Horse Paints), Qadeer Ashfaq (Director, Platinum Homes), Sardar Mohsin Atta Khosa (Pebble Breakers), Nafees Barry (Director, The Retro Bar), along with Lahore Polo Club Executive Committee members Mohammad Naseer, Raja Amir, Adnan Hayat Noon, Saqib Khan Khakwani, senior club member Irfan Ali Hyder, Major Janoed Muazz, Najaf Shah, and a significant number of players.In a thrilling final, FG/Din Polo's Mian Abbas Mukhtar scored two goals, while Shaikh Mohammad Farhad and Raja Mikael Sami contributed one goal each to secure their team's win. For Diamond Paints, Raja Jalal Arsalan scored two goals, and Mir Huzaifa Ahmed added one.Earlier, in the subsidiary final, Newage Cables defeated BN Polo 6-4. During the closing ceremony, the patrons distributed prizes among the winners and top performers. Raja Mikael Sami was named the best player of the match, while Mian Abbas Mukhtar was honored as the best patron. The best pony award went to Abbas Mukhtar's mare.
SPORTS NEWS - National 22 Dec, 2024
Islamabad (PR): The Japan Lacrosse Association (JLA) has donated equipment to the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation (PLF) under the Sports Diplomacy Program. It should be noted that lacrosse is an ancient team sport played with a lacrosse stick and a lacrosse ball. It is the oldest organized sport in North America.On this occasion, Japan’s Deputy Chief of Mission Takano Shochi appreciated the rapidly growing popularity of lacrosse in Pakistan and said that the PLF has taken Pakistan lacrosse to a unique position in Asia by organizing more than 150 activities and two national championships in a year, the results will soon be come in the form of international medals.He assured that Japan would continue its full support in the promotion of lacrosse. It may be recalled that the Lacrosse Association and National Academy in Pakistan have been established under the auspices of the Pakistan Lacrosse Federation in Islamabad.The chief guest of the event was the Deputy Chief of Mission of Japan Takanoshuchi, while the Consul of the Japanese Embassy Takane Kazumasa, Cultural Advisor Rafi Haleem, Secretary General of Pakistan Lacrosse Federation Engineer Taifur Zareen, Assistant Professor of FCE Zahid, Urooj Jahangir other faculty members, Finance Secretary of Islamabad Lacrosse Irfan Khan and other office bearers and senior players Gul Pari, Sawira Khan, Fawzia Parveen, Muqaddas and other officials attended.
Roshan Khan National Squash Team Championship starts in Karachi
Karachi (PR): The Roshan Khan National Squash Team Championship 2024 got underway at here Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan & Jehangir Khan Squash complex, as the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) team did not reach at the venue despite of submitting entry in the prestigious national squash fixture.Press Release further says that PAF Squash team, despite submitting entry for the event, failed to appear at the venue without any prior notice or communication with the tournament officials. An unexpected “no-show” by the PAF team has caused a significant disruption to the tournament draw and left players and organizers deeply disappointed.Results (Day-1):[1] SNGPL 3 - 0 [5] PunjabAsim Khan beat/lost Asher But 11-7, 11-7, 11-7 (24 mins)Tayyab Aslam beat/lost Khaqan Malik 11-8, 11-8, 12-14, 11-2 (30 mins)Amaad Fareed beat/lost Shoaib Hassan 11-6, 11-8, 11-4 (19 mins)[3] Army 3 – 0 [7] NavyHuzaifa Ibrahim beat SL Sardar Hussain 11-2, 11-5, 11-1 (17 mins)Sadam Ul Haq beat Lt Cdr Syed Saad 11-4, 11-3, 11-5 (19 mins)Anas Ali Shah beat SL Huzaifa 11-6, 11-1, 11-2 (19 mins)[2] WAPDA 3 – 0 [9] Balochistan Noor Zaman beat Abdul Waqar Khan 11-4, 11-2, Rtd. hurt (9 mins) Nasir Iqbal beat Asmat Ullah 11-3, 11-2, 11-2 (19 mins)Farhan Mehboob beat Nasrullah 11-2, 11-6, 11-2 (17 mins)[3] Punjab 3 – 0 [5] BalochistanRushna Mehboob beat Abresh Gul Durrani 11-1, 11-3, 11-0 (15 mins)Ayesha Shahbaz beat Hudaisa Saleem 11-8, 12-10, 5-11, 11-6 (26 mins)Fajar Noor beat Sidra Raza 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 (16 mins)[2] Sindh 0 – 3 [4] ArmyFaiza Zaffar beat Anam Mustafa 11-1, 11-1, 11-3 (12 mins)Zaynab Hameed beat Damya Khan 11-3, 11-2, 11-5 (15 mins)Maryam Malik beat Ilsa Imran 11-5, 11-2, 11-2 (12 mins)[6] Railways 1 – 2 [9] BalochistanAbdul Waqar Khan beat Talha Saeed 12-10, 11-9, 6-11, 11-6 (33 mins)Hassan Paracha beat Asmat Ullah 9-11, 11-4, 11-4, 11-8 (25 mins)Nasrullah beat Muhammed Ali 8-11, 11-9, 4-11, 11-8, 11-8 (36 mins)[2] WAPDA 3 – 0 [7] NavyNoor Zaman beat SL Sardar Hussain11-2, 11-4, 11-4 (20 mins)Nasir Iqbal beat Lt Cdr Syed Saad 11-1, 11-1, 11-1 (20 mins)Abdullah Nawaz beat SL Huzaifa 11-2, 11-3, 11-4 (20 mins)[1] WAPDA 3 – 0 [5] BalochistanMehwish Ali beat Hudaisa Saleem 11-0, 11-1, 11-3 (15 mins)Komal Khan beat Sidra Raza 11-4, 11-3, 11-3 (16 mins)Noor ul Ain beat Sahar Sajida Manzoor 11-2, 11-1, 11-3 (14 mins)[4] (Sindh) w/o [8] PAF (PAF no shown for the tie)
Pakistan Cricket Board announces HBL PSL Fans’ Choice Awards
Lahore (PR): Leading up to the 10th edition of the HBL PSL, PCB announces the HBL PSL Fans’ Choice Awards celebrating nine years of the league. Local and foreign players, who have featured in the previous editions of HBL PSL will be nominated and nominations will then be opened for fan voting.The fans will be the decision-makers and the players receiving the highest number of votes in each category will be declared the winner at the HBL PSL Draft 2025 scheduled in Gwadar on 11 January. HBL PSL, since its inception in 2016, is all set to hold its historic 10th edition matches between April 8 to May 19, 2025.Six categories for Awards:Best BatterBest BowlerBest All-rounderMost Valuable Player (MVP)Best Individual Bowling PerformanceBest Individual Batting PerformanceHBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said: “The HBL PSL’s long and successful journey could not have been possible without the firm support of our loyal fans, who are an integral stakeholder in the success of this league. The Fans’ Choice Awards are our way of recognising their passion and dedication, providing them with a platform to recognise their favourite players and moments as we celebrate the very best of HBL PSL together. We all know there have been breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments throughout the history of this league. The Fans’ Choice Awards aim to showcase what makes the HBL PSL truly special, a tribute to the players who inspire and the fans who cheer them on.”
National Women’s One-Day Tournament: Stars lift title
Stars overcome Conquerors by 5 wickets, Sidra Amin scores 77 runs in 84 balls in finalRawalpindi (Sports Bulletin Report): Captains’ innings by Sidra Amin (77, 84b, 11x4s, 1x6) and an all-round performance from Rameen Shamim (37 not out, two wickets) led Stars to a five-wicket win over Conquerors at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday to lift the trophy of National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024 and also grab the prize money of PKR 1.5 million. Fatima Sana-led Conquerors had to settle with a runners-up trophy and prize money of PKR 1 million.Opting to bat first, Conquerors managed to score 178 for nine in 45 overs – the match which was also live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel. Conquerors’ Hafsa Khalid top-scored with a 78-ball 47, hitting nine boundaries. Dua Majid was other notable contributor with the bat, scoring 40 off 66 balls, hitting three fours. For Stars, pacer Waheeda Akhtar bagged three wickets for 33, while spinners Rameen Shamim (9-0-38-2), Tuba Hassan (9-0-42-2) and Neelam Mushtaq (9-0-26-1) shared five wickets between them.In turn, Stars achieved the target in 43.2 overs losing five wickets in the process. Skipper Sidra and Rameen knitted a 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket, while Tuba Hassan’s (12 not out, four balls, 3x4s) three boundaries in the 43rd over made sure Stars get a comfortable win. Sidra, for her match winning innings was declared the player of the match, while Invincibles’ Omaima Sohail was declared the best player of the tournament for scoring 253 runs and taking 13 wickets. In other individual awards, Invincibles’ Muneeba Ali was declared the best wicket-keeper of the tournament with 12 dismissals behind stumps. Challengers Aliya Riaz for 382 runs in eight outings was named best batter of the tournament, while Stars’ Rameen was named best bowler of the tournament after grabbing 20 wickets from nine matches.Scores in brief (Stars beat Conquerors by 5 wickets):Conquerors 178-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 47, Dua Majid 40, Saira Jabeen 32, Najiha Alvi 23, Fatima Sana 20; Waheeda Akhtar 3-33, Rameen Shamim 2-38, Tuba Hassan 2-42)Stars 179-5, 43.2 overs (Sidra Amin 77, Rameen Shamim 37 not out, Sadaf Shamas 22; Nashra Sundhu 2-26)Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Stars)Best Wicket-keeper of the Tournament: Muneeba Ali (Invincibles) (12 dismissals)Best Batter of the Tournament: Aliya Riaz (Challengers) (382 runs, eight matches)Best Bowler of the tournament: Rameen Shamim (Stars) (20 wickets, nine matches)Player of the Tournament: Omaima Sohail (Invincibles) (253 runs, 13 wickets, eight matches)
Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial: Muzammil Murtaza wins Singles title
Lahore (SBR): Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail grabbed mixed doubles title, Muzammil Murtaza bagged men’s singles titles and Ushna claimed ladies singles title in the Khawaja Iftikhar Memorial National Ranking Tennis Championship 2024 at Sports Board Punjab Center Tennis Court, Nishtar Park Sports Complex on Saturday.The highlight of the concluding day was mixed doubles final between Aisam/Ushna and Abdullah Adnan and Amna Ali Qayyum, which was witnessed by huge and enthusiastic crowd, which enjoyed each and every moment of the final and cheered for both the pairs on earning each point. After a very healthy competition, the enthralling encounter was won by Aisam and Ushna, who defeated the spirited duo of Adnan and Amna 6-2, 6-3. The men's singles final proved a highly-charged encounter, where Muzammil Murtaza played well and edged out experienced Aqeel Khan by 6-2, 7-6(6-3) to clinch the title. The ladies singles final was won by Ushna Suhail, the granddaughter of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad, who overwhelmed young Zunaisha Noor 6-2, 6-0.In the boys U-18 singles final, Abubakar Talha (Wapda) defeated Shehryar Anees 6-2, 6-2. Abubakar Talha completed the brace of titles, when he, along with Hamza Roman, beat Ahtesham Humayun and M Salar 6-1, 6-4 in the U-18 doubles final. Shayan Afridi claimed boys U-14 singles title by beating Junaid Khan 6-0, 6-3 while Bismel Zia defeated Hajra Sohail 6-3, 6-3 to lift the girls U-14 singles title. ITF Seniors Champion Rashid Malik, partnering with Arif Feroze, defeated Mohammad Khalid and Mohammad Ilyas 5-2 (retd) to clinch the seniors 55+ doubles title. Talha Waheed (Gas & Oil Pakistan Ltd) and Shehryar Salamat clinched the seniors 40+ doubles title after edging out Ashar Khan and Hadi Hussain 1-6, 6-4, 10-12 in the final.Pakistan’s Olympic Gold Medallist Arshad Nadeem graced the concluding ceremony as chief guest while his coach Salman Iqbal Butt was the guest of honour. Both distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. They also awarded life time achievement awards to Nausheen Ehtesham and Rashid Malik for their services for tennis in Pakistan. Other notables present on the occasion were entire family of Khawaja Iftikhar Ahmad including Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Ushna Suhail, Former Governor Punjab Gen (Retd) Khalid Maqbool, tennis players, their families, and tennis enthusiasts.
England announce Squads for India Tour & Champions Trophy 2025
Islamabad (Sports Desk): The England Men’s selection panel has named the squads for next month’s white-ball tour of India, which includes three ODIs, five IT20s, and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025. Both squads feature 15 players, marking the first tour and tournament under Head Coach Brendon McCullum.Names of selected players: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)England Men’s IT20 Squad for India Tour: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)Yorkshire batter Joe Root makes his return to the ODI side for the first time since the ICC Men’s World Cup in November 2023. Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to be assessed following a left hamstring injury sustained during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month. Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed joins the IT20 squad, while Root is selected only for the ODIs. The tour party will depart on 17 January 2025.Schedule IT20s in India:1st IT20: India v England, Wednesday 22 January, Eden Gardens, Kolkata2nd IT20: India v England, Saturday 25 January, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai3rd IT20: India v England, Tuesday 28 January, Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot4th IT20: India v England, Friday 31 January, MCA Stadium, Pune5th IT20: India v England, Sunday 2 February, Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiSchedule ODIs in India:1st ODI: India v England, Thursday 6 February, VCA Stadium, Nagpur2nd ODI: India v England, Sunday 9th February, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack3rd ODI: India v England, Wednesday 12 February, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
1-Day Tournament: Conquerors and Stars set to meet in final
Rawalpindi (SBR): Conquerors will take on Stars in the final of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament scheduled on Sunday, 22 December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The toss of the 45-over final will take place at 9am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of the event will grab PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up have to settle with PKR 1 million. The match will be live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel, while ball-by-ball coverage will be available on PCB’s corporate website.Fatima Sana-led Conquerors, who finished on the top of the table with 12 points will eye to conclude the event on the winning note. Conquerors and Sidra Amin’s Stars have met twice against each other in the tournament, with both sides winning one match each. Most recently, at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 14 December, Conquerors on the back of three wickets apiece by Nashra Sundhu and Syeda Aroob Shah managed a 48-run win.Right-hand batter Sidra is leading the Stars from front as she has scored 254 runs in eight matches, which included two half-centuries and her 43-ball 53 came in a three-wicket win over Conquerors on 18 November at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi.In bowling charts, Stars’ off-spinner Rameen Shamim (eight matches, 18 wickets) and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan (eight matches, 16 wickets) are among the top four bowlers in the tournament.For Conquerors, captain Fatima has produced all-round performance in the tournament. The 23-year-old has scored 225 from eight matches, which included two half-centuries, while with her right-arm fast she has bagged eight wickets. Right-hand batter Hafsa Khalid is another batter Conquerors will be relying upon. The right-hand batter has scored 217 from eight matches, which included one half-century.In bowling, Conquerors spin bowlers Nashra Sundhu and Mahnoor Aftab have bagged 17 and 13 wickets, respectively. Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin talked exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the final.Fatima Sana said: “The young players have shown great potential and skills throughout the tournament and now we are really looking forward to do well in the final. We have carried good momentum in the tournament, and now with one game away from winning the trophy, we will not think more about the final and will take it as a normal match.”Sidra Amin said: “We had a good start in the tournament, but in the middle of the tournament we had some close contest games, so it’s important we finish well in the tournament. Our opponent for the final has played good cricket throughout the tournament and the final match will be a good contest and with the match being live-streamed, it will encourage young girls across the country to witness the performances of the players and also take up the sport.”
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