Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 15, 2021):-The ICC and UNICEF are aiming to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing amongst children and adolescents and encourage greater conversation and understanding of it throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 beginning on Sunday. The event – the biggest ever in the UAE and Oman – begins on 17 October and comprises 45 matches across four venues and features cricket’s biggest names and best teams. As the pinnacle of the shortest format of cricket, the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 attracts a global audience reaching billions of young fans and families. The partnership will highlight the need for more conversations around mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to their community. According to the latest available estimates, more than 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10–19 is estimated to live with a diagnosed mental disorder globally (source: UNICEF- SOWC 2021). Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue. School closures and physical distancing measures due to COVID 19 have reduced children and young people’s regular coping mechanisms and contributed to increased isolation and mental health risks. Lockdowns and other pandemic containment measures, in addition to the direct impact of COVID-19, have resulted in mental stress of parents’ and care givers. This has in turn affected their ability to provide a protective and nurturing environment for their children. OnYourMind campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 will urge for greater commitment, connection and conversation around mental health and physical wellbeing. Through this initiative ICC will use its global platforms, including its broadcast and digital channels to support UNICEF’s work and drive the message around: what affects children’s mental health, how to break the silence and talk about mental health wellbeing, destigmatise mental health issues, how to reach out and seek support and what can parents and adults do to improve the mental wellbeing of children. This partnership comes at the back of ICC’s commitment to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of over 2,000 individuals that are involved in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021, many of whom including players, coaches and support staff, will be in a “managed event environment” throughout. Geoff Allardice, Acting CEO ICC said: “Cricket has the incredible power and reach to raise awareness and effect change and we’re proud to partner with UNICEF to help break the stigma around mental health.  #OnYourMind encourages us all to talk more openly about this with our children to promote and protect their mental health. UNICEF India Representative Dr. Yasmin Ali Haque, said: “We anticipate that that the COVID-19 pandemic related stresses that have affected the mental health of children and young people in India is likely to have a lasting impact if we do not act now! We must work with them to bust the stigma around mental health that prevents many from sharing and seeking support. Lets together break the silence and end stigma on mental health issues. We value UNICEF’s partnership with ICC to break the silence. Together, through this platform we hope to reach millions with the message, its okay to speak up about what’s #OnMyMind.” Cricket fans are urged to visit the ICC online and digital channels to find out more about how they can get involved in the campaign.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (October 15, 2021):-The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup returns on Sunday with no margin for error for the eight nations who are taking part in the first round. Waiting in the wings are a further eight sides who will be keen to hit the ground running in the Super 12s. Group 2 contains some of the big hitters of the game, with India, New Zealand and Pakistan, as well as T20’s newest powerhouse, Afghanistan. They will be joined by the winners of Group B in the first round – one of Bangladesh, Oman, Papua New Guinea or Scotland – as well as the runners-up from Group A, in which Ireland, Namibia, Netherlands and Sri Lanka will do battle. Group 2 begins on 24 October with one of the sport’s biggest rivalries as India take on Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. With just two places available for the semi-finals, and six teams who will fancy their chances of making it, every match should be a thriller. Afghanistan (fifth appearance) Afghanistan’s progress has been meteoric since making their maiden appearance in the 2010 ICC T20 Men’s World Cup. And in 2021 they will take another step by qualifying automatically for the Super 12s by virtue of their world ranking. That means the team spearheaded by Rashid Khan, the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Decade, and Mohammad Nabi, who tops the ICC MRF Tyres T20I all-rounders rankings, will now be dreaming of a first qualification for the semi-finals. Mujeeb Ur Rahman Rashid has become Afghanistan’s first global superstar with the leg-spinner announcing himself on the world stage five years ago at the last T20 World Cup in India. Aged just 17, he took 11 wickets and bowled expertly in tandem with Nabi, who was the only person to take more wickets than him in the tournament. Mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, fresh from a stint with the Northern Chargers in The Hundred, is another big threat to opposition batters. Afghanistan were eliminated in the Super 10s in 2016 with only one win from four, although that was against the eventual champions West Indies. India (seventh appearance) India were the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup champions but have only been back to the final once since lifting the trophy in 2007.  A return could be on the cards if they hit their straps, with head coach Ravi Shastri selecting a squad crammed with world-class stars, while the conditions are likely to be similar to those found at home. After three straight Round 2 exits between 2009 and 2012, India reached a second final in 2014 – where they lost to Sri Lanka – and the semi-finals two years later on home soil.  Virat Kohli Virat Kohli was named Player of the Tournament in 2016 after averaging 136.50 from five innings and the 32-year-old will captain India this time around, as they hope to emulate West Indies and become two-time winners.  He will be supported by vice-captain Rohit Sharma, while the likes of off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and big-hitting batter Rishabh Pant add extra stardust.  India beat Pakistan in the 2007 Final and meet them again in the opening game here.  New Zealand (seventh appearance) New Zealand are still searching for their first ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title and their recent history in global tournaments suggests they will be tough to beat. In June, they became the first-ever World Test champions by beating India at the Hampshire Bowl, while they narrowly lost in the final of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup to England in a Super Over. Martin Guptill Led by world-class batter Kane Williamson, New Zealand’s squad contains plenty of familiar names, including the likes of fast bowlers Tim Southee, Lockie Ferguson and Trent Boult and opener Martin Guptill. With eight players aged over 30, they are also one of the most experienced.  New Zealand’s record at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup leaves plenty to be desired, with two semi-final appearances from six tournaments. They first reached the last four in the inaugural competition in 2007, where they lost to Pakistan by six wickets, and then again last time out in 2016, where they went down to England by seven wickets.   Four Round 2 exits are squeezed in the middle but, ranked fourth in the world on the eve of the 2021 edition, they will be confident of a strong performance.  Pakistan (seventh appearance) Pakistan have a rich history in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and arrive in UAE and Oman as one of the sides to beat.  They played in the first T20 World Cup Final in 2007, where they lost to India, before lifting the trophy two years later with a Shahid Afridi-inspired performance against Sri Lanka at Lord’s.  Babar Azam To further underline their status as one of the premier T20 nations, Pakistan reached the semi-finals at each of the next two tournaments in 2010 and 2012 and will be keen to return to the business end once more.  Ranked third in the world, they have the squad to do so under captain Babar Azam. They boast one of just three players at the entire tournament aged 40 and over in Mohammad Hafeez but only three others are over 30 in a young squad that is packed with talent.  Azam is ranked the second-best batter in T20 cricket, while wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan is also inside the top 10. 

Sports Reporter LAHORE (October 15, 2021):-Grant Bradburn has decided to step down from the Head of High Performance Coaching role to pursue further coaching opportunities. During his three years in Pakistan, the former New Zealand Test spinner served Pakistan cricket as national side’s fielding coach from September 2018 to June 2020, before taking on the development of coaching responsibilities. He remained a popular figure within the cricket fraternity and is regarded highly by players, coaches and colleagues. Grant Bradburn: “It has been an honour and privilege to serve Pakistan, providing challenge and support, to drive the players, coaches and teams forward. I will leave PCB grateful for the wonderful opportunities and the experiences I have gained. “As a foreigner, I felt welcomed and valued by my present and former PCB colleagues, players, officials and the Pakistan public. I have always felt safe here, loved exploring this wonderful country and made many lifetime friends. “My wife Maree and three children have also sacrificed a lot in allowing me to serve Pakistan cricket. Covid-19 regulations made it challenging for them to visit Pakistan and feel the warmth, love and friendship this country offers. It is now time for me to prioritise family and move forward to the next coaching challenge.” Director High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “Grant served Pakistan cricket with passion and dedication. He was always full of energy and ideas, a number of which he implemented following the restructuring of the National High Performance Centre. I thank Grant for his contributions to Pakistan cricket and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

BIPIN DANI It was a double delight for Ireland's 16-year-old Amy Hunter, who not only became the youngest international centurion but her unbeatern ODI ton came on her 16th birthday enabled the Ireland women's team to register a win against Zimbabwe. Interestingly, Hunter overtook the record which was held by India's Mithali Raj, against Ireland. Mithali had scored 114 (n.o.) in an ODI at the age of 16 years and 205 days in June 1999. “We are just so excited for Amy, although there is also a lot of relief there, as we know how hard she works and how many hours of training she puts in”, her mother Sara Hunter says exclusively. “Amy has been playing boys cricket since a young age, and she showed a true passion for cricket from an early age. She said she found cricket addictive, and as parents we saw that in how she has dedicated herself to the game.” Sara's both parents-father Jim- are doctors by profession. “Amy has just flown in from Zimbabwe and is exhausted after the tour and all the media attention over the last 48 hours. She’ll rest up with a day off school, but in true style she is planning to be back out there this weekend playing hockey for her school”, the mother continued. “We are so thankful that we could follow Amy’s innings on the livestream, as we couldn’t travel out there, and appreciate Zimbabwe Cricket for putting that on - and thankful for the Irish coaches and support staff that looked after Amy and her teammates in the tour.” Amy's brother, James is also a cricketer, informs Norman Shannon, the chairman of the cricket committee of the Instonians Cricket Club. "We are proud of Amy's superb performance. Amy and James played for our club. Now she plays for Malahide Cricket Club in the South as a higher standard. She is the only girl to score a hundred for Instonians Women's team", he added. 

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT ISLAMABAD (October 14, 2021):-The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) G-1 Taekwondo Championship will be taken place at Liquat Gymnasium, Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad from November 6 to 8 this year 2021. According to president, Pakistan Taekwondo Federation (PTF) Col (Retd) Mohammad Wasim Janjua, the preparations are underway for the mega international event, as around three 300 athletes will participate. Along with 2 national teams of Pakistan, provincial, departments, and services teams will also participate. International referees have been invited to supervise the matches. The last date of registration for international and national players is October 25.  Wasim further said that foreign teams have shown keen interest in being a part of the COAS G-1 event and all stakeholders including POA, PSB, Pakistan Army, and Taekwondo Federation are keen to see the success of the championship. Wasim Janjua said that Pakistan Taekwondo Federation would nominate international and national personalities as goodwill ambassadors for the event. President of South Asian Taekwondo Association and Honorary Vice President of PTF Omar Saeed said that hosting an international level event would help in highlighting the positive aspects of Pakistan in the field of sports and would send a positive message about Pakistan to the whole world.

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (October 14, 2021):-World No 59 Auguste Dussourd (France) set to meet World No 67 Moustafa El Sirty (Egypt) in the Men’s final of Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2021, as both players won their semifinals at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The final will be played on Friday at same venue. In the Men’s Event, 1st semifinal World No 59 Auguste Dussourd (France) beat World No 45 Tayyab Aslam (PAK) with a game score of 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 3-11 and 11-4 in 60 minutes. Later on, in the 2nd semifinal World No 67 Moustafa El Sirty from Egypt thrashed World No 71 Henry Leung from Hong Kong at 8-11, 11-7, 11-7 and 11-5 in 41 minutes. In, Women’s Event, 1st semifinal, World No 81 Salma El Tayab from Egypt beat World No 102 Fayrouz Aboelkheir (EGY) with a game score of 11-7, 7-11, 11-6 and 12-10.  The match lasted for 33 minutes.  In the 2nd semifinal, World No 69 Marie Stephan from France beat World No 149 Nadeen Kotb from Egypt by 11-7, 6-11, 11-9, 11-9 in 31 minutes. 

H Shah MANCHESTER (October 14, 2021):-A 14-strong squad has been selected for the Lions tour of Australia starting in November. The touring party will depart on the 4 November along with the Test specialists selected in the Ashes squad. Selection is subject to passing Lions minimum fitness standards, which will be administered over the coming weeks. Lions squad to tour Australia Tom Abell (Somerset), Josh Bohannon (Lancashire), James Bracey (Gloucestershire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Mason Crane (Hampshire), Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Alex Lees (Durham), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Liam Norwell (Warwickshire), Matt Parkinson (Lancashire), Dom Sibley (Warwickshire), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Rob Yates (Warwickshire) The squad includes four players, James Bracey, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes and Dom Sibley, who are capped at Test level Lancashire batter Josh Bohannon, Surrey wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the Warwickshire pair of seamer Liam Norwell and opening batter Rob Yates are new to the Lions set-up. The rest of the squad have had Lions experience in the past. Durham opener Alex Lees returns to the Lions for the first time in six years. The 28-year-old left-hander has been in excellent form in the LV= Insurance County Championship and will be looking to make an impression on this tour. The Lions will be in camp alongside the England Ashes squad and will play two intra-squad matches (1 x 3-day and 1 x 4-day matches) in Queensland. They will also take on Australia A in a four-day match. Dates and venues are still to be confirmed. The party will return home on 16 December. Coaching appointments will be announced in due course.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (October 13, 2021):-The third seeded player of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship 2021 downed top seed Tayyab Aslam 3-2 in the first semifinal and scattered the dreams of Tayyab Aslam and top officials of Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF) as well at Mushaf Squash Complex Islamabad on Thursday. The final score-line was 11-9, 11-7, 9-11, 3-11 and 11-4. World No. 59 French guy Auguste started the match with full confidence and claimed the first two games quite easily by conceding 9 and 7 points respectively in the first and second game. Local guy Tayyab, who had defeated Twan Lau of Hong Kong 3-1 after losing the first game at the same venue, could not make the finish in style. Although he played excellent squash in 3rd and 4th game to level the match, he was looking a bit upset in the vital game in which he could earn only four points. Auguste was looking cool and tactics were good to keep control on the final game with powerful strokes and classic drop shorts. He, who had confronted the same situation in the quarterfinal against Farhan Zaman in a five game affair, showed his power and aggression in the 5th game to reach in the final of a high ranking international squash showpiece that was pursuing prize money of US$30000.  

Ali Ahmed LAHORE (October 14, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board today provisionally suspended Zeeshan Malik of Northern Cricket Association under Article 4.7.1 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code, which means he cannot take part in any cricket-related activity pending the investigation being carried out by PCB's Anti-Corruption Unit. Article 4.7.1 read as: Where either: (a) the PCB decides to charge a Participant with an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code; or (b) the PCB considers that there are other exceptional circumstances relevant to a Participant (for example, where any relevant police authority has arrested and/or charged a Participant with an offence under any relevant criminal law in respect of facts or circumstances that may also constitute an offence under this Anti-Corruption Code), it shall have the discretion, in circumstances where it considers that the integrity of the sport could otherwise be seriously undermined, to Provisionally Suspend the Participant pending the Anti-Corruption Tribunal’s determination of whether he/she has committed an offence. Any decision to Provisionally Suspend the Participant will be communicated to the Participant in writing, with a copy sent at the same time to the ICC and, where applicable, the National Cricket Federation to which the Participant is affiliated.

BIPIN DANI Afghanistan cricket team will participate in the upcoming T-20 World Cup under the old national flag-banner, it is learnt. According to highly placed sources in Kabul and the UAE, it has been made clear to the officials of the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). Doubts were recently raised about the participation of the team in the World Cup following the Taliban taking over the charge of the nation. "Afghanistan's old national flag is being displayed in the Expo 2020, a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022", one of the sources confirmed from the UAE. The team is, however, likely to miss the first practice match against South Africa on 18th.  "Only eight Afghanistan players are in the UAE. The rest of the squad members, who were practicing in Qatar, could get late visas and arrive on Wednesday night/Thursday morning".   "As per the standard rule, they need to spend six-day quarantine before being allowed to practice and therefore the match may have to be skipped", the source aware of the development said. The authorities are in negotiations with the ICC and the Indian cricket board, it is learnt.    Andy Flower, the new batting consultant has already joined the squad in the UAE.