SPORTS NEWS ST JOHN’S ANTIGUA (July 10, 2021):-Half-centuries by openers Javeria Rauf and Nahida Khan scripted a comfortable nine-wicket win for Pakistan Women ‘A’ over West Indies Women ‘A’ in the first 50-over fixture at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here on Saturday. The pair provided a solid 135-run start to dominate the 180-run chase before Nahida (58 off 85, seven fours) departed in the 28th over. However, Javeria returned unbeaten on a fluent 86 off 100 balls with 10 fours and a six. Kaynat Hafeez was the other not-out batter on 10 as the visitors romped to victory with 16 overs and nine wickets to spare. Javeria was the first to cross the 50-run mark as she cut off-spinner Mandy Mangru for a boundary in the 25th over. Nahida, the Quetta-born right-handed batter, recorded her half-century in the next over before the run-chase was briefly paused due to the passing shower with the tourists comfortably placed at 125 for no loss. Earlier, West Indies were restricted for 179 for eight in 50 overs as Maham Tariq (two for 34), Anam Amin (two for 29) and captain Rameen Shamim (two for 28) shared wickets between them. Rashada Williams and Shakibi Gajnabi recorded half-centuries with the former top-scoring with a 113-ball 70, which included six fours. Shakibi contributed 56. The second of the three 50-over matches between the two sides will be played on Tuesday, 13 July, at the Coolidge Cricket Ground. Scores in brief: West Indies Women ‘A’ 179-8, 50 overs (Rashada Williams 70, Shakibi Gajnabi 56; Rameen Shamim 2-28, Anam Amin 2-29, Maham Tariq 2-34) Pakistan Women ‘A’ 181-1, 34 overs (Javeria Rauf 86 not out, Nahida Khan 58, Kaynat Hafeez 10 not out)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (July 8, 2021):- Noor Zaman, Faraz Mohammad, Farhan Hashmi and Hamza Sharif reached into the semifinals of PSA Satellite Tournament after beating their respective opponents at Mushaf Squash Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. Semifinal and final will be played on Friday at same venue. Results (Round-I):- Noor Zaman beat Mohammad Ammad 11-7,12-10,11-4 (24 Min) Ahsan Ayaz beat Asad Ullah Khan 11-2, 11-7, 11-5 (30 Min) Faraz Mohammad beat Faizan Khan 11-9, 11-0, 11-9  (19 Min) Saeed Abdul beat Mohammad Azlan Khawar 11-9,12-10, 11-6 (25 Min) Farhan Hashmi beat Mutahir Ali Shah 7-11, 11-5, 11-9, 11-8 (27 Min) Hassaan Raza beat Fawad Hussain 11-1,11-3,11-3 (16 Min) Hamza Sharif beat Mohammad Ashab Irfan 10-12, 11-2, 12-10, 11-8 (50 Min) Naveed Rehman beat Ali Ud Din 11-5,11-7,11-4 (17 Min) Results (Quarterfinals):- Noor Zaman beat Ahsan Ayaz 12-10, 8-11, 11-4, 4-11, 11-5 (60 Min) Faraz Mohammad beat Saeed Abdul 11-4, 11-4,  11-6  (20 Min) Farhan Hashmi beat Hassan Raza 11-8,9-11,11-2,11-7 (42 Min) Hamza Sharif beat Naveed Rehman 11-7, 11-6, 7-11, 11-5 (31 Min).    

SPORTS NEWS Lausanne, Switzerland (July 8, 2021):- The Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed Spain as the host country for the inaugural FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup which will take place in Valencia from 10 to 17 December 2022. By doing so, the EB has followed the recommendation of the Task Force Events Bidding, which comprises of EB Members of all five Continental Federations. The aim of this new yearly event is to offer a top-level competition to the best-ranked teams not participating in the FIH Hockey Pro League and give the winning team the option to be promoted to the FIH Hockey Pro League the next season, precisely. Therefore, the FIH Hockey Nations Cup marks the start of the promotion-relegation principle for the FIH Hockey Pro League, with the winning team of the first FIH Hockey Nations Cup having the chance to be promoted to the 2023/24 FIH Hockey Pro League (provided they meet the necessary requirements for it). The following eight teams will participate in the very first edition, having qualified based on their position in the FIH World Rankings of 31 May 2021: Spain, Canada, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea and South Africa. FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “On behalf of FIH, I’d like to thank wholeheartedly the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation for hosting this inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup, a new competition in our portfolio which will bring further excitement to our sport. Nothing less than a place within the FIH Hockey Pro League is at stake. This promises to generate great and hard-fought matches between excellent teams! That is really good for the growth of our sport worldwide.” “We are very happy that the FIH has given us the organization of the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup. Another great women's hockey event that we will be able to organize in our country. We are proud to be the chosen ones and we are very grateful. It is an opportunity for the women's team to qualify for the FIH Hockey Pro League and, like the men's team, play this great hockey competition", said Santiago Deó, President of the Royal Spanish Hockey Federation.

SPORTS NEWS CARDIFF (July  8, 2021):-Haris Sohail has been ruled out from the tour of England due to a hamstring injury. The MRI conducted here on Wednesday revealed a grade three tear injury, which he had picked up during a training session in Derby last week. The PCB medical panel has advised the left-handed middle-order batsman to undergo a four-week rehabilitation programme before a reassessment is carried out. Haris, who was selected for the ODIs only, will return to Pakistan to undergo the rehabilitation programme at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. Haris Sohail: “I was keenly looking forward to the ODIs as part of my objective to contribute in the side’s success and also cement my position in the side. In this background, I am disappointed that my tour has been cut-short, but I will return to Lahore and undergo a rehabilitation programme so that I can fully recover for the 2021-22 season.” A three-match ODI series between Pakistan and England will commence later today, which will be followed by three T20Is on 16, 18 and 20 July. The side will depart for the West Indies on 21 July were they will play five T20Is and two Tests from 27 July to 24 August.

SPORTS NEWS SAINT JOHN’S (July 7, 2021):-Stafanie Taylor’s undefeated 105 off 116 scripted a five-wicket win for West Indies Women against Pakistan Women in the first of the five One-Day Internationals at Coolidge Cricket Ground. The West Indies captain smashed 11 fours and two sixes in what was her maiden century against Pakistan and sixth overall. Player of the match Taylor had walked in the middle in the 12th over after Nida Dar, who scored her third half-century in the ongoing year earlier in the day, dismissed Hayley Matthews in a wicket maiden. The right-handed batter struck 33-run partnership with Kycia Knight, who was sent back to the pavilion by left-arm orthodox Sadia Iqbal in another wicket maiden, before a 46-run stand with Deandra Dottin (nine off 17) in which Taylor played the leading role. Chedean Nation provided her captain the desired support with a 39-ball 23, before Britney Cooper smashed three boundaries in her 17 not out off 21 to help West Indies cross the line with 13 balls spare. Sadia was the standout bowler for Pakistan with two for 47. Her 10 overs included two maidens. Diana Baig (one for 34), Nida (one for 34) and Omaima Sohail (none for 11) bowled under the economy rate of four. Nida completed her quote of 10 overs – which included two maidens. Diana and Omaima bowled 8.5 and three overs, with the former also delivering a maiden. Pakistan rode to 205 for nine after Stafanie Taylor opted to bowl after winning the toss, thanks to Nida Dar’s 55 off 71. The all-rounder stitched crucial partnerships of 22 and 32 with Omaima Sohail and Aliya Riaz, respectively, to rescue her side from 99 for three. The right-handed batter struck four fours and a six over long-on in her career’s seventh half-century. Pakistan were provided a solid 70-run opening partnership by Muneeba Ali, who recorded her highest score at this level by hitting 51-ball 36, and Ayesha Zafar, who fell four runs short of what would have been her fourth half-century in ODIs. Ayesha smashed six fours in her 70-ball 46 before she was dismissed by Taylor. The West Indies captain took three wickets for 29 runs from 10 overs. Her other two wickets were Aliya (12 off 30) and Sidra Nawaz (three off five). Anisa Mohammed’s off-spin was instrumental in providing the hosts breakthroughs at the crucial junctures. She trapped Javeria Khan (five off 15) in front of stumps, before Omaima (15 off 28) holed out to deep mid-wicket. Shamilia Connell and Shakera Selman picked up a wicket each. Scores in brief: West Indies Women beat Pakistan Women by five wickets Pakistan Women 205-9, 50 overs (Nida Dar 55, Ayesha Zafar 46, Muneeba Ali 36; Stafanie Taylor 3-29, Anisa Mohammed 2-31) West Indies Women 209-5, 47.5 overs (Stafanie Taylor 105 not out, Chedean Nation 23; Sadia Iqbal 2-47) Player of the match – Stafanie Taylor (West Indies Women).

SPORTS NEWS CARDIFF (July 7, 2021):-Babar Azam-led Pakistan men’s cricket team can replace England at the top of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League by winning the three-match ODI series starting from tomorrow 8 July at Sophia Gardens Cardiff. The second ODI will be played on 10 July at Lord’s while third and final ODI of the series will be played on 13 July at Edgbaston. The three-match series is a part of ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League where England is leading with 65 points from 12 matches, England have won six matches and lost five while one match was abandoned due to rain. Bangladesh are on second position with five wins and four losses from nine matches has and have 50 points. Pakistan, who has won four matches (two each against Zimbabwe and South Africa) and lost two from six matches are on third position with 40 points. In the forthcoming three-match series, the winning team will earn 10 points for each win. If Pakistan win all three matches they will gain 30 points and will rise to the top position with 70 points at the end of the series. Meanwhile, if England win any of three-match series, they will further consolidate their position at the top spot. Pakistan will also be aiming to improve their record of playing against England at their own backyard. Since their inaugural ODI series in England in 1974, Pakistan have lost nine out of the 11 series with their only series win coming in the 1974 series. England on the other hand have won nine series, one series ended in a draw. Babar, who is the number one ranked batsman in the ICC ODI rankings will be eager to maintain his top position. Babar is third on the run scorers list in the ICC Super League matches. The right-handed batter has scored 449 runs at 89.80 in the six ICC Super League matches with the help of two centuries and as many half-centuries at a strike rate of 102.98. Pakistan players to watch out for: Besides Babar, Fakhar Zaman has played four ICC Super League matches. The left-hander has scored 304 runs at 76 with two hundreds to his name. He enjoys a strike rate of 111.35 and has hit 28 fours and 13 sixes. Fakhar will be eyeing to score big in the three-match series and playing a pivotal role for the Pakistan team. Fakhar’s opening partner Imam-ul-Haq is another player who enjoys playing in England. In 12 ODIs in England, Imam has scored 539 at 53.90 with two centuries and one half-centuries. His career best 151 off 131 was also scored against England at County Ground in Bristol in 2019. The left-handed batsman has featured in six matches of the ICC Super League scoring 243 runs at 40.50. He has a strike rate of 80.46 with three half-centuries to his name. Imam also holds the record for youngest Pakistani to score a World Cup hundred – 100 off 100 against Bangladesh at Lord’s in 2019. Mohammad Rizwan, wicketkeeper-batsman who recently helped his side Multan Sultans to their maiden HBL Pakistan Super League title will be looking to transform his form in the ODI cricket. Since 1 May 2020, the wicketkeeper-batsman has featured in 33 international matches across all formats, scoring a staggering 1320 runs at 50.76, with two hundreds and 11 half-centuries. Rizwan’s run-tally in the ongoing year is only 12 runs behind his captain Babar who has scored 1332 runs at 45.93 from 29 international matches. Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the bowling department, the left-arm pacer has 11 wickets to his name from six ICC Super League matches. His best figures of five for 49 came against Zimbabwe at Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi last year which helped his side to a 26-run win. The fast bowler like Imam enjoys playing in England. He has his career best figures of six for 35 against Bangladesh at Lord’s in ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. Hasan Ali is another fast bowler the tourists will be relying on to make an impact in the series. The right-arm pacer has made a remarkable comeback in the national team. Hasan has featured in 11 international matches this year where he has taken 40 wickets with four five wickets in an innings and one ten-wicket haul in a match. He is also the top wicket-taker in this year with India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on second spot with 38 wickets.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (July 6, 2021)-Pakistan Badminton Federation (PBF) on Tuesday banned top national player Murad Ali for two years, as he had leveled the allegations against the federation in different media statements. The decision of two-year ban was taken in a meeting of the Executive Committee of PBF that was taken place today (Tuesday) at Pakistan Olympic House Lahore. On this occasion, the House congratulated Mahoor Shahzad for becoming the first Pakistani female athlete to participate in the Badminton at Olympic Games. The members applauded the hard work of Mahoor and her parents and expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the Pakistan Olympic Association and World Badminton and Badminton Asia. The members reiterating the decisions of PBF in supporting Mahoor Shahzad as the most talented female badminton player of Pakistan cited as a progress in the right direction. The members also congratulated Nisar Shahwani and Wajid Ali Chaudhry for taking all the necessary measures. The members considered the statements of Palwasha Bashir and Murad Ali in regarding the inclusion of Mahoor’s Olympic slot. The house noting the ranking lists found that both Palwasha and Murad Ali have faked their titles, misrepresented, leveled baseless allegations and attempted to degrade the efforts of athletes and the PBF through national and social media. The members reiterated that while PBF is ready to extend all support to the athletes, any campaign maligning the Federation, athletes and officials is unacceptable. The Executive Committee reviewing the previous proceedings and undertakings of Murad Ali decided to impose a ban on Murad Ali from participating in any badminton event for two years concluding on 06th July, 2023. He may opt to file an appeal against the decision before the General Council of Pakistan Badminton Federation. The Executive Committee decided to refer the case of Palwasha to the Disciplinary Committee that shall initiate an inquiry against her and submit its report within a month and by inviting Palwasha to represent and clarify her position.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 6, 2021):-England Men announce new squad for Royal London Series against Pakistan England Men have named an 18-strong group for the Royal London Series against Pakistan. The announcement comes after the news that three members of the initial playing group and four members of the management staff had tested positive for COVID-19, and consequently the entire squad initially selected was required to isolate. Ben Stokes will return to the squad to captain the side and Chris Silverwood, who had been due to take some time away during the white-ball series, is back as Head Coach. In total, there are nine uncapped players in the squad. Managing Director of England Men's Cricket, Ashley Giles, said: "It's a great opportunity to play on the biggest stage, and for most of the players selected it's not necessarily something they would have been expecting 24 hours ago. "It's an exciting group of players, with some young talent and some players who have impressed at domestic level over a long period of time. "We're in unprecedented territory, in terms of replacing an entire squad and management team, and I'm very proud of how everyone has come together in order to get it done - both those within the ECB and from the county game. "Ben hasn't captained our ODI side before so it's a huge honour for him. We all wish him well and it's a role I'm sure he'll thrive in. "I'd like to also put on record the thanks of the ECB to the PCB for their support and understanding during this time." Names of players: Ben Stokes (Durham, captain) Jake Ball (Nottinghamshire) Danny Briggs (Warwickshire) Brydon Carse (Durham) Zak Crawley (Kent) Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire) Lewis Gregory (Somerset) Tom Helm (Middlesex) Will Jacks (Surrey) Dan Lawrence (Essex) Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire) Dawid Malan (Yorkshire) Craig Overton (Somerset) Matt Parkinson (Lancashire) David Payne (Gloucestershire) Phil Salt (Sussex) John Simpson (Middlesex) James Vince (Hampshire)

SPORTS REPORT LAHORE (July 6, 2021):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has a in close contact with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) regarding concerns about the health and safety of its players since the news of Covid-19 outbreak in the England camp was shared with it on late Monday evening. According to the media department PCB, Pakistan Cricket Board is satisfied by the assurances and guarantees provided by the ECB on the behalf of its medical panel, and feels comfortable with the existing protocols that have been put in place to ensure all the Pakistan players and player support staff remain safe and secure throughout the duration of the series, which commences on Thursday, 8 July, in Cardiff. The PCB has also been in touch with its team management and has advised them to exercise extra caution while in the hotel or at the match venue.

SPORTS NEWS Lausanne, Switzerland: Upon recommendation from the Task Force Events Bidding (comprising of EB Members of all five Continental Federations), the Executive Board (EB) of the International Hockey Federation (FIH) has appointed Malaysia as the host country for the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup and Chile for the 2023 FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup. The matches will be played in Kuala Lumpur and Santiago, respectively. The FIH Junior Hockey World Cup is the flagship event for under-21 players and involves 32 of the world’s best national teams (16 Men's and 16 Women's teams). FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: “The FIH Hockey Junior World Cup is the perfect platform for young players to unleash their skills onto the international hockey scene. It’s a stepping stone for athletes in their development to senior international hockey. Our thanks go to Malaysia and Chile. We’re privileged to rely on these experienced host countries and we’re looking forward to magnificent FIH Hockey Junior World Cups in 2 years time!”. "While hosting a tournament is always a big responsibility, in Chile we have always seen it also as a development opportunity to showcase world-class Hockey at the highest level at home in front of our fans, sponsors and media. Bringing Hockey's global finest athletes to Chile will surely become an inspiration for many more young boys and girls to start trying hockey as their sport, making hockey actually bigger in Chile and our region of the Americas”, said Walter Krämer, President of the Chile Hockey Federation. “The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) is thrilled to have won the bid to host the 2023 FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup tournament. For Malaysia and this region in particular, the Junior World Cup will be a catalyst for the growth and development of the sport amongst youngsters. Over the next two years, MHC will invest in the necessary resources and work closely with all relevant parties including the Government of Malaysia, FIH and various stakeholders to ensure the event is an overwhelming success”, said Dato Seri Subahan Kamal, President of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation.