SB News KARACHI (February 13, 2020):-Sindh and Khyber Pakhtoon Kawa (KPK) have won their match in the Blind Cricket Super League One Day Tournament at two different venues of Karachi City. Islamabad Vs KPK: (Venue: Rashid Latif Cricket Academy, Karachi) Islamabad won the toss and decided to bat first. Riding on the tons of Mohammad Safdar 112 off 61 balls featuring 13 (4’s) and 1 six and Mohammad Rashid’s 103 off 56 balls with the help of 17 boundaries, Islamabad made mammoth 440 for 7 runs. Anees Javed also played exceptionally well for his 95 runs off 60 balls, missed his century just by mere 5 runs. For KPK Riasat Khan took 2 wickets while Matiullah, Abdul Rasheed, Mohammad Akram and Mohammad Ali claimed a wicket a piece. The target of 441 runs, apparently an unsurmountable task, made easy by the veterans Mohammad Akram and Tahir Ali. Mohammad Akram played another gem of an innings, he got out after scoring 211 runs off 93 balls featuring 37 boundaries. Tahir Ali kept his head cool after the departure of Mohammad Akam and took his team home with unbeaten 78 runs. KPK chased the target in 37.4 overs for the loss of 6 wickets. Ahtesham, Safdar, Idrees and Kamran shared a wicket each. Result: KPK won by 4 wickets Man of the Match: Mohammad Akram ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Balochistan Vs Sindh (Venue: PAF Faisal Airbase Ground) Event’s 8th match was played between Balochistan and Sindh. Sindh outplayed rocking Balochistan by 78 runs. Sindh batted first after winning toss and made huge total of 428 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in 40 overs. Sanauallah played an incredible knock of unbeaten 235 runs off 132 balls, he hit 29 boundaries and 3 big sixes. Two double centuries were scored today, each in both matches. Sanauallah became the first to score double ton in this event. For Sindh the 2nd highest scorer was Shahzaib Hyder, he made 52 runs not out. Sajid Nawaz was the only successful bowler for Balochistan, he took 2 wickets. Balochitsan in reply lost early wickets, Akmal Hayyat, Badar Munir and Sajid Nawaz fell cheaply. Shahzaib Hayder with deadly bowling ran through the batting order of Balochistan, he took 4 wickets. Balochistan was in deep trouble as half of their side was sent back to pavilion at the score of 73 runs. Thereafter, Mohammad Usman and Mohammad Arsalan rescued the sinking ship and together knitted 233 runs partnership for 6th wicket, but wasn’t enough to reach the uphill target. Mohammad Usman made 129 runs off 81 balls and Mohammad Arsalan scored unbeaten 89 runs. Balochistan made 350 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in 40 overs. Result: Sindh won by 78 runs        Man of the Match: Sanaullah

Salman Khan LAHORE (February 13, 2020):-As expected Pakistan outplayed comparatively inexperienced Australian kabaddi team by 62-25 in a Pool ‘B’ match and booked a place in the semifinal on the 5th day of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad on Thursday. In Pool ‘A’, India grabbed the top spot by defeating Iran by 50-39 and confirmed their place in the last 4 stage of Kabaddi World Cup. Iran and Australia are the other two teams who reached the semifinals from Pool A and B respectively. Pakistan chose to raid first after winning the toss against Australia. Pakistan raiders skipper Irfan Mana, Lala Obaidullah, KaleemullahJatt, Bilal Mohsin Dhillon were in best form and scored valuable points against Australia. On the other hand, Pakistan stoppers Musharraf Janjua, Shani Basra and Zafar Iqbal and their teammates exhibited similar form during the comfortable victory of their team. Pakistan captain Irfan Mana and Bilal Mohsin Dhillon shared the award of best raider whereas Shani Basra was named as top stopper of Kabaddi World Cup match against Australia. Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Sports Malik Umer Farooq and Director General Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh, President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Ch Shafay Hussain distributed prizes among the top performers. Secretary PKF Rana Sarwar, Deputy Commissioner Faisalabad Muhammad Ali and CPO Muhammad Sohail Ch were also present on this occasion. The fifth day action was witnessed by a large number of kabaddi lovers. Earlier, after winning the toss, defending champions India maintained their supremacy against strong Iran team winning a tense clash by 50-39. Players from both the sides exhibited top class kabaddi during the tough contest. In the first half, Iranian players managed to carry their points parallel to India at 26-23, however, India widened the points gap in the second half and ultimately won the mach by 50-39. India’s Deepak Kashi, Navjot Singh Jota, Vinay Khatri and ArshJhola remained prominent performers for the victorious team while MesalQamri, Mustafa Saadqi and Ameer Muhammadi accumulated valuable points for their team. India’s Vinay Khatri and ArshJhola were adjudged best raider and stopper respectively against Iran. It is pertinent to mention here that players of both the teams competed without shirts in the second half following a controversy. The jury ordered the players to play match without shirts on the request of Iranian players. Though Sierra Leone won the toss against Germany but they lost their match badly by 43-14. Strong German team dominated their opponents in both raiding and stopping departments throughout the match. Germany’s Manpreet Singh and Kuldeep Singh were the best raider and best stopper of this one-sided match. Advisor to Chief Minister Punjab on Sports Malik Umer Farooq and DG Sports Punjab Adnan Arshad Aulakh distributed prizes among best players of the matches. Schedule of Feb 14 matches: Two more Kabaddi World Cup matches will be played at Zahoor Elahi Stadium in Gujrat on Feb 14, 2020. Pakistan will face Azerbaijan in the first match at 2.30pm while the second match will be played between India and England at 3.45pm on the 6th day activity of grand kabaddi event.   Kabaddi World Cup points table Pool A Teams             P          W         L          Pts India                3          3          -           6 Iran                  4          3          1          6 Germany         4          2          2          4 England           3          1          2          2 Sierra Leone    4          -           4          0 Pool B Pakistan           2          2          -           4 Australia          3          2          1          4 Canada            3          1          2          2 Azerbaijan       2          -           2          0.   

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 13, 2020):-The Tajammul & Dilawar Abbas Memorial ITF Pakistan Junior Tennis Tournament will commence from February 17 at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad under the banner of Islamabad Tennis Association (ITA). According to Tournament Director Mohammad Khalil Chughtai, the international tournament is being organized and sponsored by family of Late Syed Dilawar Abbas and partially sponsored by Fatima Group and Priority Group of companies.  All the arrangements have been finalized, as the sing-in for the qualifying event will start on Friday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Dilawar Abbas PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad. All the participating players and on-site alternate personally sign-in with the Referee. The qualifying matches will be played on 15th Feb (Saturday) and 16th Feb (Sunday), whereas the Main Round will start on Monday February 17, 2020 at same venue. International players from 15 countries Azerbaijan, Japan, Hong Kong, Australia, Russia, Turkey, Chinese Taipei, Kuwait, Korea Great Britain, Nepal, Tunisia, Kazakhstan, United States of America (USA), Malaysia and host Pakistan have confirmed their participation. It will be a great opportunity for our upcoming national players to display their skills and earn valuable ITF Ranking Points, which will help them to play International tennis at home and abroad.

Ayaz Raza Afridi PESHAWAR (February 13, 2020):-Although, Test Cricketer from Khyber Pakhtoon Kawa (KPK) Naseem Shah achieved a great mark in the history of cricket by getting hat-Trick at Pindi Cricket Stadium while another guy from same region Waqas-ur-Rehman, an 18 years old journalist, made a history after covering  International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup Championship matches at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi. A young journalist associated to Radio Tazeeb Waqas-ur-Rehman covered a test match between Pakistan and Bangladesh for the Radio Tazeeb, at the age of 18 years and 2 months and the match was held at Rawalpindi stadium from February 7 to 11, 2020. Waqas said that it was not just a test match but it was a Test Championship and it had great importance. ”I am very lucky that I am covering an International Sports event at the age of 18. He said that he really enjoyed by doing work with the seniors and ideal journalists. On the other side the President of Khybar Pakhtoon Khawa Sports Writers Association and the sports journalist Ijaz Ahmad Daudzai claimed that it was an honor and it will be useful for Waqas to cover this match. He said that as a player feels honored by playing cricket for himself as it is same for a journalist to cover a big event. He was optimistic for the youngest journalist that he would continue sports journalism. General Secretary of KPK Radio Broadcasting Foram named Afsar Afghan claimed that sports journalism is such a difficult beat and especially coverage of a test match is quite difficult. He added more that “by covering of this teat match the youngest journalist waqas has proved that nothing is difficult in the world”. It is very being appreciated to cover the match for the radio and make people informed, also thanked to the Radio Tazeeb to give opportunity to a youngster, the secretary concluded.        

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 12, 2020)- The Prize distribution ceremony of 4th Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Karakoram International Alpine Ski Cup, 3rd Malam Jabba International Alpine Ski Cup and 27th National Ski Championship held at Serena Hotel Islamabad. President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi graced the occasion as chief guest. Air Marshal Ahmer Shehzad, Vice Chief of the Air Staff, who is also President Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan was also present at the occasion. Aziz Bolani, CEO Serena Hotels, ambassadors, high ranking defence & civil officials also attended the ceremony. Speaking at the occasion, the President thanked the international players for their participation in these events and hoped that they would take along cherished memories of Pakistan’s magnificent beauty and traditional hospitality. He urged the foreign players to act as the ambassadors of Pakistan and portray the true picture of this land of wonders in their respective countries. He lauded the efforts of Pakistan Air Force and Winter Sports Federation of Pakistan in the promotion of winter sports in the country and added that it would not only help in finding new talent but also promote tourism industry in the country. The chief guest awarded souvenirs to the winning players. 36 International Skiers along with Pakistani skiers participated in both men and women categories of these events.

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 12, 2020):-Five changes have been made in the Pakistan Shaheens’ line-up for a 50-over contest against Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) at Aitchison College on 16 February after HBL PSL franchises called-up players for the preparations in the lead up to the tournament. Ehsan Adil, Imran Butt, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Asghar and Sajid Khan will replace Akif Javed, Haider Ali, Mohammad Mohsin, Saif Badar and Umar Khan respectively in the 12-player squad which will be captained by Saud Shakeel. The replacements have been made on the basis of performances in the domestic events with an aim of providing exposure and opportunities to top performers of the domestic events. Pacer Ehsan Adil took 18 wickets in nine first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 matches at an average of 32.67 for Central Punjab, the eventual winners of the tournament. With 934 runs in nine matches, 24-year-old Imran Butt was the highest run getter in the same tournament.   Mohammad Irfan Khan, a 17-year-old batsman, has been in the Pakistan U19 set-up since Pakistan’s tour of South Africa in June last year. He donned the national colours in the ACC U19 Asia Cup in September 2019 and during the recently-concluded ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa. In the domestic circuit, the right-hander made 475 runs in 10 three-day non first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy contests at an average of 47.50. For their outstanding run with the ball in the first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 21-year-old Mohammad Asghar (27 wickets in eight matches) and 26-year-old Sajid Khan (25 wickets in six matches) have also been drafted in the 12-member line-up. Asghar and Sajid, the two spinners, were at the fourth and fifth spots in the list of highest wicket-takers that tournament. Meanwhile, Northern, who play a T20 match against the MCC at the same venue on 17 February, have also made a change in their line-up for similar reasons. Musa Khan, who graduated to the highest level by making his Test debut Down Under in Novermber last year, has been replaced with Munir Riaz, who took 14 wickets in six matches in the National U19 Three-Day Tournament 2019-20. Updated squads: Pakistan Shaheens Saud Shakeel (captain) (Sindh) Ehsan Adil (Central Punjab) Hassan Mohsin (Sindh) Imran Butt (Balochistan) Imran Rafiq (Southern Punjab) Mohammad Irfan Khan (Central Punjab Second XI) Mohammad Asghar (Balochistan) Omair Bin Yousaf (Sindh) Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Northern) Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Zeeshan Malik (Northern) Northern Rohail Nazir (captain, wicketkeeper) Faizan Riaz (vice-captain) Ali Imran Haider Ali Mubashir Khan (Northern U19) Munir Riaz (Northern U19) Nuaman Ali Sarmad Bhatti Shahzad Azam Shiraz Khan (Northern U19) Zaid Alam Zeeshan Malik  

LAHORE (PR):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB on Wednesday concluded its proceedings into an alleged misconduct involving Umar Akmal during a fitness test. After listening to all the parties involved, it was established that the incident happened due to a misunderstanding. After Umar Akmal offered his regrets for his actions, the PCB reprimanded him and also reminded him of his responsibilities as a senior cricketer. The matter is now closed. The PCB and Umar Akmal will offer no further comments.  

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its grief and sorrow over the passing of former Test batsman Waqar Hasan in Karachi this morning. He was 87. Waqar, born in Amritsar on 12 September 1932, was the last surviving member of the Pakistan’s first-ever Test side that played against India in New Delhi in October 1952. On that tour, Waqar had scores of eight, five (in New Delhi), 23 (in Lucknow), 81, 65 (in Mumbai), 49 (in Chennai) and 29 and 97 (in Kolkata). He was also the member of the Pakistan side which recorded a historic win over England at The Oval in 1954 by 24 runs. As an attractive batsman, Waqar ended his 21-Test career in 1959 after scoring 1,071 runs. His only century (189) came against New Zealand at Bagh-e-Jinnah in Lahore in October 1955. His 189 was then a Pakistan record, which was broken next day by Imtiaz Ahmed, who scored 209 as the two batsmen put on 308 for the seventh wicket - a Pakistan record. Following retirement, Waqar continued to serve Pakistan cricket in various administrative roles, including chair of the national selection committee in 1982-83. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “It is a sad day for Pakistan cricket as today we have lost our last hero who put us on the world cricket map in 1952. He was from that elite group cricketers that laid the foundation of what turned into a proud cricket nation. “I had the privilege of knowing him personally and I have nothing but utmost respect for Waqar. “Waqar was not only an outstanding cricketer but a thorough gentleman who set very high standards. He was an articulate and smart cricket administrator who contributed in Pakistan with his wisdom and progressive approach and vision. “On behalf of the PCB, I offer my deepest condolences to Waqar Hasan’s family and friends, and assure them that Waqar will always be remembered for the immense contribution he made to Pakistan cricket.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (February 11, 2020):-Belgium’s Vincent Vanasch has been named as the 2019 FIH Men's Goalkeeper of the Year, the International Hockey Federation (FIH) can reveal. The Red Lions shot-stopper took the prize ahead of Australia’s Tyler Lovell and Victor Aly of Germany, who finished second and third respectively. Vincent Vanasch has made history as the first goalkeeper, who claimed three consecutive times FIH Goalkeeper of the Year awards. In winning the title for the third time, the Belgium goalkeeper has cemented his reputation as the best ‘keeper in the world at the moment. At 33-years of age, Vanasch remains at the top of his game and, if selected, will be looking to compete in his third Olympic Games later this year. With more than 230 international caps to his name, Vanasch has been with the Belgium squad throughout their exciting journey over the past eight years. From a fifth-place finish at the London 2012 Olympics to silver at Rio 2016. The Red Lions were crowned World Cup winners in 2018 and took over top spot in the FIH World Rankings in December 2018. The success continued throughout 2019 for both Belgium and Vanasch. The team finished in second place in the FIH Pro League, behind Australia, before they stormed to victory in front of an exuberant home crowd at the Belfius EuroHockey Championships. Vanasch was voted Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the end of that triumphant event. The first-place finished, which came courtesy of a dominant 5-0 win over Spain in the final - sealed Belgium’s spot at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. In a move that underlines Vanasch’s determination to keep setting himself new targets, Vanasch has recently moved clubs from Waterloo Ducks to Rott-Weiss Cologne. Praise for the Belgium ‘keeper’s approach to his craft comes from his club coach André Henning: “Vincent’s achievements and success speak for themselves. His sober nature, his hard work, his extremely high will to win and his enthusiasm for work make us all enthusiastic.” Vote results: 1st place: Vincent Vanasch (BEL) 39.3% of all National Association votes 28.6% of all Media votes 40.8% of all Fans / Players votes 37% of all combined votes 2nd place: Tyler Lovell (AUS) 16.7% of the National Associations votes 55.8% of the Media votes 17.3% of the Fans / Players votes 26.6% of all combined votes 3rd place: Victor Aly (GER) 18.2% of the National Associations votes 3.9% of the Media votes 12.4% of the Fans / Players votes 13.2% of all combined votes

Salman Khan LAHORE (February  11, 2020):- Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti has said that matches of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 have been organized quite successfully on the first three days at Punjab Stadium; he was talking with media personnel at the Punjab Stadium media box on Tuesday. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti and President Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Ch Shafay Hussain and a large number of kabaddi lovers witnessed exciting kabaddi matches. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said: “By holding Kabaddi World Cup, we have promoted Pakistan’s soft image to international community that Pakistan is a peaceful country. “Holding grand Kabaddi World Cup is a clear message for India and rest of the world that Pakistani people are sports loving. Punjab govt has made best security arrangements for all guest teams during their stay in Pakistan”. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti further said that security situation has been excellent due to wonderful coordination of our law enforcing departments. “The kabbadi lovers have fully enjoyed the thrilling matches of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 in Lahore and we are quite upbeat to witness similar exciting kabaddi clashes among best kabaddi players of the world in Faisalabad and Gujrat”. Punjab Minister for Sports, Youth Affairs and Tourism Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti informed that after three days’ matches in Lahore, the participating teams will travel to Faisalabad on Feb 12, 2020 and then Gujrat for three days. “After completing their Faisalabad and Gujrat matches, the teams will return to Lahore for semifinal and final matches on Feb 15 and 16, 2020”. Australia trounced Azerbaijan by 53-24 in the first match on the third day of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 while Germany emerged winner in the second match 49-28 against England. India toppled Sierra Leone by 45-18 in the third and last match of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 on Tuesday. It is pertinent mention here that Kabaddi World Cup 2020 is being organized jointly by Punjab govt, Sports Board Punjab and Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) at three cities of Punjab Lahore, Faisalabad and Gujrat from February 9 to 16, 2020. Three more matches will be played on the 4th day of Kabaddi World Cup 2020 on Wednesday in Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. Canada will face Azerbaijan in the first match at 1.30pm while the second match will be played between Iran and Germany at 2.45pm. Inexperienced Sierra Leone will meet strong England kabaddi team in the third match of the day at 4.00pm.