SPORT REPORT ISLAMABAD (July 8, 2020):-Pakistan men’s national cricket team have started their preparations for the Test and T20I series against England with a two-day inter-squad scenario-based practice match played on 5-6 July at Worcester. The team returned to training on 30 June after a gap of more than three months and captain Azhar Ali believes the scenario-based match will prove to be beneficial for the players to ready themselves for the all-important three ICC World Test Championship fixtures against England, which commence from 5 August at Old Trafford. “We are playing cricket after a long time and it is not going to be easy to start at full-strength,” Azhar told pcb.com.pk. “We have to go step-by-step and I am very happy that the boys utilised their practice time of four days well.” “No matter how much you practice, playing matches is always more beneficial. If you spend half of your practice’s time in scenario-based matches, it gives you a lot more confidence. Playing this scenario-based match was very important for us.” In what will be their third Test series in England in the last five years, Pakistan will take on the hosts in a three-match series. The first match will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, followed by the last two Tests at Ageas Bowl, Southampton, which start on 13 and 21 August. The Pakistan captain is optimistic that his players will be ready for the challenge when the series arrives. “Both batsmen and bowlers have adapted to the conditions. The wind was troubling the bowlers initially but they overcame it, which was heartening. Definitely, the players are going to need some time to adjust. Despite the break, they are in good shape which is a positive sign for us. “All the batsmen batted quite well especially Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Abid Ali seemed in total control, Shan Masood adapted well to the conditions and Mohammad Rizwan looked in good shape. “Mohammad Abbas is our experienced bowler and his presence is of advantage for us as he also keeps guiding the youngsters. He is someone who can be a very important member of the attack for us. Naseem Shah bowled very well in the scenario-based match. He will attain more control as he continues to bowl.” To prevent the proliferation of Covid-19, the International Cricket Council has introduced changes in its playing conditions which do not permit the bowlers from shining the ball with saliva and handing their sweater, cap or hat to the umpires while bowling. Azhar said that adjusting to the new regulations was a little difficult, but the practice games will help in the adaptation. “There are some areas where we have to adapt,” he said. “In this weather, it was only the fast bowlers who sweated so it was a challenge for us to shine the ball. But, that’s something which will change as the weather continues to get warm. The most challenging thing, however, was that the bowlers had to put their sweaters and caps outside the boundary rope because of which managing the over rate was getting a bit difficult. Especially, in Yasir Shah’s case he fields in the circle but had to go all the way to the boundary to put his things. But, I am comfortable that we will adapt to these changes as we still have a two-day and two four-day matches to play and they will help us.” Pakistan are currently under a 14-day quarantine period, following which they will travel to Derbyshire on 13 July.

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 7, 2020):-Former Supreme Court judge Mr Justice (retd) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, in his capacity as an independent adjudicator, will hear Umar Akmal’s appeal on 13 July at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore. Notices for the hearing have been issued to Umar Akmal and the PCB. The hearing was previously scheduled for 11 June but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19-enforced lockdowns in the city. On 27 April, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Mr Justice (retid) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, had banned Umar Akmal for three years after finding him guilty of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two separate incidents. The PCB will make no comment on the matter until Justice Khokhar has announced his decision.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (July 7, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday confirmed an updated schedule of its men’s national cricket team’s tour of England, which will comprise three Tests and as many T20Is. According to media department of PCB, the opening Test will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, from 5-9 August, which will be followed by back to back Tests at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, from 13-17 August and 21-25 August. The action will then return to Manchester as Old Trafford will be the venue for three T20Is, which will be played on 28 and 30 August, and 1 September. The side has been in Worcestershire since 29 June for their 14-day quarantine period during which they are training, practicing and playing scenario/intra-side matches. On 13 July, the side will travel to Derbyshire before arriving in Manchester on 1 August. The following is the training and match schedule, which is subject to any last-minute changes: 6-12 Jul – Practice, intra-squad matches and rest at New Road 13 Jul – Travel to Derbyshire 15-30 Jul – Practice, intra-squad matches and rest, The County Ground 1 Aug – Travel to Manchester 5-9 Aug – 1st Test, Old Trafford 10 Aug – Travel to Southampton 13-17 Aug – 2nd Test, Ageas Bowl 21-25 Aug – 3rd Test, Ageas Bowl 26 Aug – Travel to Manchester 28 Aug – 1st T20I, Old Trafford 30 Aug – 2nd T20I, Old Trafford 1 Sep – 3rd T20I, Old Trafford 2 Sep – Departure for Lahore  

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (July 4, 2020):-Islamabad Kabaddi Association (IKA) on Saturday elected its new office bearers for the term of next four years, as Mohammad Kamran Adil, Rao Mohammad Faisal and Haji Mohammad Sharif were unanimously elected as Chairman, President and General Secretary of IKA. House met at a local hotel that was also attended Secretary, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Rana Mohammad Sarwar while Mohammad Rizwan was present in the meeting as representative of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). On this occasion, Rao Faisal thanked the House to him elect unopposed President and assured the house that all possible steps would be taken for the promotion of Kabaddi in the federal capital. Names of office bearers: Mohammad Kamran Adil (Chairman), Rao Mohammad Faisal (President), Haji Mohammad Shareef (Secretary), Farhat Abbas Kazmi (Vice President), Chaudhary Mohammad Sultan (Treasurer), Arslan Bablo and Mohammad Shahid Iqbal (Members of Executive Committee).

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 3, 2020):-“The International Cricket Council (ICC) Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. At this time, we have not been presented with any evidence that supports the claims made or which would merit launching an investigation under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, “said ICC General Manager Alex Marshall in a statement.  “There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation. We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. “We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position. If anyone has any evidence that this match or any other has been subject to match-fixing, we would urge them to get in contact with the ICC Integrity team.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 2, 2020):-The eighth meeting of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council on Thursday held via teleconference. The following are the key outcomes: ·         The franchisees and the PCB reiterated their most preferred option remained the staging of the remaining four matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 in November. Having expressed that optimism, they acknowledged there were a number of moving pieces due to the Covid-19 pandemic and agreed to continue to review and monitor the situation internally before making recommendations to the Governing Council. ·         Based on an ongoing review of the league, the six franchises and PCB agreed a framework for greater collaboration to ensure the long-term growth of the PSL and to create financial sustainability.     ·         The Governing Council appreciated the PCB for setting up an independent Pakistan Super League department, which will be headed by PSL Project Executive Shoaib Naveed. The Franchises and PCB agreed to a framework of regular contact between the teams and the PSL Department, aiming to increase consultative dialogue on various operational and strategic matters relating to the league. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “Once again, it was an engaging and interesting Governing Council meeting with common interest being the wellbeing and future of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Of course, the future of the HBL PSL is critical to the PCB and the franchisees and, as such, there was a continued commitment to make it a bigger, better and stronger brand. “The PCB and the franchisees expressed determination that they will continue to work together to resolve all pending matters and ensure all parties continue to flourish and benefit from what is now one of biggest and most followed cricket leagues in the world.” Islamabad United’s owner Ali Naqvi: “The formation of a separate PSL Department is a much needed step. HBL PSL is Pakistan’s biggest brand and a dedicated team working on it year round will improve workings for all stakeholders involved in the league. We all saw what HBL PSL means to Pakistani fans this year with the entire season taking place here. There is immense potential for us to grow collectively and we are keen to work with PCB to ensure this growth." Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana: “A key aspect of our long-standing partnership with the PCB is regular consultations at the PSL Governing Council level. We engaged in very fruitful discussions today and we are aligned with the PCB in terms of tackling challenges together, and further elevating and promoting HBL PSL.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 1, 2020):-ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures at its helm. The ICC Board met today and agreed that Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson until a successor is elected. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “On behalf of the ICC Board and staff and the whole cricket family, I would like to thank Shashank for his leadership and everything he has done for the sport as ICC Chairman. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.” ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja added: “Everyone on the ICC Board extends their wholehearted thanks to Shashank for the commitment he has shown to our sport. There is no doubt that cricket owes Shashank a debt of gratitude for all he has done for the sport. He has left cricket and the ICC in a better place than he found it.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (July 1, 2020):-Following testing negative for Covid-19, the Pakistan men’s national cricket team has begun training in Worcester ahead of their three Tests and three T2oIs against England in August-September. The following is the side’s training schedule from Thursday 2nd July: 2 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions. 3 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions. 5-6 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will play a two-day inter-squad match, which will commence at 11am (local time). 7 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold a three-hour-long training session, which will commence at 2pm (local time). 8 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions. 9 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions. 10 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will have an optional training session from 10am-1pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions 11-12 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will play a two-day inter-squad match, which will commence at 10.30am (local time). 13 July: The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will travel to Derby.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (June 27, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Saturday confirmed 20 players and 11 player support personnel will travel on a chartered flight to Manchester on Sunday morning for a three-Test and three T20I series to be played in August and September. Upon arrival in Manchester, the squad will be transported to Worcestershire where they will undergo the England and Wales Cricket Board testing before completing their 14-day isolation period, during which they will be allowed to train and practice. The side will move to Derbyshire on 13 July. It is pertinent to mention that all 18 players and 11 player support personnel, who had tested negative for Covid-19 in the first round of tests on Monday, have again returned negative in Thursday’s retests. Besides the 29 members, tests of fast bowler Musa Khan and Pakistan U19 captain and wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, along with three other reserve players, were also conducted on Thursday and they have also returned negative. Names of players: Azhar Ali (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmad, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, and Yasir Shah. Zafar Gohar, the left-arm spinner who played an ODI in 2015, will join the side from England and will only be involved in pre-match preparations. Player support personnel – Mansoor Rana (manager), Misbah-ul-Haq (head coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Mushtaq Ahmed (spin bowling coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Talha Butt (team analyst), Yasir Malik (strength and conditioning coach), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Lt Col (Retd) Usman Riffat (security manager) and Raza Kitchlew (media and digital content manager). Cliffe Deacon and Waqar Younis will join the side directly from South Africa and Australia, respectively, while Shoaib Malik will be there July 24. Following advice from leading sports science experts and as per the UK government regulations, players who have tested positive during the PCB testing process will be unable to travel on Sunday. However, they will be sent to England as soon as their two tests return negative. Amongst the four reserves players, who were tested on Wednesday, only Imran Butt has tested positive, while the tests of Bilal Asif, Mohammad Nawaz and Musa Khan were negative. Out of the 10 players and one official, who had earlier tested positive during the PCB testing programme, six players have tested negative in the retests. They are: Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Shadab Khan and Wahab Riaz. Players who have again tested positive are: Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Kashif Bhatti and Imran Khan, along with Malang Ali (masseur). The six players who have now tested negative will undergo third round of testing at some stage next week and if their tests remain negative, then the PCB will make arrangements to send them to England. The five players and the masseur, who have are positive, have been advised by the PCB medical panel to observe strict quarantine to protect their families and friends from the contagion. As in the past, the PCB medical panel will provide them complete support and continue to monitor their progress. These players will undergo tests following the completion of the quarantine period and will be sent to England following two negative tests. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “This was a challenging and unprecedented process that we have conducted and I am pleased that following a second round of testing, we are able to confirm 20 players and 11 player support personnel will travel to Manchester on Sunday. “Due to the increasing number of national cases and availability of testing labs in some players’ hometowns, I think the PCB medical panel have done a good job to get us through this process. Based on the national spread of players, there were always going to be some logistical challenges; we have taken a number of learnings from the process that we will take forward with us. “With the Test series being played first in August, Misbah is satisfied with the group of players that are traveling on Sunday as the focus will be on red-ball preparation. Misbah understands that flexibility and adaptability will be needed with his training and practice schedule while operating under various guidelines.’ “I want to reassure the players and the official left behind that the PCB will provide them best support and look after them during the quarantine period. It needs to be remembered that these players were asymptomatic, which means their chances of regaining complete fitness are higher and brighter than most. As soon as these players test negative twice through the PCB testing process they will be flown to England to join the squad. “I am aware Mohammad Hafeez and Wahab Riaz took personal tests outside of our process prior to the second PCB testing. While their results came up negative, as per the PCB testing programme, they are deemed to have one negative test following a positive test. Therefore, once they are retested and receive a second negative result under the PCB testing programme, they will be available to join the squad in England. “Lastly, on behalf of the PCB, I want to once again urge the Pakistan cricket fans and followers to support the government in their fight against coronavirus by strictly following its instructions. Only through taking personal responsibility can we begin to eradicate this virus.”

SPORTS DESK ISLAMBAD (June 27, 2020):-Kosmos Tennis and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) have announced the 2020 Davis Cup by Rakuten Madrid Finals will be postponed until 2021. The Finals will now take place in Madrid in the week commencing 22 November 2021. The decision to postpone the event comes following a three-month review of the considerable logistical and regulatory challenges that have arisen as a result of the pandemic and all potential hosting scenarios with the health and safety of all involved of paramount importance. The Davis Cup Finals are the pinnacle of the largest men’s global team competition in tennis and were set to see the world’s best 18 national teams competing for the Davis Cup world championship title over one week in Madrid from 23 to 29 November 2020.  The event was due to host more than 90 athletes with significant support teams, as well as thousands of fans, officials, staff, partners and other stakeholders travelling from countries across the world, each at a different stage in dealing with the pandemic. The challenges in hosting a mass gathering of this size on an international scale at an indoor venue are considerable due to the pandemic, both in the current and the anticipated climate. Gerard Pique, Kosmos Tennis President said: “It’s a huge disappointment for all of us that the Davis Cup Finals will not be held in 2020. We don’t know how the situation will develop in each qualified nation, or if restrictions in Spain will remain sufficiently eased, as such it is impossible to predict the situation in November and guarantee the safety of those travelling to Madrid. This postponement has no long-term bearing on our collective ambitions for the Davis Cup. The ITF and Kosmos Tennis look forward to delivering an outstanding competition in 2021, when it is safe and feasible to do so.” David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “This is a tough decision to have to make, but delivering an international team event on this scale while guaranteeing the health and safety of all involved ultimately poses too great a risk. It is a complex undertaking and we have made the decision now to provide certainty for players, National Associations and fans. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Kosmos Tennis in order to deliver a fantastic competition next year”. Host partners, the City of Madrid and the Region of Madrid, have expressed their support for the decision to postpone until 2021. In addition, the ITF Board has announced that the 24 home-and-away World Group I and World Group II ties involving 48 national teams due to be played in September this year will be postponed until 2021, with ties to be played in either March or September. The 2020 regional Group III and IV events, in which 76 national teams are entered, are also postponed until 2021. The ITF will work with the hosts of these ties and events in order to ensure a safe environment in which they can be played next year.