Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin ReportTAXILA : National Cricket Club Hazro have won the final of the All Pakistan T20 Cricket Tournament. In the final, the tournament's hot favorite team, Al-Faisal Cricket Club Attock, faced a tough and thrilling match and was defeated by 6 runs. Shahzaib from the champion team was declared the Player of the Match.The final of the All Pakistan T20 Cricket Tournament (APL Season 9) was played between Al-Faisal Cricket Club Attock and National Cricket Club Hazro at Attock Cricket Stadium (PCB Attock). Batting first, National Cricket Club scored 179 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Shahzaib played a highly responsible innings, scoring 76 runs and remained not out. Abbas scored 35, Nabi Gul made 17, and Shahab contributed 16 runs.From Al-Faisal Cricket Club, Rana Fasih bowled impressively, taking 2 wickets for just 23 runs in his 4 overs. Al-Faisal Cricket Club made a strong attempt to chase the target. Usman's half-century could not turn the game in their favor—he scored 56 runs off just 28 balls. Rana Fasih also contributed 25 runs off 16 balls, but the team could only reach 173 runs for the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs. Thus, National Cricket Club Hazro won the final by 6 runs and earned the title of champions. Shahzaib from the winning team was declared the best player of the match.At the end of the tournament, the chief guest, Member of National Assembly Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, distributed prizes among the players and officials. The winning team, National Cricket Club, received a cash prize of Rs. 200,000 and a trophy, while the runner-up, Al-Faisal Cricket Club, was awarded Rs. 100,000 and a trophy. In addition, players showing outstanding performance in categories like Man of the Match, Best Bowler, Best Batsman, and Best Fielder received cash prizes of Rs. 10,000 each.

BIPIN DANICricket has often showcased extraordinary sibling rivalries, where brothers compete on opposing teams, turning family bonds into thrilling showdowns on the field. Two of the most notable examples in Indian cricket feature the Pandya and Pathan brothers, both of whom have left indelible marks with their intense yet respectful rivalries. Pandya Brothers: IPL 2025 Showdown: In one of the standout moments of the IPL 2025 season, Krunal Pandya, playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), faced off against his younger brother Hardik Pandya, the captain of the Mumbai Indians. The match, held on a lively Monday evening at the Wankhede Stadium, was an emotional affair for the Pandya family and an exhilarating contest for fans. Hardik, in his usual aggressive style, smashed a blistering 42 off just 15 balls, threatening to tilt the match in Mumbai’s favor. However, Krunal stepped up when it mattered most, delivering a stellar bowling performance, claiming four wickets for 45 runs. His heroics helped RCB secure a narrow 12-run victory in a match that could have gone either way. While Krunal’s performance stood out, Hardik’s wicket was not among his dismissals that day. Despite this, the emotions of playing against his brother were evident during the post-match presentation, where Krunal reflected on the experience: "The bond that we have, at the end of the day, we knew only one (Pandya) would win. But the love and affection we have for each other is very natural. He batted well. We won, and I also wanted to win. He also wanted to win.” Pathan Brothers: Iconic IPL Rivalry: Years before the Pandya brothers, another sibling rivalry graced the IPL when Irfan Pathan and Yusuf Pathan found themselves on opposite sides. Known for their contrasting styles, Irfan’s swing bowling posed a challenge to Yusuf’s explosive batting. Their duels were moments of pure cricketing drama, blending competition with mutual respect. Although neither consistently dominated the other, their encounters added unique flavor to the game, showcasing the depth of talent in one family and the joy cricket brings to fans who witness these special moments. Sibling rivalries like those of the Pandya and Pathan brothers add a rare emotional depth to cricket. These clashes remind us that cricket is not just a sport but a celebration of relationships, competition, and shared love for the game. Few spectacles are as compelling as the sight of brothers pushing each other to their limits while never letting their bond falter.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The highly anticipated launch ceremony of the Global Celebrity League (GCL), a groundbreaking cricket league merging legendary cricketers and renowned celebrities, concluded with grandeur at an exclusive event in Dubai. Hosted by the vibrant and dynamic Shifali Bagga, the event was attended by distinguished dignitaries, celebrated cricketers, and prominent film and television stars from India and Pakistan.The evening commenced on a solemn note with attendees observing a moment of silence in tribute to the late founding chairman of GCL, His Excellency Sheikh Saud Abdullah Al Thani, who passed away last week, honoring his vision and contribution.Highlighting the event were the spectacular jersey and logo reveals of the five participating teams—Pakistan Firefox, Indian Thunders, Afghan Warriors, Bangal Tigers, and Qatar Global—generating immense enthusiasm among the attendees and setting the stage for an exhilarating competition ahead.A major attraction of the ceremony was the official signing of two iconic teams, Pakistan Firefox owned by Mr. Waqas Alvi . Indian Team owner Mr. Sumit Rajpal was represented by Former Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and film stars, Neha Sharma, Arbaaz Khan, and Sohail Khan proudly represented their team, while cricket legends Imran Nazir, Wahab Riaz, and Shahid Afridi championed the Pakistan side. Team owners accompanied their respective stars and celebrities, marking the official beginning of intense cricketing rivalry.President of GCL, Arif Malik, addressed the esteemed gathering, articulating the vision and strategic objectives of the league. He officially announced the league dates, revealing that the much-awaited T10 GCL matches will be held from May 27th to June 4th, 2025, at the renowned Asian Town Cricket Stadium in Doha, Qatar. The highlight fixture, the opening clash between cricketing giants India and Pakistan, will immediately follow a grand opening ceremony. With that being said, Naghma khan League Director of GCL has made this event a huge success through hard work and diligence. Her goal was always to ensure a seamless collaboration of all the teams and make this cricket league reach heights of success.Shikhar Dhawan and Wahab Riaz delivered passionate speeches, expressing their excitement and enthusiasm for the upcoming matches in Doha, Qatar, and promising a highly entertaining and competitive league.Global Celebrity League's brand ambassador, cricketing sensation Shahid Afridi, virtually joined the event via video call, engaging the audience with a promise of thrilling cricket action and friendly competition, particularly highlighting the anticipated India-Pakistan encounters. Afridi's lively interaction with Indian cricketer Shikhar Dhawan and other celebrities amplified the excitement. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced the match officials for HBL Pakistan Super League X, scheduled to take place across four venues – Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May. A total of 13 umpires and seven match referees will be involved in 30 matches, while the match officials for the Qualifier, two eliminators and final, will be announced in due course.Elite Panel of ICC Umpires – Ahsan Raza, Paul Reiffel and Kumar Dharmasena are among the 13 umpires officiating in the six-team tournament. Also included are Alex Wharf and Chris Brown. From Pakistan, Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Khan Aafreedi, Rashid Riaz Waqar are part of the PCB International Panel of Umpires.Abdul Moqeet, Nasir Hussain, Tariq Rasheed and Zulfiqar Jan – part of PCB Elite Panel of Umpires will also be officiating matches during this edition of the HBL PSL. Among the match referees, ICC Elite Panel of Match Referee Ranjan Madugalle will officiate matches alongside his fellow Sri Lankan Roshan Mahanama. Also serving as match referees are Ali Naqvi and Muhammad Javed Malik – both from the PCB International Panel of Match Referees. Iftikhar Ahmed, Iqbal Sheikh and Nadeem Arshad will also officiate during the tournament.

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the latest players in contention to win the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards following a blockbuster month of action in March. Two stars of New Zealand’s busy month feature on the ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist alongside a key figure in India’s trophy-winning campaign at the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.Shreyas Iyer was in formidable form in the latter stages of India’s run to a record-breaking third ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, and seeks to win his first ICC Men’s Player of the Month award since February 2022 as a result. On the opposing side in a memorable final was New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, also nominated after another stellar ICC event where he was crowned the Player of the Tournament. Completing the lineup is his compatriot Jacob Duffy, the pacer earning a place atop the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings following a fruitful series in the victory over Pakistan.Jacob Duffy (NZ): With a spot at the summit of the ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings to his name, Duffy was rewarded for a brilliant March which saw him take 13 wickets at an impressive average of just 8.38 in the five-match T20I series against Pakistan. Among a string of consistent returns, his standout performances came with four-wicket hauls in Christchurch (four for 14) and Mount Maunganui (four for 20), and sees him land his maiden nomination for the Player of the Month crown.Shreyas Iyer (IND): Notching 172 runs at an average of 57.33 in the final three matches of the competition, Shreyas was a shining light for India at the business end of their Champions Trophy-winning campaign. A match-winning 79 in the final group stage match against New Zealand preceded vital scores of 45 and 48 in the semi-final and final, providing sufficient support for India to successfully chase down challenging totals under the lights in Dubai and lift their third Champions Trophy.Rachin Ravindra (NZ): The Blackcaps talismanic batter seeks to win his second Player of the Month award after inspiring the Champions Trophy finalists with stirring performances with bat and ball during March’s contests. With 151 runs and three wickets to his name only telling part of the story, the Player of the Tournament registered a memorable 108 in the semi-final win over South Africa in Lahore before his economical bowling and dazzling fielding in the blockbuster finale in Dubai almost turned the tables in New Zealand’s favour.Chetnaa Prasad (USA): The 19-year-old was a driving force as the USA stormed to Americas Qualifier success in March, first by taking four wickets against Brazil and more importantly, recording her best international figures of four for 5 and winning the Player of the Match prize as they overcame Canada in the winner-takes-all matchup on the final day in Buenos Aires.Annabel Sutherland (AUS): The two-time ICC Women’s Player of the Month has enjoyed an extended period of excellence in recent times, and while her previous wins came thanks to her batting brilliance, in March it was her bowling prowess that stole the headlines. Climbing to a career best rating of 736 in the Women’s T20I Bowling Rankings in the process, the 23-year-old lit up the series against New Zealand with four wickets for 8 runs in the second match and four for 35 in the third and final encounter to secure the series sweep over their rivals.Georgia Voll (AUS): Having made her international debut less than six months ago, Voll is already making a name for herself, and in March the 21-year-old struck two brisk half-centuries in Australia’s 3-0 T20I series win over New Zealand. Chasing down 138 for victory in double quick time in the Auckland opener, Voll smashed her maiden fifty in T20Is in just 30 balls at the top of the order. 36 More runs followed in Mount Maunganui before she hit 75 in 57 balls in the third and final match, helping Australia seal the whitewash with an eight-run win in Wellington.

Sports Bulletin ReportMount Maunganui (New Zealand): New Zealand beat Pakistan by 43 runs in the third ODI at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui on Saturday to take the series 3-0.After a delayed start due to wet outfield reduced the game to 42 overs per side, Pakistan won the toss and put New Zealand in to bat. The hosts scored 264 for eight in their 42 overs, courtesy half centuries from captain Michael Bracewell (59, 40b, 1x4, 6x6s) and Rhys Mariu (58, 61b, 6x4s, 2x6s). Daryl Mitchell also scored a 53-ball 43 comprising of three fours and a six. For Pakistan, left-arm pacer Akif Javed grabbed four wickets for 62 runs in eight overs. Naseem Shah dismissed two batters.In turn, Pakistan were dismissed for 221 in 40 overs, with Babar Azam (50, 58b, 4x4s, 1x6) top-scoring for the team. For New Zealand, Ben Sears bagged five wickets for 34 in his nine overs.Scores in brief:New Zealand 264-8, 42 overs (Michael Bracewell 59, Rhys Mariu 58, Daryl Mitchell 43, Henry Nicholls 31, Tim Seifert 26; Akif Javed 4-62, Naseem Shah 2-54)Pakistan 221 all out, 40 overs (Babar Azam 50, Mohammad Rizwan 37, Tayyab Tahir 33, Abdullah Shafique 33; Ben Sears 5-34, Jacob Duffy 2-40)Player of the match – Michael BracewellPlayer of the series - Ben Sears (New Zealand)  

Sports Bulletin ReportTauranga (New Zealand): Pakistan team batter Imam-ul-Haq sustained a mild facial injury during the batting, caused by an accidental throw from a New Zealand fielder. He was immediately attended by medical team and shifted to Tauranga Hospital for a detailed assessment.A CT scan of his head and face was conducted and reported as normal. Based on clinical evaluation, he has been diagnosed with a mild concussion. Imam is feeling better now and remains in stable condition. The specialists at Tauranga Hospital have advised a two-week rest from all sporting activities. He has also been declared fit for air travel. 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board announced that for the first time in HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) history, fans will be able to enjoy full-match Urdu commentary throughout the tournament. The HBL PSL X is all set to take place in four cities – Lahore, Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi from 11 April to 18 May.Fans can now choose to tune into live broadcasts in Urdu, allowing them to experience the action and excitement of the league matches in Pakistan’s national language. This step is set to deepen engagement with millions of cricket fans and enhance their experience.HBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer: “This is a landmark moment for the HBL PSL and its ever-growing fanbase. Cricket is a unifying force in Pakistan and by offering commentary in Urdu for a full game, we are bringing the excitement and energy of the HBL PSL closer to the hearts of fans in every corner of the country. The introduction of the separate Urdu commentary feed is something that has been eagerly anticipated and we are excited to deliver it. This move not only strengthens our connection with the community but also ensures that the excitement of HBL PSL is more accessible to a wider audience.”

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The teams have gathered for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Qualifier. For some, the tournament marks the opportunity to return to the big stage while for others, it is a chance to make history and make a name for themselves.Fargana Hoque (Bangladesh): Fargana Hoque is Bangladesh’s first cap in both their T20I and ODI teams. She is the anchor at the top of the Tigress’ batting, having first opened the batting in 2012, just under a year after her debut. Even as her career has gone into its second decade, Fargana has continued to scale new heights, becoming the first Bangladeshi woman to score an ODI century when she made 107 against India in 2023. The right-hander made her second century five months later and is still the only Tigress to have made tons in both ODIs and T20Is. Now 32 years old, Fargana has been a part of the Bangladesh team for almost 14 years and is showing no signs of slowing down, having made three consecutive half-centuries at the end of 2024.Orla Prendergast (Ireland): The wonderkid of Ireland cricket, Orla Prendergast hit her first ODI century and the second-highest score ever made by an Irish woman when she made 122 not out against Sri Lanka in August 2024. She did so aged just 22 and masterminded Ireland’s highest run chase, as they knocked off 261 runs with four balls to spare. Almost as impressive were her bowling figures, as she took three for 25, her best returns for Ireland. She made her T20I debut aged only 17, with her maiden ODI appearance coming two years later. Since then, she has scored 819 runs in ODIs, with a handy average of 30.33, while also taking 18 wickets as an important all-rounder.Muneeba Ali (Pakistan): The wicketkeeper and Pakistan vice-captain became the first woman from her nation to record a century at a World Cup when she hit 102 against Ireland at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa. The 27-year-old made her debut for Pakistan in 2016, with her ODI debut following two years later. She now stands just 34 runs from passing 1,000 runs in her ODI career, having hit a high score of 107 in 2022, also against Ireland, one of Pakistan’s opponents in the Qualifier. With the gloves, Muneeba has taken 14 dismissals in the one-day format with 10 catches and four stumpings. Three of those catches came in one innings against West Indies, another one of the hosts’ opponents in this year’s tournament.Darcey Carter (Scotland): Darcey Carter has contributed across all facets of the game for Scotland since making her debut in 2023. The all-rounder was just 18 at the time of her international bow but was soon called on to open the batting in ODI cricket. Her career across the 50-over format took time to kick into gear, but she garnered attention after making 86 in a losing cause against the Netherlands. It is still the second-highest score ever made by a Scot in women’s ODIs, and she is third on the all-time runs list for her country. With the ball, Carter has taken seven wickets with a best return of three for 20 against Papua New Guinea last August. She has also been consistent in the field, taking four catches, the best numbers of the squad set to play in Pakistan.Nattaya Boochatham (Thailand): Nattaya Boochatham has lived many lives during her cricket career. The 38-year-old was Thailand’s leading run-scorer at the 2017 Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier, also taking the joint most wickets for her country. She made her full international debut a year later and was 35 by the time she played her first ODI. In T20Is, she became the first associate nation cricketer to claim 100 wickets, and for five years held the record for the most women’s T20I wickets in a calendar year with 40 in 2019. The off-spinner also holds the record for the most wickets taken by LBW in women’s T20I cricket with 26. In ODIs, she has taken 10 wickets from eight innings with a best return of three for seven against Zimbabwe in 2023.Chinelle Henry (West Indies): Chinelle Henry has gone under the radar for a while but is starting to get attention. The West Indies all-rounder made her ODI debut in 2014 but took time to earn a consistent place in the team. Her lower-order power-hitting has become a useful skill for the Windies and was on full display when Henry was a late call-up to the Women’s Premier League. She also produced handy bowling returns for the UP Warriorz that followed on from consistent performances for her international team. Her most recent ODI hit out saw her hit a career-high 61 against India late in 2024, while she also took three wickets in an innings for the fourth time in her career earlier that year.

Karachi (PR): The Eid Cricket Festival, organized by Oasis Automobiles, featured an exciting series consisting of five matches. The event witnessed intense competition between Fighters Eleven and Shamsi Eleven, with players from both teams showcasing their best skills. Fighters Eleven emerged victorious, winning the series 3-2 and defeating Shamsi Eleven. Several players' outstanding performances played a key role in this win. During the tournament, Ibrahim Waqas Butt demonstrated an exceptional all-round performance, scoring 52 runs in five matches. Additionally, he took 2 wickets for 28 runs. His remarkable performance earned him the title of Man of the TournamentFighters Eleven's Chief Executive Officer, Talha Ahmed Butt, also impressed everyone with his outstanding performance. He scored over 150 runs and took 5 wickets for just 43 runs, playing a decisive role in his team's victory.In addition, Shiz Butt, Asif, Shoaib, Shakeel, and Mudassar Iqbal also made significant contributions. These players excelled not only in batting and bowling but also in fielding, which helped the team secure victory. Particularly, Mudassar Iqbal, in his debut match, scored 26 runs and took one wicket, earning praise from cricket fans.In the closing ceremony, Fighters Eleven was crowned the winner and awarded the trophy. Furthermore, players who showed outstanding performances were recognized with rewards and certificates. The event organizers expressed their commitment to hosting an even bigger edition in the future.