Sports Bulletin

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Sixty cricketers will attend the conditioning camp at the National High Performance Centre (NHPC) in Lahore in two different groups from Sunday. First group of 27 cricketers will attend the camp from 15-25 May, while the second group comprising 33 cricketers will participate in the camp from 26 May to 10 June. Players featuring in the English County Championship have been exempted from these camps. Pakistan squad for the ODI series against the West Indies will be announced on 23 May and those selected for the 8, 10 and 12 June matches will attend the training camp, presently scheduled in Rawalpindi, from 1 June. Players invited for the conditioning camp are: First group (15 -25 May) Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Akif Javed (Balochistan), Arshad Iqbal (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Arshadullah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa),  Asif Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Asif Ali (Northern),  Babar Azam (Central Punjab),  Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab),  Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Haider Ali (Northern),  Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan),  Kamran Ghulam (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Khurram Shahzad (Balochistan), Khushdil Shah (Southern Punjab), Mir Hamza (Sindh), M0hammad Haris (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Mohammad Nawaz (Northern), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Ali Agha (Southern Punjab), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shadab Khan (Northern), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Usman Qadir (Central Punjab), Yasir Shah (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Sindh) Second group (26 May- 10 June) Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Abrar Ahmed (Sindh), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Ali Usman (Southern Punjab), Arish Ali Khan (Sindh), Azam Khan (Southern Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Imad Wasim (Northern), Irfanullah Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Maaz Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Abbas Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Ali (Central Punjab), Mohammad Huraira (Northern), Mohammad Imran (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Imran Randhawa (Southern Punjab), Mohammad Taha (Sindh), Mohammad Zeeshan (Central Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Omair Bin Yousuf (Sindh), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab), Rehan Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Salman Irshad (Northern), Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh), Syed Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh), Usman Salahuddin (Central Punjab) and Zaman Khan (Northern)

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-To provide a level playing field to all teenage cricketers, the Pakistan Cricket Board conducted age verification tests on as many as 2,976 players with the help of latest scientific techniques ahead of the City Cricket Association U19 50-over tournament, which begins on 21 May. Top radiologists in the country were consulted and scientifically validated methods were used to radiologically estimate ages.  In these tests – on which PKR 10million were spent – x-rays were conducted on multiple body joints to increase accuracy. These were then reviewed by leading radiologists. This was different from previous practice where only wrist x-ray were assessed. It has been observed in the previous seasons that players have manipulated their ages to gain unfair advantage in the age-group competitions, which has not only hurt the spirit of the game but also put deserving teenage cricketers at a position of disadvantage, hampering their growth and development. This initiative is part of PCB’s efforts to encourage teenage cricketers to declare correct biological ages when participating in the age-group tournaments, and follows an extensive activity it undertook in January to determine correct ages of the participants ahead of the U13 and U16 Cricket Association tournaments. Director – High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “The participation of overage players in age-group cricket is a menace and has proved to be detrimental in the growth and development of cricketers at young level. “It was extremely important we took this profound step to inculcate transparency in the upcoming season. We have borne a significant cost for this extensive exercise as we remain committed to ensure credibility of our pathways cricket to produce Pakistan future stars.” The PCB has also introduced lower age limit for the first time to discourage players from reducing their ages on the official documents. Players born on or after 1 September 2003 or before 1 September 2007 are eligible for the upcoming CCA Under-19 tournament, which will run from 21 May to 4 June.

Sports Bulletin Report UAE, Dubai (UAE):-Adani Sportsline, a part of the diversified Adani Group, has made a landmark foray into franchise cricket by acquiring the rights to own and operate a franchise in UAE’s flagship T20 league. Licensed by Emirates Cricket Board, the UAE T20 League is an annual event that will feature six franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. Top players from all the cricket playing countries are expected to be in the line-up of different teams. The league will be providing a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. This will be the first major move overseas by the Adani Sportsline that will connect and engage with global fans from across the cricketing nations. Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE’s T20 League Chairman said; “It is a proud moment for us to announce the Adani Group’s association with the UAE’s T20 League as a Franchise team owner. This acquisition fits perfectly in the group of corporates who have already acquired franchise team rights in the League. The trust shown by the Adani Group augurs well for the League and we look forward to benefitting from their business acumen and working together to make our League successful.”  “We are excited to be part of the UAE T20 league,” said Pranav Adani. “The UAE is an amazing amalgamation of several cricket loving nations. It provides an excellent platform for enhancing the visibility of cricket as the sport goes increasingly global. Our presence here is also a great base for the Adani brand that is contributing significantly to the sports ecosystem in India through leagues such as boxing and kabaddi, and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level through the Garv Hai initiative.” Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board said; “We are extremely pleased to have one of Asia’s leading corporates as our franchise team owner. This is a resounding thumbs up to the unique opportunity that the UAE T20 league offers to experienced and established business owners. We are confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both the Adani Group and the League. UAE’s T20 League will attract some of the biggest names in world cricket while also giving a platform and international exposure to local and upcoming players”. Adani Sportsline is promoted by the Adani Group whose diverse businesses include port management, electric power generation and transmission, renewable energy, mining, airport operations, natural gas, food processing and infrastructure. The group has annual revenues of over US$20 billion with operations at 70 locations in 50 countries and a market cap of over $222 billion.

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD:-President US Tapeball Cricket, Aamir Siddiqui has revealed that the National Tapeball Cricket Championship will be held from August 12 to 14, 2022 at ICC Multi Sports Complex Houston, Texas. While talking to this reporter over his mobile on Wednesday, he further added that 16 teams would fight for the top honour during the three-day cricket championship. “Our mission is to bring the community together and promote healthy activity among the youth and adults and to promote & organize Tapeball cricket in North America too, “he maintained. Responding to a question, Aamir said the International Tapeball Cricket Council along with USA Tapeball cricket will stage the Tapeball World Cup next year 2023 in the United States of America (USA). “As many as eight teams will participate in the mega cricket event of the Taprball, “he further divulged. “We are thankful to all the teams, who are participating in the upcoming National Championship. Also teams will take part in the event from Canada. I am thankful to Nawaid Isa, owner ICCMC, Zahid Aslam from Washington DC, Ahmed Khan from California, Sauleh from Dallas, Adil Anis from Houston, Farrukh Siddiqui and Yasir Majid from Canada. Our legendary commentator Hassan Jalil will do the commentary for all the upcoming events, “he said. “USA Tapeball Cricket KAYI Winter Cup, Major League Tapeball and Texas Cup Tapeball Invitational tournaments are of our cricket season. 16 teams including Kayi Alps USA, Atlanta Stallions from Atlanta, Field Fighters from California, Baltimore Tigers from Maryland, Washington Capitals from Washington DC, Big 3 from New York, Afgan Tigers from Houston, Lodi Zalmi from California, Supreme All Stars from Virginia, GM Sports from Houston, Pakistan First from New York, Houston Stallions from Houston, 3A Pro Cricket from Florida, Thunderbolts from Dallas, Badshah from Houston and Ifty Sports from Canada will participate in the US National Tapeball Championship 2022, “he concluded.  

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Six city-based franchise teams will participate in the 19-match competition from 1-15 October at the Gaddafi Stadium, with the participating players to be selected through a draft system and each dug-out to boast an iconic player who will serve as the team’s mentor or coach. As a next step, the PCB will now initiate a bidding process after Eid Al-Fitr for live-streaming rights. This will be one of the several rights that will be up for grabs as the PCB remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders in an effort to take Pakistan cricket forward. This will be the first 20-over league of its kind in which local under-19 players will integrate with foreign players to share dug-outs as part of their learning process and improving cricket skills, share knowledge and build towards their future bonding. As part of the concept, each foreign cricketer will be allowed to have a parent accompany them, with the cost to be picked up by the event organiser or his franchise. The Pakistan Junior League concept syncs well with the recently-launched PCB Pathway Cricket Programme.  Through this initiative, the cricket board and its strategic partners – including the BRB Group and Engro Corporation – have agreed to provide 100 best teenagers with monthly stipends of PKR30,000 each, scholarship at a premier educational institution, free cricket gear and equipment, and high performance coaching at the state-of-the-art National High Performance Centre from the leading and highly-qualified international coaches. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja said: “I am delighted, encouraged and motivated by the response we have received as the Pakistan Junior League’s Request for Expressions of Interest. “This feedback has strengthened my belief and confidence that we have a huge appetite for cricket and a strong commercial market, which is keen, eager and happy to partner with the PCB on its projects of introducing new properties so that we can strengthen ourselves financially and commercially, and the return on investments are shared with all cricketers. “Following the success of the HBL Pakistan Super League and the ever-improving reputation of the PCB, the potential sponsors have shown excitement and expressed their interest in the city-based Pakistan Junior League in their endeavour to play an important role in helping the PCB to create an environment of brilliance by providing a clear pathway to the talented youngsters, which, in turn, will fortify our bench-strength and produce new national stars and heroes. “Commercial partners and sponsors are the life-blood of our sport and organisation. In this background, I am grateful and thankful to all those who have expressed interest in acquiring various rights for the Pakistan Junior League. I remain optimistic and confident that we will succeed in forming a strong relationship that will produce dividends and developments for Pakistan cricket.”

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Three-day-long domestic cricket season 2021-22 review concluded on Wednesday with a day-long seminar involving the 24 head and assistant coaches of the six Cricket Association sides, Pakistan men’s national team’s head, batting and assistant coach and national selector Muhammad Wasim. High Performance Director Nadeem Khan spoke to the participants in the first-half of the seminar and made a presentation on players tracking system. The player tracking system has been in use for the last two seasons and aims to evaluate a player’s performance in an analytical manner with allocation of points. Nadeem’s interactive presentation was followed by an extensive evaluation and review session which was conducted by the head coach of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team Saqlain Mushtaq. Chief selector Muhammad Wasim also spoke to the participants about the goals and objectives of domestic cricket and how the selection and playing strategies need to be in sync with the Pakistan men’s national cricket team’s needs and requirements. On Monday and Tuesday, the 24 coaches were individually interviewed by a three-member committee that comprised Shahid Mahboob (Head Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre Karachi) and NHPC coaches Umar Rasheed and Sajjad Akbar. Director High Performance Nadeem Khan: “We have been making extensive reviews at the end of the domestic cricket season in the last two years. This year’s review seminar was once again focused on a comprehensive debrief of the season in the presence of all 24 head and assistant coaches, Pakistan men’s team’s head, assistant and batting coach and the chief selector. “We carefully reviewed the player profiling process that we introduced to the system two years ago. Player profiling helps us in determining a player’s performance, progress and shortcomings. Each player’s profile is built from the age-group level, the coach speaks to the players and agrees with them on what all is expected of them both on and off the field and how they can progress in their cricket careers. “Over the last two years, we have succeeded in developing a robust players profiling system that has helped us immensely in tracking players in all aspects of their development. At the seminar, we discussed on the ways and means of further improving the system and how it can serve us well in the forthcoming domestic and international cricket season. I am pleased that we also had the men’s team’s coaches and chief selector present as the aim of domestic cricket is to work closely and in alignment with the aims, objectives, targets and goals of Pakistan’s national men’s cricket team.” Saqlain Mushtaq, Pakistan men’s national cricket team head coach: “This was a very fruitful and rewarding session for us as we all reiterated our aim of taking Pakistan cricket to the top in all three formats. We identified areas of improvement, discussed the method and brand of cricket we want to play at the domestic and international level and how we needed all stakeholders to be aligned to our ultimate goal. “Our collective aim is to make Pakistan dominate at the international level and to achieve this we have identified a set of benchmarks. Through constant reminder, aggressive style of play and strategy we can surely achieve anything and everything and I am pleased that the coaches at the domestic level as well as our relevant stakeholders are focused and determined and want to produce players that become world beaters.” Mohammad Wasim, Pakistan men’s chief selector: “Domestic cricket around the world is run in lines of the requirements at the international level to ensure that the gap between the two is as minimum as possible. In the last two years, we have delivered hugely competitive cricket seasons which have helped in improving both the pool of players as well as performance of the national side. We have been able to develop a quality-based domestic system with the reduced number of players which have helped narrow the gap between domestic and international cricket. “Each year we have made robust reviews and have aimed to identify areas of improvement collectively so that all of us remain aligned. These reviews are extremely helpful in not only reviewing a cricket season but also in planning for the next cricket season and setting new targets and objectives for the coaches.” Abdul Rehman, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa head coach: “This assessment process helps the coaches review their own performances and evaluate where they stand in terms of the delivery of their goals and objectives while preparing for the season ahead. These workshops and seminars are held in a cordial atmosphere where all participants provide their feedback in a candid manner. “This year too we have had detailed discussions which were aimed to identify areas of improvement and alignment of our collective goals and objectives. As we now start our preparations for the next domestic season, this review will help us figure out our plans, short and long term objectives with the ultimate aim of making a healthy and significant contribution to the further improvement of Pakistan cricket.”

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts for the democratisation of the game continued in the 2021-22 season as it provided guidance and assistance to the six Cricket Associations for the growth and promotion of cricket at the grassroots level. The efforts reaped great benefits for club cricketers with as many as 3,822 club sides across the country playing 7,009 matches. The six CAs conducted cricket leagues in their respective jurisdictions in the five-month period between October 2021 and February 2022, providing a pathway for the aspiring cricketers to graduate to the apex domestic level and also helping in the unearthing of cricket talent in both urban and rural centers. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, whose talent across all rungs continues to dominate the domestic scene, saw 844 clubs play 1,530 matches from 13 November 2021 to 20 January 2022. Central Punjab and Sindh had the next best number of club participation with 788 and 670 sides playing 1,482 and 1,172 matches, respectively. In Southern Punjab, 517 clubs played 1,100 matches, while 512 clubs in Balochistan and 491 in Northern featured in 700 and 1,025 games, respectively. The club cricket leagues in the Balochistan, Central Punjab, Northern, Sindh and Southern Punjab began on 20 October 2021 and finished early this year. Nadeem Khan, Director – High Performance: “Club cricket acts as a feeder for domestic cricket and it was vital that we created an atmosphere in which our six Cricket Associations were able to maximise cricket at grassroots. “I want to congratulate the Cricket Associations, who have delivered these matches and have more such activities planned that are in line with the PCB has a vision of helping grassroots cricket grow and flourish. The PCB aims to continue to work closely with the six Cricket Associations so that we can collectively provide maximum playing opportunities to the budding cricketers in an effort to help them achieve their career objectives.” In the coming months, the PCB will run an independent scrutiny process to further boost the development of the game at the club level. Separately, extensive work continued to attract schoolchildren towards cricket, as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Central Punjab and Southern Punjab organised school cricket leagues. Three-hundred school teams in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa played 565 matches from 7 October to 8 November last year. Southern Punjab’s school league saw 184 schools compete in 295 matches from 15 November 2021 till 5 January 2022, while 162 schools in Central Punjab have played 458 matches to date with the two-day league presently ongoing. Earlier in the month, Dar-e-Arqam Lahore won the Central Punjab Weekend School Championship 2021-22 on the basis of first innings lead in a draw against Divisional Public School Faisalabad at Pakistan’s home of cricket, the Gaddafi Stadium.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-The BRB Group will sponsor 100 contracts for junior cricketers that will be awarded under the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme. The contracts are initially being awarded for a one-year period. The PCB-BRB Group collaboration for this project has been initiated with the signing of a three-year long MoU (Memorandum of Understanding). Alongside the financial support, the PCB will invest in personality development and grooming of these youngsters. The focus will be on providing quality education whilst also upskilling cricketing talent. These 100 players will be earning monthly retainers of PKR 30,000 each. Scholarships will also be provided to these players in top schools and college/universities. Technical education on the side-lines of a comprehensive cricket skill acquisition plan will also be delivered as a part of the programme. Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja: “We want to thank the BRB Group for their support for the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme that will shape the future of Pakistan cricket. I have personally taken great interest in the project and it remains very close to my heart. “One of our major objectives is to invest in pathway cricket to ensure our future cricketers get the best possible training, grooming, education and financial support. I am delighted with the progress we have made in a short span of time. We have identified talented players who are in their early to late teens and are the future of Pakistan cricket, we will now fully focus on the development of their cricket, education and basic life skills. “The investment that we are making on grassroots is unprecedented, and I am confident that these steps will change the landscape of the game in the country for the future generations.” Chairman BRB Group Bilal Khawaja: “We are very excited about our collaboration with the Pakistan Cricket Board for the training, development and grooming of Pakistan’s future cricket stars under the PCB Pathway Cricket Programme. Cricket unites us as a country and has remained a source of joy, inspiration and pride for the last many decades. “BRB Group is keen on playing a major role in shaping Pakistan cricket’s future, I am sure these cricketers will go on to serve the country with distinction in the years ahead. The PCB and BRB Group are not only focused on making these youngsters’ good cricketers but we are also endeavouring to educate them and to teach them life skills. This is an unprecedented initiative by the PCB and we are delighted to make a strong contribution.

Sports Bulletin Report LAHORE:-After the adoption of new domestic structure in 2019, which brought many opportunities for players and coaches, it also helped nurture talent from Balochistan. Young duo Abdul Wahid Bangalzai and Haseebullah are the prime examples of the talent produced by Balochistan. The 19-year old Haseebullah is from Pishin – a place 50 kilometers away from Quetta (capital of Balochistan). The left-handed batter represented Pakistan U19 in this year’s ICC U19 World Cup in West Indies. He was amongst the top run-getter for Pakistan and second overall in the mega event, scoring 380 runs from six matches at 76.00. He scored two centuries and one half-century and struck 27 fours and 10 sixes. He didn’t stop there and carried his form in the recently concluded Pakistan Cup (One-Day) tournament. He topped the batting charts with 614 runs from 12 matches at 55.82 with a strike-rate of 98.24, which included three centuries and one half-century. The young batter is a real product of grassroots cricket, where he performed for Balochistan U16 and got a chance to represent Pakistan U16 in 2019. After representing Balochistan U19, he went on to represent Pakistan U19 in Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup. After performing in the U19 World Cup, he got a chance to represent first XI of Balochistan Cricket Association where he continued to perform to his potential. Haseebullah comes from a cricketing family, where his father Azizullah and uncle Hameedullah both were first-class cricketers. Haseebullah–Balochistan: “Since my childhood I was inclined towards cricket as my father and uncle was first-class cricketers. I started playing cricket under the able guidance of my father and uncle. Till today my father does throw downs for me during the batting sessions while my uncle helped me in wicket-keeping drills. “In Pakistan team my favourite batter is Fakhar Zaman due to his aggressive batting.” Reflecting on his recent performances, the left-handed batter said: “If you see I have scored more centuries then half-centuries, it is because once I score around 30 to 40, I try to go for big runs. I recently scored 131 against Sindh in the semi-final of Pakistan Cup which I rate as my favourite innings as scoring against quality bowlers and in a knockout match was something very special.” He praised the talent of Balochistan despite having few facilities in that part of the country. “There is some exceptional talent in the Balochistan region. The new domestic structure has really helped local talent to come forward and represent in first and second XIs of the Balochistan Cricket Association.” Azizullah: father of Haseebullah: “My son is really fond of the game and the new domestic structure has helped him in cherishing his dream. Me and my brother really like to work on the skills of Haseebullah and we are really happy Haseebullah is giving back by performing at the highest level of the Cricket Association. As we all belong to this game, there is only cricket which is discussed in our dining room. I only wish that my son represents Pakistan in the longest format of the game so more talent can come forward from our region.”

Sports Bulletin Report MULTAN:-Yasir Shah-led Balochistan made history when they defeated defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium to clinch the Pakistan Cup – the final tournament of the 2021-22 domestic cricket season. This was Balochistan’s first title since the inception of the new domestic structure in 2019. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have already annexed the U13, U16, U19, National T20 Cup and Quaid-e-Azam Trophy titles and were looking to take the sixth title home, but was unable to do so courtesy brilliant bowling and captaincy from Yasir Shah and batting from young right-handed batter Abdul Wahid Bangalzai. Chasing 172 to win, Balochistan achieved the target in the 32nd over for the loss of two wickets. The 19-year old Bangalzai took the centre stage in the final with a brilliant unbeaten 80 off 77 balls, the right-hander hit nine fours and two sixes in his innings to ensure a commanding victory for his side. Bangalzai added 77 runs for the second wicket with Haseebullah (45 off 58, six fours) to provide his side a solid platform. Asad Shafiq who batted at number four, returned undefeated on 21 off 33 balls (one four) in a 70-run unbeaten third wicket stand with Bangalzai. Balochistan took away the glittering Pakistan Cup trophy besides the PKR5million winners’ prize. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa bagged PKR2.5million. For his match winning performance, Yasir was named the player-of-the-match. Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were asked to bat first by Balochistan captain Yasir.  Right-arm fast Khurram Shahzad sent back Ashfaq Ahmed in the first over for naught. Kamran Ghulam held the innings together as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end. The right-hander scored 70 off 91 balls (seven fours, one six). Khyber Pakhtunkhwa folded for 171 runs in 46 overs as leg-spinner Yasir took four wickets for 33 in 10 overs. Khurram and Akif Javed took two wickets apiece. Scores in brief: Balochistan beat Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by eight wickets at the Multan Cricket Stadium Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 171 all out, 46 overs (Kamran Ghulam 70; Yasir Shah 4-33, Akif Javed 2-35, Khurram Shahzad 2-36) Balochistan 175-2, 31.2 overs (Abdul Wahid Bangalzai 80 not out, Haseebullah 45, Asad Shafiq 21 not out; Khalid Usman 2-47) Player-of-the-Match PKR 50,000: Yasir Shah Player-of-the-Tournament PKR 250,000: Haseebullah Best Batter of the Tournament PKR 250,000:  Haseebullah Best Bowler of the Tournament PKR 250,000: Yasir Shah Best Wicketkeeper of the Tournament PKR 250,000: Mohammad Haris