Sports Bulletin

By BIPIN DANI Former Sri Lankan cricketer and world's highest wicket taker Muthiah Muralitharan won the hearts of the people at the Bandaranaike International Airport on Thursdayearly morning. Legendary cricketer Muralitharan and his family were waiting in a long queue to get to the counter at the immigration at the airport. He had flown down from India and was taking pictures with everyone who asked for one, while waiting. His wife Madhi Malar was by his side chatting with people she had never met in her life. The immigration staff asked him to step out of the line so they can get him cleared quickly and he could have been on his way home in a few minutes. But he politely declined the offer and waited in line for almost an hour with the rest of the other people. Speaking exclusveily over telephone hours after reaching home, his Indian wife, Madhi Malar said, "Our flight landed at night. We were with our children. Night time is very busy at the airport. There were lots of people at the immigration". "People in Sri Lanka love and respect Murali and as a token of respect offered us to go forward. Even immigration officer too offered to break the queue". "We too love our people and as a respect for them didn't want to go out of turn", she added.  "They were both so very humble and sweet. What a great duo. Such humility from such a legend", one of the ex-Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) honorary officials, Samantha Algama shared the photo. "I thought it was worth a share. Bless him and his family", he said.

By Our Senior Correspondent ISLAMABAD (January 31, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board today announced the consortium of Tower Sports and SportzWorkz as its broadcast production partner for the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which will be held across Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 20 February to 22 February. The appointment was finalized following an open and transparent tender process as per the Pakistan Procurement Rules 2004. Pursuant to a rigorous pre-qualification process, the consortium had submitted the lowest evaluated bid. Tower Sports is a Pakistan-registered company while SportzWorkz is registered in Singapore, and, together, they bring a powerful and respected crew of production management team who have a great wealth of experience of quality cricket production. As part of the HBL PSL production arrangement, Tower Sports and SportzWorkz will also work to train Pakistani camerapersons and technical crew.  This development program is being put in place with an aim to enhance the broadcast production skills of resources available in Pakistan. The production team is led by industry stalwarts Chris McDonald and supported by Stephen Norris. McDonald has previously served as Senior Vice-President at ESPN Star Sports. He has also served as the CEO and was one of the founding members of Ten Sports. Norris has over 30 years of sports media and production experience and was instrumental in the successful launch of BT Sports in the UK and Ten Sports in South Asia. He was also the Head of Production at Ten Sports and helped them become the largest cricket producer in the world, including the production of all Pakistan cricket matches from 2000 to 2006. Other notable members of the crew include Tim Finlay, Louwrens Rensburg and Graham Rendell.                Finlay has over 30 years of live production experience including work with BPL, SLPL, BCCI and the Australian Open. Rensburg has worked as Executive Producer for SuperSport and has worked on the Cricket World Cup as well as bilateral cricket for South Africa, England and Pakistan. Rendell brings with him 25 years of live production experience including bilateral cricket for Pakistan and the IPL. PSL Project Executive Shoaib Naveed said: “We are excited to have such experienced personnel on board for the live production of HBL Pakistan Super League. “Since the very first HBL PSL season, we have endeavored to provide world-class production for our fans and media partners and this year, with the wealth of experience that Tower Sports and SportzWorkz bring with their team, we aim to further enhance our production experience.”           Chairman SportzWorkz Chris McDonald said: “A part of our commitment to the PCB and to Pakistan itself is to train local TV production professions on delivering a state of the art, top level, international live cricket production. “We will be developing local capacity by conducting on venue and classroom style training during the PSL for Pakistan professionals interested in having a career in sports production. Our goal, simply put, is to have a majority Pakistani crew in two to three years from now.”

By  BIPIN DANI During Sri Lanka batting in the on going Harare Test against Zimbabwe, one of the on field umpires (India's Nitin Menon and Pakistan's Aleem Dar) erred in ball counting and one ball had been bowled less by the Zimbabwean bowler Sikandar Raza in 37th over. Incidentally, the other umpire or the scorer did not bring it to the notice of the umpire who miscounted the balls,though the same is permissible, according to Jonny Singer, the Laws of Cricket Advisor at Marylebone Cricket Club, the custodian of the Laws of the game.  Speaking exclusveily over telephone from London, he said, "there are two key Laws here. First, 17.5.1, which states: "If the umpire miscounts the number of valid balls, the over as counted by the umpire shall stand". "That said, there is nothing to stop communication between the two umpires, and indeed the scorers – in fact, it is to be encouraged. If the scorer, or other umpire, notices a mistake, the umpire is permitted to change his/her decision under Law 2.12. This states: "An umpire may alter any decision provided that such alteration is made promptly. This apart, an umpire’s decision, once made, is final". "‘Promptly’, in this case, usually means before the ball next comes into play. So, if a mistake is noticed before the next over begins, the umpire may revoke the call of Over, and bowl the remaining delivery. If not, the over as counted stands under Law 17.5", he added. "It would not usually be appropriate for the players to be the ones questioning the decision – it is better that the umpires and scorers come to this conclusion between them", Singer signed off. . 

SB Report ISLAMABAD (January 30, 2020):- New Zealand recovered from an early innings collapse to claim a second final-over victory of the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup as they beat the West Indies to progress to the semi-finals. Kristian Clarke produced a player-of-the-match performance to rescue the junior Black Caps, taking four for 25 with the ball and finishing 46 not out with the bat to help his side to a two-wicket victory. The West Indies had looked in pole position to secure their place in the last four after Kirk McKenzie fell one run short of a century as they posted 238 before reducing New Zealand to 67 for four. But Quinn Sunde (32) and Simon Keene (33) rebuilt the innings before Clarke and Joey Field (38) came together to get New Zealand over the line, with just two wickets and two balls to spare. Clarke’s innings was the highest score ever by a No.10 batsman in the ICC U19 World Cup and his ninth-wicket partnership with Field was also the highest in a run chase in the tournament’s history. Clarke starred with ball and then bat as New Zealand reached the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup semi-finals for the fourth time with a remarkable come-from-behind two-wicket win over West Indies at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The junior Black Caps appeared to be headed out of the competition when they slumped to 153 for eight chasing 239. But Clarke struck an unbeaten 46 and shared in an unbroken 86-run ninth wicket partnership with Field (38 not out) that guided their side to a fine upset win with two balls to spare. “I don’t think I’ve been part of a better game than that,” player-of-the-match Clarke said. “Obviously playing my part was good, but the whole game was up and down, so we’re just thankful to get over the line.” Their exploits came against a West Indian team that had swept all before them by winning their first three games to top a tough Group A. The 2016 winners could not get through their quarter-final tie, though, despite dominating for most of the game. McKenzie’s 99 had earlier helped them post a competitive 238 all out in 47.5 overs, with the left-hander clubbing three sixes and 11 fours along the way after his captain Kimani Melius had won the toss and opted to bat first. Seamer Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for the New Zealanders, but his efforts appeared to be scant consolation after being initially let down by his top order. Ashmead Nedd was the key man for West Indies with the ball claiming three for 33, with two wickets each from Matthew Forde (two for 64) and Joshua James (two for 45) leaving their opposition looking dead and buried. Ashmead Nedd of West Indies celebrates bowling Beckham Wheeler-Greenall of New Zealand during the ICC U19 Cricket World Super League Cup Quarter Final match between West Indies and New Zealand at Willowmoore Park on January 29, 2020 in Benoni. Ashmead Nedd of West Indies celebrates bowling Beckham Wheeler-Greenall of New Zealand during the ICC U19 Cricket World Super League Cup Quarter Final match between West Indies and New Zealand at Willowmoore Park on January 29, 2020 in Benoni. However, Clarke and Field had other ideas, sharing in a match-winning stand that put plucky New Zealand into the last four. “We definitely wanted to try and reach as far as possible in the tournament and getting to the semi-final is an excellent effort by our boys,” Clarke added. “Everyone has stood up and it has been a really good team effort.” Scores in brief New Zealand Under- 19s beat West Indies Under 19s by two wickets, Willowmoore Park, Benoni West Indies 238 all out, 47.5 overs (Kirk McKenzie 99, Kevlon Anderson 33; Kristian Clarke 4-25) New Zealand 239-8, 49.4 overs (Kristian Clarke 46 not out, Joey Field 38 not out; Ashmead Nedd 3-33) ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 Fixtures Super League Quarter Final 3: 30 January: Bangladesh v South Africa – JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom Plate Playoff Semi Final 1: 30 January: Nigeria v UAE – Witrand Oval, Potchefstroom Plate Playoff Semi Final 2: 30 January: Japan v Canada – Ibbies Oval, Potchefstroom Plate Semi Final 1: 30 January: Sri Lanka v Scotland, North West University Oval, Potchefstroom Super League Quarter Final 4: 31 January: Afghanistan v Pakistan – Willowmoore Park, Benoni Plate Semi Final 2: 31 January: England v Zimbabwe, Diamond Oval, Kimberley

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (January 29, 2020):-The road to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 for 24 European teams has been confirmed, as an expanded regional qualification process for the Men’s T20 World Cup is set to begin in May 2020. Three qualifying events will take place in expanded regional qualification from 16 May to 30 June 2020 with the winning team from each event joining Jersey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Fina.l Three eight-team Europe qualifying events will take place and will see Hungary, Romania and Serbia making their debut performances in ICC competition, with Bulgaria, Greece, Luxembourg and Malta all returning to ICC events for the first time in a number of years. Each Europe qualifier will provide the opportunity for the winning team to progress to the Europe Final, where they will join Jersey to compete for two spots in the Global Qualifiers. Europe Qualifier A will be hosted in Spain from 16 to 22 May 2020. Alongside the hosts will be Italy, Norway, France, Bulgaria, Israel, Malta and Cyprus. Italy and Norway will both be looking to reach the Europe Final once again, whilst Bulgaria and Malta will be looking to make a good impression in their first appearance in the revised ICC Men’s T20 World Cup pathway. Europe Qualifier C will be held in Belgium, who will be hoping for the benefits of home advantage when they host the event from 10 June to 16 June 2020. Alongside Belgium will be Denmark, Austria, Romania, Czech Republic, Portugal, Isle of Man and Serbia. Denmark, who progressed to the Europe Final in the previous iteration of this event and are currently ranked 29th in the ICC Men’s Team Rankings, will be hoping to replicate that success and secure the sole qualification spot. The final qualifier will take place between 24 to 30 June 2020, where Finland will play host to an ICC event for the first time with Europe Qualifier B. Germany, who missed out on progressing from the previous Europe Final by just 0.053 on net run rate, will be looking for another opportunity to reach the global stage but will face stiff competition from Guernsey, Sweden, Luxembourg, Hungary, Gibraltar, Greece and hosts Finland. ICC Regional Development Manager Europe, Andy Wright said: “We are delighted to announce the dates and hosts for three important events that are taking place this summer. 24 European teams will have the opportunity to compete in an expanded qualification process to qualify for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021. We are also thrilled that Finland will be hosting an ICC event for the first time, showcasing the appetite and ability of our Members to host international events.” The winning team from each of the three Europe Qualifiers will progress to a four-team Europe Final, where they will be joined by reigning Europe Final victors Jersey. The top two teams from this event will qualify to the Global Qualifier events, taking them just one step from the main event in India.

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (January 29, 2020):-The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that the Event Technical Committee of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2020 has approved SM Meherob as a replacement player for Mohammad Mrittunjoy Chowdhury Nipun in the Bangladesh squad. The Event Technical Committee of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 consists of Geoff Allardice (ICC, ETC Chairman), Chris Tetley (ICC representative), Sivuyile Mqingwana, Mike Gajjar (both host representatives), Tom Moody and Ian Bishop (both independent representatives). Bangladesh will next face South Africa in Thursday’s Super League Quarter Final at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom for a place in the semi-final.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 29, 2020):-Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) have confirmed their squad on Wednesday, which will tour Pakistan next month. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), The Club are sending a strong twelve-man squad to Lahore next month to play a series of matches, with MCC President Kumar Sangakkara captaining the side. The concept of an MCC tour to the country has been a long-stated aim of the MCC World Cricket committee. It is a clear demonstration of the Club’s support for Pakistan’s cricketers and fans, who have been affected by the country’s decade-long exile from hosting international cricket, which came to an end last month. MCC’s squad includes experienced all-rounder Ravi Bopara, who switched from Essex to Sussex this winter and has most recently been playing in the Bangladesh Premier League. Warwickshire contribute three players to the squad with Michael Burgess, Oliver Hannon-Dalby and Will Rhodes all included. Hannon-Dalby and Rhodes toured Nepal with MCC in November. Somerset’s Roelof van der Merwe, who will play for Lord’s-based London Spirit in the inaugural Hundred competition later this year, is named alongside his Netherlands teammate Fred Klaassen. Scotland duo Michael Leask and Safyaan Sharif, Leicestershire’s Arron Lilley, Kent’s Imran Qayyum and Worcestershire’s Ross Whiteley complete the main squad. MCC’s on-field presence will be boosted further by three additional players, each of whom will play one match for the Club during the tour. The trio – Liam Dawson, Samit Patel and Phil Salt – are preparing to represent teams in this year’s Pakistan Super League (PSL) and their involvement is part of a collaboration between MCC and the tournament organisers. The Club will play two PSL teams – Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans – in the T20 format and will also face Pakistan’s domestic T20 champions Northern. John Stephenson, MCC Assistant Secretary (Cricket) said: “We are thrilled to be able to name a strong squad for this tour, which blends youth and experience for a strong side of high quality. “We have really appreciated the collaborative approach from the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Pakistan Super League, which has enabled us to arrange fixtures against sides preparing for this year’s PSL tournament as well as to secure the services of some of those participating. “As a Club, we share the PCB’s wish in wanting to see international teams returning to play in Pakistan on a regular basis and we hope that this tour contributes to those objectives.” MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender will accompany the squad as Team Manager, with MCC Head Coach Ajmal Shahzad providing coaching. The Club has a busy touring programme in 2020. MCC currently have a touring squad in Argentina, and will also tour Denmark, Spain and Uganda this year. A women’s tour to Nepal is also planned for 2020, part of the ‘Legacy Tour’ series, in conjunction with the MCC Foundation. MCC squad to tour Pakistan: Kumar Sangakkara (President/Captain) Guy Lavender (Tour Manager) John Stephenson (Assistant Manager) Ajmal Shahzad (Head Coach) Ravi Bopara (Sussex) Michael Burgess (Warwickshire) Oliver Hannon-Dalby (Warwickshire) Fred Klaassen (Kent) Michael Leask (Scotland) Arron Lilley (Leicestershire) Imran Qayyum (Kent) Will Rhodes (Warwickshire) Safyaan Sharif (Scotland) Roelof van der Merwe (Somerset) Ross Whiteley (Worcestershire) The following three players, who will appear in the upcoming Pakistan Super League, will each represent MCC in one match on the tour: Liam Dawson (Hampshire/Peshawar Zalmi) Samit Patel (Nottinghamshire/Lahore Qalandars) Phil Salt (Sussex/Islamabad United)      

SB News KARACHI (January 29, 2020):-Pakistan's squad for next month's ICC Women’s T20 World Cup includes an uncapped batter known for her ability to hit the ball hard and make the most of the Powerplay overs. Ayesha Naseem rose to prominence in Skills2Shine U18 T20 Women Cricket Championship last November in which she scored 97 runs at an average of 48.50 in four matches and what put her on the selectors’ radar was the fact that she struck nine sixes. She impressed in the recent National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship by scoring at a strike rate of over 206. The 15-year-old batter belongs to Bagan, a village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. She was born in Karachi, where she developed interest in cricket, before moving to the village. Due to constraints, which kept her from pursuing cricket, Ayesha decided to move to Abbottabad. “Whenever we start-off in life, we come across challenges and criticism. And, the same was true for me,” Ayesha told PCB digital. “From where I come from people don’t allow their daughters outside homes. When I had begun playing proper cricket, the people in my neighbourhood started to criticise that. They used to complain to my parents and asked them to stop me from playing. These were the challenges that I confronted, but that did not deter me. Rather, I took this as a challenge to progress further and it made me work more hard to achieve my goals.” Despite these hurdles, Ayesha remained steadfast. She turned down the offers of moving to Lahore or Karachi and become an example for other women players. “I had received several offers from the coaches of Lahore and Karachi to move to these cities because the societal atmosphere did not allow me practice daily. But, I wanted to play cricket while staying in Abbottabad because I wanted to change how people think. I want people to send their daughters to the playing field because there is a lot of talent in them and they can achieve a lot. All they need is their parents’ trust.” It was Ayesha’s brother who introduced her to the game which developed into her passion. Growing up, she played cricket with boys which helped her develop a fast bat swing that now helps her to hit big sixes. “I was born in Karachi and spent my early days in the city. My brother used to take me along when he played cricket. When I grew up, he used to play with me. I started off my proper cricketing career in 2015 when I made my debut for Abbottabad region. “I had been playing with boys from the start because of which I had a quick bat swing. That has worked in my favour as it turned me into a hard-hitting batter.” Ayesha is set to make her T20I debut in the mega event. Does that give her any jitters? “There is no pressure on me. Every player wants to play World Cup for their country but there are a few lucky ones who are able to do it. I consider myself very lucky. My selection has been on the basis of my ability to play aggressive cricket and I will look to fulfil my role by making the most of the Powerplay when I make my debut.” The national women’s team will depart for Australia on 31 January. The Bismah Maroof-led unit begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 journey on 26 February against the West Indies Women. The take on England Women on February 28 after which they play South Africa Women and Thailand Women on 1 and 3 March. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).

Asghar Ali Mubarak ISLAMABAD(January 28, 2020):-The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Dr Geoffrey Shaw Tuesday hosted a reception in the honour of Pakistan women’s cricket, which will take part in International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s T20 World Cup 2020. The prestigious women’s cricket event will be held in different cities of Australia. The ceremony was aiming to wish “good luck” to Pakistan Women’s team ahead of the ICC T20 Women's Cricket World Cup in Australia. The ICC T20 Women's Cricket World Cup is scheduled in Australia starting on Friday February 21, as the Australia will host 10 teams and 23 matches across six cities. Speaking at this occasion, the high commissioner said, "It is a great privilege to meet the Pakistan National Women's Cricket Team. I wish the team a fantastic stay in Australia. The players will receive a very warm Australian welcome. We expect some fabulous cricket." High Commissioner Shaw highlighted that it would be a big year for women's cricket in Australia."Australia is about to become the first cricketing nation to close the gender prize money gap. At this year's T20 World Cup, Cricket Australia will top up winning prize money by the women's team to deliver parity with their male counterparts," Dr Shaw said, “The High Commissioner also invited fans and visitors from Pakistan to be part of the T20 World Cup. We are holding the final of the World Cup at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the biggest cricket stadium in the world, with a bold ambition to set a record for attendance at a women's sporting fixture," he added. The current record for attendance at a women's sporting fixture is 90,185, set at the final of the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup in the USA. "We aim to beat that," he added. The selected players for the T20 World Cup, the Chairperson of the Pakistan national women's selection committee Urooj Mumtaz, the team's coaches and senior members of the Pakistan Cricket board were present in the ceremony. The Pakistan team would depart for Australia on January 31 and will play its first match against West Indies on February 26 at Manuka Oval.

  SB News ISLAMABAD:-Pakistan Cricket Board has rewarded batsman Saud Shakeel for leading Pakistan to 50-over ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2019 title by naming him as captain for the one-off 50-over fixture against the Marylebone Cricket Club. The tour schedule will be announced in due course but the MCC team will visit Lahore from 13 to 19 February.   The 24-year-old Saud is one of the 11 players who have been retained from the side that defeated Bangladesh by 77 runs in the tournament final in Dhaka in November 2019. The other 10 are Akif Javed, Haider Ali, Hasan Mohsin, Imran Rafiq, Mohammad Mohsin, Omair Bin Yousuf, Rohail Nazir, Saif Badar, Sameen Gul and Umar Khan.   Zeeshan Malik is the only new face in the 12-player squad. The 23-year-old scored 780 runs in the just-concluded Quaid-e-Azam Trophy first-class tournament at an average of 52.   Amad Butt, Khushdil Shah and Mohammad Hasnain, who were also members of the side that won in Dhaka, were not considered as they have already graduated to the senior team set-up.   Nadeem Khan, coordinator – selection committee, said: “We have followed the policy of consistency and rewarding players for achieving success in Dhaka. There is only one change in the and that is of young Zeeshan Malik, who performed well in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the last tournament of the 2019-20 domestic season to date.”   PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “I can’t emphasise enough on the importance of the MCC’s tour to Pakistan, which will be their first in 48 years. The fact that the MCC side will be led by their president and one of the most respected cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, reflects how the world’s oldest and most influential clubs, who are also the Guardians of the Laws of Cricket, are viewing this tour.   “The MCC’s tour of Pakistan is part of our sincere efforts and endeavours to resume regular and normal international cricket activities. Sri Lanka played a full series, while Bangladesh have just completed white-ball matches and are scheduled to return for the two Tests and an ODI. Similarly, recent visits by Cricket Australia, England and Wales Cricket Board, Cricket Ireland and the International Cricket Council officials are a testament of our untiring efforts.”   Meanwhile, Northern coach Mohammad Wasim has also announced his 12-player side for the twenty20 match.    The side will be captained by Pakistan U19 captain Rohail Nazir and also includes Ali Imran, Haider Ali and Zaid Alam, who were members of the 15-player Northern side which defeated Balochistan by 52 runs in the final of the National T20 Cup.   Apart from the 50-over and 20-over matches against the PCB-selected sides, MCC will also play two 20-over matches against Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans. These matches will be part of the two teams’ warm-up matches ahead of the HBL Pakistan Super Leagues 2020. The remaining four franchisees will be in Karachi during this period and will play their practice matches in the metropolitan city where the tournament opener will be played on 20 February.   Pakistan Shaheens (in alphabetical order):   1. Saud Shakeel (captain) (Sindh ) 2. Akif Javed (Balochistan) 3. Haider Ali (Northern) 4. Hasan Mohsin (Sindh) 5. Imran Rafiq (Southern Punjab) 6. Mohammad Mohsin (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 7. Omair Bin Yousuf (Sindh) 8. Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (Northern) 9. Saif Badar (Southern Punjab) 10. Sameen Gul (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 11. Umar Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 12. Zeeshan Malik (Northern)   Northern (in alphabetical order):   1. Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper) (captain) 2. Faizan Riaz (vice-captain) 3. Ali Imran 4. Haider Ali 5. Mubashir Khan (Northern U19) 6. Musa Khan 7. Nauman Ali 8. Sarmad Bhatti  9. Shahzad Azam 10. Shiraz Khan (Northern U19) 11. Zaid Alam 12. Zeeshan Malik