Sports Bulletin

SB News POTCHEFSTROOM (January 17, 2020):-Pakistan Under-19 team hit the ground running a day after arriving in Potchefstroom as the team underwent a strenuous training and practice session at the North West University Sports Village, Potchefstroom on Thursday. The team is on a high after convincing wins in the two warm-up games against Nigeria and Sri Lanka during their five-day stay in Pretoria. They start their ICC U19 Cricket World Cup campaign with a match against Scotland in the NWU Sports Village vicinity on Sunday 19 January. The high altitude of the Potchefstroom venue provides a different challenge to the players and the squad spent nearly three hours in a bid to acclimatise to the conditions. Head coach Ijaz Ahmed gave a detailed account of the team’s preparations as they head into the most prestigious age-group ICC event. Ijaz Ahmed said: “Our priority is to top our group and stay in the city as the team which finishes second would have to travel to Johannesburg. So we want to stay here, get totally familiarised with the conditions and progress to quarter-final and beyond in Potchefstroom. “We played our first warm-up game a day after we arrived in the country. I feel the bowlers were a bit stiff and wayward in that game. In the second match our bowlers Amir Khan, Tahir Hussain, Aamir Ali and Abbas bowled well, support bowlers Fahad and Qasim Akram also delivered and we won the game. “Our first game was against Nigeria and it was a straightforward game for us as we got them out for 109 runs. The batsmen were not challenged much and we called back opener Haider Ali after he had scored a quickfire 50. It was almost a 10-wicket win for us. “Our game against Sri Lanka challenged us but Fahad Munir played really well for us and we also called him back after he reached his 50. Mohammad Haris batted really well also besides Haider’s contribution at the top of the innings. “These players have had a great camp at the NCA and they have been working hard since we have landed in South Africa. Now, the time to deliver has arrived!” Pakistan will train Friday and on Saturday before their game against Scotland. Their second match is against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 January followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management :– Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Anwari (security manager).

SB News LAHORE (January 17, 2020):-Bismah Maroof scored an unbeaten 53 to lead PCB Challengers to a six-wicket win over PCB Blasters in the final of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at Karachi’s National Stadium on Thursday. In the match, played under lights and live-streamed on the PCB’s YouTube channel, PCB Challengers chased down a 129-run target in 18.5 overs. Bismah, who smashed five fours in her 46-ball innings, knitted a 61-run stand for the third-wicket with all-rounder Nida Dar (30 off 24) which formed the basis for her side lifting the trophy. Challengers’ run-chase got off to a shaky start as in-form batter Muneeba Ali and Ayesha Zafar were dismissed for 10 and 11.  However, a strong third-wicket partnership between Bismah and Nida denied any further inroads to the Blasters’ bowlers. Blasters’ captain Ramin Shamim took two wickets for 24 runs in 3.5 overs, while Anam Amin, the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with seven wickets in five matches, and Natalia Pervaiz picked up a wicket each. Earlier, Blasters had managed 128 for seven in 20 overs after Ramin won the toss and opted to bat. Javeria Khan, opening with Ayesha Naseem (11), provided a solid start by scoring 43 off 35 at the back of five fours and two sixes. Wicketkeeper-batter Sidra Nawaz was the other notable batter in the innings with 20 off 16 balls. Blasters’ opening pair added 51 runs before the partnership was broken by left-arm off-spinner Sadia Iqbal. For Challengers, Saba Nazir took two wickets for 22 runs, while Aroob Shah, Sadia, Fatima Sana and Aimen Anwar picked up a wicket each. For her match-winning knock, Bismah was named player of the final. Muneeba was declared player of the tournament. The opener was the highest run-getter with 292 runs at a staggering average of 58.40. The 22-year-old scored a century in three half-centuries in five innings. Scores in brief: PCB Blasters 128-7, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 43, Sidra Nawaz 20; Saba Nazir 2-22) PCB Challengers 130-4, 18.5 overs (Bismah Maroof 53 not out, Nida Dar 30; Ramin Shamim 2-24) Result PCB Challengers won by six wickets

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 16, 2020):-Pakistan have named uncapped Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt and Haris Rauf and recalled the experienced duo of Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, along with pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, in a 15-player squad for the 24, 25 and 27 January Twenty20 Internationals against Bangladesh at historical Qaddafi Cricket Stadium Lahore. They have replaced seven players who were part of the 16-player squad that lost 2-0 to Australia in November. Players missing out on selection are Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Sohail, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz. Asif, Fakhar, Haris, Amir and Wahab were also members of the squad that lost 3-0 to Sri Lanka at home in October. 26-year-old Ahsan scored 131 runs in five matches at a strike-rate of just under 149 in the National T20 Cup in Faisalabad in October after scoring 178 runs at a strike-rate of over 130 for Quetta Gladiators in the HBL PSL 2019, while 24-year-old Amad scored 80 runs at a strike-rate of 170 and also took 10 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.62 in the Faisalabad event. 26-year-old Haris, who took six wickets in Faisalabad, is the second leading wicket-taker with 16 in Australia’s Big Bash League. Pakistan chief selector and head coach Misbah-ul-Haq said: “We have lost eight of our last nine T20Is and as the number-one ranked side, this is unacceptable. We need to end our losing cycle and get back to winning habits leading into the upcoming Asia Cup and ICC T20 World Cup. This has played a critical role in our decision-making. “We tried our alternate combinations in the series against Sri Lanka and Australia, and obviously, these didn’t work the way we had expected. Hafeez and Shoaib bring a total of 200 T20Is between them and if you mix these with the other youngsters we have in the side, then I think it becomes a good blend of experience and youth. “The seven players who have missed out on selection are by no means out of our planning but considering their recent form in international cricket and taking into account other strong performances in our National T20 Cup, we have decided to make these changes. “The high-pressure and quality HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 is starting in four weeks’ time and if they can reclaim their winning form, then they will be back in contention for the upcoming assignments, including the Asia Cup and ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “The matches against Bangladesh are part of our preparation, finding the right combination and building for the two major tournaments. The return of Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Shaheen Afridi gives us the experience and depth, while the exuberance of Ahsan Ali, Amad Butt and Haris Rauf gives the team more firepower, energy and all-round skill. “Furthermore, the three have been rewarded for their performances in the National T20 Cup as we remain committed to give value to our domestic cricket by providing opportunities to high-performing players.” Pakistan captain Babar Azam said: “I am happy with the selected squad and want to thank the selection committee for entertaining my request for Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik. I believe they still have plenty to offer to Pakistan cricket in the shortest format and their experience can be critical to our performances in the upcoming series. “Ahsan, Amad and Haris have recently shown promise and talent, and I think it is the right time to throw them at the deep end to check their ability to perform at an international level. I am sure home crowd and conditions will complement their talent and they will be able to justify their selections.” Squad for T20Is: 1.        Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab) 2.       Ahsan Ali (Sindh) 3.       Amad Butt (Balochistan) 4.       Haris Rauf (Northern) 5.       Iftikhar Ahmed (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 6.       Imad Wasim (Northern) 7.       Khushdil Shah (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 8.      Mohammad Hafeez (Southern Punjab) 9.       Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh) 10.   Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) 11.     Musa Khan (Northern) 12.    Shadab Khan (Northern) 13.    Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern) 14.    Shoaib Malik (Southern Punjab) 15.    Usman Qadir (Central Punjab)

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-Jacqueline Williams of the West Indies will become the first woman to officiate as the third umpire in a men’s international when she takes the field for the first of three Twenty20 Internationals against the visiting Ireland team. The 43-year-old from Jamaica, who will officiate in the position in all three matches of the series, continues the trend of women officials breaking barriers in the game, having already stood as an on-field umpire in men’s ODIs and T20Is. Last month, India’s G S Lakshmi oversaw the third series of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 in the United Arab Emirates, becoming the first woman match referee in men’s ODIs. Earlier in May, she became the first woman to be appointed onto the ICC International Panel of Match Referees. In April last year, Australia’s Claire Polosak became the first female umpire to stand in a men’s ODI, in the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 match between Namibia and Oman in Windhoek, Namibia. Jacqueline Williams: “This is a matter of huge honour for me and I am really excited at the prospect of of my role as TV umpire in a men’s international match. I have officiated as a third umpire in men’s matches before, but this is for the first time in an international and that too featuring the West Indies. “I am thankful to the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies for all the help and support over the years and wish that more women take up umpiring in the coming years. Umpiring is a challenging job but one from which I derive utmost satisfaction.” Adrian Griffith, ICC Senior Manager – Umpires and Referees: “Jacqueline is another of our women officials who has come through the system with hard work and determination. I am confident she will do a good job and I wish her all the best for the upcoming series. “It is heartening to see that women match officials are ready to move up a notch and it only validates our effort to encourage them and assign them important matches.” Williams had become the first woman to officiate as third umpire in an ICC men’s tournament in 2016 when she was assigned the Oman versus Nigeria match at the ICC World Cricket League Division Five in Jersey. Retired umpire Kathy Cross of New Zealand was the first woman official to stand in a men’s ICC tournament during the ICC World Cricket League Division Five and Three held in Malaysia in 201

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-England all-rounder Ben Stokes has won the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Player of the Year after a fabulous 12 months that saw him play a decisive role in England’s dramatic victory at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 along with a host of other memorable performances. Cummins and Rohit named Test and ODI players of the year, respectively; Labuschagne, Chahar and Coetzer among other award winners. Kohli wins ‘Spirit of Cricket’ award for ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 gesture supporting Smith, also named captain of Test and ODI sides Richard Illingworth wins David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year Stokes, who kept his nerve to smash an unbeaten 84 in the final against New Zealand, aggregated 719 runs and bagged 12 wickets in 20 ODIs during the voting period. He also scored 821 runs and took 22 wickets in 11 Tests, the highlight being an unbeaten 135 to win a nail-biting Ashes thriller in Leeds. Australia fast bowler Pat Cummins has been named the Test Player of the Year and India opener Rohit Sharma the ODI Player of the Year in other major men’s ICC awards announced on Wednesday. India seamer Deepak Chahar won T20I Performance of the Year, Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne has been named as Emerging Cricketer of the Year, whilst Scotland’s Kyle Coetzer is the Associate Cricketer of the Year. India captain Virat Kohli, who had swept the Player of the Year, Test Player of the Year and ODI Player of the Year last year, has won the Spirit of Cricket Award. He won the award for his gesture at the World Cup, when he egged the crowd on to support Steve Smith rather than boo him soon after his return to international cricket from a one-year suspension for changing the condition of the ball. Kohli has also been named captain of both the ICC Test and ODI teams of the year. Meanwhile, England umpire Richard Illingworth has become the seventh person to win the David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year. This is the first time that the 56-year-old has won the award named after the late umpire from England. ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney congratulated the winners of the awards this year and wished them all the best for the future. Manu Sawhney: “On behalf of the ICC, I would like to congratulate all of the individual 2019 award winners as well as those players named in the ICC Teams of the Year. “The awards celebrate the world’s best cricketers and this has undoubtedly been an extraordinary year for men’s cricket. The highlight of course was the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 that ended in such dramatic fashion. Ben Stokes was, of course in the midst of all the action during the event from that quite incredible catch at the Oval right through to that epic final at Lord’s and is a very deserving winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy.” The 28-year-old Stokes was elated at winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy but remembered to credit his team and support staff. Ben Stokes: “It is quite flattering to win the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year. The past 12 months have been incredible for England cricket and to lift the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup for the first time was our greatest achievement. “This award is testament to my teammates and the support staff that have been there every step of the way. Fundamentally, without the support of these individuals, we would never achieved our objective of lifting a major trophy. “There is an incredible bond between teammates and to savour our achievements, whether that’s winning the World Cup Final at Lord’s or digging deep to win a Test match against Australia at Headingley. It is satisfying you can accomplish these superb highs together. “The last 12 months have been the best in my career, and I believe what we attained will be the catalyst to achieve further success over the next few years.” Pat Cummins, who grabbed 59 wickets in 12 Test matches during the period and finished the year as the top-ranked bowler in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings, won the award staving off stiff competition including from compatriots Smith and Labuschagne. Pat Cummins: “It’s a tremendous honour to be considered the best player of last year and one which was certainly unexpected. I owe much to my team, team-mates and all those involved in Australian cricket for what was a really successful year for the team. The highlight was certainly being able to retain the Ashes which was a great reward for the hard work that went into that tour.” Rohit Sharma looked forward to carrying his form in the coming year, after an aggregate of 1409 runs from 28 matches with seven hundreds earned him the award for ODIs. Rohit Sharma: “I would like to thank the ICC for giving me this award and the BCCI for giving me the opportunity to represent the country. It is great to be recognised in this fashion. We are very happy with the way we performed as a team in 2019. We could have done better but we have a lot of positives and a lot to look forward to in 2020.” Chahar said his haul of six for seven against Bangladesh in Nagpur, which included a hat-trick, would always be cherished by him. Deepak Chahar: “I am very happy to receive this award. I would like to thank the ICC for this award and to the BCCI for giving me a chance to represent my country. That performance was very special for me. I got an opportunity to play for India after a long time. Taking six wickets conceding only seven runs was a dream performance for me and will always remain close to my heart.” Labuschagne was an easy winner of the Emerging Player award after scoring 1,104 runs in 11 Tests, which saw him zoom in the MRF Tyres ICC Test Player Rankings from 110 at the start of the year to fourth by the end of the year. Marnus Labuschagne: “It’s been exciting, it has been a great journey and I am very humbled with this award. It has been a great summer but the challenge is when you have a summer like that is to make sure you are backing it up and keep doing it. Being part of such a great team has been amazing, I have been very fortunate to be able to play in what is a great time for Australian cricket.” India captain Virat Kohli was surprised to win the Spirit of Cricket Award and explained his reasons for backing Smith the way he did. Virat Kohli: “I’m surprised that I have got it, after many years of being under the scanner for the wrong things. It is part of camaraderie that sportsmen must have with each other. That moment was purely understanding an individual’s situation. I don’t think a guy who is coming out of a situation like that needs to be taken advantage of. You can sledge, can have have banter on the field, you say things to the opposition in wanting to beat them. But booing someone is not in the spirit of any sport, I don’t endorse it. “Also, that should not be a representation of our fans and what we stand as a cricketing nation, a sporting nation. We need to all take responsibility towards that. Intimidate the opposition, definitely try and have an upper hand but in a matter that is not targeting someone emotionally. That is not acceptable at any level and people should be wary of that.” Coetzer was surprised at winning the award in spite of leading the Associate batsmen in ODIs with 880 runs in 18 matches and also aggregating 702 runs in 22 T20Is. Kyle Coetzer: “It is a huge honour to have won the award. It was a huge shock, I certainly did not expect it, which makes it even more special. A big shout out needs to go to everyone who supported me throughout in 2019 – my family, my friends, all Cricket Scotland supporters who have come out through thick and thin, usually in some poor weather to be honest, everyone in the Cricket Scotland office as well as the backroom staff. A very special mention needs to go out to the players who support me on the field every day.” Illingworth thanked all of those who supported him over the years and was happy to join his predecessors already on the list. Richard Illingworth: “It’s an honour and a privilege to be named umpire of the year. To join the prestigious list of previous recipients of the award is very humbling. “Although umpiring can be seen to be quite individual, there’s a huge amount done as a collective .I’d like to thank all my fellow match officials, the ICC and the ECB offices who have been great sounding boards and inspirations over the years. Also, thank you to my coach Denis Burns who helps me a huge amount and puts a great perspective on tough days. “My family have been a tremendous support over the years and I’m delighted to share this award with them. ICC Men’s Cricket Awards Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for Best Cricketer of the Year – Ben Stokes (England) Test Cricketer of the Year – Pat Cummins (Australia) ODI Cricketer of the Year – Rohit Sharma (India) T20I Performance of the Year – Deepak Chahar (India, 6-7 v Bangladesh) Emerging Cricketer of the Year – Marnus Labuschagne (Australia) Associate Cricketer of the Year – Kyle Coetzer (Scotland) Spirit of Cricket Award – Virat Kohli stopping the fans booing Steve Smith at the Oval David Shepherd Trophy for Umpire of the Year – Richard Illingworth ICC Test Team of the Year (in batting order): Mayank Agarwal, Tom Latham, Marnus Labuschagne, Virat Kohli (captain), Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, BJ Watling (wicketkeeper), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Neil Wagner, Nathan Lyon. ICC ODI Team of the Year (in batting order):  Rohit Sharma, Shai Hope, Virat Kohli (captain), Babar Azam, Kane Williamson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc, Trent Boult, Mohammed Shami, Kuldeep Yadav Both teams and the annual men’s individual awards sides have been selected by a voting academy, which took into consideration player performances throughout the 2019 calendar year. The 2019 voting academy comprised the following members of the media and broadcasters: Javed Hamim, Emal Pasarly (Afghanistan); Peter Lalor, Daniel Brettig, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke (Aus); Mohammad Farid Ahmed, Mohammad Isam, Athar Ali Khan (Ban); Lawrence Booth, Julian Guyer, Nasser Hussain, Isa Guha (Eng); Barry Chambers, Ian Callender, Niall O’Brien (Ire); Neeru Bhatia, Gaurav Gupta, Deep Dasgupta, Sanjay Majrekar (Ind); Andrew Alderson, Mark Geenty, Danny Morrison, Ian Smith (NZ); Abdul Mohi Shah, Mazhar Arshad, Bazid Khan, Ramiz Raja (Pak); Lungani Zama, Neil Manthorp, Shaun Pollock (SA); Rex Clementine, Saroj Pathirana, Russel Arnold (SL); Mehluli Sibanda, Tristan Holme, Mpumelelo Mbangwa (Zim); Vinode Mamchan, Stephon Nicholas, Ian Bishop (WI); Peter Della Penna, Peter Borren, Lisa Sthalekar (Others)

SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Pace bowling prodigy Mohammad Amir Khan is determined to make a big impression at the coveted ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The right-armer is the latest in the assembly line of Pakistan teenage fast bowlers following in the footsteps of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Musa Khan and Mohammad Hasnain. The Swat-born can clock the 140kmph mark on the speed gun. His pace and ability impressed the junior selection committee and the Pakistan U19 team management, who chose to induct him in the final squad for the tournament being hosted in South Africa. Amir, who was playing tape-ball cricket on the streets and fields of Swat till only a year ago, burst on the domestic U19 scene this year with a haul of 18 wickets in five three-day matches of the National U19 championship in which he represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Featuring in a training camp in September last year at the National Cricket Academy, Amir found himself bowling with the likes of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz who gave him useful tips. After resting from Pakistan’s opening warm-up game against Nigeria, Amir bowled his full quota of 10 overs at the Irene Country Club in Pretoria taking two wickets in his second spell as Pakistan cruised to a four wicket win against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Amir Khan said: “I didn’t get any wicket in my first spell as I struggled a bit for control and direction. I am pleased with my performance in the second spell in which I took two wickets and also effectively used the slower delivery. “My aim is to perform in every World Cup game and play a role in my team’s success. My pace is natural and I have worked hard on improving my run-up with the coaches. Our bowling coach Rao Iftikhar has worked with me and I have the support of the whole coaching staff. “Attending a camp with senior players always helps. When I was at the NCA, I bowled with Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir. Both gave me useful tips which gave me a lot of confidence and heart. They told me to maintain my line and length and learn the slower ball.” Amir, who first started playing cricket after watching the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 on TV, took a keen interest in tape-ball cricket where he made a name for his fast bowling before his rapid rise at the national junior level last year after he switched to the cricket ball. The youngster wants to bowl quick like Shoaib Akhtar and admires the skills of England’s James Anderson. The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup provides him the perfect platform of further raising his prospects of a national senior team call-up. Pakistan now travel to Potchefstroom today (Wednesday) after a five-day stay in Pretoria, where they won both warm-up games. Pakistan who are placed in Group C, play Scotland in their opening ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match on Sunday, 19 January. Their second match is against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 January, followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan)

SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Misbah-ul-Haq, head coach and chief selector of the national men’s cricket team, captain Babar Azam and coordinator – selection committee, Nadeem Khan, held a preliminary meeting on Wednesday (today) at the Gaddafi Stadium to discuss the side for the three T20Is against Bangladesh to be played here on 24, 25 and 27 January. The discussion process will continue on Thursday (16 January) when they will involve the six selectors, following which Misbah and Babar will announce the side at 2.30pm in the media conference room at Far End, Gaddafi Stadium.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-Ace Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been named in the International Cricket Council (ICC) One Day International (ODI) Team of the Year for the second time in his career after previously finding his place in 2017. The ICC announced its ODI team of the year on Wednesday, which also included (in batting order) Rohit Sharma (India), Shai Hope (West Indies), Virat Kohli (India, captain), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Ben Stokes (England), Jos Buttler (England, wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Mohammed Shami (India) and Kuldeep Yadav (India). In the 2019 calendar year, Babar scored 1,092 runs in 20 ODIs at an impressive average of 60.66. He also scored three centuries and six half centuries. His centuries came against England at Trent Bridge (115), New Zealand at Edgbaston (101 not out) during ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and Sri Lanka at National Stadium (115). In 2019, Babar featured in his first ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and made the Pakistan record for the highest score in an edition by recording 474 runs. He currently sits on the third spot in the ICC ODI Player Rankings. Since the inception of the ICC awards in 2004, Babar Azam is the eighth Pakistan player to feature in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Other Pakistan players to find their places in the teams of the year include Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rana Naved Ul Hasan (both 2005), Umar Gul (2009 and 2011), Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal (both 2012), Saeed Ajmal (2013), Mohammad Hafeez (2014), Babar Azam and Hasan Ali (2017). Reacting to the news, Babar Azam said: “I am thankful to the ICC and its jury for recognising my achievements with the bat in 2019 and considering me worthy of a place in the side that includes some of my favourite cricketers who entertained the fans throughout the year with their outstanding performances. “However, I will reserve my biggest gratitude to my team-mates and fans as without their support this would not have been possible. We played and performed as one team, with the fans always behind us despite our up and down performances. “These acknowledgements serve as additional incentives to cricketers to perform even better and continue to play their important part in further globalising this great sport. “2020 has started well for Pakistan cricket and we as a team look forward to building on it so that at the end of the year, there are more of us when the ICC announces the next set of winners same time next year. “I also want to congratulate Nida Dar, who was named in the ICC T20I Women’s Team of 2019. She has been one of the top women’s cricket performers and someone who is looked upon by the younger generation of women cricketers. “Women’s cricket in Pakistan is on a rise and Nida, along with others, is making significant contribution, which will be their legacy when they will decide to call it a day on their professional careers.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan congratulated Babar and Nida. “On behalf of the PCB, I want to congratulate both Babar Azam and Nida Dar for making Pakistan proud. “They are our assets and role models, and I hope their achievements will inspire the future generation of cricketers to not only take up this sport but also represent the country with honour, respect and distinction. What they have shown is that with a focus, clear goals and a dedication to improve, everything is possible. “Our Under-19 team is in South Africa, preparing for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. I am sure they will take a lot of heart from Babar’s achievement considering that he too graduated from this tournament to become one of the finest of his era.” Babar played in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups 2010 and 2012 where Pakistan finished runners-up and eighth, respectively.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday reached consensus with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on the upcoming series, which will be part of the Future Tours Programme. The process was facilitated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Shashank Manohar in Dubai afternoon on Tuesday. According to PCB media department, Now, Bangladesh will play three T20Is in Lahore from 24-27 January. They will return to Pakistan for the first ICC World Test Championship fixture, to be held from 7-11 February in Rawalpindi. Post the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which concludes in Lahore on 22 March, Bangladesh will visit Pakistan again and will play an ODI in Karachi on 3 April and the second ICC World Test Championship fixture from 5-9 April. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am pleased that we have amicably achieved a resolution that is in the best interest of this great sport as well as both the proud cricket playing countries. I also want to thank ICC Chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided and ensured the sport continues to grow and thrive in the two countries.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, who also attended Tuesday’s meeting at the ICC headquarters, said: “It is a win-win outcome for both the boards. I am glad that the uncertainty around the series is now over and we can start planning for the smooth delivery of the matches. Bangladesh will visit Pakistan thrice, which should give them the comfort that Pakistan is as safe and secure as any other cricket playing country. “The split series across three venues will also provide opportunities to fans and followers to watch live their favourite players in action and support good cricket from either side.” Tour schedule: 24 Jan – 1st T20I, Lahore 25 Jan – 2nd T20I, Lahore 27 Jan – 3rd T20I, Lahore 7-11 Feb – 1st Test, Rawalpindi 3 Apr – One-off ODI, Karachi 5-9 Apr – 2nd Test, Karachi  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) appointed Aysha as the captain of the national team for the forthcoming 4-Nation International Women’s T20 International Tournament that will be kicked off from January 17, 2020. Hosts Qatar will take on Omen in their opening fixture of quadrangular international women’s cricket showpiece. According to available information, Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur will be the deputy of captain Aysha. The Women’s T20 International Tournament, to be held at the Asian Town Stadium in Industrial Area from January 17-22, 2020, as hosts Qatar, China, Kuwait and Oman will compete for the top honour. Final will be played on January 21, 2020 at same venue. President QCA Yousef Jeham Al-Kuwari also announced that Issa al-Yacoub would be the Event Coordinator while Gul Khan Jadoon would perform the duties of Tournament Director during the five-day fixture. As many as 10 matches will be staged during the tournament including semifinals and finals. A play-off match will be played for third position. He also added, “The QCA has selected a 14-player squad for the Four-Nation Women’s T20 International Tournament after an extensive training-cum-selection camp. Also we have selected three reserve players. The Qatar women are is excited to return to the international cricket and would be keen to produce remarkable performance in the tournament. The QCA has good wishes for all players and participating teams,” he said. “The preparations are going on at a hectic pace and given final touches to make this event historic and we are committed to deliver a strong and memorable event to local fans, who are very supportive to any event that we stage in Qatar,” Al-Kuwari maintained. Team Manager Shivani Mishra, who is also the Qatar Women’s Cricket Development Officer, organised the preparations of the national team and selection. Aftab Ahmad is the coach of the team. Qatar squad Aysha Senior (captain), Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur (vice-captain), Aisha Abdur Rahman, Nahan Arif, Angeline Mare, Trupti Kale, Aleena Khan, Rochelle Sherlene Quyn, Akshata Arjun Sanguelkar, Saachi Dhadwal, Sabah Nawab, Apsara Weerasekara Bamunumudiyanselage, Sincy Sara Sherin, Khadija Ahmad Imtiaz Reserves: Khulood Omran Hussain, Krishnendhu Bindhu, Bandhana Puthalapattu Team officials: Shivani Mishra (team manager), Aftab Ahmad (coach), Sabeeja Adiyeri Panayan (trainer), Paramjeet Kaur Bhullar (coordinator), Issa al-Yacoub (event coordinator) and Gul Khan Jadoon (tournament director).