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Cricket Meets Cradle: Stars Prioritizing Paternity Leave Over Pitch
BIPIN DANIIndian cricket captain Rohit Sharma, who became a father for the second time (his wife delivered a baby-boy) in a local hospital in Mumbai on Friday and may miss the first Test match against Australia in Perth beginning next week. Rohit had communicated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) that he wishes to stay back with his family and 2nd newborn for a few more days. He is likely to be available for selection for the second Test of the series.This decision by Rohit Sharma has sparked a debate on balancing professional commitments with personal milestones, highlighting the varied perspectives within the cricketing community on leadership and family priorities.Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has weighed in on Rohit's decision, suggesting that if he misses the first Test, he should continue to participate as a player for the remainder of the series rather than as captain. Gavaskar proposed that Jasprit Bumrah should take over the captaincy duties for the entire series, emphasizing the need for continuity in leadership.Former India pace bowler, Karsan Ghavri has backed Gavaskar's views. Speaking exclusively, he says, "Better Rohit Sharma takes a break. He will not be able to concentrate and do justice to both the places. National duty comes 1st. On the war field soldiers' mothers/ father, wife/ sister / child pass away, but they don’t run away from war. Gavaskar himself saw his 1st born son Rohan after a month (after the West Indies tour was over in 70s). However, former spinner, Maninder Singh is not ready to buy doesn't buy tyese arguments. "The birth of a child is always an emotional moment in anyone's life and if Rohit wanted to be with his wife during this period, he should be given this opportunity. How many times he or anyone else would get this moment in his life? She will be the best person to support his wife at the time. If I were at his place, I too would have sought a break. I was not on cricket duty but stood behind my wife at the time of delivery of my two children (son and daughter)", Maninder added. Adding further, Maninder said, "Rohit is an international professional cricketer and can easily be adjusted to the match conditions once he reaches Australia for the remaining matches. It will be upto the selection committee and the coach (Gautam Gambhir) whether to make him captain for the remaining Tests. It will be a dicey situation if the new captain succeeds in his absence but it is generally the senior player, who regains his place if he misses out any match for injury or illness or for any reason". Former Australian captain Aaron Finch has shown his support for Rohit Sharma's choice. Finch emphasized the significance of staying home with one's family during such a special time, considering it a beautiful moment that deserves to be cherished.Virat Kohli had twice chosen family over cricket. In January 2021, he missed three Tests in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia to welcome his first child, Vamika, with his wife, Anushka Sharma. Kohli’s second paternity leave came in February 2024, when he skipped England’s Test series to welcome his son Akaay in London, showing his commitment to family life.Star pacer Jasprit Bumrah celebrated the arrival of his first child, Angad, in September 2023. Bumrah left the Asia Cup midway to attend the birth, later rejoining the team during the Super Four stage. His absence was managed effectively by Team India, but Bumrah’s prioritisation of family over cricket earned praise from fans.
IV-Day match: Sri Lanka ‘A’ make 293 for 4 on first day, Khurram grabs 6 wickets
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad continued his remarkable run from injury as Sri Lanka ‘A’ reached 293 for eight at stumps on the opening day of the second four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens at the Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Monday.Khurram, who last week recorded match figures of nine for 102 in Pakistan Shaheens’ seven-wicket victory in the first four-dayer, delivered another outstanding performance with figures of 10-2-30-6. Despite his fiery spell that redcued Sri Lanka ‘A’ to 35 for five and later 150 for seven, a rearguard action, led by Sonal Dinusha, helped the visitors post a respectable total.No.7 batter Dinusha came to his side’s rescue with a resilient knock of 81 off 169 balls, laced with seven fours. No.9 batter Wanuja Sahan provided invaluable support with a brisk 63 off 79 balls, including six fours and a six, as the duo stitched a crucial 98-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Dinusha was also involved in three other useful stands.He shared a 59-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Pavan Rathnayake (35), followed by a 56-run stand for the seventh wicket with Dinura Kalupahana (30). An unbeaten ninth-wicket stand with No.10 Isitha Wijesundara had so far yielded 45 runs, with Wijesundara blazing his way to 38 not out off just 26 balls, including four fours and three sixes.Apart from Khurram, Ahmed Safi Abdullah was the only other bowler to make an impact, finishing with figures of 2 for 100.Scores in brief (day 1 of 4):Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and elected to field firstSri Lanka ‘A’ 293-8, 75 overs (Sonal Dinusha 81 not out, Wanuja Sahan 63, Isitha Wijesundara 38 not out, Pavan Rathnayake 35, Ahan Wickramsinghe 30, Dinura Kalupahana 30; Khurram Shahzad 6-30, Ahmed Safi Abdullah 2-100)
Aqib Javed confirmed interim white-ball head coach
LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the appointment of Aqib Javed, a former international fast bowler, as the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team until the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.During this tenure, Aqib will continue to serve as a senior member of the men’s National Selection Committee, and will be assigned additional responsibilities following the conclusion of the eight-team tournament.Meanwhile, the PCB will initiate the recruitment process for a permanent white-ball head coach, aiming to complete the appointment by the end of the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled from 19 February to 9 March.The white-ball coaching role had become vacant following the resignation of Gary Kirsten. Red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie had coached the side during the recent tour of Australia, who will now rejoin the side for the upcoming two-Test series in South Africa.The Pakistan men’s side is scheduled to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Zimbabwe (24 November – 5 December) and as many white-ball matches in South Africa (10-22 December). In the lead up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan will host New Zealand and South Africa for an ODI triangular series from 8-14 February.
Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs in 7 overs per innings contest
Sports Bulletin ReportBrisbane (Australia): Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs in the rain-hit seven-over opening game of the three-match T20I series at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday. Pakistan managed 63-9 in the allotted overs after Australia raced to 93-4 off the 42 balls they faced.Earlier, bad weather delayed the start of play before Pakistan won the toss and opted to field first. After Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf removed the Australia opening batters for single digits, Glenn Maxwell hit five fours and three sixes in his breezy 19-ball 43.Marcus Stoinis struck an unbeaten 21 off seven balls including two fours and one six to propel Australia to a formidable total. Mohammad Abbas Afridi picked up two wickets in his solitary over.In turn, Pakistan were reduced to 24-6 in 3.2 overs before Abbas top scored with 20 not out off 10 balls hitting two fours and one six. Haseebullah (12, 8b, 1x4, 1x6) and Shaheen Shah Afridi (11, 6b, 1x6) were the other batters to enter double figures for Pakistan. Xavier Bartlett and Nathan Ellis picked up three wickets each while Adam Zampa returned figures of 2-9.Scores in brief:Australia beat Pakistan by 29 runs at the Gabba, BrisbaneAustralia 93-4, 7 overs (Glenn Maxwell 43, Marcus Stoinis 21 not out; Mohammad Abbas Afridi 2-9)Pakistan 64-9, 7 overs (Mohammad Abbas Afridi 20 not out; Nathan Ellis 3-9, Xavier Bartlett 3-13, Adama Zampa 2-11)Player of the match – Glenn Maxwell (Australia)Remaining matches:16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start)
Shaheens overcome Sri Lanka A by 7 wickets in Rawalpindi
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: A couple of notable performances, Suleman (86) and Ali Zaryab (83) not out helped Shaheens to achieve the 222 runs target against Sri Lanka A here at Pindi Cricket Stadium in the first 4-day match of Series on Thursday.Earlier, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad picked up the last Sri Lanka wicket on the fourth ball of the day without any addition to the overnight score of 364 to finish with impressive figures of five for 70 and match figures of nine wickets for 102 runs.Suleman and Ali had joined hands after Pakistan Shaheens had slipped to 32 for two following the departures of Mohammad Huraira (9) and Abdul Faseeh (22). When Suleman departed at the score of 190 after hitting 11 fours in a 129-ball knock with Shaheens requiring 32 runs for victory, Haider Ali belted two sixes and a four in a rapid 14-ball 19 not out.Ali returned 83 not out from 125 balls with 11 hits to the fence. The highly-rated batter had scored 55 in Pakistan Shaheen’s 258 in response to Sri Lanka ‘A’ 115.While Suleman and Ali took the second innings honours, Test fast bowler Khurram Shahzad was in sparkling form throughout the match. In his third competitive match since returning from injury after successful completion of his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Stadium, the fast bowler returned figures of 10.1-3-32-4 and 25.4-4-70-5.Khurram’s fellow new ball partner, Kashif Ali, also had a good match, recording figures of five for 31 and two for 79. The second and last four-day match will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on 18 November.Scores in brief (day 4 of 4):Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka ‘A’ by seven wicketsSri Lanka ‘A’ 115 all out, 33.1 overs (Sonal Dinusha 30, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 28; Kashif Ali 5-31, Khurram Shahzad 4-32) and 364 all-out, 96.4 overs (Wanuja Sahan 73, Pasindu Sooriyabandara 64, Sonal Dinusha 62, Pavan Rathnayake 60, Ahan Wickramasinghe 53, Nipun Dhananjaya 28; Khurram Shahzad 5-70, Mohammad Suleman 2-21, Kashif Ali 2-79)Pakistan Shaheens 258 all out, 82.1 overs (Hussain Talat 56, Rohail Nazir 55, Ali Zaryab 55, Abdul Faseeh 26, Mohammad Suleman 24; Vishwa Fernando 4-44, Isitha Wijesundara 2-49, Nisala Tharaka 2-57) and 222-3, 53 overs (Mohammad Suleman 86, Ali Zaryab 83 not out, Abdul Faseeh 22, Haider Ali 19 not out)Player of the match – Ali Zaryab (Pakistan Shaheens)Next match: 18-21 (2nd four-day, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium)
Shaheens, Sri Lanka ‘A’ set to meet in opening fixture of Series on Monday
Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens led by Mohammad Huraira will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day games of the series commencing on November 11, 2024 (Monday) here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.The second four-day will be played from 18 to 21 November, while the series also includes three 50-over matches, scheduled to take place at the same venue from 25 to 29 November. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games, while Nuwanidu Fernando will lead them in the 50-over series.Five cricketers, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir in four-day squad have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, among the 14-member squad, four players - Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan had featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.Mohammad Huraira said: “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series. Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’ said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”Pakistan Shaheens squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain-Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando and Wanuja SahanMatch officials:11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee).
Pakistan Under-19 cricket squad announced for UAE tour
PCB ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed the squad for the 50-over tri-series and ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024-25 set to take place in UAE from 13 November to 8 December.Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour: Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)(Tri-Nation series; all matches to be played at ICC Academy, Dubai)13 November - Pakistan vs UAE15 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan20 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan22 November - Pakistan vs UAE26 November - Final (ACC U19 Asia Cup; Group A matches to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium)30 November – Pakistan vs India2 December – Pakistan vs UAE4 December -Pakistan vs Japan6 December – Semi final 1 (A1 vs B2 - Dubai) & Semi final 2 (B1 vs A2 – Sharjah)8 December – Final.
West Indies pacer Alzarri Joseph banned for 2 matches:
Importance of communication in cricket is crucial for maintaining the Integrity: BucknorBIPIN DANIIn the world of cricket, effective communication between players and umpires is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the game. Former ICC West Indies umpire Steve Bucknor recently shared exclusively his thoughts on a recent incident involving Alzarri Joseph, who left the field in anger despite having bowled a wicket-maiden.The primary source of discomfort for the West Indies early in the 3rd ODI match against England at the Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados on Wednesday stemmed from an unusual on-field confrontation between Alzarri Joseph and his captain, Shai Hope. The fast bowler appeared dissatisfied with the field arrangement for England’s No. 3, Cox. From the top of his run-up, Joseph was visibly expressing his displeasure to his captain multiple times, and he channeled his frustration towards the batter. Cox barely managed to react to a 148kph/92mph bouncer that grazed his glove on its way to the keeper. Joseph, however, did not celebrate and walked off at the end of the over, temporarily leaving the West Indies with just 10 players on the field.Bucknor emphasized the importance of informing the umpire when a fielder leaves the field for any reason. "A match can continue with ten players. However, if any fielder has to leave the field (for any reasons, injury or otherwise), he must inform the umpire. In case he has not informed the umpire, the word should come from the captain," he said over telephone from New York.In the recent incident, Bucknor noted that the hurried nature of the situation might have prevented the fielder from informing the on-field umpires. "I am not sure but in the above situation, it is the duty of the captain to have informed the umpire as soon as the fielder left the field," he added.Bucknor also highlighted the role of team management in such situations. "If he has not, it will be up to the team management to take action on the captain or fielder or on both," he stated. He further suggested that the match referee might report the incident to the ICC.Bucknor, 78, continues to contribute to the sport, umpiring on weekends in New York and helping school children develop their cricket skills.Bucknor's insights serve as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and respect for the rules of the game. His continued dedication to nurturing young talent also highlights his commitment to the future of cricket.No substitute allowed: According to India's former umpire, Vinayak Kulkurni, who had stood in two ODI games and lLater became an umpire's coach for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), no substitute fielder can be granted for this reason. "As I read, the argument was between Captain and Player and the player left. The captain may have informed the umpire/s. As far as Umpires are concerned for such reasons no substitute will be permitted and will report the matter to the match referee".Latest report suggests that the bowler has publicly apologized and has been suspended by his cricket board (CWI) and not the ICC. There have been instances of on field disagreements between players and or captains over tactical decisions, but Alzarri's dramatic exit during the match certainly stands out due to the intensity of the exchange and his decision to leave the field despite having bowled.
Pakistan crush Australia by 9 wickets to square ODI Series 1-1
Haris Rauf (5 for 29), Saim Ayub (84 runs) guide Green Shirts to historical victory against AustraliaSports Bulletin ReportAdelaide (Australia): Haris Rauf’s second five wicket-haul and half-centuries by Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique led Pakistan to a nine-wicket win over Australia in the second ODI at the Adelaide Oval in Adelaide. The win also leveled the three-match ODI series 1-1, with the series decider to be played at the Perth Stadium in Perth on 10 November.Chasing 164 to win, Pakistan opening pair of Abdullah and Saim got off to a flying start as they knitted a 137-run partnership for the first wicket. Saim, playing his second ODI, scored his maiden half-century, scoring a 71-ball 82, which included five fours and six sixes. The departure of Saim in the 21st over brought Babar Azam to the crease and the pair of Abdullah and Babar added an unbroken 32 runs for the second wicket take Pakistan over the line. Abdullah’s undefeated innings of 64 off 69 balls, included four fours and three sixes and it was his fifth half-century in this formatEarlier, after being put into bat, the visiting fast bowlers never allowed the hosts to score freely as the wickets continued to fall. Right-arm pacer Haris, playing his 39th ODI, was the most successful bowler, bagging five wickets for 29 runs in eight overs. His fellow fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who took two wickets in the first ODI, grabbed three wickets for 26 in eight overs. Captain Mohammad Rizwan grabbed six catches behind the stumps, missing out on a record seven catches.For Australia, former captain Steven Smith, coming to bat at number three scored 35 off 48 balls, which included five fours and a six.Scores in brief:Pakistan beat Australia by nine wicketsAustralia 163 all out, 35 overs (Steven Smith 35; Haris Rauf 5-29, Shaheen Shah Afridi 3-26)Pakistan 169-1, 26.3 overs (Saim Ayub 82, Abdullah Shafique 64 not out)Player of the match – Haris Rauf
Pakistan vs Australia: First One Day International on November 4 at MCG
Mohammad Rizwan to become 31st ODI Captain, Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub to make debutMohammad IsmailMelbourne (Australia): Pakistan will face hosts Australia in the first One Day International of three-match rubber here at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on November 4, 2024 (Monday).Both sides last met in the 50-over format during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on October 20 where Australia defeated Pakistan by 62 runs at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. The last time both sides featured in a bilateral ODI series was in March/April 2022, when Australia visited Pakistan and the hosts won the series 2-1.Pakistan have also announced their playing XI for the first ODI, with Mohammad Irfan Khan and Saim Ayub making their debut. 21-year-old Irfan has already featured in three T20Is for Pakistan, while he has played 24 List-A matches, scoring one century and three half-centuries. Left-handed opening batter Saim has been a part of six Tests and 23 T20Is for Pakistan and has featured in 35 List-A matches accumulating 1,472 runs with the help of four centuries and seven half-centuries.Mohammad Rizwan said: “It is an honour to lead the Pakistan team and we are ready to take on Australia in their own backyard. We all know Australia are a very good side, and world champions, but we look forward to competing hard as we have a number of young and exciting players in our squad and it is their chance to grab the opportunities coming their way. We have had productive training sessions here in Melbourne since our arrival and with the support of Almighty, we look forward to produce positive results in the series. We are scheduled to play a good number of ODIs before the next year’s ICC Champions Trophy back in Pakistan. The forthcoming series beginning with Australia, then Zimbabwe, South Africa and the home Tri-nation tournament will help us assemble a right combination going into the mega event at home. We are expecting fans to come in good number to support us in this series, as they have been a huge support for the team wherever we have played in Australia.”Pat Cummins, Australia’s ODI captain: It’s always great to have such high intensity game which makes the start of summer and it’s a great opportunity for youngsters to get going. Pakistan are quite a decent side and they have players who have scored big runs. We have played against them in recent years, so I think it’s always a fairly even match. There is going to be good crowd tomorrow at the MCG as we are playing against Pakistan.”Playing XI for first ODI (in batting order): Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicket-keeper), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Mohammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad HasnainSchedule of matches:4 Nov – 1st ODI vs Australia; Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne (2.30pm local time start)8 Nov – 2nd ODI vs Australia; Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (2pm local time start)10Nov – 3rd ODI vs Australia; Perth Stadium, Perth (11.30am local time start)14 Nov – 1st T20I vs Australia; Brisbane Cricket Ground, Brisbane (6pm local time start)16 Nov – 2nd T20I vs Australia; Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney (7pm local time start)18 Nov – 3rd T20I vs Australia; Bellerive Oval, Hobart (7pm local time start).
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