Sports Bulletin

Islamabad (Sports Desk): England Men's Test captain Ben Stokes has been ruled out of all cricket for at least three months after further assessments confirmed he has torn his left hamstring. The Durham all-rounder will undergo surgery in January. The injury occurred during the third Test in Hamilton, during England's recent 2-1 Test series victory in the New Zealand. 

Defending Champions Pakistan to meet New Zealand in opening match KarachiDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today announced the fixtures for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will take place from 19 February to 9 March in Pakistan and United Arab Emirates (UAE).The 15-match, eight-team event returns to the cricket calendar for the first time since the last edition was staged in 2017, with defending champions Pakistan hosting their first global cricket tournament since 1996, alongside the UAE which was confirmed as the neutral venue.The thrilling 19-day competition, in which every match counts in the bid to claim the iconic Champions Trophy white jackets, will see Bangladesh, India, New Zealand and Pakistan form Group A with Afghanistan, Australia, England and South Africa in Group B.The stadiums in Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi will host the matches in Pakistan, while Dubai will host the matches in the UAE. Ahead of tickets going on sale, fans are encouraged to register their interest for tickets here.The Champions Trophy begins with hosts Pakistan facing New Zealand on 19 February - the opening day of the event - in Karachi. Other key match-ups include Bangladesh taking on India on the second day of the competition in Dubai and Afghanistan facing South Africa on 21 February in Karachi. On 22 February, one of cricket’s most celebrated rivalries will pit Australia against England in Lahore, ahead of an unmissable Pakistan versus India contest on 23 February in Dubai.The quickfire event showcases the very best about cricket in one big day out, with the first semi-final scheduled to be played on 4 March in Dubai and the second semi-final slated for 5 March in Lahore. Lahore will host the final on 9 March, however if India qualifies for the final it will be played in Dubai, where the victorious team will claim the famous white jackets. Both semi-finals and the final will have reserve days.ICC Chair, Jay Shah said: “The ICC is delighted to release the schedule for the Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, marking the tournament's much-anticipated return since 2017. The thrilling competition, in which eight teams battle it out to claim the iconic white jackets, will provide fans with 15 matches of unmissable entertainment. This edition will take place in Pakistan and the UAE, and with Dubai also serving as the home of the ICC headquarters, it represents an opportunity to showcase the best of cricket with heritage and modernity. This Champions Trophy is truly poised to be an unmissable celebration of the World Cricket’s finest.”Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi said: "We are pleased that an agreement has been reached based on the principles of equality and respect, showcasing the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that defines our sport. Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the ICC members who played a constructive role in helping us achieve a mutually beneficial solution. Their efforts have been invaluable in promoting the interests of international cricket. Hosting the Champions Trophy is a significant milestone for Pakistan, highlighting our commitment to promoting cricket at the highest level and showcasing our capabilities as a premier event organizer. We are dedicated to ensuring that this tournament will be a memorable experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Pakistan is elated to welcome the world to the Champions Trophy, and we look forward to extending our renowned hospitality to all."Schedule ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025:19 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, National Stadium, Karachi20 Feb – Bangladesh v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai21 Feb – Afghanistan v South Africa, National Stadium, Karachi22 Feb – Australia v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore23 Feb – Pakistan v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai24 Feb - Bangladesh v New Zealand, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi25 Feb – Australia v South Africa, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi26 Feb – Afghanistan v England, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore27 Feb – Pakistan v Bangladesh, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi28 Feb – Afghanistan v Australia, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore1 Mar – South Africa v England, National Stadium, Karachi2 Mar – New Zealand v India, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai4 Mar – Semi-final 1, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai5 Mar – Semi-final 2, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore9 Mar – Final - Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore (Press Release).

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selected the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the neutral venue for upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 cricket fixture, as this mega cricket event will be hosted by Pakistan under the banner of International Cricket Council (ICC).According to a spokesman for PCB, Amir Mir, Pakistan Cricket Board has formally informed the ICC about the neutral venue decision. Now, India and Pakistan's Champions Trophy matches will be held in the UAE.The decision regarding the neutral venue for the Champions Trophy was to be made by the host, Pakistan, and the final decision on the venue was made after a meeting between Mohsin Naqvi and Sheikh Al Nahyan.It is pertinent to mention here that Sheikh Al Nahyan, currently in Pakistan, is also the Chairman of the Emirates Cricket Board.

Lahore (PR): Leading up to the 10th edition of the HBL PSL, PCB announces the HBL PSL Fans’ Choice Awards celebrating nine years of the league. Local and foreign players, who have featured in the previous editions of HBL PSL will be nominated and nominations will then be opened for fan voting.The fans will be the decision-makers and the players receiving the highest number of votes in each category will be declared the winner at the HBL PSL Draft 2025 scheduled in Gwadar on 11 January. HBL PSL, since its inception in 2016, is all set to hold its historic 10th edition matches between April 8 to May 19, 2025.Six categories for Awards:Best BatterBest BowlerBest All-rounderMost Valuable Player (MVP)Best Individual Bowling PerformanceBest Individual Batting PerformanceHBL PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer said: “The HBL PSL’s long and successful journey could not have been possible without the firm support of our loyal fans, who are an integral stakeholder in the success of this league. The Fans’ Choice Awards are our way of recognising their passion and dedication, providing them with a platform to recognise their favourite players and moments as we celebrate the very best of HBL PSL together. We all know there have been breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments throughout the history of this league. The Fans’ Choice Awards aim to showcase what makes the HBL PSL truly special, a tribute to the players who inspire and the fans who cheer them on.”

Stars overcome Conquerors by 5 wickets, Sidra Amin scores 77 runs in 84 balls in finalRawalpindi (Sports Bulletin Report): Captains’ innings by Sidra Amin (77, 84b, 11x4s, 1x6) and an all-round performance from Rameen Shamim (37 not out, two wickets) led Stars to a five-wicket win over Conquerors at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday to lift the trophy of National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024 and also grab the prize money of PKR 1.5 million. Fatima Sana-led Conquerors had to settle with a runners-up trophy and prize money of PKR 1 million.Opting to bat first, Conquerors managed to score 178 for nine in 45 overs – the match which was also live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel. Conquerors’ Hafsa Khalid top-scored with a 78-ball 47, hitting nine boundaries. Dua Majid was other notable contributor with the bat, scoring 40 off 66 balls, hitting three fours. For Stars, pacer Waheeda Akhtar bagged three wickets for 33, while spinners Rameen Shamim (9-0-38-2), Tuba Hassan (9-0-42-2) and Neelam Mushtaq (9-0-26-1) shared five wickets between them.In turn, Stars achieved the target in 43.2 overs losing five wickets in the process. Skipper Sidra and Rameen knitted a 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket, while Tuba Hassan’s (12 not out, four balls, 3x4s) three boundaries in the 43rd over made sure Stars get a comfortable win. Sidra, for her match winning innings was declared the player of the match, while Invincibles’ Omaima Sohail was declared the best player of the tournament for scoring 253 runs and taking 13 wickets. In other individual awards, Invincibles’ Muneeba Ali was declared the best wicket-keeper of the tournament with 12 dismissals behind stumps. Challengers Aliya Riaz for 382 runs in eight outings was named best batter of the tournament, while Stars’ Rameen was named best bowler of the tournament after grabbing 20 wickets from nine matches.Scores in brief (Stars beat Conquerors by 5 wickets):Conquerors 178-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 47, Dua Majid 40, Saira Jabeen 32, Najiha Alvi 23, Fatima Sana 20; Waheeda Akhtar 3-33, Rameen Shamim 2-38, Tuba Hassan 2-42)Stars 179-5, 43.2 overs (Sidra Amin 77, Rameen Shamim 37 not out, Sadaf Shamas 22; Nashra Sundhu 2-26)Player of the match: Sidra Amin (Stars)Best Wicket-keeper of the Tournament: Muneeba Ali (Invincibles) (12 dismissals)Best Batter of the Tournament: Aliya Riaz (Challengers) (382 runs, eight matches)Best Bowler of the tournament: Rameen Shamim (Stars) (20 wickets, nine matches)Player of the Tournament: Omaima Sohail (Invincibles) (253 runs, 13 wickets, eight matches)

Islamabad (Sports Desk): The England Men’s selection panel has named the squads for next month’s white-ball tour of India, which includes three ODIs, five IT20s, and the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025. Both squads feature 15 players, marking the first tour and tournament under Head Coach Brendon McCullum.Names of selected players: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)England Men’s IT20 Squad for India Tour: Jos Buttler (Lancashire-Captain), Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jacob Bethell (Warwickshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Jamie Smith (Surrey), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), Phil Salt (Lancashire), Mark Wood (Durham)Yorkshire batter Joe Root makes his return to the ODI side for the first time since the ICC Men’s World Cup in November 2023. Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to be assessed following a left hamstring injury sustained during the third Test match against New Zealand earlier this month. Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed joins the IT20 squad, while Root is selected only for the ODIs. The tour party will depart on 17 January 2025.Schedule IT20s in India:1st IT20: India v England, Wednesday 22 January, Eden Gardens, Kolkata2nd IT20: India v England, Saturday 25 January, MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai3rd IT20: India v England, Tuesday 28 January, Niranjan Shah Stadium, Rajkot4th IT20: India v England, Friday 31 January, MCA Stadium, Pune5th IT20: India v England, Sunday 2 February, Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiSchedule ODIs in India:1st ODI: India v England, Thursday 6 February, VCA Stadium, Nagpur2nd ODI: India v England, Sunday 9th February, Barabati Stadium, Cuttack3rd ODI: India v England, Wednesday 12 February, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Rawalpindi (SBR): Conquerors will take on Stars in the final of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament scheduled on Sunday, 22 December at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The toss of the 45-over final will take place at 9am, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 09.30am.The winner of the event will grab PKR 1.5 million, while the runners-up have to settle with PKR 1 million. The match will be live-streamed on PCB’s official YouTube channel, while ball-by-ball coverage will be available on PCB’s corporate website.Fatima Sana-led Conquerors, who finished on the top of the table with 12 points will eye to conclude the event on the winning note. Conquerors and Sidra Amin’s Stars have met twice against each other in the tournament, with both sides winning one match each. Most recently, at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 14 December, Conquerors on the back of three wickets apiece by Nashra Sundhu and Syeda Aroob Shah managed a 48-run win.Right-hand batter Sidra is leading the Stars from front as she has scored 254 runs in eight matches, which included two half-centuries and her 43-ball 53 came in a three-wicket win over Conquerors on 18 November at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi.In bowling charts, Stars’ off-spinner Rameen Shamim (eight matches, 18 wickets) and leg-spinner Tuba Hassan (eight matches, 16 wickets) are among the top four bowlers in the tournament.For Conquerors, captain Fatima has produced all-round performance in the tournament. The 23-year-old has scored 225 from eight matches, which included two half-centuries, while with her right-arm fast she has bagged eight wickets. Right-hand batter Hafsa Khalid is another batter Conquerors will be relying upon. The right-hand batter has scored 217 from eight matches, which included one half-century.In bowling, Conquerors spin bowlers Nashra Sundhu and Mahnoor Aftab have bagged 17 and 13 wickets, respectively. Fatima Sana and Sidra Amin talked exclusively to PCB Digital on the eve of the final.Fatima Sana said: “The young players have shown great potential and skills throughout the tournament and now we are really looking forward to do well in the final. We have carried good momentum in the tournament, and now with one game away from winning the trophy, we will not think more about the final and will take it as a normal match.”Sidra Amin said: “We had a good start in the tournament, but in the middle of the tournament we had some close contest games, so it’s important we finish well in the tournament. Our opponent for the final has played good cricket throughout the tournament and the final match will be a good contest and with the match being live-streamed, it will encourage young girls across the country to witness the performances of the players and also take up the sport.”

Islamabad (SBR): Nashra Sundhu’s back to back player of the match performances takes Conquerors to the top of the table in the ongoing National Women’s One-Day Tournament. At the Diamond Cricket Ground, batting first Conquerors managed to score 208 for nine in 45 overs. Hafsa Khalid top-scored with an 83-ball 43, which included three fours and a six. Wicketkeeper-batter Najiha Alvi returned undefeated on 39 off 38 balls, smashing three fours.For Invincibles, Areesha Noor, Fatima Zahra and Ghulam Fatima bagged two wickets apiece.In reply, Invincibles were bowled out for 101 in 29.4 overs with opening batter Ayesha Zafar contributing 31 off 64 balls, hitting four boundaries.Conquerors’ left-arm spinner Nashra took three wickets for 21, while Fatima Sana and Mahnoor Aftab snapped two wickets each. Today’s win was Conquerors fifth win in seven games, while Invincibles second defeat in the event.At the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi, unbeaten centuries by Eyman Fatima and Gull Feroza led Strikers to a seven-wicket win over Challengers. Aliya Riaz-led Challengers ended the tournament with two wins from eight outings.Chasing 243 to win, Eyman (119 not out, 92b, 17x4s, 3x6s) and Gull Feroza (103 not out, 101b, 13x4s) knitted an unbeaten 205-run partnership for the fourth wicket and helped their side achieve the target in 36.5 overs. This was right-hand batter Eyman’s second century in the tournament as the 20-year-old has scored 317 runs from seven matches.Earlier, batting first, Challengers posted 242 for six in 45 overs with right-hand batter Natalia Parvaiz returning undefeated on 81 off 85 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Gull Rukh (43, 44b, 6x4s, 1x6), Umm-e-Hani (39, 53b, 4x4s) and Momina Riasat (33 not out, 37b, 4x4s) were other contributors with the bat.For Strikers, captain Nida Dar bagged three wickets for 45 in nine overs, while Ayesha Bilal took two wickets for 38 runs.Scores in brief:Conquerors beat Invincibles by 107 runs at the Diamond Cricket Ground Conquerors 208-9, 45 overs (Hafsa Khalid 43, Najiha Alvi 39 not out, Syeda Aroob Shah 36; Areesha Noor 2-10, Fatima Zahra 2-27, Ghulam Fatima 2-38) Invincibles 101 all out, 29.4 overs (Ayesha Zafar 31; Nashra Sundhu 3-21, Fatima Sana 2-17, Mahnoor Aftab 2-22) Player of the match: Nashra Sundhu (Conquerors)Strikers beat Challengers by seven wickets at the Shoaib Akhtar Cricket StadiumChallengers 242-6, 45 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 81 not out, Gull Rukh 43, Umm-e-Hani 39, Momina Riasat 33 not out; Nida Dar 3-45, Ayesha Bilal 2-38) Strikers 243-3, 36.5 overs (Eyman Fatima 119 not out, Gull Feroza 103 not out)Player of the match: Eyman Fatima (Strikers).

Rawalpindi (PCB Report) Hard-hitting opener Hasan Nawaz smashed a fiery half century while Khushdil Shah produced an all-round show as Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets in the Bahria Town Champions T20 Cup at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on Tuesday. Hasan has been impressing most of the cricket experts with his clean hitting and that was on show as he led the chase for Nurpur Lions. The winners overhauled the 169-run target for the loss of seven wickets with an over to spare.ABL Stallions were all out off the final delivery for 168.Despite the defeat the ABL Stallions were still top of the five-team table with eight points in six games, winning four and losing two games. Nurpur Lions are now third on the table, behind UMT Markhors (second) with six points. They have won three and lost three matches.Lake City Panthers also have six points but are fourth with an inferior net run-rate to Lions. Engro Dolphins have yet to open their account after losing all their five matches.Hasan launched an attack right from the word go and despite losing his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq for four in the second over, he did not relent. He added 41 for the second wicket with Shahzaib Khan (six). Another 43 were added between Hasan and Mohammad Taha (21 off 18 balls with two sixes). ABL Stallions mentor Shoaib Malik then derailed the chase with wickets of Hasan in the 15th over, leaving 47 to defend in the last five overs. Shoaib also accounted for Khushdil Shah for 10, but Rohail Nazir kept his cool with an innings of 26 not out off 12 balls spiced with three fours and a six to seal the win.Earlier, sent into bat, Hussain Talat once again came to his team’s rescue as he hit a 29-ball 43 with the help of five boundaries and a six. He added 42 for the fifth wicket with Shoaib who made a 16-ball 22 with a boundary and a six.The two were given a good platform by Maaz Sadaqat, who made 34 off 27 balls with three fours and a six.Maaz and young Shamyl Hussain put on a brisk 46 run opening stand by just 5.2 overs. Shamyl’s run-a-ball 18 had one six. Ubaid Shah gave a final flurry to the innings, smashing two sixes and a four in his six-ball 17.ABL Stallions lost three wickets in the last over, including two run outs. Fast bowler Musa Khan was the best of the bowlers with 3-32. Khushdil Shah took 2-30 while Shahid Aziz finished with 2-35.Scores in brief:(Nurpur Lions beat ABL Stallions by three wickets)ABL Stallions 168 all out in 20 overs (Hussain Talat 43, Maaz Sadaqat 34, Shoaib Malik 22, Shamyl Hussain 18; Musa Khan 3-32, Khushdil Shah 2-30, Shahid Aziz 2-35)Nurpur Lions 169-7 in 19 overs (Hasan Nawaz 74, Rohail Nazir 26 not out, Mohammad Taha 21; Maaz Sadaqat 2-16, Shoaib Malik 2-26)Player of the match – Hasan Nawaz (Nurpur Lions).

Kuala Lumpur (SBR): Nepal beat Pakistan by six wickets at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur to qualify for the Super-Four Stage of the ACC U19 Women’s Asia Cup on Monday.Chasing 105 to win, captain Puja Mahato’s undefeated run-a-ball 47, which included three fours helped her side achieve the target with an over to spare. For Pakistan, Fatima Khan and Quratulain snapped a wicket each.Earlier, after opting to bat first, Pakistan scored 104 for five in their 20 overs. Opener and wicketkeeper-batter Komal Khan top-scored with a 43-ball 38, which included two fours. Maham Anees coming to bat at number five was other notable contributor, scoring unbeaten 29 off 38 balls, hitting two boundaries. For Nepal, Mahato bagged two wickets for 27.Pakistan, after losing their opening match against India by nine wickets on Sunday, will now take part in fifth position match scheduled on Wednesday, 18 December. The match will begin at 2pm PKT.Scores in brief:Pakistan 104-5, 20 overs (Komal Khan 38, Maham Anees 29 not out; Puja Mahato 2-27)Nepal 105-4, 19 overs (Puja Mahato 47 not out)Player of the match: Puja Mahato (Nepal)