Sports Bulletin

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Karachi (September 22, 2021):-Sargodha and Hyderabad registered wins in the Saleh Mohammad Blind’s Cricket Cup after beating Faisalabad and Karachi respectively at Karachi on Wednesday. Sargoda defeated Faisalabad by eight wickets while Hyderabad beat Karachi by 33 runs. Briefed Score Cards: Game: 1 SGCCB (SARGODHA) VS FCCB (FAISALABAD) Toss: SARGODHA won the toss & bowl 1st 1st Inn: Faisalabad 195/8 in 20 overs Danish Ali (b3)32/25 Mohammad Adeel (b2) 27/24 Mohammad Irfan (b1) 20/20 Abdullah 10-1 2nd inn: Sargodha 196/2 in 15.3 overs Gul Shair (b3) 88*/45 Zain Ashraf 57/39 Sargodha won by 8 wkts Game: 2 KCCB (KARACHI) VS HCCB (HYDERABAD) Toss: Hyderabad won the toss & bat 1st 1st inn: Hyderabad 177/10 in 20 overs Amjad Mugheri (b2) 47/37 Asim Aslam(b1) 40/40 Tahir Ali 22-3 2nd inn: Karachi 144/10 in 15.5 overs Shoaib Khan (b1) 20/14 Shahzad Iqbal (b2) 18/16 Ubaidullah (b3) 24-2 Imran (b3) 28-2 Hyderabad won by 33 runs

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Rawalpindi (September 22, 2021):-The captains of the six participating teams of the National T20 have urged fans in Rawalpindi and Lahore, to rally behind the tournament which showcases the best of Pakistan’s T20 talent. All 18 Pakistan players (including the three travelling reserves) part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup touring party will be seen in action in the tournament that runs from 23 September to 13 October. The first leg will run until 3 October at Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium, before the action moves to Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s home of cricket, where the second leg will be staged from 6-13 October. Nearly PKR9million prize money will be up for grabs in the National T20.PKR5million will be awarded to the winners while the runner-up will receive PKR2.5million. PKR400,000 will be shared equally between the tournament’s top performers which include player of the tournament, best batsman of the tournament, best bowler of the tournament and best wicketkeeper of the tournament. The best performer of every match will get PKR25,000 as the man-of-the-match award while the top performer of the tournament’s finale will be rewarded PKR35,000. Meanwhile, all six squads are packed with quality T20 performers and form a great blend of youth and experience. Balochistan will be led by Pakistan ODI batter Imam-ul-Haq, the southpaw will rely on the experience of batters like Haris Sohail, Akbar-ur-Rehman and the flair of Pakistan U19 opener Abdul Wahid Bangalzai. Balochistan also possess a quality bowling attack with the likes of Junaid Khan, Umaid Asif, Khurram Shehzad, Amad Butt, Akif Javed, Yasir Shah and Kashif Bhatti at Imam’s disposal. Balochistan –Imam-ul-Haq: “This event is just like a mini-Pakistan Super League with the quality and competition on display. This tournament will be a wonderful preparation opportunity for the players who are in the T20 World Cup squad as all six teams will go all-out for glory. “The Rawalpindi crowd is passionate about the game and they never let us down with their backing of players and quality cricket. I am sure they are disappointed due to New Zealand’s withdrawal from their tour, but I request them to turn-up as all six teams will try their best to entertain them with quality cricket in the Rawalpindi-leg.” Pakistan’s all-format captain Babar Azam leads a star-studded Home City Central Punjab outfit that includes seasoned T20 campaigners like Ahmed Shehzad, Hussain Talat, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik who will form the batting fulcrum for the side along with Babar. Babar who will be captaining Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, also has an experienced and incredibly potent bowling attack under him in the shape of Ehsan Adil, Hasan Ali, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz and Waqas Maqsood. Pakistan U19 captain Qasim Akram and top-order batter Abdullah Shafique are the two youngsters who would be hoping to make a big impression in the tournament. All-rounder Faheem Ashraf will lend balance to the side with his hard-hitting batting and seam bowling. Home City Central Punjab –Babar Azam: “The quality of cricket is very high in the National T20 events, backed by the outstanding pitches at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, the Rawalpindi-leg should produce wonderful entertainment. For us, the event is a great opportunity for T20 World Cup preparations and I hope all players in the UAE-bound squad will give it their all in the event. We have a richly experienced side that is full of international stars, my aim would be to lead Central Punjab to the title and improve on our performances in the last two seasons. “I want to request to the fans especially in Rawalpindi to turn up and make full use of the 25 per cent attendance, I know there is a real disappointment after the setback last weekend; this event provides us a real opportunity of proving to the world our passion for cricket. Fans should come and support all the six sides, we all are endeavouring to entertain them and the ones who will follow us through the TV and digital media coverage all around the world.” The defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are led by Pakistan all-format wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan has a quality batting line-up in his ranks which will be led by him and Fakhar Zaman. Iftikhar Ahmed, Mussadiq Ahmed and Sahibzada Farhan provide further batting depth. Budding wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris and all-rounder Mohammad Wasim will be the youngsters to watch out for in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa line-up. Pakistan’s pace bowling spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the KP attack, Arshad Iqbal, Imran Khan Snr, Asif Afridi and Mohammad Imran Khan are the other bowlers Rizwan would be pinning his hopes on. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa –Mohammad Rizwan: “The tournament provides us a great opportunity to prove to the world that we are as safe as any cricketing destination, all the players are motivated to go a step extra this time around in the National T20. The Pindi crowd is a passionate crowd which supports cricket and has always come in its numbers to back our national events. “All six teams are balanced, as defending champions our aim would be to defend our title. We have good quality all-rounders in our squad and that should help us as you do need capable back-up bowling options at times besides your main bowling attack.” The Shadab Khan-led Northern is another potent squad in the tournament, the winners of the first edition of the revamped National T20 (2019), have a great mix of dynamic batters and bowlers who have the potential of totally dominating their opponents on their day. Shadab will have the services of big-hitting batters like Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Zeeshan Malik and Sohail Akhtar. All-rounders like the seasoned Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz along with Shadab himself lend great balance to the team. Northern also possess a fiery pace attack with Haris Rauf, Musa Khan, Salman Irshad and Zaman Khan capable of bowling over 140 kph consistently with the wily left-armer Sohail Tanvir set to spearhead the attack with his wealth of T20 experience. Imad, Nawaz and Shadab provide Northern, quality spin bowling options. Northern –Shadab Khan: “The Pindi Cricket Stadium is my home ground and I started playing here as a kid. The crowd in Rawalpindi has always supported quality cricket and I know while the fans are a bit disappointed at the cancellation of the New Zealand series they would come to the venue to back our national event. “We have a quality bowling attack as most of our bowlers are Pakistan regulars in white-ball formats. The tournament will surely help us in the preparations for the T20 World Cup, there would be great competition too as all six teams have good depth and quality players in their ranks. I am hopeful that we can repeat the 2019 performances and win the trophy once again.” Sarfaraz Ahmed-led GFS Sindh have a solid batting line-up that can post big totals. The top-order of Khurram Manzoor, Sharjeel Khan, Ahsan Ali and Shan Masood (transferred from Southern Punjab) will provide the firepower with Danish Aziz likely to get the finisher’s task, a job he repeatedly performed successfully in the last edition of the tournament. Sindh also possess a potent bowling attack which will be spearheaded by pacers Shahnawaz Dahani and Mohammad Hasnain with the left-armer Rumman Raees making a comeback after regaining full fitness, Rumman last appeared in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 for Islamabad United more than 18 months ago. Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Zahid Mahmood provide further variation and depth to the Sindh squad. GFS Sindh – Sarfaraz Ahmed: “Our fans have always been our strength and while we are going through another tough phase at the moment, it is the fans who can lift us up, the fans need to support the team and the PCB and show the world how resilient we are. I request the fans to turn up at the venue and back the players as they will be given quality entertainment in this quality tournament. “The tournament will also provide great practice and preparation opportunities to the T20 World Cup bound players. I am happy with the Sindh combination, the team played well last season and made it to the semi-finals, this year around we are aiming to go better and make it to the event final and lift the trophy.” ATF Southern Punjab are led by Sohaib Maqsood, the hard-hitting top-order batter had an excellent run in the event last year and was one of the reasons of his side’s entry into the final. Sohaib who is part of the Pakistan ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad has other attacking batting options in his squad, the left-hander Zeeshan Ashraf and the right-hander Azam Khan (transferred from Sindh) can also keep wickets besides hitting it big. The left-hander Khushdil Shah will be tasked to provide big runs at a high strike rate in the middle-order. All-rounders Aamer Yamin, Imran Randhawa and Hassan Khan (transferred from Sindh) provide depth to the squad. Sohaib also has a potent bowling attack at his disposal with Naseem Shah (transferred from Central Punjab), Mohammad Ilyas and Dilbar Hussain spearheading the attack. Young spinner Umer Khan and Faisal Akram provide exciting left-arm-spin orthodox and unorthodox options. ATF Southern Punjab –Sohaib Maqsood: “While there is real disappointment due to the recent developments, it is the fans who will lift us and provide the backing we need. The National T20 is a quality tournament that provides rich entertainment to the fans, I really hope that we will see the fans show their passion in Rawalpindi and Lahore. “While all six teams are well-balanced, I am very excited about the Southern Punjab squad as their leader. We have prepared really well at the pre-season camp and while I was not part of the camp, I have nonetheless heard and observed a real commitment, hunger and focus amongst the players for the upcoming events starting with the National T20. Last year we played the final and this year we plan to go one step better and lift the trophy.”

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Dubai (September 22, 2021):-The International Cricket Council (ICC), on behalf of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), has charged former West Indies player Marlon Samuels with breaching four counts of the ECB Anti-Corruption Code for Participants of the T10 League (the ‘Code’).  Samuels has been charged with the following offences under the Code: A breach of Article 2.4.2 – Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official, the receipt of any gift, payment, hospitality or other benefit that was made or given in circumstances that could bring the Participant or the sport of cricket into disrepute. A breach of Article 2.4.3 - Failing to disclose to the Designated Anti-Corruption Official receipt of hospitality with a value of US $750 or more. Breaches of Article 2.4.6 – Failing to cooperate with the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation. Breaches of Article 2.4.7 – Obstructing or delaying the Designated Anti-Corruption Official’s investigation by concealing information that may have been relevant to the investigation. Samuels has 14 days from 21 September to respond to the charges. The ICC will not make any further comment in respect of these charges at this stage.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Karachi (September 21, 2021):-Skipper Javeria Khan’s 87 helped Challengers overcome Blasters by 68 runs in the day-night final of the Pakistan Cup for Women’s One-Day Tournament played at the National Stadium, Karachi on Tuesday. Blasters who were set a 211-run target could only muster a 142-run total to hand a comfortable victory to their opponents in the title decider. Blasters who were seemingly on track after reaching 87 for one, endured an astonishing collapse as they lost their last nine wickets for the addition of a mere 55 runs. Challengers’ spinners Dua Majid (3-29), Anoosha Nasir (2-22) and Saba Nazir (2-24) inspired the collapse with their probing bowling that turned the match on its head. Pacer Diana Baig took two wickets. Challengers were bowled out in 42.5 overs, leaving 43 balls unused in their chase. Omaima Sohail top-scored with 38 (four fours) while Gul Feroza scored 34 (three fours). Challengers 210 for eight total revolved around Javeria’s 87 off 128 balls. Batting at number three, the seasoned right-hander hit six fours. Making full use of her experience, Javeria anchored the innings with great expertise as wickets fell around her. Diana provided much needed impetus to the innings in the death overs by scoring 25 off 18 balls (three fours, one six). The only other notable contributor for the Challengers was opener Fareeha Mehmood who scored 34 off 65 balls (four fours). Challengers collected a cheque of PKR1million while Blasters were given a PKR500,000 cheque. Javeria was named the player of the match while Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar jointly shared the player of the tournament spoils. Scores in Brief: Challengers beat Blasters by 68 runs Challengers 210 for 8, 50 overs (Javeria Khan 87, Fareeha Mehmood 34; Saima Malik 2-24) Blasters 142 all out, 42.5 overs (Omaima Sohail 38, Gul Feroza 34; Dua Majid 3-29, Anoosha Nasir 2-22, Saba Nazir 2-24) Player of the match: Javeria Khan (Challengers) Players of the tournament: Aliya Riaz (Dynamites) and Nida Dar (Blasters) Emerging player of the tournament: Anoosha Nasir (Challengers)

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Lahore (September 21, 2021):-As a step towards improving relations between Pakistan and Uzbekistan through cricket diplomacy, the Pakistan Cricket Board and Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for promotion of the game by developing a working relationship to enhance the capacity, professionalism and performance of the game in Uzbekistan. As per the MoU, the PCB will plan, organise and implement player development programmes including two high performance camps for emerging players at the National High Performance Centre, Lahore. These programmes will aim to improve the technical, tactical, mental and game abilities of the players in Uzbekistan. The PCB will also send its staff to deliver game development programmes in Uzbekistan which will include preliminary curator and grounds staff courses, PCB Level 1 Umpiring Course, Advanced Level 2 Coaching Course, training and analysts courses for various levels will also be conducted. The PCB will also help prepare Uzbekistan players on life skills and provide guidance on anti-doping, anti-corruption and code of conduct obligations. Additionally, the PCB will also explore the opportunity of inviting a team from Uzbekistan for participation in domestic tournaments in Pakistan.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Rawalpindi (September 21, 2021):-Tickets for the National T20 will be up for sale from 8pm, the premier T20 domestic tournament begins at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi from Thursday, 23 September. In order to encourage vaccinated cricket fans from all walks of life, the tickets have been kept at a highly affordable price. The tickets for the National T20 range between PKR500 to PKR50. The tournament will showcase the best of Pakistan’s T20 talent with the entire 18 member ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad (including the three travelling reserves) featuring for the six participating sides. Pindi Cricket Stadium will stage the first 18 matches from 23rd September to 3 October. Lahore’s Qaddafi Stadium will play host to the last 15 matches including the final from 6 October to 13 October. Ticket sales process for National T20: Tickets can be bought from www.Bookme.pk website or Bookme's mobile applications, M&P courier offices across Pakistan and over the phone. Online purchases can be made on the following address: https://cricket.bookme.pk or download Bookme android/iOS app For purchase through phone the Bookme's helpline needs to be called at: 0313 7786 888 For the enclosures designated as Family enclosures a 10 per cent discount will be offered on purchase of three or more tickets. Terms & Conditions for spectators: -Only vaccinated individuals will be allowed to purchase the tickets. -NADRA-issued Vaccination Certificates must be shown at the time of purchase and when gaining access to the stadium. -Original ID cards are mandatory. -Individuals between the ages of 17 and 18 should be partially vaccinated to access the stadium (must carry proof of partial vaccination). -Wearing of mask will be mandatory. -Tickets are non-transferable. -Anyone violating Bio-Secure protocols is liable to be evicted out of venue. -All of the above terms will apply for complimentary and hospitality ticket holders as well.

SPORTS BULLETIN REPORT Rawalpindi (September 20, 2021):-It will be Babar Azam versus Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan versus Shadab Khan, Sharjeel Khan versus Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman versus Shahnawaz Dahani and Hasan Ali versus Imam-ul-Haq after the Pakistan Cricket Board announced the schedule and squads for the National T20 2021-22, which will be held from 23 September and 13 October. The 18 Rawalpindi-leg matches, which were earlier planned for Multan, will now be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium till 3 October, while Gaddafi Stadium will remain the venue of the remaining 15 matches that will commence on 6 October. Both semi-finals will be played on 12 October with the first match to commence at 1500 and second match to begin at 1930. The first ball in the final will be bowled at 1930. The National T20 is a fiercely-contested and highly entertaining tournament. It not only provides opportunities to cricketers to stake claims in the national side, but leading performers get a chance to be included in the HBL PSL Player Draft and then picked up by the franchises. The event starting later this week has become even more important and critical as members of the Pakistan squad for next month’s ICC T20 World Cup will be in action. With each player to get, at least, 10 matches, they will aim to strike form and fitness that can help them be in their best shape when they arrive in the United Arab Emirates on 15 October. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “Following the postponement of the New Zealand series, the National T20 provides an opportunity to our elite cricketers to maintain their focus and composure, show the world that they have not been distracted by the events of last week and continue with their preparations for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. “The participation of our finest cricketers in the National T20 will also enhance the reputation, value and significance of the tournament, while providing the next generation of cricketers a chance to rub shoulders with the national stars and learn the art of preparing and performing at the highest level. “With your enthusiasm, wishes and backing, Pakistan cricket will continue to move forward. Pakistan Zindabad!” Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will lead defending champions Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, runners-up Southern Punjab will be captained by hard-hitting top-order batter Sohaib Maqsood. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s all-format captain and second ranked T20I batsman, will captain Central Punjab and Pakistan’s ODI opener Imam-ul-Haq will lead Balochistan. Sindh have kept faith in former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, while Pakistan white-ball vice-captain Shadab Khan will be in-charge of Northern. Apart from Babar, Rizwan, Shadab and Sohaib, other members of the ICC T20 World Cup squad to feature in the 33-match National T20 are Azam Khan, Khushdil Shah (both Southern Punjab), Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez (both Central Punjab), Imad Wasim (Northern), Mohammad Hasnain (Sindh), Asif Ali, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Nawaz (all Northern) and, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Shaheen Shah Afridi (both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa). Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh) and Usman Qadir (Central Punjab) will also be in action. They have been named as the traveling reserves. In the Balochistan’s squad, Mohammad Ibrahim Snr has replaced Awais Zia, who withdrew from the National T20. National T20 (Matches from 23 Sep-3 Oct at the Pindi Cricket Stadium; matches from 6-13 Oct at the Gaddafi Stadium. First match to start at 1500, second match to begin at 1930) 23 Sep - Balochistan-Northern; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Central Punjab 24 Sep - Sindh-Southern Punjab; Balochistan-Central Punjab 25 Sep - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Southern Punjab; Sindh-Northern 26 Sep - Balochistan-Southern Punjab; Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Central Punjab 29-Sep - Sindh-Balochistan; Northern-Southern Punjab 30 Sep - Northern-Central Punjab; Sindh-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 1 Oct - Balochistan-Southern Punjab; Northern-Sindh 2 Oct - Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Sindh-Central Punjab 3 Oct - Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Northern; Southern Punjab- Central Punjab 6 Oct - Central Punjab-Sindh; Balochistan-Northern 7 Oct - Central Punjab-Southern Punjab; Balochistan-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 8 Oct - Central Punjab-Northern; Southern Punjab-Sindh 9 Oct - Sindh-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Northern-Southern Punjab 10 Oct - Southern Punjab-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Balochistan-Central Punjab 11 Oct - Sindh-Balochistan; Northern-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 12 Oct - No.1 vs No.4 Team; No.2 Team vs No.3 Team 13 Oct – Final Squads: Balochistan – Imam-ul-Haq (captain), Bismillah Khan (vice-captain and wicketkeeper), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai, Akbar-ur-Rehman, Akif Javed, Amad Butt, Ayaz Tasawar, Gohar Faiz, Haris Sohail, Jalat Khan, Junaid Khan, Kashif Bhatti, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ibrahim Snr, Umaid Asif and Yasir Shah Central Punjab – Babar Azam (captain), Hasan Ali (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Ahmed Safi Abdullah, Ahmed Shehzad, Ehsan Adil, Faheem Ashraf, Hussain Talat, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Akhlaq (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Hafeez, Qasim Akram, Saif Badar, Shoaib Malik, Usman Qadir, Wahab Riaz and Waqas Maqsood Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Shaheen Shah Afridi (vice-captain), Adil Amin, Arshad Iqbal, Asif Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imran Khan Snr, Israrullah, Maaz Khan, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Imran Khan, Mohammad Wasim, Mussadiq Ahmed and Sahibzada Farhan Northern – Shadab Khan (captain), Mohammad Nawaz (vice-captain), Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Ali Imran, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Imad Wasim, Musa Khan, Nasir Nawaz, Salman Irshad, Sohail Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir, Umer Amin, Zaman Khan and Zeeshan Malik Sindh – Sarfaraz Ahmed (captain and wicketkeeper), Anwar Ali (vice-captain), Abrar Ahmed, Ahsan Ali, Danish Aziz, Hassan Mohsin, Khurram Manzoor, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Taha, Ruman Raees, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Shahnawaz Dahani, Sharjeel Khan and Zahid Mahmood Southern Punjab – Sohaib Maqsood (captain), Zeeshan Ashraf (vice-captain), Amir Yamin, Azam Khan (wicketkeeper), Dilbar Hussain, Faisal Akram, Hassan Khan, Imran Randhawa, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ilyas, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Umer Khan, Zain Abbas and Zia-ul-Haq

Sports Bulletin Report LONDON (September 20, 2021):-"The ECB has a longstanding commitment to tour Pakistan as part of the Men's Future Tours Programme in 2022. "Earlier this year, we agreed to play two additional T20 World Cup warm-up games in Pakistan in October, adding a short women's tour with double headers alongside the men's games. "The ECB Board convened this weekend to discuss these extra England Women's and Men's games in Pakistan and we can confirm that the Board has reluctantly decided to withdraw both teams from the October trip. "The mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff remains our highest priority and this is even more critical given the times we are currently living in. We know there are increasing concerns about travelling to the region and believe that going ahead will add further pressure to a playing group who have already coped with a long period of operating in restricted Covid environments. "There is the added complexity for our Men's T20 squad. We believe that touring under these conditions will not be ideal preparation for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, where performing well remains a top priority for 2021. "We understand that this decision will be a significant disappointment to the PCB, who have worked tirelessly to host the return of international cricket in their country. Their support of English and Welsh cricket over the last two summers has been a huge demonstration of friendship. We are sincerely sorry for the impact this will have on cricket in Pakistan and emphasise an ongoing commitment to our main touring plans there for 2022."

Sports Bulletin Report RAWALPINDI (September 16, 2021):-History will be made on Friday when Babar Azam’s Pakistan will take on Tom Latham’s New Zealand in the first of the three One-Day Internationals at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The occasion will see the tourists play their first match on Pakistan soil since 2003. This will be the fourth time the two sides will meet at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in an ODI with Pakistan enjoying a 3-0 advantage. Prior to this match, Pakistan and New Zealand have met 19 times in an ODI in Pakistan between 1976 and 2003 with Pakistan winning 16 times. Pakistan and New Zealand last met in an international 50-over competition during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 when Babar Azam’s glorious century anchored his side to a fabulous six-wicket win at Birmingham. This series provides an opportunity to sixth-ranked Pakistan to climb a spot in the ICC Rankings. If the hosts beat the tourists by a 3-0 scoreline, they would jump to fifth position, however, any other result will see both sides retain their pre-series rankings. New Zealand, the top-ranked ODI team in the ICC Rankings and the finalists of the 2019 World Cup, come into this series with a 3-0 sweep over Bangladesh in the three-match ODI series at home in March and will be eager to extend their winning streak. Pakistan’s last outing in the format at this venue was in October-November 2020, when they defeated Zimbabwe 2-1, while in their last ODI series, they defeated South Africa by 2-1. The series will not be part of the ICC World Cup Super League as both the PCB and NZC have mutually agreed to swap the status of this series with the one taking place in the 2022-23 season. This means the ODI series in the 2022-23 season will count towards the World Cup 2023 qualification while the series commencing on Friday will be a bilateral fixture in which team and player ranking points will be up for grabs. Pakistan captain Babar Azam, in his pre-series media conference held online, said: “Finally, the day has arrived and our entire camp is very excited to play New Zealand at home. We have practiced hard for this series and I am sure we will take full advantage of our home conditions. “We have a balanced squad and I remain optimistic about our chances in what promises to be an exciting series. I am sure fans at the stadium and millions watching us on screens will enjoy these matches.” New Zealand captain Tom Latham: “We know it is special for Pakistan to have cricket in their country and we are excited to be here. Pakistan are a quality side and they have some talented white-ball players in their line-up. “We have desired fire-power in our ranks to win this series and I am sure our batters and bowlers will rise to the occasion and make this historic series memorable for us.”

Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (September 16, 2021): Secretary, Pakistan Cricket Association for Physically Handicapped (PCAPH), Waqar Ahmed Khan viewed that the bilateral disable cricket series should be resumed between Pakistan and India, which would be beneficial for the promotion of disable cricket in the region. While talking to the Special Correspondent of www.sports-bulletion.com at his office on Wednesday, Waqar said that in the past Indian disable cricket team visited Pakistan twice and Pakistan also visited India for a bilateral tie and both series were staged excellently. “Indian team visited Pakistan in 2014. Also, PCAPH had invited them on the occasion of World Day for Disable Persons, which has been celebrated on December 3 each year, “he maintained. “If Indian juniors’ tennis team can visit Pakistan to participate in the international fixture then other sports ties between both countries can be restored. Indian tennis team participated in the South Asian Junior Team Qualifying Event that concluded on September 15, 2021 at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad. It is a nice omen for sports, as players of both countries want to restore bilateral ties in all sports including cricket, “he added. To a question, he said that new chairman of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Hasan Raja should look into the affairs of disable cricket. “We have tremendous talent in disable cricket but the activities have been shrinking, as there is a monopoly of one city. Disable cricket should be organized in all cities and players are eager to show their talent. Ramiz Raja will certainly take strong measures to promote the disable cricket in the country, “Waqar hoped.  Secretary PCAPH further said, “Prime Minister Imran Khan was himself a great cricketer and he selected Ramiz Hasan Raja as head of Pakistan Cricket Board on merit. Raja played cricket under the leadership of Imran. The PM knows the abilities of Ramiz and he will produce the results up to the expectation of the prime minister. I hope cricket will flourish all over Pakistan and young guys will get opportunities to represent Pakistan at international level on merit, “he concluded.