Sports Bulletin

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 5, 2020):-Fans will be treated with top-quality broadcast coverage for the Rawalpindi Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, an ICC World Test Championship fixture which begins on Friday. The broadcast coverage will done by Ten Sports, the PCB’s broadcast partner, through 23 High Definition cameras which will include two super slow spin vision cameras and one ultra-high speed camera. Renowned commentators Ramiz Raja, Bazid Khan, Athar Ali Khan, Shamim Chaudhary and Danny Morrison will bring the action to life and before and after each day’s play the fans will be served an exciting mix of analysis and entertainment through Straight Drive, a hugely popular show.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February 5, 2020):-International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed the officials for Pindi Test between hosts Pakistan and Bangladesh that will be kicked off from February 7, 2020 at Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi. Richie Richardson from West Indies will perform the duties of match referee during 5-day fixture. Richie Richardson will return to Pakistan as a match referee when he will be referee in the ICC World Test Championship, as the ICC confirmed the match officials’ appointments. Richardson’s Playing Control Team includes Nigel LIong and Chris Gaffaney as on-field umpires, Marais Erasmus as TV umpire and Shozab Raza as the fourth umpire. It is pertinent to mention here that Richardson last toured Pakistan in September 2017 for the three ICC World XI T20Is at Lahore – which was also his first visit to the country as a match official. The former West Indian cricketer toured Pakistan six times as a player and featured in six Tests and 21 ODIs between 1985 and 1996. This is the first instance that Gaffaney and Erasmus will tour Pakistan, while Llong, who has officiate six ODIs across Karachi (3), Lahore (2), and Multan (1), will return after more than a decade. He last stood as an on-field umpire in Pakistan during the ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in January 2009. The first Test of the two-match series will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 7-11 February. Match officials’ appointments: 7-11 February – 1st Test. Nigel Llong and Chris Gaffaney (on-field), Marais Erasmus (third umpire), Shozab Raza (fourth umpire); Sir Richie Richardson (match referee)  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (February, 4, 2020):-All rounder Bilal Asif, who played five Test and three One Day Internationals and solitary T-20, viewed of on Tuesday that all credit would go to Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for restoring the international cricket in Pakistan and it would also be a nice omen for the budding cricketers and cricket future in the country. While answering the various questions of sports journalists at the Media Center of Pindi Cricket Stadium, Off-Spinner Bilal Asif further added that he was happy to get place in the national team after a gap of one year. “I am happy to become a part of national cricket squad and now I will toil hard to produce remarkable performance in the Pindi Test and to cement the place in playing elevens in future, “he replied a question. To another question, Bilal Asif, 34, further said, “We are thankful to Allah Almighty the international teams started to visit Pakistan and we are getting occasions to perform well among the compatriot cricket lovers and they will enjoy the international cricket at their home towns. I always try to play positive cricket and according to the need of time. I love to hit big shorts to entertain the spectators but keep focus on the game according to match situation, “he said. “Weather is not in our control but we are optimistic that there will be nice weather for cricket in upcoming day and people will enjoy good cricket. Our team will play better and make no mistakes during the five-day Test encounter. We will get a better result. At domestic level my performance was good and also worked with ball and bate and hope for best in international fixtures, “he claimed.

Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 4, 2020):-Rawalpindi will be in focus once again from Friday as Pakistan take on Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series. The last time, the city came under spotlight was in December when Pakistan hosted Sri Lanka to end the 10-year-long drought of Test cricket in the country. With the match certain to end in a draw due to intermittent showers which saw the whole of the fourth day getting abandoned, the cricket-starved fans turned out in large numbers to cheer their heroes. Babar Azam, the darling of Pakistan fans, received a resounding welcome when he arrived at the crease for the first time in Pakistan whites on the morning of the fifth and final day with the sun basking in its full glory at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. “It was a totally out of this world experience for me as the crowd chanted my name when I was walking out to bat,” Babar told PCB Digital. “When your crowd cheers for you, you want to give your everything to it.” The year 2019 turned out to be a remarkable 12-month period for Babar. Like his run in international white-ball cricket, his Test batting form surged. Three of his four Test centuries came last year and overall he had the fifth best average (68.44) amongst the batsmen to have scored more than 500 runs in the longest format of the game. Babar struggled to get his rhythm going early on. But, the presence of Abid, a veteran of first-class cricket who was playing his maiden Test innings and scored a century, at the other end helped. “It took me two-three overs to settle at the crease after which I planned my innings. I usually go and play my strokes freely, but that wasn’t happening since the ball was coming slow. I had a chat with Abid Ali, who was batting before me, and he told me to take my time.” Once settled, runs started to flow off Babar’s bat. It was when he neared the 50-run mark he realised that he could have a go at the century. But a brief chat with the umpire after Tea fazed the right-hander. “I was playing on 48 when I realised that I can get it [his first century on home soil]. But, when I went in after Tea, the umpire told me that the sun sets early here so we might have to call off the day an hour earlier. “From that instance, I had my eyes on the sun as I went about my innings.  As it started to go down I told Abid ‘it is going down and the umpires will call stumps any time now’ and I panicked a little at that stage. You tend to make mistakes when you panic, but I give full credit to Abid who kept assuring me that I will achieve my goal and that kept me from making any mistakes.” Once in his 90s Babar pierced the off-side field twice with scintillating strokes, the last one granting him the century. After punching Dilruwan Perera through covers, he had his eyes fixated at the ball as it travelled to the rope. The crowd erupted in joy and Babar roared and punched the air. “I tried to stay calm and build my innings. I keenly watched the ball go to the fence and did my celebrations once it hit the rope. You only relax once you have achieved the goal for which you have planned meticulously. So, after the ball hit the boundary, I unwound myself and celebrated my century. “That moment was an outstanding one for me because Test cricket was played after such a long time and I scored the century in the first match.”

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (February 4, 2020);-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday appointed Barrister Salman Naseer, as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in its 57th Board of Governors meeting that took place in Peshawar that chaired by Chairman PCB Eshan Mani. According to media department of PCB, Barrister Salman Naseer has been appointed PCB’s Chief Operating Officer after the BoG approved Ehsan Mani’s recommendation who had led a recruitment process along with two BoG Members, Asad Ali Khan and Shahrez Abdullah Khan. Barrister Salman had been handling the additional charge of Acting Chief Operating Officer since 22 November 2019.  Bangladesh series The BoG applauded the PCB Chairman and the Chief Executive for convincing Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) to play 2 Tests, 1 ODI and 3 T20s in Pakistan. In relation to this series, the PCB Chairman briefed the BoG on the amicable resolution of a dispute with the PCB’s media rights partner, which contrary to media reports, earned the PCB net revenue of US$3.75million. The PCB Chairman informed the BoG he was able to convince the media rights partner to accept Bangladesh tour as an additional series in the agreement despite it being confirmed a week before the first T20I. However, recognising the media rights partner’s plea that it didn’t get enough time to sell the commercial airtime and based on an independent legal advice, the PCB agreed on the rights fee of US$3.75million. Ehsan Mani said: “I appreciate the BoG for acknowledging our efforts in getting this series back on track. To emerge profitable in the face of extreme challenges was another big achievement of this regime. If we had failed in our attempts with the media rights partner, we would have earned nothing as the tour could have been potentially canceled and our endeavours for the resumption of Test cricket would have been derailed.” Update on Pakistan men’s national cricket team Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq provided a detailed briefing to the BoG on the men’s national cricket team since he assumed charge in September 2019. He talked at length on players’ fitness, domestic cricket, event scheduling, team preparation, selection criteria, future plans and the positives of his dual responsibilities. The BoG appreciated the efforts of Misbah and acknowledged he was operating in a challenging environment, while emphasising on having a strategy that could take the sport and the team in an upward direction. The BoG reiterated its support for Misbah and hoped with a positive and aggressive approach, the team will achieve good results under the present team management. Misbah-ul-Haq said: “The interaction with the BoG was a wide-ranging one, which I found positive and supportive. They asked all the relevant questions and provided some constructive advice. “I am satisfied with the progress the team is making though I acknowledge a lot of work still needs to be done. Having said that, we are now a different group as compared to what we were when we started. In the past five months, we have significantly improved our fitness levels and the players are also gaining confidence as they are now performing consistently at the international level.” HBL PSL 2020 The BoG was updated on the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which will be held across Karachi, Lahore, Multan and Rawalpindi from 20 February to 22 March. The BoG was informed the player draft took place on 6 December, online sale of tickets started on 20 January, the anthem was released on 28 January and the production partner was appointed on 30 January. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “The delivery of the HBL PSL 2020 is proceeding nicely despite a back-breaking schedule that also includes home series against Bangladesh and next week’s Marylebone Cricket Club’s tour of Lahore in the lead up to our marquee event. The PCB staff are working flat-out to make it a memorable event for the players, fans, commercial partners and the media. I have no doubts that this will be great celebration of cricket, which has also seen the return of Test cricket.” Barrister Salman Naseer appointed Chief Operating Officer Barrister Salman Naseer has been appointed PCB’s Chief Operating Officer after the BoG approved Mr Ehsan Mani’s recommendation who had led a recruitment process along with two BoG Members, Mr Asad Ali Khan and Mr Shahrez Abdullah Khan. Barrister Salman had been handling the additional charge of Acting Chief Operating Officer since 22 November 2019. A Bar-at-Law from the prestigious City Law School and Lincoln’s Inn, London, Salman Naseer joined the PCB in September 2011. During his time at the PCB, Salman Naseer has been involved in preparation and drafting of rules, codes, policies and bylaws pertaining to regulation of cricket, conduct of cricketers, employees, coaches and support personnel; conferencing and acting on behalf of players; prosecuting players for violating PCB’s Anti-Corruption Code; drafting and vetting of tender documents and commercial contracts including for Media Rights, Franchise Rights, Licensing Rights etc. Reacting to his appointment, Salman Naseer said: “I am honoured to have been assigned this role at such an exciting time when international teams are regularly touring Pakistan and the entire HBL Pakistan Super League is taking place where it belongs. I look forward to working with the management team and making a meaningful contribution so that we can collectively transform the PCB into a high-performing organisation.” PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I congratulate Salman on his appointment as the Chief Operating Officer. He is one of the brightest from the young generation of PCB staffers who have stepped up and taken on extra responsibility during his interim appointment.” Model Constitution for City Cricket Associations The BoG approved the Model Constitution for City Cricket Associations, which is in harmony with the PCB Constitution 2019 and Model Constitution for Cricket Associations. Some of the salient features of the model constitution for City Cricket Associations, which will shortly be available on the PCB’s website, are:           i.            Article 5 deals with City Cricket Association members       ii.            As per Article 6.1, the General Body composition of the City Cricket Association is that of its President, Vice-President and Secretary, along with club President of each full Member Club.     iii.            As per Article 9.1, the seven-member Management Committee will include three members elected by the General Body, two independent members nominated by the PCB Nominations Committee, one representatives of the Principal Sponsor of the City Cricket Association and an elected President. The tenure of the members will be three years each.     iv.            The qualification criteria for a General Body and/or Management Committee member is set out in Article 12.        v.            The non-exhaustive list of Powers and Functions of the Management Committee are provided in detail under Article 10; however, some of the key responsibilities include: a.            Appointments of the General Manager, Finance Manager and other officers of the City Cricket Association and appointment of a selection committee on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer   b.            Submission of complete audited and management accounts to PCB   c.             Formulation of policies for the development of cricket in its jurisdiction at all levels d.            Control and/or management of the affairs of the stadium, sports complex(es), gymnasia and playing grounds owned or supervised by it e.             Enter into contracts in furtherance of the objects of the City Cricket Association f.        Implementation of the programmes formulated by the City Cricket Association      vi.            Article 21 deals with Cricket Tournaments and spells out sanctions for clubs not participating in notified cricket tournaments As per Article 24, the Principal Sponsor will be appointed through a transparent bidding process on a minimum one-year basis and shall be granted naming, branding and other sponsorship rights pertaining to the City Cricket Association. Financial Statements 2018-2019 The BoG approved the PCB Financial Statements for the period 2018-2019, which highlighted a significant rise in revenue of about PKR6billion. Major constituent being Media Rights from hosting Australia and New Zealand, increase in contribution from ICC and increase in total revenue from HBL PSL after the new right cycle kicked in. Despite this increase in Revenue, the PCB have rationalised its expenses and the corresponding increase in expense is not observed. Spending on the cricketing expenditures have increased from last year, while there is a dip in administrative expenses as part of cost efficiency endeavors. Given the fact, the PCB will be hosting its bilateral cricket and full HBL PSL in Pakistan, future outlook certainly looks encouraging. A copy of the audited financial statements will be available on the PCB website shortly. Other matters The BoG authorised the PCB management to make a decision on the hosting of this year’s Asia Cup 2020, which is an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) event. In this context, the PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani will represent Pakistan at the upcoming ACC meeting (date and venue to be confirmed) and present a proposal that protects the interests of the PCB and is in line with its mantra of not mixing politics with sports. The BoG was apprised on the International Cricket Council (ICC) visit to explain the process that will be adopted for the allocation of ICC Events in the 2023-2031 cycle. The BoG was briefed the PCB will indicate to the ICC in March about the Events it will like to host, while the financial and other guarantees will be submitted in September. The BoG approved the No Objective Certificate (NOC) guidelines for cricketers. Amongst other guidelines the policy allows centrally contracted players to seek a clearance for up to a maximum of three ICC-approved foreign leagues, excluding the HBL Pakistan Super League, as long they don’t coincide with the PCB-organised events and player workload and fitness regime is properly managed. The CEO shall have a final approval right. Further details on the NOC policy will be announced in due course. The BoG approved a budget of PKR1.4million for the staging of four MCC matches, to be played next week in Lahore. The MCC, on their first tour in 48 years, will play Pakistan Shaheens, Northern, Lahore Qalandars and Multan Sultans from 13-19 February. The BoG also approved the PCB Strategic Plan 2020-2024, which will be shared with the media in due course. The following BoG members attended the meeting: Ehsan Mani (Chairman, PCB), Asad Ali Khan , Lt Gen (R) Muzammil Hussain, Imran Farookhi, Kabir Ahmed Khan, Mohammad Ayaz Butt, Shahrez Abdullah Khan, Shah Dost (Menmbers), Mohamad Ali Shahzada (Ex-Officio), Wasim Khan (Chief Executive, PCB).    

By Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 3, 2020):-Pakistan and Bangladesh will come face to face in the first of the two-match Test series at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, from 7-11 February. The following is the schedule of training and press conferences: 4 February: The Pakistan team will hold a training session from 1pm-4pm at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. Beforehand, a Pakistan squad member will hold a press conference at the Media Block.   5 February: Pakistan and Bangladesh will hold practice sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium from 1.30pm onwards. Before the practice, a squad member from each side will hold press conferences at the Media Block. For further information, please contact Raza Kitchlew (03018440280) and Bangladesh team media manager Rabeed Imam at +8801713046531. 6 February: Both the teams will hold training sessions at the Pindi Cricket Stadium at 10am. Around mid-day, Azhar Ali and Mominul Haque, the opposite captains, will hold pre-series press conferences in the Media Block after which both captains will take part in a photo-shoot with the series trophy. For further information, please contact Raza Kitchlew (03018440280) and Rabeed Imam (+8801713046531). 7-11 February: The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh will begin. The toss will take place at 9.30am, while the first ball will be bowled at 10am. After the end of each day’s play, squad members from both sides will hold press conferences. On Friday, the first session will be from 10am to 12.30pm with an extended lunch break from 12.30pm to 1.30pm  

SB News POTCHEFSTROOM (February 3, 2020):-Arch-rivals Pakistan and India will lock horns in the first semi-final of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at the JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom on Tuesday. The high-octane clash is set to capture the attention of millions of cricket fans in the sub-continent and the stakes, as always, are high. The winners will clinch a spot in the 9 February final of the most prestigious age-group cricket event. The two teams have tasted glory in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in the past with the defending champions India victorious on four occasions while Pakistan are the only team to have won back-to-back titles (2004 and 2006). Pakistan’s historic 2006 triumph was registered with one of the most astonishing results in the history of the tournament when the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side convincingly defended their paltry 109-run total by rolling over India for 71 runs at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium. The two teams have frequently clashed in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Pakistan have won five out of the nine matches between the two sides, while India have won four contests. Pakistan have so far shown great depth in both bowling and batting departments in the ongoing tournament. They shot out Scotland for 75 runs in their opening Group C match and restricted Bangladesh to 106 for nine in the rain affected match also played at the JB Marks Oval. The bowlers also made light work of Afghanistan by bowling them out for 189 in the quarter-final clash. The batting line-up’s depth was visible in game against Zimbabwe when Pakistan recovered from 73 for three to post a 294-run total. The batsmen also held their own against the fancied Afghan spinners to overhaul the 190-run target for the loss of four wickets with 53 balls to spare. Pace bowling all-rounder Abbas Afridi - with nine wickets in four games - is Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker, to date, and his fellow pacers Tahir Hussain and Amir Khan have taken seven wickets each. The batting is led by Mohammad Haris who was the man-of-the-match against Zimbabwe with a sparkling 48-ball 81. Haris saw off the chase against Afghanistan with an unbeaten 29 off 43 balls, his tournament tally is 110 runs (two innings) with only a single dismissal earning him a 110-run average. Qasim Akram, who scored 54 against Zimbabwe, contributed a useful 25 not out against Afghanistan in an unbroken 63-run fourth wicket stand with Haris that sealed Pakistan’s win. Pakistan will look to opener and vice-captain Haider Ali to provide a flying start to the team like he did against Afghanistan (28 off 34 balls, five fours) before his unfortunate run out. Haider has not yet lived up to the potential he has shown at the domestic level  with a century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 final and the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup last year with scores of four and 19 against Scotland and Zimbabwe respectively besides his quickfire knock against Afghanistan. The right-handed stroke player who has already caught the attention of cricket pundits during his stroke filled 28 on Friday. He, however, feels that the team is ready for the big clash while he knows that he needs to turn-up in the big semi-final clash.  Haider Ali said: “I am happy with my batting form. I was playing well against Afghanistan before I got run out. But I feel confident that I will deliver against India. This is just another game for us and I don’t feel any additional pressure, I feel, I can do well in the match. “My confidence is high after the Afghanistan innings. I know my importance to the team and I will aim to carry on the batting form and provide the team a good start against India. Former players and experts have admired my batting which makes me happy and motivates me to do well in the upcoming games. “I scored 45 against India in the ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup match recently, I feel confident heading into the game and will give my 100 per cent. I want to thank the fans who have supported us especially after the quarter-final win. I also want to thank the cricketers who have tweeted for us and encouraged us ahead of the semi-final. “I request the fans to pray for us, we will give our 100 per cent and aim to win the World Cup.” 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).  

By Our Special Correspondent  ISLAMABAD (February 3, 2020):-After rain played spoilsport in Rawalpindi, the focus had shifted to Karachi with Pakistan and Sri Lanka locking horns in the second ICC World Test Championship fixture between them. Pakistan, playing first-ever Test series in their homeland after more than 10 years, were eager to make the most of the occasion. They, however, were off to a shaky start as Azhar Ali’s men were bowled out for 191 in 59.3 overs on day one after opting to bat. With a small total on board and the sun about to set on the metropolitan city, Pakistan needed to strike with the ball to push the visitors on the back foot.  At that moment, Shaheen Shah Afridi raised his hand.  The 19-year-old induced an edge from Oshada Fernando, inviting him to drive on a fuller delivery, in the seventh over of the first Sri Lankan innings.  “When I took the first wicket I wasn’t sure whether the batsman had nicked the ball,” Shaheen told PCB Digital. “It was Rizzy [Mohammad Rizwan] who told me that the batsman had edged the ball and he was very certain about it.  “We had a young bowling unit and there was a lot of responsibility on me as we had been dismissed for a small total.” The day ended with honours even as Sri Lanka were 64 for three – thanks to Mohammad Abbas, who accounted for the wickets of Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis. On day two, Shaheen returned with more firepower and got the prized scalps of Angelo Matthews and Dhananjaya De Silva, who had struck an unbeaten 102 in the first Test. “I was working on Mathews and bowling him at the same channel. He was trying to bat deep and waiting for the ball to get older. “The plan for De Silva was a simple one and it was that we have to get him out as soon as possible as he had scored runs against us previously.” With Sri Lanka reduced to 271 for eight after Dinesh Chandimal, the only batsman to put up a resistance with 74, back in the pavilion, Shaheen dismissed Dilruwan Perera, who made 48, and Lahiru Kumara (0), the last two tourists' wickets, in a span of three balls. He recorded his first-ever five-wicket haul in Test cricket with five for 77 and that it came in front of his countrymen, cheering in stands, made it more special for the youngster. “There was an instance when we thought we are playing a T20 as the crowd had turned out in large numbers to support us. We were all very excited as Test cricket was back in Pakistan after a gap of 10 years. In the next innings, it was Naseem Shah, the 16-year-old pacer, who dismantled the Sri Lankan batting line-up. Playing only his second Test, Naseem took five for 31 to also record his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. “During the second Sri Lankan innings, I had told Naseem that it was his day and he will take wickets. He had that hunger and he wanted to compete with me. “It is a healthy rivalry to have. It is something that Wasim Akram and Waqar Youns also had.  This not only brings out the best performances from us but also helps the team.” The first Test between Pakistan and Bangladesh, an ICC World Test Championship fixture, will begin on Friday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.  

By Sports Reporter ISLAMABAD (February 3, 2020):-The tickets for the ICC World Test Championship fixture between Pakistan and Bangladesh at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, which commences on Friday, will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, it was announced today. The tickets can be purchased only from TCS Express Centres across Rawalpindi and Islamabad, details attached, from 2pm onwards. On Wednesday, 5 February, tickets will be available at the Pothohar Road branch in Islamabad.  Fans wishing to watch their cricketing stars can buy a maximum of five tickets on one CNIC card.  Keeping the convenience of the spectators at the forefront, the Pakistan Cricket Board has retained the prices of tickets for Meeran Buksh, Shoaib Akhtar, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat at PKR50.  Tickets for Azhar Mahmood, Imran Khan, Javed Akhtar and Javed Miandad have been fixed at PKR100. The announcement in regard to the ticket prices and their sales for the Karachi ODI and Test between the two teams will be made closer to the date.  

SB News ISLAMABAD (February 2, 2020):-The Pakistan national women’s team reached Noosa Heads, Queensland, Australia yesterday ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, which begins later this month. As part of their preparations for the all-important tournament, Pakistan Women will play West Indies Women in three warm-up matches on 7, 9 and 11 February at Tewantin Noosa Cricket Club. Prior to their departure from Karachi, Bismah Maroof, the captain of the side who will be featuring in her seventh shorter format’s World Cup, and Javeria Khan, the former Pakistan captain, discussed the squad line-up, which comprises experience of senior players and exuberance of youth, and the excitement in the team around the tournament. Bismah Maroof, who will lead Pakistan for the first time in a World Cup, said: “As a captain I am leading Pakistan for the first time in the World Cup. I am excited for it as leading your nation in a global tournament is a different responsibility. The team has been performing well and I hope that the same pattern will continue in the World Cup. “We have a very young squad. There are three to four senior players and in such tournaments there is an added responsibility on the experienced players to deliver match-winning performances. Even our youngsters have that spark to play good cricket and deliver. “If we take a look at our victories in the recent past, they have been because of the team’s combined efforts. We have an exciting pool of cricketers and I am very hopeful that if we bring out our top game on a particular day, we will produce positive results. “My message to the fans is to keep supporting us. We will play our best cricket and produced best possible results.” Javeria Khan, who has the experience of 97 T20Is, said: “You have to control your nerves in the World Cup as this is a big event and almost every game is a knock out. I would suggest you [Bismah Maroof] to enjoy this role as one don’t get such opportunities often. The team is young and it has that spark. “As an opener my job is to provide profound starts to the team and build on them. I will look to facilitate Muneeba Ali, a young batter who is making her comeback, when I walk into the middle with her.” “I am hopeful that we will do well in the World Cup.” The Bismah Maroof-led side begin their ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2020 journey on 26 February against the West Indies Women. They take on England Women on February 28 after which they play South Africa Women and Thailand Women on 1 and 3 March. Pakistan squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup: Bismah Maroof (captain), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Anam Amin, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Iram Javed, Javeria Khan, Muneeba Ali, Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Nawaz (wicketkeeper) and Syeda Aroob Shah Officials: Syed Iqbal Imam (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Amir Iqbal (fielding coach), Gemaal Hussain (strength & conditioning coach), Dr Riffat Asghar Gill (physio), Aisha Jalil (team manager) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst).