Sports Bulletin

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 6, 2020):-The upcoming limited overs series between the West Indies and Ireland will be contested trialing technology that will authorise the third umpire to call front foot no balls, like during West Indies’ recent ODI and T20I tour of India. During the trial, which will be carried out in all three ODIs and three T20Is, the third umpire will monitor each ball for any front foot infringement and communicate it to the on-field umpire to call a no ball. The on-field umpires will not call any front foot no balls unless instructed by the third umpire, but will remain responsible for other on-field decisions in the usual way. The benefit of the doubt will lie with the bowler, and if a late no ball call is communicated, then the on-field umpire will rescind a dismissal (if applicable) and signal a no ball. The outcomes of the trial will be used to gauge whether the system has a beneficial impact on the accuracy of no ball decisions and whether it can be implemented while minimizing disruption to the flow of the game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) had trialled no ball technology for the first time during a one-day series between England and Pakistan in 2016.

MB Khan RAWALPINDI (January 5, 2020):-Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) XI have won the Rawalpindi Women’s T 10 Cricket League Tournament after beating Multan by 44 runs in the final at Wiqar-un-Nisa College ground on Sunday. The brilliant player of the winner team Nameera was declared best player of the decisive fixture. Multan’s captain was announced the best player of the tournament. Multan team’s captain Bakhtawar won the toss and invited the opponent to bat first. DC Elevens piled a massive score 105 for 5 runs 10 overs. Amna scored 21 runs and Ayesha scored 19 runs while Multan Captain Bakhtawar got 2 wickets and the other brilliant bowler Samiya, Nadia and Maida got 1 wicket each. Mutlan could manage 61 for 6 runs on the board in allotted 10 overs.  Losing captain was not out on 40 runs, which made her performance prominent. DC Eleven team player Nameera got 3 wickets whereas Saba got 1 wicket. DSO Shams Toheed distributed the prizes along with the president of Youth Education and Sports Welfare society Zahid Awan. Professor Maryam, Nasir Aslam Raja, Snober Gul, Shafqat Niazi and Doctor Mohammad Hussain were also present on this occasion. In the final match Saleem Butt and Waqar performed the duty of empires and Saba Malik took the responsibility of scoring.     

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 5, 2020):-Right from the word go the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup has acted as a petri dish for the progress of cricket’s emerging nations, with an ICC Associates XI entered in the inaugural event in 1988. From those early steps to memorable performances from Nepal, Namibia and Afghanistan in recent years, the age-group showpiece has acted as a vehicle for Associates to turn dreams into reality. And for Canada’s Nitish Kumar, it helped him make history. The all-rounder from Scarborough, Ontario has been representing his country for nearly a decade, starting in earnest at the 2010 U19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand. Kumar was thrown in at the deep end of the international game, becoming the second-youngest player in ODI history when lining up against Afghanistan in February 2010. The U19 World Cup helped him consolidate those experiences and then equipped him for the biggest stage as he became the youngest-ever player to feature at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, figuring in Canada’s defeat to Zimbabwe in February 2011 aged 16 years and 283 days. “It was so special to be able to represent your country at such a prestigious event as the U19 World Cup,” said Kumar, now 25. “It was a competitive environment and we played against some of the best players in our age-group. “To succeed at the tournament, you need clear plans and to trust your skills. You’ve made it to that stage for a reason and you must believe you’re good enough to win every game. “It gives you an opportunity to measure your skills against the best in the world at your age. From there you are able to identify areas for improvement.” The U19 Cricket World Cup has always been a truly global gathering and Netherlands’ Tim De Leede and Canada’s Nicholas Ifill progressed from the 1988 Associates XI to gain Men’s Cricket World Cup experiences. In recent years Eoin Morgan, Rashid Khan, Steven Taylor, Kyle Coetzer and Mark Chapman have been some of the more recognisable names to star for Associate nations at the U19 World Cup. Chirag Suri batting againts Scotland Chirag Suri appeared for UAE in the 2014 tournament on home soil, where the host nation gained vital experience in a group with England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka. Hitting a half-century as his side came close to beating the Kiwis, Suri says the event suffused his side with belief they could challenge top-ranking nations. “This tournament definitely makes you believe in yourself as a cricketer and competing against the best only makes you a more competent and consistent player,” said Suri. “It’s a great place to be and to see where you stand as a player on the international stage amongst the best of your age. “It’s an incredible experience which players will share with their kids one day, you have to make every moment enjoyable and not leave anything in the changing room. “Personally, scoring a 50 against a Test nation like New Zealand and going incredibly close against them, and facing Sri Lanka and England, really made me believe in my ability and the potential of the team.” Associate nations will once again be out in force at the 2020 renewal of the event, set for South Africa from 17 January – 9 February. Nigeria and Japan secured qualification for the first time through victory at Africa and EAP Division One events, while Canada, UAE and Scotland will once again take part. Suri underlines that players who strut their stuff at the U19 World Cup have a unique opportunity – to launch their career in front of a global audience. “The U19 World Cup can be very pivotal for the next stage of your career if you’re a young player,” said Suri. “We have seen players doing well in these tournaments and with the confidence they get from it, going on to become the best of the world. “Virat Kohli is a prime example. I've been following him since his U19 World Cup appearance and look at his journey until today. “There isn’t a better platform to showcase your skills than this one.”

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 5, 2020):-Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi will host 8 matches of Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 Cricket during the 4th edition, which will be kicked off from February 20, 2020 with wonderful and colourful ceremony at National Cricket Stadium Karachi. As many as 425 overseas players from 22 countries registered their interest in playing in the HBL PSL 2020. Of these, 39 from Afghanistan, 12 from Australia, 23 from Bangladesh, 10 from Canada, 109 from England, seven from Hong Kong, six from Ireland, seven from the Netherlands, eight from Nepal, 11 from New Zealand, nine from Oman, five from Scotland, four from Singapore, 27 from South Africa, 39 from Sri Lanka, nine from the UAE, six from the USA, 82 from the West Indies, 9 from Zimbabwe and one each from Bermuda, Kenya and Namibia. PSL Fixtures: 20 Feb – Opening ceremony to be followed by Quetta Gladiators v Islamabad United, National Stadium (Start time TBC) 21 Feb – Karachi Kings v Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Lahore Qalandars v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 22 Feb – Quetta Gladiators v Peshawar Zalmi, National Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Islamabad United v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 23 Feb – Karachi Kings v Quetta Gladiators, National Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Lahore Qalandars v Islamabad United, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 26 Feb – Multan Sultans v Peshawar Zalmi, Multan Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 27 Feb – Islamabad United v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 28 Feb – Multan Sultans v Karachi Kings, Multan Cricket Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Peshawar Zalmi v Lahore Qalandars, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 29 Feb – Multan Sultans v Quetta Gladiators, Multan Cricket Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Islamabad United v Peshawar Zalmi, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 1 Mar – Islamabad United v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 2 Mar – Peshawar Zalmi v Karachi Kings, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 3 Mar – Quetta Gladiators v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 4 Mar – Islamabad United v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 5 Mar – Peshawar Zalmi v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 6 Mar – Karachi Kings v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 7 Mar – Peshawar Zalmi v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Lahore Qalandars v Quetta Gladiators, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 8 Mar – Multan Sultans v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Lahore Qalandars v Karachi Kings, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 10 Mar – Lahore Qalandars v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 11 Mar – Quetta Gladiators v Multan Sultans, Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 12 Mar – Karachi Kings v Lahore Qalandars, National Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 13 Mar – Peshawar Zalmi v Multan Sultans, National Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 14 Mar – Karachi Kings v Islamabad United, National Stadium (7pm-5.15pm) 15 Mar – Multan Sultans v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium (2pm-5.15pm); Quetta Gladiators v Karachi Kings, National Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 17 Mar – Qualifier (1 v 2), National Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 18 Mar – Eliminator 1 (3 v 4), Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 20 Mar – Eliminator 2 (loser Qualifier v winner Eliminator 1), Gaddafi Stadium (7pm-10.15pm) 22 Mar – Final, Gaddafi Stadium (start time TBC)

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 5, 2020):-The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup will provide teenagers from around the world a lifetime opportunity of making an impression on the cricketing world. Pakistan players selected for the global event are looking to make the most of the opportunity at hand and one such player is young all-rounder Mohammad Shehzad, who hails from Dera Ghazi Khan, a small town in Punjab.  Shehzad made a big career move very early in his life when he left his hometown and settled in Lahore to pursue his dream of making a big name as a cricketer. The 14-year-old had to deal with the tragedy of his father’s death at an early age and since has committed himself to cricket as he shoulders the responsibility of his family which includes his mother and five younger brothers.  Shehzad’s first memories of playing cricket are as a nine-year-old in DG Khan. The right-armer played cricket with boys older than him and it helped in improving his game and in no time his cricket talent started getting recognised. Shehzad on his early days, interest and ambition in cricket: “Due to lack of cricket infrastructure and facilities in Dera Ghazi Khan, I was advised to move to Lahore. I joined Pak Lions Cricket Academy two years ago and harnessed my skills there. “Imran Khan is my all-time favourite cricketer, while Babar Azam is the one batsman that I admire from the current generation. “I am delighted at my inclusion in the Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. I am hopeful of doing well in the tournament. Head coach Ijaz Ahmed is guiding me as I am working on further improving my temperament, along with batting and bowling techniques.”  Shehzad first appeared in PCB recognised cricket when he played the PCB-Inter Regional U13 T20 tournament in 2017. He scored 178 runs in three matches with the help of two half-centuries, his best was 98 while he also took three wickets with his right-arm pace bowling.  is impressive show at the U13 level earned Shehzad a spot in the Multan U16 team for the following year’s PCB-Pepsi U16 one-day tournament in 2018/19 season. In five games he totalled 197 runs with the help of two half-centuries. His performance continued to improve as he amassed 309 runs in the PCB U16 Pentangular Tournament in the same season. He was declared the best batsman of the tournament with one century and two half-centuries to his name. Shehzad’s consistent run earned him the attention of the selectors and a place in Pakistan U16 team that took on Australia in a one-day and T20 series in the UAE in 2019. Shehzad justified his selection by scoring a match winning 73 not out in the only T20 match of the series. Against Bangladesh U16 in Pakistan, Shehzad scored 72 runs in two one-day matches and 126 runs in two three-day games. His consistent run earned him a place in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad.

Raja Asad Dubai (January 4, 2020):-The Friends Cricket Club ,Insaf Cricket Club and Leepa Valley Heroes reached into the semifinals of the Chinar Super league- Season II after winning their respective matches at Ajman Free Zone Al- Falah Cricket Ground United Arabs Emirates (UAE). At the quarterfinal stage, Friends Cricket Club defeated Dhirkot Badshah by eight wickets while Insaf Cricket Club beat Banian Starts with massive seven wickets. In the third fixture, Leepa Valley Heroes overcame Kotli Legends by 2 runs after a thrilling contest.

Report: MB Khan RAWALPINDI (January 4, 2020):-Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rawalpindi Elevens on Saturday qualified first time in the final of Rawalpindi Women Cricket League, as they will meet Multan in the final on Sunday at same venue. In the first semifinal, YES Rawalpindi beat the YES Islamabad with 8 wickets. YES Islamabad scored 48 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. YES Rawalpindi team players Naila Nazir and Hajra got 3 wickets each. In reply, YES Rawalpindi team completed their target after losing only 2 wickets. Madiha Riyasat won the player of the match award. In the second match, DC Eleven Rawalpindi beat YES Rawalpindi from 18 runs. DC Eleven score 85 runs on the loss of 6 wickets and played first and the other competitive team YES Rawalpindi has scored 68 runs on the loss of 3 wickets. Hira Khan declared best players of the match. DC Eleven beat YES Islamabad from 6 wickets. YES Islamabad bat first and gave the target of 52 runs. Saba, Amna and Nameera got 2 wickets and DC Eleven completed target after wasting 4 wickets. Player of the team YES Islamabad got 3 wickets.  

SB News LAHORE (January 4, 2020):-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Under-13 beat Southern Punjab U13 by five wickets at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium on Saturday to win the National U13 Catch em Championship. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chased down the 157-run target with 13 balls spare in the 30-over contest. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain and opener Ahmed Hussain led his side from the front with an unbeaten 72 off 78 balls, hitting eight fours, while the other notable performances came from Zulqarnain, who batted at number seven and scored 41 runs from 40 balls and cracked six fours. Earlier in the match, Southern Punjab had scored 156 for nine with wicketkeeper-batsman Fahad Kashif top-scoring with a 47-ball 48. The opening batsman struck five fours. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Salman starred with the ball picking three wickets for 20 runs in five overs. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa captain Ahmed picked up two wickets for 27 runs in six overs. For his all-round performance, Ahmed was declared player of the final. He was also awarded player of the tournament award for scoring 283 runs and taking 11 wickets in six matches. The tournament is part of Pakistan Cricket Board’s efforts to identify and develop a pool of cricketers at the junior level to train them to become part of U16 and U19 level. The tournament included six U13 Cricket Association teams, which were finalised by the national junior selection committee. A total of 16 matches, including the final, were played at different venues in Faisalabad. At the conclusion of the match, players from both sides were gifted kit bags to encourage them to continue working on their skills. Scores in brief: Southern Punjab U13 156-9, 30 overs (Fahad Kashif 48; Mohammad Salman 3-20, Ahmed Hussain 2-27) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U13 157-5, 27.5 overs (Ahmed Hussain 72 not out, Zulqarnain 41 not out) Result: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa U13 won the final by five wickets

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has seen more than its fair share of future stars deliver sensational moments over the years. From the emergence of India’s Yuvraj Singh and his all-round exploits in 2000, to his countryman Shikhar Dhawan’s 505 runs four years later, and the recent discoveries of Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi in 2018, the tournament has never been found lacking for stardust. Sri Lankan batsman, and former captain, Dinesh Chandimal is another to have dazzled at a young age on the world stage as he produced some magic behind the stumps in Malaysia in 2008 – a moment which particularly stands out in his mind. For, despite Sri Lanka ultimately finishing eighth, Chandimal enjoyed a memorable tournament thanks to his exploits in a Group C match with an Australia side featuring Steve Smith and Phil Hughes where he was involved in seven dismissals. Subsequently, despite only scoring six runs with the bat, he was named Player of the Match – a remarkable feat solely judged on his nimble work in claiming four catches, two run outs and a stumping. “We played a match against Australia and I was a wicketkeeper-batsman in the team,” Chandimal said. “I could only get six runs in that match, however, I was able to contribute by being involved in claiming seven victims as a wicketkeeper. “For that reason I was given the Player of the Match award. It might have been the first time in history that the Player of the Match award was given solely on wicketkeeping performance. “It is something which made my U19 Cricket World Cup experience so memorable.” Another man who has fond memories of the tournament, having featured in both the 2000 and 2002 editions, is former Zimbabwean batsman Hamilton Masakadza, while he is expecting more memorable moments with the Chevrons squad featuring two veterans of the competition this time round. “Playing in two Under-19 World Cups are some of my fondest memories – but watch out for two of our boys who are playing their third this time round [Milton Shumba and Wesley Madhevere],” Masakadza said. “Winning the plate championship in 2002 in New Zealand, which was my second and last appearance at the tournament, was particularly special. “Playing in the Under-19 World Cup was huge for my career, as it pitted me against some of the best players in the world for the first time and helped me realise how much work I needed to put in and what I needed to do if I was ever to dream about playing and surviving at the highest level. “It is also a springboard to the national team and a huge opportunity to showcase what you can do at the world stage. “You meet and play against some of your ‘lifetime’ competitors for the first time and a lot of career-long rivalries are birthed here. “Lifelong friendships also start here, which for me is a very big part of playing this game.” This year’s competition, where 16 teams from five continents are set to compete across 48 matches in South Africa, is now rolling into view and a new crop of cricketers will create fresh memories. But while the pressure will be on for all those competing for the chance to be called world champions, Chandimal believes just getting picked to play at the event is a huge achievement in itself. He added: “I must say it’s really an honour to play and represent your country. Masakadza “I think if you play at under-19 level, it’s a big achievement in your cricketing career, because it’s the starting step of competitive international cricket. “A World Cup is a big event for any player, as you learn how to step up and cope with the pressure and play in certain situations, at a young age too. It is a great opportunity to step up to international cricket. “It’s a very big opportunity, because there are lots of things to learn as a professional cricketer. “The important thing is the experience that you have gained. If you are performing well at U19 level, it’s a bonus when you enter full international level as it gives you extra confidence and boosts you to improve your skills and abilities.” And as the next generation of young stars gear up to show what they can do and, they hope, begin to forge a legacy for themselves, Chandimal has some advice for how these youngsters should prepare for the competition and, crucially, learn from their experiences during it. “You need to practice hard and play harder for your country,” he added. “At the same time you have to maintain your discipline and your character on and off the field, gain experience and make sure, whether winning or losing, that you pick the positives out of every performance to develop your cricketing career.” And Masakadza, who played 38 Test matches and 209 One-Day Internationals for his country, also offered some words of wisdom to those competing this year in a tournament he holds so dear. He added: “Go out and represent your countries with pride, embrace and enjoy the moment. “It is a big achievement to have made it this far. Play hard, play to win but it’s not about winning at all costs. “Play fair, show good sportsmanship and above all keep the game of cricket clean.”

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-Qasim Akram is one of the batting prodigies named in Pakistan’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 squad that will contest for the trophy in South Africa in the tournament beginning from 17th January. The Lahore-born Qasim started his love affair with cricket after he was inspired by his friends playing cricket in his neighbourhood. Qasim, who hails from a lower middle-class area in Lahore and also bowls off-spin, started taking keen interest in the game when he saw cricket matches at the Kot Khawaja Saeed club ground near his home. After a long wait he was allowed access to the ground by one of the coaches as a ball-picker. Qasim was tasked with retrieving balls hit far and long by batsmen at the nets, one day his luck changed as the club team gave him an opportunity of playing when one of the team players didn’t show up. Qasim made an impression as a fast bowler and his cricket journey started. Qasim Akram on his early days and cricketing ambition: “On my coach’s instructions I started taking batting seriously. I used to stay out late due to my interest in cricket, my father used to scold me but with my brothers’ intervention, I was allowed to pursue cricket. My father and brother worked at the old clothes shop. “I have worked very hard for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, head coach Ijaz Ahmed has helped me identify and overcome by mistakes. I would want to play a central role in Pakistan’s success at the tournament.” Qasim made an entry into PCB recognised cricket through his induction in the PCB-Pepsi U16 tw0-day tournament; he scored 373 runs in eight matches to justify his inclusion. Qasim progressed to U19 cricket and represented Lahore for the next two years. Last year, Qasim scored 260 runs in five matches of the National U19 three-day tournament to occupy the third spot on the batting chart. In the one-day version, Qasim hammered two centuries in a 296-run tally in five games with a hugely impressive average of 74 with the best of 131. Qasim has already represented Pakistan U19 on tours of South Africa and Sri Lanka, at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup he wants to take the next big step and emulate his idols Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the prolific batting duo announced their talents to the world at the same platform, a golden opportunity awaits Qasim. 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).