Sports Bulletin

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-The fourth term fitness tests of the centrally contracted players will be held at the National Cricket Academy on 6 and 7 January this year 2020. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), all the available centrally contracted players will attend the two-day testing, which is aligned to their contracts. Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan, who will be occupied with their commitments in the Bangladesh Premier League, will undergo the tests on 20 and 21 January. The fitness tests, to be conducted by Yasir Malik, the strength and conditioning coach of the Pakistan national men’s team, will cover five major areas, namely fat analysis, strength, endurance, speed endurance and cross-fit, and will carry equal weightage. A player failing to meet the minimum fitness requirements will be fined 15 per cent of his monthly retainer, which will remain effective until such time he achieves the minimum fitness standards. Player failing consecutive tests will risk the chances of retaining his central contract category and may face demotion. Zakir Khan, PCB – Director, International Cricket, said: “There has always been an emphasis on the monitoring of players’ fitness levels. This time we have decided to enforce penalties, which is in accordance with the contracts, as part of our objective to make the players more accountable and responsible for maintaining high fitness standards throughout the year, which is one of the basic requirements any professional athlete. “All the players were informed last month of the PCB’s expectations and potential sanctions in the scenario of failures. “These fitness tests will not be limited to the centrally contracted players, but will trickle down to the six Cricket Association teams. Their tests will be conducted by their respective coaches and trainers as per their own schedules and players failing to pass fitness tests will jeopardise their chances of featuring in the Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament to be held from 25 March to 19 April.” Centrally contracted players: Category A – Babar Azam (Central Punjab), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh) and Yasir Shah (Balochistan) Category B – Asad Shafiq (Sindh), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Haris Sohail (Balochistan), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Shadab Khan (Northern), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab) Category C – Abid Ali (Sindh), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imad Wasim (Northern), Mohammad Amir (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Southern Punjab) and Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 2, 2020):-Had a young Sylvester Okpe not been so fond of wandering off, then perhaps Nigeria’s journey into new territory would never have been possible. Nigeria U19s For it was while being distracted during an Independence Day celebration that Okpe, teeming with interest, stumbled across a group playing with bat and ball. Curiosity got the better of him, so he asked what those running back and forth over 22 yards were up to. And in doing so, he got his first introduction to cricket. Fast forward just a handful of years, and Okpe’s determination to try something new isn’t ending there. Only this time, he’ll do so as Nigeria captain at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. In a country where football dominates the sporting agenda, the 19-year-old’s story of stumbling into cricket is not a unique one. Throughout the squad representing their country at South Africa 2020 – Nigeria’s first global cricket competition – very few had even seen the sport before first picking up a bat. Some didn’t have shoes, let alone kit or equipment, for a game seen by teachers and parents as an easy way out of lessons. For some, support from family and outside sources was minimal, with humble and sometimes poor backgrounds putting sport in perspective. British colonial masters and missionaries first brought cricket to Nigeria in the 1900s but it’s taken time to flourish, stalling in the latter stages of the 20th century following independence. But the past 20 years have seen the tide turn, the game brought back to life as previously active and passionate individuals rekindled their love. Only this time, they were determined to get it right for good. The Nigeria Cricket Foundation (NCF) helped pave the way, not only bringing the talent to the fore but finding time for player welfare, sporting education, mentality and professionalism. Sylvester Okpe bowls against Hong Kong The result, clear for all to see, is players such as Okpe: he was only 15 when first brought into the U19 squad and hadn’t yet turned 16 when he was made captain. By this time, coaches and management were taking their approaches long-term, with his appointment inspired by West Indies’ selection of Jason Holder as ODI skipper when aged 23. Such a step-up would disrupt most but the talented teenager took it in his stride, his captaincy as important as the right-arm off-break bowling that the U19 side have relied upon. So too have Nigeria’s senior team, with Okpe named vice-captain for the 2019 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier. Such leadership has been integral and the unity paid dividends on the pitch too, as the team went unbeaten in Division Two of U19 World Cup qualification. In March 2019 – with a place at the U19 World Cup on the line – it was to get even better. By their own admission, not even those at the heart of Nigeria’s journey had expected them to progress at such an impressive rate, with the following generation set to be the benchmark for success. But Okpe and his side weren’t ones for waiting, going into Namibia’s backyard and beating the hosts in the opening game in Windhoek. Batting first and scoring 129 for eight from 50 overs was far from a perfect start to life in Division One, particularly with just one team from six qualifying for South Africa. But this Nigeria side is one of determination, and true to form it was the captain who delivered – figures of three for 16 helped skittle Namibia for 77 and the result sent shockwaves around the tournament. The Junior Yellow Greens have not looked back since – a tense two-wicket win over Sierra Leone securing their U19 World Cup place, having been 91 for seven in their chase of 139. It may have been a surprise to those watching but Nigeria, from humble beginnings, have long been a side with confidence after years of physical and mental preparation. So what of South Africa 2020 and Nigeria’s ground-breaking steps in cricket? A minimum of three games await but no challenge has come close to this one. In Australia, England and West Indies, each of their Group B opponents have won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at least once, and the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup five times between them. In doing so, they’ve produced the likes of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and Brian Lara – all esteemed alumni of U19 cricket – with players heading to Africa desperate for career-defining breakthroughs of their own. One win would therefore be a huge achievement for a country with such limited cricket history, but Okpe and his proud nation head across the continent knowing games are won on the pitch, not on paper. And on a journey that few before them have ever taken, they aren’t ready to stop wandering any time soon.

SB News KARACHI (January 2, 2020):-Since Aamir Ali was named in the Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, the left-arm spinner is aiming to be the highest wicket-taker in the most-important age-group tournament, which will commence in South Africa from 17 January. For Aamir, son of a labourer, the rise to Pakistan junior team is a tale of hard work, determination and resilience and facing up to difficulties. Due to lack of facilities in Dadu, his hometown, the 17-year-old had to practice his art on grounds far away from his home but he never gave up his dreams. He idolises Rangana Herath and learned the art of spin bowling watching him bowl Sri Lanka to famous Test wins. Taking up the sport was never easy for Aamir. His family initially insisted him to become a tailor, like his brother, but soon he started to get the backing of his father to pursue his career in cricket. He started his career in the PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament in which he claimed 19 wickets in the tournament to leave a big mark on his first high profile event. Aamir truly grabbed attention in 2016 by taking 19 wickets in four games of the PCB-Pepsi U16 two-day tournament. Aamir Ali, while speaking on his early struggles and passion for cricket, said: “My father does labour work and my brother does tailoring work. I was initially told by my family to take up tailoring, but after watching me play and realising that it meant everything to me, my father started to back my passion. “We have scarce playing facilities in my hometown and it is a huge honour for me to represent Pakistan U19.  My aim though is to become the first player from Dadu to represent Pakistan in international cricket.” He was at his brilliant best in this year’s National U19 three-day tournament collecting 28 wickets in four matches at a miserly average of 12.86 runs per wicket. In the one-day version of the National U19 tournament this year, Aamir collected seven wickets in four games. He was Pakistan’s most successful bowler on the tour of South Africa earlier last year taking 13 wickets in seven games. In the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2019, Aamir picked four wickets in three games. Aamir aspires to leave a lasting impression in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup by leading his side to glory. He says it is a stepping stone to the realisation of his ultimate dream of representing Pakistan at the senior level. Pakistan ICC Under-19 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 Ansari (security manager).

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 1, 2020):-They contest cricket’s biggest prizes on the field, but members of the ICC ODI Team of the Year are agreed on one thing – the role of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in their development. Joe Root Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Rashid Khan, Mustafizur Rahman and Ross Taylor all honed their craft in the tournament and now walk the field of ODI cricket as kings. After an era-defining ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019, and ahead of this month’s renewal of the U19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, top stars say the competition made them the players they are today. Nearly 12 years on from captaining India to victory at the U19 Cricket World Cup, Kohli is the top-ranked ODI batsman in the world with 43 centuries to his name in the format. Kohli steered a side featuring Ravindra Jadeja and Manish Pandey to overall victory in Malaysia, leading by example and making a superb hundred in the group stage against West Indies. Less predictably, then-19-year-old Kohli gave his medium pace a successful airing, snaffling a vital two for 27 including the wicket of captain Kane Williamson in the semi-final win over New Zealand. True to form, Kohli relished testing himself against the best young players in the world. Virat Kohli celebrates his hundred and India's win “The ICC U19 World Cup was a very important milestone in my career,” said Kohli, who made 235 runs at an average of 47 in 2008. “It helped us get a good platform to build on and make our careers from thereon, so it holds a very important place in my mind and heart. It is very important to understand and respect the opportunity it provides to you. “I remember playing against Kane (Williamson). He was someone who always stood out in the team, his batting ability was very different from the other players who were around. “It is good to know that so many people from that batch, like Kane and Steve Smith, have played for their respective countries.” Stokes Stokes’ ability to shape games and tournaments in England’s favour shone through at the 2010 U19 Cricket World Cup, where he appeared alongside fellow Men’s Cricket World Cup winners Joe Root and Jos Buttler. Just as he pulled England back from the brink to win last summer’s Cricket World Cup, Stokes strode to the crease at 60 for four in the final group game of 2010 against India and took matters into his own hands. The all-rounder peeled off 100 from 88 balls, including six sixes, to lift England to a total of 246 that they successfully defended and gave them a flawless group stage record in New Zealand. It’s an innings that still sticks in the memory of Root, who feels the tournament played a crucial role in the development of a world-beating generation of English one-day cricketers. “We didn’t get off to the best start in that India game but Ben played one of the best innings I’d ever seen for a player of that age,” said Root. “It was on the first world stage you can play on – he made a brilliant hundred and we ended up winning the game against the tournament favourites, which was fantastic and great to be a part of. “It was a launchpad for me and I played in a squad with a guys who are still in the team now, like Ben and James Vince. “To play alongside players like that, learn from them and watch them develop, to then go back and play against them in county cricket, meant we were always pushing each other to get better.” Four years on and the modern bowling phenomenon that is Rahman was unleashed by Bangladesh on ICC tournament play for the first time in the UAE. The left-arm quick, nicknamed ‘Fizz’, put in place the building blocks of his reputation with three for 24 against Namibia and then three for 11 against Canada as Bangladesh won the Plate Championship. Mustafizur Mustafizur credits the U19 World Cup with helping him make a record-breaking start to international cricket, becoming the tenth bowler in the history of ODIs to take five wickets on debut, against India. “It wasn’t the best event in terms of results,” reflects Mustafizur. “But it was a stage to show my skills and the tournament really helps you to get accustomed to international cricket. “When I made my T20I debut the next year against Pakistan, and then ODIs against India, I was ready to accept the challenge of playing against world-class teams and the U19 World Cup helped me a lot in understanding what was expected at that level. “This tournament gives aspiring cricketers a taste of things to come and those who go on to make it to international cricket find it easier to adapt to the demands if they have the experience of an U19 World Cup behind them.” Ross Taylor Ross Taylor, the first Kiwi to reach 20 ODI centuries, first served notice of his talent back in 2002 in a U19 Cricket World Cup on home soil. The tournament was graced by future stars in Dwayne Bravo, Hashim Amla, Shaun Marsh and George Bailey and won by an Australia side spearheaded by Cameron White and Xavier Doherty. For Taylor, who skippered New Zealand, the tournament did nothing short of confirm cricket was the life for him. “Whenever you represent your country and at whatever level it is, it’s always a special thing and even more to do so in your own country in front of family and friends,” said Taylor. “I was fortunate and humbled to captain the side against all of the best young players in the world. “It was nice to give you that hunger and drive to want to play at the next level. “To go to a tournament like that at such a young age – I was 17 – meant I think it reinforced that this is what I wanted to do in life.”

Sports Desk ISLAMABAD (January 1, 2020)-From Brian Lara to Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes to Steve Smith, the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup has never fallen short of showcasing cricket’s brightest young stars. 2067 Brian Lara played in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup 1988 From Brian Lara to Virat Kohli, Ben Stokes to Steve Smith, the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup has never fallen short of showcasing cricket’s brightest young stars. More than 30 years have passed since the world’s top talents first announced themselves on the big stage, with the 1988 Youth Cricket World Cup a ground-breaking step in bringing ability to the fore. Fresh-faced Lara and Michael Atherton were among those making names for themselves all those years ago, when hosts Australia were victorious after defeating Pakistan in the final. A decade later and the U19 Cricket World Cup found regularity in the calendar, with the bi-annual competition becoming the pinnacle for teenager cricketers across the globe. In 1998, it was South Africa’s turn to host – just as they will do in 2020 – with England winning a highly-competitive tournament which saw the format change to include 16 teams. Since then the development of new countries into the cricket landscape has been plentiful, with Japan and Nigeria’s upcoming debuts at South Africa 2020 taking the total number of representatives to 31, with Canada, Bermuda, Afghanistan and Fiji among those making the step up this century. Two years on and the competition’s most successful country earned the first of their four wins, with Player of the Tournament Yuvraj Singh inspiring India to victory at Sri Lanka 2000. Only Australia and Pakistan can join them in boasting more than one ICC U19 Cricket World Cup title, with sole successes for England, South Africa and West Indies highlighting the tournament’s competitive nature. History was made in 2002 as Australia – featuring future captain Cameron White – became the first team to prevail on two separate occasions, with White himself finishing as lead run-scorer. Indian U19 cricketer Shikhar Dhawan (L) prepares to play a stroke as Bangladeshi wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh looks on during a match of The Under-19 World Cup Cricket tournament between Bangladesh and India, 20 February 2004. Indian U19 cricketer Shikhar Dhawan (L) prepares to play a stroke as Bangladeshi wicketkeeper Dhiman Ghosh looks on during a match of The Under-19 World Cup Cricket tournament between Bangladesh and India, 20 February 2004. By now the impact of those progressing from the U19 Cricket World Cup to fully-fledged international cricket was heavily felt, with Shikhar Dhawan the latest to benefit after scoring the most runs at Bangladesh 2004. But his 505 runs – still the best in a single edition of the tournament – wasn’t enough to topple Pakistan, who became the first – and so far only – side to defend their title when winning in Sri Lanka 24 months on. They had to do it the hard way, however, bowled out for 109 by India before reducing their opponents to nine for six in response. Anwar Ali was the hero with a five-wicket haul. Fast forward two years and we’d get the first glimpses of the players who currently light up the international scene. A teenage starlet by the name of Virat Kohli was doing what he does best in Malaysia, his century against West Indies helping India to their second title. But he wasn’t the only current great taking guard in Kuala Lumpur, with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Steve Smith of Australia taking the opening first steps of their unforgettable careers. There was one man who stood head and shoulders above the rest, however, with Tim Southee named Player of the Tournament for his all-round excellence, including a superb five for 11 against Zimbabwe. Three weeks later, Southee took his first five-wicket haul on Test debut for New Zealand against England. Come 2010 and yet more household names in Jos Buttler, Joe Root and Stokes – heroes of England’s ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 glory – were performing, though victory in New Zealand didn’t come their way. Instead Josh Hazlewood, who would later top the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings, guided Australia to their third title, taking four for 30 to help them defend 208 against Pakistan. India were back on top in 2012 before new winners took the title two years later in the UAE, Aiden Markram scoring an unbeaten century in the quarter-final and a match-winning 66 not out as South Africa edged out the once-again disappointed Pakistan. Then came the turn of the West Indies, victorious for the first time in 2016 despite the efforts of India’s Sarfaraz Khan in registering a record seven half-centuries across two ICC U19 World Cup campaigns. And it’s India who will be the team to beat at South Africa 2020, looking to defend their title after reigning supreme in 2018. Prithvi Shaw Prithvi Shaw led his country through a dominant tournament, while Afghanistan's Mujeeb ur Rahman and Pakistan's Shaheen Shah Afridi have since become regulars in their respective senior teams. The stage is set, therefore, for the latest crop to show exactly what they’re about when South Africa 2020 gets under way – with 16 teams from five continents competing across 48 matches. And in their bid to reach the Potchefstroom final on February 9, they certainly won’t have far to look for inspiration.

By Our Special Correspondent ISLAMABAD (January 1, 2020):-As expected and anticipated the revamped first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy provided the right balance between bat and ball which led to riveting contests throughout the tournament. The introduction of no-toss rule and home and away matches provided equal opportunities to all six Cricket Association teams, while the implementation of Kookaburra balls took away the undue advantage that the pace bowlers had enjoyed in the previous seasons. With matches going the distance, for the first time since 2012-13 season, a spinner, Nauman Ali, finished as the highest wicket-taker in the tournament. Batsmen got complete value for investing time at the crease, which was evident with a significant jump in the average first innings score to 422 this year from the last edition’s 263. Batting feats Despite a reduction in the number of matches from 69 to 31, the number of centuries and the instances of the batsmen crossing the 200-run mark increased from the last year. As many as 77 centuries were scored this season – five more than the previous season – with champions Central Punjab leading the tally with 18. The tally of double-centuries (eight) this season was two times than the last season. Two each were scored by the batsmen from Central Punjab, Northern and Sindh, while the remaining two were divided equally amongst Southern Punjab and Balochistan batsmen. Four batsmen – Balochistan’s Imran Butt, Southern Punjab’s Sami Aslam, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Ashfaq Ahmed and Sindh’s Fawad Alam – scored four centuries each, the most in the tournament, and the highest individual score of the event was 249 not out, made by Sindh’s Abid Ali. Central Punjab – who boasted a star-studded batting line-up which included Babar Azam, Azhar Ali, Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad –recorded the highest innings total, a feat which they achieved in the final against Northern with their first innings score of 675 for eight. They, however, also recorded the lowest innings score – 113 all-out against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the ninth round – during their only defeat of the season. Top run-getters Imran Butt was the stand out batsman with 934 runs at an average of 62.27 in nine matches. The right-handed 24-year-old batsman scored four centuries, including a double-century, and three half-centuries. Central Punjab’s Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt were the second and third highest run-getters with 906 and 901 in 11 and 10 matches. Both batsmen registered three centuries and three half-centuries each, with Salman, who scored at an imposing average of 75.08, making a double-century. Sami Aslam, fourth on the list, had the highest batting average amongst the top run-getters. He made 864 runs at a scintillating average of 78.44 with four centuries, including a double in his team’s tournament opener against Central Punjab at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, and a half-century. Northern’s Faizan Riaz, promoted to first XI mid-season, made 857 runs at an impressive average of 71.42 in eight matches and was fifth higest run-getter. Spinners’ domination Central Punjab were also dominant in the bowling department with seven – the most – of the 26 five-wicket hauls coming from their side as pacer Aizaz Cheema and off-spinner Bilal Asif picked up two five-fers each. It was Northern captain Nauman Ali, however, who stamped his authority in the bowling department with as many as five-wicket hauls in 10 matches. The left-arm orthodox was the highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 54 scalps and had the best bowling figures in an innings in the tournament with eight for 71. The next four, in the list of highest wicket-takers, were also spinners. Same as the on the list of highest run-getters, the second and third spots were occupied by Central Punjab’s bowlers with spinners Bilal, who took eight for 112 in Northern’s second innings in the final, taking 43 and Zafar Gohar, the player of the tournament, taking 38. Zafar also made the record for best bowling figures in the match with 11 for 133 against Northern at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium. Balochistan’s Mohammad Asghar and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Sajid Khan were fourth and fifth with 27 and 25. Kamran Akmal with most scalps in gloves The champions of the 2019-20 season were at the forefront in wicketkeeping department as well, thanks to Kamran. He accounted for 41 batsmen – 38 catches and three stumpings – in 11 matches. The next on the list was his younger brother Adnan Akmal, who donning Southern Punjab’s colours, had 33 dismissals to his name. With 26 dismissals in seven matches, Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed is at number three. Balochistan’s Imran had the most number of catches for a non-wicketkeeper fielder with 16 grabs in nine matches. Highest team scores: ·         Central Punjab 675-8d against Northern in the final ·         Balochistan 553-8d against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fifth round ·         Northern 550-6 against Southern Punjab in the fifth round ·         Southern Punjab 546 all-out against Sindh in the fourth round ·         Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 526-9d against Northern in the first round ·         Sindh 515 all-out against Balochistan in the 10th round Team performances: ·         Central Punjab – Wins 4, Loses 1, Draws 6 ·         Northern – Wins 3, Loses 3, Draws 5 ·         Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Wins 2, Losses 1, Draws 7 ·         Southern Punjab – Wins 1, Losses 0, Draws 9 ·         Sindh – Wins 0, Losses 2, Draws 8 ·         Balochistan – Wins 0, Losses 3, Draws 7

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 1, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) fulfilled one more of its promises to the fans and followers when it announced the schedule of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 with all 34 matches to be played across four international venues of the country from 20 February to 22 March. The schedule announcement was part of the 50 days to go to HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 celebrations that also featured the launching of the countdown clock, which has been mounted at the main entrance of the Gaddafi Stadium – the home of Pakistan cricket. Reigning champions Quetta Gladiators will open the event at the back of an opening ceremony at the National Stadium in Karachi when they will go toe to toe with two-time former winners Islamabad United, while curtains will fall on the fifth edition of one of the most popular and followed leagues on 22 March at the Gaddafi Stadium. National Stadium will also play host to the Qualifier between the top two sides, whereas the Gaddafi Stadium will be the venue of the two Eliminators and the final. Of the 34 event matches, National Stadium will stage nine matches and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium will play host to 14 matches. Multan Sultans will play three games at the Multan Cricket Stadium, while Pindi Cricket Stadium will be the venue for eight matches. According to the event schedule, defending champions Quetta Gladiators will play three matches in Lahore, four in Karachi, one in Multan and two in Rawalpindi; while Peshawar Zalmi, the 2017 winners and the 2019 losing finalists, will be in action in one match each in Lahore and Multan, three in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi. Islamabad United will play three matches in Lahore, two in Karachi and five in Rawalpindi; Karachi Kings will play two matches in Lahore, five in Karachi, one in Multan and two in Rawalpindi; Multan Sultans will play five matches in Lahore, one in Karachi, three in Multan and one in Rawalpindi; and Lahore Qalandars will play eight matches in Lahore and one each in Karachi and Rawalpindi. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “After bringing Test cricket back to Pakistan, hosting of the entire HBL Pakistan Super League is our other major achievement. I never had any doubts it was Pakistan’s league and should be played in front of home crowds. We had made this commitment to the people of Pakistan at the end of last year’s event and I am pleased today we have announced the event schedule with four centres to share the 34 event matches between them. “The HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 will feature 36 foreign stars. It was gratifying that 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. “This shows the confidence that players throughout the world have in playing in Pakistan. “Through this event, we expect economy and tourism to get significant boost, which will have a direct impact on the overall health of the country. “For the fans, this will be a long-awaited opportunity to see their cricketing heroes live in action and reinforce their love for this great game. I am expecting like last year, the entire country will get behind this tournament and by turning up in big numbers, they will once again show the world their passion for cricket. “For the PCB itself, the schedule announcement means we will now work flat-out until the final ball is bowled to ensure we produce an event that is memorable for all stakeholders, including the players, commercial partners, fans and media. “I want to especially thank the local governments and security agencies for their support and assistance. They have gone out of their way to facilitate the PCB in bringing HBL PSL back to Pakistan, for which we are grateful.” Event schedule 20 Feb – Opening ceremony to be followed by star 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)  

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (December 31, 2019):-The Pakistan Cricket Board has withdrawn fast-bowler Naseem Shah from next month’s ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup to be played in South Africa from 17 January to 9 February. The National Junior Selector Committee, which is headed by Saleem Jaffar, has named Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Mohammad Wasim Jnr as Naseem’s replacement. Wasim Jnr took three wickets each in the ACC Asia Cup and on the tour of South Africa, while he bagged seven wickets on the tour of Sri Lanka. On the domestic circuit, he played one U19 one-day match in which he bagged three wickets, while he snapped up seven wickets in three U19 three-day matches. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup is a stepping stone for future stars and a platform for budding youngsters to graduate to international cricket. Naseem has recently broken that glass ceiling and has established his credentials as an international cricketer. “As such, the PCB has taken a pragmatic approach and decided to withdraw him from next year’s competition to provide this opportunity to another promising cricketer so that he can show his mettle and potential at a global stage. “This should not deter Pakistan’s chances at next year’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup as the selectors have picked a side that is experienced and bubbling with confidence to perform strongly. “Naseem will now remain in Pakistan and continue to work on his skills under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Waqar Younis. Furthermore, he will remain available for the home series against Bangladesh.” The 2004 and 2006 champions and three-time runners-up, are placed in Group C of the 16-team event and will play Scotland in their opening match on 19 January in Potchefstroom. Pakistan’s second match will be against Zimbabwe at the Witrand Oval on Wednesday, 22 January, while their third and final group match will be on 24 January at the JP Marks Oval against Bangladesh in Potchefstroom. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the Super League, while the remaining teams will feature in the Plate Championship. The Super League stage will commence from Tuesday, 28 January and the top four sides will qualify for the semi-finals, with the winners competing for the title on Sunday, 9 February, in Potchefstroom. Meanwhile, the Pakistan U19 cricket team’s preparation camp will commence at the National Cricket Academy from Wednesday, 1 January 2020. The team will depart for Johannesburg on 10 January. The following are the media opportunities during the camp. Wednesday, 1 January: Head coach Ijaz Ahmed will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Friday, 3 January: Batsman Haider Ali will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Monday, 6 January: Left-arm-spinner Arish Ali Khan will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Tuesday, 7 January: All-rounder Mohammad Abbas Afridi will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Wednesday, 8 January: Batsman Mohammad Irfan Khan will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Thursday, 9 January: Captain Rohail Nazir will be available for media talk at around 2:30pm at the National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Friday, 10 January: Pakistan team will depart for South Africa in the afternoon.

By Our Special Corresponednt ISLAMABAD (December 31, 2019):-The year 2019 was a prolific one for batting sensation Babar Azam. The right-handed middle-order batsman stamped his authority on the international circuit across the three formats with some scintillating display of stroke-play that left the fans in awe across the cricketing world. Be it the bouncy tracks of South Africa and Australia, the high-octane ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 matches, Twenty20 Internationals or the emotions of the return of Test cricket to Pakistan, Babar left an indelible mark with his class, charisma, style, elegance, temperament and powers of concentration. In six Tests, Babar scored 616 runs at 68.44 at a hugely impressive strike-rate of 72.30 with the help of three centuries and three half-centuries. In 20 ODIs, Babar totalled 1,092 runs at 60.66. His strike-rate was 93.30 and the runs tally included three centuries and six half-centuries. In 10 T20Is, Babar contributed 374 runs at 41.55 with a strike-rate of 136.99. Babar scored a total of four half-centuries in T20Is this year. It is no surprise that Babar is the only cricketer in the ICC Player Rankings to feature in the top-six across the three formats - No.6 in Tests, No.3 in ODIs and No.1 in T20Is. Looking back at 2019, Babar Azam said: “It was a great year for me. I learned a lot this year especially how to perform in all conditions. I used to score runs earlier but sometimes I wasn’t able to give match-winning performances. I tried to improve on that aspect learned how to bat and win games under pressure, which was a big learning curve for me. “This year, I played my first 50-over World Cup. It was a big occasion and I really enjoyed the event [Babar scored a Pakistan record 474 runs in the tournament at 67.71]. As a kid, I used to follow World Cups very keenly on television. When I got selected for the big event, I set a goal of doing something big and different. “Being the top batsman in my team was always a target for me. The World Cup gave me an opportunity of getting recognised at the highest level, which gave me real satisfaction. My innings against New Zealand (101*, 127b, 11x4) was my best in the tournament and it taught me a great deal of how to bat and bail the team out in a pressure situation. “Test cricket was also quite rewarding for me this year. For the past two years, I wasn’t quite living up to my own and cricket fans’ expectations in the longest format. This year, I worked on improving the mistakes I made in the format and was able to overcome some of them which helped me make some runs. The more you play the longer format, the more you understand the nuances of the game and find your way. “My innings in South Africa against Dale Steyn gave me great pleasure and confidence that I can get into the Test match zone. I also learned how to convert 60s and 70s into 100s, and then my century in Australia gave me confidence that I can make big runs in the format. “When you score in places like South Africa, Australia and New Zealand against formidable bowling attacks, you get self-belief and confidence. I rate the century against Australia as my best innings of the year in Test format. “Playing in front of home crowd was a special feeling. I am thankful to the Almighty that I succeeded in achieving my goal of scoring and winning a Test against Sri Lanka. “I really enjoyed batting in front of home crowds. When fans take your name and you hear slogans in the stands, your confidence increases 200 per cent. It is an inexplicable feeling. I don’t feel undue pressure in these situations, it, in fact, increases my focus and determination thinking that these fans want me to do really well and I must make them happy. “You have to forget your past performances and focus on improving all the time. You can’t afford to relax if you have one good year. You have to keep delivering all the time that should be the ultimate goal. “Your responsibility increases 200 per cent each time you perform, consistency is the key and that is what I seek. One has to perform in each and every series and plan accordingly keeping in mind the opposition. “It is a big honour that I got T20I captaincy this year, it makes me really proud. In Australia though we were not able to perform up to expectations, the team will rebuild gradually and I am quite hopeful that we will do well in the ICC T20 World Cup in 2020.”

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (December 31, 2019):-Year 2019 will be remembered as a landmark year in Pakistan’s cricketing history. It ended with the country taking a major stride in ensuring full resumption of international cricket in Pakistan as Sri Lanka played two Tests in Rawalpindi and Karachi in December. Prior to the Test series, Pakistan had staged eight HBL Pakistan Super League matches in Karachi in March, while Karachi and Lahore played host to Sri Lanka in white-ball cricket in September/October. Furthermore, the revamp of the domestic structure led to riveting cricketing action on-field which renewed the fans’ interest in domestic events and various steps were taken to make the PCB a transparent corporate body. On the field in 2019, Pakistan produced mixed results. The men’s side lost four Tests in South Africa and Australia before ending win drought in Karachi, while it missed a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-final by a fraction of a point after they ended up on equal points with losing finalists New Zealand. This performance came after they were swept aside by Australia and England in the lead up to the ICC’s pinnacle 50-over competition. Pakistan emerging sides produced more consistent performances. The U19s won the series in Sri Lanka and South Africa, while the Emerging side won the ACC tournament in Bangladesh. Women were not too far behind and despite being on the losing end against England, they were impressive in their shows against the West Indies and South Africa. The PCB got unprecedented recognition in the ICC with PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani, Chief Executive Wasim Khan and Senior Legal Counsel Barrister Salman Naseer sitting on five influential committees. Implementation of the new PCB Constitution 2019 and rolling of transparency and accountability with the PCB uploading its Chairman’s Statement of Expenses and Benefits are the administrative achievements of the year. Reviewing 2019, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “We had four objectives for this year and we have successfully met all of them. “We had to reform our constitution, make the governance structure of the cricket board transparent, introduce corporate practices through clear delegation of duties and fully restore international cricket in Pakistan. “The genesis of better on-field performances in international cricket is in domestic cricket. We have made massive investment in the revamping of our domestic structure in a very short time which has resulted in a very successful Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. “The changes have brought forward some fundamental changes. The first-class matches have entered fourth day, which was previously missing. The pacers are not getting undue assistance anymore and this has brought spinners into play, which will address the issue of the lack of spinners. “The PCB now enjoys unprecedented representation at international level as we became part of as many as five ICC committees this year. “The biggest challenge was to get Sri Lanka to tour Pakistan. They took small steps in their return to the country by playing white-ball cricket here first. “The biggest achievement for me was the two Tests we played against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi and Karachi. It has sent out a message that Pakistan is safe and ready for international cricket and we will now build on it. “We have to make cricket board more efficient and look forward at how we have to progress where there is value for money. We have to bring in more transparency and accountability and create an environment where we can work effectively. “Our challenge is to bring consistency in our performances and deliver the results. Our players are professionals and the more they play the better they will deliver. These youngsters are extremely talented and they are the light at the end of tunnel, which has been evident by the recent performances.”