Sports Bulletin

Sameer Ahmed KayaniEdgbaston (England): India Champions defeated Pakistan Champions by 5 wickets in the final of the World Championship of Legends 2024 at Edgbaston on Saturday (July 13). The Yuvraj Singh-led side showcased their dominance in the competition and secured the coveted title in a match that went down to the wire as two teams fought hard.Pakistan Champions, opting to bat first after winning the toss, posted a competitive total of 156 for 6 in their 20 overs. Kamran Akmal (24 off 19) and Maqsood (21 off 12) gave the team a solid start, but regular wickets kept the scoring in check.The standout performer was Shoaib Malik, who scored a crucial 41 off 23 balls, anchoring the innings. Captain Younis Khan failed to make a mark as he was clean bowled by Irfan Pathan for 7. The middle-order collapsed and Misbah-ul-Haq was retired hurt after a brisk 18, late contributions from Sohail Tanvir (19* off 9) ensured Pakistan reached a respectable score.Indian bowlers, led by Anureet Singh who clinched three wickets with support from Vinay Kumar, Pawan Negi and Irfan Pathan (one wicket each) were instrumental in containing Pakistan's batting lineup.In response, India Champions started their run chase with intent. Despite losing Robin Uthappa (10) early, Ambati Rayudu's explosive 50 off 30 balls set the foundation for the chase for the Men in Blue.Suresh Raina too departed cheaply for 4 in the same over, helping Pakistan make a comeback. But a strong partnership between Rayudu and Gurkeerat Singh Maan (34 off 33) kept India on track.With captain Yuvraj Singh (15*) and Irfan Pathan (5*) at the crease, India sealed the win, finishing at 159 for 5 in 19.1 overs, much to the delight of their fans.Pakistan's bowlers, despite their best efforts, couldn't halt India's march towards the target. Aamer Yamin was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3-0-29-2, supported by Sohail Tanvir and Sohail Khan, who took one wicket each.Brief Scores:Pakistan Champions: 156/6 in 20 overs (Shoaib Malik 41, Kamran Akmal 24; Anureet Singh 2/43)India Champions: 159/5 in 19.1 overs (Ambati Rayudu 50, Gurkeerat Singh Mann 34, Yusuf Pathan 30; Aamer Yamin 2/29)

Capsey hits unbeaten 67 as England Women seal IT20 series against New ZealandSports Bulletin ReportCenterbury (England): Alice Capsey hit an unbeaten 67 as England Women clinched a close win over New Zealand in the third Vitality IT20 to seal the series at The Spitfire Ground, Canterbury.Nat Sciver-Brunt captained the side, winning the toss and choosing to bowl. The White Ferns made a strong start, before Sophie Ecclestone removed Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr in her first over. Sophie Ecclestone took 4-25 while Lauren Filer (2-17) and Sarah Glenn (1-14) also impressed.Skipper Sophie Devine top-scored with an unbeaten 58 in the tourist’s 141-8. Capsey and Sophia Dunkley hit a combined 66 before Fran Jonas removed Dunkley (35) and Sciver-Brunt (0) in successive balls to leave England 66-3. Capsey, along with Freya Kemp’s 16 off eight balls sealed a six-wicket victory.Women’s One-Day Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s IT20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove – England won by 23 runs (DLS method)11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence – England won by six wickets13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.

Sports Bulletin ReportKARCAHI: The second edition of the Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) National Physical Disability T-20 Cricket Championship will start on July 15, 2024 at Quetta, said an official here on Wednesday in a press release.Larkana team will make first appearance in the National Physical Disability Cricket Championship. Match will be held at Buitems Cricket Ground at 1.30 pm while other matches of the championship will be played in Sialkot and Islamabad after Ashura. The final of the event will be played in Karachi. It is important to mention that in the first stage, the team of Multan was the champion, and the team of Bahawalpur was the runner-up.  

Sports Bulletin ReportNorthampton (England): South Africa Champions overcame Pakistan Champions by 9 wickets in their second match of the World Champions League 2024 after chasing chased down a challenging target of 211 set by Pakistan Champions in Northapton, England. Sarel Erwee led the charge with an unbeaten 105 off 57 balls, maintaining a strike rate of 184.21. His innings included 11 fours and six sixes. Jacques Snyman provided excellent support, scoring an unbeaten 82 off 47 balls, with six fours and five sixes. Together, they put on an unbroken 183-run stand for the second wicket, dismantling the Pakistan bowling attack. The only wicket to fall was that of JP Duminy, who scored 9 off 8 balls before being dismissed by Sohail Khan.Earlier, Pakistan Champions posted a competitive 210/4 in their 20 overs. Shoaib Malik's unbeaten 51 off 26 balls and Sharjeel Khan's explosive 72 off 36 balls laid a solid foundation. Contributions from Sohail Maqsood (24 off 24), Shahid Afridi (20 off 10), and Abdul Razzaq (25* off 15) bolstered the total. Imran Tahir and Dale Steyn were the standout bowlers for South Africa, taking 1/19 and 1/24, respectively. This comprehensive victory by South Africa Champions highlighted their dominant form, and Sarel Erwee's century was a testament to his exceptional talent.Brief Scores (South Africa Champions vs Pakistan Champions):Pakistan Champions: 210/4 in 20 overs (Sharjeel Khan 72, Shoaib Malik 51*; Imran Tahir 1/19, Dale Steyn 1/24)South Africa Champions: 211/1 in 18.3 overs (Sarel Erwee 105*, Jacques Snyman 82*; Sohail Khan 1/38)Result: South Africa Champions won by 9 wicketsPlayer of the Match: Sarel Erwe 

Sports Bulletin Report Northampton (England): The West Indies Champions trounced hosts England Champions by 5 wickets in a World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2024 fixture at County Ground, Northampton on Tuesday.In the first match of the day, the West Indies Champions chased down a formidable target of 210 set by England Champions. Despite losing Chris Gayle early in the first over, Dwayne Smith and Chadwick Walton ensured a strong start, posting 65 runs for the loss of one wicket by the end of the powerplay. Walton particularly targeted Chris Schofield, scoring 20 runs off him in the sixth over. Although Smith was dismissed LBW by Samit Patel for 11, Kirk Edwards kept the momentum going.Walton continued his assault on Schofield, smashing 23 runs in the eighth over with three sixes and a four. He was finally dismissed by Ravi Bopara in the 12th over, scoring a blistering 85 off 42 balls. Following Walton's departure, Edwards fell for 14, leaving West Indies at 125/4. However, Ashley Nurse and Jason Mohammed forged a crucial partnership, adding 67 runs for the fifth wicket. Nurse and Darren Sammy completed the chase, leading West Indies Champions to a 5-wicket victory in 19.3 overs. Walton was named the player of the match for his explosive innings.England Champions, after being put in to bat first, faced an early setback with Phil Mustard falling for a duck to Samuel Badree. Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell stabilized the innings, guiding the team to 48/1 in 6 overs. Pietersen's quickfire 42 off 19 balls was instrumental, but he was dismissed in the eighth over with the score at 80/3. Bell and Ravi Bopara then put up a substantial 118-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Bell's 97 off 64 balls, along with Bopara's 53 off 30, propelled England to a total of 209/5 in 20 overs.Brief Scores (West Indies Champions vs England Champions):England Champions: 209/5 in 20 overs (Ian Bell 97, Ravi Bopara 53; Samuel Badree 1/24, Jerome Taylor 1/33)West Indies Champions: 210/5 in 19.2 overs (Chadwick Walton 85, Jason Mohammed 32*; Samit Patel 1/20, Ravi Bopara 1/39)Result: West Indies Champions won by 5 wicketsPlayer of the Match: Chadwick Walton

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board is conducting fitness tests, for the first time ever in 104 districts across the 16 regions in the country. Over 2,300 players are appearing in the ongoing countrywide fitness tests. These tests are being conducted as per the Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi’s vision for incorporating a culture of fitness at grassroots level. In order to assemble the squads for the Regional Inter District Senior Tournament 2024-25, 23 players in each district have been shortlisted after the Challenge Cup that took place in April and May 2024. These 23 players in each district are undergoing strenuous fitness and strength testing under the watchful eye of the respective district and regional coaches and trainers. The players after passing the fitness test will then be summoned for a 45-day camp in their respective districts leading to the Inter District Senior Tournament in September. Abdullah Khurram Niazi, Director - Domestic Cricket Operations: “The PCB has decided to conduct fitness tests at the district level instead of the regional level starting from this domestic season. “This initiative will surely push the players to prioritise their fitness right from the start and the culture will then expand to other domestic competitions. With more fitter players participating in the tournaments the quality of cricket will also increase.

Sports Bulletin ReportSouthampton (England): Hosts English Women defeated New Zealand by 59 runs in the opening fixture of a five-match T20 International series at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton, Englnad on Saturday.England Women opened their five-match Vitality IT20 series against New Zealand with a 59-run win at The Utilita Bowl, Southampton. Opener Danni Wyatt's 76 from 51 balls, Nat Sciver-Brunt's 47 from 23 as well as Freya Kemp's unbeaten 26 saw England finish on 197-3.Sarah Glenn, one of England’s four spinners in their line-up, took three wickets in the 10th over, including Suzie Bates on 43 and captain Sophie Devine for a duck which were decisive. Charlie Dean took two while Linsey Smith, Sophie Ecclestone and left-arm seamer Kemp claimed a wicket each.Women’s One-Day International Series:26 June: 1st Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Riverside, Chester-le-Street – England won by nine wickets30 June: 2nd Women’s One-Day International – New Road, Worcester – England won by eight wickets3 July: 3rd Women’s One-Day International – Seat Unique Stadium, Bristol – England won by five wicketsWomen’s T20 Series:6 July: 1st Women’s IT20 – The Utilita Bowl, Southampton – England won by 59 runs9 July: 2nd Women’s IT20 – The 1st Central County Ground, Hove11 July: 3rd Women’s IT20 – The Spitfire Ground, St Lawrence13 July: 4th Women’s IT20 – The Kia Oval, London17 July: 5th Women’s IT20 – Lord’s, London.  

Sports Bulletin ReportEdgbaston (UK): The World Championship of Legends (WCL) match between India and Pakistan champions is highly anticipated and cricket fans worldwide are looking forward to it. With all 23000 seats sold out, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch guaranteeing stadium patrons an amazing experience. Approved by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) the World Championship of Legends got underway at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 3 and will run through July 18.Younis Khan said: “We are excited to play India in this esteemed tournament, our longtime competition. Our group has put in a lot of preparation and we are sure we can put on an amazing show. For us, it’s about pride and passion for both the sport and our nation, it’s not just a game.”Suresh Raina said: “Playing Pakistan is always an honor and tomorrow’s game is no exception. On the field our squad is fired up and prepared to give it our all. We hope that our performance will make the fans proud because of their amazing energy and support.”Harshit Tomar Founder & CEO of World Championship Legends said: “There is an incredible level of excitement and anticipation when one of the most passionate and legendary rivalries in cricket history is involved in our inaugural tournament. The sold-out stadium and the tremendous support from the crowd highlight the special appeal and importance of this meeting. This historic match perfectly captures the essence and history of cricket and we are honored to be the host of it”Legends of retired cricket from all over the world came together for the inaugural edition of World Championship of Legends including Australia Champions, South Africa Champions, West Indies Champions, India Champions and Pakistan Champions. Legendary athletes that have made noteworthy contributions to the sport make up each team which elevates the competition and increases its excitement.India Champions (Squad): Yuvraj Singh (c), Harbhajan Singh, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Robin Uthappa, Ambati Rayudu, Gurkeerat Mann, Rahul Sharma, Naman Ojha, Rahul Shukla, RP Singh, Vinay Kumar, Dhawal Kulkarni, Saurabh Tiwary, Anureet Singh, Pawan NegiPakistan Champions (Squad): Shahid Afridi (c), Sharjeel Khan, Umer Akmal, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbah Ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanveer, Sohail Khan, Abdul Rehman, Aamir Yamin, Taufeeq Umer, Shoaib Maqsood, Yasir Arafat, Tanveer Ahmed  

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the details of men’s 2024-25 home international cricket season. The national team will compete in three Test series and participate in the first ODI tri-series in 21 years in the lead up to the eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on home turf.In the curtain-raiser series of the 2024-25 home international season, Bangladesh will play two Tests in Rawalpindi (21-25 August) and Karachi (30 August-3 September). The international season will culminate with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final, proposed for 9 March.In between, Pakistan will host England for three Tests in Multan (7-11 October), Karachi (15-19 October) and Rawalpindi (24-28 October), and the West Indies will visit for two Tests in Karachi (16-20 January) and Multan (24-28 January). Additionally, New Zealand and South Africa will participate in an ODI tri-series in Multan from 8-14 February.Bangladesh last played a Test in Pakistan in February 2020, while England swept the three-Test series in December 2022. The 2025 series will also mark the West Indies’ first Test tour to Pakistan since November 2006 when Brian Lara captained the side against Inzamam-ul-Haq men. Pakistan last hosted the West Indies for a Test series in October 2016 in the United Arab Emirates.Apart from the home international fixtures, the men's team will tour Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa from 4 November to 7 January, playing two Tests, nine ODIs and nine T20Is.In the period from August 2024 to March 2025, the Pakistan men's cricket team will play nine Tests, nine T20Is and, at least, 14 ODIs. The number of ODIs may increase based on their performance in the ODI tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.Alongside international cricket, the PCB will be involved in planning and delivering an expanded and more competitive PCB Domestic Cricket Season 2024-25, as well as women's domestic and international cricket events and competitions. The HBL Pakistan Super League 2025 is also being planned for April/May 2025.The nine Tests against Bangladesh, England, South Africa and the West Indies will be part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. To date, Pakistan has played five Tests in two series against Sri Lanka and Australia, winning two and losing three. This has placed them in fifth position on the points table with 22 points. India leads the table with 74 points after three series, followed by Australia (90 points from four series), New Zealand (36 points from three series), and Sri Lanka (24 points from two series).With each of the top nine Test-playing nations scheduled to play six series (three home and three away) in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle, strong performances in the upcoming four series could put Pakistan in contention for a place in the final, scheduled for Lord's in June 2025.Karachi, Multan and Rawalpindi will share the seven Tests and four ODIs between them. Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium is currently undergoing redesign and redevelopment work as part of preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but is expected to be ready to stage most of the high-profile matches from 19 February to 9 March. The ICC will announce further details of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in due course.Bangladesh in Pakistan (Two Tests)21-25 Aug – First Test, Rawalpindi30 Aug-3 Sep – Second Test, KarachiEngland in Pakistan (Three Tests)7-11 Oct – First Test, Multan15-19 Oct – Second Test, Karachi24-28 Oct – Third Test, RawalpindiWest Indies in Pakistan (Two Tests)16-20 Jan – First Test, Karachi24-28 Jan – Second Test, MultanNew Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)8 Feb – Pakistan v New Zealand, Multan10 Feb – New Zealand v South Africa, Multan12 Feb – Pakistan v South Africa, Multan14 Feb – Final, MultanPakistan to Australia (three ODIs, three T20Is)4 Nov – First ODI, Melbourne8 Nov – Second ODI, Adelaide10 Nov – Third ODI, Perth14 Nov – First T20I, Brisbane16 Nov – Second T20I, Sydney18 Nov – Third T20I, HobartPakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs, three T20Is)24 Nov – First ODI, Bulawayo26 Nov – Second ODI, Bulawayo28 Nov – Third ODI, Bulawayo1 Dec – First T20I, Bulawayo3 Dec – Second T20I, Bulawayo5 Dec – Third T20I, BulawayoPakistan to South Africa (Three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests)10 Dec – First T20I, Durban13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town.

Sports Bulletin ReportHouston, Texas (USA) As the dust settles on India's triumphant campaign at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, preparations for yet another cricketing spectacle in America, the Legends Intercontinental T20 (LIT20), are in full swing. The league, featuring cricket legends such as Graeme Swann, TM Dilshan, and Liam Plunkett, is set to take place from August 16 to 28, 2024, at Moosa Stadium Houston in Texas, USA.Mohit Joon, a businessman from India, developed a disciplined and industrious work ethic at a young age, inspired by his father's dedication to his profession. At 26, he launched his own IT business, which he has successfully operated for years. His vision for a more advanced digital nation has enabled him to establish productive relationships with some of the world's leading experts in the field. He aims to create an empire that enhances both the medical field and the economy.Looking forward to his role, Mohit Joon stated, "I am excited to join the Legends Intercontinental T20 League as a promotor. Hosting and administering such a significant event is an incredible opportunity, and I look forward to cultivating a global fanbase."Welcoming Mohit as the promotor, Arun Pandey, COO & Chairman of Legends Intercontinental T20, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Mohit Joon to the LIT-20 family. The preparations are in full swing for the inaugural season. The successful T20 World Cup has made a great impact on the USA audience, we aim to leverage it with LIT-20 and take cricket to the next level. Joon's addition is essential to our ongoing journey."Beyond his role in the LIT20, Joon has ambitious plans to build an empire spanning multiple industries, starting with the food and beverage sector. He envisions operating several restaurants nationwide, owning mines, completing numerous government construction projects, and obtaining construction stakes in seven-star hotels. His goal is to provide luxury and welfare through travel goods and other necessities, uniting the entire world.The Legends Intercontinental T20, scheduled to be held at Moosa Stadium in Texas, will feature a single round-robin format, with the top four teams advancing to the knockout phase. The tournament will include doubleheaders every day, a total of 24 thrilling matches. The event will feature seven teams: Indo Kings, Asian Avengers, Euro Rangers, American Mavericks, Trans-Tasman Titans, African Lions, and Caribbean Vikings, showcasing legendary cricket talents from around the world.