Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Pakistan will take on South Africa in the opening fixture of the 4th edition of the Blind Cricket T20 World Cup in Ghani Institute of Cricket DHA Lahore on November 23.The final will be played on December 3, 2024 at Multan Cricket Stadium. World Blind Cricket Council (WBCC) on Friday announced the schedule, as the 7 nations will fight for top honour during the 11-day fixture. The matches will be played in two cities Lahore and Multan. Australia and England teams are not participating in the prestigious international showpiece of blinds’ cricket.According to the President World Blind Cricket Ltd, Syed Sultan Shah, the mega event will feature blind cricket teams of Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, South Africa, Nepal and Afghanistan. The Indian team will be defending their title in the extravaganza. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan players were denied visa by India government for the previous edition and event was held without Green Shirts.The opening match of the tournament will be played between South Africa and hosts Pakistan on November 23 at the Ghani Institute of Cricket Ground, DHA, Lahore while traditional rivals, India and Pakistan, will face each other on November 25.The arrival of all participating foreign teams will be completed by November 21 and the opening ceremony of the World Cup will be held on November 22 in Lahore.The iconic city of Lahore will host 15 matches of the event, including the opening match, while the historical city of Multan will host 9 matches, including both semifinals and final.While talking to this reporter, president WBCC Syed Sultan Shah said that England and Australia would not participate in the T20 World Cup 2024. “They had already scheduled bilateral series. Secondly, their security demands were high which was not possible to manage. Both teams bring their own security personals and they were asking for a big amount, “he added.  

LAHORE (PR): The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has announced the completion of its contract with Stephen Constantine, head coach of the Pakistan Men’s Football Team.Appointed by the Haroon Malik-led Pakistan Football Federation Normalisation Committee as Head Coach in September 2023, Stephen Constantine guided Pakistan to a historic achievement with its first-ever victory in the first round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 1-0 win over Cambodia at Islamabad's Jinnah Stadium.In a heartfelt message, Stephen Constantine said: "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the PFF for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to lead the Pakistan National Team through some of its most historic achievements. The unforgettable scenes at Jinnah Sports Stadium on October 17, 2023—when our 1-0 victory over Cambodia secured Pakistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers—will forever be etched in memory. To my staff—every individual on and off the pitch—you were phenomenal. Few will ever truly understand the level of commitment and sacrifice you poured into this journey. Your dedication was invaluable to our mission, and it was an honor to lead alongside you. Thank you for everything you did for me, the team, and the country."In a message to the fans, he said: "To the people of Pakistan—the fans, and everyone who cares deeply about football—it has been a privilege to lead the Shaheens over the past year. Your support from beginning to end has meant everything to us, and I am grateful to each of you. To the players—you achieved something unparalleled for Pakistan Football, and you did it with heart and style. You made history, and you reignited hope for 250 million people who believe in Pakistan Football once more."Chairman NC, Haroon Malik said: “PFF and the football community will forever remember his World Cup qualifier match victory. His invaluable contributions to Pakistani football left an indelible mark in history” 

Abdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: Egyptian lad, Ibrahim Elkabbanni will be top seed player of the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) International Squash Championship, which will be held from November 18 to 22, 2024 at Mushaf Squash Complex in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex.Secretary, Pakistan Squash Federation (PSF), Ammir Nawaz told this scribe that players for 8 foreign countries would also participate in the championship. “Local 7 players are in the list of 24 players. Also, 5 from Egypt, 4 from Malaysia, 2 from England, 2 from Kuwait and one each from Hong Kong, Ireland, Netherlands are among 24 players. Anas Ali Shah, Abdullah Nawaz, and Farhan Mehboob got the wild card entries. Noor Zaman is the second seeded player of CAS Squash Championship 2024, “he added.“Mohammad Ashab Khan, Nasir Iqbal, Tayyab Aslam are also seeding players. Our players are toiling hard under the supervision of coach Fahim Gul and we hope our players will perform up to mark. Tournament is pursuing prize money of US$ 15,000, which will be disbursed according to rules of Professional Squash Association (PSA), “he concluded. 

Lahore (October 30, 2024): Rijas/Platinum Homes and FG/Din Polo recorded victories on the second day of the Meesha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024 at the Lahore Polo Club on Wednesday.  Exciting six-goal tournament matches are ongoing at Lahore Polo Club, attended by club president Malik Azam Hayat Noon, members, the club secretary, and a good turnout of families. In the first match of the day, Rijas/Platinum Homes narrowly defeated Sheikhoo Steel with a score of 6-5. For Rijas/Platinum Homes, Bilal Noon played superb polo and fired in fabulous four goals while Mohib Faisal Shehzad added two. For Sheikhoo Steel, Maisam Haider struck two goals, and Taimur Noon and Ali Kuli Khan contributed one goal each. The second match of the day saw FG/Din Polo clinch victory over Total Nutrition in the final moments, winning the nail-biting encounter with a margin of 8-7. Raja Mikael Sami led FG/Din Polo with sparkling five goals, while Farhad Shaikh banged in a brace and Raffay Shaikh added one.  For Total Nutrition, Saqib Khan Khakwani played extremely well and converted superb four goals, and Bilal Hayee contributed three but their efforts couldn’t bear fruit for their side. Two more important matches are scheduled on Thursday (October 31, 2024).  

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The 17th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Amateur Golf Championship 2024 will tee off on Thursday (October 31) here at Margalla Green Golf Club (MGGC), this was revealed by Patron of Pakistan Navy Golf (North) Commodore Saqib Ilyas at a press conference on Wednesday.Saqib Ilyas further divulged media persons that around 300 golfers from all over the country would take part in the four different categories during the 4-day prestigious national annual golf fixture. For the first time in the history of CNS Golf Championship winner will be decided of gross score.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Judo Federation (PJF) and its affiliated units celebrated World Judo Day across Pakistan on October 28th, commemorating the birthday of Jigoro Kano Shihan, the founder of judo, with the International Judo Federation's theme of "Wellbeing." This year, World Judo Day emphasizes "wellbeing," a holistic concept that extends beyond the tatami to every aspect of life. Judo, as a practice, promotes physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing, enhancing our quality of life. For over thirteen years, the PJF has been organizing World Judo Day to celebrate judo and the values it instills in society.The PJF held the 17th Men’s and 10th Women’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Inter-District Judo Championship at the Lala Rafique Sports Arena under the auspices of the District Government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judo Association. Matiullah Khan, Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, was the chief guest, accompanied by Pir Abdullah Shah, Additional Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs KP, and Saleem Raza, Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Sports Directorate. International athletes Malaika Noor and Mohammad Abbas also attended.Malaika recently became the first Junior female athlete from Pakistan to compete in an IJF event, while Mohammad Abbas showcased an impressive performance at the Asian Cadet & Junior Championship in Korea. PJF Secretary General Masood Ahmad, officials, and players joined the celebrations on October 28, embracing the theme of “Wellbeing.”In the Inter-District Championship, various districts from KP participated, including Lakki Marwat, Kohat, Swat, Abbottabad, Mardan, and Peshawar. Abbottabad claimed the women’s title with 85 points, followed by Lakki Marwat with 60 points. In the men’s category, Khyber District took first place with 93 points, while Peshawar finished second with 87 points.In Islamabad, the Islamabad Judo Association (IJA) celebrated by organizing an event with school students, who participated in cake cutting and received certificates. South Asian Gold Medalist Hamid Ali also joined the festivities.Following PJF’s instructions, the Sindh Judo Association held a World Judo Day event at the Gymnasium Hall in Karachi Coaching Center. Sindh Judo Association Secretary Mohammad Rafique and their judokas participated enthusiastically. Also in Sakhar were celebrated WJD along with Female Judoka (a district of Sindh).The Punjab Judo Association organized celebrations in Gujranwala District, with a large number of male and female judokas taking part. Secretary Punjab Judo Association Qamer Shakeel joined the students in cake cutting.World Judo Day was celebrated nationwide in a befitting manner, with the Pak-Army National Champion and Pak-WAPDA Runner-up teams also marking the occasion with a cake-cutting ceremony. Numerous male and female judokas across the country actively participated, learning about the history of judo and embracing its values.

Lahore (PR): The Misha & Ibrahim Polo Cup 2024, organized by the Lahore Polo Club, kicked off with great excitement. On the opening day, two thrilling matches were held, drawing a significant number of spectators and families. Lahore Polo Club President Malik Azam Hayat Noon, Executive Committee members, Secretary Col Amir, and other officials were present to witness the games. In the first match of the opening day, Diamond Paints defeated Seafa Logistics International with a score of 10-5½. Raja Jalal Arsalan was the standout player for Diamond Paints, hammering seven goals, while Mir Huzaifa Ahmed contributed with three goals. For Seafa Logistics International, Raja Samiullah converted all four goals for his team, with an additional handicap advantage of one and a half goals. In the second match of the day, Newage Cables triumphed over Guard Group with a score of 10-3½. Abdul Rehman Monnoo led the charge for Newage Cables, scoring six goals, while Omar Asjad Malhi added four goals. For Guard Group, Taimur Ali Malik scored two goals, and Ahmed Bilal Riaz added one goal. The tournament will continue on Wednesday, with Sheikhoo Steel facing Rijas/Platinum Homes at 2:30 pm, followed by Total Nutrition competing against FG/Din Polo at 3:30 pm. 

Sindh overcome Punjab by 81 runs, Badard Munir gets man of the match awardRasheed AhmedBAHAWALPUR: Sindh thrashed Punjab by 81 runs in the final of the 8th edition of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 here at Dring Stadium on Monday. Sindh batter Badar Munir was declared the best player of the match. Punjab, winning the toss, opted to bowl first, a decision that quickly became a challenging one as Sindh took to the crease. The outstanding opening partnership of Badar Munir and Mohammad Safdar set the stage for an explosive innings. Badar Munir showcased his exceptional batting skills, scoring a sensational century of 116 runs off just 62 balls, while Safdar supported with a solid 74 runs off 51 balls. Their partnership of 205 runs not only laid a strong foundation but also put Punjab in a nearly insurmountable position, leaving them to chase a formidable total of 220 runs. Mati Ullah was the standout bowler for Punjab, managing to secure 2 wickets.When Punjab began their chase, they faced a difficult battle against the disciplined Sindh bowling attack. They struggled to find their footing and eventually crumbled under pressure, bowled out for just 138 runs in 16.5 overs. Haroon Khan was the only player to show resilience, scoring 40 runs off 29 balls, while Nisar Ali contributed a modest 18 runs off 19 balls. Badar Munir's influence extended beyond his batting, as he picked up 3 crucial wickets, helping to dismantle the Punjab lineup. Babar Ali and Numan also contributed with the ball, claiming 2 and 1 wickets respectively.Tournament’s best awards:Mohammad Idrees Saleem (B1 Category)Badar Munir (B2 Category)Mati Ullah (B3 Category)Nisar Ali (Best Wicket Keeper) Mati Ullah (B3 Category)Nisar Ali (Best Wicket Keeper)Dignitaries Present:Ahmer Ali, Additional Deputy Commissioner, (Finance) Bahawalpur.Syed Sultan Shah, President World Blind Cricket Ltd & Chairman PBCC.Syed Mohammad Salman Tariq Bokhari, Director Marketing PBCC.Anwar, Director Finance PBCC.Abdul Razzaq, Director Information & Coordination PBCC.Fawad Anwar, District Sports officer, Bahawalpur.Usman Saeed, President Bahawalpur Cricket Club of the Blind

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has been appointed Pakistan’s white-ball captain, while Salman Ali Agha has been named vice-captain as the selectors announced Pakistan’s squads for the ODI and T20I tours of Australia and Zimbabwe from 4 November to 5 December. Salman will lead the T20I side in Zimbabwe as Rizwan is rested under a workload management plan.The 32-year-old Rizwan, who debuted in white-ball cricket in 2015, has played 74 ODIs and 102 T20Is to date, scoring 5,401 runs with four centuries and accounting for 143 dismissals behind the stumps. As he leads the team in the opening ODI against Australia in Melbourne on 4 November, Rizwan will become Pakistan’s 31st captain. For the first T20I in Brisbane on 14 November, he will be the 12th to captain Pakistan in the format.Mohammad Rizwan siad: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. Representing Pakistan on the global stage is the greatest privilege and to now be entrusted with leading such a talented and exciting group of players is a tremendous honour. Joining the ranks of some of Pakistan’s legendary limited-overs captains truly is the icing on the cake.I am committed to giving my absolute best in this role and look forward to working closely with the selectors, coaches and my immensely talented teammates. Together, we aim to meet and exceed the expectations of our fans and supporters. Pakistan cricket holds immense potential across all formats and I am confident that, with the support of God Almighty, we will build on our recent success against England to achieve even greater heights in what promises to be a challenging and busy season of white-ball cricket.”PCB Chair Mohsin Naqvi siad: “I want to extend my congratulations to Mohammad Rizwan on his appointment as Pakistan’s white-ball captain. I am confident that Rizwan’s leadership qualities, underpinned by his deep commitment and passion for the game, will help shape this talented team into a consistently successful unit. Rizwan has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues through his dedication and positive attitude, and I have no doubt that these qualities, combined with his game knowledge and performance, will inspire the next generation of Pakistan cricketers. The PCB has always been fully committed to supporting our players and staff, and we will continue to stand by Rizwan as he takes on this important role. We are optimistic that under his leadership, Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team will once again become a force to be reckoned with on the international stage.”Pakistan squads for Australia and Zimbabwe tours: ODI SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah AfridiT20I SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Bin Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Usman KhanODI SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Shahnawaz Dahani and Tayyab TahirT20I SQUAD FOR ZIMBABWE: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (WK), Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan.

Rasheed AhmedBahawalpur (October 27, 2024): Punjab and Sindh have qualified for the final of PBCC Blind Cricket T-20 Super League 2024 after winning their respective semifinals at Dring Stadium Bahawalpur on Sunday. The final will be played on Monday at the same venue.Punjab beat Balochistan by 23 runs: In the morning match, Balochistan set a challenging target after winning the toss and opting to bat first. Despite an early setback with the loss of two quick wickets, Talha Iqbal and Moain Aslam played a pivotal role in stabilizing the innings. Their partnership of 87 runs for the third wicket proved crucial, allowing Balochistan to recover from the early turmoil. Talha Iqbal showcased an impressive performance, scoring a remarkable century with a blistering 103 runs off just 64 balls. Moain Aslam also made a valuable contribution with a quick 39 runs off 26 balls. Balochistan finished their innings with a solid total of 195 runs for 5 wickets in 20 overs.In reply, Punjab encountered a difficult chase, managing to score 172 runs for the loss of 3 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Haroon Khan emerged as the top performer for Punjab, remaining unbeaten with 65 runs off 50 balls. Zafar provided support with a steady 30 runs off 30 balls. Despite their efforts, Punjab fell short of the target. Talha Iqbal, who excelled with the bat, also magic with the ball, claiming 2 wickets to help secure Balochistan's victory. Talha Iqbal got man of the match award.Sindh beat KPK by 6 wickets: In the last league match between Sindh and KPK, Sindh emerged victorious after a solid performance in both bowling and batting departments.KPK, batting first, posted a modest total of 175 runs for 6 wickets in their 20 overs. The highlight of their innings was Anees Javed, who scored an impressive 63 runs off 38 balls. Umar Draz contributed with a steady 27 runs off 26 balls. On the bowling side for Sindh, Muhammad Numan was particularly effective, taking 3 wickets, while Idrees and Badar contributed with 2 and 1 wicket respectively.In response, Sindh chased down the target comfortably, finishing their innings with 176 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in just 16.5 overs. Badar Munir was the star of the match, smashing a remarkable unbeaten 97 runs off only 49 balls, showcasing his batting prowess. Idrees Saleem supported the innings with a crucial 24 runs off 29 balls, helping to guide Sindh to a convincing 6-wicket victory. Badar got man of the match award.