ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 30, 2020):-Besides, top seed Mohammad Shoaib six other Pakistani guys moved into the second round of Boys Singles Event of the 2nd Leg of ITF Junior Tennis Tournament after beating their opponents on Monday here at PTF Tennis Complex. Total 21 matches were decided on the opening day in the event of boys and girls singles main draw. All the seeded players moved into the second round by winning their respective matches in state sets, except the match between Ruslan and Mahatir Mohammad Khan that won by overseas player 2-1 in the well-contested match of the day. The other best match of the day was played between Subhan bin Salik of Pakistan and Aki Zuban Rawat of Nepal. Subhan won the first set at 7-5, after breaking 11th game of Rawat in the first set. Rawat won the second set at 6-4 by breaking 10th game of Subhan bin Salik at the score of 0-40, by hitting some shots down the line. In the final set Rawat was in full command and didn’t allow Subhan to settle down throughout the set with his powerful forehand and backhand drives and won the final set at 6-1 by breaking 4th and 6th game of Subhan. Khawar Hyat Khan Senior Executive Vice President along with Saeed Ahmed Khan Senior Vice President visited the PTF complex and witnessed the matches besides; inaugurating the second leg of the ITF Junior Tournament. They also interacted with foreign players and appreciated the efforts of the organizers for smooth conduct of the event and strict implementation of the SOPs. Results: Boys Singles (Round-I): 1. Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 2. Hamid Israr Gul (SNGPL) (PAK) beat Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-2, 6-2 3. Ruslan Serazhetdinov (RUS) beat Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-3, 5-7, 6-2 4.  Aryan Giri (NEP) beat Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK) 6-3, 6-2 5. Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Abdullah. (PAK) 6-2, 7-6(1) 6. Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Yahya Luni (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 7. Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4 8. Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 9. Rohan Belday (USA) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-1, 6-0 10.  Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Hasheesh Kumar (PAK) 7-5, 6-2 11. Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) beat Saim Choudhry (PAK) 6-1, 6-2 12. Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Subhan Bin Salik (PAK) 5-7, 6-4, 6-1 13. Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Mustansir Ali Khan Barons (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 14. Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) 6-2, 6-2 15. Alexander Karman (USA) beat Nalain Abbas (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 16. Raja Azan Ahmed Sajid (PAK) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-3  Girls Singles 1st Round Matches: 1. Zahara Suleman (PAK) beat Fatima Ali Raja (PAK) 6-3, 6-1 2. Labika Durab (PAK) beat Mahrukh Farooqui (PAK) 6-3, 6-2 3. Maleeha Khalid (PAK) beat Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-1, 6-4 4. Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) 6-4, 6-2 5. Saher Aleem (PAK) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 6-4, 6-4.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-Top seed local tennis player, Mohammad Shoaib clinched the ITF Junior Tennis Championship title after beating his opponent Rohan Belday from United States of America (USA) 2-1 in the final at PTF Tennis Complex on Saturday. The final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2. In the Boys Singles final, Mohammad Shoaib of Pakistan overcame Rohan Belday from USA 2-1 after losing the first set at 4-6. After going down, Shoaib fought back brilliantly and won the second set at 6-3. In the third and final set, Shoaib displayed excellent skills of the game and played powerful stroke from down the line. He finished the set at 6-2, as the final score-line was 4-6, 6-3 and 6-2. Salim Saifullah Khan President, Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) graced the occasion as guest of honour along with Tariq Mehmood Murtaza  (Chairman RDA) to distribute the prizes amongst the winners. At this occasion, Salim Saifullah appreciated the role of General Tyres in promotion of tennis in collaboration with PTF. He also appreciated the sponsors and the tournament organizers for conducting such an excellent event. He praised the role of media for promotion of sports in Pakistan and especially game of tennis. Results: Boys Singles (Final): Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Rohan Belday (USA) 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 Boys Doubles (Final): Rohan Belday (USA)/Alexander Karman (USA) beat Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP)/Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) 6-3, 6-1 Girls Singles (Final): Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Abhilasha Bista (NEP) 6-1, 6-0 Girls Doubles (Final): Abhilasha Bista (NEP)/ Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Zoha Asim (PAK)/ Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) 6-2, 6-0 Results (Qualifying Round Tournament II): Boys Singles Qualifying Matches Week II: Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-0 Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Saeed Ahmad Suleman (PAK) 6-0, 6-1

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-PCB Challengers overcame PCB Blasters by five runs in the fifth match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Saturday. The thrilling match was decided on the last ball as the PCB Blasters finished their chase of 158 runs at 152 for six. The defeat has ended PCB Blasters hopes of a place in the championship’s final, which will be now played between PCB Challengers and PCB Dynamites on Tuesday, 1 December. PCB Blasters openers Javeria Khan and Sidra Amin provided a 59-run stand. Sidra was dismissed for 18 runs. Javeria held the innings together with 56 off 47 balls as she hit eight fours. Captain Aliya Riaz kept PCB Blasters in the hunt with 37 off 31 balls before she was run out on the penultimate ball as her side fell agonisingly short of the target. Sidra Nawaz (19 off 12 balls) was the other significant contributor in the PCB Blasters total. Bismah Maroof, Saba Nazir and Fatima Sana took a wicket apiece for the victorious side. Batting first, after winning the toss, PCB Challengers posted 157 for seven. Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof led the way for her side with 61 off 48 balls. Bismah, later adjudged player-of-the-match, took the attack to the PCB Blasters as she hit nine fours and one six. Besides Bismah, Fatima Sana was the other notable run-getter. She hit four fours and one six in her 41 off 33 balls. She along with Bismah took the team past the 150-run mark after they had stuttered to 87 for five in the 12th over. Bismah and Fatima added 54 runs for the sixth-wicket. Hafsa Amjad with three wickets for 27 runs was the most successful bowler for PCB Blasters. Scores in brief: PCB Challengers 157-7, 20 overs (Bismah Maroof 61, Fatima Sana 41, Kainat Hafeez 22; Hafsa Amjad 3-27) PCB Blasters 152-6, 20 overs (Javeria Khan 56, Aliya Riaz 37; Bismah Maroof 1-10) Result: PCB Challengers won by five runs Player-of-the-match: Bismah Maroof Next match: PCB Challengers v PCB Dynamites – Sunday

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 28, 2020):-The World Blind Cricket (WBC) on Saturday elected Syed Sultan Shah its new president for the next tenure of 2-year in the 22nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was conducted through video link due to COVID-19. The elections of the Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket were also held during the AGM. The representatives of ten full member countries participated in the meeting. Syed Sultan Shah has been elected unopposed as the President of WBCL for the term of next two years. The newly elected Executive Committee of World Blind Cricket Ltd comprises of the following, Syed Sultan Shah, who is the Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, remained the President of World Blind Cricket twice earlier from 2012-2014 and 2014-2016. This will be his 3rd term in this premiere role. The General Manager of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council Maher Yousaf Haroon has been elected for the 4th consecutive time for the position of “Director Technical” World Blind Cricket. Names of new elected office bearers of WBC Syed Sultan Shah (Pakistan)                 President Bhawani Persad (West Indies)                 First Vice President Rajnesh Henry (India)                                Second Vice President Raymond Moxly (Australia)                       Secretary General Pawan Ghimire (Nepal)                             Director Finance David John (India)                                      Director Global Development Maher Yousaf Haroon (Pakistan)          Director Technical        

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 26, 2020):-Top seed Mohammad Shoaib overpowered Alexander Karman 2-0 in the first quarterfinal of the Boys’ Singles event of ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Thursday. The final score-line was 7-5 and 6-2. Also, Roy Keegan (GBR), Hamid Israr (PAK) and Rohan Belday (USA) moved into the semifinals after beating their respective opponents at same venue. Results: Boys Singles (Round-II): Zalan KHAN (PAK) beat Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 Siddhartha LAMA (USA) beat Sami Zeb KHAN (PAK) 7-5, 6-1 Rohan BELDAY (USA) beat Abdullah (PAK) 6-1, 6-1 Ahmed Kamil (PAK) beat Aki Zuben RAWAT (NEP) 6-4, 6-4 Boys Singles (Quarterfinals): Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Alexander Karman (USA) 7-5, 6-2 Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Zalan KHAN (PAK) 6-3, 6-3 Hamid Israr (PAK) beat Siddhartha LAMA (USA) 6-1, 6-3 Rohan BELDAY (USA) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Boys Doubles (Quarterfinals): Zalan KHAN (PAK)/Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) beat Saim CHOUDRY(PAK)/Hamid Israr (PAK) 6-3, 6-3 Rohan BELDAY (USA)/Alexander KARMAN (USA)  beat Aryan GIRI (NEP)/ Siddhartha Lama (USA) 6-4, 7-5 Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP)/Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat  Abdullah (PAK)/Ahmad Nael Qureshi (PAK)  6-2, 6-2 Roy Keegan (GBR)/Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Ahmed Kamil (PAK)/ Muhammad Shoaib (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 Girls Singles (Quarterfinal): Ekaterina Suvorova (RUS) beat SHEEZA Sajid (PAK) 6-0, 6-2 Arina Valitova (RUS) beat Saher ALEEM (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Zoha Asim (PAK) beat Labika DURAB (PAK) 6-1, 6-1 Abhilasha Bista (NEP) bt Zahara SULEMAN (PAK) 6-2, 6-0 Girls Doubles (Quarterfinals): Saher ALEEM (PAK)/SHEEZA Sajid (PAK) bt  Shimza DURAB (PAK)/Zahara SULEMAN (PAK) 7-5, 6-4 Zara Khan (PAK)/Fatima Ali RAJA (PAK) bt Labika DURAB (PAK)/Mahrukh FAROOQUI (PAK) 2-6, 6-1, (10-6).

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 24, 2020):-Local guy Hamid Israr Gul toppled Aryan Giri from Nepal 2-0 in a well-contested two sets game in the second round of Boys’ Singles discipline of the ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 at PTF Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday. Hamid Israr beat his opponent Aryan Giri with the score-line of 7-6(3) and 6-4. Some exciting and excellent display of tennis was witnessed during this match, as both the players showed the best skills of the game. Hamid Israr caused the major upset in the tournament when he eliminated 3rd Seed Aryan Giri of Nepal in a two set match. Similarly, Abdullah an upcoming player of (Pakistan) exhibited great potential by beating Aoi Ooka of Japan in another good match of the day. Top Seed Shoaib of Pakistan was in an excellent form, outclassed his opponent Aarav Samrat Hada also from Nepal by playing excellent tennis. Results (Boy’s Singles Round-I): Abdul Hanan (PAK) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK) 6-3, 6-4 Zalan Khan (PAK) beat Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK) 6-3, 6-0 Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Yahya Luni (PAK) 6-0, 6-1 Sami Zeb Khan (PAK) beat Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-4 Abdullah Khan (PAK) beat Aoi Ooka (JPN) 6-4, 6-4 Boys Singles (Round-II): Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) beat Aryan Giri (NEP) 7-6(3), 6-4 Alexander Karman (USA) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 Mohammad Shoaib (PAK) beat Aarav Samrat Had (NEP) 6-0, 6-4 Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1 Girls Singles (Round-I): Saher Aleem (PAK) beat Zara Khan (PAK) 7-6(7), 6-2 Labika Durab (PAK) beat Mahrukh Farooqi (PAK) 6-2, 6-3 Sheeza Sajid (PAK) beat Fatima Ali Raja (PAK) 7-5, 6-1 Zahara Suleman (PAK) beat Shimza Durab (PAK) 6-7(8), 6-4, 6-3 Boys Doubles (Round-I): Roy Keegan (GBR), Aoi Ooka (JPN) beat Nalain Abbas (PAK), Mahatir Mohammad Khan (PAK) 6-2, 6-1 Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP), Aki Zuben Rawat (NEP) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim (PAK), Raja Azan Ahmed Sajjad (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Rohan Belday (USA), Alexander Karman (USA) beat Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK), Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) 6-1, 6-1 Saim Choudhary (PAK), Hamid Israr (PAK) w/o Huzaima Abdul Rehman (PAK), Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) Aryan Giri (NEP), Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Bilal Asim (PAK), Abdul Hanan (PAK) 6-1, 6-4.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 23, 2020):-Mohammad Huzaifa Khan overcame compatriot Ahmad Nael Queshi 2-1 in a well-contested three-set match In the first round fixture of ITF Juniors Tennis Championship 2020 on Monday here at PTF Tennis Complex. The final score-line was 6-0, 3-6 and 6-0. As many as eight matches were decided on the 1st day of international juniors’ tennis showpiece. The thrilling match was witnessed between Huzaifa Khan and Ahmed Qureshi that finished after three sets fuss while rest of seven matches were decided in straight sets.  Owing the bad weather of capital city Islamabad some matches of Round-I will be played on Tuesday at same venue. Results (Boy’s Singles Round-I):- Aarav Samrat Hada (NEP) beat Saim Choudhary (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Alexander Kamran (USA) beat Nalain ABBAS (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Mohammad Huzaifa Khan (PAK) beat Ahmad Nael Queshi (PAK) 6-0, 3-6, 6-0 Siddhartha Lama (USA) beat Bilal Asim (PAK) 6-0, 6-0 Roy Keegan (GBR) beat Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) 6-0, 6-1 Mohammad Talha Khan (PAK) beat Ryaan Khawaja Saud (USA) 6-0, 6-0 Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) beat Raja Azan Ahmed Sajjad (PAK) 6-1, 6-1 Rohan Belday (USA) beat Jarrar Hussain (PAK) 6-0, 6-1.        

By BIPIN DANI Records (in cricket) are meant to be  broken but former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza's record of being the youngest Test player will not break now. The ICC has announced 15 years as the minimum age to become an international cricketer which will enable former Pakistani batsman Hasan Raza to continue to hold the record. Raza was 14 y 227 days old when he was picked to play against Zimbabwe at Faisalabad on 24th October 1996. "The ICC has done the right thing. This I am not telling because my record is intact but I believe players only become mentally strong and matured after fifteen years of age. It is good from a safety point of view also that the players play when they are matured", Hasan Raza, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Islamabad, said on Sunday morning.   "When I was playing for Pakistan, Windies' fast bowler Courtney Walsh with 400 Test wickets was also playing. He was really fast and it was very difficult for a young bowler to face him". Raza faced him in the ODIs. "Yes, I was invited to make my debut early. This was because my performance in the school drew the attention of the selectors. Wasim Akram was my first Test captain and the Test cap to me was awarded by Mushtaq Mohammad, whose record (15 y 124 days) only I broke 38 years later".   Raza, 38 now, is running a cricket academy in Islamabad. "My aim is to make young cricketers for our country and I am fully devoted to it", he added. Hasan Raza is aware about the fact that few Pakistani players have faced controversy in their real age. "This is because there was no age proof and certificates in earlier days. Now we all have National Identity Cards. In the meantime, India's renowned cricket statistician Mohandas menon has provided the names of the following players, who played T-20s at a very young age. In Women's cricket: Nia Greig of Jersey Women was just 11y-40d when she made her T20I debut vs France Women at Nantes on 31 Jul 2019 In Men's cricket: Marian Gherasim of Romania was 14y-16d when he made his T20I debut vs Bulgaria at Ilfov County on 16 Oct 2020

SPORTS REPORT RAWALPINDI (November 22, 2020):-PCB Dynamites beat PCB Blasters by seven wickets in the opening match of the National Triangular T20 Women’s Cricket Championship being played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Sunday. Opener Ayesha Zafar and middle-order batter Iram Javed starred for the Dynamites in their convincing chase of the 138-run target which was completed in 19.1 overs. For PCB Dynamites, Ayesha lead the way with her 65-run innings of 50 balls. Iram remained unbeaten on 40 off 30 balls. Ayesha hit 10 fours and one six in her innings while Iram cleared the boundary four times (four sixes) and hit one four in her punishing knock that settled the game in the favour of PCB Dynamites. Hafsa Amjad, Maham Tariq and Anam Amin took a wicket apiece for PCB Blasters. Earlier, PCB Dynamites won the toss and opted to field first, PCB Blasters scored 137 for four in their allotted 20 overs. Javeria Rauf top-scored with 35 off 32 balls, her innings included two fours and two sixes. Aliya Riaz lifted the run-rate with a stroke-filled unbeaten 34 off 22 balls; she hit six fours in her innings. Opener Javeria Khan scored 29 off 36 balls, her innings included three fours. Kainat Imtiaz, Rameen Shamim and Nashra Sandhu took a wicket apiece for PCB Dynamites. In the second match of the tournament PCB Blasters will play PCB Challengers tomorrow at the same venue. Scores in brief: Result: PCB Dynamites won by seven wickets PCB Blasters 137-4, 20 overs (Javeria Rauf 35, Aliya Riaz 34 not out; Kainat Imtiaz 1-22) PCB Dynamites 138-3, 19.1 overs (Ayesha Zafar 65, Iram Javed 40 not out; Hafsa Amjad 1-19) Player of the match: Ayesha Zafar (PCB Dynamites)

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 18, 2020):-The chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ehsan Mani today (Wednesday) congratulated all participants, officials, local administration and security agencies on the successful completion of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 that concluded on Tuesday under the National Stadium floodlights. While an empty National Stadium for the playoffs took the gloss away from the first homecoming event that saw nearly 600,000 spectators cross turnstiles in the 30 league matches (last four league matches were played behind closed doors after the Covid-19 outbreak in Pakistan) before the event was suspended on 17 March due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, there was no doubt that the HBL Pakistan Super League 2000 had been an outstanding success given the very difficult circumstances. The two Karachi Kings versus Lahore Qalandars’ home and away preliminary round matches at the National and Gaddafi Stadium were packed-to-capacity as the fans thronged the two iconic and historic venues to watch the oldest rivalry in Pakistan cricket. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I had promised following the HBL Pakistan Super League 2019 that the 2020 edition will be held in Pakistan from start to finish. I reiterated this when the event was suspended prior to the playoff stage, and despite several challenges, uncertainties and doubts, I am delighted that the PCB has fulfilled another commitment and promise to the loyal and passionate Pakistan cricket fans and supporters. “But at the same time, I am sad that Karachi Kings had to make history before an empty National Stadium. This great game is all about fans and their absence was badly missed by all of us, including the players and match officials. We can only visualise the celebrations and a festive occasion this final would have created, only if the situation was normal. “I have been overwhelmed and touched by the fans’ support and appreciation who followed action on television and live-streaming, and took to the social media proactively and with great enthusiasm to contribute in enhancing the reputation and image of the country through positive and sporting posts and engagements. This was just another example of no matter what, you cannot take cricket out of the lives and systems of the Pakistan fans. “With the Covid-19 situation being an evolving one, the PCB will continue to monitor it and work with the authorities to explore ways of allowing fans to attend matches when international cricket and HBL Pakistan Super League matches are held in 2021. “The fans’ following, interest and enthusiasm of the Karachi Kings and Lahore Qalandars final also reflected the value and importance of inter-city matches, something we are on course of rolling out at the City Cricket Association level. Pakistan is lucky to have separate city-based and Cricket Association-based competitions as we aim to make these brands stronger and more popular. “I also want to offer my wholehearted thanks to the Sindh government and the local security agencies who continued their support of Pakistan cricket by helping in the successful delivery of the playoffs. I also want to offer my gratitude to the local and provincial administrations of other provinces who stood behind us in the preliminary stage matches, which were the cornerstone of the playoffs in Karachi. “The visiting players were once again appreciative of the way they were looked after and I am sure following these playoff matches, we have added more ambassadors of Pakistan cricket. “Not many will know, understand and recognise the efforts and hard work of the PCB staff, who have worked incredibly hard to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan can organise and deliver high-quality cricket successfully despite the challenging and difficult Covid-19 situation. “The PCB has already delivered more than 55 per cent of a full domestic season, while the home international series against Zimbabwe was smooth and flawless. “I remain confident that the PCB will succeed in completing the 2020-21 domestic season. We look forward to hosting South Africa under the Future Tours Programme agreement in January/February 2021 and leading international cricketers will also return to feature in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021, which will be played at the back of the home series against South Africa. “I want to thank all the foreign stars who arrived in Karachi for the playoffs. This not only reflected the stature and value of the HBL Pakistan Super League, but also their loyalty and commitment to their sides. “As for the local players, it has not been an easy time since the start of the season on 30 September as they have continued to remain in the bio-secure bubble. I know this requires a lot of mental toughness and extra efforts to remain in a restricted environment, take the field almost every day and then produce strong performances. The sacrifices they are making will only contribute in helping them become stronger and tougher professional athletes. “Lastly, I want to thank all the PCB’s commercial partners, particularly Habib Bank Limited, for their continued patronage and support, as well as the media, who dedicated big spaces in their newspapers and allocated airtime in their prime bulletins and space on their digital platforms to highlight and promote the HBL Pakistan Super League, which continues to strengthen its reputation, credibility and following with every match.”