Sports Bulletin ReportLausanne (Switzerland): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) announced on Tuesday that the inaugural edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2 for men would be staged in Muscat, Oman from February 17 to 23, 2025.This new event will give the opportunity for 8 more nations – ie, the national teams ranked after those involved in the FIH Hockey Pro League and the FIH Hockey Nations Cup - to play an intercontinental FIH tournament, and compete for the chance to be promoted into the 2026 FIH Nations Cup. The creation of this new event follows one of the key focus areas of the FIH Empowerment and Engagement strategy - namely “More opportunities to compete” - that aims at facilitating the accessibility of National Associations to FIH tournaments.Austria, Chile, China, Egypt, Oman, Poland, Scotland, and United States of America (USA) will participate in the Nations Cup 2025. "Hosting the inaugural FIH Nations Cup 2 in Oman is both an honor and a testament to our commitment to advancing hockey in the region. We are thrilled to welcome teams and fans from around the world to experience Oman’s passion for this sport. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Hockey Oman, and we look forward to an exciting display of talent and sportsmanship on our home ground", said Hockey Oman Chairman Dr. Marwan Juma Al Juma.Commenting on the announcement, FIH President Tayyab Ikram said: “Oman is the nation of the “firsts”! Hosting very successfully the inaugural FIH Hockey5s World Cup and now the very first FIH Hockey Nations Cup 2! The global hockey community could witness the wonderful hospitality of our Omani hosts during our FIH Congress, and all the participating teams can expect the same. It will be an amazing event in a magnificent hockey venue. Thank you, Oman!”

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The ITF Pakistan J30 Ali Embroidery World Junior Tennis Championships 2024 will be kicked off on Monday after completing qualifying round here at PTF Tennis Complex, as the Director General, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) will grace the opening ceremony as chief guest. The opening ceremony will take place at 11:00 am.Results:Boys’ Singles (Qualifying Final Round):Yeonmu Jung (KOR) beat Minwoo Kim (KOR) 5-7,6-4 (10-3); Youngchae Oh (KOR) beat Yota Nishikori (JPN) 6-2, 4-6, (18-16); Seung Woo Han (KOR) beat Zain Saeed Khalid (PAK) 6-0, 6-0; Park Dohyun (KOR) beat Patcharaphol Leekul (THA) 6-3, 6-4.

Sports Bulletin ReportRAWAPINDI: Pakistan Shaheens led by Mohammad Huraira will take on Sri Lanka ‘A’ in the first of two four-day games of the series commencing on November 11, 2024 (Monday) here at the Pindi Cricket Stadium. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.The second four-day will be played from 18 to 21 November, while the series also includes three 50-over matches, scheduled to take place at the same venue from 25 to 29 November. The four-day matches will begin at 9.30am, with the toss taking place at 9am.Shaheens will be captained by Mohammad Huraira, who will lead the side for the first time, while Sri Lanka ‘A’, who are making their maiden visit to Pakistan, will be led by Pasindu Sooriyabandara in the four-day games, while Nuwanidu Fernando will lead them in the 50-over series.Five cricketers, Haider Ali, Hussain Talat, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jnr and Rohail Nazir in four-day squad have already represented Pakistan at the international level. Additionally, among the 14-member squad, four players - Ali Zaryab, Mohammad Huraira, Mohammad Rameez Jnr and Saad Khan had featured in the four-day series against Bangladesh ‘A’ held in Islamabad two months ago.Mohammad Huraira said: “It is an honour to lead Pakistan Shaheens. Our side consists of talented players who have had productive training sessions here at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and they are ready to perform in the upcoming series. Playing for Shaheens will provide players a pathway to showcase their skills and impress the selectors to get a chance to represent Pakistan at the international level.”Pasindu Sooriyabandara, captain Sri Lanka ‘A’ said: “Since our arrival here in Pakistan, we have received great hospitality as people are very helpful. We have a good side with a strong batting line-up and also a good bowling attack. We will take it one game at a time and aim to perform well in the series.”Pakistan Shaheens squad: Mohammad Huraira (captain-Sialkot), Abdul Faseeh (Rawalpindi), Ahmed Safi Abdullah (Faisalabad), Ali Zaryab (Lahore), Haider Ali (Rawalpindi), Hussain Talat (Lahore), Kashif Ali (Rawalpindi), Khurram Shahzad (Faisalabad), Mohammad Ghazi Ghori (Karachi), Mohammad Rameez Jnr (Lahore), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (FATA), Rohail Nazir (Islamabad), Saad Khan (Hyderabad) and Sameen Gul (FATA)Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad: Pasindu Sooriyabandara (captain), Ahan Wickramasinghe, Ashian Daniel, Chamika Gunasekara, Dinura Kalupahana, Isitha Wijesundara, Nipun Dhananjaya, Nisala Tharaka, Oshada Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Pulindu Perera, Sonal Dinusha, Vishad Randika, Vishwa Fernando and Wanuja SahanMatch officials:11-14 Nov – 1st four-day. Asif Yaqoob and Zulfiqar Jan (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)18-21 Nov – 2nd four-day. Rashid Riaz and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Zulfiqar Jan (third umpire), Iqbal Sheikh (match referee).

Lahore (PR): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sumair Ahmad Syed as the new Chief Operating Officer (COO) following approval by the Board of Governors in its 75th meeting, chaired by Mohsin Naqvi at the National Cricket Academy on Saturday afternoon.Sumair Ahmad, a seasoned civil servant with an extensive administrative experience, most recently served as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. He assumes the Chief Operating Officer’s role from Salman Naseer, who has been appointed as Advisor to the PCB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) department. Salman began his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer and had previously indicated he would not seek a contract renewal in a similar role upon the completion of his five-year term in February 2025.Welcoming Sumair Ahmad and expressing gratitude for Salman Naseer’s years of service, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said:“Sumair is an outstanding professional with proven administrative skills and deep industry knowledge. We are delighted to welcome him to the PCB family and are confident that under his leadership, we will continue to strengthen and improve our administrative structures, moving closer to our goal of becoming a model, high-performing organisation.“Salman has been an exemplary leader at the Pakistan Cricket Board, making invaluable contributions during his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer. His experience and insights have made him an asset to the PCB. Given our plans to establish PSL as an independent entity and to expand the league with two additional teams in 2026, we have appointed him as PSL’s Chief Executive Officer. He will also serve as Advisor to the PCB Chairman, ensuring his expertise continues to guide our strategic goals.”On his appointment, Sumair Ahmad said:“As a lifelong follower and supporter of Pakistan cricket, it is a profound honour for me to join this dynamic organisation as its Chief Operating Officer during these exciting and pivotal times. I am deeply grateful to the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for their trust and support. With the collaboration of my colleagues, I am eager to play a meaningful role here at PCB.“This organisation holds tremendous potential and cricket serves as a unifying force for the people of Pakistan.“During my tenure as Chief Operating Officer, I am committed to helping the Chairman bring his vision for Pakistan cricket to life. This vision centers on achieving success with our national teams, enhancing infrastructure, expanding opportunities for aspiring cricketers and ensuring good governance. I am excited to contribute to this journey and work towards making a lasting impact on the game that we all cherish.”Salman Naseer expressed gratitude and support for Sumair Ahmad:“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the PCB’s management team as Chief Operating Officer. This journey has been deeply rewarding, as we collectively made significant progress and overcame various challenges.“I am grateful to the PCB Chairman for his trust and to my colleagues for their support, without which our successes would not have been possible.“I would also like to thank the Board of Governors for their guidance and look forward to contributing to Sumair’s success at the PCB. With the experience and commitment he brings, I am confident that the PCB will continue to grow stronger and reach new heights.”

ISLAMABAD (PR): The ITF Pakistan J30 Ali Embroidery World Junior Tennis Championships 2024 commenced with qualifying round today at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex in Islamabad. The main round will start on Monday at the same venue.As many as 47 junior players from around the globe, including 28 boys and 19 girls from countries such as Hong Kong, Japan, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Canada, Korea, Germany, Ireland, Kazakhstan, Maldives, and Singapore are participating the championships. The tournament also features 28 Pakistani players, with 22 boys and 6 girls.ResultsBoys’ Singles (Qualifying Round-1): Tetautada Kondo (JPN) beat Nabeel Ali Qayum(PAK) 7-5,6-4; Yota Nishikori (JPN) beat Hamza Rehmat (PAK) 6-0,6-0; Seung Woo Han (KOR) beat Rayan Ahmad (PAK) 6-0,6-0; Yeonmu Jung (KOR) beat Inam Qadir 6-1,6-0; Boys Singles (Qualifying Round-2): Park Dohyun (KOR) beat Syed Mahd (PAK) 6-0,6-2; Seung woo Han (KOR) Andrew Kaavinda (SRI) 6-0,6-2; Yota Nishikori (JPN) beat Gwanmu Kim(KOR) 6-4,6-1; Youngchae Oh ( KOR) beat Chanapat (THA) 6-4,6-3; Minwoo Kim (KOR) beat Taimur Ansari (PAK) 6-4,6-1; Patcharaphol Leekul ( THA) beat Tetsutada Kondo (JPN) 6-1,6-4; Youngchae Oh (KOR) beat Mohammad Yahya (PAK) 6-1, 6-1; Yeonmu Jung(KOR) beat Nevan Kannangara (SRI) 6-0,6-2; Zain Saeed Khalid(PAK) beat Bills Awais Janjua (PAK) 6-2,6-3 . 

Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Pakistan’s Ahmad Nael Qureshi and Bilal Asim of Ace Tennis Academy triumphed in the Boys' Doubles final at the ITF J-60 tournament in Riyadh, securing victory with a score of 7-5, 7-5 against Issah Ali (KSA) and Jacob Kailiang Shen of Hong Kong in a closely contested match.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), extended heartfelt congratulations to Ahmad Nael and Bilal for their remarkable achievement. He praised their dedication and potential, expressing confidence in their future contributions to Pakistan’s tennis scene, saying, "They are the future of Pakistan tennis."

Sports Bulletin ReportSIALKOT: The Anwar Khawaja Memorial National Ranking Tennis Tournament was held successfully in Sialkot that concluded on November 2, 2024 with the victory of Mohammad Shoaib, who defeated Muzammil Murtaza in final in straightsets 2-0.This landmark tournament, the first national tennis event ever hosted by Sialkot, featured the highest prize money among similar tournaments and attracted an impressive 210 entries across eight categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Ladies Singles, Ladies Doubles, Boys 18 & Under Singles, Girls 18 & Under Singles, Boys 14 & Under Singles, and Boys 12 & Under Singles.Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi, President of the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), expressed his delight with the event's success, saying, “This is the first tournament of its kind in Sialkot’s history, and we are determined to make it an annual event.” He extended his heartfelt gratitude to Khawar Khawaja, Asma Khawaja, and all the sponsors, whose support made the tournament possible. Asma Khawar Khawaja, the Tournament Director, also shared her joy at the positive feedback from participants. "We made every effort to make this event memorable and historic, and the players' positive feedback confirms its success,” she said. She thanked all participants and added, “Sialkot is renowned for its sports heritage, and we are committed to making this an annual tradition.”Results (Finals):Men’s Singles: Mohammad Shoaib (PAF) beat Muzammil Murtaza (Army) 7-5, 6-3Men’s Doubles: Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi / Muzammil Murtaza beat Barkatullah / Yousaf Khalil 6-2, 6-0Ladies Singles: Ushna Suhail beat Sheeza Sajid 6-2, 6-2Ladies Doubles: Ushna Suhail / Meheq Khokhar beat Soha Ali / Sheeza Sajid 6-1, 6-1Boys’ U18 Singles: Mohammad Talha beat Mohammad Salar Khan 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.Girls’ U18 Singles: Sheeza Sajid beat Soha Ali, 6-2, 6-4Boys’ U14 Singles: Omar Jawad defeated Muzammil Bhand, 6-4, 6-1.

PCB ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today confirmed the squad for the 50-over tri-series and ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024-25 set to take place in UAE from 13 November to 8 December.Saad Baig, who led the Pakistan U19 team in the last edition of the ACC U19 Asia Cup and ICC U19 World Cup 2024, has been appointed the captain of the 15-player squad which will be trimmed to 14 for the Asia Cup beginning 29 November.Six players including Saad, Ali Raza, Haroon Arshad, Mohammad Riazullah, Naveed Ahmed Khan, and Shahzaib Khan represented Pakistan at the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 in South Africa while Tayyab Arif is the other player to have played for the Pakistan U19.Pakistan U19 squad for UAE tour: Saad Baig (captain, wicket-keeper) (Karachi), Abdul Subhan (Abbottabad), Ali Raza (Sialkot), Faham-ul-Haq (Lahore), Farhan Yousuf (Lahore), Haroon Arshad (Karachi), Hassan Khan (Rawalpindi), Mohammad Ahmed (Lahore), Mohammad Huzaifa* (Bahawalpur), Mohammad Riazullah (Abbottabad), Naveed Ahmed Khan (Karachi), Shahzaib Khan (Abbottabad), Tayyab Arif (Sialkot), Umar Zaib (Abbottabad) and Usman Khan (FATA)Non-travelling reserves: Ahmed Hussain (Peshawar), Mohammad Huzaifa (Bahawalpur), Rizwanullah (Karachi) and Yahya bin Abdul Rehman (Lahore)Player support staff: Ghulam Ali (head coach-cum-manager), Agha Sabir Ali (assistant/fielding coach), Muhammad Aleem Bajwa (physio), Muhammad Talha (analyst), Rehan Riaz (bowling coach), Saboor Ahmed (strength & conditioning coach) and Syed Nazir Ahmed (media and digital manager)(Tri-Nation series; all matches to be played at ICC Academy, Dubai)13 November - Pakistan vs UAE15 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan20 November - Pakistan vs Afghanistan22 November - Pakistan vs UAE26 November - Final (ACC U19 Asia Cup; Group A matches to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium)30 November – Pakistan vs India2 December – Pakistan vs UAE4 December -Pakistan vs Japan6 December – Semi final 1 (A1 vs B2 - Dubai) & Semi final 2 (B1 vs A2 – Sharjah)8 December – Final. 

Lahore (PR): Faisalabad romped to an innings and eight-run victory over Hyderabad, their first of the season on Friday at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad. Faisalabad were bundled out for 230, taking a first innings lead of 134 with the help of Mohammad Faizan’s 83, after continuing from their overnight score of 212-8.In turn, Asad Raza (4-37) and Shahid Ali (4-37) repeated their first innings heroics to take their tally of match figures to eight wickets each as they took Faisalabad to their first win.At National Ground, Islamabad, Larkana closed the day trailing by 38 runs in their second innings with Mohammad Nawaz unbeaten on 58, after Abbottabad took first innings lead of 168 runs. Larkana’s Mushtaq Ahmed bagged 5-70 to restrict Abbottabad to 231 after they resumed from overnight score of 81-2. Mushtaq was backed up by Aamir Ali Brohi with a four-fer.In another Group A fixture at Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad led by 82 runs in their second innings with two wickets in hand when stumps were drawn. Earlier in the day, Lahore Whites took a 47-run first innings lead as they were bowled out for 214 with Kaleem Dil taking 5-60. Islamabad were reduced to 129-8 by the close of play as Ahmed Daniyal took 4-24.At Ashfaq Ground Sirdheri, Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Faizan Saleem starred with 5-50 as Peshawar were bundled out for 213, taking a 42-run lead. In turn, AJK’s Hasan Raza remained unbeaten on 62 as they reached 100-1 at close of play and 58 runs ahead.Karachi Whites were bundled out for 145, after they began the day with 28-3, as Rawalpindi’s Mohammad Faizan (5-39) and Munir Riaz (4-43) shared nine wickets among them. In turn, Rawalpindi closed the day two with 196-9 and 51-run lead thanks to Shadab Khan’s quick-fire 46.At Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Bahawalpur bundled out Multan for a mere 147 after posting 297, taking a valuable 150-run lead. Bahawalpur’s Mehran Sanwal (4-28) and Shoaib Manzoor (4-47) shared eight wickets among them. Bahawalpur faced only three balls in their second innings before play was called off due to bad light.In Pool C, Sialkot’s Ashir Mehmood (172) and Azan Awais (130) notched a record 312-run opening stand on a shortened day as Sialkot finished with 370-5 against DM Jamali Region at Rana Naved ul Hasan Academy Sheikhupura.Elsewhere, Lahore Blues recovered from an overnight score of 36-5 to post 150 all out in reply to Quetta’s first innings total of 101 as only 41 overs of play was possible at Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore. At Multan, no play was possible due to bad light and Karachi Blues will resume from 221-5 on day three.Scores in brief (Day 2 of 4): Faisalabad beat Hyderabad by an innings and eight runs at Diamond Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AHyderabad 96 all out, 22.3 overs (Kashif Bhatti 36, Sharjeel Khan 24; Shahid Ali 4-24, Asad Raza 4-36) and 126 all out, 35 overs (Rizwan Mehmood 20, Sharjeel Khan 20; Asad Raza 4-37, Shahid Ali 4-37)Faisalabad 230 all out, 48.4 overs (Mohammad Faizan 83, Mohammad Awais Zafar 45, Atiq-ur-Rehman 23; Bilawal Bhatti 5-55, Asim Jutt 3-56, Mohammad Waqar 2-32)Abbottabad vs Larkana, National Ground, Islamabad, Pool ALarkana 63 all out, 23.2 overs (Mushtaq Ahmed 14 not out; Mohammad Adil 7-16, Aqib Khan 2-16) and 130-5, 35 overs (Mohammad Nawaz 58 not out, Faraz Aziz 26; Aqib Khan 4-17)Abbottabad 231 all out, 57 overs (Khayam Khan 46, Shahab Khan 35, Zain Ishaq 35, Khalid Usman 26; Mushtaq Ahmed 5-70, Aamir Ali Brohi 4-71)Islamabad vs Lahore Whites, Marghzar Cricket Ground, Islamabad, Pool AIslamabad 167 all out, 47.4 overs (Arsal Sheikh 63 not out, Shayan Sheikh 43; Ahmed Bashir 7-31, Ahmed Daniyal 2-54) and 129-8, 42 overs (Arsal Sheikh 27 not out, Shayan Sheikh 20; Ahmed Daniyal 4-24, Ahmed Bashir 2-35)Lahore Whites 214 all out, 64.4 overs (Obaid Shahid 43, Saad Nasim 40, Attyab Ahmed 36, Mohammad Faiq 35, Mohammad Waheed 32; Kaleem Dil 5-60, Nusratullah 2-47, Musa Khan 2-53)AJK vs Peshawar, Ashfaq Cricket Ground Sirdheri, Pool BAJK 171 all out, 53.4 overs (Basit Ali 27, Ali Abbas 27, Abdul Rehman Muzammil 26, Usman Salahuddin 22; Sajid Khan 5-52, Mohammad Amir Khan 2-16, Mohammad Imran Jnr 2-52) and 100-1, 34 overs (Hasan Raza 62 not out, Awais Akram Minhas 22 not out)Peshawar 213 all out, 62.2 overs (Israrullah 62, Abu Bakar 36; Faizan Saleem 5-50, Aqib Liaqat 3-45, Taj Wali 2-42)Rawalpindi vs Karachi Whites, Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pool BKarachi Whites 145 all out, 38 overs (Rameez Aziz 59, Saqib Khan 21; Mohammad Faizan 5-39, Munir Riaz 4-43)Rawalpindi 196-9, 39 overs (Shadab Khan 46, Ziad Khan 40, Umar Amin 23; Saqib Khan 4-81, Mohammad Umar 3-60)Multan vs Bahawalpur, Abbottabad Cricket Stadium, Abbottabad, Pool BBahawalpur 297 all out, 106.2 overs (Ali Hamza Wasim 84, Mohammad Faizan Zafar 79, Abid Ali 64; Waseem Akram Jnr 4-64, Mohammad Shahzad 2-46, Tahir Hussain 2-55) and 0-0, 0.3 oversMultan 147 all out, 34.3 overs (Mohammad Shahzad 42, Zain Abbas 39; Mehran Sanwal 4-28, Shoaib Manzoor 4-47)Quetta vs Lahore Blues, Saeed Sports City Bedian, Lahore, Pool CQuetta 101 all out, 45.4 overs (Shahbaz Khan 57; Nisar Ahmad 5-25, Mohammad Abbas 3-36)Lahore Blues 150 all out, 59.4 overs (Qasim Akram 42, Junaid Ali 27; Gohar Faiz 4-49, Jalat Khan 3-32, Mohammad Idrees 2-21)Karachi Blues vs FATA, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pool C (No play was possible) Karachi Blues 221-5, 80 overs (Abdullah Fazal 96 not out, Kashif Ali 31, Fawad Alam 25; Asif Afridi 3-32)Sialkot vs DM Jamali, Rana Naved ul Hasan Cricket Academy, Sheikhupura, Pool C (Early close of play due to bad light)Sialkot 370-5, 86 overs (Ashir Mehmood 172, Azan Awais 130, Abdul Rehman 21; Danish Aziz 2-60).  

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Iram Javed’s half-century led Invincibles to a 45-run win over Strikers at the HPC Oval Ground in Karachi on the opening day of the National Women’s One-Day Tournament 2024-25. Meanwhile, in the second match in the day, Stars defeated Challengers by two wickets.Batting first, Invincibles were dismissed for 195 in 41 overs with Strikers’ Zunish Abdul Sattar bagging five wickets for 46 runs. For Invincibles, Iram Javed coming to bat at number five top-scored with a 76-ball 81, which included nine fours and two sixes.In turn, Strikers were bowled out for 150 in 43.2 overs with opening batter Gull Feroza top-scoring with a 64-ball 60, smashing eight fours and a six. For the winning side, Saima Malik bagged three wickets, while Ghulam Fatima, Omaima Sohail and Tania Saeed managed to pick two wickets apiece.At the UBL Sports Complex, Natalia Parvaiz’ 59 helped Challengers post 164 in 49.4 overs. Stars’ Rameen Shamim bagged three wickets, while Anosha Nasir and Waheeda Akhtar took two wickets each. It took Stars 45.2 overs to achieve the target with two wickets in hand.Scores in brief:Invincibles beat Strikers by 45 runs at the HPC Oval GroundInvincibles 195 all out, 41 overs (Iram Javed 81, Muneeba Ali 33; Zunish Abdul Sattar 5-46)Strikers 150 all out, 43.2 overs (Gull Feroza 60; Saima Malik 3-16, Tania Saeed 2-25, Omaima Sohail 2-31, Ghulam Fatima 2-33)Player of the match: Iram Javed (Invincibles)Stars beat Challengers by two wickets at the UBL Sports ComplexChallengers 164 all out, 49.4 overs (Natalia Parvaiz 59, Momina Riasat 31; Rameen Shamim 3-23, Waheeda Akhtar 2-27, Anosha Nasir 2-38)Stars 165-8, 45.2 overs (Sadaf Shamas 34, Kainat Hafeez 33; Momina Riasat 3-17, Umm-e-Hani 3-46)Player of the match: Rameen Shamim (Stars).