Lahore (Sports Report):-The National Junior Selection Committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) invited 21 high-performing cricketers born on or after 1 September 2002 for a training camp that will be held in Lahore to prepare the side for the upcoming Under-19 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates and the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in the West Indies. The camp will be staged from 26 November to 16 December before the 17-player squad departs for the UAE on 19 December for the Asia Cup to be played from 20 December to 2 January. Following the UAE event, the side will proceed to the West Indies on 3 January where the World Cup will be played from 14 January to 5 February. For the World Cup, Pakistan will be based in Trinidad and Tobago where they will play their Group C matches against PNG (15 Jan), Afghanistan (20 Jan) and Zimbabwe (22 Jan). If Pakistan finishes in the top-two of Group C, they will feature in the Super League, matches of which will be played in Antigua and Barbuda. In the scenario of Pakistan finishing third or fourth in Group C, their Plate Championship matches will be in Trinidad. The 21 players have been selected based on their performances in the recently-concluded U19 tournaments, which were organised by the PCB. A few prominent top performers, such as Abdul Faseeh, Irfan Khan Niazi, Mehran Mumtaz, Haseebullah and Abdul Wahid Bangalzai graduated from the pathway events to feature in the seniors competitions, including the four-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, three-day Cricket Associations Championship and Cricket Associations Challenge. Qasim Akram represented Pakistan Shaheens on their tour of Sri Lanka which concluded earlier this month. During the training camp, the 21 players will have an opportunity to showcase their talent and potential when they will participate in a series of preparatory activities, including intra-squad matches at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan have featured in all 13 World Cups since its inception in 1988. Their best results were in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in 2004 and 2006, respectively when they lifted the silverware. Pakistan finished runners-up in 1988 and 2010, while they achieved third-place in 2000, 2008, 2018 and 2020. From the current Pakistan Test squad, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Nawaz, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saud Shakeel and Shaheen Shah Afridi have made a name at the global stage after featuring in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Names of players: Abbas Ali (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdul Faseeh (Northern), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Balochistan), Ahmed Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ali Asfand (Central Punjab), Arham Nawab (Central Punjab), Asif Ali (Sindh), Awais Ali (Central Punjab), Azan Awais (Central Punjab), Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab), Ghazi Ghori (Sindh), Haseebullah (Balochistan), Irfan Khan Niazi (Central Punjab), Maaz Sadaqat (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mehran Mumtaz (Northern), Mohammad Umer (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Mohammad Shehzad (Southern Punjab), Qasim Akram (Central Punjab), Rizwan Mehmood (Sindh), Zeeshan Ahmed (Central Punjab), Zeeshan Zameer (Sindh)

Chittagong (SB Report):-Pakistan today announced their 12-player squad for the first Test against Bangladesh, which will be played at the Ch. Zahoor Ahmed Cricket Stadium, Chittagong from Friday. The match will start at 1000 local time. The second Test will commence from Saturday, 4 December at Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium Mirpur, Dhaka Squad: Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Vice captain & wicketkeeper), Abdullah Shafique, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan and Shaheen Shah Afridi

BIPIN DANI Sri Lankan batting coach Grant Flower's sunglasses were stolen from the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, it is learnt. According to the sources, they were stolen when Flower was running with team physio during the rain break. "They were kept on the wall next to the net-area where the additional five players, who are not part of the dressing room squad, were training", the source said. The theft happened when the team coaching staff was busy training the additional five players (Ashita Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Roshen Silva, Kamil Mishara and Suminda Lakshan) at the nets adjacent to the ground. Flower had not bought the expensive sunglasses but they were sponsored by Speed, the same sponsor as some of the Sri Lankan players including Dinesh Chandimal. Flower is not lodging a police complaint. "He is not making a complaint but believes that whoever took them needs them more than Flower'', the source, aware about the theft, said.  

Bhubaneswar, India (Sports Report):-The opening day of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup Bhubaneswar 2021 featured five games, with Belgium, Germany, Poland and Malaysia all claiming important wins before France stole the headlines with a sensational triumph over hosts and reigning world champions India. The official opening ceremony took place ahead of the day’s final match between India and France, with the team captains and various luminaries being present for the unveiling of the trophy, which was conducted by and His Excellency Shri Ganeshi Lal, Hon’ble Governor of Odisha. FIH President Dr. Narinder Dhruv Batra, Mr. Rajinder Singh, Secretary General Hockey India, Mr. Gyanendro Ningombam, President Hockey India, Padma Shri Dr. Dilip Tirkey, Chairman Hockey Promotion Council and Shri Tusharkanti Behera, Hon’ble Minister of Sports & Youth Services Government of Odisha, were also in attendance as the showpiece competition commenced in style. Belgium 5-1 South Africa (Pool A) 2016 Junior World Cup silver medallists Belgium made the perfect start to their competition by claiming a 5-1 victory over South Africa in the opening match of the day. Roman Duvekot put Belgium into the lead seven minutes into the contest from a penalty corner, but South Africa hit back with a PC of their own when Jaques van Tonder netted on the stroke of quarter time. Nelson Onana restored Belgium’s lead with a second quarter field goal before the Europeans kicked on after half time. Duvakot, who was named Player of the Match, claimed a second goal from open play before strikes from Arnon van Dessel and Rik van Cleynenbreugel wrapped up all three points.  It’s a nice way to start the tournament”, said Belgium’s Roman Duvekot. “We’re quite happy. Hopefully we’ll keep growing in the tournament. It’s always important to start with a win. It brings us confidence. I hope we’ll keep getting better. Now, we will take a bit of rest, recover and have a good sleep!” Germany 5-2 Pakistan (Pool D) Six times Junior World Cup champions Germany cruised to a 5-2 victory over Pakistan in their opening fixture, with Robert Duckscheer scoring twice to be named Player of the Match. Germany had the ball in the Pakistan net inside the opening sixty seconds when Michel Struthoff’s strike deflected into the goal via a Green Shirts stick before Duckscheer added a second field goal just before the end of the first quarter. Pakistan hit back through Abdul Shahid early in the second quarter, but Maximilian Siegberg and Benedikt Schwarzhaupt took the score to 4-1 before Germany goalkeeper Anton Brinckman saved a penalty stroke ahead of the half time break. Muhammad Hammadudin gave Pakistan hope when he found the net with 11 minutes left to play, but Duckscheer’s emphatic second of the match put the result beyond all doubt. “We started very well in the first half”, said Germany’s Duckscheer. “I think the third quarter was a little bit up and down from our side. We were one man down during 10 minutes in this third quarter, so it was tough with these weather conditions. But overall, I’m very happy with the performance of my team. It was a good first match. Although we don’t know much about [upcomign opponents] Argentina until now, I think it is a very good team. Like the Pakistani players, they are technical, very fast and good in the attack. So, we have to defend well again, and our chances are good, I think.” Canada 0-1 Poland (Pool B) Poland claimed a narrow triumph over Canada in the third match of the day, giving the Europeans a wonderful platform to build on as they attempt to reach the competition quarter-finals. The only goal of the game came from the stick of Eryk Bembenek, who slapped home a penalty corner from the top of the circle in the 34th minute. It proved to be enough for the Poles to claim all three points, although Canada missed a glorious chance to get on the score-sheet through a penalty stroke just before half time, with Roopkanwar Dhillon’s powerful flick hitting the left post rather than the back of the net. “We are very happy”, said Poland’s Jakub Chume?czuk, the Player of the Match, after the contest. “We did everything we could and left a lot of heart on the pitch. It’s a good performance. I believe we controlled the whole game. Canada created a few scoring opportunities and even hit the goal post but we defended well and it paid off. Against [upcoming opponents] France, we will give everything we can to try to win and fight for the three points.” Malaysia 2-1 Chile (Pool A) Two brilliant penalty corner goals in the third quarter helped Malaysia overcome a strong challenge from Pan American champions Chile, with the team from Asia emerging 2-1 winners. Both penalty corner routines were perfectly executed, with Kamarulzaman Kamaruddin smashing home the opening goal in the 34th minute before Syarman Mat’s superb, angled deflection in the 43rd minute established what proved to be an unassailable lead. Sebastian Wolansky’s fine backhand strike from a penalty corner gave Chile a glimmer of hope, but it was Malaysia who deservedly took all three points from the contest.  “First, we are very happy because we won the match”, said Malaysia’s Amirul Azahar, the Player of the Match. “We have two matches ahead, so we must first recover and then have a good video session to prepare for the next match [against Belgium]. We have a lot of respect for Belgium because they were runners-up of the last Junior World Cup. We must study their game carefully.” India 4-5 France (Pool B) A Player of the Match performance from France captain Timothée Clément gave his team a sensational victory over title holders and hosts India, edging a nine-goal thriller. Clément and Benjamin Marque established a 2-0 lead inside the opening seven minutes, with India restoring parity through Uttam Singh and Sanjay before the end of a pulsating first quarter. Penalty corner goals either side of half time earned Clément a hat-trick and took the score to 4-2 before he produced a stunning stick save on his own goal-line from an India penalty corner. Corentin Sellier’s composed finish moved France closer to victory with 12 minutes to go before Sanjay’s second and third strikes of the match set up a dramatic finish. However, France held on to secure a famous win over India on home soil, giving coach Aymeric Bergamo a dream start to the world cup campaign.  “We won as a team, not as a single person, we won together”, said Clément - who represented France men at the 2018 Men's World Cup in Bhubaneswar - after the game. “It is incredible, and I am very happy for the team. To start the competition [in this way] is perfect. It’s important that we continue and win the other games because the competition is very long. It is not finished.” World Cup action continues on Thursday (25 November) with a further five matches being played. Argentina will take on Egypt in Pool D in the first match of the day at 09:30 Indian Standard Time (UTC +05.30) before the Netherlands face Pool C rivals Korea at 12:00. Spain’s Pool C clash against USA begins at 14:30, being followed by France versus Poland in Pool B at 17:00. The final match of the day sees Canada taking on hosts and reigning champions India in Pool B at 19:30. Results (Day-1): Belgium 5-1 South Africa (Pool A) Player of the Match: Roman Duvekot (BEL) Germany 5-2 Pakistan (Pool D) Player of the Match: Robert Duckscheer (GER) Canada 0-1 Poland (Pool B) Player of the Match: Jakub Chumenczuk (POL) Malaysia 2-1 Chile (Pool A) Player of the Match: Amirul Azahar (MAS) India 4-5 France (Pool B) Player of the Match: Timothée Clément (FRA)

ISLAMABAD:-Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat Shadandi Cricket Club Bhara Kahu by 170 runs in the friendly match here at Elevens Star Cricket Ground near F-9 Park Islamabad. Shifa International Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi won the toss and elected to bat first, Shifa International Azmat Bashir hit a fine century 146 not out runs 56 balls with 5 sixes and 21 fours, while Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi (57), Tahir Akhtar (39) and Shahzad Kiani (26) were their leading run-getters. Iftikhar (2 for 45) and Waqar (2-31) bowled well for Shadandi Club. In reply, Shadandi Club could score 144 for seven in 20 overs, Ismail (32) and Waqar (27) were the key contributors. Shifa International Riffat Neshan bowled well and claimed 3 for 32 in 4 over, While Ali Mubashir (2 for 13), Muzammil Rana (1 for 12) and Muneeb Qutab (1 for 28) were the other main wicket-takers. (Press Release)

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk):-Germany beat Pakistan by 5-0 in the Juniors Hockey World Cup 2021 that started in India under banner of International Hockey Federation (FIH). According to available information from abroad, the match between Pakistan and Germany was played on the first day of the World Junior Hockey Cup in Bhubaneswar, India. The best and fastest game was played by both the teams. The German team scored a field goal in the opening moments of the game with the help of their player Struthoff Michel. The second field goal for the German team was scored by Duckscheer Robert on a teammate and strengthened Germany's lead. Pakistan junior’s hockey team scored a field goal in the 18th minute through Abdul Hanan Shahid and reduced the deficit to one goal. Germany's Siegburg Maximilian scored a field goal in the 19th minutes Schwarzhaupt Benedikt scored a penalty corner in the 22nd minute and Duckscheer Robert scored a field goal in the 54th minute. Hammad Anjum, a forward of Pakistan Juniors Hockey Team, scored a field goal in the 49th minute of the match. Pakistan junior hockey team will play the second pool match against Egypt on November 27, 2021 at same venue.

Karachi (Sports Report):-Second seed, Munir Darbari stunned Sameer Zaman 2-0 in the Under-17 Boys’ Singles to move in the next round of the 18th Westbury Ranking Tennis Championships at Defense Authority (DA) Creek Club Karachi on Wednesday. The final score-line was 5-7 and 4-6. Results (Day-4): Men's Singles (Pre-Quarters) Nadir Mirza defeated Sharq Rameez 6-1, Assad defeated Talha 6-2, 6-1 Shiraz Bhand (Hyderabad) defeated Bilal Soomro 7-6, 6-2  Vinod Das w / o Red Zain Nawab defeated Bilal Khan (Hyderabad) 6-1, 6-1 Juniors Under-17 Singles (Semifinals) Munir Darbari (Hyderabad) defeated Sameer Zaman 7-5, 6-4 Under-15 Singles (Semifinals) Dharaf Das defeated Munir Darbari 4-2, 5-4 Under-13 Singles (Pre-Quarters) Nayel Mirza defeated Zaid Zaman 5-4, 4-2 Ahsan Ahmed defeated Hamza Tahir 4-0, 4-0 Dharaf Das defeated Faiz Ilyas 4-1, 4-1 Hadi Mahmood defeated Abdullah Razzaq 4-1, 3-5, 4-1 Rohab Faisal defeated Hazeq Arejo (Hyderabad) 5-3, 4-0 Zaid Zaman defeated Imdad Ali 4-2, 5-4 Under-11 Singles (Pre-Quarters) Hadi Mahmood defeated Abid Bachani (Hyderabad) 4-2, 5-4 Shahrzar Ali defeated Ahl-e-Imran 4-0, 4-1 Under 9 singles (Round-I) Majid Ali (Hyderabad) defeated Haniya Ali 4-0, 4-0 Rohan Das defeated Arsh 4-2, 4-0 Ahmed Asif defeated Rahim Faisal 4-0, 4-2 35 Plus Singles Semi Saqib Zia defeated Rafi Darbari (top seed) 8-2 35 plus Doubles (semifinals) Ali Zaidi + Shamil Tajmal defeated Abbas Bhagat + Imran Diwani 8-2 Asad Ali Bhagat + Naomi Qamar and Mohammad Abdul Saeed + Mohammad Nasim 8-1 Men's Doubles Quarters Murad Khan + Aqeel Khan defeated Salman Ahmed + Amir Mumtaz 8-6. Vinod Das + Ali Imam defeated Daulat Asad 8-1.

ISLAMABAD (Sports Desk):-Reliance Industries Limited (RIL), through its subsidiary Reliance Strategic Business Ventures Ltd (RSBVL) will acquire the rights to own and operate a new franchise cricket team in the Emirates Cricket Board’s upcoming UAE T20 League. The move is the first major overseas expansion of Reliance Industries’ cricket operations in the global franchise-based cricket leagues. RIL through Mumbai Indians is amongst the eight founding members of the IPL and over the years has evolved as the most successful cricket club both on-and-off the field. The deal will see UAE’s T20 League benefit from the company’s commercial and cricket know-how, promising a new and exciting brand of cricket for the Emiratis along with the best learnings, experiences, and entertainment. Chairman of the UAE T20 League and vice chairman Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) Khalid Al Zarooni feels that RILs investment in UAE T20 League demonstrates the confidence of the corporate industry in UAE’s vision and ability to deliver a world class cricketing event. “We aim to transform cricket in the UAE through the UAE T20 League. Our wider plan includes expansion of cricket through various development programs being conducted in UAE by the League franchisees including talent hunts, coaching, and training by some of the best in the business,” says Zarooni. “RIL has the legacy with a proven track record in establishing the most successful team in franchise cricket. Association of vanguard like RIL with the League demonstrates the confidence in our system and the strength of our infrastructure to deliver world class events. We are pleased to welcome RIL onboard and look forward to having an exciting and continuing alliance,” he added. Commenting on the occasion, Nita Ambani, co-owner & architect of Mumbai Indians said, “With great pride and joy, we take our Mumbai Indians brand of fearless cricket to a new geography. We are thankful to our fans, both in India and overseas, for supporting MI wholeheartedly. I look forward to strengthening and further expanding our global fanbase, and having a longer engagement with them through this new League. While Mumbai Indians will continue to remain at the heart of our cricket operations, the popularity of global T20 leagues and attractiveness of the UAE market offer a unique opportunity for us to further unlock the value of our sports management expertise. It also allows us a platform to develop young international talent and share best practices both on and off the field.” Akash Ambani, owner of Mumbai Indians believes that the UAE T20 League presents a unique opportunity to build on existing global partnerships and benefit the growth of cricket in UAE. Says Akash Ambani: “We are extremely proud to have created a global franchise in Mumbai Indians, integrated with high values and ethos and our contribution to the Indian cricket ecosystem. We are equally confident of shaping another successful brand in the UAE and bring in our experiences to benefits the growth of cricket in the UAE.” Mubashshir Usmani, General Secretary ECB said: “The trust being shown by prominent business houses in the UAE T20 League is extremely encouraging. We are pleased with RIL’s association with the League as a franchise team owner. Having seen the professionalism in the operations of Mumbai Indians in the IPL, their success in putting together the most successful team in franchise cricket and the passion with which they pursue their goals, we are very confident that this association will be mutually beneficial for both RIL and the League and will support cricket development in UAE.” UAE T20 League sanctioned by Emirates Cricket Board will be held annually. For the initial few years, the League will feature 6 franchise teams competing in a 34-match event. The League will involve some of the biggest names in world cricket and provide a platform and exposure to upcoming young cricketers. Having RIL on board to the UAE T20 League is the first in a series of other important announcements about the League to be made in the upcoming days. About Reliance Industries Limited Reliance is India’s largest private sector company, with a consolidated turnover of INR 539,238 crore ($73.8 billion), cash profit of INR 79,828 crore ($10.9 billion), and net profit of INR 53,739 crore ($7.4 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2021. Reliance’s activities span hydrocarbon exploration and production, petroleum refining and marketing, petrochemicals, retail, and digital services. Reliance is the top-most ranked company from India to feature in Fortune’s Global 500 list of “World’s Largest Companies”. The company stands 55th in the Forbes Global 2000 rankings of “World’s Largest Public Companies” for 2021 – top-most among Indian companies. It features among LinkedIn’s ‘The Best Companies to Work For In India’ (2021). About Mumbai Indians Mumbai Indians is owned by Reliance Industries Ltd through its 100% subsidiary IndiaWin Sports, and competes in the Indian Premier League having its home ground at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Over the last decade, Mumbai Indians has emerged as the most consistent cricket franchise maintaining its Number Uno position with seven titles, which includes a record 5 trophies in IPL and two Champions League T20 titles. The franchise commands immense brand value in the sporting world, with stakeholders trust, brand investment, fan engagement and performance. Brand Finance, a global brand valuation agency has recently accorded AA+ brand strength rating to Mumbai Indians. Mumbai Indians has the reputation of a global sporting club with its far worldwide reach through digital presence, having close to 29 million fans engaged digitally across the globe.  

BIPIN DANI One more Sri Lanka women's team player is tested positive in Zimbabwe, it is reliably learnt. According to highly placed sources in Harare, Kavisha Dilhari, who was sharing room with one of the other three players (Sachini Nisansala), tested positive for Covid-19 during the last PCR test conducted on Monday. "Unlike the senior men players, all women players are sharing the hotel rooms and that's how the 20-year-old right-arm off-break bowler was infected", the source, speaking exclusively over the telephone said.   The total four, who are isolated after tested positive are : The vice-captain Harshitha Madavi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Sachini Nisansala and Kavisha Dilhari. All four are under medical care. Tour on Sri Lanka's participation in the Women's World Cup qualifier is in no doubt. The ICC has made it known to all the participating teams that the matches would be played as per original schedule. 

Aamir Ali Janjua Dubai:-Bangladesh batters Fargana Hoque and Rumana Ahmed have made notable gains in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after helping their team beat Pakistan in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2021 Group B match in Harare on Sunday. Fargana’s steady 45 that laid the foundation for the three-wicket win, helped her gain one slot to reach 25th position in the latest weekly update to the women’s rankings, carried out on Tuesdays. Rumana’s unbeaten 50, that got the team over the line with two balls to spare, has lifted her five places to 29th position. Off-spinner Salma Khatun is up four places to 35th among bowlers while left-arm spinner Nahida Akter has progressed four slots to 41st position after their team’s opening match in the nine-team tournament being played across four venues in Harare with three teams due to book spots in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2022 to be held in New Zealand in March-April. For Pakistan, Aliya Riaz and Nida Dar have made significant progress among batters after putting on 137 runs for the sixth wicket. Aliya, who scored 61 not out off 82 balls, is up five places to 32nd while Nida’s 111-ball 87 has helped her gain seven slots and reach 37th position. Left-arm spinner Nashra Sandhu’s two wickets have carried her four places to 17th position while Nida is also up four places to 29th after taking one for 17 in 10 overs. Anam Amin has gone from 43rd to 40th position.