ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 10, 2020):-The five-day training camp for the Blind Women’s cricket concluded on Tuesday here at Shalimar Cricket Ground, as the Australian High Commission had sponsored this camp in collaboration with the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) from November 5 to 10, 2020. Speaking at the award-giving ceremony at the conclusion of the training today, the Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Geoffrey Shaw shared that Australia’s support aims to provide more women and girls with disabilities the opportunity to enjoy sport, compete and demonstrate their ability. “Sport can help reduce gender stereotypes and negative perceptions associated with people with disabilities. Australia and Pakistan share a passion for cricket, so we are happy to support the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council’s efforts to bring women and girls living with disabilities into the sport,” Dr Shaw added. The Chairman of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council, Syed Sultan Shah, said, “Cricket for the blind is a highly competitive game which enables people with visual impairment to become people of vision – a vision of an accessible future full of exciting opportunities for all.” It is important to mention here that the two blind factory workers invented blind cricket in Melbourne, Australia, in 1922 when they improvised the game using a tin can containing rocks. A few years later, in 1928, the first sports ground and clubhouse for blind cricket was built at Kooyong in Melbourne.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 9, 2020):-Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday appointed four new members for the Board of Governors in the 59th meeting that took place at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore in the chair of Eshan Mani, Chairman PCB. Governance The BoG, in accordance with PCB Constitution 2019 Clause 12(1)(c), unanimously approved the appointment of four independent members. They are: Mr Javed Kurieshi, Mr Arif Saeed, Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad and Ms Alia Zafar. Mr Javed Kurieshi and Mr Arif Saeed have been appointed to the BoG for a three-year period, while Mr Aasim Wajid Jawad and Ms Alia Zafar have been appointed for a two-year period. Following the appointment of the four independent members, the new BoG has been formed. The remaining three members on the BoG will be appointed following completion of the election process at the Cricket Association level. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “I want to congratulate and thank all the respected outgoing BoG members for their outstanding contributions to Pakistan cricket. Following promulgation of the new PCB Constitution in 2019, these distinguished members, on my request, had agreed to continue through the transitional period and provide the PCB management appropriate guidance through their knowledge and insight. “The fact that these BoG members unanimously approved the appointment of the independent members, which now changes the outlook and composition of the BoG, illustrates their respect for the PCB Constitution 2019 and Pakistan cricket at heart. “However, the PCB will continue to benefit from their experience and understanding, by including them as members on the Cricket Associations’ interim executive committees (IECs), which will be confirmed shortly. The first and the most critical assignment of the IECs will be to supervise the registration of clubs so that cricketing activities can resume at the grassroots level. “I welcome the newly-appointed independent members to the BoG, especially Ms Alia Zafar, the first female independent member, which is a giant step forward in enhancing the PCB’s governance structure. “The four new members bring with them a wealth of diverse knowledge that will only improve the professional outlook and working of the PCB. These four individuals are highly respected and proven performers in their respective professional lives and we aim to benefit from their knowledge in our efforts to improve our governance.” Domestic cricket season 2020-21 The BoG appreciated the PCB for successfully completing more than 50 per cent of the 208-match 2020-21 domestic cricket season in the difficult and challenging Covid-19 pandemic. The BoG noted Pakistan was the only country that had announced a full domestic schedule and to date had delivered three high-quality and competitive tournaments, which were thoroughly enjoyed by the Pakistan cricket fans and followers on PTV Sports, delayed live-streaming and social media. The 33-match First XI National T20 Cup was won by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the 15-match Second XI National T20 Cup was won by Central Punjab and the 31-match National U19 One-Day Tournament was won by Sindh. In addition to these events, nine matches in the four-day first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, 15 matches in the three-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and three matches in the National U19 Three-Day Tournament have been completed. Separately, the women’s high performance camp was staged at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance Centre from 8-31 October, which was attended by 27 elite women cricketers. The BoG also expressed its delight that the remaining four HBL PSL 2020 matches will be played from 14-17 November and the foreign cricketers had already started to arrive in Karachi, while South Africa’s tour for two Tests and three T20Is in January/February 2021 was also on track. The BoG welcomed the England and Wales Cricket Board’s statement that it was considering a short tour to Pakistan in January 2021 and congratulated the PCB for its efforts in convincing a leading cricket nation like England to consider touring ahead of their expected full tour in 2022. It was acknowledged that this will prove to be the catalyst for New Zealand, Australia and England’s tours in 2021 and 2022. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “We have achieved unprecedented success on the domestic cricket front, by not only delivering top-quality cricket in difficult Covid-19 situation but also by involving some of the very best former cricketers in various coaching and support roles. “Due to the successful staging of our 2020-21 domestic season through our own resources and capabilities, we have been able to demonstrate to the world that Pakistan is a one of the safest countries to play cricket during the Covid-19 pandemic. Faf du Plessis’s decision to make his HBL PSL debut in the playoffs and the participation of 18 other foreign stars in the remaining four matches is an endorsement of the PCB’s efforts in what presently is a challenging time for the world. “With this background, it is very satisfying that our implementation has been acknowledged by the PCB’s superior body; the PCB remains committed to looking after the health and wellbeing of our cricketers, officials and support staff.” Integrity In line with the PCB’s zero-tolerance policy for any form of corruption or dishonest behaviour by any of its officers or players, the BoG approved the PCB Whistleblowing Policy, which incorporates all relevant stakeholders in addition to PCB employees, officials, players and players support personnel. According to the policy, any person who becomes aware of any matter or behaviour that may amount to Whistleblower Information can report the same to the Chief Operating Officer via email (whistle@pcb.com.pk) along with complete details, including supporting documents and evidence. While the PCB has assured it will keep the identity of the whistleblower and contents of the report confidential, and will also protect the whistleblower from any form of detriment, including discrimination, harassment or retaliation as a consequence of the disclosure. The PCB has also urged stakeholders to use the PCB Whistleblowing Policy cautiously, wisely and responsibly as frivolous and unsubstantiated reports and allegations can cause irreparable damage to the individuals against whom reports are being made as well as their near ones. PCB Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer: “Stakeholders represent a valuable source of information that can be utilised to identify a potential problem and to deal with it before it causes significant damage to PCB or its stakeholders. “While we are encouraging stakeholders in good faith to share information with evidence and supporting documents, we expect them to exercise this opportunity responsibly as any malicious or frivolous report can destroy the reputation and careers of honest, hardworking and promising individuals. Any whistleblower found to be deliberately misleading the PCB for personal gains and benefits will be subject to strict disciplinary action.” PCB declares PKR3.8b profit in 2019-20 fiscal year The BoG approved the audited financial statements 2019-20, which included an after-tax-profit of PKR3.8billion. The PCB reserves now stand at PKR17.08billion as compared to PKR13.28billion in the 2018-19 financial year. Separately, PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan briefed the BoG that the board had exceeded the PKR24million projections by selling the 2020-21 domestic season inventory for PKR34million, a rise of PKR11.5million from the 2019-20 season. With discussions for title sponsorship of the Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament underway, the PCB expects to touch the PKR40million-mark. Other matters Ehsan Mani updated the BoG on a number of matters, including PCB-PTV Sports-I Media Communications Services agreement, three-year agreement with SuperSport and progress on broadcast partners in other regions, as well as international matters relating to the Asian Cricket Council and the International Cricket Council. The BoG, on the recommendation of the nominations committee, approved the appointment of three independent adjudicators, namely Justice (retired) Abdul Sami Khan, Justice (retired) Ali Akbar Qureshi and Justice (retired) Shoaib Saeed, to the panel maintained by the PCB. The BoG was updated on the recent performances of the Pakistan men’s national cricket team and noted the steps being taken to introduce consistency in selection policies and team results across all three formats. About the independent members: Alia Zafar: Has Master of Arts and MBA degrees, and is a Human Resource specialist with Diploma/Certification in Learning, Innovation and Social Entrepreneurs from Germany and INSEAD France. Her experience includes HR Group Head Bank of Punjab, HR Country Head Askari Bank, HR Lead Expert with Crown Agents America, UNDP and USAID in a variety of corporate sectors, including Agha Khan Foundation in four continents. She is a HR specialist with experience in capacity-building, corporate governance, organisational design and performance evaluation Captain of School Cricket Team. Javed Kureishi: Has a Bachelor of Arts (degree from University of Sussex) along with 34-year banking experience with Citibank in senior positions, including Group Head/CEO in Asia Pacific, Czech Republic, Egypt, Africa, Middle East and Pakistan Currently. He is a member of Karachi Stock Exchange. He has played first-class cricket and captained Pakistan Under-19 cricket team on the tours of India and Sri Lanka in 1979. He demonstrates strong links with successful business community in the corporate sector at home and abroad. He is the son of renowned cricket commentator Omer Kureishi. Aasim Wajid Jawad: Has a BSc degree Economics (Hons) from London School of Economics with early education at the University of Michigan. He is also a Fellow Chartered Accountant of Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales. Currently, he is Group Head of Strategy and Transformation at Bank Alfalah, leading a team of 150 people. He has worked with EY and Deloitte in London for several years in corporate finance involving technology, media and telecommunication sectors. He has hands-on experience in risk management and digital technologies and has deep interest in cricket having played at school and LSE university level. Arif Saeed: He is an Aitchisonian, a member of Aitchison Board of Governors and holder of Bachelor of Arts (Hons) degree from Oxford University. Currently, he is the Chairman of Service Industries. Other top corporate positions he has held over the past 15 years include Chairman of APTMA, Lahore Stock Exchange, TEVTA, and Director Institute of Development and Economic Alternative IDEAS. He played Rugby for over 15 years and is the co-founder and President of Pakistan Rugby Union that has become a full voting member of World Rugby. He demonstrates strong links with the business community in the corporate sector and has deep interest in cricket, hailing hails from a cricketing family.  

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 9, 2020):- The National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) outclassed Pakistan Police 11-0 in single sided affair in the hockey match of the ongoing 66th National Hockey Championship 2020 at Ayub Park Hockey Ground Rawalpindi on Monday. Dilbar Khan netted the ball five times during the 60 minutes of game for the NBP. Also, Sui Souhtern, Mari Pertoleum and Pakistan WAPDA registered their wins in the top national hockey fixture. The match between Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Forces ended in draw, as the players of both teams failed to score any goal in the match. Results (Day-4): Game-1: Sui Southern beat Port Qasim 6-0 Mubashir ali (2), Ahmed Nadeem (1), Ali Shan (1), Moen Shakil (1), Mohammad Adnan (1) Game-2: Mari Petroleum beat Punjab 1-0 Aitsham Khan (1) Game-3: NBP beat Pakistan Police 11-0 Dilbar Khan (5), Aamir Ali (1), Junaid Manzoor (1), Mohammad Abu Bakar (1), Nokhaiz Khan (1), Bilal Qadir (1), Shan Irshad (1) Game-4: WAPDA beat Pakistan Navy 3-2 WAPDA: Rana Waheed (2), Aleem Bilal (1) Navy: Mohammad Sultan (1), Mohammad Shahbaz (1) Game-5: Pakistan Army vs Pakistan Air Force 0-0

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (November 9, 2020):-Sindh batsman Asad Shafiq has been fined 20 per cent match fee for a level 1 offence relating to showing dissent at an umpire’s decision during his side’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Northern at the UBL Sports Complex. The incident happened on Sunday (third day of the match) when Asad showed obvious disappointment and verbally questioned the umpiring decision when he was given out LBW in the 15th over of Sindh’s second innings. Asad was reported by on-field umpires Faisal Afridi and Saqib Khan at the end of third day’s play for violating article 2.8 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player support Personnel. Asad accepted the charge and the sanction handed out by match referee Mohammad Anees hence there was no need of a formal hearing.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (November 8, 2020):-Hosts Mari Petroleum defeated Pakistan Army 2-1 in the 66th National Hockey Championship 2020 at Ayub Park Hockey Ground Rawalpindi on Sunday. National Bank of Punjab (NBP), Sui Southern, WAPDA and Pakistan Navy also posted victories in the top national hockey show piece after beating their respective opponents at same venue. Former Director General Mari Petroleum Lt. General (Retd) Ishfaq Nadeem and Lt. General (Retd) Asghar Nawaz graced the 4th match of the day as chief gust in which Mari Petroleum outclassed Pakistan Army 2-1 in the well-contested 60 minutes game. At this occasion former international players Manzoor Hussain Junior, Ayaz Mehmood, Nasir Ali, Waseem Feroz and Rana Mujahid were also present. Results (Day-3): Game-1: NBP beat Punjab 2-1 Aamir Ali and Mohammad Abu Bakar scored each goal for NBP while Hanan Ali netted the ball for Punjab. Game-2: Sui Southern outclass Pakistan Police 9-0 Ahmed Nadeem (3), Mubashir Ali (2), Ali Shan (2) Mohammad Rizwan (1), Mohammad Zeeshan (1) Game-3: WAPDA overcome Port Qasim 6-0 Aleem Bilal (3), Rana Waheed (1), Sohail Anjum (1), Amjad Ali (1) Game-4: Mari Petroleum defeat Pakistan Army 2-1 Umair Sattar (2) for Mari Petroleum, Mohammad Arsalan (1) Game-5: Pakistan Navy stun Pakistan Air Force 3-0 Babar Hussain (1), Hammad Ali (1), Numan Janjua (1)   

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (November 8, 2020):-Southern Punjab trounced Central Punjab by nine wickets while Sindh were nearing a win over Balochistan at the end of the second day’s play in the fifth-round matches of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy three-day tournament for Second XIs being played in Karachi. Central Punjab v Southern Punjab, TMC Ground, Karachi: Southern Punjab recorded a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Central Punjab. After gaining a 167-run first innings lead, Southern Punjab bowlers Ali Usman and Umar Khan who shared nine wickets between them (five for Usman, four for Umar) dismissed Central Punjab for 187 runs in their second innings. Ali Zaryab, Muhammad Akhlaq and Mohammad Irfan Khan contributed 45, 43 and 41 runs, respectively  for Central Punjab but couldn’t provide any sustained resistance. Set a 21-run target, Southern Punjab finished the game off in four overs for the loss of one wicket. Earlier in the day, Southern Punjab who resumed their first innings at the overnight score of 154 for six managed to add another 110 runs courtesy Rameez Alam’s unbeaten 77-run knock. Rameez found good support in Zia-ul-Haq who made 40 runs. Kamran Afzal finished with four wickets for 75 runs. Balochistan vs Sindh, KCCA Stadium, Karachi: Resuming at the overnight first innings score of 82 for seven, Balochistan lost their last three wickets for the addition of 14 runs only as they were bowled out for 96 in 43.4 overs. Taimur Khan was dismissed on Sunday morning for 33 runs; Abrar Ahmed took five wickets for 36 while Aamir Ali took three for 35. Sindh who had gained 25-run first innings lead were bowled out for 188 in their second innings with Hasan Mohsin top scoring with 51. Jalat Khan took five wickets. Set at 214-run target, Balochistan finished the second day struggling at 34 for four, the spin twins Amir and Abrar took two wickets each. Balochistan require an additional 180 runs tomorrow with six wickets standing. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Northern, State Bank Stadium, Karachi: Northern who led Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by 34 runs in the first innings, reached 29 for one in their second innings to extend their lead to 63 runs with nine second innings wickets intact. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were dismissed for 310 in their first innings, Sahibzada Farhan scored 105 with the help of 15 fours off 174 balls. Mehran Ibrahim (61) and Nabi Gul (53) scored fifties. Pacer Shadab Majeed took five wickets while Salman Irshad took three wickets for Northern. Scores in brief: Central Punjab v Southern Punjab, TMC Ground, Karachi Central Punjab 97 all out, 45.2 overs (Kamran Afzal 37; Umar Khan 4-16, Ali Usman 3-43, Ali Shafiq 2-11) and 187 all out, 53.2 overs (Ali Zaryab 45, Muhammad Akhlaq 43, Mohammad Irfan Khan 41; Ali Usman 5-84, Umar Khan 4-47) Southern Punjab 264 all out, 81.5 overs (Rameez Alam 77 not out, Tayyab Tahir 42, Zia-ul-Haq 40; Kamran Afzal 4-75, Atizaz Habib Khan 2-66) and 21-1, four overs. Result: Southern Punjab won by nine wickets Balochistan vs Sindh, KCCA Stadium, Karachi Sindh 121 all out, 53.2 overs (Fahad Iqbal 39; Mohammad Talha 4-24, Umaid Asif 3-21, Jalat Khan 3-51) and 188 all out, 57.2 overs (Hasan Mohsin 51, Fahad Iqbal 34; Jalat Khan 5-79) Balochistan 96 all out, 43.4 overs (Taimur Khan 33, Abdul Rehman Muzammil 22; Abrar Ahmed 5-36, Aamer Ali 3-35,) and 34-4, 20 overs (Gulraiz Sadaf 12; Abrar Ahmed 2-4, Aamer Ali 2-21) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Northern, State Bank Stadium, Karachi: Northern 344 for 7, 83 overs (Nasir Nawaz 147 not out, Kashif Iqbal 58, Shoaib Ahmed 52; Asad Afridi 2-24) and 29-1, 12 overs (Nasir Nawaz 17 not out; Arshad Iqbal 1-9) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 310 all out, 78.4 overs (Sahibzada Farhan 105, Mehran Ibrahim 61, Nabi Gul, 53; Shadab Majeed 5-61, Salman Irshad 3-75)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (November 8, 2020):-An unbeaten Haider Ali’s 66 (44balls) runs and Babar Azam 51 (28balls) innings guided Green Shirts to register a massive win by 8 wickets in the second T-20 international fixture of the three-match T-20 series at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Sunday. Both guys aggregated 100 runs in 62 balls for the second wicket, as Haider got the man of the award. Now, Pakistan have gotten decisive lead of 2-0 in the three T-20 matches series. It was the day of Haider Ali, who smashed 66 runs not out after facing 44 balls including three sixes and six fours during his stay on the wicket. Captain hit eight fours and single six. Khushdil Shah remained not out on 11, as he faced 9 balls. Fakhar could score only five runs in 11 balls. Earlier, afternoon, Green Shirts leader, Babar Azam put visitors into bat first after winning the toss. Zimbabwe’s middle-order and top scorer batsman Ryan Buri last ball huge six on the bowling the Wahab Riaz set the target for the hosts 135 in 20 over per inning fixture. Ryan played an important and unbeaten innings of 32 runs after wasting 22 balls, hitting one six and one four. Wesley, who had scored 70 runs day before yesterday at same venue, could score just 24 runs in 22 balls. He also hit a six and three four during his innings. Elton Chigmubura 18 (19balls), Chibhabha 15 (9balls), Donald Tirpano 15 (17balls) and Seam Williams 13 (10balls) were other contributors in the Zimbabwe innings. Leg-spinner Usman Qadir and local guy Haris Rauf did the major damage in the tourist team batting line, as the both bowler got three wickets each. Usman conceded 23 while Haris conceded 31 runs in their allotted four overs cotta. Fahim Ashraf claimed a single piece of wicker, as he gave 20 runs in 4 overs. Mohammad Husnain conceded 28 while Wahab Riaz 31 runs in their four overs without sending any batsman back to hut.       

SPORTS REPORT KARACHI (November 8, 2020):-Sindh First XI captain Sarfaraz Ahmed has been fined 35 per cent match fee for a level 1 offence relating to use of inappropriate language during his side’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Northern at the UBL Sports Complex in Karachi. The incident happened on Saturday when Sarfaraz repeatedly made inappropriate comments against an umpiring decision during the day’s play. Sarfaraz was reported by on-field umpires Faisal Afridi and Saqib Khan for the violation of article 2.21 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player support Personnel. Sarfaraz pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Mohammad Anees. In a separate incident, Central Punjab batsman Usman Salahuddin has been fined 20 per cent match fee for a level 1 offence relating to conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game during his side’s first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match against Balochistan at the National Stadium Karachi. The incident happened on Saturday in the 26th over of Central Punjab’s first innings; Usman continuously showed his bat during an lbw appeal, which was deemed as an attempt to mislead the umpires. Usman was reported by on-field umpires Ghaffar Kazmi and Nasir Hussain at the end of second day’s play for violating article 2.20 of the PCB Code of Conduct for Players and Player support Personnel. Usman pleaded guilty and accepted the sanction proposed by match referee Iftikhar Ahmed.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL RAWALPINDI (November 7, 2020):-A massive innings by captain Babar Azam 82 runs helped hosts Pakistan to overcome Zimbabwe by 6 wickets in the first T-20 international fixture of the three-match T-20 series at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi on Saturday. Pakistan achieved their target of 157 runs in 18.5 overs, as the Babar was judged player of the match. Babar smashed 82 runs after facing 55 balls, as he his one six and nine boundaries during his stay on the pitch. Mohammad Hafeez and Fakhar Zaman scored 36 and 19 runs respectively. Haider could now show impressive performance with the bat and lost his wicket only scoring 7 runs. He was well caught by Zimbabwe wicketkeeper Taylor, as he took a diving catch on his right side. Earlier, Visitor team’s skipper Chamunor Chibhabha decided to bat first after winning the vital toss. Zimbabwe post 156 for 6 on the board in 20 overs per innings fixture, as Wesley Madhevere was top scorer with 70 runs not out, as he faced only 48 balls during his innings. He hit one huge six and nine fours. Seam Williams 25 (24b), Eltion Chigumbura 21 (13b) and wicketkeeper batsman Brendan Taylor 20 (13b) were other major contributors in Zimbabwe innings. Ryan Buri could 8 and Sikander Raza 7 while captain Chibhabha failed to score a solitary run. Haris Rauf and Wahab Riaz got two wickets after conceding 25 and 37 runs respectively. Mohammad Husnain and Usman Qadir chipped in one wicket each.

SPORTS REPORT ISLAMABAD (November 7, 2020):-The former Zimbabwe captain Elton Chigumbura has decided to retire from all forms of international cricket at the conclusion of the on-going Pakistan tour. The 34-year-old all-rounder is part of the side taking on Pakistan in three T20I matches in Rawalpindi. A veteran of many battles over the past 16 years – during which he served as Zimbabwe’s limited-overs captain from August 2014 before stepping down in January 2016 – Chigumbura made the decision to bring the curtain down on his career as injuries had continued to take a toll on him as well as to pave the way for young blood in the national side. His international career started off on 20 April 2004 when, at the age of 18, he faced Sri Lanka in an ODI match played in Harare. As he bows out, he has made 213 ODI and 14 Test appearances for Zimbabwe, with 54 T20I matches under his belt before the start of his swansong series. Chigumbura is one of Zimbabwe’s most-capped players, having played 281 international matches -excluding the current series – in which he made 5 761 runs and took 138 wickets.