SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (March 10, 2021):-The final of the ICC World Test Championship between India and New Zealand will be staged in a bio-secure bubble at the Hampshire Bowl in Southampton. The decision, taken by the ICC Board, follows discussions with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) where a range of options were considered to ensure the inaugural final could be staged safely with the potential impact of COVID-19 minimised for all involved. In selecting The Hampshire Bowl, the ICC drew on ECB’s experience of delivering a full summer of bio-safe international cricket in 2020. The venue provides world-class playing and training facilities, giving both teams the best possible environment in which to prepare. Whilst the on-site accommodation will significantly reduce the risk around COVID-19 transmission and better protect the health and safety of everyone involved in delivering the final. Should the UK government’s phased easing of COVID-19 lockdown measures proceed as planned, it is anticipated that a limited number of fans will be allowed into the Hampshire Bowl to watch the final. Fans can register their interest for tickets here. New Zealand were the first team to make the ICC World Test Championship final and they were joined by India following their series win over England which concluded on Saturday. Geoff Allardice, ICC General Manager, Cricket said: “The ICC World Test Championship final is the pinnacle event in the Test calendar and is intended to be a week-long celebration of the oldest form of the game. A format, which rooted in tradition and featured the best that the game has to offer. I would also like to congratulate both India and New Zealand for becoming part of history by reaching the first final. “We are confident that in selecting the Hampshire Bowl, we have given ourselves the best possible chance to successfully deliver the final whilst keeping everyone involved safe and healthy and giving fans the opportunity to watch the two best Test teams in the world go head-to-head for the right to call themselves the ICC World Test Champions.  “I would like to thank the ECB for their guidance and advice to enable us to make this decision, which gives us the best possible opportunity to deliver a safe and successful World Test Championship Final.” Tom Harrison, Chief Executive Officer, England and Wales Cricket Board said: “We are delighted that the ICC has chosen to host the inaugural World Test Championship Final at The Hampshire Bowl. “As the world’s first fully bio-secure cricket venue, it has shown itself capable of delivering international matches to the highest of standards, even against the backdrop of a global pandemic. I am sure the finale of the ICC World Test Championship will be a wonderful occasion.” Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Cricket Chairman, said: “We are honoured and delighted that The Hampshire Bowl has been appointed as the host venue for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final. I should like to sincerely thank the ICC for this huge demonstration of confidence in our capabilities and the ECB for its significant support of the venue as host of what will be the biggest Test Match event ever staged. “I am sure our immense pride at bringing this fixture to Hampshire will be shared by all our loyal staff, supporters and sponsors as well as our unwavering partners, Eastleigh Borough Council. We will do everything in our power to ensure that this inaugural ICC World Test Championship Final is a secure, entertaining and successful event for everyone.’’

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (March 10, 2021):-Former cricketers from different nations associated with Peshawar Zalmi met with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday in his office at Rawalpindi. According to a press release, Daren Julius Garvey Sammy- former West Indian Cricketer, Hashim Mahomed Amla-Former South African Cricketer, Mohammad Akram-former Pakistani Cricketer and Javed Afridi-owner of Peshawar Zalmi franchise were the part of deligation. On this occasion, COAS appreciated the dignitaries for their contributions for bringing international cricket to Pakistan and being the ambassadors of peace. Qamar Bajwa also congratulated the cricketers on success and growth of Pakistan Super League (PSL) and hoped that it recommences early for much awaited jubilation of entire country. Visiting dignitaries also shared experience of their visits to different parts of Pakistan and seeing Pakistan as a beautiful and peaceful country.

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (March 6, 2021):-Japan beat Pakistan 4-0 in the Davis Cup World Tennis Ties at the Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad on Saturday. Aisam and Aqeel Khan disappointed the top officials of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF), as well as whole nation. Pakistan player could win only a single set in four matches. On Saturday, In the Doubles fixture, Mochizuki Shintaro pairing with Shimabukuro Sho overcame local guys Aisam Qureshi and Aqeel Khan 2-1 in a three sets fuss. The final score-line was 4-6, 6-4 and 6-2. In the second match of the day, Shimizu Yuta outplayed Muzammil Murtaza in straight sets 2-0 with score-line 6-1, 6-1 in a one-sided affair. Atsushi Fujii and Yohei Shiomoto General Manager of Mitsubishi, Salim Saifullah Khan, President PTF, Mohammad Fuad Mohsin, National Business Head National Bank of Pakistan, and the Executive Committee of PTF and high-ranking officials of PSB witnessed the matches. ITF Referee Norbert Peick, ITF Event Manager Tom Nelson, the ITF Chair Umpires Jaume, Campistol and Alexandre Robein and the ITF Review Officials, Tamas Peterdi and Victor Chernov, and the Hawk-Eye Officials officiated the tie. Results (Day-II) Mochizuki Shintaro & Shimabukuro Sho bt Aisam Qureshi & Aqeel Khan 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 Shimizu Yuta bt Muzammil Murtaza  6-1, 6-1    

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (March 5, 2021):-Young Japanese players outclassed hosted top duo of tennis players Aisam-ul-Haq and Aqeel Khan in straight sets on Friday on the opening day of Davis Cup World Tennis Ties at the Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. The match rest of three matches including Doubles and Reverse Singles will be played on Saturday at same venue. In the first match of the day, Yosuke Watauki stunned Aqeel Khan 2-0 in straight sets with the score-line of 6-3 and 6-2 after displaying wonderful game of tennis that was blend of beautiful forehands and backhands drives in addition classic drop shorts, as top Pakistani guy failed to encounter his opponent to win the match in great style at home soil. The officials of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) were disappointed on this occasion, as the top guys produced blew the mark performance despite of having home ground advantage. Later on, in the second match, Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi , 41 lost his match against 26 years old Kaichi Ucnid 0-2 without showing any resistance. At one stage of the first set the score was leveled at 4-4 but Japanese lad broke the game of Qureshi and made the score 5-4. He retained his serves at won the set at 6-4. However, second set was tie 6-6 but visitor player did not allow local here to score the winning points, as tiebreak score was 6-4. Kaichi won the match at 6-4 and 7-6. Schedule: March 6, 2021 RUBBER 3: Aqeel Khan & Aisam Qureshi VS Shintaro MOCHIZUKI & Yosuke WATANUKI RUBBER 4: Aisam Qureshi VS Yosuke WATANUKI RUBBER 5: Aqeel Khan VS Kaichi UCHIDA  

By Bipin Dani  Bowler comes under more pressure after four and five sixes are hit in his one over successively, according to David Furlonge, the coach of the West Indies captain Kieron Pollard whose six sixes in an over trumped Akila's hat-trick in a crazy chase on Thursday.   Speaking exclusively over the telephone, he said, "I think both-hitting six sixes in one over by a batsman or grabbing a hat-trick by any bowler-are incredible but as a bowler you would be under more pressure especially after the fourth and fifth six". "It was fantastic to watch from his Super 50 performance last week. I knew he would hit the spinners for some sixes but never thought six sixes, it was fantastic to watch", Furlonge, who has been Pollard's coach since he was 14 years, said.  "In a low scoring affair and the status of the game when he came in he took whatever chance Sri Lanka had of winning the game away from them in that over so he deserved the Player of the Match award" "Sri Lanka didn’t make enough runs and all that was needed would be one or two 20 run partnerships", the coach concluded. 

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (March 5, 2021):-The selection committee of Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC) headed by Mohammad Bilal Satti on Friday named 15-man squad  for the upcoming Tri-nation series, scheduled to be held in Bangladesh from April 2to 8, this year 2021. Masood Jan and Ibrar Shah were other two members of selection committee that announced the national team after the approval of Chairman PBCC, Syed Sultan Shah. Committee also picked up four reserves players for the said series. Team is a blend of seniors and juniors guys. Two new players have been inducted in the side including Mohammad Safdar, an emerging B3 player from the far-flung area of Dera Ghazi Khan and Mohammed Tehsin, a B1 player from Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). All four reserve players are also featuring for the first time in the national side. Niamat Ullah and Naseeb Ullah are from Quetta, while Akmal Hayat is from Islamabad and Ahtesham ul Haq is from Attock. Names of players: 1. Riasat Khan B1 2. Zafar Iqbal (Vice Captain) B1 3. Sajid Nawaz B1 4. Mohammad Shahzaib B1 5. Mohammed Tehsin B1 6. Nisar Ali (Captain) B2 7. Badar Munir B2 8. Mati Ullah B2 9. Moain Aslam B2 10. Anees Javed B2 11. Shahzaib Haider B2 12. Mohammad Rashid B3 13. Mohsin Khan B3 14. Sana Ullah Khan Marwat B3 15. Mohammad Safdar B3 Reserve Players: 16. Akmal Hayat B3 17. Naseeb Ullah B2 18. Ahtesham ul Haq B2 19. Niamat Ullah B2 Team Officials: 20. Anwar Ali (Team Manager) 21. Mohammad Jamil (Coach) 22. Maher Mohammad Yousaf Haroon (Assistant Coach) 23. Tahir Mehmood Butt (Trainer) 24. Atif Qayoum (Analyst)

ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL ISLAMABAD (March 4, 2021):-Pakistan top national tennis player Aqeel Khan will take on Yosuke Watanuki of Japan in the opening fixture of Davis Cup Tennis Ties that will be kicked off on Friday at the Grass Courts of Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. The match will start at 11:00 pm. According to an official of Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) that media persons would not be allowed to cover the prestigious international tennis event owing the Covid-19 pandemic. Later, the second match of the day will be played between international guy Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Kaichi Uchida. Non-Playing captain of Pakistan team Mushaf Zia hoped that team would perform up to mark and produce historical results. “We toiled hard in the court and all team member are fit and willing to deliver his performance against Japan, “he viewed.  The Official Draw of Davis Cup World Group I tie held at the Aisam ul Haq Pavilion, Pakistan Sports Complex, with strict adherence to ITF COVID-19 protocols. Secretary PTF and Event Security Manager Col. Gul Rehman, picked the official draw. President, PTF Salim Saifullah Khan, ITF Referee Norbert Peick, Secretary Ministry of Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Mohsin Mushtaq, ITF Event Manager Tom Nelson, the ITF Chair Umpires Jaume, Campistol and Alexandre Robein and the ITF Review Officials, Tamas Peterdi and Victor Chernov were also present at the official draw ceremony.  Schedule: March 5, 2021: RUBBER 1: Aqeel KHAN VS Yosuke WATANUKI RUBBER 2: AisamQURESHI VS Kaichi UCHIDA  March 6, 2021 RUBBER 3: AqeelKHAN & Aisam QURESHI VS Shintaro MOCHIZUKI & Yosuke WATANUKI RUBBER 4: AisamQURESHI VS Yosuke WATANUKI RUBBER 5: AqeelKHAN VS Kaichi UCHIDA  

By Bipin Dani Afghanistani opener Abdul Malik's Test debut on Wednesday (against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi) was not a memorable one.  The right hand batsman, who will turn 23 next week joined the company of KR Rutherford (NZ v WI Port-of-Spain 1985), Saeed Anwar (Pak v WI Faisalabad 1990), DP Viljoen (Zim v Pak Bulawayo 1998) and R Chandrika (WI v Aus Kingston 2015) and became the 5th player to beg a "pair" on Test debut as opener.  "I can definitely relate to what he is feeling. I have no doubt he has worked extremely hard to gain selection and would probably be feeling that he has let his team down and is not good enough to play at Test level", the former left-hand batsman, Dirk Viljoen, speaking exclusively over the telephone from Zimbabwe, said.  The victim further adds : "My advice to him is to trust the system. Know that he was selected cause the selectors believe in him. The result today is part of being a mature cricketer. It takes time. Keep working hard and learn from this experience. It will make you stronger mentally. He will get more chances to showcase his skills".  "Unfortunately as batsmen, people record when you get a pair. But if a Test bowler on debut bowled in 2 innings and didn't get a wicket, is that recorded as a pair?  No it is not", he further added.   

SPORTS DESK ISLAMABAD (March 4, 2021):-The Board of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has taken a significant step toward ensuring cricket is a game for everyone with the appointment of Cindy Butts to establish and chair the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket, which will examine issues relating to race and equity in the game. Butts has extensive experience in senior roles spanning governance, inclusion and equity across the justice/policing sectors and Government. Her current roles include serving as a lay member of the House of Lords Conduct Committee, a lay member of the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and as Panel Chair for the Judicial Appointments Commission. She is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Kick It Out, the organisation for equality and inclusion in English football. Previously, she held roles as the Deputy Chair of the Metropolitan Police Authority and as a Commissioner at the Criminal Cases Review Commission. As Chair, Butts will work with the ECB Board to finalise the terms of reference for the Commission. She will lead the process to appoint a number of independent Commissioners who will bring further diversity of thought, background and experience to the Commission, providing constructive input and challenge to the ECB and the wider game. The Commission, whose formation was announced in November 2020, will independently gather and assess the evidence of inequalities and discrimination of all forms within cricket and identify the actions the ECB will need to take to tackle these issues. It is known as the Commission for Equity in Cricket, in recognition that different groups of people face different access issues or barriers. The Commission will act with complete independence, examining any evidence it deems relevant and making the recommendations it considers necessary. The Board’s engagement with the Commission will be led by the ECB’s Senior Independent Director, Brenda Trenowden, who is driving the Board’s work in the area of equality, diversity and inclusion. Ian Watmore, Chair of the ECB, said: “The creation of the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket is an important step in our ambition to make cricket a game for everyone. Cindy is extremely well-qualified to lead this work and will bring empathy, rigour and practical experience to the deliberations and recommendations of the Commission.” Cindy Butts said: “I’m excited to be bringing together my lifelong love of cricket with my passion for equity and inclusion, to lead this work for the ECB. Over the coming months we will be looking to hear from a wide range of people who share a love of cricket, whether as spectators, players, coaches or administrators both present and past. “While it’s important we preserve the best of cricket’s traditions, it is also important we identify ways it can evolve and innovate to attract and welcome diverse communities who can make an impact in all areas and at all levels of the game. “I am committed to ensuring that cricket has a bright future in this country.” Brenda Trenowden CBE, Senior Independent Director of the ECB Board, added: “Promoting equity, diversity and inclusion across the game is critical to the success of our game-wide strategy, Inspiring Generations, and our purpose of connecting communities through cricket. “Whilst we have taken a number of positive steps forward over recent years, we recognise that there is still a lot of work to do in this area. The Commission will play a valuable role in helping us to really listen and understand the reality of the inclusion challenges in the game, so that we can focus our efforts to ensure that more people can say that cricket is a game for me.”

HAMMAD AHMED KAYANI KARACHI (March 4, 2021):-Following a meeting with the team owners and considering the health and wellbeing of all participants is paramount, the Pakistan Cricket Board has decided to postpone the HBL Pakistan Super League 6 with immediate effect. The decision was made after seven cases were reported in the competition, which had started on 20 February. The PCB, as an immediate step, will focus on the safe and secure passage of all participants, and arrange repeat PCR tests, vaccines and isolation facilities to the six participating sides. PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, Director – Commercial and Babar Hamid, will hold a media conference at the National Stadium at 3pm to provide further updates. Due to limited space in the press conference room, TV camerapersons are not allowed and the press conference will be live-streamed on the PCB YouTube Channel.