By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-The 2nd Under-16 National Junior Snooker Championship 2020 started at International Snooker Hall, Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) in the premises of Pakistan Sports Complex on Saturday. Results (Day- 1) Hamza Ilyas (Punjab) beat Malik Muzammil Khan (KPK) 3-0 (59-24, 50-48, 62-24) Mohammad Muzammil (Punjab) beat Shamir Ali (Sindh) 3-0 (84-58, 71-31, 57-27) Adnan Aslam (Punjab) beat Amanullah (Balochistan) 3-0 (57-59, 52-26, 70-26) Sharjeel Awan (KPK) beat Zulqarnain Abbasi (Islamabad) 3-0 (1-0, 47-16, 45-12) Ahsan Ramzan (Punjab) beat Zubair Tahir (Punjab) 3-2 (49-37, 52-17, 21-50, 44-74, 58-42) IftikharAli (Balochistan) beat Khubab Warsi (Sindh) 3-0 (71-33, 88-48, 58-34) Imaad Rafiq (Sindh) beat Haroon Saleem (Sindh) 3-2 (61-49, 33-64, 60-39, 12-42, 53-30) Faheem Liaquat (KPK) beat Zain Ali (Punjab) 3-1 (42-67, 49-40, 61-25, 62-18) Malik Muzammil Khan (KPK) beat Mohammad Musa (KPK) 3-0 (48-38, 76-12, 52-20) Hamza Ilyas (Punjab) beat Mohammad Muzammil (Punjab) 3-1 (50-47, 50-70, 54-30, 61-08) Adnan Aslam (Punjab) beat Sharjeel Awan (KPK) 3-1 (43-13, 30-58, 53-44, 52-17) Sunday Fixtures: Malik Muzammil Khan (KPK) V/S S. Muhammad Muzammil (Punjab)  Shamir Ali (Sindh) V/S Mohammad Musa (KPK) Amanullah (Balochistan) V/S Sharjeel Awan (KPK) Zulqarnain Abbasi (Islamabad) V/S Shabban Butt (Punjab) Ahsan Ramzan (Punjab) V/S Khubab Warsi (Sindh) IftikharAli (Balochistan) V/S Zubair Tahir (Punjab) Haroon Saleem (Sindh) V/S Faheem Liaquat (KPK) Zain Ali (Punjab) V/S Imaad Rafiq (Sindh)  Shamir Ali (Sindh) V/S Hamza Ilyas (Punjab) Mohammad Muzammil (Punjab) V/S Mohammad Musa (KPK) Zulqarnain Abbasi (Islamabad V/S Adnan Aslam (Punjab) Sharjeel Awan (KPK) V/S Shabban Butt (Punjab)  

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-The ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup has seen more than its fair share of future stars deliver sensational moments over the years. From the emergence of India’s Yuvraj Singh and his all-round exploits in 2000, to his countryman Shikhar Dhawan’s 505 runs four years later, and the recent discoveries of Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman and Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi in 2018, the tournament has never been found lacking for stardust. Sri Lankan batsman, and former captain, Dinesh Chandimal is another to have dazzled at a young age on the world stage as he produced some magic behind the stumps in Malaysia in 2008 – a moment which particularly stands out in his mind. For, despite Sri Lanka ultimately finishing eighth, Chandimal enjoyed a memorable tournament thanks to his exploits in a Group C match with an Australia side featuring Steve Smith and Phil Hughes where he was involved in seven dismissals. Subsequently, despite only scoring six runs with the bat, he was named Player of the Match – a remarkable feat solely judged on his nimble work in claiming four catches, two run outs and a stumping. “We played a match against Australia and I was a wicketkeeper-batsman in the team,” Chandimal said. “I could only get six runs in that match, however, I was able to contribute by being involved in claiming seven victims as a wicketkeeper. “For that reason I was given the Player of the Match award. It might have been the first time in history that the Player of the Match award was given solely on wicketkeeping performance. “It is something which made my U19 Cricket World Cup experience so memorable.” Another man who has fond memories of the tournament, having featured in both the 2000 and 2002 editions, is former Zimbabwean batsman Hamilton Masakadza, while he is expecting more memorable moments with the Chevrons squad featuring two veterans of the competition this time round. “Playing in two Under-19 World Cups are some of my fondest memories – but watch out for two of our boys who are playing their third this time round [Milton Shumba and Wesley Madhevere],” Masakadza said. “Winning the plate championship in 2002 in New Zealand, which was my second and last appearance at the tournament, was particularly special. “Playing in the Under-19 World Cup was huge for my career, as it pitted me against some of the best players in the world for the first time and helped me realise how much work I needed to put in and what I needed to do if I was ever to dream about playing and surviving at the highest level. “It is also a springboard to the national team and a huge opportunity to showcase what you can do at the world stage. “You meet and play against some of your ‘lifetime’ competitors for the first time and a lot of career-long rivalries are birthed here. “Lifelong friendships also start here, which for me is a very big part of playing this game.” This year’s competition, where 16 teams from five continents are set to compete across 48 matches in South Africa, is now rolling into view and a new crop of cricketers will create fresh memories. But while the pressure will be on for all those competing for the chance to be called world champions, Chandimal believes just getting picked to play at the event is a huge achievement in itself. He added: “I must say it’s really an honour to play and represent your country. Masakadza “I think if you play at under-19 level, it’s a big achievement in your cricketing career, because it’s the starting step of competitive international cricket. “A World Cup is a big event for any player, as you learn how to step up and cope with the pressure and play in certain situations, at a young age too. It is a great opportunity to step up to international cricket. “It’s a very big opportunity, because there are lots of things to learn as a professional cricketer. “The important thing is the experience that you have gained. If you are performing well at U19 level, it’s a bonus when you enter full international level as it gives you extra confidence and boosts you to improve your skills and abilities.” And as the next generation of young stars gear up to show what they can do and, they hope, begin to forge a legacy for themselves, Chandimal has some advice for how these youngsters should prepare for the competition and, crucially, learn from their experiences during it. “You need to practice hard and play harder for your country,” he added. “At the same time you have to maintain your discipline and your character on and off the field, gain experience and make sure, whether winning or losing, that you pick the positives out of every performance to develop your cricketing career.” And Masakadza, who played 38 Test matches and 209 One-Day Internationals for his country, also offered some words of wisdom to those competing this year in a tournament he holds so dear. He added: “Go out and represent your countries with pride, embrace and enjoy the moment. “It is a big achievement to have made it this far. Play hard, play to win but it’s not about winning at all costs. “Play fair, show good sportsmanship and above all keep the game of cricket clean.”

Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-Qasim Akram is one of the batting prodigies named in Pakistan’s ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020 squad that will contest for the trophy in South Africa in the tournament beginning from 17th January. The Lahore-born Qasim started his love affair with cricket after he was inspired by his friends playing cricket in his neighbourhood. Qasim, who hails from a lower middle-class area in Lahore and also bowls off-spin, started taking keen interest in the game when he saw cricket matches at the Kot Khawaja Saeed club ground near his home. After a long wait he was allowed access to the ground by one of the coaches as a ball-picker. Qasim was tasked with retrieving balls hit far and long by batsmen at the nets, one day his luck changed as the club team gave him an opportunity of playing when one of the team players didn’t show up. Qasim made an impression as a fast bowler and his cricket journey started. Qasim Akram on his early days and cricketing ambition: “On my coach’s instructions I started taking batting seriously. I used to stay out late due to my interest in cricket, my father used to scold me but with my brothers’ intervention, I was allowed to pursue cricket. My father and brother worked at the old clothes shop. “I have worked very hard for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup, head coach Ijaz Ahmed has helped me identify and overcome by mistakes. I would want to play a central role in Pakistan’s success at the tournament.” Qasim made an entry into PCB recognised cricket through his induction in the PCB-Pepsi U16 tw0-day tournament; he scored 373 runs in eight matches to justify his inclusion. Qasim progressed to U19 cricket and represented Lahore for the next two years. Last year, Qasim scored 260 runs in five matches of the National U19 three-day tournament to occupy the third spot on the batting chart. In the one-day version, Qasim hammered two centuries in a 296-run tally in five games with a hugely impressive average of 74 with the best of 131. Qasim has already represented Pakistan U19 on tours of South Africa and Sri Lanka, at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup he wants to take the next big step and emulate his idols Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the prolific batting duo announced their talents to the world at the same platform, a golden opportunity awaits Qasim. Pakistan ICC U19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), - Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management – Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Anwari (security manager).    

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 4, 2020):-Pakistani teenager Mohammad Amaad made a big upset by beating top Seed Jonah Bryant in 3-2 thrilling match in the ongoing British Junior Open 2020 that is being played in England. Four different venues including Edgbaston Priory Club, University of Birmingham Sport and Fitness Centre, Solihull Arden Club and West Warwickshire Sports Club. The score-line was 14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-8. British Junior Open squash championship is considered the second most prestigious junior open squash championship in the squash history after the World Junior Squash Championships. Mohammad Amaad made massive upset by beating top Seed Jonah Bryant in 3-2 thrilling match. Abdullah Nawaz, Hamza Khan and M Amaad have qualified for quarterfinals of BJO2020. Noor Zaman and Haris Qasim are yet to play their matches. Results: Boys U-13 - Round 3 Abdullah Nawaz vs Victor Santos De Freitas (Ned) [17/32]   11-4, 11-7, 11-7 Boys U-15 - Round 3  Mohammad Amaad beat Tay Jun Qian (Mas) [17/32] 11-4, 12-10, 11-8 Mohammad Hamza Khan beat Thomas Greengrass (Eng) [33/64] 11-5, 11-2, 11-3 Anas Ali Shah beat Juan Jose Torres Lara (Col) [17/32] 11-8, 11-8, 11-8 Round 4 Mohammad Ammad (Pak) beat Jonah Bryant (Eng)   14-12, 11-7, 8-11, 7-11, 11-8 Hamza Khan beat Omar Azam (Egypt) 11-4, 11-9, 11-8 Anas Ali Shah (Pak) lost to Yusuf Sheikh (Eng)  9-11, 6-11, 8-11 Boys U-17 - Round 3 Denis Gilevskiy (IRL)  [5/8] beat  Asad Ullah 11-7, 11-9, 11-4                       Noor Zaman bt Karim Farrag (CZE)  [17/32] 11-7, 11-3, 13-11 Round -4 Noor Zaman vs  Karim El Torkey [3/4]                      Boys U-19 - Round 3 Haris Qasim beat Jared Carter (ENG) [17/32] 11-9, 4-11, 12-10, 13-11 Round 4 Haris Qasim vs Yahya Elnawasany [2]

 Abdullah Asjad ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-Pakistan number one squash player Tayyab Aslam moved nine steps up in the Professional’s Squash Association (PSA) International Ranking after showing an impressive performance in the recently concluded International Squash Tournament in the capital city of Pakistan Islamabad, which was pursuing prize money of US$20, 000. According to new ranking, Tayyab Aslam is spotted at 51st position, as he was on 60th in the last month December 2019. New year 2020 proved a nice omen for Pakistan squash and top national guy improved his international ranking. He has defeated Farhan Mehboob in the final of Pakistan International Squash fixture that was held at Mushaf Squash Complex on December 19, 2019. While left arm player Farhan Mehboob went seven steps down from 91 to 98 in the latest PSA ranking. Asim Khan went down two steps from 74 to 76.

Mohammad Ali      LAHORE (JANUARY 3, 2020):-2019 turned out to be the year of happy news as well as sad news. Many Pakistan sports personnel won laurels for their country while some passed away. Here are some known sports personalities who left us for their heavenly abode last year. Farhat Hussain Saddique:-Farhat Hussain Saddique, former national badminton player and father of Test cricketers Imran Farhat and Humayun Farhat, lost his fight against cancer on February 24. Saddiqui was under treatment at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Hospital for many months but headed for his last journey to eternity. Saddiqui was one of leading sports organisers and also served as director sports of the Punjab University and its Law College. He also held the sports officer position at the Government College University Lahore. Saddiqui had initiated women’s cricket and hockey in Lahore a long time ago. He was also the pioneer of baseball in Pakistan and a founding member of the Pakistan Federation Baseball, along with late PFB President Khawar Shah in early 1990s. Agha Mohammad Akbar:-Mohammad Akbar Khan: Pakistan’s veteran sports journalist Agha Mohammad Akbar, who served as Sports Editor of English dailies – The Nation and Pakistan Today – passed away on May 19. He had a liver transplant at Shiekh Zayed Hospital in Lahore. But due to incompetent doctors and post-operation complications, he never recovered fully. He was associated with The Nation before joining Pakistan Today where he worked as Editor Sports and also Magazine Editor. Agha also headed the media department of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for a while under then PCB chairman Najam Aziz Sethi, who forced him to resign after developing differences with him. This also hurt him a lot. At the height of his career, he was a heavyweight and widely respected because of his exceptional writing skills and understanding of sports, especially cricket and hockey. He travelled far and wide to cover sporting events, including the Olympics and Asian Games, World Cups, and other major competitions involving Pakistan. Riazuddin Ahmed:- Cricket umpire Riazuddin Ahmed, who served on the International Cricket Council (ICC) panel as well as the on the elite panel of the Pakistan Cricket Board, died on June 11 after suffering a cardiac arrest in Karachi. One of the most respected of umpires in the international arena, Riazuddin, who was 60, retired from umpiring at the top level after reaching age of superannuation, stood in 12 Tests and as many One-day Internationals. Making his debut as Test umpire at the age of 31 against West Indies at Karachi in November 1990, Riazuddin was retained for the remaining two matches of the series and officiated alongside his mentor Khizer Hayat in all three Tests. As part of the ICC panel, Riazuddin supervised in four Tests – in which Pakistan were not involved – in Wellington, Durban, Bulawayo and Colombo between March 2000 and December 2001. He also officiated in four ODIs as a neutral umpire in late 1999. Brig (r) Abdul Hamid Hamidi:-One of the icons of hockey and 1960 Olympic gold medal winning team captain Brig (r) Abdul Hamid Hamidi breathed his last at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in Rawalpindi on July 11, losing battle against lungs injury occurred due to sudden fall at home. He was 92. Hamidi was one name who played instrumental role in popularising and strengthening the game of hockey in Pakistan. Hamidi had the honour of representing Pakistan at four Olympics — 1948 at London, 1952 at Helsinki, 1956 at Melbourne and 1960 at Rome. Born on Jan 7, 1927, Hamidi played as inside right and rose to fame when he skippered greenshirts to a solitary goal win over arch rivals India that ended latter’s domination. Later in his career, Hamidi served on important positions including Director General Army Sports Board, DG National Sports Trust (NST) and DG Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) from where he retired on superannuation. He also served as Secretary General of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF). He was also the elder brother of Rasheed Junior — the famous national hockey team centre-forward of sixties and early seventies. An outstanding inside-right, Hamidi was not only a schemer but also a tremendous scorer. He was a member of both the 1948 and 1952 Olympics teams. But these teams, despite having several outstanding players, could only finish fourth. The main reason of the failure was a lack of harmony and discipline. Hamidi was then made the captain of the team in 1956 and he didn’t disappoint – the army officer inculcated much-needed discipline and spirit in the team. Under Hamidi’s able captaincy, Pakistan won silver medal at the 1956 Olympics losing to India by a controversial goal in the final. Still, it was an epoch-making moment in the country’s sporting history as it was Pakistan’s first ever medal of any colour in any Olympic discipline. Then, in 1958, Hameedi led Pakistan to a gold medal at the Asian Games. It was the first time that India was relegated to second position in any international hockey tournament. And finally Hamidi attained eternal legend status by skippering Pakistan to their maiden Olympic gold in 1960. The final of the 1960 Rome Olympics is still regarded as one of the finest moments in Pakistan sports history. That’s when Pakistan came head-to-head against their archrivals India for the second time in the Olympic history. Abdul Qadir:- The sudden death of former Pakistan spin maestro Abdul Qadir on September 6, 2019 at the age of 63, nine days short of his next birthday, shocked the entire cricket community and fans not only in Pakistan but also around the globe who admired the way he skillfully practiced the rare and nearly extinct art of wrist spin bowling. With his debut, Qadir showed to the cricketing world that here was someone who would shine like a beacon as a bowler of a highest quality. Apart from being a genius with the ball, Qadir was a larger-than-life figure who was adored, loved and respected across the globe due to his excellent understanding and knowledge of the game, and strong cricket ethics and discipline. Qadir played a key role in the rebirth of leg-spin and was a vital component of the Pakistan sides of the 1980s. In two World Cups, in 1983 and 1987, he was instrumental in Pakistan’s run to the semi-finals. Pakistan legend Wasim Akram, who made his Test debut when Qadir was part of the same side, described the wrist-spinner as a “magician” in a tribute he posted on Twitter. Wasim wrote: “They called him the magician for many reasons but when he looked me in the eyes and told me I was going to play for Pakistan for the next 20 years, I believed him. “A Magician, absolutely. A leg spinner & a trailblazer of his time. You will be missed Abdul Qadir but never forgotten.” Legendary Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne – the second highest Test wicket-taker with 708 (only behind Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan’s 800) – was also a big fan of Qadir.   The English have proved profitable opponents for several Pakistan leggies, but Qadir was the first who made them bleed. His finest hour, too, would come against England. Qadir’s nine for 56 against England at Lahore in November 1987 remain the best Test figures by a Pakistan bowler. He took 13 wickets in the match as Pakistan won by an innings and 87 runs. Born on September 15, 1955 in Lahore, natural talent combined with aggression and passion made Qadir one of the most successful spinners of his era. Former captain Imran Khan was to be a key influence on his career, one of the few capable of getting the best out of Qadir the man and bowler. He had a distinct run-up, bounding in to the crease, and a great variety of deliveries: there was the orthodox leg-break, the topspinner, two googlies and the flipper. His fervent appeals made him a great favourite with the spectators but sometimes got him into trouble with umpires. Qadir played 67 Test matches during 1977-90 and took 236 wickets, with an average of 32.80, including 15 five-wicket hauls. He also scored 1,029 runs including three fifties. Qadir played 104 ODIs, claiming 132 wickets. Qadir played first-class cricket for Lahore, Punjab and Habib Bank Limited during 1975-95. During his first-class career, he achieved five or more wickets in an innings on seventy-five occasions, and ten or more wickets in a match twenty-one times. Qadir played 209 first-class matches and took 960 wickets with an average of 23.24. His best bowling figures for an innings were nine wickets for 56 runs, whereas his best performance for a match was 13 wickets for 101 runs. As a batsman, he scored 3,740 runs averaged 18.33 from 247 innings. He also scored two centuries and eight fifties. Qadir played his last first-class match in 1994. (Courtesy Daily Times)

Faraz Ahmed Kayani ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-British Junior Open 2020 is being played in England. Pakistan squash contingent comprising of Haris Qasim, Hamza Sharif, Asad Ullah Khan, Anas Ali Shah, Noor Zaman, Waleed Khalil, Abdullah Nawaz, Mohammad Amaad and Mohammad Hamza Khan are participating in the British Junior Squash Championship, 2020 at Birmingham. Results: Boys U-13 Round 1 Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat (5/8) Christian Capella (USA) 12-10, 13-11, 8-11, 12-10 Round 2   Abdullah Nawaz (Pak) beat Aqil Mirza (Malaysia) 11-6, 11-7, 11-6 Boys U-15 Round 1   M Amaad    Bye Round 2   M Amaad (Pak) beat Oliver Coulcher  (Eng)   11-3, 12-10, 11-2 Anas Ali Shah Round 1     Bye Round 2     Anas Ali Shah beat Palmer Deville (Eng)  11-6,11-6,11-6 Mohammad Hamza Khan Round    1    Bye Round    2   M Hamza Khan beat Guido Lindner (Ned) 11-3, 11-2, 11-1 Boys U-17 Asad Ullah Khan Round 1    Bye Round  2   Asad Ullah beat Usman Khan (Canada) 11-3,11-8,11-8 Round 1   Waleed Khalil beat Kieran Mahoney (Eng) 11-3, 11-2, 11-2 Round 2   Denis Gilevskiy (IRL) [5/8] beat Waleed Khalil 11-6, 11-2, 13-11 Noor zaman Round 1   Bye Round 2   Noor Zaman beat Amin Khan (Canada)  11-8,11-8,11-9 Boys U-19 Hamza Sharif Round 1  Hamza Sharif beat Lubos Walter (CZE) 11-6, 11-6, 11-4 Round 2  Hamza Shareef lost to Max Forster (BER) [9/16] 8-11,5-11,10-12 Haris Qasim Round 1   Bye Round 2   Haris Qasim beat Taylor Carrick [33/64] 11-6, 11-8, 8-11, 11-2 Round 3 & 4 matches would be played today in England. 

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 3, 2020):-The fourth term fitness tests of the centrally contracted players will be held at the National Cricket Academy on 6 and 7 January this year 2020. According to media department of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), all the available centrally contracted players will attend the two-day testing, which is aligned to their contracts. Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir and Shadab Khan, who will be occupied with their commitments in the Bangladesh Premier League, will undergo the tests on 20 and 21 January. The fitness tests, to be conducted by Yasir Malik, the strength and conditioning coach of the Pakistan national men’s team, will cover five major areas, namely fat analysis, strength, endurance, speed endurance and cross-fit, and will carry equal weightage. A player failing to meet the minimum fitness requirements will be fined 15 per cent of his monthly retainer, which will remain effective until such time he achieves the minimum fitness standards. Player failing consecutive tests will risk the chances of retaining his central contract category and may face demotion. Zakir Khan, PCB – Director, International Cricket, said: “There has always been an emphasis on the monitoring of players’ fitness levels. This time we have decided to enforce penalties, which is in accordance with the contracts, as part of our objective to make the players more accountable and responsible for maintaining high fitness standards throughout the year, which is one of the basic requirements any professional athlete. “All the players were informed last month of the PCB’s expectations and potential sanctions in the scenario of failures. “These fitness tests will not be limited to the centrally contracted players, but will trickle down to the six Cricket Association teams. Their tests will be conducted by their respective coaches and trainers as per their own schedules and players failing to pass fitness tests will jeopardise their chances of featuring in the Pakistan Cup One-Day Tournament to be held from 25 March to 19 April.” Centrally contracted players: Category A – Babar Azam (Central Punjab), Sarfaraz Ahmed (Sindh) and Yasir Shah (Balochistan) Category B – Asad Shafiq (Sindh), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Haris Sohail (Balochistan), Imam-ul-Haq (Balochistan), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Shadab Khan (Northern), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Northern) and Wahab Riaz (Southern Punjab) Category C – Abid Ali (Sindh), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Fakhar Zaman (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Imad Wasim (Northern), Mohammad Amir (Northern), Mohammad Rizwan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shan Masood (Southern Punjab) and Usman Shinwari (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa).

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 2, 2020):-Had a young Sylvester Okpe not been so fond of wandering off, then perhaps Nigeria’s journey into new territory would never have been possible. Nigeria U19s For it was while being distracted during an Independence Day celebration that Okpe, teeming with interest, stumbled across a group playing with bat and ball. Curiosity got the better of him, so he asked what those running back and forth over 22 yards were up to. And in doing so, he got his first introduction to cricket. Fast forward just a handful of years, and Okpe’s determination to try something new isn’t ending there. Only this time, he’ll do so as Nigeria captain at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. In a country where football dominates the sporting agenda, the 19-year-old’s story of stumbling into cricket is not a unique one. Throughout the squad representing their country at South Africa 2020 – Nigeria’s first global cricket competition – very few had even seen the sport before first picking up a bat. Some didn’t have shoes, let alone kit or equipment, for a game seen by teachers and parents as an easy way out of lessons. For some, support from family and outside sources was minimal, with humble and sometimes poor backgrounds putting sport in perspective. British colonial masters and missionaries first brought cricket to Nigeria in the 1900s but it’s taken time to flourish, stalling in the latter stages of the 20th century following independence. But the past 20 years have seen the tide turn, the game brought back to life as previously active and passionate individuals rekindled their love. Only this time, they were determined to get it right for good. The Nigeria Cricket Foundation (NCF) helped pave the way, not only bringing the talent to the fore but finding time for player welfare, sporting education, mentality and professionalism. Sylvester Okpe bowls against Hong Kong The result, clear for all to see, is players such as Okpe: he was only 15 when first brought into the U19 squad and hadn’t yet turned 16 when he was made captain. By this time, coaches and management were taking their approaches long-term, with his appointment inspired by West Indies’ selection of Jason Holder as ODI skipper when aged 23. Such a step-up would disrupt most but the talented teenager took it in his stride, his captaincy as important as the right-arm off-break bowling that the U19 side have relied upon. So too have Nigeria’s senior team, with Okpe named vice-captain for the 2019 ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifier. Such leadership has been integral and the unity paid dividends on the pitch too, as the team went unbeaten in Division Two of U19 World Cup qualification. In March 2019 – with a place at the U19 World Cup on the line – it was to get even better. By their own admission, not even those at the heart of Nigeria’s journey had expected them to progress at such an impressive rate, with the following generation set to be the benchmark for success. But Okpe and his side weren’t ones for waiting, going into Namibia’s backyard and beating the hosts in the opening game in Windhoek. Batting first and scoring 129 for eight from 50 overs was far from a perfect start to life in Division One, particularly with just one team from six qualifying for South Africa. But this Nigeria side is one of determination, and true to form it was the captain who delivered – figures of three for 16 helped skittle Namibia for 77 and the result sent shockwaves around the tournament. The Junior Yellow Greens have not looked back since – a tense two-wicket win over Sierra Leone securing their U19 World Cup place, having been 91 for seven in their chase of 139. It may have been a surprise to those watching but Nigeria, from humble beginnings, have long been a side with confidence after years of physical and mental preparation. So what of South Africa 2020 and Nigeria’s ground-breaking steps in cricket? A minimum of three games await but no challenge has come close to this one. In Australia, England and West Indies, each of their Group B opponents have won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at least once, and the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup five times between them. In doing so, they’ve produced the likes of Steve Smith, Ben Stokes and Brian Lara – all esteemed alumni of U19 cricket – with players heading to Africa desperate for career-defining breakthroughs of their own. One win would therefore be a huge achievement for a country with such limited cricket history, but Okpe and his proud nation head across the continent knowing games are won on the pitch, not on paper. And on a journey that few before them have ever taken, they aren’t ready to stop wandering any time soon.

SB News KARACHI (January 2, 2020):-Since Aamir Ali was named in the Pakistan squad for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2020, the left-arm spinner is aiming to be the highest wicket-taker in the most-important age-group tournament, which will commence in South Africa from 17 January. For Aamir, son of a labourer, the rise to Pakistan junior team is a tale of hard work, determination and resilience and facing up to difficulties. Due to lack of facilities in Dadu, his hometown, the 17-year-old had to practice his art on grounds far away from his home but he never gave up his dreams. He idolises Rangana Herath and learned the art of spin bowling watching him bowl Sri Lanka to famous Test wins. Taking up the sport was never easy for Aamir. His family initially insisted him to become a tailor, like his brother, but soon he started to get the backing of his father to pursue his career in cricket. He started his career in the PCB-Pepsi U16 three-day tournament in which he claimed 19 wickets in the tournament to leave a big mark on his first high profile event. Aamir truly grabbed attention in 2016 by taking 19 wickets in four games of the PCB-Pepsi U16 two-day tournament. Aamir Ali, while speaking on his early struggles and passion for cricket, said: “My father does labour work and my brother does tailoring work. I was initially told by my family to take up tailoring, but after watching me play and realising that it meant everything to me, my father started to back my passion. “We have scarce playing facilities in my hometown and it is a huge honour for me to represent Pakistan U19.  My aim though is to become the first player from Dadu to represent Pakistan in international cricket.” He was at his brilliant best in this year’s National U19 three-day tournament collecting 28 wickets in four matches at a miserly average of 12.86 runs per wicket. In the one-day version of the National U19 tournament this year, Aamir collected seven wickets in four games. He was Pakistan’s most successful bowler on the tour of South Africa earlier last year taking 13 wickets in seven games. In the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2019, Aamir picked four wickets in three games. Aamir aspires to leave a lasting impression in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup by leading his side to glory. He says it is a stepping stone to the realisation of his ultimate dream of representing Pakistan at the senior level. Pakistan ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup squad: Rohail Nazir (captain and wicketkeeper), Abbas Afridi (Peshawar), Abdul Wahid Bangalzai (Quetta), - Amir Ali (Larkana), Amir Khan (Peshawar), Arish Ali Khan (Karachi), Fahad Munir (Lahore),  Haider Ali (vice-captain), Qasim Akram (Lahore), Mohammad Haris (Peshawar), Mohammad Huraira (Sialkot), Mohammad Irfan Khan (Lahore),  Mohammad Shehzad (Multan), Mohammad Wasim Jnr (North Waziristan), Tahir Hussain (Multan) Team management :– Ijaz Ahmed (head coach-cum-manager), Rao Iftikhar Anjum (bowling coach), Abdul Majeed (assistant coach), Saboor Ahmad (trainer), Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rasul (physiotherapist), Usman Hashmi (analyst), Emmad Ahmed Hameed (media manager) and Col (retd) Usman Riffat Ansari (security manager).