SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Pace bowling prodigy Mohammad Amir Khan is determined to make a big impression at the coveted ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The right-armer is the latest in the assembly line of Pakistan teenage fast bowlers following in the footsteps of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Musa Khan and Mohammad Hasnain. The Swat-born can clock the 140kmph mark on the speed gun. His pace and ability impressed the junior selection committee and the Pakistan U19 team management, who chose to induct him in the final squad for the tournament being hosted in South Africa. Amir, who was playing tape-ball cricket on the streets and fields of Swat till only a year ago, burst on the domestic U19 scene this year with a haul of 18 wickets in five three-day matches of the National U19 championship in which he represented Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Featuring in a training camp in September last year at the National Cricket Academy, Amir found himself bowling with the likes of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz who gave him useful tips. After resting from Pakistan’s opening warm-up game against Nigeria, Amir bowled his full quota of 10 overs at the Irene Country Club in Pretoria taking two wickets in his second spell as Pakistan cruised to a four wicket win against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Amir Khan said: “I didn’t get any wicket in my first spell as I struggled a bit for control and direction. I am pleased with my performance in the second spell in which I took two wickets and also effectively used the slower delivery. “My aim is to perform in every World Cup game and play a role in my team’s success. My pace is natural and I have worked hard on improving my run-up with the coaches. Our bowling coach Rao Iftikhar has worked with me and I have the support of the whole coaching staff. “Attending a camp with senior players always helps. When I was at the NCA, I bowled with Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir. Both gave me useful tips which gave me a lot of confidence and heart. They told me to maintain my line and length and learn the slower ball.” Amir, who first started playing cricket after watching the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 on TV, took a keen interest in tape-ball cricket where he made a name for his fast bowling before his rapid rise at the national junior level last year after he switched to the cricket ball. The youngster wants to bowl quick like Shoaib Akhtar and admires the skills of England’s James Anderson. The ICC U19 Cricket World Cup provides him the perfect platform of further raising his prospects of a national senior team call-up. Pakistan now travel to Potchefstroom today (Wednesday) after a five-day stay in Pretoria, where they won both warm-up games. Pakistan who are placed in Group C, play Scotland in their opening ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match on Sunday, 19 January. Their second match is against Zimbabwe on Wednesday, 22 January, followed by the third and final group match against Bangladesh on Friday, 24 January. All three games will be played in Potchefstroom. 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)

SB News LAHORE (January 15, 2020):-Misbah-ul-Haq, head coach and chief selector of the national men’s cricket team, captain Babar Azam and coordinator – selection committee, Nadeem Khan, held a preliminary meeting on Wednesday (today) at the Gaddafi Stadium to discuss the side for the three T20Is against Bangladesh to be played here on 24, 25 and 27 January. The discussion process will continue on Thursday (16 January) when they will involve the six selectors, following which Misbah and Babar will announce the side at 2.30pm in the media conference room at Far End, Gaddafi Stadium.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-Pakistan Intermediate Secondary Education Board Peshawar clinched the title of Pakistan Inter Board Sports Gala 2020 that concluded on Wednesday at Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad. On the concluding day, Faisalabad defeated Lahore in the hockey final 4-3 at Naseer Bunda Hockey Stadium. After first three quarters the match was leveled 1-1, however, both teams played an open hockey in last quarter and Faisalabad finished at 4-3. Peshawar Board got third position. Kabir Khan, Mohammad Habib, Abduk Qayyum and Mudassar Ahmed scored each one goal each for Faisalabad while Emad Khan scored two goals from Lahore. Federal Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination (IPC) Fahmida Mirza graced the closing ceremony as chief guest. Director General Pakistan Sports Board Amina Imran Khan, Aga Amjadullah Khan Deputy Director Facilities Mohammad Ramzan Jamali Coordinator and Ghulam Shabbir Chana were also present on this occasion.

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-All the top players advanced into the second round of the 5th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament-2020 by winning their matches at PTF Tennis Complex Islamabad on Wednesday. However, a high standard of tennis was witnessed during some of the matches. SEVP Khawar Hyat Khan was present during the day’s matches and appreciated the hard work of the players. The 2nd round matches will start from Thursday, 16th January, at 9:30 am,   Results (Men’s Singles Round-I) Yousaf Khalil beat Kamran Khan: 6-1, 6-2 Nalain Abbas beat Ayaz Khan: 7-5,5-7,6-3 Mohammad Shoaib beat Faizan Fayyaz : 6-2,6-2 Ejaz Khan beat Shaheen Mehood: 6-2,6-1 Shahid Afridi beat Ibrahim Omer: 6-4,5-7,6-4 Shahzad Khan beat Ahmed Kamil: 7-5,6-3 Mudassir Murtaza beat Shakir Ullah: 6-0,6-0 Ahmed Baber beat Jibran ul Haq: 6-3,6-2 Heera Ashiq beat Saqib Hayat: 6-3, 6-2 Muzammil Murtaza beat Hamid ul Haq: 6-2,6-4 Imran Bhatti beat Ahmad Asjad: 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 Ahmed Chudhary beat Mubarak Shah : 6-0,6-0 Barkatullah beat Abbas khan: 6-2,6-2 Mian Bilal beat Israr gul: 6-2, 7-6(4) Mohammad Abid beat Waqas Malik: 6-0,6-3 Aqeel Khan beat Asad ullah: 6-3,6-2 Boys’ Under-18 Round-I Jabir Ali beat Yahya Musa Luni: 6-2, 6-1 Fayzan Fayaz beat Ahmed Nail:6-3,7-5 Hasheesh Kumar beat Bilal Asim 7-6 (4), 6-4 Hamid Israr beat Uzair Khan: 6-4,7-5 Zalan Khan beat Faisal Khalil:6-0,6-1 Kamran Khan beat Mohammad Abdullah : 4-6,6-4,6-4 Hasam Khan beat Hasan Ali: 6-4,6-3 Nalian Abbas beat Farman Shakeel: 6-4,5-7,6-1 Hamza Asim beat Azan Sajid: 6-0,6-0 Kashan Umer beat Zain Chudhary: 6-1,6-2

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 15, 2020):-Ace Pakistani batsman Babar Azam has been named in the International Cricket Council (ICC) One Day International (ODI) Team of the Year for the second time in his career after previously finding his place in 2017. The ICC announced its ODI team of the year on Wednesday, which also included (in batting order) Rohit Sharma (India), Shai Hope (West Indies), Virat Kohli (India, captain), Kane Williamson (New Zealand), Ben Stokes (England), Jos Buttler (England, wicketkeeper), Mitchell Starc (Australia), Trent Boult (New Zealand), Mohammed Shami (India) and Kuldeep Yadav (India). In the 2019 calendar year, Babar scored 1,092 runs in 20 ODIs at an impressive average of 60.66. He also scored three centuries and six half centuries. His centuries came against England at Trent Bridge (115), New Zealand at Edgbaston (101 not out) during ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and Sri Lanka at National Stadium (115). In 2019, Babar featured in his first ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and made the Pakistan record for the highest score in an edition by recording 474 runs. He currently sits on the third spot in the ICC ODI Player Rankings. Since the inception of the ICC awards in 2004, Babar Azam is the eighth Pakistan player to feature in the ICC ODI Team of the Year. Other Pakistan players to find their places in the teams of the year include Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rana Naved Ul Hasan (both 2005), Umar Gul (2009 and 2011), Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal (both 2012), Saeed Ajmal (2013), Mohammad Hafeez (2014), Babar Azam and Hasan Ali (2017). Reacting to the news, Babar Azam said: “I am thankful to the ICC and its jury for recognising my achievements with the bat in 2019 and considering me worthy of a place in the side that includes some of my favourite cricketers who entertained the fans throughout the year with their outstanding performances. “However, I will reserve my biggest gratitude to my team-mates and fans as without their support this would not have been possible. We played and performed as one team, with the fans always behind us despite our up and down performances. “These acknowledgements serve as additional incentives to cricketers to perform even better and continue to play their important part in further globalising this great sport. “2020 has started well for Pakistan cricket and we as a team look forward to building on it so that at the end of the year, there are more of us when the ICC announces the next set of winners same time next year. “I also want to congratulate Nida Dar, who was named in the ICC T20I Women’s Team of 2019. She has been one of the top women’s cricket performers and someone who is looked upon by the younger generation of women cricketers. “Women’s cricket in Pakistan is on a rise and Nida, along with others, is making significant contribution, which will be their legacy when they will decide to call it a day on their professional careers.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan congratulated Babar and Nida. “On behalf of the PCB, I want to congratulate both Babar Azam and Nida Dar for making Pakistan proud. “They are our assets and role models, and I hope their achievements will inspire the future generation of cricketers to not only take up this sport but also represent the country with honour, respect and distinction. What they have shown is that with a focus, clear goals and a dedication to improve, everything is possible. “Our Under-19 team is in South Africa, preparing for the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. I am sure they will take a lot of heart from Babar’s achievement considering that he too graduated from this tournament to become one of the finest of his era.” Babar played in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups 2010 and 2012 where Pakistan finished runners-up and eighth, respectively.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Chairman and Chief Executive of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday reached consensus with the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on the upcoming series, which will be part of the Future Tours Programme. The process was facilitated by the International Cricket Council (ICC) Chairman Shashank Manohar in Dubai afternoon on Tuesday. According to PCB media department, Now, Bangladesh will play three T20Is in Lahore from 24-27 January. They will return to Pakistan for the first ICC World Test Championship fixture, to be held from 7-11 February in Rawalpindi. Post the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020, which concludes in Lahore on 22 March, Bangladesh will visit Pakistan again and will play an ODI in Karachi on 3 April and the second ICC World Test Championship fixture from 5-9 April. PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said: “I am pleased that we have amicably achieved a resolution that is in the best interest of this great sport as well as both the proud cricket playing countries. I also want to thank ICC Chairman Shaskank Manohar for the leadership he provided and ensured the sport continues to grow and thrive in the two countries.” PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan, who also attended Tuesday’s meeting at the ICC headquarters, said: “It is a win-win outcome for both the boards. I am glad that the uncertainty around the series is now over and we can start planning for the smooth delivery of the matches. Bangladesh will visit Pakistan thrice, which should give them the comfort that Pakistan is as safe and secure as any other cricket playing country. “The split series across three venues will also provide opportunities to fans and followers to watch live their favourite players in action and support good cricket from either side.” Tour schedule: 24 Jan – 1st T20I, Lahore 25 Jan – 2nd T20I, Lahore 27 Jan – 3rd T20I, Lahore 7-11 Feb – 1st Test, Rawalpindi 3 Apr – One-off ODI, Karachi 5-9 Apr – 2nd Test, Karachi  

SB News  ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The 5th Begum Kulsum Saifullah Khan National Ranking Tennis Tournament-2020 commenced at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, Islamabad on Tuesday after delay of one day due to heavy rain in the twin cities Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total number of 42 matches were played on the opening day in the Men’s and Under-18 Singles qualifying round. A large number of players shown their interest and submitted their entries from all over Pakistan. The main draw matches will start from Wednesday (15th January) at 9-30 am at same venue, where the top ranked players will be seen in action. Results (Men’s Singles Qualifying Round-I): Ibrahim Umer beat Uzair khan: 6-2 Kashan Umer beat Waqas Baig: 6-3 Ibrar ul Haq w/o Mohammad Adil Adnan Rashid Khan w/o Zalan Khan Abbas Khan beat Farhan Ullah 6-4 Farman Shakeel w/o Waseem Shahid Hasheesh Kumar beat Pooyan Shateri 6-2 Irfan Ullah beat Azan Sajid 6-0 Ikram Ullah beat Hammad Hamayun 6-1 Mian Bilal w/o Haris Rauf Nalian Abbas w/o Zakirullah  Jehanzeb Khalil w/o Dr. Nasir Mohammad Asim w/o Mohammad Bilal  Talah Saqib w/o Khurshid Abbasi Aqib Hayat beat Saim Danish 6-2 Tahir ullah Khan w/o Ahmed Wazir  Jabran Ul Haq w/o Saood Masood  Sikandar Hayat w/o Kashif Ahmed  Ahmed Asjid Qureshi beat Hasan Ali: 6-0 Mahatir Muhammad beat Hassan Ishaq: 6-0 Subhan bin Salik beat Hasam Khan: 6-1 Sami Zeb beat Walid Qureshi: 6-2 Mohammad Abdullah beat Abdullah Rehman: 6-0 Mubarak Shah beat Azeem Khan: 7-5. Men’s Singles (Qualifying Round-II) Mujahid Khan beat Sikandar Amin: 6-1 Kamran Khan beat Zain Chaudhary: 6-0 Ibrahim Omer beat Kashan Umer: 6-1 Adnan Khan beat Ibrar ul Haq: 6-1 Abbas Khan beat Ahmed Murad: 6-0 Hashish Kumar beat Farman Shakeel: 6-1 Irfan Ullah beat Abdullah Kareem: 6-0 Mian Bilal beat Ikram ullah: 6-2 Nalain Abbas beat Jehanzeb Khan: 6-2 Talha Saqib beat Mohammad Asim: 6-2 Aqib Hayat beat Jabir Ali: 6-0 Jabran ul Haq beat Tahir Ullah: 6-0 Ahmed Asjid beat Sikandar Hayat: 6-1. Men’s Singles (Qualifying Round II): Kamran Khan beat Mujaid Khan:8-1 Ibrahim Omer beat Adnan Khan:8-2  Abbas Khan beat Hasheesh Kumar: 8-5 Mian Bilal beat Irfan ullah : 8-3 Nalain Abbas beat Talha Saqib: 8-1  Jibran ul Haq beat Aqib Hayat: 8-1 Boys’ Under-18 Singles (Qualifying Round):  Hassan Ali, Hasam Khan, Mohammad Hamza, Jabir Ali, Azan Sajid, Haider Ali Rizwan, Ibrahim Bin Sohail and Faisal Khazi advanced in to the main draw after winning their qualifying rounds respectively. 

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 14, 2020):-The Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) appointed Aysha as the captain of the national team for the forthcoming 4-Nation International Women’s T20 International Tournament that will be kicked off from January 17, 2020. Hosts Qatar will take on Omen in their opening fixture of quadrangular international women’s cricket showpiece. According to available information, Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur will be the deputy of captain Aysha. The Women’s T20 International Tournament, to be held at the Asian Town Stadium in Industrial Area from January 17-22, 2020, as hosts Qatar, China, Kuwait and Oman will compete for the top honour. Final will be played on January 21, 2020 at same venue. President QCA Yousef Jeham Al-Kuwari also announced that Issa al-Yacoub would be the Event Coordinator while Gul Khan Jadoon would perform the duties of Tournament Director during the five-day fixture. As many as 10 matches will be staged during the tournament including semifinals and finals. A play-off match will be played for third position. He also added, “The QCA has selected a 14-player squad for the Four-Nation Women’s T20 International Tournament after an extensive training-cum-selection camp. Also we have selected three reserve players. The Qatar women are is excited to return to the international cricket and would be keen to produce remarkable performance in the tournament. The QCA has good wishes for all players and participating teams,” he said. “The preparations are going on at a hectic pace and given final touches to make this event historic and we are committed to deliver a strong and memorable event to local fans, who are very supportive to any event that we stage in Qatar,” Al-Kuwari maintained. Team Manager Shivani Mishra, who is also the Qatar Women’s Cricket Development Officer, organised the preparations of the national team and selection. Aftab Ahmad is the coach of the team. Qatar squad Aysha Senior (captain), Shahreen Nawab Khan Bahadur (vice-captain), Aisha Abdur Rahman, Nahan Arif, Angeline Mare, Trupti Kale, Aleena Khan, Rochelle Sherlene Quyn, Akshata Arjun Sanguelkar, Saachi Dhadwal, Sabah Nawab, Apsara Weerasekara Bamunumudiyanselage, Sincy Sara Sherin, Khadija Ahmad Imtiaz Reserves: Khulood Omran Hussain, Krishnendhu Bindhu, Bandhana Puthalapattu Team officials: Shivani Mishra (team manager), Aftab Ahmad (coach), Sabeeja Adiyeri Panayan (trainer), Paramjeet Kaur Bhullar (coordinator), Issa al-Yacoub (event coordinator) and Gul Khan Jadoon (tournament director).

SB News ISLAMABAD (January 13, 2020):- Peshawar Board, Multan Board, Technical Board Peshawar and Gujranwala Board qualified for the semifinals of badminton event of Inter Boards Sports Gala on Monday here at Rodham Hall, Pakistan Sports Complex. In first match BISE Peshawar beat Mardan by 2-0 while in the second BTE Peshawar beat Sahiwal by 2-0. In the third match Gujranwala beat Faisalabad by 2-1 while in the fourth quarterfinal match Multan beat Mirpur Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) by 2-0 to qualify for the semifinal.   BISE Peshawar beat Swat Board by 2-0 in the final of table tennis. In the third position match, Technical Education Board Peshawar defeated the Intermediate Board Karachi  by 2-0.

By Abdul Jabbar Faisal ISLAMABAD (January 13, 2020):-Duo players from Punjab Mohammad Umer Khan and Ahsan Razman set their clash in the final of the Under-18 National Juniors Snooker Championship 2020 after beating their respective opponents in the semifinals at Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) Billiard and Snooker Hall on Monday. In the first semifinal Mohammad Umer Khan defeated Shehryar Khan from Sindh 4-0 in a single sided affair in a seven frames contest. In the third frame Umer displayed excellent skill of the game and made a 106 points break. He was too good his challenger and he faced not any hurdle to move in the championship fixture that will be taken place on Tuesday at same place. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Ahsan Ramzan, who is also from Punjab, outclassed his teammate Shehryar Abbas in similar style 4-0. In the second frame Abbas showed some resistance to his rival, however, rest of whole match was in the pocket of Ahsan. The winner of the semifinal played some beautiful and classic shorts and ease to reach in the final.    Results (semifinals): Mohammad Umer Khan (Punjab) beat Shehryar Khan (Sindh) 4-0 (70-31, 73-43, 106-08(106), 59-17) Ahsan Ramzan (Punjab) beat Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Punjab) 4-0 (70-07, 63-49, 71-41, 60-1) Results (quarterfinals): Mohammad Umer Khan (Punjab) beat Zubair Tahir (Punjab) 4-0 (59-2, 67-41, 60-2, 58-18) Shehryar Khan (Sindh) beat Malik Muzammil Khan (KPK) 4-1 (56-30, 57-52, 35-68, 85-0, 55-43) Ahsan Ramzan (Punjab) beat Mohammad Hamza Ilyas (Punjab) 4-0 (66-44, 83-65, 74-09, 76-48(64)) Mohammad Shehryar Abbas (Punjab) beat Kamran Albert Masih (KPK) 4-2 (50-60, 65-32, 65-03, 62-13, 60-61, 71-30).