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FOOTBALL - FIFA News 17 Jul, 2020
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 17, 2020):-The iconic image of FIFA World Cup™ champions France lifting the trophy at Luzhniki Stadium is still fresh in the memory of every football fan. Exactly two years after that historic occasion on 15 July 2018, the unveiling of the match schedule for the next edition invites the football world to dream of a new beginning – one that, now, has a precise time and place to start.
Al Bayt Stadium, a 60,000-capacity arena that takes its name and shape from the traditional tents used by nomadic peoples in the Gulf region, will be the stage for hosts Qatar to kick off the tournament on Monday, 21 November 2022 at 13:00 local time* (11:00 CET). The local kick-off times for group matches have been set for 13:00, 16:00, 19:00 and 22:00, with the simultaneous kick-offs for the last round of group games and knockout-stage timings being 18:00 and 22:00. Khalifa International Stadium will be the setting for the play-off for third place on 17 December. The final will kick off one day later at 18:00 at Lusail Stadium in front of an 80,000 crowd.
With the aim of providing all teams with optimal rest between their matches, the group stage will last 12 days and, with four matches per day, it promises a full and exciting schedule for fans. The tournament’s compact nature – with no air travel needed to move between the venues – will allow organisers, for the first time, to optimise specific match demands for the benefit and comfort of fans, teams and media.
This will be achieved through the assignment of the group fixtures for each matchday to a stadium and kick-off time only after the final draw, currently planned for after the March 2022 international match calendar qualifying window. Once the pairings are known, the possibility will be discussed of providing a more beneficial kick-off time for audiences at home, or indeed for fans in Qatar with regard to the stadium allocation.
That additional flexibility is possible without affecting any technical aspects since all stadiums are located within a compact radius and the climate is perfect at that time of year in Qatar, whether it is an early or a late kick-off. On top of that, this will potentially give fans the opportunity to attend more than one match a day during the group stage.
For those eager to book their seats at Qatar 2022, hospitality sales are scheduled to start in late 2020. Ticket sales for the general public will be conducted solely via FIFA.com/tickets, where details on the timeline, phases, categories and prices will be communicated in due course.
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 08 Jul, 2020
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (July 8, 2020):-The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Normalisation Committee has appointed Daniel Limones from Spain as the technical director.
Limones was previously associated with Spanish La Liga giants Club Atletico de Madrid and was working with the club's academy in Lahore as head coach and academy manager simultaneously. He also worked with other Spanish clubs including Rayo Vallecano.
As PFF's Technical Director, Limones will design and execute strategies which would lead to the development of football in Pakistan. PFF Normalisation Committee Chairman Humza Khan said that the appointment was a step in the right direction by the PFF. "We're excited to have Limones aboard. We fully believe his addition to the setup will help Pakistan football to flourish, “he added.
Limones said that there was massive potential for football in Pakistan to grow. "The opportunities and possibilities are innumerable, since football in Pakistan start. Players, coaches, clubs and the federation can be shaped in future for the new generations, working together under the banner of PFF, “he concluded.
Azhar Ali reviews Pakistan’s first week of training in Worcester
SPORT REPORT
ISLAMABAD (July 8, 2020):-Pakistan men’s national cricket team have started their preparations for the Test and T20I series against England with a two-day inter-squad scenario-based practice match played on 5-6 July at Worcester.
The team returned to training on 30 June after a gap of more than three months and captain Azhar Ali believes the scenario-based match will prove to be beneficial for the players to ready themselves for the all-important three ICC World Test Championship fixtures against England, which commence from 5 August at Old Trafford.
“We are playing cricket after a long time and it is not going to be easy to start at full-strength,” Azhar told pcb.com.pk. “We have to go step-by-step and I am very happy that the boys utilised their practice time of four days well.”
“No matter how much you practice, playing matches is always more beneficial. If you spend half of your practice’s time in scenario-based matches, it gives you a lot more confidence. Playing this scenario-based match was very important for us.”
In what will be their third Test series in England in the last five years, Pakistan will take on the hosts in a three-match series. The first match will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, followed by the last two Tests at Ageas Bowl, Southampton, which start on 13 and 21 August.
The Pakistan captain is optimistic that his players will be ready for the challenge when the series arrives.
“Both batsmen and bowlers have adapted to the conditions. The wind was troubling the bowlers initially but they overcame it, which was heartening. Definitely, the players are going to need some time to adjust. Despite the break, they are in good shape which is a positive sign for us.
“All the batsmen batted quite well especially Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq and Abid Ali seemed in total control, Shan Masood adapted well to the conditions and Mohammad Rizwan looked in good shape.
“Mohammad Abbas is our experienced bowler and his presence is of advantage for us as he also keeps guiding the youngsters. He is someone who can be a very important member of the attack for us. Naseem Shah bowled very well in the scenario-based match. He will attain more control as he continues to bowl.”
To prevent the proliferation of Covid-19, the International Cricket Council has introduced changes in its playing conditions which do not permit the bowlers from shining the ball with saliva and handing their sweater, cap or hat to the umpires while bowling.
Azhar said that adjusting to the new regulations was a little difficult, but the practice games will help in the adaptation.
“There are some areas where we have to adapt,” he said. “In this weather, it was only the fast bowlers who sweated so it was a challenge for us to shine the ball. But, that’s something which will change as the weather continues to get warm.
The most challenging thing, however, was that the bowlers had to put their sweaters and caps outside the boundary rope because of which managing the over rate was getting a bit difficult. Especially, in Yasir Shah’s case he fields in the circle but had to go all the way to the boundary to put his things. But, I am comfortable that we will adapt to these changes as we still have a two-day and two four-day matches to play and they will help us.”
Pakistan are currently under a 14-day quarantine period, following which they will travel to Derbyshire on 13 July.
Umar Akmal to be heard on July 13, 2020
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 7, 2020):-Former Supreme Court judge Mr Justice (retd) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, in his capacity as an independent adjudicator, will hear Umar Akmal’s appeal on 13 July at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore.
Notices for the hearing have been issued to Umar Akmal and the PCB. The hearing was previously scheduled for 11 June but had to be postponed due to the Covid-19-enforced lockdowns in the city.
On 27 April, the Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel, Mr Justice (retid) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, had banned Umar Akmal for three years after finding him guilty of breaching Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two separate incidents.
The PCB will make no comment on the matter until Justice Khokhar has announced his decision.
Pakistan England, schedule confirmed
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (July 7, 2020):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday confirmed an updated schedule of its men’s national cricket team’s tour of England, which will comprise three Tests and as many T20Is.
According to media department of PCB, the opening Test will be played at Old Trafford, Manchester, from 5-9 August, which will be followed by back to back Tests at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton, from 13-17 August and 21-25 August.
The action will then return to Manchester as Old Trafford will be the venue for three T20Is, which will be played on 28 and 30 August, and 1 September.
The side has been in Worcestershire since 29 June for their 14-day quarantine period during which they are training, practicing and playing scenario/intra-side matches. On 13 July, the side will travel to Derbyshire before arriving in Manchester on 1 August.
The following is the training and match schedule, which is subject to any last-minute changes:
6-12 Jul – Practice, intra-squad matches and rest at New Road
13 Jul – Travel to Derbyshire
15-30 Jul – Practice, intra-squad matches and rest, The County Ground
1 Aug – Travel to Manchester
5-9 Aug – 1st Test, Old Trafford
10 Aug – Travel to Southampton
13-17 Aug – 2nd Test, Ageas Bowl
21-25 Aug – 3rd Test, Ageas Bowl
26 Aug – Travel to Manchester
28 Aug – 1st T20I, Old Trafford
30 Aug – 2nd T20I, Old Trafford
1 Sep – 3rd T20I, Old Trafford
2 Sep – Departure for Lahore
IKA elects its new office bearers for four years
ABDUL JABBAR FAISAL
ISLAMABAD (July 4, 2020):-Islamabad Kabaddi Association (IKA) on Saturday elected its new office bearers for the term of next four years, as Mohammad Kamran Adil, Rao Mohammad Faisal and Haji Mohammad Sharif were unanimously elected as Chairman, President and General Secretary of IKA.
House met at a local hotel that was also attended Secretary, Pakistan Kabaddi Federation (PKF) Rana Mohammad Sarwar while Mohammad Rizwan was present in the meeting as representative of Pakistan Olympic Association (POA). On this occasion, Rao Faisal thanked the House to him elect unopposed President and assured the house that all possible steps would be taken for the promotion of Kabaddi in the federal capital.
Names of office bearers:
Mohammad Kamran Adil (Chairman), Rao Mohammad Faisal (President), Haji Mohammad Shareef (Secretary), Farhat Abbas Kazmi (Vice President), Chaudhary Mohammad Sultan (Treasurer), Arslan Bablo and Mohammad Shahid Iqbal (Members of Executive Committee).
ICC looks into the World Cup 2011 issue
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 3, 2020):-“The International Cricket Council (ICC) Integrity Unit has looked into the recent allegations regarding the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011. At this time, we have not been presented with any evidence that supports the claims made or which would merit launching an investigation under the ICC Anti-Corruption Code, “said ICC General Manager Alex Marshall in a statement.
“There is no record of any letter regarding this matter sent by the then Sri Lanka Sports Minister to the ICC and senior ICC staff at the time have confirmed they have no recollection of receiving any such letter which would have led to an investigation. We have no reason to doubt the integrity of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final 2011.
“We take all allegations of this nature extremely seriously and should we receive any evidence to corroborate the claims, we will review our current position. If anyone has any evidence that this match or any other has been subject to match-fixing, we would urge them to get in contact with the ICC Integrity team.”
Outcomes of eighth PSL Governing Council meeting
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 2, 2020):-The eighth meeting of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) Governing Council on Thursday held via teleconference. The following are the key outcomes:
· The franchisees and the PCB reiterated their most preferred option remained the staging of the remaining four matches of the HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 in November. Having expressed that optimism, they acknowledged there were a number of moving pieces due to the Covid-19 pandemic and agreed to continue to review and monitor the situation internally before making recommendations to the Governing Council.
· Based on an ongoing review of the league, the six franchises and PCB agreed a framework for greater collaboration to ensure the long-term growth of the PSL and to create financial sustainability.
· The Governing Council appreciated the PCB for setting up an independent Pakistan Super League department, which will be headed by PSL Project Executive Shoaib Naveed. The Franchises and PCB agreed to a framework of regular contact between the teams and the PSL Department, aiming to increase consultative dialogue on various operational and strategic matters relating to the league.
PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani: “Once again, it was an engaging and interesting Governing Council meeting with common interest being the wellbeing and future of the HBL Pakistan Super League. Of course, the future of the HBL PSL is critical to the PCB and the franchisees and, as such, there was a continued commitment to make it a bigger, better and stronger brand.
“The PCB and the franchisees expressed determination that they will continue to work together to resolve all pending matters and ensure all parties continue to flourish and benefit from what is now one of biggest and most followed cricket leagues in the world.”
Islamabad United’s owner Ali Naqvi: “The formation of a separate PSL Department is a much needed step. HBL PSL is Pakistan’s biggest brand and a dedicated team working on it year round will improve workings for all stakeholders involved in the league. We all saw what HBL PSL means to Pakistani fans this year with the entire season taking place here. There is immense potential for us to grow collectively and we are keen to work with PCB to ensure this growth."
Lahore Qalandars’ COO Sameen Rana: “A key aspect of our long-standing partnership with the PCB is regular consultations at the PSL Governing Council level. We engaged in very fruitful discussions today and we are aligned with the PCB in terms of tackling challenges together, and further elevating and promoting HBL PSL.”
Shashank steps down
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 1, 2020):-ICC Chairman Shashank Manohar has stepped down after two, two-year tenures at its helm. The ICC Board met today and agreed that Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja will assume the responsibilities of the Chairperson until a successor is elected.
ICC Chief Executive Manu Sawhney said: “On behalf of the ICC Board and staff and the whole cricket family, I would like to thank Shashank for his leadership and everything he has done for the sport as ICC Chairman. We wish him and his family all the very best for the future.”
ICC Deputy Chairman Imran Khwaja added: “Everyone on the ICC Board extends their wholehearted thanks to Shashank for the commitment he has shown to our sport. There is no doubt that cricket owes Shashank a debt of gratitude for all he has done for the sport. He has left cricket and the ICC in a better place than he found it.”
Pakistan team’s training schedule in Worcester
SPORTS DESK
ISLAMABAD (July 1, 2020):-Following testing negative for Covid-19, the Pakistan men’s national cricket team has begun training in Worcester ahead of their three Tests and three T2oIs against England in August-September.
The following is the side’s training schedule from Thursday 2nd July:
2 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions.
3 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions.
5-6 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will play a two-day inter-squad match, which will commence at 11am (local time).
7 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold a three-hour-long training session, which will commence at 2pm (local time).
8 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions.
9 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will hold two three-hour-long training sessions at 10am and 2pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions.
10 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will have an optional training session from 10am-1pm (local time). The PCB will provide photographs and videos of the sessions
11-12 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will play a two-day inter-squad match, which will commence at 10.30am (local time).
13 July:
The Pakistan men’s national cricket team will travel to Derby.
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