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PSL: Karachi Kings on the hunt for their second HBL PSL title
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The HBL PSL ninth edition is around the corner with some of the leading stars of limited-overs cricket raring to light up cricket grounds in Pakistan. With a new coach and captain, Karachi Kings enter HBL PSL 9 with oodles of optimism and they'll show faith in their local talent as well as global star power to rebound. Karachi Kings will get their campaign underway on 18 February against Multan Sultans at the picturesque Multan Cricket Stadium.They've snapped up West Indies superstar Kieron Pollard in their squad who will try to swing their fortunes with his all-round capabilities. They have also secured the services of Australia all-rounder Daniel Sams as well as retained seasoned campaigner Shoaib Malik. Pace bowling is further stacked with Mir Hamza and Anwar Ali who will provide squad depth given their vast domestic experience and international exposure as well.Karachi Kings managed to bag only three wins in the 2023 season and despite having the firepower in their ranks to spring more surprises, they could not coalesce as a unit.The team's ethos includes resilience and a fighting spirit, and they'll be aiming to rejuvenate this season and give Karachi fans a lot to cheer about. The 2020 HBL PSL champions are determined to hit the ground running early on as the highly-experienced Shoaib Malik will be looking to shine at the twilight of his career.Phil Simmons comes with a wealth of coaching experience. He coached West Indies and is at present the head coach of Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and LA Knight Riders in Major League Cricket (MLC).“The decision to bring in Phil Simmons as head coach was influenced by his impressive credentials, including being a T20 World Cup-winning coach. His experience in guiding teams to success at the highest level adds a valuable dimension to our coaching setup, and we look forward to harnessing his expertise for a successful campaign in the upcoming HBL PSL edition and to build a team for the future”, said Salman Iqbal, owner of Karachi Kings.Kings retained Shan Masood as their captain who currently leads the Pakistan Test team. Karachi Kings’ director Haider Azhar shed light on the decision to appoint Shan as skipper of the side. He said: “Securing Shan Masood for Karachi Kings was nothing short of a coup for us. His leadership qualities and captaincy feats are well-documented and we are proud to have a local boy from Karachi lead the team. On a personal note, having worked closely with Shan in the past, I believe he is the ideal captain for our team that will be undergoing a transitional phase and we expect him to be central to our project.”Karachi Kings fixtures for HBL PSL 918 February v Multan Sultans, Multan Cricket Stadium21 February v Peshawar Zalmi, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore24 February v Lahore Qalandars, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore28 February v Islamabad United, National Bank Stadium, Karachi29 February v Quetta Gladiators, National Bank Stadium, Karachi3 March v Multan Sultans, National Bank Stadium, Karachi6 March v Quetta Gladiators, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi7 March v Islamabad United, Pindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi9 March v Lahore Qalandars, National Bank Stadium, Karachi11 March v Peshawar Zalmi, National Bank Stadium, Karachi
FOOTBALL - FIFA News 15 Feb, 2024
CAF and AFC nations make moves: Angola and Qatar make biggest stridesSports DeskISLAMABAD: Although it is a case of as you were amongst the ten teams that lead the way in the latest edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men’s World Ranking, there is plenty of movement further down the standings following the matches contested in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and the AFC Asian Cup.Amongst the African sides, Côte d’Ivoire (39th, up 10) reap the rewards of their continental triumph on home soil, secured following an eventful tournament campaign. Beaten finalists Nigeria (28th, up 14) make significant strides but are no match for the Angola side they ousted in the last eight (93rd, up 24), who are the biggest climbers in the latest instalment of the global ranking.In the points stakes, two-time Asian Cup winners Qatar (37th, up 21) chalk up the biggest tally (92.04 points) after capitalising on home comforts to successfully defend their continental crown. Elsewhere, Jordan (70th, up 17), who were edged out by the Maroons in the final, make good ground, as do Thailand (101st, up 12), whose journey came to an end at the last-16 stage.Qatar’s rise sees them enter uncharted territory, with two other teams also recording best-ever rankings. Senegal (17th, up 3), who suffered shoot-out heartbreak at the hands of the eventual winners Cote d’Ivoire in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, break new ground, while Tajikistan (99th, up 7) mark their maiden Asian Cup campaign by making a first-ever appearance in the top 100.
Shifa International beat 5 Pillars Cricket Club by 7 wickets
Sports ReportISLAMABAD: Shifa International Hospitals Islamabad beat 5 Pillars Cricket Club Rawalpindi by 7 wickets in the friendly T-20 Cricket match here at Ghouri Cricket Ground Islamabad.Shifa International Captain won the toss and invited to bat first 5 Pillars, 5 Pillars hit up 125 for loss of nine wickets in the allotted 20 overs. Waseem (20), Sohiab (17) and Abdul Wahdi (16) were the key contributors. Shifa International Syed Mudassar Bukhari (2 for 12), Imtiaz Alam (2 for15) and Tahir Akhtar (2 for 36) were the other main wicket-takers. In reply, Shifa International achieved the target in the 17th over for the loss of three wickets. Tahir Akhtar and Captain Qutab Uddin Qureshi contributed 93 runs in 3rd wicket partnership. Allrounder Tahir Akhtar 44 not out runs 42 balls with 8 Fours, Master Blaster Captain 43 runs 41 balls with 8 fours, while Khateeb 12 not out and Imtiaz Alam 10 were their leading run-getters.
Image Torsum Championship: Saddam, Naveed reach in final
Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Army's Saddamul Haq and Sindh's Naveed-ur-Rehman have qualified for the final of the third Image Torsum Khan All Pakistan Squash Championship. Also, WAPDA's Mehwish Ali and Sindh's Mahnoor Ali made it to the finals of the girls’ category.In the men's semi-final, played at the Pakistan Navy Roshan Khan Jahangir Khan Squash Complex, Army's Saddamul Haq outclassed Punjab's Ashar Butt in a one-sided contest with 3-0. In the second semifinal, Sindh's Naveedur Rehman defeated Army's Anas Ali Shah 3-2 after a tough fight.Results (semifinal):Abdullah Zaman beat Rayyan Bahadur (3-0) 11-9, 13-11, 11-6 (27 min)Ahmed Rayyan Khalil beat Abdul Ahad Butt (3-0) 11-9, 11-3, 11-8 (19 min)Women's (semifinals):Mehwish Ali beat Sehrish Ali (3-0) 11-7, 14-12, 11-7 (23 min)Mahnoor Ali beat Anum Aziz (3-0) 11-1, 11-8, 3-11 (21 min).
National Open Polo: Diamond Paints/Master Paints victorious
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The National Open Polo Championship for Quaid-e-Azam Gold Cup witnessed an enthralling match as Diamond Paints/Master Paints outpaced Olympia/AZB Polo with an 8-5 win on Wednesday at the Lahore Polo Club Ground 1 on Wednesday. Juan Zabiaurre Canal led the charge for Diamond Paints/Master Paints, netting four outstanding goals, while Martin Gandara added three and Mir Huzaifa Ahmed scored one to secure their team's triumph. On the opposing side – Olympia/AZB Polo – Novillo Astrada displayed remarkable prowess on the field scoring four fabulous goals, while Nicolas Corti added to their tally with a skillful goal. The match kicked off with Diamond Paints/Master Paints quickly asserting their dominance, scoring two consecutive goals for an early lead. They continued their offensive push, extending their lead to 3-0. Olympia/AZB Polo managed to respond just before the second chukker concluded, narrowing the gap to 3-1. The teams traded goals in the third chukker, maintaining Diamond Paints/Master Paints' advantage at 5-3. Continuing their superior performance into the fourth chukker, Diamond Paints/Master Paints widened their lead further by scoring two goals against Olympia/AZB Polo's single goal, setting the stage for the final chukker at 7-4. The decisive fifth chukker saw Diamond Paints/Master Paints solidify their victory with an additional goal, despite a late effort from Olympia/AZB Polo, ending the match at 8-5. The match was expertly officiated by field umpires Mark Holmes and Abdul Sattar Khan Niazi, with Santiago Loza serving as the match referee. The event attracted a large crowd, including families eager to witness the gripping action on the second day of the prestigious National Open Polo Championship 2024, supported by Bank Alfalah at the historic Lahore Polo Club.
SPORTS NEWS - Int News 14 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportRiyadh (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Roshn Saudi League (RSL) are pleased to announce a significant partnership, naming ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ as an official Platinum Sponsor of RSL.The collaboration aims to leverage the league's popularity, which features some of the world's most decorated footballers. It highlights STA and RSL’s commitment to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant sporting scene to a global audience.As part of the agreement, STA will work alongside RSL to develop and promote tourism products and experiences that position Saudi Arabia as a leading travel destination, attracting visitors from the broader MENA region and across the world. This sponsorship is expected to bolster connections with Saudi football clubs, setting the stage for future partnerships and collaborations.Abdullah Ibrahim Alhagbani, Chief of Partnerships and Executive Affairs STA said: "Our partnership with RSL represents a significant step forward in our mission to elevate Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. Together, we will showcase Saudi’s rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions, underpinned by our firm dedication to excellence in the realms of sports and entertainment. This partnership showcases the reputation and growing influence of RSL, both locally and globally, and aims to unify efforts in attracting tourists and promoting Saudi’s unique tourist destinations and international events held throughout the year.”Carlo Nohra, the Chief Operating Officer at the Saudi Pro League, said: “Our partnership with ‘Saudi, Welcome to Arabia’ reflects RSL’s expanding influence and appeal globally. It embodies our mutual commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering memorable experiences for football fans from around the world. Together, we aim to establish new standards for sports and tourism in the region and showcase the best of Saudi Arabia to the world."The partnership agreement represents a pivotal milestone for RSL, enhancing its international presence and establishing Saudi Arabia as a premier destination for football on the global stage. This collaboration also aligns with RSL's aim to globally expand its fanbase, utilising Saudi Arabia’s renowned attractions and leading position in the tourism sector.
TENNIS - ITF Juniors 14 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: The ITF Pakistan Khawar Hyat Khan Memorial World Junior Championship Leg-1 matches resumed after a day break here at PTF-SDA Tennis Complex Islamabad, as all matches were postponed due to the sudden death of Zainab Ali Naqvi, a junior tennis player from Karachi on Tuesday.Boys’ Singles (Pre-Quarter Finals):Kiagaoge Kang (CHN) beat Howard Chan (HKG) 6-3, 6-2Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Jiwan Park (KOR) 6-3, 6-4Hamza Roman (PAK) beat Ahtesham Humayun (PAK) 6-4, 6-1Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) beat Hamid Israr Gul (PAK) 7-6 (3), 6-4Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Papangkorn Bunyarit (THA) 6-1, 6-1Zhe Jiang (CHN) beat Kieran Lin (USA) 0-6, 6-4, 6-0Ju Hun Choo (KOR) beat Ilya Kryukov 7-5, 6-0Girls’ Singles (Pre-Quarter Finals):Paramee Tadkaew (THA) beat Sheeza Sajid (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Amna Ali Qayum (PAK) beat Deren Cetinakaya (TUR) 6-1, 6-3Stefaniya Neporent beat Jingke YAN (CHN) 6-3, 6-1Jiaxiaoqi WEN (CHN) w/o Ruslana Ruslanova (KAZ)Boys’ Doubles (Pre-Quarter Finals):Dong Hyeon Euom (KOR) / Jiwan Park (KOR) beat Mohammad Kashan Tariq / Amir Mazari (PAK) 6-1, 6-0Ege Avci (TUR) / Dorukl Elbirlik (TUR) beat Mohammad Hamza Aasim / Mohammad Salar Khan (PAK) 6-3, 6-4Ahtesham Humayun / Mohammad Haider Ali Rizwan (PAK) beat Par Chandragholica (THA) / Kieran Lin (USA) 6-4, 6-2Howard Chan (HKG) / Xiuyuan Guo (CHN) beat Papangkorn (THA) / Narathip Rueangsri (THA) 6-3, 6-1Bilal Asim / Ahmed Nael Qureshi (PAK) beat Daniil Varaksa / Akmal Arabdjanov (UZB) 6-4, 6-1.
Yuvraj Singh Joins NY Strikers as Captain and Icon Player
Sports Bulletin Report Dubai (UAE): New York Superstar Strikers proudly announce the signing of cricket legend Yuvraj Singh as the captain and icon player for the upcoming Legends Cricket Trophy Season 2, marking a significant milestone in the team's journey towards sporting excellence. Yuvraj's addition enriches the squad with a depth of expertise, skill, and leadership, fortifying New York Superstar Strikers' readiness to lead in the upcoming edition of the tournament The announcement of Yuvraj Singh's leadership role has elevated the excitement surrounding New York Superstar Strikers' participation in the Legends Cricket Trophy Season 2, igniting enthusiasm among fans and cricket enthusiasts worldwide. With a skilled roster comprising Babar Azam, Rashid Khan, Keiron Pollard Imam Ul Haq, Naseem Shah, Matheesha Pathirana, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Asif Ali, and Mohammad Amir, New York Strikers not only emerge as formidable contenders but also demonstrate the team's dedication to ongoing improvement and triumph.Sagar Khanna expressing his enthusiasm about Yuvraj joining the team, shares, "We are thrilled to have Yuvraj Singh on board as our captain and icon player. His unparalleled talent and proven leadership will undoubtedly elevate the performance of the team."
ICC Ranking: Mohammad Nabi becomes No.1 all-rounder
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): Afghanistan player Mohammad Nabi has ended Shakib Al Hasan’s long tenure as the number one all-rounder in the ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after smashing a fine century in the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Pallekele.Nabi, who has been the number one T20I all-rounder in the past, moved up to the top position in ODIs after his fighting 136 helped him become the oldest player to top the ICC ODI all-rounders’ table at the age of 39 years and one month. Sri Lanka’s Tillkaratne Dilshan held the previous record at 38 years and eight months when he was number one in June 2015.Shakib had been at the top for 1,739 days (since 7 May 2019), which is the longest unbroken stretch anyone has had at the top of the ODI Rankings. His total reign has been for a record 4,276 days, which equates to more than 11 ½ years. Kapil Dev comes next with 3,816 days which includes two stints of 1,376 and 1,375 days.
TABLE TENNIS - National 14 Feb, 2024
Sports Bulletin ReportPESHAWAR: The rising table tennis player, Abdur Rahman Farooq emerged as a prominent figure in table tennis, showcasing his skills, and achievements at various competitions at national levels.Speaking to the media, Farooq expressed his deep passion for table tennis, aspiring to make a name for himself alongside renowned players like Arif Khan, Asim Qureshi, Farjad Saif, and Syed Mohammad Sabtain.Abdur Rahman Farooq has dedicated himself to training under the guidance of coach Mian Absar Ali, as his dedication has been reflected in recent victories, including a silver medal in the table tennis championship on 14th August, gold medals in both the inter-schools and inter-collegiate events, and silver medals in the UAT Expo 2022 Table Tennis and NUST EME Olympiad Tournament. Additionally, Farooq played a crucial role in securing a team event silver at the 28th Junior National Table Tennis Championship 2022, earning praise from provincial association officials, coaches, and senior players.Encouraged by the positive feedback, Abdur Rahman Farooq remains committed, working tirelessly day and night to further enhance his skills. He acknowledges the abundance of talent in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with young players stepping forward. However, he emphasizes the necessity of proper coaching for these emerging talents.While Chinese coaches played a significant role in the past, Abdur Rahman Farooq notes the current involvement of local coaches like Absar Ali and Amna Mahmood, who are guiding and training young children, including girls.
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