Sports Bulletin

Eight teams to participate in national fixture: Opening ceremony at Shalimar groundAbdul Jabbar FaisalISLAMABAD: The 14th National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) T-20 Blind Cricket Trophy Grade-1 will get underway from November 13, 2023 at Shalimar cricket ground under the banner of Pakistan Blinds’ Cricket Council (PBCC). The final will be played on November 17 at the same venue.According to an official of PBCC, Eight top teams across the country will fight for the title during the 5-day prestigious blind cricket fixture. Teams have been divided into two pools, as the matches will be played at Shalimar Cricket Ground Margalla Road F-6/3 Islamabad and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Cricket Ground E-9 Islamabad.The inauguration ceremony will take place on Monday at 11:00 AM at Shalimar Cricket Stadium Margalla Road F-6/3 Islamabad. The semifinals and the final will be played on 16th and 17th of November 2023 respectively at the Shalimar Cricket Ground.Pool (A): Islamabad, Bahawalpur, Gujranwala, MultanPool (B): Lahore, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), Peshawar, OkaraSchedule (Date & Venue):November 13, 2023: Islamabad Vs Gujranwala at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: AJK Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: Bahawalpur Vs Multan at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 13, 2023: Peshawar Vs Lahore at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: AJK Vs Peshawar at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Bahawalpur Vs Gujranwala at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Lahore Vs Okara at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 14, 2023: Islamabad Vs Multan at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Lahore Vs AJK at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Peshawar Vs Okara at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Islamabad Vs Bahawalpur at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 15, 2023: Gujranwala Vs Multan at PAF Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 16, 2023: 1st Semi-Final (1AVs 2B) at Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 16, 2023: 2nd Semi-Final (1B Vs 2A) Shalimar Cricket Ground IslamabadNovember 17, 2023: Final at Shalimar Cricket Ground Islamabad

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Noah Croes as a replacement for Ryan Klein in the Netherlands squad.Croes, who has played one ODI, was named as a replacement after Klein was ruled out due to a lower back injury. The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket and ETC Chair), Chris Tetley (ICC Head of Events), Hemang Amin (Acting CEO - BCCI), Gaurav Saxena (General Manager – Operations, BCCI), Russel Arnold and Simon Doull (Independent Representatives). 

Sports Bulletin ReportLONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the Central Contract offers for England Men's international cricket for the year from 1 October 2023.The system, which covers both red-ball and white-ball players, considers the likelihood of players featuring in England teams across formats over the next period while recognising performances in the preceding year. Multi-year contracts have been awarded for the first time since central contracts were established in 2000. The ECB has worked closely with the Professional Cricketers’ Association and Team England Player Partnership on behalf of the players to reach an outcome for all parties.In total, 29 players have received Central Contract offers - 18 England Multi-Year Central Contracts, eight England Annual Central Contracts, and three England Development Contracts.England Three-Year Central Contracts: Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Joe Root (Yorkshire), Mark Wood (Durham)England Two-Year Central Contracts: Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire), Jofra Archer (Sussex), Gus Atkinson (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Brydon Carse (Durham), Zak Crawley (Kent), Sam Curran (Surrey), Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire), Liam Livingstone (Lancashire), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Josh Tongue (Nottinghamshire – from 1 November), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)England One-Year Central Contracts: Moeen Ali (Warwickshire), James Anderson (Lancashire), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Ben Stokes (Durham), Reece Topley (Surrey)England Development Contracts: Matthew Fisher (Yorkshire), Saqib Mahmood (Lancashire), John Turner (Hampshire)Seven players (Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue) receive an England Central Contract offer for the first time. Yorkshire batter Dawid Malan also returns to an annual contract after missing out last year.Matthew Fisher, Saqib Mahmood and John Turner are offered Development Contracts to support the development of high-potential talent.Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, Rob Key, said: "We are rewarding those players who we expect to make a significant impact over the coming years playing for England."It is great news and a credit to the players for demonstrating their commitment to English cricket in the ever-changing landscape of the sport."I would like to congratulate all the players who have been offered contracts. They will play a pivotal role in England's efforts over the next few years.”

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The Event Technical Committee of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has approved Chamika Karunaratne as a replacement for Dasun Shanaka in the Sri Lankan squad.Karunaratne who has played 23 ODIs, was named as a replacement after Shanaka was ruled out due to a right thigh muscle injury sustained during Sri Lanka’s match against Pakistan on 10 October. The injury needs three weeks to recover.The replacement of a player requires the approval of the Event Technical Committee before the replacement player can be officially added to the squad.The Event Technical committee of the (name the ICC event) consists of Wasim Khan (ICC General Manager – Cricket & ETC Chair), Chris Tetley (ICC Head of Events), Hemang Amin (Acting CEO - BCCI), Gaurav Saxena (General Manager – Operations, BCCI), Russel Arnold (Independent Representative), Simon Doull (Independent Representative).

Quinton de Kock scores 109 runs including eights fours and five huge sixes in 106 ballsSports Bulletin ReportLucknow (India): South Africa defeated Australia by 134 runs in the Cricket World Cup 2023 at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow India on Thursday. Australian skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and asked Temba Bavuma to bat first.South African opening batters Quinton de Kock and Temba provided a solid foundation to their team and made 108 runs for the first wicket in 19.4 overs. Quinton de Kock b Maxwell scored 109 off 106 balls, as his innings was laced with eight fours and five massive sixes. Skipper Temba Bavuma contributed 35 runs after lasting 55 balls, as he smashed a couple of fours.Summarized Scorecard:Toss: Australia won the toss and elected to field firstSouth Africa (Batting): (311 for 7 in 50 overs)Quinton de Kock b Maxwell 109 (106 balls, 4x8, 6x5), Aiden Markram c Hazlewood b Cummins 56 (44 balls, 4x7, 6x1), Temba Bavuma c Warner b Maxwell 35 (55 balls 4x2, 6x0), Rassie van der Dussen c sub (SA Abbott) b Zampa 26 (30 balls, 4x2, 6x0), Heinrich Klaasen c †Inglis b Hazlewood 29 (27 balls, 4x3, 6x0)      Australia (Bowling):Glenn Maxwell (2 for 34), Mitchell Starc (2 for 53), Adam Zampa (1 for 70), Josh Hazlewood (1 for 60), Pat Cummins (1 for 71)Australia (Batting): 177 all out in 40.5 overs Steven Smith lbw b Rabada 19 (16 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Marnus Labuschagne c Bavuma b Maharaj 46 (74 balls, 4x3, 6x0), Mitchell Starc c †de Kock b Jansen 27 (51 balls, 4x3, 6x0), Pat Cummins (c) c Miller b Shamsi 22 (21 balls, 4x4, 6x0)South Africa (Bowling):Lungi Ngidi (1 for 18), Marco Jansen (2 for 54), Kagiso Rabada (3 for 33), Keshav Maharaj (2 for 30), Tabraiz Shamsi (2 for 38)South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi,Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood  

Quinton de Kock scores 109 runs including eights fours and five huge sixes in 106 ballsSports Bulletin ReportLucknow (India): South Africa set 312 runs target for Australia to post a victory in the Cricket World Cup 2023, which is being played at Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow India. Australian skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and asked Temba Bavuma to bat first.South African opening batters Quinton de Kock and Temba provided a solid foundation to their team and made 108 runs for the first wicket in 19.4 overs. Quinton de Kock b Maxwell scored 109 off 106 balls, as his innings was laced with eight fours and five massive sixes. Skipper Temba Bavuma contributed 35 runs after lasting 55 balls, as he smashed a couple of fours.Summarized Scorecard:Toss: Australia won the toss and elected to field firstSouth Africa (Batting):Quinton de Kock b Maxwell 109 (106 balls, 4x8, 6x5), Aiden Markram c Hazlewood b Cummins 56 (44 balls, 4x7, 6x1), Temba Bavuma c Warner b Maxwell 35 (55 balls 4x2, 6x0), Rassie van der Dussen c sub (SA Abbott) b Zampa 26 (30 balls, 4x2, 6x0)  Australia (Bowling):Glenn Maxwell (2 for 34), Adam Zampa (1 for 70), Josh Hazlewood (1 for 56)Australia (Batting): South Africa (Bowling):South Africa (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi,Australia (Playing XI): David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wicketkeeper), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood  

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Nida Dar will continue to lead Pakistan women’s team as the national selection committee headed by Saleem Jaffar announced a 15-member squad for the Bangladesh tour scheduled to take place later this month.Pakistan will depart for Bangladesh on 20 October to feature in a six-match white-ball series which also includes three ODIs, part of the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. The series itinerary will be announced in due course by the home board.The experienced Iram Javed stages a comeback to the national side after a gap of one year. The right-handed batter last played for Pakistan in the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in 2022. Iram also featured for Super Women against Amazons in the three women’s exhibition T20 matches earlier this year in Rawalpindi.Shawaal Zulfiqar and Syeda Aroob Shah have been excluded from the squad that played against South Africa last month in the white-ball series in Karachi, while Fatima Sana, who got injured in the second ODI against South Africa, is still in the process of recovering. Both Shawaal and Aroob are part of the 28 probables of the Pakistan women's emerging team taking part in the training camp in Muridke. The emerging team will play a bilateral series and a triangular tournament involving West Indies and Thailand's emerging cricket teams later this month.Pakistan squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Diana Baig, Ghulam Fatima, Iram Javed, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarNon-travelling reserves: Amber Kainat, Omaima Sohail and Sidra Nawaz (wk)Player support personnel: Nahida Khan (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufiq Umar (batting coach), Abdur Rehman (spin bowling coach for camp only) Muhammad Asfand Yar (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rifat Asghar Gill (physiotherapist) and Zubair Ahmed (analyst)Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar: “Our selection committee has carefully deliberated over the squad for the Bangladesh tour, aiming to strike the right balance between bat and ball, as we believe this squad is well-equipped to face the challenges in Bangladesh.“Young Shawaal Zulfiqar has been omitted from the squad as she requires more grooming before representing again at the international level. The members of the selection committee have recalled experienced Iram Javed in the squad. Iram’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen our batting order in Bangladesh conditions.“Fatima Sana is on the road to recovery, and we are committed to giving her the time she needs to be fully prepared for the upcoming away series against New Zealand where the selection committee feels the right-arm fast bowler will be more productive.”

Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The International Cricket Council (ICC) today revealed the latest crop of international stars shortlisted for the ICC Men’s and Women’s Player of the Month awards following an action-packed month of cricket in September.The three-person ICC Men’s Player of the Month shortlist features one of England’s prolific short-format batters and an Indian duo that were instrumental in their trophy-winning Asia Cup campaign last month.Mohammed Siraj enjoyed a return to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI rankings for bowlers in late September, and was the chief architect of India’s success in the final with a remarkable bowling display. Joining him on the shortlist is Shubman Gill, hoping to win his second Player of the Month prize after his run-scoring heroics in the Asia Cup continued into the subsequent ODI series against Australia. England’s Dawid Malan completes the lineup, nominated for the first time after a superb showing in the series against New Zealand.The shortlist for the ICC Women’s Player of the Month Award features a young South African duo that recorded an impressive T20I win in Pakistan, and Sri Lanka’s influential skipper, who led them to a historic T20I series victory in England.ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:Shubman Gill (IND):The Indian batter has enjoyed a hugely successful 2023 so far, and could potentially be in line to win his second Player of the Month accolade after runs again came flooding in during September. The 24-year-old registered 480 runs at an average of 80 in his eight ODIs during the month, with notable highlights including a stylish century against Bangladesh in Colombo, and 74 and 104 in back-to-back games against Australia.Dawid Malan (ENG):The England batter arrived into the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in sublime form in ODI cricket, scooping the Player of the Series award in the recent victory over New Zealand at home. His scores during the series progressed with each match. After a half-century in the second fixture, he came within a whisker of three figures with 96 at the Oval, before he passed the landmark in the final outing across London at Lord’s. His 277 ODI runs in September came at an average of 92.33.Mohammed Siraj (IND):The pacer returned to the summit of the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI bowler rankings in September thanks to a glittering performance to dismantle Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup final in Colombo. Siraj took 11 wickets in total across six ODIs, but his month will be remembered for the memorable way in which he tore into the defending champions, bowling them out for 50 runs, taking six wickets for 21 which included a four-wicket over.ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for September:Chamari Athapaththu (SL):Sri Lanka’s iconic skipper was at the peak of her powers in the T20I series against England in September. After narrowly losing the rain-effected first contest, Athapaththu registered back-to-back Player of the Match performances to clinch their maiden victory over the home side in any format. Her trademark explosive batting and economical bowling helped restrict England to low totals in the second and third matches. A terrific 55 runs in 31 balls in the second match was followed by a match-winning 44 in 28 balls in the decisive encounter, along with three priceless England wickets.Nadine de Klerk (SA):The South African all-rounder celebrates her first nomination in the Player of the Month awards after valuable runs and wickets helped claim ODI victories over Pakistan and New Zealand last month. De Klerk chipped in with scores throughout September, only being dismissed once, and scoring 171 runs including successive half-centuries. The Player of the Series against Pakistan also impressed with the ball, recording 13 wickets in her five ODI outings at a superb average of 12.76.Laura Wolvaardt (SA):Despite losing the T20I series 3-0 against Pakistan, Wolvaardt was named Player of the Series after amassing 157 runs in her three matches. A quiet ODI series against Pakistan followed before the South African once again rediscovered her form, this time against New Zealand, striking a classy half-century before an unbeaten 124 saw her side confirm the series win and Wolvaardt claim another Player of the Series prize.

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Iftikhar Ahmed and Iqbal Sheikh, both part of PCB Elite Panel of Match Referees will lead the playing control team in the six-match series between Pakistan U19 and Sri Lanka U19 in Karachi from 15 to 31 October.The solitary four-day match will be played from 15 to 18 October at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi. ICC/PCB International Panel of Umpires Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz will perform the duties of on-field umpires in the match, while Imtiaz Iqbal will be reserve umpire from PCB Elite Panel of Umpires. Iqbal Sheikh will be serving as the match referee.The four-day match will be followed by five 50-over matches and will be played from 22 to 31 October at the same venue. Asif Yaqoob, Imran Jawed and Imtiaz Iqbal, will form the umpiring panel for the one-day matches.The only four-day match will begin at 1000, while toss will take place at 0930 PKT. The first ball in the One-Day matches will be bowled at 0930 PKT.Names of Umpires and match referees:15-18 October – Four-day match. Asif Yaqoob and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iqbal Sheikh (match referee)22 October – First One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)24 October – Second One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)27 October – Third One-Day match. Imran Jawed and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)29 October – Fourth One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imtiaz Iqbal (on-field umpires), Imran Jawed (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee)31 October – Fifth One-Day match. Asif Yaqoob and Imran Jawed (on-field umpires), Imtiaz Iqbal (reserve umpire); Iftikhar Ahmed (match referee).

Sports Bulletin ReportHyderabad (India): Pakistan will face Sri Lanka in their second match of Cricket World Cup 2023 here at Rajeev Gandhi International Cricket Stadium today (October 10) afternoon. Pakistan defeated Holland by 81 runs in their previous match at the same venue. Sri Lanka lost their first match against South Africa. Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.Sri Lanka squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.