Sports Bulletin

Anoosha Nasir and Shawaal Zulfiqar named in the women’s squad for the first timeSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Left-arm spinner Anoosha Nasir and right-handed batter Shawaal Zulfiqar have been rewarded for their strong performances in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and Emerging Women’s Teams Asia Cup with maiden call-ups in Pakistan’s senior women’s squad for the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. The 15-player squad also features Diana Baig who makes a return to international cricket after recovering from a finger injury that she sustained in the third and final One-Day International against Australia in January this year.Pakistan women’s team that have won gold medals in the last two editions, held in Guangzhou, China in 2010 and Incheon, South Korea 2014, and will be aiming for a hat-trick when they feature in this year’s event scheduled to take place from 19 to 26 September. The event will be played in T20 format.Pakistan women’s team as per the ICC T20I rankings and tournament’s rule will feature in the event from the quarter-finals scheduled to take place from 22 to 24 September. The semi-finals will be played on 25 September, while the final will take place on 26 September. The match for Bronze medal will also take place on Tuesday, 26 September.The 15-member squad was finalised after deliberations amongst the women’s selection committee led by Saleem Jaffar, head coach Mark Coles and captain Nida Dar.Squad: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Anoosha Nasir, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi, Nashra Sundhu, Nataliya Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Syeda Aroob Shah and Umm-e-HaniBefore the Asian Games, Pakistan women will feature in the home series against South Africa consisting three T20Is and three ODIs (part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25) in Karachi from 1 to 14 September. The squad for the bilateral series will be announced in due course.Former captain Bismah Maroof has opted out of the Asian Games because of the event’s rules and regulations that do not allow athletes to carry their children.Ayesha Naseem, who featured in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, expressed her desire to retire from the game, which the board accepted. Chief Selector Saleem Jaffar said: “Our squad for the Asian Games represents the future of women's cricket in Pakistan. With a mix of emerging talent and seasoned campaigners, I expect the players to do well in the event.“The Asian Games present a unique opportunity for our young players to showcase their talent on an international stage. We have taken a strategic approach to assemble a squad that complements the conditions of the venue where the matches will take place. Each player's strengths and adaptability to the playing conditions have also been assessed to form a solid squad.”Head of Women Cricket, Tania Mallick said: “Being a part of the Asian Games is an exhilarating experience for our team. It's not just about the competition; it's about camaraderie, sportsmanship, and representing the country with pride. Our players have shown incredible dedication and skill, and now they have a golden opportunity to make history by winning the coveted title for the third time.“The team is unfortunate to miss out on the services of Bismah Maroof for this event as she would not have been able to accompany her infant daughter to the Games village due to the regulations in place.“We also wish the best of luck to Ayesha Naseem in her future endeavours as the PCB understands and respects her decision to quit the game for personal reasons.”Pakistan captain, Nida Dar said: “The Asian Games have witnessed some extraordinary moments for Pakistan women's cricket, and it's an immense privilege to be part of that history. As captain, I am confident in the abilities of my teammates, both the experienced ones and the exciting young talents. Together, we aim to create more unforgettable memories and clinch that third consecutive Gold.“There's a sense of pride and determination within our team as we head to the 19th Asian Games. We know the competition will be tough, but we have a strong belief in our skills and team spirit.“It's disheartening to hear that Bismah Maroof won't be available to join the team due to the protocol of the organisers. As known her for years, I understand how much representing Pakistan means to Bismah.“We have a team of incredibly talented and dedicated players who are ready to seize this opportunity and excel on the big stage. Each one of us is determined to give our absolute best and uphold the legacy of Pakistan women's cricket in the Asian Games.”Player Support staff: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Mark Coles (head coach), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

Tayyab Tahir's ton helps Green Shirts to post a massive triumph against arch-rivalsSports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Tahir’s sparkling century helped Pakistan Shaheens to outclass arch-rival India A by 128 runs in the final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday evening.This was Shaheens’ second successive ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup title, after the side defeated Bangladesh in the 2019 edition final.After being put into bat, the openers provided a solid 121-run start to the innings. Saim Ayub (59, 51b, 7x4s, 2x6s) was the first batter to return to the hut. His opening partner Sahibzada Farhan (65, 62b, 4x4s, 4x6s) was the next batter to be dismissed with 146 runs on the board.After the departure of opening batters, Shaheens were in a spot of bother when they lost three wickets in quick succession. Omair Bin Yousuf (35, 35b,4x4s), Qasim Akram (naught) and captain Mohammad Haris (2, 6b) went back to the pavilion with Shaheens 187 for five in 28.4 overs.At that crucial juncture of the match, Tayyab was joined by Mubasir Khan and the pair stitched 126 runs for the sixth wicket. Right-handed batter Tayyab brought up his fourth List A century off just 66 balls. He was dismissed for 108 off 71 balls, which included 12 fours and four towering sixes.Mubasir’s 47-ball 35 and cameos from Mehran Mumtaz (13, 10b, 2x4s) and Mohammad Wasim Jnr (17 not out, 10b, 1x4, 1x6) helped Shaheens post a mammoth 352 for eight in 50 overs. For India A, Rajvardhan Hangargekar and Riyan Parag bagged two wickets apiece.Chasing 353, India A openers got off to a decent start, stitching a 64-run partnership for the first wicket, but once the opening stand was broken, India A were never in the hunt and were bundled out for 224 in 40 overs.Opening batter Abhishek Sharma top-scored with a 51-ball 61, hitting five fours and a six. For Shaheens, Sufiyan Muqeem bagged three wickets for 66, while Arshad Iqbal, Mehran Mumtaz and Mohammad Wasim Jnr took two wickets each.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat India A by 128 runsPakistan Shaheens 352-8, 50 overs (Tayyab Tahir 108, Sahibzada Farhan 65, Saim Ayub 59, Mubasir Khan 35, Omair Bin Yousuf 35; Riyan Parag 2-24, Rajvardhan Hangargekar 2-48)India A 224 all out, 40 overs (Abishek Sharma 61, Yash Dhull 39; Sufiyan Muqeem 3-66, Mohammad Wasim Jnr 2-26, Mehran Mumtaz 2-30, Arshad Iqbal 2-34)Player of the match: Tayyab Tahir (Pakistan Shaheens)

Nayyab AbdulISLAMABAD: Bangladesh women played a draw match against India after restricting their batters at 225 runs in 49.3 overs in the ICC Women’s Championship 2023 at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Saturday.Bangladesh Women captain Nigar Sultana won the toss and was certain to bat first on a batting-friendly pitch. Bangladesh women lost 4 batters in 50 overs at 225 runs total. Fargana Hoque hit a ton, as she made 107 runs off 160 balls, as she smashed 7 fours. Shamima Sultana scored 52 runs with 5 fours. Nigar Sultana contributed 24 runs with 1 four while Sobhana Mostary 23 runs with 2 fours. Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42) were wicket-taker bowlers for India Women.In reply, Indian Women bundled on 225 runs, as three balls were spared to reach on target. Harleen Deol was the top scorer with 77 runs off 108 balls, as she hit the ball over the rope nine times during her innings. Smriti Mandhana made 59 runs with 5 fours, Jemimah Rodrigues 33 runs, and wasted 45 balls. Harmanpreet Kaur scored 14 runs with the help of 2 boundaries. Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30) were wicket-taker bowlers for Bangladesh Women. Harleen Deol became the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:Bangladesh Women (Batting) 225 for 4 in 50 oversFargana Hoque (107 runs, 160 balls, 4x7, 6x0), Shamima Sultana (52 runs, 78 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Nigar Sultana (24 runs, 36 balls, 4x1, 6x0), Sobhana Mostary (23 runs not out, 22 balls, 4x2, 6x0)India Women (Bowling)Sneh Rana (2 for 45), Devika Vaidya (1 for 42)India Women (Batting) 225 all out in 49.3 oversHarleen Deol (77 runs, 108 balls, 4x9, 6x0), Smriti Mandhana (59 runs, 85 balls, 4x5, 6x0), Jemimah Rodrigues (33 runs not out, 45 balls, 4x0, 6x0), Harmanpreet Kaur (14 runs, 21 balls, 4x2, 6x0)Bangladesh Women (Bowling)Nahida Akter (3 for 37), Marufa Akter (2 for 55), Rabeya Khan (1 for 30)

Pakistan thrash Sri Lanka by 60 runs, Arshad Iqbal's five-fer takes Shaheens to finalSports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Pakistan qualified for the final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup after beating hosts Sri Lankan by 60 runs, as Arshad Iqbal’s five-wicket haul and half-centuries by Omair Bin Yousuf and Mohammad Haris led to a big win at the P Saravanamuttu Stadium in Colombo on Friday.Defending champions Shaheens will now play against the winners of the second semi-final which is taking place between Bangladesh A at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The final will take place on Sunday at the R Premadasa Stadium, where the first ball will be bowled at 1400 local time.Chasing 323 to win, Sri Lanka A lost three wickets in quick succession with 33 runs on the board. Opening batter Avishka Fernando and Sahan Arachchige got together and added 128 runs for the fourth wicket. After the departure of Fernando (97, 85b, 12x4s, 2x6s), Sri Lanka A lost wickets at regular intervals which included prized scalp of Arachchige (97, 109b, 12x4s, 1x6) and were bundled out for 262 in 45.4 overs. Arshad ended up with match figures of 7.4-0-37-5 – his maiden List A five-wicket haul. Mubasir Khan and Sufiyan Muqeem grabbed two wickets each.Earlier after opting to bat first, Shaheens lost opening batter Sahibzada Farhan (12, 22b, 1x4) in the sixth over to Lahiru Samarakoon. Saim Ayub was joined by Omair Bin Yousuf and the pair added 37 runs for the second wicket before Saim was caught behind for 22 off 41 balls, which included three fours as Shaheens’ scorecard read 61 for two in 13 overs.Omair – the top run-getter for his side in today’s match – partnered with Tayyab Tahir (26, 26b, 4x4s) and stitched a 61-run partnership for the third wicket. After Tayyab and Qasim’s departure with the score at 145 for four in 26 overs, captain Mohammad Haris and Omair knitted a 48-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Omair scored 88 off 79 balls, smashing 10 fours and a six. Haris and Mubasir (42, 45b, 2x4s, 2x6s) added another 73 valuable runs for the sixth wicket. Haris made a quick-fire 43-ball 52, hitting five boundaries. Shaheens were dismissed for 322 on the final ball of the innings.For Sri Lanka A, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Samarakoon and Pramod Madushan bagged two wickets each.Scores in brief:Pakistan Shaheens beat Sri Lanka A by 60 runsPakistan Shaheens 322 all out, 50 overs (Omair Bin Yousuf 88, Mohammad Haris 52, Mubasir Khan 42; Lahiru Samarakoon 2-42, Chamika Karunaratne 2-55, Pramod Madushan 2-56)Sri Lanka A 262 all out, 45.4 overs (Avishka Fernando 97, Sahan Arachchige 97; Arshad Iqbal 5-37, Sufyan Muqeem 2-44, Mubasir Khan 2-45)Player of the match – Arshad Iqbal (Pakistan Shaheens) 

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): India A defeated Shaheens by eight wickets in their final group match of the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.This was Shaheens’ first defeat in the eight-team tournament. Shaheens will now feature in the first semi-final against Sri Lanka A on Friday at the P Sara Oval, while India A will take on Bangladesh A in the second semi-final on the same day at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.In today’s match, after opting to bat first, Shaheens lost wickets at regular intervals and were reeling at 95 for six before Qasim Akram and Mubasir Khan got together and stitched a 53-run partnership for the seventh wicket. After the departure of Mubasir (28, 38b, 4x4s), left-handed Mehran Mumtaz joined Qasim and the duo knitted 43 runs for the eighth wicket before Qasim returned back to the hut top-scoring for his side with a 63-ball 48, hitting five fours.Shaheens were dismissed for 205 in 48 overs with Mehran returning undefeated on 25 off 26 balls, which included one four and a six.For India A, Rajvardhan Hangargekar was the most successful bowler taking five wickets for 42 in eight overs. Manav Suthar bagged three wickets for 36 in 10 overs.In return, India A achieved the target in 36.4 overs on the back of an unbeaten 104 from opening batter Sai Sudharsan. Sudharsan’s innings included 10 fours and three sixes which came off 110 balls. Nikin Jose was the other significant contributor with the bat, scoring a 64-ball 53, which included seven boundaries.Scores in brief:India A beat Shaheens by eight wicketsPakistan Shaheens 205 all out, 48 overs (Qasim Akram 48, Sahibzada Farhan 35, Mubasir Khan 28, Haseebullah 27, Mehran Mumtaz 25 not out; Rajvardhan Hangargekar 5-42, Manav Suthar 3-36)India A 210-2, 36.4 overs (Sai Sudharsan 104 not out, Nikin Jose 53, Yash Dhull 21 not out)Player of the match – Sai Sudharsan (India A) 

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced the schedule of the Men’s ODI Asia Cup 2023. The 50-over format tournament will be held from 30 August to 17 September with Event Host Pakistan staging four matches and Sri Lanka holding nine matches.Four venues will be used for the 13-match competition. In Pakistan, Multan will host the tournament opener between Pakistan and Nepal on 30 August before the action shifts to Lahore for the remaining three matches. Sri Lanka will use Kandy for the three first round matches and Colombo for the five Super-4 stage fixtures and the 17 September final.Sri Lanka will open their campaign against Bangladesh in Kandy on 31 August, while India’s first match in the tournament will be against Pakistan in Kandy on 2 September. If both Pakistan and India progress to the Super-4 stage, they will meet again in Colombo on 10 September.After hosting the tournament opener in Multan, the remaining three matches in Pakistan will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. On 3 September, Bangladesh and Afghanistan will go head to head, before Afghanistan will take on Sri Lanka on 5 September. If all goes according to the pre-event seeding, then Pakistan will take on Bangladesh in both sides’ first Super-4 match on 6 September.Pakistan and India are seeded as A1 and A2, respectively with Nepal as the third side in Group A, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are seeded as B1 and B2 in Group B, respectively with Afghanistan as the third side. If Nepal and Afghanistan progress to the Super-4 stage from their respective groups, they will take the seeding of the sides that have dropped out in the first round.Jay Shah, President of the Asian Cricket Council said:“We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023, a celebration of cricketing excellence that unites the nations of Asia in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. As President of the Asian Cricket Council, I extend my warmest regards and heartfelt wishes to all participating teams.“The Asia Cup holds a special place in the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the continent. It goes beyond being just a tournament; it symbolises the rich tapestry of cultures, traditions and shared passion for the game that binds our diverse nations together. This prestigious event not only showcases the cricketing prowess of the players but also fosters a sense of unity and brotherhood among Asian countries.“Let the tournament be a celebration of cricket’s beauty, a display of sporting excellence and a reflection of the unity that binds our nations together. Together, let us witness cricketing magic unfold, as each match becomes a chapter in a larger narrative of friendship and sportsmanship.“On behalf of the Asian Cricket Council and cricket lovers across Asia, I extend my gratitude to the fellow board members, teams, organisers, sponsors and fans who make this event possible. Your unwavering support is the driving force behind the success of the Asia Cup.“May the Men's ODI Asia Cup 2023 be an unforgettable journey, filled with moments of triumph, joy, and togetherness. Let us come together to witness the best of Asian cricket.”Zaka Ashraf, Chair of the PCB Management Committee said:“As Event Hosts, the ACC’s Asia Cup 2023 schedule announcement provides us absolute clarity on how we will plan and deliver this tournament so that it is enjoyable for the participants and the fans. Our arrangements and hospitality are second to none and this will be a great opportunity to once again showcase this at an international level.“For Pakistan, it will be the homecoming of the ACC Asia Cup after 15 long years. Our fans have waited for this for a long time and, as such, we look forward to making it bigger and better so that the fans and participants can start counting down days leading up to the ICC Champions Trophy, which Pakistan will host in February 2025.“I want to congratulate Nepal on qualifying for the Asia Cup and look forward to welcoming them along with Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have previously played in Pakistan, it will be the first of many times for Nepal and Afghanistan, and I remain confident they will take away memories that will stay with them for a very long time.“I am extremely happy for the Multan fans who will be the host of the ACC Asia Cup 2023 opener and will see their national side in action in a multi-team tournament for the first time since 1994. It remains one of my top priorities to ensure competitive cricket returns to historic venues across the country.“From the Pakistan team’s perspective, it will be an excellent opportunity for them to play in high-profile pressure matches and also aim to reclaim the title they last won in 2012. They have all the potential and capability to do that and a strong performance in the Asia Cup will give them the encouragement and confidence for subsequent series and events.”MEN’S ODI ASIA CUP 2023 SCHEDULE:Group A – Pakistan (A1), India (A2) and Nepal (Nepal will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage) Group B – Sri Lanka (B1), Bangladesh (B2) and Afghanistan (Afghanistan will take position of the side, which fails to progress to the Super-4 stage)30 Aug – Pakistan v Nepal, Multan Cricket Stadium, Multan, Pakistan31 Aug – Bangladesh v Sri Lanka, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, Sri Lanka2 Sep – Pakistan v India, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka3 Sep – Bangladesh v Afghanistan, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan4 Sep – India v Nepal, Pallekele International Cricket stadium Kandy, Sri Lanka5 Sep – Afghanistan v Sri Lanka, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan6 Sep – A1 v B2 (Super-4), Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, Pakistan9 Sep – B1 v B2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka10 Sep – A1 v A2 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka12 Sep – A2 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka14 Sep – A1 v B1 (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka15 Sep – A2 v B2, (Super-4), R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka17 Sep – Final - 1 v 2, R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium (RPICS), Colombo, Sri Lanka18 Sep – Reserve day for the final  

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: Pakistan Blinds cricket team will meet traditional foes India in the IBSA Blind World Games 2023 on August 20 in Birmingham, United Kingdom (UK), as five teams including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, England, and Australia will fight for the title.According to an official of the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council (PBCC), the schedule for the upcoming Cricket Competition of the IBSA World Games took place in Birmingham UK. The Pakistan Team is scheduled to visit on 17th August 2023 and will face their arch-rivals India, in their first match on 20th August 2023.Schedule:20-08-23 (England vs Australia), and (India vs Pakistan)21-08-23 (England vs Bangladesh), and (India vs Australia)22-08-23 (England vs India), and (Pakistan vs Bangladesh)23-08-23 (Australia vs Pakistan), and (India vs Bangladesh)24-08-23 (England vs Pakistan), and (Australia vs Bangladesh)25-08-23 (Group 2nd Place vs Group 3rd Place)26-08-23 (Group Winner vs Semifinal Winner)

Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today (Tuesday) announced its men’s side will play 10 additional T20Is against New Zealand in the 2023-24 season as part of its strategic decision to provide best preparation opportunities for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.Following three ICC World Test Championship matches in Australia from 14 December to 7 January, Pakistan will travel to New Zealand for five T20Is, which will kick-start their T20 World Cup preparations. These matches will be held from 12-21 January.Schedule:12 Jan – 1st T20I, Auckland14 Jan – 2nd T20I, Hamilton17 Jan – 3rd T20I, Dunedin19 Jan – 4th T20I, Christchurch21 Jan – 5th T20I, ChristchurchIn turn, New Zealand will make a return visit to Pakistan in April 2024 for five T20Is to fill the vacant window. Details of the series will be released closer to time.The additional series will mean in the lead up to the T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by the West Indies and the USA in June 2024, Pakistan will play 19 T20Is (10 vs New Zealand, three vs the Netherlands, two vs Ireland and four vs England). In addition to the 19 international matches, the PCB will also host its own cut-throat HBL Pakistan Super League 2024 in February/March 2024.To schedule the additional T20Is, the Pakistan Cricket Board, in consultation with Cricket West Indies and New Zealand Cricket, has made slight changes to its Future Tours Programme 2023-2025.The two ICC World Test Championship fixtures against the West Indies, originally planned in Pakistan in February 2024, will now be held in January 2025. Likewise, Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand for three ODIs and five T20Is, originally scheduled in January 2025, will now take place in April 2025.Pakistan and New Zealand recently played a highly-competitive and entertaining five-match T20I series in April/May in Lahore and Rawalpindi, which ended in a two-all draw. Prior to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia, Pakistan had featured and won the T20I series in Christchurch with Bangladesh as the third side.New Zealand and Pakistan are ranked third and fourth, respectively in the ICC T20I Team Rankings with just two points separating them.ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25Meanwhile, Pakistan women’s cricket team’s schedule of matches in New Zealand have also been confirmed.The side will play three T20Is in Dunedin and Queenstown from 3-9 December, before taking on New Zealand in three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 ODIs from 12-18 December in Queenstown and Christchurch.Schedule:3 Dec – 1st T20I, Dunedin5 Dec – 2nd T20I, Dunedin9 Dec – 3rd T20I, Queenstown12 Dec – 1st ODI, Queenstown (ICC Women’s Championship)15 Dec – 2nd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)18 Dec – 3rd ODI, Christchurch (ICC Women’s Championship)The ICC Women’s Championship series against New Zealand will be Pakistan’s third of the year following their home series against South Africa in Karachi from 1-14 September and October’s away series against Bangladesh. Their last two series in the ICC Women’s Championship will be against the West Indies (home, April 2024) and England (away, May 2024).Pakistan has to date played three series, defeating Sri Lanka (2-1) and Ireland (3-0), and losing (3-0) to Australia. Both Pakistan and New Zealand have played three series of nine ODIs each and have 10 points apiece.Pakistan men’s revised Future Tours Programme 2023-2025 (all Tests count towards the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025)2023-24July – Pakistan to Sri Lanka (two Tests) (ongoing)August – Pakistan to Afghanistan (three ODIs)September – ACC 50-over Asia Cup in Pakistan and Sri LankaOctober/November – ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023December/January – Pakistan to Australia (three Tests)January – Pakistan to New Zealand (5T20Is)April – New Zealand to Pakistan (5 T20Is)May – Pakistan to the Netherlands (three T20Is), Ireland (two T20Is) and England (four T20Is)June – ICC Men’s T20 World Cup USA/West Indies 20242024-25August – Bangladesh in Pakistan (two Tests)October – England in Pakistan (three Tests)November – Pakistan to Australia (three ODIs and three T20Is)November/December – Pakistan to Zimbabwe (three ODIs and three T20Is)December/January – Pakistan to South Africa (two Tests, three ODIs, three T20Is)January – West Indies in Pakistan (two Tests)February – New Zealand and South Africa in Pakistan (ODI tri-series)February/March – ICC Champions Trophy Pakistan 2025April – Pakistan to New Zealand (three ODIs and five T20Is)May – Bangladesh in Pakistan (three ODIs and three T20Is)

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The drafting of the Khatri Premier League season 2 organized by the Muslim Khatri community has been completed last night in a very spectacular and colorful ceremony at Noorani Eid Gah XI New Karachi. Senior and young players of the Muslim Khatri community participated in the ceremony. International and first-class players will also be seen in action. After the great success of Khatri Premier League Season 1, Khatri Premier League Season 2 will start from August 19, like last year, with the opening match of SJAS Media XI and Pakistan Showbiz XI. While the league matches of the event will be played from August 20 to September 17, 2023 in the floodlights of Asghar Ali Shah Stadium. On the occasion of drafting, MQM Pakistan leader Farooq Sattar and world-renowned Naat Khawan Alhaj Mahmood Al Hasan Ashrafi were the special guests. Mahmood Al Hasan Ashrafi started the ceremony by reciting the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif and Qaseida Burda Sharif in his unique style. After that, the special guest Farooq Sattar announced the drafting by reading the Quran.Rachiya Fighters owners Yasin Munim, Yusuf Chowdary, Razzaq Aliji, Hanif Sagar, Fayyaz Thattwi, Jabar Dawana, Ismail Sonija, and Usman Tar finalized their teams along with tournament secretary Sadiq Khatri, officials, Shahid Tau, team captains. The official kits were presented and the draft was opened. Chief guest Farooq Sattar said:“There is immense talent in Karachi in every field, it is necessary that these youths are provided ample opportunities, then these youths will go ahead and become the name of their city and country. I congratulate the Muslim Khatri community and management for organizing Khatri Premier Season 2 and organizing a wonderful drafting ceremony.”Secretary of the tournament Sadiq Khatri thanked the guest of honor and the franchisees, honorees, and sponsors for their cooperation. In the ceremony, Muslim Khatri Association President Liaqat Ali Khedi Member Ismail MP, Muslim Khatri community dignitaries Abdul Karim Niazi, Dr. Abdul Wahab, Rafi Haveli, Hanif Zirwala, Noman Zehri, Adnan Ziri Allah former cricketer and coach Zafar Ahmed, tournament secretary Sadiq Khatri, Shahid Tau Akbar Ali, and other guests attended.

Sports Bulletin ReportColombo (Sri Lanka): Pakistan A beat Nepal by 4 wickets in the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Men’s Emerging Cup 2023 at Colombo Cricket Club Ground on Friday.Nepal captain Rohit Paudel won the toss and decided to bat first. Nepal managed 179 runs in 37 overs after losing all ten batters. Sompal Kami was the top scorer with 75 runs off 101 balls, as he hit 9 fours and 2 sixes. Pratis GC made 26 runs with 1 four and 2 sixes, Kushal Malla smashed 17 runs with 2 boundaries and 1 six, Arjun Saud made 17 runs with 2 fours and 1 six. Shahnawaz Dahani (5 for 38), Mohammad Wasim (4 for 51), Mubasir Khan (1 for 23) were wicket-taker bowlers for Pakistan A.In reply, Pakistan A made 181 for 6 runs in 32.5 overs. Tayyab Tahir was the top scorer with 51 runs off 67 balls, as he hit 6 fours. Omair Yousuf made 36 runs with 4 fours, Kamran Ghulam smashed 31 runs with 1 four and 2 sixes, Saim Ayub scored 24 runs with the help of 3 boundaries and 1 six. Lalit Rajbanshi (3 for 50), Pawan Sarraf (2 for 15), Kushal Malla (1 for 22) were wicket-taker bowlers for Nepal. Shahnawaz Dahani got the “Man of the Match” award.Summarized Scorecard:Nepal (Batting) 179 runs all out in 37 oversSompal Kami (75 runs, 101 balls, 4x9, 6x2), Pratis GC (26 runs, 24 balls, 4x1, 6x2), Kushal Malla (17 runs, 18 balls, 4x2, 6x1), Arjun Saud (17 runs, 20 balls, 4x2, 6x1)Pakistan A (Bowling)Shahnawaz Dahani (5 for 38), Mohammad Wasim (4 for 51), Mubasir Khan (1 for 23)Pakistan A (Batting) 181 for 6 in 32.5 oversTayyab Tahir (51 runs, 67 balls, 4x6, 6x0), Omair Yousuf (36 runs, 40 balls, 4x4, 6x0), Kamran Ghulam (31 runs, 26 balls, 4x1, 6x2), Saim Ayub (24 runs, 25 balls, 4x3, 6x1)Nepal (Bowling)Lalit Rajbanshi (3 for 50), Pawan Sarraf (2 for 15), Kushal Malla (1 for 22)