Cricket - Int News
Warner and Matthews named ICC Players of the Month
Aamir Ali Janjua
DUBAI (December 13, 2021):-Australia opener David Warner and West Indies all-rounder Hayley Matthews have been adjudged the ICC Players of the Month for November after their superb performances during the voting period.
Warner’s crucial efforts in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 helped him pip Pakistan opener Abid Ali and New Zealand seam bowler Tim Southee to grab the men’s award while Matthews’s all-round show in ODIs won her the women’s award ahead of left-arm spinners Anam Amin of Pakistan and Nahida Akter of Bangladesh.
Warner won the award on his maiden nomination following his Player of the Tournament show at the T20 World Cup, in which he smashed 53 in the final against New Zealand after 49 in the semifinal against Pakistan. He was also named Player of the Match in an earlier Super 12s match against the West Indies for a blistering 89 not out off 56 balls. Warner aggregated 209 runs at an average of 69.66 and a strike rate of 151.44 in four T20Is during the period.
Jury member Russel Arnold said about Warner: “David was back to his scintillating best during the T20 World Cup and his aggression at the top of the order was outstanding. His 209 runs at a strike rate of 151 in four innings simply tells the story. There was no recovering from the early onslaught by Warner and his stroke play was pleasing to the eye.”
Matthews won the award on her second nomination. She was earlier nominated in July along with captain Stafanie Taylor, who was the winner then. Matthews scored 141 runs and grabbed nine wickets at an average of 13.11 during the period. She starred in a series win over Pakistan, scoring 57 runs and taking three for 31 in the first match before a four for 26 runs in the second.
Jury member Irfan Pathan said about Matthews: “Hayley was the star, performing with both bat and ball. Her all-round performance was one of the reasons the West Indies won against Pakistan, and she deserves to be the women’s Player of the Month.”
Wahab Riaz rates Rohit, Babar and De Villiers as top batsmen
Special Report
Colombo, Sri Lanka (December 13, 2021):-Jaffna Kings fast bowler Wahab Riaz, who has already picked five wickets in three games at the ongoing Lanka Premier League 2021 season, went on to name his picks for top fast bowlers and batsmen in the world at the moment, and he included India pacer Jasprit Bumrah and opening batsman Rohit Sharma in the list.
In a recent interaction, Riaz was asked to name some of the best fast bowlers in the world at the moment, and he went on to praise Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mitchell Starc.
"They have a lot of capability. They read the game and execute their plans really well. If they require yorkers, or if they require slow ones, they would read the wicket and bowl accordingly," Riaz said.
The Pakistan speedster was also asked to name the batsmen he finds difficult to bowl to and he picked AB de Villiers' and also explained the reasons behind the same.
"There are a lot of such players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam who are hard to bowl to. But one player I have always been afraid to bowl to is AB de Villiers. He always knows what is coming next from me. He reads the game well, and always plays well against me," Riaz added.
The Pakistan speedster further went on to describe his Jaffna Kings teammate Wanindu Hasaranga as the best leg-spinner in the world right now and credited him for the team's success this season so far.
"If I am honest, Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the best leg-spinners right now in the world. Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana have been really good this season for our team. They really set the tones in the powerplay overs by taking wickets and restricting the opposition," Riaz said.
Kings have won 4 out of 5 games so far in the season and are currently lying at the top of the table. The defending champions Kings had lost their first game against Galle Gladiators but have bounced back superbly since then.
"We learned from the mistakes we made in our first match. Now we are trying to cover all those basics. Everybody is ticking every box and that's why we are winning as a team," Riaz said.
Riaz further went on to praise the Kings management for packing up a stacked squad this season with plenty of options on the bench.
"Hats off to Jaffna coach and captain who have selected this team knowing the conditions and what combinations this team needs. The good thing is that everybody is responding well to all of them," Riaz said.
Speaking on the team's game plan to defend the title, Riaz said that they are making plans game by game and not thinking far ahead.
"You have to play good cricket throughout the tournament. You cannot say you are the favourites in the tournament as that can put you on the back foot. I can see the hunger in boys to win. We are thinking about one game at a time. We are not thinking about championship or too far ahead," he said.
The veteran pacer further went on to praise the Lanka Premier League tournament for giving a chance to youngsters to learn from some of the best cricketers in the world.
"It's great exposure for youngsters as they will learn to play against some of the best players in the world. They will share the dressing room with senior players like Thisara Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Perera, and gain experience. That is the exposure you require to make an impact at the international stage," he signed off.
Pakistan vs West Indies: 1st T20 starts at 6:00 pm at National Stadium Karachi
Special Report
KARACHI (December 13, 2021):-The first T20 International of three-match series between Pakistan and West Indies will start at 6:00 pm today at National Cricket Stadium Karachi. Babar Azam will lead Green Shirts and Nicholas Pooran will be the captain of West Indies team. Toss will be taken place at 5:00 pm at same venue.
Pakistan Squad:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Mohammad Wasim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shahnawaz Dahani, Usman Qadir
West Indies Squad:
Nicholas Pooran (c), Darren Bravo, Dominic Drakes, Shai Hope (Wicketkeeper), Akeal Hosein, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Oshane Thomas, Hayden Walsh, Roston Chase
Schedule:
13 Dec – The first T20I will begin at 1800
14 Dec – The second T20I will begin at 1800
16 Dec - The third and final T20I will begin at 1800
18 Dec – The first ODI will start at 1300
20 Dec – The second ODI will start at 1300
22 Dec – The third ODI will start at 1300.
Faisal Hasnain appointed PCB Chief Executive
Lahore (Press Release):-The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced that, following a robust recruitment process, it has appointed Faisal Hasnain as its new Chief Executive. He will formally assume charge in January 2022.
Faisal is a UK qualified Chartered Accountant and has had a professional career of over 35 years in high-profile finance and sports administration roles with some of the world’s leading blue chip organisations. This includes his role in Monaco and Dubai as the Chief Financial Officer of the International Cricket Council (ICC) and as the Managing Director of Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC).
As the ICC’s Chief Financial Officer, Faisal managed an overall financial portfolio of around $3billion and was also involved in the sale of the ICC’s commercial rights for the 2007-2015 and the 2016-2023 commercial cycles. With Zimbabwe Cricket, he was instrumental in the refinancing of their commercial debts, arriving at the financial arrangements between ZC and the ICC, securing ZC’s funding and status within the ICC and securing hosting rights for the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier 2018 – Zimbabwe’s first global event in 15 years.
PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja: “I am delighted to confirm the appointment of Faisal Hasnain as the PCB’s Chief Executive and welcome him to Pakistan cricket family.
“Faisal is a familiar figure in world cricket and is highly regarded, respected and trusted for his excellence in corporate governance, financial management and commercial acumen. With the plans I have for the PCB, Faisal will be a perfect fit as he can utilise his vast experience and knowledge to help us achieve our commercial and financial objectives of making Pakistan cricket bigger and stronger.”
Faisal Hasnain: “I feel honoured and privileged to have been awarded with this once in a lifetime opportunity to serve Pakistan cricket and thank the PCB Chairman and the Board of Governors for having the confidence in my capabilities.
“I am fully committed to playing my part in delivering the PCB Chairman’s vision for Pakistan cricket, fulfilling the expectations and dreams of millions of passionate Pakistan cricket fans and strengthening the relationships with our existing commercial partners, the ICC and other Cricket Boards and developing new partnerships as we move forward.
“These are highly exciting times in Pakistan cricket and I look forward to working very closely with my colleagues at the PCB so that we can collectively further enhance the image, reputation and profile of this great institution.”
About Faisal Hasnain
• Born on 10 May 1959 in Karachi
• Chartered Accountant (England & Wales)
• Chief Financial Officer, International Cricket Council, 2002-2008 & 2010-2017
• Managing Director, Zimbabwe Cricket - 2017-2018
• Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Golf - 2010-2010
• Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Golf – 2009-2010
• Chief Operating officer, Dubai Event Management Company – 2008-2008
• Financial Controller, Citigroup/Saudi American Bank, London – 1992-2002
• Manager, Ernst & Young, Riyadh – 1989-1992
• Assistant Vice-President, Corporate Finance, Chase Manhattan, Karachi – 1986-1989
• Senior Auditor, Westbury & Company, London – 1979-1985
PCB and Arif Habib Group to collaborate on drop-in pitches
Lahore (Sports Report):-Pakistan Cricket Board and Arif Habib Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the installation of drop-in pitches. This partnership is aligned to PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja’s vision of improving the quality of pitches, which, in turn, will help budding cricketers to improve their techniques and produce improved performances on overseas tours.
The partnership was signed between the Arif Habib Group and the PCB during the HBL Pakistan Super League 7 draft. The Arif Habib Group, as part of their commitment to contribute to Pakistan Cricket by improving cricket facilities and infrastructure, will sponsor two drop-in pitches and has also offered the PCB access to its cricket stadium, which is located in the Naya Nazimabad area in Karachi.
As per the agreement, Arif Habib Group will install drop-in pitches at Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium and one more at a location to be identified and confirmed by the PCB in due course. The process for the procurement of drop-in pitches is expected to be completed in 2022.
Once the upgradation is complete, the PCB will host and organise domestic matches at the Naya Nazimabad Stadium including U19 and women’s matches while practice sessions and exhibition matches for the HBL Pakistan Super League franchises can also be staged at the stadium from the 2023 edition onwards.
Chairman PCB Ramiz Raja: “The installation of drop-in pitches is surely going to benefit our players both at the domestic and international levels. Over the years, we have struggled to cope with the extra bounce and pace that some of the pitches in Australia and New Zealand provide.
“Despite abundance of talent and ability, we are yet to win an away Test series in Australia while our record in New Zealand has also taken a beating in recent trips. I want to thank Mr Arif Habib for coming forward and helping us in this regard.
“The Arif Habib Group has a keen interest in cricket which is apparent from the quality cricket facility that they are developing in Karachi. I am sure both PCB and Arif Habib Group will mutually benefit from this agreement in the years to come, as this deal has enormous potential that will come to fruition in due course.”
Chairman Arif Habib Group, Arif Habib: “We are delighted to partner with the PCB for the exciting drop-in pitches plan which will help our present and future stars especially while preparing for the challenges of playing and performing abroad.
“The Arif Habib Group is fully aligned with the PCB’s vision. Soon after taking charge Chairman Ramiz Raja met in Karachi and we were impressed with his vision for Pakistan cricket which made us commit to this initiative as we believe this is a new beginning for cricket and the cricket economy in the country.
“We have already taken significant steps for the game of cricket as we know it is the passion point for the entire country; the Naya Nazimabad Cricket Stadium is a testament of our commitment to the cause. After this collaboration with the PCB, we will step-up our efforts to ensure that the stadium meets the requirements of top-cricket in terms of the pitches, outfield, infrastructure and spectator comfort so that the stadium can host exciting cricket games.”
Imran Tahir enjoys sharing knowledge with youngsters
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-South African leg-spinner Imran Tahir, who took 4 wickets in 4 matches for the Dambulla Giants in the ongoing season of the Lanka Premier League, expressed that he enjoyed sharing his knowledge and bowling skills with the youngsters in the competition.
"I get a lot of joy from sharing my knowledge with youngsters. If they come and ask me something, then I feel it's my duty to share my knowledge with them and I want to make a difference. The Lanka Premier League has provided a great platform for the local talent to showcase their skills. Players like Wanindu Hasaranga went on to become one of the most sought-after players in franchise leagues around the world," said the leg-spinner, who has taken 424 wickets in 338 T20 matches.
Tahir added that the youngsters need to learn how to be successful in T20 cricket, "The youngsters need to know how one can bowl really well in the T20 format by using pace, variations and different grips. We've got some really talented off-spinners and they bowl really well and we've got leg-spinners in our team as well. I am trying to help them as much as I can."
"The art of leg-spin is a very exciting part of cricket. A leg-spinner can pick up two-three wickets in the middle and that's very effective. Each team needs to have a good crop of leg-spinners as they are seen as the game changers. Even if you look at the top T20I bowlers in the ICC rankings, it's dominated by leg-spinners. The top five in the list - Wanindu Hasaranga, Tabraiz Shamsi, Adam Zampa, Adil Rashid and Rashid Khan - are all leg-spinners. The game of cricket has changed over the years and it's great to see leg-spinners performing well all over the world," said Tahir in an interview.
Test cricketer Sajid Khan gets warm welcome in Malik Academy
Peshawar (Sports Report):-Malik Cricket Academy (MCA) Peshawar welcomed Test cricketers Sajid Khan in the academy, who visited there after Bangladesh tour. It is pertinent to mention here that Sajid Khan had gotten 12 wickets in the second Test match and played a vital role in pakistan’s win.
Test cricketer Sajid Khan urged the players of the academy to play cricket wholeheartedly and never give up their hard work. Because, Allah never wastes anyone's hard work in ant field. He said further said on this occasion that he was used to play with in this academy and Allah has Bless him the honor of being a part of national cricket team and playing for Pakistan at international level.
Angelo Mathews on recovery path: undergoes running and other fitness tests
Bipin Dani
Angelo Mathews is yet to get a green signal to play the Lanka Premier League (LPL). Last month, the 34-year-old Sri Lankan all-rounder sustained a thigh injury during the second Test match against the West Indies team.
"He is very much a part of our team and is well on a recovery path. Once he is fully fit will make him play for our team and regain the captaincy", one of the franchise management sources in Colombo Stars, said on Friday morning.
Angelo Mathews was due to undergo running and other functional tests on Friday, though was not scheduled to play the night match against Jaffna Kings.
"He has been coming to the ground, attending all day-to-day normal activities. Looking at his long career ahead, we are not rushing him to play", the source, aware about his progress added.
"Mathews' latest MRI scan reports have shown positive signs of improvement", the source further added.
Colombo Stars team is also missing the services of another all-rounder David Wiese. The 36-year-old South African had to leave the LPL to attend to his family, where most of the members tested Covid-19 positive.
Hobart set to host 5th Ashes Test
Jamil Siraj
Sydney,Australia (December 11, 2021):-It will be a historic occasion given Tasmania has never hosted an Ashes Test before and this will also be the first day-night Test match to be played in the state.
Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce that Blundstone Arena in Hobart will be hosting an Ashes Test match for the first time and thank the Tasmanian Government for its support.
“I would like to thank all the States and Territories who took part in this process. The submissions we received were outstanding and we had no doubt that each of the venues that took part would have hosted a wonderful event.
“There were a range of considerations, including commercial, logistical and operational factors and on the balance of these, the CA board agreed on Blundstone Arena being the most appropriate venue to host the fifth Men’s Ashes Test.
“We also acknowledge the postponement of the Australia and Afghanistan Test due to take place in Hobart earlier in the year played a part in the decision.
Hasaranga hopes to get wicket of Virat Kohli
Islamabad (Sports Desk):-Jaffna Kings leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been in superb form in the ongoing season of Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2021, having already picked five wickets in three games. But the Sri Lanka international, hopes to get wicket of one of his favourite batsmen Virat Kohli one day.
I an interview he says: "I would love to get my favourite cricketer Virat Kohli’s wicket someday. I also want to pick Babar Azam and Glenn Maxwell's wickets as well," Hasaranga said when asked to name the players who he wishes to dismiss in his career
Hasaranga was the leading wicket-taker at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021, with 16 scalps in 8 games, despite Sri Lanka not reaching past the group stages. On being asked about the reasons behind his personal success, Hasaranga said that he always try to do the best for his team.
"When I am bowling, I always try to take wickets. When I am in the national team, I always try to do my best for the team. That's why I am successful," he said. Confident Hasaranga does not want feel the pressure of media and fans comparing him with former Sri Lanka legends Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath.
"I am always motivated to perform. I don't feel any pressure. I don't want to be the next Muralitharan or the next Herath. I want to be the first Hasaranga," he said. With the rise of T20 format, it is largely believed that cricket is becoming a batsman's game. But Hasaranga explained how the spinners can prove to be match winners in the shortest format.
"Leg spinners can do anything. Because, in the T20 cricket, batsmen are going to hit big shots on each delivery. We have a lot of variations. Sometimes, we can get hit for 40-50 runs in a match. But in the next match, we find a way to get back and pick 4-5 wickets. Leg-spinners can win matches," he added.
The 24-year-old bowler went on to credit Lanka Premier League for the rise of Sri Lanka Cricket in the past few years. "Last time, we saw a lot of youngsters doing a good job in Lanka Premier League. In this kind of tournament, we always get a lot of good players. That is why Sri Lanka Cricket is better than last few years. These kinds of tournaments are always good for the growth of sport in a nation," Hasaranga signed off.
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