Sports Bulletin ReportRAWALPINDI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) today announced match officials for the Pakistan versus New Zealand five-match T20I series, which will roll into action on April 18 at Pindi Cricket Stadium Rawalpindi.According to media department of PCB, Andy Pycroft, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, will lead the playing control team that includes five umpires, namely Ahsan Raza (elite panelist), Aleem Dar, Asif Yaqoob, Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (all from the ICC’s international panel), who will share umpiring responsibilities.The Pindi Stadium will stage the opening three T20Is on 18, 20 and 21 April before action will move to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.Umpire and match referee appointments:18 April – First T20I. Ahsan Raza and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Faisal Afridi (third umpire), Rashid Riaz (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)20 April – Second T20I. Asif Yaqoob and Aleem Dar (on-field umpires), Ahsan Raza (third umpire), Faisal Afridi (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)21 April – Third T20I. Ahzan Raza and Asif Yaqoob (on-field umpires), Rashid Riaz (third umpire), Aleem Dar (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)25 April – Fourth T20I. Faisal Afridi and Rashid Riaz (on-field umpires), Asif Yaqoob (third umpire), Ahsan Raza (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)27 April – Rashid Riaz and Faisal Afridi (on-field umpires), Aleem Dar (third umpire), Asif Yaqoob (fourth umpire); Andy Pycroft (match referee)

Sports DeskISLAMABAD: Thomas Bedore and Patrick Bedore became the first father and son champions after winning the titles of the US Masters together in the 112-year history of the National Singles of Unites States of America (USA).The Bedore family’s historic performance follows an already impressive 2023 tournament where Thomas–a five-time champion–reached the 65+ semifinals and Patrick reached the 35+ final. Newly aged into the 70+ division as the two seed and coached by his son, Thomas came back from 2-0 down against top seed Richard von Hirschberg to clinch the title 10-12, 9-11, 11-7, 11-1, 11-6. In the last final of the day, Patrick avenged his 2023 35+ final loss against Ashraf Yassin in a close final 16-14, 13-11, 11-9 to capture his first national title.

Sports Bulletin ReportISLAMABAD: There are just three months to go until this year’s WSF World Junior Squash Championships, which are taking place in Houston Squash Club, Houston Texas United States of America (USA) from July 12 to 23, 2024. This year’s championships, which will comprise of an individual and team competition, will feature concurrent men’s and women’s team events for the first time in event history.Last year’s championships, which took place in Melbourne, Australia, Egypt’s Amina Orfi won her second individual title and led Egypt to victory in the team event, while Hamza Khan ended Pakistan’s 37-year wait for a title in the men’s individual event. The last edition of the men’s team event took place in Nancy, France in 2022, where England defeated Egypt 2-1.

Sports Bulletin ReportMelbourne (Australia): Pakistani players clinched gold and bronze medals in the Australia Junior Squash Championship 2024 held at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre at Albert Park, Victoria.In a display of outstanding skill and perseverance, Pakistani players, both boys and girls, dominated the courts throughout the tournament, culminating in impressive victories on the final day.Additionally, Mohammad Harmas Ali Raja in Under 11, Fawad Khan in Under 13, and Azaan Ali Khan in Under 15 categories have secured bronze medals in the championship.Results (finals):Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (PAK) beat Gng Hung Yu (AUS) 3-0 (11-6, 11-3, 11-2)Boys’ U15: Yahya Khan (PAK) beat Henry Kross (AUS) 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 11-3)Boys’ U17: Ibrahim Zeb (PAK) beat Brodie Bennett (NZ) 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-6)Girls’ U13: Mahnoor Ali (PAK) beat Emily Senior (Malaysian) 3-0 (11-5, 11-4, 11-4)Girls’ U17: Mehwish (PAK) beat Erin Wyllie (Malaysian) 3-2 (10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6)

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: Five women cricketers have been recalled to the white-ball squads as the National Women’s Selection Committee, led by Saleem Jaffar, announced 16-member ODI and T20I squads against West Indies women’s team.The three ODIs – part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 - will be played between 18 and 23 April, while the five T20Is will take place from 26 April to 3 May. All eight matches will be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.Saleem Jaffar, Chief Selector said: “The selection committee, in consultation with captain Nida Dar and interim head coach, has finalised 16-member squads for the ODI and T20I series. Five players in the squads return due to their performances in the domestic tournament and good skills they demonstrated in the camp.“The series against the West Indies is important for us as the ODIs are part of ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25. We are aiming to secure maximum points in the series, taking advantage of our home conditions, to enhance our chances for direct qualification for next year’s ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.“The series against the West Indies also presents an opportunity for the players to showcase their skills and secure berths for next month’s England tour. The ongoing domestic one-day tournament continues to provide chances to players not involved in the series against the West Indies to produce strong performance and stake claims for places for the England series.”Pakistan women's squad for ODI: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof*, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali, Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani and Waheeda AkhtarPakistan women's squad for T20I: Nida Dar (captain), Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Zafar, Bismah Maroof*, Diana Baig, Fatima Sana, Gull Feroza, Muneeba Ali (wk), Najiha Alvi (wk), Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Tuba Hassan and Umm-e-HaniPlayer support personnel: Saira Iftikhar (manager), Mauhtashim Rashid (interim head coach), Saleem Jaffar (bowling coach), Taufeeq Umar (batting coach), Hanif Malik (fielding coach), Mohammad Javed (strength and conditioning coach), Syed Nazir Ahmed (media manager), Rabia Siddiq (physiotherapist), Zubair Ahmed (analyst) and Nadia Arif (masseuse)Series schedule:April 18, 2024: First ODI at NBS at 0930am local timeApril 21, 2024: Second ODI at NBS at 0930am local timeApril 23, 2024: Third ODI at NBS at 1530 local timeApril 26, 2024: First T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeApril 28, 2024: Second T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeApril 30, 2024: Third T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeMay 2, 2024: Fourth T20I at NBS at 1930 local timeMay 3, 2024: Fifth T20I at NBS at 1930 local time.

Sports Bulletin ReportMelbourne (Australia): Six Pakistani boys and a couple of girls moved into the next round of the Australia Junior Squash Championship 2024 by winning their respective matches here at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre Albert Park, Victoria on Tuesday.Results (Pakistan’s Matches):Boys’ U11: Mohammad Ahrmas (Pak) beat Hankin leung (AUS) 11-4, 11-1, 11-1 (16mins)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Lee Man He (Malaysia) 11-2, 11-5, 11-1 (16mins)Mohammad Fawad Khan (Pakistan) beat Kai Dumbleton (Australia) 11-3, 11-4, 11-9 (3-0)Boys’ U15: Azan Ali Khan beat Zac Lain 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 (18mins)Yahya Khan beat Joel Roshan 11-4 11-7 11 7-11 12-10 (35mims)Boys’ U17: Ibrahim Zeb beat Ethan 11-9, 11-8, 11-9 (24mins)Girls’ U13: Mahnoor Ali beat Gizela Josif 11-2, 11-3, 11-3 (15mins)Girls U17: Mehwish Ali beat Edam Alma 11-5, 11-7, 11-5 (22 mins)

Sports Bulletin ReportKARACHI: The National Women’s Football Championship (NWFC) is set to commence on May 5, 2024 in Karachi. The clubs that have registered by December 2023 will be eligible to participate in the extravaganza, showcasing the passion for women's football across Pakistan.Being organized by the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the championship will see the participating teams divided into four groups. With the top two teams from each group advancing to the quarter-finals. The championship will culminate in a finale scheduled to take place on May 21, 2024, where the top contenders will vie for the coveted title of champions.

Imad and Amir named in a 17-player squad, Irfan and Usman earn maiden Pakistan selectionSports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: The National Selection Committee (NSC) for Men of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced a 17-man squad for the T20 International Series against New Zealand, which will be played from April 18 to 27 in Rawalpindi and Lahore aiming to set a suitable squad for forthcoming T20 World Cup, which will be played United States of America and West Indies simultaneously in June this year 2024.Uncapped middle-order batter Mohammad Irfan Khan and opener batter Usman Khan have been included in the 17-player squad led by skipper Babar Azam. Both new players have earned the selectors’ nod following impressive performances in the HBL Pakistan Super League.Irfan Khan of Karachi Kings was adjudged the Emerging Player and Best Fielder of the HBL PSL 9 after scoring 171 runs at a strike-rate of 140.16. Overall, the 21-year-old Mianwali-born Irfan has featured in 34 T20s in which he has scored 499 runs at a strike-rate of 135.96. Irfan has also represented Pakistan in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cups 2020 and 2022.Usman Khan of Multan Sultans smashed two centuries and two half-centuries in the most recent event to help his side reach the final where they lost to Islamabad United in a last-ball thriller. In the HBL PSL 8, the 28-year-old Karachi-born right-hander had smashed a 36-ball century against Quetta Gladiators - the fastest century in the tournament’s history. Overall, Usman has featured in 36 T20s in which he has scored 1,207 runs at a strike-rate of 146.12.Irfan Khan on his selection said: “I am deeply honoured to have been selected in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. Breaking into such a formidable team like Pakistan is a testament to the dedication and effort I have put into my game. Now, my focus is on seizing this opportunity and solidifying my position within the team. I am fully committed to continuing to work diligently and proving myself worthy of the trust placed in me by the captain and selectors.”Usman Khan said on his selection: “Being chosen to represent one’s country is the ultimate dream and goal for any athlete. Today, I am absolutely thrilled and filled with joy as the selectors have granted me the opportunity to be part of the upcoming series against New Zealand. This selection validates the relentless effort and dedication I have poured into my craft, and I am fully committed to upholding the high standards I have set for myself.”Selection committee member and batting coach Mohammad Yousuf said: “On behalf of the selection committee, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Mohammad Irfan Khan and Usman Khan on their inclusion in the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming home series against New Zealand. Both players have undeniably earned their spots through a string of consistent, outstanding performances. We hold great optimism and belief in their potential to become key impact players, yet recognise that this requires ongoing dedication and effort. I trust that both players will continue their upward trajectory, sparing no effort in proving themselves worthy of the selectors' and captain's trust and confidence.”Abrar retained, Imad and Mohammad Amir recalled:The other uncapped player in the squad is wrist spinner Abrar Ahmed. He was named in the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year, but returned after Australia Tests due to fitness reasons. He will be the second wrist spinner in the side along with Usama Mir.Also named in the squad are all-rounder Imad Wasim and fast bowler Mohammad Amir. The two experienced campaigners had become available after coming out of retirement last month.Imad has played 66 T20Is in which he has scored 486 runs at a strike-rate of 131.7 and taken 65 wickets at an economy-rate of 6.26. He last played for Pakistan 12 months ago at his home ground in Rawalpindi against New Zealand.Amir, who last played for Pakistan in August 2020 at Old Trafford against England, has played in 50 T20Is in which he has taken 59 wickets at an economy-rate of 7.02.Selection committee member and senior team manager Wahab Riaz said: “The decision to include Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir was a straightforward one, given their availability for selection and considering Haris Rauf's injury and Mohammad Nawaz's current form. Both Amir and Imad possess undeniable match-winning capabilities, and we trust they will consistently deliver strong performances to bolster the team's objectives. We have communicated our overarching selection policy and strategy to all elite players, and there is complete alignment within the group. To ensure the policy's implementation in letter and spirit, I will closely collaborate with the team management during the series. As we prepare for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, this series holds significant importance for Pakistan. Rather than solely focusing on the formidable New Zealand side, we aim to introspect and identify areas for improvement. I anticipate that players will seize the opportunities presented to strengthen their claims for the World Cup.”Names of Players: Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohmmad Amir, Mohammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Usman Khan, Zaman KhanNon-travelling reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, and Salman Ali Agha

Sports Bulletin ReportKuching (Malaysia): The ITF Asia Under-14 Development Tennis Championships Final started on Monday in Kuching Malaysia, as the 16-national prestigious international juniors’ event will conclude on April 19, 2024 at the same venue.Besides hosts Malaysia, Pakistan, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar, Nepal, Syria, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, and Uzbekistan are participating in the championships.Results (Pakistan Day-1):Boys’ Singles: Ansar Niyetkaliyev (Kazakhstan) beat Omar Jawad 6-1, 6-1Boys’ Doubles: Pantaratorn Dharma / Srisen Tri (Thailand) beat Abu Bakar Talha / Omar Jawad 6-2, 4-6, (10-6)

Under-15 Syeda Sarah Ali earns a thrilling victory against host girl June Steel 3-2Sports Bulletin ReportMelbourne (Australia): Pakistani boys and girls started their campaign in the Australia Junior Squash Championship 2024 in style by registering impressive victories on the opening day here at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre Albert Park, Victoria on Monday.Results of Pakistan matches:Boys’ U11: Ahrmas Ali (Pak) beat Nathan Lin (Aus) 11-1, 11-1, 11-3 (14 mins)Boys’ U13: Huzaifa Shahid (Pak) beat Daniel Webb (Aus) 11-6, 11-4, 11-8 (23 mins)Mohammad Fawad Khan (Pak) beat Lockie Jones (Aus) 11-3, 11-3, 11-4, (17 mins)Boys’ U15: Azan Ali Khan (Pak) beat Max Jones (Aus) 11-2 11-4 11-2 (15mins)Yahya Khan (Pak) beat Olly Collier (AUS) 11-3, 11-8, 11-8 (19 mins)Boy's U17: Ibrahim Zeb (Pak) beat Phillip H chow (Aus) 11-3, 11-3, 11-2 (21 mins)Girls’ U13: Mahnoor Ali beat Yashica Jiwa (Aus) 11-2, 11-1, 11-1 (18 mins)Girls’ U15: Syeda Sarah Ali (Pak) beat June steel (Aus) 9-11, 11-7, 9-11, 11-5, 12-10 (37mins)Girls’ U17: Mehwish Ali (Pak) beat Limeetha Sai (MAS) 11-4, 12-10, 11-5 (24 mins)