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Babar takes over captaincy of Pakistan's ODI, and T20 teams
Sports Bulletin ReportLAHORE: Right-handed batter, Babar Azam has become the captain of Pakistan’s One Day International (ODA), and Twenty 20, as the Pakistan Cricket Team confirmed that following a unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed him for new job of captaincy.Babar Azam has replaced Shaheen Shah Afridi as T20 captain. 'King Babar' also became ODI skipper after a hiatus of five months. Babar Azam was removed as ODI captain after the defeat of World Cup 2023. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held a press conference on Sunday, at the headquarters of Pakistan Cricket, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Naqvi announced that the selection committee was reorganized. Four members of the new selections committee – namely, Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq – were also present at the press conference.
Bilal Majeed Super League Cricket: Abdullah Lions Punjab win title
KARACHI (PR): Abdullah Lions Punjab have won the title of the All Pakistan Bilal Majeed Super League (BSL) Cricket Tournament, as the 4th edition concluded here on Sunday.In the final played at Golden Ground Korangi, Abdullah Lions won the toss and elected to bat first. Abdullah Lions scored one hundred and thirty-seven runs for the loss of three wickets in the allotted six overs. Taimur Mirza played an aggressive innings of sixty-five runs with the help of eight sixes off thirteen balls. Osama Sialkoti scored 30 runs and Khurram Chakwal scored 18 runs. In response, the Wasif Sports Karachi team failed to chase the target and scored ninety runs for five wickets. Captain Taimur Mirza was named Man of the Match. Osama Sialkoti was declared the best batsman and Qadir Kashmiri was declared the best bowler. The winning team, Abdullah Lions, was given eight lakh rupees and a trophy. While the runner-up team Wasif Sports was entitled to four lakh rupees.The winning captain Taimur Mirza said that he was very happy on this victory in BSL season four. Success is the result of hard work. He also thanked Khurram Majeed for organizing the wonderful tournament and Korangi fans for their immense support. Host Khurram Majeed said that he tried to organize the best event in which he succeeded. Next year, the scope of the league will be further expanded
Indian physio Prasanth Panchada leaves Afghanistan team
BIPIN DANIIndian physio Prasanth Panchada, who was attached with the Afghanistan national team for some years has left his job, it is learnt here. According to highly placed sources in Kabul, the renowned physio sent his resignation letter a week ago. "I would like to express my gratitude to the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB). It has been a remarkable journey, witnessing the highs and lows in the development of the Afghanistan team. I am concluding my journey with this wonderful team with immediate effect", he has said in his e-mail, the copy of which was seen by this Reporter. Later, speaking to this reporter, Prasanth Panchada confirmed the news without elaborating more. "I have left the job for personal reasons", he said, adding, "Overall the team has always been a fit team and injury free". Recalling the most challenging job, he said, "Rashid getting back to competitive cricket is more satisfying". The 25-year-old bowling all-rounder Rashid Khan has been playing competitive games now, meaning he has now fully recovered from the back injury and subsequent surgery that has kept him out of action since the 2023 World Cup.The physio has already been attached with the KKR team in the ongoing IPL. He is also attached with the other league of the same franchise.
BASKETBALL - National 30 Mar, 2024
ISLAMABAD (PR): Pakistan Army and Wapda moved into the semi-finals in the Departmental category of All Pakistan 3x3 Ramadan Cup Basketball Tournament here at outdoor basketball courts of Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad organized by Federal Basketball Association (FBBA).Army Greens, who are having the services of some young players, recorded victory against the Navy by 21-8 points and qualified for the semi-final round. Army's Shiraz Aslam scored nine points while Muhammad Usman scored six points. In the second quarterfinal match Wapda (A) overpowered Police Greens in another one-sided game by 22-10 points. Zain ul Hasan scored 10 points and Ali Raza scored 7 points for Wapda A. In the third quarter final, Wapda Greens defeated Police Blues by 22-9 points while Army (A) won against Wapda Red by 21-17 points.In the women's category quarter-final matches, Army players were far better against AK Club weared blue shirts leading 9 points as the match was concluded with 17-8 points. Army player Aamina Mohsin scored 10 and Aiman Riaz scored 5 points. In the second quarter-final, Lions C defeated Night Blues by 4-13 points. Madiha Nawaz scored six points while Maria Khan scored five points in the match. In the second quarter-final, Lycans C defeated Knight Blues by 13-4 points. Madiha Nawaz scored six points while Maria Khan scored five points in the match while Lycans A defeated Lycans D by 16-5 points and Lycans B defeated AK White by 5-0 points in the quarter-final matches.Wapda Greens will face Pakistan Army A while Wapda A will face Army Greens in the departmental category semifinal round of the tournament.
SPNI set to become the home to New Zealand Cricket for 7 years
Dubai (UAE): Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI) has acquired the television and digital rights to broadcast and stream all New Zealand-based BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS matches in the India and associated territories for the next seven years.The landmark deal, from 1 May 2024 to 30 April 2031, will include India’s tours of New Zealand in the 2026-27 and 2030-31 summers, as well as all other bilateral Tests, ODIs, and T20Is played in New Zealand during the designated period. All matches will be telecast and streamed live across SPNI’s sports channels and will be livestreamed on Sony LIV, respectively, adding to an SPNI portfolio, which already includes agreements with the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).NP Singh, Managing Director and CEO of SPNI said: "We are thrilled to announce our new partnership with New Zealand Cricket. New Zealand is renowned for its exceptional sportsmanship and strength; it’s one of the most respected cricket teams globally. It is our privilege to deepen and nurture the bond between this esteemed team and its passionate fan base in India."Diana Puketapu-Lyndon, Chair of New Zealand Cricket, said: "With world-class sporting tournaments in their portfolio, Sony Pictures Networks India is one of the premiere sports content providers in India and we look forward to our association.”Rajesh Kaul, SPNI’s Chief Revenue Officer said: “Our constant endeavour has been to add marquee properties to our sports portfolio making us a global muti-sporting arena for audiences in India. Our partnership with NZC is an important addition to our sports portfolio as the BLACKCAPS have won the hearts of cricket fans through their fierce competitive spirit and impeccable sporting behavior.”“We’re looking forward to showcasing some terrific cricket through our seven year partnership which includes three crucial bilateral series against England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2024-25 as well two bilateral series featuring the Indian men’s team in 2026-27 and 2030-31 respectively.” New Zealand Cricket (NZC) chief executive Scott Weenink said: “Sony Pictures Networks India is an aspirational, innovative and forward-focussed business that prides itself on being efficient and sustainable in a rapidly changing world”, said Weenink. “It puts its consumers first and seeks to be the very best it can be – values NZC relates to very strongly.” (Press Release).
Asia / Oceania WJT U14: Pakistan outclass New Zealand 3-0
Sports Bulletin ReportKuching (Malaysia): Pakistan surprised New Zealand 3-0 in the Asia /Oceania WJT Under-1 final qualifying event in Kuching Malaysia on Friday. Pakistan will face Australia in the next match at the same venue on Saturday.Pakistan beat New Zealand (3-0):Jawad Omer beat Maz Dowker 6-4, 7-6Talha Abubakar beat Nao Milburn 7-5, 6-3Jawad Omer & Talha Abubakar beat N Alvin & Maz Dowker 6-3, 6-2
BASKETBALL - National 29 Mar, 2024
Pakistan Army, WAPDA, and Navy register victories on the opening dayISLAMABAD (PR): Pakistan Army, Lycans A, Wapda and Navy registered big wins on the first day pool round matches in the Women’s and Departmental categories of All Pakistan 3x3 Ramadan Cup Basketball Tournament here at outdoor basketball courts of Pakistan Sports Complex Islamabad organized by Federal Basketball Association (FBBA).According to organizing secretary of the tournament Ouj E Zahoor, large numbers of basketball teams are participating in the four-day event played under floodlights with the support of the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).In Women’s category Pakistan Army with a brilliant game defeated AK White by 16-3 points. Army's Aamina Mohsin scored 6 and Aiman Riaz scored four points. In the second match, Lycans A won by 11-2 points against Lycans Juniors with the help of Farhna Naz's five points and Fariha Mushtaq's three points, while in the third match, Lycans B defeated AK Purple
FOOTBALL - National 29 Mar, 2024
LAHORE (PR): Pakistan National Football team forward player Fareed Ullah underwent successful surgery to treat his Clavicle Fracture (Broken Collar) injury, which had already excluded him from participating in the remaining match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier Round 2 away match between Pakistan and Jordan held in Jordan on 26th March. Fareedullah broke down on the field while tackling a Jordanian defender during the 33rd minute of the matchUpon his return to Pakistan, he promptly received medical care and was transported from the airport to the hospital for necessary treatment. Following the recommendation of PFF's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Azam Khan, a scan was performed, which indicated the necessity for immediate surgical intervention. The surgery was performed by Consultant Orthopedic and Sports Surgeon Dr. Amir Sohail in Lahore.The young forward was advised to rest and undergo rehabilitation for a period of eight to ten weeks before making his return to the field. Fareed's comeback is subject to his successful completion of the rehabilitation programme and following the go-ahead by the medical staff.
Fixtures announced for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier
Sports Bulletin ReportDubai (UAE): The fixtures for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2024 supported by Dream11 to be hosted in Abu Dhabi, UAE from 25 April to 7 May have been announced, where 10 teams will be battling it out for two Women’s T20 World Cup spots to be held in Bangladesh later this year.Ten teams, divided into two groups of five each, will compete in the Qualifier in two Abu Dhabi venues from 25 April. The two table-toppers from the two groups will feature in the semi-finals on 5 May with the winners booking their tickets to Bangladesh and joining the hosts, Australia, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and West Indies in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in September and October.Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and the United States of America (USA) feature in Group A, while Ireland, Netherlands, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Vanuatu and Zimbabwe make up Group B.The event features eight teams from the five ICC Global Development Regions, as well as Ireland and Sri Lanka, who did not find a place in the top six of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in South Africa and therefore missed out on automatic qualification for this year’s ICC Women’s T20 World Cup.The Qualifier will be staged at Zayed Cricket Stadium and Tolerance Oval, both form part of the Abu Dhabi Cricket and Sports Hub. Mohan Oval, also located in the same vicinity, will host two warm-up matches on 21 and 23 April.ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “We are looking forward to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier as it is going to be a highly competitive and exciting event with 10 teams battling it out for two World Cup spots in Bangladesh later this year. Following the success of last year’s Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa and with more fans engaged with the women’s game than ever before it will be an exciting few months building up to the World Cup. Teams are certain to have a great experience in UAE. We are grateful to the Emirates Cricket Board for their support in staging this event and I’m certain they will prove again what excellent hosts they are.”General Secretary Emirates Cricket Board, Mubashshir Usmani said: “We are delighted to host the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers in Abu Dhabi. The venue has delivered some world-class events in the past including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2021.The participating teams will surely enjoy the facilities there. The 10 teams including the hosts UAE have all to play for in the Qualifier with the two T20 World Cup spots up for grabs. I want to wish the participants the very best as we look forward to some thrilling cricket over the course of the event.”Group A: Scotland, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Uganda and USA.Group B: Ireland, Netherlands, UAE, Vanuatu and ZimbabweSunday, 21 AprilSri Lanka vs Netherlands, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00Thailand vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00Zimbabwe vs USA, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00Ireland vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00Uganda vs Vanuatu, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00Tuesday, 23 AprilUganda vs UAE, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00Sri Lanka vs Vanuatu, Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi – 19h00Thailand vs Netherlands, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 15h00Zimbabwe vs Scotland, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi – 19h00Ireland vs USA, Mohan Oval, Abu Dhabi – 15h00
Pakistan v New Zealand T20I series tickets to go on sale from Friday
LAHORE (PR): The tickets for the five-match T20I series between Pakistan and New Zealand will go on sale from Friday, 29 March, as the series will be played in Rawalpindi (18, 20 and 21 April) and Lahore (25 and 27 April). The matches are set to begin at 730pm.In the first phase, the pre-booking of the online tickets will start on Friday at 5pm at pcb.tcs.com.pk. The sale of physical tickets along with outlet addresses will be announced in due course. The tickets for Rawalpindi-leg will be available at a minimum cost of PKR 500 (Premium) and the maximum available at PKR 7,500 (VVIP Gallery). Additionally, the hospitality seats will be available at a maximum amount of PKR 15,000 except for the first T20I where the hospitality seats will be available for PKR 12,000.For the Lahore leg, ticket prices start at PKR 300 for General seating and the maximum at PKR 6,000 for the fourth T20I while PKR 7,000 for the fifth T20I (VVIP Gallery). Also, hospitality boxes located at the Far-End building will be available for purchase in Lahore. The hospitality box for Thursday’s (25 April) encounter will be available at PKR 600,000, while the box for Saturday’s (27 April) match will be available at PKR 700,000.
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