Day: August 11, 2021

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Pakistan confirm 19-player squad for West Indies Tests 

Kingston, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan have announced a 19-member Test squad for the ICC World Test Championship fixtures against the West Indies. The two-Test series will commence at the Sabina Park on Thursday, August 12. The squad was confirmed by Pakistan captain Babar Azam during his pre-series media conference, held via teleconference, on Wednesday.

Pakistan Test squad:

Babar Azam (captain) (Central Punjab), Mohammad Rizwan (vice-captain) (wicketkeeper) (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Abdullah Shafique (Central Punjab), Abid Ali (Central Punjab), Azhar Ali (Central Punjab), Faheem Ashraf (Central Punjab), Fawad Alam (Sindh), Hasan Ali (Central Punjab), Imran Butt (Balochistan), Mohammad Abbas (Southern Punjab), Naseem Shah (Central Punjab), Nauman Ali (Northern), Sajid Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper) (Sindh), Saud Shakeel (Sindh), Shaheen Shah Afridi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Shahnawaz Dahani (Sindh), Yasir Shah (Balochistan) and Zahid Mahmood (Southern Punjab).

Pakistan captain Babar Azam

“Looking at the likely team composition for the two Tests and giving preference to wellbeing of the players, it has been agreed to release Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz so that they can return to Pakistan and spend quality time with their families. This will also give them a few extra days to relax, regroup and recharge for the commitment ahead, which commence with the series against Afghanistan.

“The past 12 months have been tough and the cricket that lays ahead is equally challenging and demanding. As such, we need to have as many fresh bodies as practically possible without comprising on the team results and performances.

“Away Test series are always challenging and it is our endeavour to be a high-performing side on away series. Red-ball cricket is the pinnacle format of the game and is a test of skill, endurance, technique, patience and fitness. Test cricket does not allow you to show complacency at any stage and this is what we will like to achieve at the Sabina Park over the next couple of weeks.

“Jamaican pitches provide a good challenge to the batters hence our batters need to come to the party and display their true potential and calibre in the two Tests. They have performed well this year and it is now time to take that confidence into the Test series and put up an improved and enhanced performance.

“Whenever you come to the West Indies, you want to play your best cricket because of the strong heritage and history of this beautiful region. In this background, it was frustrating to see weather dominate the T20I series. As part of the T20 World Cup preparations, we wanted to give maximum opportunities to our players against the firepower of the West Indies but unfortunately the series got badly affected due to rain.

“No one can control weather, but I think it is time to look at alternates to ensure cricket is not affected by weather. Maybe adding reserve days to every white-ball matches is an option, I don’t know, but I think there needs to be some debate around ensuring there is minimum loss of cricket due to weather.”

Head to Head

In the 17 Test series played between the two teams, Pakistan enjoy a 6-5 edge over the West Indies. However, the West Indies has a clear 4-1 lead over Pakistan in the eight series played in the Caribbean.

In the last meeting between in 2016-17, Pakistan ended their win drought in the Caribbean by clinching their first-ever Test series victory by 2-1.

In this series, Pakistan won the first Test in Jamaica by seven wickets before the host levelled the series in Barbados by winning second Test by 106 runs. In a nail-biting and thrilling series decider in Dominica, Pakistan won by 101 runs when Yasir Shah famously bowled Shannon Gabriel on the final ball of the penultimate over of the series with Roston Chase stranded at the non-striker’s end.

Yasir Shah, who was adjudged player of the series, is part of the Pakistan squad, while Gabriel will be missed by the West Indies.

Misbah-ul-Haq was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in that series with 271 runs. He is presently the head coach and will aim to achieve the rare distinction of winning in the West Indies, both as captain and coach.

ICC World Test Championship and Rankings

For both Pakistan and the West Indies, this is their first series in the ICC World Test Championship. In this event, each side plays three home and three away series. Pakistan’s other away commitments are against Bangladesh (post-T20 World Cup) and Sri Lanka (July/August 2021), while their home series are against Australia, New Zealand and England (all in 2022).

In the ICC World Test Championship, a side gets 12 points for winning a match, four for a draw and six for a tie, while a side is docked one championship point for each over short.

In the ICC Test Team Rankings, Pakistan is ranked fifth with 94 points, while the West Indies are seventh on 78 points. If Pakistan wins both the Tests, they will rise to 97 points, while the West Indies will slip to 75 points. If the series result is reversed, then Pakistan will drop two points behind South Africa in sixth place on 86 points, while the West Indies will move to 85 points.

A 1-1 draw will mean Pakistan will finish on 92 points (down by two points), while the West Indies will end on 80 points (up by two points).

Player rankings:

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and Azhar Ali are ranked 10th and 17th, respectively in the ICC Test Player Rankings, while Mohammad Rizwan is just outside the top-20 in 21st position. No West Indian batter is included in top 40 Test rank batsmen.

In bowling, West Indies’ Jason Holder and Kemar Roach are 11th and 13th, respectively while Pakistan’s Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas are sharing 15th position. Shaheen Shah Afridi is 22nd and Yasir Shah 29th, and will be aiming to move up the ladder.

Year 2021 for Pakistan players:

With 407 runs, Azhar Ali is the most successful Pakistan batsman in 2021. Opener Abid Ali (359), Fawad Alam (333), Mohammad Rizwan (303) and Faheem Ashraf (247) are the other batsmen to dominate the two Tests each against South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Hasan Ali is Pakistan’s most successful bowler this year. He has taken 26 wickets since 1 January 2021. Meanwhile, fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 19 and Nauman Ali has taken 16 wickets.

Fixtures:

12-16 August: 1st Test match, Sabina Park, Jamaica

20-24 August: 2nd Test match, Sabina Park, Jamaica

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

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IIUI holds 9th meeting of Board of Advanced Studies

Islamabad, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Meeting of Board of Advanced Studies (BASR-9) held here at the New Campus, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, Vice President (HS and R), International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).

On this occasion, the board discussed and analyzed synopses’ of PhD and MS students’ of Faculty of Arabic, Faculty of Shariah and Law, Faculty of (Usuluddin) Islamic Studies and Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI. On this occasion Vice President HS and R, Dr. Shuja stressed that research must be conducted on latest scientific trends while researchers must focus on latest technological aspects of research analysis.

During the meeting, the board members also shared valuable suggestions with the Vice President (HS and R) for future research work of the students on this occasion. Prof. Dr. Ayaz Afsar, Vice President (Academics), Deans, Heads of Departments and other relevant officials were also present in the meeting.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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UVAS holds International virtual seminar on Avian Conservation: Issues and Options 

Lahore, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Department of Wildlife and Ecology of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore in collaboration with the University of Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia and University of Lucknow, India organized an International virtual seminar on “Avian Conservation: Issues and Options”.

Dean Faculty of Fisheries and Wildlife Prof Dr Noor Khan in his welcome address highlighted that many bird populations are currently declining worldwide with 1200 species facing extinction in the next epoch. “Such webinars are the need of the hour,” he added.

Professor of Zoology from University of Lucknow Prof Dr Amita Kanaujia delivered a lecture on the conservation of vultures in Uttar Pradesh India. Dr Asep Anang, an Associate Professor from Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Padjadjaran, Indonesia, delivered a lecture on planning avian breeding programs. Dr Amita and Dr Asep also spoke about the state and conservation of different avian species. A number of professionals and faculty members of UVAS joined the seminar through video link.

Concluding the seminar, Chairman Department of Wildlife and Ecology Dr Arshad Javid said that such international collaborations are vital to restore threatened avian species. He suggested that such virtual seminars should be conducted on a regular basis so we can learn from each other’s experience. At the end, he presented the vote of thanks.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk

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Government College University celebrates National Minority Day 

Lahore, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):A seminar was held here on Tuesday at the Government College University Lahore on the eve of the National Minority Day to commemorate the contribution of minorities in the progress of Pakistan. Punjab Minister for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Ejaz Alam Augustine chaired the seminar which was also addressed by Member Punjab Assembly Ramesh Singh Arora and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi.

In his address, Punjab Minister Mr Augustine said they all (minorities) are proud Pakistanis and celebrate August 14 with more zeal and zest than Minorities Day. However, he said, this day continued as a great tradition, and it recalls the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah to promote equality and protect the rights of non-Muslims in the newly created country.

The minister remembered the exemplary role played by minorities in the health and education sector of Pakistan in the early years of Independence. He revealed that the Punjab government has for the first time collected a data about the minorities’ quota for jobs, and found that 19,000 posts are lying vacant in the province. He lauded that GCU is the only institution where minorities were given jobs over and above five per cent of their quota.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said this great tradition of celebrating minorities should continue, as this day is observed to reaffirm the commitment that despite belonging to different faiths we are one nation that continues to march for a united and prosperous Pakistan. He said the commendable services of minorities is a glorious chapter in the history of Pakistan.

MPA Ramesh Singh Arora said that it’s an honour for him to be a citizen of the great country Pakistan. He said Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah gave the constitution of Pakistan in his speech to the legislature on Aug 11, 1947. He said Quaid-e-Azam had espoused in his speech that you may belong to any religion or caste or creed that has nothing to do with the business of the state.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

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It’s the hallmark of PPP to protect the rights of minorities: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the occasion of National Minorities Day

Karachi, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan People’s Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that minorities have become more insecure during this ineligible government of the selected Prime Minister. People have reached the height of despondence during the PTI-led federal government because this ineligible federal government failed to showcase any goodness and welfare, and security of the people hailing from minorities.

On the occasion of National Minorities Day, the Chairman PPP said in his message that the Pakistani society could not afford to see daily attacks on places of worship belonging to the minorities. Unfortunately, the sitting PM Imran Ahmed Khan Niazi has a very soft corner in his heart for the banned terrorist outfits and has failed to check the misuse of certain laws that regulate religious beliefs and thoughts. The PM has played a role of sheer spectator.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that PPP pioneered the promotion of the religious harmony and brotherhood in the country. He reminded that the former President Asif Ali Zardari had in light of the speech of founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah in the Legislative Assembly he delivered on August 11, 1947, declared August 11 as the National Day of Minorities. The sole purpose of declaring August 11 was to make sure that our brothers and sisters belonging to Minorities should be regarded for their equal contribution in nation building.

He said that Quaid-e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s August 11, 1947 speech was the spirit of the 1973 constitution, which guaranteed equal rights to minorities. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the unanimously passed 1973 constitution by the country’s first elected Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a precious gift to the nation on which the nation will always remain proud.

The Chairman PPP Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had also pioneered a separate ministry for the solution, welfare and development of minorities. He added, “It’s the Hallmark of the PPP to protect every right of minorities.” It is an unchangeable part of the PPP’s manifesto, he assured.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari assured the minorities that the PPP would continue its struggle at all levels and forums to protect their rights and empower them. He emphasised that the National Minority Day is an opportunity to renew our commitment today that we as a nation shall play our dedicated role for the inter-faith peace, tranquillity and harmony.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk

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Stafanie Taylor and Shakib Al Hasan voted ICC Players of the Month for July

Dubai, August 11, 2021 (PPI-OT):West Indies captain Stafanie Taylor and Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan have been voted as the winners of the ICC Player of the Month Awards for July 2021. All-rounder and captain of the West Indies women squad Stafanie Taylor was deservingly voted the ICC Women’s Player of the Month for July 2021.

Taylor contributed with both bat and ball as she led her team to win the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan in July. In the four ODIs against Pakistan, Stafanie scored 175 runs with a strike rate of 79.18 and took three wickets with an economy rate of 3.72. Stafanie was also on top of the rankings for batters and allrounders in the MRF ICC Women’s ODI Rankings earlier in July.

Commenting on her recognition, Stafanie said: “This is a bit surprising to me, winning ICC Player of the Month award for July, but I’m happy. It shows that the hard work you put in, will pay off and it did, against Pakistan, to help us win that series. We played well in both formats.

“I’m over in England now playing in The Hundred, which is a different kind of competition, played at a faster pace, but I’m still working hard. We’re also looking forward to the series against South Africa at home, and we will be looking to win that as well. I want to thank the fans for all their support, as it is always appreciated.”

From the Bangladesh camp, experienced all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan was deservingly named the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2021 for his stellar performance across all three formats of the game. Shakib’s contributions to all three formats of the game helped Bangladesh win the series against Zimbabwe last month.

He scored 96 unbeaten runs as Bangladesh defeated Zimbabwe by three wickets in the second ODI at the Harare Sports Club. In the T20Is with the ball, Hasan took three wickets at an economy rate of seven leading his country to a series win against Zimbabwe. He is also the top Men’s all-rounder in the MRF ICC Men’s T20 Rankings announced earlier today.

Reacting to his award Shakib Al Hasan said: “It is very humbling to be voted ICC Men’s Player of the Month for July 2021. There have been many outstanding performances during the month and that is why this is special for me.

“I find most pleasure and satisfaction when I contribute to wins and therefore, I am very happy to have helped in Bangladesh’s successes over the last few weeks.”

Fans can continue to vote every month for their favourite male and female cricketers across all formats of international cricket as part of the ICC Player of the Month initiative by registering at www.icc-cricket.com/awards.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com