Games – Page 310 – Newswire Pakistan

July 27, 2022

Babar, Abdullah and Shaheen achieve career-high Test rankings

Lahore, July 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):

Pakistan captain Babar Azam and opener Abdullah Shafique have been rewarded with career-high Test rankings following last week’s superlative performances in the first cricket Test against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan achieved their second highest run-chase when they scored 344 for six with Babar contributing 119 and 55, while Abdullah scoring 13 and a magnificent 160 not out.

In recognition of these performances, Babar has moved up one place to third in the latest ICC Men’s Player Rankings for Test Batters and is now the only player in international cricket to feature in the top-three across all formats, while Abdullah has vaulted 23 places to break into the top-20 for the first time in 16th position.

Babar already heads the ODI and T20I batting charts, while in Tests, he now trails second-ranked Marnus Labuschagne of Australia by 11 points. The list is headed by England’s Joe Root.

Abdullah by virtue of his 23-place leap, has now become the third Pakistan batter to feature inside the top-20. Apart from Babar, Mohammad Rizwan is occupying 20th position, while Azhar Ali has slipped six places to 24th and Imam-ul-Haq has dropped three places to 64th.

Amongst the bowlers, Shaheen Shah Afridi has continued his ascendency and has gained one place in the latest rankings following his four wickets in the first Test. The left-arm fast bowler has leapfrogged India’s Jasprit Bumrah into third position on 836 points.

This is Shaheen’s career-high ranking and compliments his No.3 position in ODIs and 12th ranking in T20Is.

Hasan Ali and Yasir Shah are the other Pakistan bowlers to move in the right direction.

Hasan, who took three wickets in the first Test, has gained one place and is now 13th, while Yasir, who claimed five wickets in his comeback Test, is now 32nd after rising one place.

Mohammad Nawaz, who took five for 88 in the second innings, has returned to Test bowlers’ rankings in 89th position.

Amongst the Test all-rounders, Hasan is 26th, Yasir 31st, Shaheen 51st and Nawaz 87th.

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

July 27, 2022July 28, 2022

Flag Bearers of Pakistan Contingent for XXII Commonwealth Games, Birmingham

Lahore, July 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):Lt Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President CGA Pakistan / Pakistan Olympic Association is pleased to nominate Mr. Muhammad Inam (Wrestler) and Ms. Bismah Maroof (Cricketer) to carry the national flag at the opening ceremony as flag bearers of XXII Commonwealth Games, Birmingham.

Mr. Muhammad Inam, national wrestler, has secured medals is Commonwealth Games and made a history by winning the first ever medal and that too Gold for Pakistan at the World Beach Games. He has been bestowed with the Pride of Performance by the Government of Pakistan. He is the Chairman Athletes Commission of Pakistan Olympic Association (CGA Pakistan) and has been instrumental in empowering national athletes in programs designed by Pakistan Olympic Association (CGA Pakistan). His leadership has gathered together national athletes on various seminars projecting the Athletes’ Rights and Responsibilities and he regularly offers insight to elevate national athletes and sports.

Ms. Bismah Maroof, captain of the Pakistan Women Cricket team, is an outstanding motivation for the female athletes of Pakistan. She has played 118 Women One Days and 114 Women T20s for Pakistan. She is a left handed all-rounder and has an impeccable record both as a batsman with leg-break bowler. Commonwealth Games Federation has kindly arranged her facilities to not only play but to look after her daughter, Fatima, during the Games. We cherish her athletic spirit, professionalism and motherhood with utmost respect and pride. We wish all the athletes very best in these Games and future endeavours.

For more information, contact:
Pakistan Olympic Association
Olympic House, 2-Hameed Nizami (Temple) Road,
Lahore, Pakistan
Postal Code: 54000
Phone: +92-42-36280002, +92-42-36373753
Email: info@nocpakistan.org
Website: https://nocpakistan.org/

July 27, 2022July 28, 2022

Release of IOC Scholarship and Participation in Commonwealth Games

Lahore, July 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):We are delighted to inform that Pakistan Olympic Association which had managed to obtain the IOC Scholarship for its athletes, has disbursed Rs. 2.6 million as the first tranche of IOC Olympic Scholarship to following athletes:

1. Mr. Arshad Nadeem, Athletics (Javelin Throw) – Rs. 521,250/-

2. Ms. Mahmoor Shahzad, Badminton – Rs. 521,250/-

3. Mr. Nooh Dastagir Butt, Weightlifting – Rs. 521,250/-

4. Mr. Muhammad Inam, Wrestling – Rs. 521,250/-

5. Mr. Muhammad Bilal, Wrestling – Rs. 521,250/-

POA is in process of issuing the remaining scholarships to the other 07 athletes who have been accepted by IOC for their scholarship on the recommendations of POA. We thank IOC for their support to the Athletes and we are sure it would go a long way in supporting them in improving their overall performance. The athletes have earned these scholarships by their performance through sheer dedication and hard work. In particular we wish to mention our female athletes. They have not only been consistently performing but have also been instrumental in promoting and encouraging women participation in sports in Pakistan.

POA will continue to assist them for training and provide competition opportunities within whatever limited resources are available to us and through obtaining scholarships and grants from all concerned quarters. Lt. Gen (R) Syed Arif Hasan, President Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) felicitated the Scholarship holders on the release of first tranche. The President also wished the very best to the athletes participating in the XXII Commonwealth Games, Birmingham. POA has ensured timely completion of all formalities necessary and, despite paucity of resources, has ensured the participation of even those athletes who had been prevented from participation.

He appreciated National Sports Federations who from their personal resources are sending athlete support personnel. He emphasized that international participation is imperative for the professional betterment of athletes as it is a huge learning opportunity. He reiterated and reemphasized that POA shall continue to support athletes within the available resources so that the athletes can gain the experience through competing at the international level and thereby improving their own personal performance.

The athletes and officials are now leaving for XXII Commonwealth Games accompanied by a limited athlete support personnel. Mr. Fiaz Hussain Bukhari who was the coach with Arshad Nadeem during the Tokyo Olympics and was initially accredited had to dropped on the request of PSB as It was instructed by them that instead Mr. Terseus Libenberg (the South African coach) should be sent. POA, despite repeated requests, was not provided with necessary particulars of Mr Terseus Libenberg by the PSB.

Well after the passage of accreditation deadline, PSB again requested for accreditation of another supposed coach, Mr Salman Butt but it was not possible being time barred. Under these circumstances, we are constrained to utilize services of another athlete support personnel to assist Mr. Arshad Nadeem and other athletes as technical delegate to secure entry into competition of Games. We are hopeful that Mr. Arshad Nadeem will be able to repeat his performance that he secured in absence of his personal coach at World Athletics Championship 2022. POA will continue to assist Mr. Arshad Nadeem financially and administratively directly.

It has also been learnt that some misleading reports are being circulated regarding participation of female athletes and non-technical coaches for the sports of athletics. We strongly refute these reports as all athletes have been entered after receiving their credentials from the concerned Departments i.e. Army Sports Directorate (National Champion in Athletics – Men) and WAPDA Sports Board (National Champion in Athletics – Women). For clarity it is further added that POA cannot entertain requests of any entity which has been found non-compliant with statutes and WADA Code as it may threaten participation of other Pakistani athletes in international competitions.

POA strongly believes that Sports Organization and their officials should not exploit performance of athlete(s) for their own personal political vested interests. Instead, our efforts should be diverted solely towards athlete well-being during these difficult economic times.

July 27, 2022July 28, 2022

Sri Lanka Cricket to host ASIA CUP 2022 in UAE

Lahore, July 27, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is eagerly looking forward to conducting its much-awaited Asia Cup tournament from August 27th to September 11th, 2022, as scheduled. However, considering the prevailing situation in Sri Lanka, the ACC after extensive deliberation has unanimously concluded that it would be appropriate to relocate the tournament from Sri Lanka to the UAE.

The ACC is mindful of the passionate Sri Lankan fans, hence the final decision to change the venue has been very difficult, but has been one that was deemed necessary. However, the thoughts of all ACC members remain in solidarity with the cricket-loving nation of Sri Lanka. The ACC remains committed to supporting the sport and all its fans and is deeply thankful for the unwavering efforts made by SLC in ensuring the tournament continues as scheduled.

Mr Jay Shah, President, ACC said: Every effort was made to host the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka and the decision to shift the venue to the UAE was taken after much deliberation. The UAE will be the new venue while Sri Lanka will continue to retain hosting rights. This edition of the Asia Cup is extremely important as it will help Asian nations prepare for the ICC World Cup, and I thank the SLC and the Emirates Cricket Board for their understanding and cooperation.

Mr Shammi Silva, President, SLC said: We were really looking forward to hosting our Asian neighbours in Sri Lanka for the much-anticipated Asia Cup. While I fully stand by the ACC’s decision to shift the Asia Cup to UAE considering the current context and the magnitude of the event, Sri Lanka Cricket will work closely with the ACC and Emirates Cricket Board to ensure that we still have an exciting edition of the Asia Cup.

Mr Khalid Al Zarooni, Vice-Chairman, Emirates Cricket Board: The Emirates Cricket Board takes great pride in UAE being named the new venue for the Asia Cup. The ECB is always ready to help fellow Member Boards and the ACC and Sri Lanka Cricket have our full support. He further said; we have the required infrastructure in place and look forward to welcoming the teams to the UAE.

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

July 26, 2022

Lanning reclaims No.1 position in MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings

Dubai, July 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Australia captain Meg Lanning has moved back to the top of the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings after her knock of 74 against Ireland in a tri-series in Bready that also features Pakistan.

Lanning has overtaken compatriot Beth Mooney to reclaim the position she first occupied in January 2014. Except for two days in March 2014, she remained at the top until 18 November 2016. However, this is the first time Lanning has been No. 1 since then.

Lanning has been at the top for a total of 1,020 days, only behind England’s Charlotte Edwards (1,092) and Australia’s Karen Rolton (1,085) in terms of days as No.1.

Tahlia McGrath, whose knock of 70 in the same game won her the Player of the Match award, is up 15 places to 13th while Rachael Haynes has advanced two places to 51st position. The Australia players to move up the rankings for bowlers include spinner Jess Jonassen (up four places to sixth) and medium-fast bowler Nicola Carey (up 20 places to 32nd).

Ireland players Rebecca Stokell (up from 87th to 82nd in the batters’ list) and Ava Canning (up from 85th to 71st in the bowlers’ list) are also among those to gain in the latest weekly update that includes the three matches of the England versus South Africa series played just a week ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

FFor England, fast bowler Katherine Brunt and Sophie Ecclestone have reaped the benefits of finishing with five wickets each in the series. Brunt is up four places to third in the rankings while Ecclestone has consolidated her position at the top, gaining six rating points to reach 767.

Meanwhile, Sophia Dunkely is up 30 places to 62nd after scoring 82 runs in the series while Nat Sciver’s aggregate of 84 runs helps her remain in the top 10 for batters.

South Africa’s Laura Wolvaardt and Anneke Bosch have made substantial gains after smashing a half-century each in the series. Wolvaardt has gained five slots to reach 14th position with an aggregate of 89 runs and Bosch has progressed 26 places to 21st with a total of 96 runs. Tazmin Brits is up 14 places to 24th in the list.

South Africa fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka’s four wickets in the series have lifted her to the top 10 while Nonkululeko Mlaba’s three wickets take her to 24th position.

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

July 26, 2022

PCB unveils 2022-23 men’s domestic cricket season schedule

Lahore, July 26, 2022 (PPI-OT):Streamlining pathways cricket and creating more playing opportunities for talented cricketers was the cornerstone of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s 2022-23 men’s domestic cricket season, which was revealed today.

The seniors cricket will commence with the 33-match two-leg National T20, which will be held in Rawalpindi and Multan from 30 August to 19 September. Concurrently, the second XIs Cricket Associations Cup will be played in Quetta from 2-15 September.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the jewel in the PCB’s crown, will be staged from 27 September to 30 November with Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi sharing 31 matches between them. The Cricket Associations Championship will be played alongside the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in the same cities from 27 September to 23 November.

Curtains on the 2022-23 domestic cricket season will fall with the 33-match Pakistan Cup 50-over tournament, which will be staged in Karachi from 10 December to 3 January. Karachi will also stage the Cricket Associations Challenge from 10-29 December.

In all, 187 matches are scheduled to be played over 127 days (30 August to 3 January).

Salient features of the PCB 2022-23 men’s domestic cricket calendar are:

Six-team Cricket Associations Cup (T20 format) will now be played on a double-league basis. This means each side will get a minimum of 10 matches and a total of 30 matches will be played. Previously, the event was held on a single-league basis with 15 matches.

Six-team Cricket Associations Championship will now be a four-day non first-class competition. Previously, it was a three-day tournament

Six-team Cricket Associations Championship will be played on a double-league basis. This means each side will get a minimum of 10 matches and a total of 30 matches will be played. Previously, the event was held on a single-league basis with 15 matches.

Six-team Cricket Associations Challenge will be played on a double-league basis. This means each side will get a minimum of 10 matches and a total of 30 matches will be played. Previously, the event was held on a single-league basis with 15 matches.

The seniors’ competitions will follow the CCA U19 tournament (21 May-4 June), CA Divisional U19 tournament (10-17 June), CCA Senior Tournament (19 June-21 July) and National U19 Cup (28 June-8 July). The National U19 Championship commenced in Karachi from 25 July and will conclude on 23 August, while the CA Divisional Senior Tournament will take place from 27 July to 12 August.

Director High Performance, Nadeem Khan: “Making the domestic events competitive and challenging, while continuing to provide maximum opportunities to our talented cricketers to demonstrate their talent and help them graduate to the higher level, was the mainstay of our thought-process when we finalised the upcoming domestic season calendar.

“Last year, we allowed each Cricket Association to field two under-19 sides in the National tournaments and this year we have increased the number of matches in the second XI CA Cup, Championship and Challenge. This means each player will get a minimum of 10 matches across all three formats, which provides a good enough opportunity for any player to show his mettle and talent, and stake his claim in the first XI competitions.

“We have introduced a new concept whereby the non first-class CA Championship matches will be four-day fixtures. This will ensure the matches are well-contested and result-oriented, and the players get full opportunity to make the best from these games. This will also help in narrowing the gap with our first-class Quaid-e-Azam Trophy in which only the best of the best participate.

“We have also tried to streamline the player development and progression. Now, a talented U19 cricketer will not have to wait until the next year before playing in the seniors’ competition. I am sure that this year, we will see a few outstanding U19 cricketers from the CCA, CA and National tournaments that will feature in the topline events, as the pathways events have been designed to lead into the main competitions.

“Last year, youngsters Mubasir Khan of Northern and Balochistan’s Haseebullah were adjudged players of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup, respectively. It was heart-warming for the PCB to see the youngsters stepping up and dominating these tournaments, as this not only reflected the talent in our country but also demonstrated the high standard of our events.

“I remain optimistic that a good number of youngsters will make a name for themselves from the forthcoming tournaments which, in turn, will help us increase the pool of our national team bench players.”

PCB 2022-23 men’s domestic cricket calendar:

30 Aug-19 Sep – National T20; Rawalpindi and Multan

2-15 Sep – Cricket Associations T20; Quetta

27 Sep-30 Nov – Quaid-e-Azam Trophy; Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi

27 Sep-23 Nov – Cricket Associations Championship; Abbottabad, Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Karachi

10 Dec-3 Jan – Pakistan Cup; Karachi

10-29 Dec – Cricket Associations Challenge; Karachi

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