Lahore, 2 September 2022:

The Governing Council of the HBL Pakistan Super League met at the National High Performance Centre in Lahore today. All six HBL PSL franchises were represented along with PCB officials who are members of the GC. Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board Ramiz Raja chaired the meeting.

The meeting started with the Chairman PCB congratulating the GC on a hugely successful and record-breaking HBL PSL 7 edition which was the first one ever to be staged in Pakistan uninterrupted since the start of the league in 2016. The successful organisation of the tournament was made possible despite significant external challenges and record revenue and viewership was attained through the two action-packed leagues in Karachi and Lahore.

Some important discussions around the scheduling for the next edition of the HBL PSL were made. It was decided that the HBL PSL 8 will run from 9 February to 19 March 2023. At least four venues will be used for hosting the matches, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi and Multan. Further discussions for firming up the detailed schedule will take place between the franchises and the PCB in due course.

The franchises were also given an update on the status of accounts for HBL PSL 7.

During the GC an update was provided in respect of commercial matters related to HBL PSL 7 and HBL PSL 8. Follow-up meetings will commence next week to finalise plans for HBL PSL 8 with all in agreement to work closely in the build-up to HBL PSL 8 to achieve their common goals for the league.

Lahore, 2 August 2022:

England will play seven T20Is from 20 September to 2 October in Karachi and Lahore in what will be their first visit of the country in 17 years, the Pakistan Cricket Board announced today.

The National Stadium will host the matches on 20, 22, 23 and 25 September, before the action will shift to the cricket headquarters at the Gaddafi Stadium where the remaining three matches will be played on 28 and 30 September and 2 October. All matches will start at 1930 PKT.

The seven T20Is will be part of the first leg of England’s tour of Pakistan and they will return after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 for three Tests in December.

The T20I series against the second-ranked side will launch Pakistan’s bumper international season. Following the September and December matches against England, Pakistan will host New Zealand twice – first for two Tests and three ODIs in December/January and then in April for five ODIs and five T20Is – West Indies for three T20Is in late January and finally the 50-over ACC Asia Cup.

Complete schedule of England Test series as well as New Zealand and the West Indies series will be announced in due course.

Apart from five Tests, eight ODIs and 15 T20Is in the 2022-23 season, Pakistan will also stage 187 men’s domestic matches in six senior competitions, 33 HBL Pakistan Super League 2023 fixtures and 19 Pakistan Junior League 2022 games.

Zakir Khan, PCB Director International Cricket: “We are absolutely delighted to confirm hosting England for seven T20Is in Karachi and Lahore as a curtain-raiser to a busy, entertaining and exciting season of home internationals. England is one of the top-ranked T20I teams and them playing the shortest format in the lead up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Pakistan will not only help the team management to finalise their preparations, but will also set the tone for December’s three-Test series.

“We demonstrated our event planning and operational skills in the highly-successful series against Australia in March/April and I am confident we will be able to replicate these when England visit us for the first time since 2005. We have been able to confirm schedule of the T20Is following a successful tour by the England and Wales Cricket Board recce team, which was pleased and satisfied with all our arrangements.

“I am confident that the cricket fans, like they did in the series against Australia, will turn up in big numbers to support both the sides and also make our Diamond Jubilee celebration year an unforgettable one.”

Rob Key, ECB Managing Director England Men’s Cricket, said: “We are looking forward to returning to Pakistan and playing these seven T20Is as the team builds up to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

“We have been liaising closely with the PCB over arrangements for this visit and the Tests later in the year, and will continue to work closely with the PCB, British High Commission and other relevant authorities as we continue to prepare for these tours.

“We would like to thank the PCB and the city authorities for all their ongoing assistance with planning for the tours, including hosting the recent pre-tour planning visit by ECB representatives and the PCA CEO.”

Schedule of T20Is (matches to start at 1930 PKT):

Tuesday, 20 Sep – 1^st T20I, Karachi

Thursday, 22 Sep – 2^nd T20I, Karachi

Friday, 23 Sep – 3^rd T20I, Karachi

Sunday, 25 Sep – 4^th T20I, Karachi

Wednesday, 28 Sep – 5^th T20I, Lahore

Friday, 30 Sep – 6^th T20I, Lahore

Sunday, 2 Oct – 7^th T20I, Lahore

LAHORE (July 29, 2022): Leading hockey players of the country Ali Shan and Azfar Yaqoob called on Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz at Punjab Stadium on Thursday.

Talking on this occasion, Secretary Sports Punjab Asadullah Faiz said that Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab will resolve all the problems of national hockey heroes.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz said that Sports Board Punjab will accommodate hockey stars Ali Shan and Azfar Yaqoob in the coaching set up. “Both the players will serve as coaches for the training of hockey teams of the province,” he added.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz said that the national hockey heroes are our pride and true role models for the young generation. He also asked both the players to serve national hockey with enthusiasm and passion.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz further said the doors of his office are open to all players of the province. “Resolving issues of all male and female athletes are our prime obligation. Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab is striving hard to promote the sports culture across the province”.

LAHORE (July 21, 2022): Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz has announced that Sports and Youth Affairs Department Punjab will extend financial support to para-athlete Naeem Masih for his participation in the Islamic Paralympic Games 2022 scheduled to be staged in Turkey.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz made this announcement on Thursday when para-athlete Naeem Masih called on him at Punjab Stadium. Director Sports Nadeem Qaiser and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz while talking on this occasion said that Naeem is a hardworking and talented young man and we are quite upbeat that he will earn respect for the country at a bigger platform of Islamic Paralympic Games. “Punjab Sports Department will provide Naeem Masih air ticket and make all possible arrangements for his top level training at the coaching camp”.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Punjab Asadullah Faiz further said that Punjab Sports Department is providing equal opportunities to all young talented male and female athletes across the province.

LAHORE (Jan 31, 2022): Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti in a statement on Monday said that the organization of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches in Karachi has proved that Pakistan is a peaceful country of sports-loving people.

Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti said that Punjab govt is making ample administrative measures for the Lahore leg of Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches scheduled to commence from February 10, 2022. “The cricket lovers will be provided with the best facilities during PSL-7 matches at Lahore.”

Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti also congratulated Lahore Qalandars team for their convincing victory against strong opoonents Karachi Kings. “Fakhar Zaman exhibited wonderful batting skills and hammered a match-winning century in the crucial encounter”.

Punjab Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Rai Taimoor Khan Bhatti expressed his hope that this time Lahore Qalandars will lift Pakistan Super League winners’ trophy at Gaddafi Stadium.  

KARACHI: Upcoming young talent Ashab Irfan outclassed unseeded Uzair Shaukat in the final to lift the coveted trophy of men’s singles  in COMBAXX Sport-Sindh Satellite Squash Championships here at the Roshan Khan-Jahangir Khan Squash Complex on Saturday.In an excellent display of the game, he defeated his opponent in three straight sets i.e., 11-7, 11-2 and 11-6, rendering his opponent totally helpless in front of his classic game.

The final that lasted for 22 minutes was almost a one-sided affair.It may be mentioned here that Ashab Irfan also won the U-19 title, donning the double crown in this coveted event.In the women’s category, women’s top player Zaynab Khan outclassed Noorul Huda in straight sets to win the title in style.The women’ final score was 11-5, 11-4 and 11-3, showing the superb display of the game by Zaynab, who rendered her opponent helpless in front of her classy game.Squash legend Jahangir Khan, who was chief guest of the final ceremony, gave away the winners and runners trophies and other awards along with CEO Combaxx Sports Umar Saeed, POA Media Advertiser Asif Azim, Sindh Squash Association President Adnan Asad, Secretary Muhammad Rashid, and Combaxx Sports GM Zubair Macha.Jahangir Khan said that our country is rich in squash talent.

What is needed to provide modern infrastructure and training facilities to youth to nurture their talent to a level to turn tables on their opponents at world level.He eulogized the role of COmbaxx Sports in patronizing sports including Squash and called upon other institutions to follow their example to provide patronage to squash so that we can regain past glories in squash at world level.He also praised the Pak Navy RKJK Squash Complex which is state of the art facility for the squash players.Combaxx Sports CEO Umar Saeed said that Combaxx is an online sporting goods institution and store providing high quality; professional and branded genuine sporting goods direct to the athletes; Clubs, Academies and the National Federations at reasonable and affordable prices.“We patronize sports for the sake of promoting positive thinking and healthy approach of our youths in society”, he said.

Lahore:Batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tour to New Zealand. Fakhar is suffering from fever and has not recovered in time for the Pakistan squad’s departure for the tour.

The decision to withdraw Fakhar from the tour was made keeping the health of the rest of the squad members as a top priority.

Fakhar was isolated in the team hotel in Lahore as soon as his condition was detected; the PCB medical panel is in touch with Fakhar.

Team Doctor Dr Sohail Saleem: “Fakhar’s covid test report was received on Saturday which came out negative but today he picked up fever. As soon as his condition was reported, he was isolated from the rest of the squad in the team hotel. We are constantly monitoring his condition and remain hopeful of his quick recovery; however he is not fit to travel with the squad and as such has been withdrawn from the touring party.”

The Pakistan and Pakistan Shaheens squad will depart for New Zealand from Lahore in the wee hours of Monday morning.

Younis had earlier accompanied Pakistan to England this summer and will now continue with his responsibilities for the upcoming series in New Zealand for which the side departs on 23 November.

When not traveling with the national side, Younis will be based at the Hanif Mohammad High Performance in Karachi as a batting coach. A work programme will be developed with the National High Performance team.

Younis, scored 10,099 runs at over 52 in 118 Tests; 7,249 runs in 265 ODIs and 442 runs in 25 T20Is. He has scored most Test centuries for Pakistan, 34, while his career-best 313 against Sri Lanka in Karachi in 2009 lifted him to No.1 position in the ICC rankings.

Younis also captained Pakistan to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2009 victory in England.

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan: “I am delighted that Younis will now be with for, at least, the next two years as our batting coach. The feedback we received about Younis’ impact in a short period of time in England was excellent. His work ethics, commitment and knowledge are second to none, and I am confident that his appointment will benefit a number of talented batsmen who have either recently broken into the national side or are knocking on the door of international cricket.

“The PCB will also be utilising Younis Khan’s expertise and skills when he’s not on national duty as he will help local batsmen hone their skills. This is part of the PCB’s strategy to appoint highly-qualified and respected coaches across all major centres of the country so that we can start producing cricketers who can represent Pakistan with distinction.

“This High Performance Centre element follows the recruitment of Mohammed Yousuf, who is based at the National High Performance Centre, meaning that the PCB has two of the very best contemporary ex-batters adding significant value and fulfilling important roles with developing and guiding the current and the future generation of Pakistan batsmen.”

Younis Khan: “I am pleased to join the Pakistan cricket set-up on a long-term basis. I felt honoured when I was given the opportunity this summer and thoroughly enjoyed my time, and I now look forward to continuing the work with the same group of people on an important tour of New Zealand.

“I am particularly happy that my scope of work has been extended beyond the national duties. I am equally interested and keen at working at the domestic level by identifying potential batsmen and then helping them improve their skills.

“However, I want to remind all fans and followers that there is a process to achieve excellence and while some improvements can be noticed quickly, this will require lots of hard work, perseverance and patience before the required skills are embedded and start producing consistent results.”

Meanwhile, the PCB has also appointed former Test spinner Arshad Khan as Pakistan women’s national cricket team’s bowling coach for one year. Arshad played nine Tests and 58 ODIs, taking 32 and 56 wickets, respectively.

Arshad’s appointment has come within a month after former Bermuda and Glamorgan captain David Hemp was appointed head coach of the national side.

Arshad will take up the role following the remaining four HBL Pakistan Super League 2020 where he is involved with Peshawar Zalmi and along with David, will be involved in the Women’s National T20 Championship.

Arshad Khan: “This is an excellent opportunity to be working with women cricketers alongside David Hemp as we aim to collectively lift our national team in the upper half of the women’s draw.

“When I look around at a big number of former international cricketers involved in the present set-up, it motivates me to not only prove my worth but also justify the faith imposed on me.

“I now keenly look forward to looking at the available pool of women cricketers in the Women’s National T20 Championship and will then work on a strategy with David on how we move forward. This will be a demanding assignment and I am up for the challenge.”

Players Support Personnel for Pakistan’s tour to New Zealand:

Pakistan men’s national team – Mansoor Rana (Manager), Misbah-Ul-Haq (head coach), Shahid Aslam (assistant coach), Waqar Younis (bowling coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Abdul Majeed (fielding coach), Cliffe Deacon (physiotherapist), Ibrahim Badees (team and social media manager), Malang Ali (team masseur), Dr Sohail Saleem (team doctor), Talha Ejaz Butt (analyst), Col (retd) Usman Anwari (security manager) and Yasir Malik (strength & training coach),

Shaheens – Ijaz Ahmed (manager and head coach), Mohtashim Rashid (assistant manager & fielding coach), Rao Iftikhar (bowling coach), Hafiz Naeem (physiotherapist), Saboor Ahmed (trainer), Usman Hashmi (analyst) and Mohammad Imran Ali (masseur)

The remaining fixtures of the National U19 Three-Day Tournament have been shifted from Lahore to Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the change in weather conditions in Lahore.

As such, the last three round matches, which were previously to be staged at the Gaddafi Stadium and LCCA Ground, will now be staged at Islamabad’s Shalimar Ground and Rawalpindi’s Ayub Park Ground and KRL Stadium.

Sindh are the defending champions and the tournament will resume on Friday when they take on Southern Punjab at the Country Club Ground Muridke.

From Saturday, 14 November, Balochistan will take on Northern at Ayub Park Ground with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa playing Central Punjab at the Shalimar Ground.

The revised schedule is given below.

Revised schedule:

13-15 November
Sindh vs Southern Punjab, Country Club Ground Muridke

14-16 November
Balochistan vs Northern, Ayub Park Ground Rawalpindi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Central Punjab, Shalimar Ground Islamabad

18-20 November
Balochistan vs Central Punjab, KRL Stadium Rawalpindi
Northern vs Sindh, Ayub Park Ground Rawalpindi
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa vs Southern Punjab, Shalimar Ground Islamabad

22-24 November
Balochistan vs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ayub Park Ground Rawalpindi
Central Punjab vs Sindh, Shalimar Ground Islamabad
Northern vs Southern Punjab, KRL Stadium Rawalpindi

27-30 November
Final, venue to be confirmed

Chasing 243 runs in 50 overs for victory, Northern were cruising at 151 for one before they were mesmerised by wrist-spinner Aaliyan Mehmood to be spun out for 189 in 44.3 overs.

Aaliyan Mehmood returned figures of 10-0-45-4 to not only pick up the player of the final award, but also finish the tournament as the third most successful bowler with 24 wickets, including four four-fers. He averaged 15.6, while his economy-rate remained at 3.69.

Left-arm spinner Faisal Akram of Southern was the most successful bowler with 27 wickets, including two five-fers, while Mubasir Khan of Northern ended the tournament with 26 wickets at an average of 12.42, including two four-fers.

Faisal was later declared best bowler of the tournament, while Mubasir for his 26 wickets and 332 runs was named player of the tournament.

After Hassan Abid Kiyani departed early, Mohammad Shoaib Khan and Abdul Faseeh stitched up a 147-run second-wicket partnership to put Northern on course for a comfortable victory.

But the dismissal of Shoaib Khan, who scored a 84-ball 71 with six fours, and Abdul Faseeh within a space of four runs opened all floodgates as Sindh bowlers got on top of Northern batsmen to run through the innings.

Abdul Faseeh, who became one of the two Adeel Meo’s victims, scored 70 with five fours from 99 balls. The 17-year-old, who was adjudged best batsman of the tournament, finished the competition as the most impressive and consistent batsman with 524 runs, including a century and five half-centuries. Sindh’s Mubashir Nawaz was the second most successful batsman with 390 runs, followed up by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Maaz Sadaqat (363 runs).

Besides Aaliyan, Zameer Shah took two for 26, Adeel Meo bagged two for 32 and Talha Ahsan snapped up two for 36.

Earlier, and after being put into bat, Sindh were helped by wicketkeeper-batsman Ghazi Ghouri and Rizwan Mehmood to a respectable 242 for eight after they were in a spot on bother at 93 for four.

Rizwan had held the top-order together with a quality 53 from 87 balls with six fours and a six, and later, Ghazi, in association with Kashif Ali (38 off 39 with five fours and a six), added 70 runs for the seventh wicket. Ghazi contributed 62 from 83 balls with seven fours.

For Northern, Faizan Saleem and Mubasir Khan equally shared four wickets between them conceding 19 and 47 runs, respectively.

The National U19 three-day Tournament will now commence on Thursday. In the first round action, Balochistan will take on Sindh at the LCCA, Lahore, Central Punjab will meet Southern Punjab at Rana Navedul Hasan Cricket Academy in Sheikhupura, and Northern will square off against Khyber Pakhtunkhwa at the Lahore Country Club in Muridke.

Scores in brief:

Sindh beat Northern by 53 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium

Sindh 242-8, 50 overs (Ghazi Ghouri 62, Rizwan Mehmood 53, Kashif Ali 38; Faizan Saleem 2-19, Mubasir Khan 2-47)

Northern 189 all out, 44.3 overs (Mohammad Shoaib Khan 71, Abdul Faseeh 70; Aaliyan Mehmood 4-45, Zeeshan Zameer 2-26, Talha Ahsan 2-36, Adeel Meo 2-32)

Player of the final – Aaliyan Mehmood (Sindh)

Player of the Tournament – Mubasir Khan (Northern)

Best Batsman – Abdul Faseeh (Northern)

Best Bowler – Faisal Akram (Southern Punjab)

Best wicketkeeper – Salman Khan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa)