Tag: Sports

Pakistan is ranked number one in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table for the 2023-25 season after winning the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka on Thursday in Colombo.

Pakistan, with 24 points, lead the points table ahead of India, who are second with 16 points.

Pakistan managed to sit on the first position after a comfortable victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test.

Meanwhile, India could’ve been joint-top with their arch-rival but a draw in the second Test against West Indies put them behind.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Super League (PSL) champions Lahore Qalandars and Zimbabwe Cricket have agreed to foster collaboration and talent development. The agreement was formalized through the signing of the agreement by Lahore Qalandars’ Chief Operating Officer, Atif Rana, and Zimbabwe Cricket’s Managing Director.

As per the terms of the agreement, Lahore Qalandars will establish a new High-Performance Center in Harare, aiming to elevate the performance standards of Zimbabwean cricket. This center will become the new hub for Lahore Qalandars’ high-performance initiatives, enhancing the skillset and abilities of emerging Zimbabwean cricketers.

To kickstart this joint endeavor, eight prominent Zimbabwean players are scheduled to travel to Lahore next month to participate in Lahore Qalandars’ Development Program. The young Zimbabwean cricketers will undergo specialized training and mentoring at the High-Performance Center, honing their skills under the expert guidance of Lahore Qalandars’ coaching staff.

Furthermore, Zimbabwe’s Under-19 and Women’s squads are also set to embark on a Pakistan tour soon. During their stay in Lahore, the visiting teams will engage in practice matches and training sessions to prepare for their series against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The establishment of the High-Performance Center in Harare by Lahore Qalandars is expected to play a crucial role in transforming Zimbabwean cricket and nurturing young talents to reach their full potential.

Expressing his delight over the historic collaboration, Lahore Qalandars’ COO, Atif Rana, emphasized the significance of the partnership in reshaping the fate of Zimbabwean cricket. He stressed that Lahore Qalandars is determined to contribute to the growth and development of cricket beyond the borders of Pakistan.

Atif Rana acknowledged the emergence of exceptional talent through Zimbabwe’s player development program and believes that the Lahore Qalandars’ initiative will further amplify the opportunities available for young and talented cricketers in Zimbabwe.

With both Lahore Qalandars and Zimbabwe Cricket committed to nurturing talent, this agreement marks a new chapter in cricketing relations between the two nations. The mutual exchange of expertise and resources is expected to not only benefit Zimbabwean cricket but also strengthen the bonds of sportsmanship and camaraderie between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.

Source: ProPakistani

The Pakistan-India match is expected to be delayed due to Navratri as the ODI World Cup schedule will see revisions.

It has been revealed that three member countries have raised concerns about the schedule for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup. ICC Secretary Jay Shah acknowledged these reservations, leading to a decision to make changes to the existing schedule. However, it was clarified that the venues for the matches will remain unaffected.

In response to objections from member countries, the dates of certain matches will be revised. The revised schedule is expected to be released within the next two to three days, ensuring ample time for teams and fans to make necessary adjustments.

Of particular interest is the high-stakes clash between Pakistan and India, which has generated much speculation. Indian media reported that no definitive decision has been reached regarding a change of venue or date for this crucial encounter. However, there is a possibility that the match could take place on October 14th, with discussions underway to potentially advance the clash by a day due to the festivities of Navratri.

Despite three member countries requesting changes to the schedule, Jay Shah assured that there would be no major disruptions to the already-released World Cup schedule.

In addition to the changes expected in the schedule, the media has also reported that efforts are being made to provide free water to fans during the tournament.

The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the finalized details, hoping for a seamless and thrilling tournament that celebrates the spirit of the sport.

Source: Pro Pakistani

In a surprising turn of events, the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination appears to be unaware of whether the Interior Ministry has granted the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) for their participation in the Asian Champions Trophy in Chennai, India.

With the departure date just six days away, the PHF seems to be in the dark regarding the NOC required for the team’s travel to India. According to PHF secretary Haider Hussain, they have already obtained visas for the national team, but they are anxiously waiting for the NOC from the Interior Ministry.

Despite the uncertainty, an Interior Ministry official confirmed that the NOC was indeed issued on July 10th, which should have been received by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination.

Federal Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Ehsan-ur-Rehman Mazari, assured that the NOC would be received by Wednesday, and his staff was diligently handling the matter.

However, when questioned about the issuance date of July 10th, he expressed hope that the NOC would be in their possession by Wednesday, ensuring the team’s travel plans remain unaffected.

Interestingly, correspondence between the two ministries reveals a series of communications. The Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination initially sent a letter on June 9th, prompting the Interior Ministry to issue the NOC on July 10th.

Despite this, another similar letter was sent on July 21st by the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, unaware that the NOC had already been issued earlier.

As the departure date draws closer, both the PHF and the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination are eagerly awaiting the resolution of this administrative oversight to ensure Pakistan’s representation in the prestigious hockey tournament in India. The tournament is set to commence on 3 August in Chennai, while the final will be held on 12 August.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Hasan Ali once again proved that his lively and jolly nature knows no bounds during a recent behind-the-scenes video from the PCB as he surfed in the rainwater.

Amidst the rain-delayed second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Colombo, Hasan Ali’s contagious spirit lifted the players’ morale. As the match came to a halt due to the rain pouring relentlessly, Hasan Ali saw an opportunity to bring smiles to his teammates’ faces.

Using his creativity and energy, he decided to turn the rainwater accumulated on the covers into his personal surfing arena. With childlike enthusiasm, Hasan hopped onto the makeshift waterbody, skillfully balancing and gliding, much to the delight of his fellow players.

The camaraderie and joy that ensued were infectious, as the team rallied around their livewire teammate, cheering and applauding his antics. Moments like these transcend the boundaries of competition, reminding us that cricket is not just a game but a platform for fostering bonds and creating cherished memories.

Hasan Ali’s display of his carefree and fun-loving nature further endears him to fans worldwide, and his ability to inject positivity into any situation makes him a beloved figure both on and off the field.

Source: Pro Pakistani

In a historic triumph, Hamza Khan has etched his name in Pakistani squash history by becoming the first player from his country since the legendary Jansher Khan to clinch the prestigious World Junior Squash Championship title. Hamza Khan became the first Pakistani athlete to win the tournament in 37 years.

The rising star displayed remarkable skill, determination, and sportsmanship as he overcame Egypt’s Mohamed Zakaria in a captivating final held in Melbourne.

In a nail-biting showdown that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Khan showcased his prowess and mental fortitude to outmaneuver his formidable opponent. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both players pushing each other to the limits.

After losing a closely contested opening game 10-12, Khan demonstrated incredible resilience to turn the tide in his favor. In a testament to his grit and composure under pressure, he snatched the second game 14-12, swinging the momentum in his direction.

As the crowd roared in anticipation, Khan further elevated his game in the subsequent rounds. His agile footwork, precise shots, and strategic play left Zakaria struggling to keep up. The Pakistani prodigy stormed through the third and fourth games with scores of 11-3 and 11-6, respectively, sealing the match with a resounding 3-1 victory.

This monumental achievement not only cements Hamza Khan’s position as a rising star in the world of squash but also rekindles memories of Jansher Khan’s legendary legacy.

With this triumph, Hamza Khan has undoubtedly inspired a new generation of Pakistani squash enthusiasts, proving that the nation’s talent pool continues to produce exceptional athletes capable of dominating the global stage.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The draw for the SAFF U-16 Championship and SAFF U-19 Championship 2023 was conducted at the BFF House in Dhaka, Bangladesh, today.

The SAFF U16 Championship is scheduled to be held at the renowned Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu from September 1 to September 10, 2023.

As per details, Pakistan football team has confirmed its participation in both tournaments after being drawn alongside Bhutan and Maldives in U16 championship while Nepal and Maldives are drawn in the same group as the Men in Green in U19 championship.

In the U-16 category, India, the reigning champions of both the U-20 and U-17 SAFF tournaments, found themselves placed in Group A.

The Men in Blue will be joined by the spirited teams of Nepal and Bangladesh, promising an intense and closely-fought group stage in the upcoming tournament.

Meanwhile, the SAFF U-19 Championship 2023 is scheduled to take place at the iconic Dashrath Stadium in Kathmandu from September 21 to September 30, 2023.

The draw for the U-19 category brought forth equally captivating matchups, with teams eyeing glory and a chance to assert their dominance in South Asian youth football.

In the U-19 group stage, the young Pakistani footballers were drawn in Group B, where they will face the formidable challenges posed by Maldives and hosts Nepal.

Group B, on the other hand, will consist of India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh all prepared to put up a fierce fight to progress to the knockout stages.

SAFF U16

Group A Group B

India Pakistan

Nepal Bhutan

Bangladesh Maldives

SAFF U19

Group A Group B

Pakistan India

Nepal Bhutan

Maldives Bangladesh

Source: Pro Pakistani

In a series of negotiations, the venue for the highly anticipated three-match ODI series between Pakistan and Afghanistan has finally been decided.

According to media reports, the cricket boards have agreed to play the white-ball series at a neutral venue in Sri Lanka after several rounds of discussions.

Sources close to the matter revealed that PCB officials actively engaged with their counterparts in the ACB to reach an agreement on the ideal location for the series.

Initially, Afghanistan expressed interest in hosting the series in the UAE, but considering the challenging weather conditions, they were forced to select Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has shown remarkable sportsmanship and cooperation, offering to rent out its grounds and stadiums to accommodate the series.

While discussing the reasoning behind their decision, ACB representatives cited their focus on preparing for the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup 2023.

Hosting the series in Sri Lanka is seen as a strategic move to acclimatize the team to similar conditions that they might encounter during these prestigious events.

It is pertinent to mention here that, as per the finalized schedule, the three-match ODI series will kick off on August 18 and run through until August 24.

Source: Pro Pakistani