Tag: Sports

Promising young Pakistani cricketer, Ayesha Naseem has shocked the cricketing world by announcing her retirement from all forms of international cricket.

According to media reports, the reason behind Ayesha Naseem’s unexpected retirement is her desire to live her life in accordance with the teachings of her religion.

Ayesha Naseem has informed the Pakistan Cricket Board about her decision to retire, which has likely been a matter of profound contemplation for the young cricketer.

Her departure will undoubtedly leave a void in the national cricket team, as her talent and versatility have been instrumental in various matches.

Ayesha made her debut in 2020 and despite her relatively short stint in international cricket, the right-hander has managed to make a lasting impact on the sport.

A defining moment in the 18-year-old batter’s career came in January 2023 during the first T20I against Australia when she delivered a spectacular quickfire cameo.

The Abbottabad-born cricketer has played 30 T20I matches and 4 ODIs for the national team, scoring 369 runs at an average of 18.45 and 33 runs respectively.

Earlier this year, the cricket board named renowned all-rounder Nida Dar as the captain of the national team, while Mark Coles was reappointed as the head coach.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) has been fined $20,000 by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) for non-participation in the AVC Challenge Cup.

Pakistan was denied the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to travel to Chinese Taipei for the volleyball encounter, which ultimately led the team to forfeit the match and be sanctioned by the AVC.

The federation faces trouble after the last-minute denial by the Foreign Office prevented them from meeting the seven-day notification requirement set by the AVC.

Now grappling with the financial repercussions of the penalty, the federation has sought assistance from the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB).

The PVF had already purchased non-refundable tickets for the national squad and supporting staff, further straining their finances.

The departure of the Men in Green on July 5 was disrupted as the Foreign Office denied their participation in the AVC Cup due to the One China Policy.

The AVC imposed a $20,000 fine on the PVF for non-participation based on the recommendations of the Foreign Office.

The federation explained to the Foreign Office that teams from China and Taiwan have participated in each other’s territories despite the One China Policy.

The Volleyball Federation followed instructions from the IOC and corresponded with the Chinese Taipei Volleyball Association, an AVC and FIVB member.

This setback is a significant blow to the financially constrained organization, which heavily relies on sponsorships and donations.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Renowned fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi made his Test cricket comeback after one year in the first match of the Test series against Sri Lanka at Galle.

The left-arm pacer impressed fans with his phenomenal return, taking three quick wickets for the visitors and restricting the home side to 54 for 4 on the first day.

After dismissing Sri Lankan opening batter, Nishan Madushka, Shaheen Afridi achieved the milestone of 100 Test wickets in just 26 matches.

With this accomplishment, the 23-year-old cricketer became the fourth quickest Pakistani fast bowler to reach a hundred wickets in red-ball cricket.

Shaheen is now only behind Waqar Younis, Fazal Mahmood, and Mohammad Asif, on the list of bowlers who achieved the milestone in the fewest number of matches.

The left-arm pacer equaled the legendary pacer, Imran Khan, and surpassed Shoaib Akhtar, and Wasim Akram, who took 26, 27, and 30 matches respectively.

It is important to mention that Shaheen Shah suffered a knee injury during the first test at the same venue last year, which resulted in him missing a crucial season.

Bowler Matches

Waqar Younis 20

Mohammad Asif 20

Fazal Mahmood 22

Shaheen Shah Afridi 26

Imran Khan 26

Shoaib Akhtar 27

Wasim Akram 30

Source: Pro Pakistani

The first cricket test of two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will begin in Galle tomorrow (Sunday).

The match will start at 9:30am Pakistan Standard Time.

Source: Radio Pakistan

The Colombo Strikers have secured the services of Imam-ul-Haq for the upcoming much-awaited fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL).

According to the details, the left-handed opening batter has been brought in as a replacement for Lorcan Tucker, marking his maiden appearance in a foreign T20 league.

Imam-ul-Haq will join the all-format captain, Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, Wahab Riaz, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Mohammad Nawaz in the team for the upcoming edition.

Having previously represented Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the 27-year-old has gained a commendable amount of T20 experience.

It is pertinent to mention here that a total of 11 Pakistani cricketers have successfully secured contracts in the auction for the upcoming fourth edition.

In addition to Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Fakhar Zaman, who have signed direct contracts, 34 other Pakistani cricketers had registered themselves for the draft.

Each franchise was required to contribute a sum of US$500,000 for the auction to acquire players, resulting in a combined total of $2.5 million across the five teams.

The fourth edition of the tournament will be played at three different venues, namely Hambantota, Colombo, and Kandy, with the Jaffna Kings defending their championship title.

A total of five teams will compete in the fourth edition for the coveted trophy, with the tournament commencing on July 31 and concluding on August 22.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has announced its squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan.

Led by captain Dimuth Karunaratne, the team comprises a mix of experienced veterans and promising young talents. Dhananjaya De Silva has been named the vice-captain, adding strength to the leadership core.

Approved by the Sri Lankan sports minister, their selection aims to strike a balance between skill and potential. Pakistan’s squad, led by Babar Azam has already played a practice match in Sri Lanka to adapt the conditions. Hence, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting contest between the two teams as they battle it out on Sri Lankan soil in this crucial Test series.

This series holds special significance as it marks the commencement of the third ICC Test Championship cycle for both teams.

The first Test will be held from July 16 to July 20 at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, followed by the second Test from July 24 to July 28 at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

Here’s Sri Lanka’s Test squad:

Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva (vc), Pathum Nissanka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Praveen Jayawickrama, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Vishwa Fernando, Laksitha Manasinghe.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Young batters Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris have joined Guyana Amazon Warriors for CPL 2023.

Pakistan’s rising stars, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris, have been signed up for the highly anticipated 2023 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). The talented duo will don the vibrant colors of the Guyana Amazon Warriors, joining the ranks of the formidable team that has already secured the services of Azam Khan.

Saim Ayub, known for his aggressive yet stylish batting, has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts with his exceptional stroke play and ability to accelerate the run rate. His fearless approach at the crease promises to add firepower to the Guyana Amazon Warriors’ batting lineup.

On the other hand, Mohammad Haris brings his wicket-keeping skills and reckless yet effective batting to the team. Renowned for his ability to take calculated risks, Haris has earned a reputation for his explosive hitting and match-winning performances.

Their inclusion in the Guyana Amazon Warriors squad further enhances the team’s chances in the CPL. With their youthful energy and undeniable talent, Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris are poised to make a significant impact in the tournament and showcase their skills in foreign conditions. Cricket fans eagerly await the CPL to witness these emerging stars from Pakistan’s batting brigade shine brightly on the Caribbean stage.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Renowned all-rounder, Sikandar Raza, paid a visit to the ongoing Player Development Programme (PDP) in Harare, where hundreds of local players participated.

Speaking on the occasion, Sikandar expressed his gratitude to the Lahore Qalandars management for conducting the program to unearth young talent in the country.

The 37-year-old cricketer added that the ongoing Player Development Programme will help Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) identify emerging players for the national team.

The right-arm spinner remarked that Atif Rana, Sameen Rana, and Aqib Javed have done a good job in Pakistan, and this program in Zimbabwe is a welcoming step.

Last month, Zimbabwe Cricket announced a groundbreaking partnership with T10 Global Sports and Lahore Qalandars to foster emerging talent in cricket.

The PDP trials will provide a platform for aspiring cricketers to showcase their skills and compete for a chance to participate in the inaugural edition of the Zim Afro T10 league.

Speaking on behalf of Lahore Qalandars, Sameen Rana, the Chief Operating Officer, expressed delight at joining forces with T10 Global Sports and Zimbabwe Cricket.

Sameen Rana said that Lahore Qalandars have always been committed to nurturing young talented cricketers and providing them with the necessary opportunities to thrive.

Furthermore, Sameen Rana highlighted that the PDP has brought the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, and Zaman Khan into the Pakistan Cricket Team.

Source: Pro Pakistani