Author: ali.hassan

WONJU CITY: In a major achievement, Pakistan’s Shahzad Qureshi claimed a silver medal in the ongoing 14th WBPF World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships & Congress held here in South Korea. 

Shehzad Qureshi won a silver medal for Pakistan as he finished second in the 90 KG event.

He fell short of his Indian rival, who bagged the silver while a Korean athlete claimed the bronze in the same category.

Notably, this was Pakistan’s second medal in the ongoing event. Arsalan Baig won the silver for the country in the Physique category.

It is pertinent to mention that former Asian Champion Shahzad Qureshi also bagged a bronze medal in the men’s master bodybuilding category last year after he finished third out of 20 participants competing in the category.

READ: Iyer, Rahul hit tons as India run riot against Netherlands

Dr Ali Sher Bajwa on Thursday, won a bronze medal for Pakistan at the Asia Masters Athletics Championships, being held in New Clark City, Philippines.

In a closely fought Discus final held with bursts of torrential rain adding to the drama, Ali Bajwa won Pakistan’s only medal at the championship, scheduled to run from November 8 to 12.

Ali managed the third position for Pakistan in a closely contested final with India and Philippines capturing the first two places respectively.

Upon winning a laurel for his country, Ali was pleased with his performance and acknowledged the support of his friends and family and the Pakistan Athletics Federation.

“I’m pleased with my performance and would like to thank my family for their unwavering support, my son Ammar Bajwa who trains me for strength and conditioning, Pakistan Athletics Federation and especially my friend and fellow Discus thrower Salman Butt,” said Dr Ali Bajwa.

“It has taken several months of relentless training to achieve this medal,” the sports Orthopaedic surgeon and International athlete added.

READ: PCB accepts Inzamam-ul-Haq’s resignation as chief selector

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that the first Test match of the three-match Test series between Australia and Pakistan which is scheduled to be held at Perth Stadium will be named ‘The West Test’, inspired by WACA ground’s traditions.

The stadium which has a capacity of 60,000 seats will undergo a makeover for the “The West Test” just to bring some energy to the WACA ground, meanwhile, the four bays of seating will be temporarily removed which is branded as NRMA Insurance Test against Pakistan.

The three-tiered grassed area features three tiers and has the capacity of 500 spectators at a time on ‘The West Test Hill’.

The West Test Hill will include a family area with games for children and ample shaded seating spaces for fans to relax and enjoy the first Test match of the summer.

Additionally, the CommBank Women’s International Series Test match between Australia and South Africa will also carry The West Test name, creating continuity between the women’s and men’s game and Test cricket across the state’s two venues.

The Gabba has in the past featured a pool deck, and in recent years ‘The Boundary Social’ was a big hit in Melbourne and Sydney, and now WA is following suit with a new way for fans to enjoy the cricket.

Cricket Australia General Manager, Events & Operations Joel Morrison, said:

“International cricket in Perth has always been one of the great events of the Australian summer.

“The ‘West Test’ will take this to another level combining world-class action on the field with brilliant experiences for fans within the stadium, including on ‘The Hill’ thanks to the support of NRMA Insurance.

“The historic rivalry between Australia and Pakistan has been rekindled since our long-awaited tour to Pakistan last year so there is no better way to launch men’s international cricket this summer via the West Test in one of the world’s great cities.”

WA Cricket CEO, Christina Matthews, said:

“The West Test will give Western Australians something to be proud of – Women’s and Men’s Test matches that feel uniquely ours and showcase our brilliant stadia to the world.

The first step in the transformation of our Men’s Test is The Hill, providing WA cricket fans with a new way to experience Australia’s clash with Pakistan at our world class Perth Stadium.

“We look forward to working with CA and all partners in the game to continue developing The West Test event as we move towards series against India and England in coming years.”

READ: PCB Management Committee extended by three months

Saira Jabeen, a 22-year-old emerging talent from the North of Pakistan, has secured a six-month contract with the Paramatta Women’s Grade Cricket Club in Sydney, Australia.

She touched down in Australia on September 28, 2023.

Hailing from the picturesque Kalash Valley, Saira Jabeen has recently earned a spot in the list of 74 women cricketers who received PCB’s first domestic women contracts for 11 months.

“I have a good experience of Pakistan’s grassroots cricket, and now with this opportunity, I would gain valuable exposure to competitive cricket in Australia. I hope that by blending these experiences, I can make a significant difference in the future.”

“My journey is facilitated by Mel Jones, the former Australian women’s cricket team captain and Mr. Yahya Ghaznavi from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), who played a pivotal role in connecting me with the Paramatta club.”

“I want to set an example for all those girls who are dreaming but are not able to chase their dreams due to societal pressure,” Saira Jabeen affirmed, highlighting her commitment to inspiring aspiring female cricketers.

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Born with a passion for the game, Saira Jabeen shared that her journey was not without challenges.

“I used to disguise myself to play with the guys,” she recalled, mentioning how she had even cut her hair short to blend in with her male counterparts.

“They were very good and supportive. They used to encourage me to play,” she added, reflecting on the encouraging environment she found among her fellow cricketers.

READ: West Indies Women A defeat Pakistan Women A to win one-day series

Cricket Australia (CA) has announced the Match Referee Panel and State and Territory Umpire Panels (STUP) for the 2023/24 season, which features three Pakistani-origin umpires.

Syed Humayun, Ahmad Khan and Muhammad Qureshi’s names would also be considered as fourth umpires in BBL after fulfilling their duties in the ongoing Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

Alongside Premier Cricket commitments, members of the umpire panel will be appointed to officiate in CA competitions, including the Weber Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL), Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), Toyota Second XI, CA Underage National Championships and as Fourth Umpires in the KFC Big Bash League (BBL).

Apart from three Pakistani-origin umpires, four members from India and one from Sri Lankan family heritage were also named in the CA Umpires panel for season 2023/24.

Eight South Asian members of STUP’s

Dinusha Bandara (Sri Lanka), Syed Humayun (Pakistan), Sharad Patel (India), Daval Bhatt (India), Harsimran Singh (India), Muhammad Qureshi (Pakistan), Gaurav Bawa (India), Ahmad Khan (Pakistan).

Additionally, six women have also been included in the panel (Claire Polosak, Eloise Sheridan, Clare Haysom, Lisa McCabe, Ashlee Gibbons and Kate Holloman). Haysom and Holloman have been named on the panel for the first time.

In total, 35 umpires have been selected by State and Territory Associations to join their respective Umpire Panels this season. The State and Territory Umpire Panels will be complemented by the seven CA Supplementary Umpire Panel members across all formats.

READ: Pulindu Perera’s 156 aids Sri Lanka U19 beat Pakistan U19 in first One-Day

Pulindu Perera’s marathon 156-run knock powered Sri Lanka U19 to start the five-match one-day series with a win over Pakistan U19 by 58 runs in the first one-day held at National Bank Stadium Karachi.

Sri Lanka’s opening batter Pulindu Perera starred with the bat hitting a magnificent century. Dinura Kalupahana ensured his team defended the target despite fighting half-centuries by Arafat Minhas and Shamyl Hussain, as the Sri Lankan pacer returned with four wickets.

Saad Baig won the toss and invited Sri Lanka U19 to bat first. They scored 309 runs in 49.4 overs, on the back of a brilliant century by Pulindu Perera.

Perera scored 156 in 96 deliveries, laced up with 17 boundaries and six sixes.

He was the most valuable batter for the side, with the next-best score by Ravishan de Silva, who scored 30 runs in 74 balls, including one boundary.

Off-spinner Naveed Ahmed Khan was the pick of the bowlers, as he returned with three wickets. Left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas, pacer Mohammad Ibtisam and leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain picked up two wickets each, as the visitors were dismissed with two balls remaining in the innings.

In reply, Pakistan U19 could only score 251 runs, before getting dismissed in 45.4 overs.

Shamyl Hussain and Arafat Minhas both produced fighting knocks and forged a 153-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Hussain top-scored for Pakistan with a cautious 98. His 120-ball knock featured nine boundaries.

Whereas, Minhas scored a brisk 84, conceding only 73 deliveries and smashed 11 boundaries and a six.

Dinuka Kalupahana’s four-wicket haul kept the Pakistan batting line-up restricted during the chase. He was supported by Garuka Sanketh, who picked up three wickets for 42 runs.

The second one-day between Pakistan U19 and Sri Lanka U19 is scheduled to be played on 24 October at the National Bank Stadium, Karachi.

READ: Saim Ayub, Shan Masood put Karachi Whites in command in QEAT final

Pakistan Men’s cricket team departed for Chennai through a chartered plane from Bengaluru on Saturday for their next ICC World Cup 2023 fixture against Afghanistan, scheduled on October 21.

Upon their arrival, the Pakistan contingent will enjoy a rest day today and hit the nets tomorrow to prepare for the Afghanistan clash on Monday.

Pakistan is currently in fifth position in the ICC World Cup 2023 standings with four points in three matches, with a net run rate of -0.456.

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

Pakistan suffered a thumping 62-run loss to Australia, courtesy of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh’s dominating centuries, followed by a disciplined bowling performance.

Set to chase a daunting 368-run target, Pakistan could accumulate 305 in response, before being bundled out in the 46th over.

Pakistan got off to a solid start as their openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq also fired with both scoring half-centuries.

The pair took Pakistan to 134 unhurt in 21 before Marcus Stoinis struck on his very first delivery to break the shackles as he outclassed Abdullah with a short-pitched delivery.

Stoinis then struck again in his next over to remove Imam and posted a major dent to Pakistan’s pursuit by removing both set batters in quick succession.

Imam remained the top scorer for Pakistan with a 71-ball 70, hitting 10 boundaries.

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Out-of-form Adam Zampa soon strengthened Australia’s command by claiming the prized scalp of Pakistan captain Babar Azam (18), causing the green shirts to slip to 175/3 in 26.2 overs.

Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan then put together an anchoring 57-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Pat Cummins got rid of Saud,.

Rizwan was then joined by Iftikhar Ahmed in the middle and he charged at the Australian bowlers before Zampa removed him in the 39th over.

Zampa then struck again in his next over and got rid of Pakistan’s mainstay Mohammad Rizwan to put the five-time champions in complete control.

Australian bowlers then ran through their batting tail and soon booked Pakistan on 305 to taste their second consecutive victory, which lifted them to the fourth position in the ICC World Cup 2023.

Adam Zampa led the bowling attack for Australia with 4/53 in his 10, followed by two each from Stoinis and Pat Cummins while Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood struck out a batter apiece.

Pakistan squad for ICC World Cup 2023

Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, M Wasim Jnr, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha.

Travelling reserves: Mohammad Haris, Abrar Ahmed, Zaman Khan

Pakistan’s remaining ICC World Cup 2023 fixtures

• October 23 – vs Afghanistan in Chennai
• October 27 – vs South Africa in Chennai
• October 31 – vs Bangladesh in Kolkata
• November 4 – vs New Zealand Bengaluru (Day match)
• November 11 – vs England in Kolkata

The day matches will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST) while all other matches will be day-night fixtures, starting at 01:30 pm (PST).

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed promoted, Abrar added to PCB Men’s central contracts list

Alyssa Healy and Meg Lanning welcomed the upcoming season of the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in a unique fashion as they took the trophy to the Sydney Tower Eye, standing at 1,014 feet high.

Meg Lanning, the Melbourne Stars’ captain, expressed her excitement for the upcoming season of WBBL.

“Never before have I been to such staggering heights. It’s super exciting, and I can’t wait for the tournament to begin,” said Lanning.

Meanwhile, Alyssa Healy of Sydney Sixers praised the enduring appeal of the WBBL after nine years.

“It’s nice to see that after all this time, the WBBL is still as thrilling as ever,” said Healy.
Lanning also applauded the inclusion of cricket in the Olympics, calling it a monumental decision.

“I’m glad to see cricket being included in the Olympics. It’s a monumental leap that will undoubtedly elevate the game to new heights.”

Alyssa Healy, who has participated in the Women’s IPL previously, shared her excitement about the growing opportunities for women’s cricket worldwide.

She also expressed her wish to witness more Indian players participating in the WBBL while emphasizing the league’s commitment to inclusivity and its potential to further diversify the talent pool.

WBBL season 09 is scheduled to commence on 20 October, Friday from North Sydney Oval where Sydney Sixers will face off against Melbourne Stars in the opening game.

READ: West Indies Women A team reaches Lahore for the white-ball series

MELBOURNE: Star Australian women’s cricketers Ellyse Perry and Alana King called for more representation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).

The launching ceremony of the ninth edition of the WBBL took place here on Monday.

Star all-rounder Ellyse Perry (Sydney Sixers), Georgia Wareham (Melbourne Renegades), Kim Garth (Melbourne Stars), Jemma Barsby (Adelaide Strikers) and Alana King (Perth Scorchers) were present at the glittering ceremony.

While talking to the media Sydney Sixers’ captain Perry expressed her desire to see more South Asian women’s cricketers participating in the WBBL.

“Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan women’s cricket teams have won some important series which has led to the development of women’s cricket,” Perry said.

“A number of South Asian cricketers are featuring in the upcoming edition of men’s Big Bash this year. The participation of South Asian players in the Women’s Big Bash should also continue,” she added.

Perth Scorchers’ captain Alana King echoed Perry’s wish and also asserted that more women’s leagues would be launched soon.

“The more South Asian women cricketers play franchise cricket, the more they will learn,” Alana King said.

“Indian cricketers are also playing in the Hundreds, WBBL has also inspired many cricketers. The people of this region love cricket very much.

“The time is not far when we will see more women’s leagues like men’s cricket.”

For the unversed, the ninth edition of the WBBL will run from October 19 to December 2.

The women’s cricketers also extended their heartfelt support to Australia’s men’s team, who had a dismal start to their ICC World Cup 2023 campaign with back-to-back defeats.

Ellyse Perry termed Australia the ‘favourite’ to win the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Australia is favourite for both Pakistan match in Bengaluru and to lift up the World Cup,” said Perry.

Leg-spin all-rounder King also wished the Australian men’s team luck but termed host India a ‘tough’ team.

“Hosts India would be a really tough opponent, but our good wishes are with Australia men’s squad,” said King.

READ: IOC confirms cricket as one of five new sports at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

Australian women’s cricket team’s players extended their heartfelt support to Australia’s men’s team, currently participating in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 in India.

Allrounder Ellyse Perry termed Australia the ‘favourite’ to win the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Australia is favorite for both Pakistan match in Bengaluru and to lift up the World Cup,” said Ellyse Perry.

Australian women’s team’s leg spin allrounder Alana King also wished the Australian men’s team luck but termed host India a ‘tough’ team.

“Hosts India would be a really tough opponent, but our good wishes are with Australia men’s squad,” said Alana King.

She further shed light on which teams she thinks can be the final four teams in the ICC World Cup 2023.

“Pakistan and South Africa are also strong contenders for the final four,” she added.

Watch ICC World Cup 2023 Live on ARY ZAP

Australia is currently playing against Sri Lanka in their third match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, after losing their two earlier games.

Australia faced hosts India in their opening game in the tournament and faced a heavy six-wicket defeat.

Virat Kohli and KL Rahul scored anchoring half-centuries after a disciplined performance by the bowlers to thump the five-time champions.

This loss was followed by a 134-run thrashing by South Africa, courtesy of Quinton de Kock’s second consecutive century and a combined bowling effort.

The back-to-back losses resulted in Australia sinking at the points table with a net run-rate of -1.846.

Australia squad for the ICC World Cup 2023

Pat Cummins (c), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.

READ: Trott believes Afghanistan’s upset win will encourage more youngsters to play cricket