Author: shah.khalid

BANGKOK: Pakistan’s promising boxer Muhammad Shoaib Khan won the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) Lightweight Championship after defeating Indonesia’s Hendrik Barongsay in a title fight, here on Wednesday. 

Shoaib outclassed his opponent as he remained unbowed in the 10-round fight to claim 117 points compared to Barongsay’s 57.

Known as “the Coolest Boy”, Shoaib clinched his third consecutive victory to earn the professional ABF title as he earlier outclassed Thai Boxer Sornram in September to qualify for the title bout.

After his sensational win, the national boxer dedicated his victory to the people of Pakistan, saying “it has always been my dream to raise the green crescent flag all over the world”.

READ: ‘We don’t think it’s food-related’ Root on England players ailment

RAWALPINDI: Former England Test skipper Joe Root ruled out the possibility of his teammates becoming ill as a result of food poisoning ahead of the first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi on December 1. 

On Tuesday, some of the England players including captain Ben Stokes, reportedly, have fallen ill and were told to restrict their movement to limit the risk of spreading the virus. An ECB spokesperson, however, confirmed that the illnesses were not Covid-19 related, with players experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at Pindi Cricket Stadium after the team’s final training session before the first Test, Root insisted that there was nothing to be blamed on their team chef as the players’ illness was not related to the food.

“It is unfortunate we are in this situation, but we don’t think it is food-related,” he said. “I don’t think there is any correlation between the two and in fact the chef is ill as well, so I don’t think it is the food.”

England’s team brought their own chef, Omar Meziane, in order to take care of the players’ diet during the historic Test tour of Pakistan.

“The thing is we have been carrying a chef away for a couple of years. If you look at the international teams, especially England, they all have their own chefs. We optimise ourselves and we see it from a nutrition point of view as well,” he said, responding to the reporter’s question.

Moreover, Root denied any possibility of picking up corona virus, claiming that he also felt ill but recovered within a day.

“As far as I’m aware there are a few guys not feeling 100 per cent but – I didn’t feel great yesterday but I woke up better today – so hopefully it’s just a 24-hour virus and I don’t think it’s food poisoning or Covid or anything like that,” he added.

When asked about the player’s readiness for tomorrow’s match, Root said: “It’s hard to say, I’ve not seen anyone this morning, we’ve literally got straight on the bus so the guys will do everything we can to be right in that aspect, so time will tell really.”

“We’ve prepared really well for this game and sometimes life throws things at you but we’ll do everything we can to be right tomorrow and be right and ready to go,” he added.

Pakistan Cricket Board, however, confirmed in a tweet that discussions were underway between the ECB and PCB regarding the commencement of the first Test after some England players reported viral infection.

England and Pakistan will contest a three-match Test series with the second scheduled in Multan beginning on December 9 and the final game in Karachi from December 17-21.

READ: Babar hopeful to compete against ‘full strength’ English side in first Test

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan captain Babar Azam expressed his hope of competing against a full-strength English side despite several players of the touring party being struck down by illness on Wednesday.

Babar, in a scheduled press conference ahead of the historic Rawalpindi Test, commented on the unfortunate viral spread in the opposition camp, while also hopeful of competing against a complete English side.

“We’ve finalized our plan after the English lineup was unveiled and we will bring our action plan tomorrow. They are tough opposition and play aggressively but we are still hopeful they play with full strength,” said Babar.

“We have been practising for the last week and are well-prepared for the series. The way Naseem Shah and Muhammad Ali are bowling, I am confident my bowlers will make us win,” he added.

The playing conditions and pitches were the most-talked elements of the game amid Australia’s historic tour of Pakistan in April this year, while Babar came up with an assertion this time that the conditions would be favourable for both teams.

“Whenever you play in home conditions, you try to make pitches as per your suitability. However, I think the conditions are still favourable for both teams. The weather conditions are better, fast bowlers and spinners will get a lot of help,” said Babar.

Babar then went on to comment on Pakistan’s chances to make it to the final of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) and shared the team has the potential to make it.

“We will be trying to win at least four of our last five matches so that we can qualify for the final of the World Test Championship,” he concluded.

READ: PAK vs ENG: Trophy unveiling postponed as virus hits English camp 

RAWALPINDI: The trophy unveiling ceremony of the historic Test series between Pakistan and England has been postponed as a viral disease hit the English camp on the eve of the first match, originally scheduled to commence tomorrow.

According to the details, the postponement came in light of the viral ailment that broke out in the touring side’s camp which affected around 14 members of their squad.

England’s Test captain Ben Stokes is reportedly among those 14 members and thus was unable to partake in the unveiling ceremony with his counterpart Babar Azam.

Consequently, the affected members including players and supporting staff were advised to rest at the hotel on Wednesday.

However, the reports further suggest that the trophy unveiling ceremony will now take place tomorrow ahead of the first Test.

Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a brief statement regarding the incident and shared that only Harry Brook, Joe Root, Keaton Jennings, Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley attended today’s optional training session.

It is pertinent to mention that England have already named their Playing XI for the historic Rawalpindi Test with all-rounder Liam Livingstone set to make his Test debut while Ben Duckett will play his first Test since 2016.

READ: PAK v ENG: Start of First Test likely to be delayed after England players fall ill 

RAWALPINDI: Uncapped Liam Livingstone will play his debut match of the red-ball format as England announced their playing XI for the opening Test of the historic three-match series against Pakistan, starting tomorrow here at Pindi Cricket Stadium. 

Livingstone, 29, will receive his Test cap while Ben Duckett will make his return to England’s Test side after six years. He will replace the opener, Alex Lees, to partner with Zak Crawley at the top order.

Livingstone has been added on the side as an extra spinning option besides his capabilities with the bat as England are set to play their first Test in Pakistan after 17 years.

Veteran James Anderson, who last visited the country back in 2005, will lead the pace attack along with Ollie Robinson and skipper Ben Stokes. Anderson will also be playing his maiden Test on Pakistani home soil.

England Playing XI: 

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pop, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (WK), Liam Livingstone, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, James Anderson

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan pacer Naseem Shah gave a hilarious reply to a journalist who asked questions in English in a press conference ahead of the first Test against England here on Tuesday.

The journalist asked the 20-year-old pacer about his impression of the 40-year-old England fast-bowler James Anderson who has played more than he has been alive.

“It is a very big achievement because I’m a fast bowler I know how hard fast bowling is and he’s a legend so I think he did a lot of hard work,” he replied. “We learn a lot of things from him and whenever we meet we discuss something.

“You think that is a big thing for him I mean we learn this thing till playing like I think he is 40 years old and he still playing he’s still fit so…You know you can think how much hard work.”

The media person asked Naseem Shah how he felt when James Anderson said he does not have the pace he had in the past but has other skills.

The pacer jokingly replied, “Brother, I just have 30 per cent English. My English is finished now…”

The journalist refined the question and explained what James Anderson meant by saying he can swing the ball.

In his reply, Naseem Shah said James Anderson is a legend who knows everything about fast bowling.

He added: He knows how to take wickets as he has played all around the world which makes him one of the best bowlers in the world.

READ: Trophy for Pakistan-England Test series to be unveiled tomorrow 

RAWALPINDI: The trophy for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England will be unveiled tomorrow at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

According to the details, the trophy will be unveiled in a ceremony at the Pindi stadium where both captains – Babar Azam and Ben Stokes – will participate.

Following the trophy unveiling, both Pakistan and England captains will speak to the presser later tomorrow.

Earlier today, the players of the two squads carried out robust training sessions on Tuesday ahead of the first Test amid tight security at the stadium.

It is pertinent to mention that England and Pakistan will lock horns in a three-match Test series from December 1 to 21. Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the remaining two Tests respectively.

READ: Babar’s wicket is crucial but goal is to take 20 wickets: Anderson 

RAWALPINDI: England cricket’s famous fan page Barmy Army reached Pakistan after a gap of 17 years to witness the historic Test series between England and Pakistan.

The upcoming Rawalpindi Test of the historic series, scheduled to commence on December 1, will mark the first Test for the English side on Pakistan soil after 17 years.

To witness the historic Test between two decorated Test sides, one of the renowned cricket fan clubs, England’s Barmy Army has touched down in the country.

Taking to Twitter, Barmy Army announced their arrival with a tweet, “Check our bio for a new location.”

Check our bio for a new location 📍

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 29, 2022

 

Consequently, the Barmy Army changed its location from England to Pakistan.

Earlier, the overwhelming response from Pakistan fans left Barmy Army amused as “Welcome to Pakistan” began to trend following their tweet “Assalam-o-alaikum.”

Later, Barmy Army tweeted to praise the overwhelming response of cricket passionate nation.

“How amazing is this. 9:04 am – we tweet ‘Assalam-o-alaikum’ 2 hours later – ‘Welcome to Pakistan’ is trending on Twitter,” wrote Barmy Army.

How amazing is this ❤️

9:04am – we tweet "Assalam-o-alaikum"

2 hours later – "Welcome to Pakistan" is trending on Twitter#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/iiBWvI2voR

— England's Barmy Army 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy) November 25, 2022

 

It is pertinent to mention that England and Pakistan will lock horns in a three-match Test series from December 1 to 21. Besides Rawalpindi, Multan and Karachi will host the remaining two Tests respectively.

READ: England, Pakistan train at Pindi Stadium ahead of first Test

RAWALPINDI: As the England Test side embarks on its first tour of Pakistan after 17 years gap, the Pindi stadium witnessed a busy day on Tuesday as both teams raced up their preparations for the opening Test at the venue.   

England will lock horns with the hosts for the three-match Test series, starting from December 1 (Thursday) with the Rawalpindi Test, while the remaining two fixtures will be held in Multan and Karachi respectively.

The players of the two squads carried out robust training sessions on Tuesday ahead of the first Test amid tight security at the stadium.

According to the details, foolproof security arrangements were ensured around the stadium and on the team routes for the practice session which lasted till the afternoon.

Ben Stokes-led side engaged in vigorous fielding drills alongside net sessions for bowling and batting practice for the second consecutive day, while the national squad also geared up their preparations for the home assignment.

It is pertinent to mention here that England will play Pakistan in a test series for the first time since 2005 when they last toured the country for three tests and five ODIs.

England’s white-ball side had already visited the country in September this year for the seven T20 matches and defeated the hosts 4-3 in the series.

READ: Northern thrash Sindh to lift maiden Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title

ISLAMABAD: British High Commissioner Christian Turner held an honorary ceremony on Monday to celebrate the England Test side’s historic return to Pakistan after 17 years hiatus. 

England will lock horns with the hosts for the three-match Test series, starting from December 1 with the first Test at Rawalpindi.

According to the details, the squad members of both sides attended the ceremony hosted by the British High Commissioner.

Federal minister for information Maryam Aurangzeb, National Assembly speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and trade and commerce minister Khurram Dastagir were also present on the occasion along with other key government and political figures.

Speaking on the occasion Mr Turner expressed his best wishes for the captain of both sides for the upcoming Test series.

Furthermore, Mr Turner thanked England skipper Ben Stokes for his pledge to donate the match fee to the flood victims of Pakistan.

Talking about the passion for cricket in the country, British High Commissioner insisted that the people of Pakistan shared an enormous amount of love for the game.

Mr Tuner, however, claimed that the political temperature of the country will cool down once the Test series roll out.

“People had almost forgotten about the politics during the recent T20 World Cup.  I am happy that with this Test series people will once again overlook the politics for the next few days,” he said.

Meanwhile, the PCB authorities present on the occasion praised the British High Commissioner for his efforts to make England’s back-to-back tours to Pakistan possible.

It is pertinent to mention here that England’s white-ball side had earlier visited the country in September for the seven-match T20I series.

” I am extremely delighted over Michael Atherton and Nasser Hussain’s return to Pakistan after two decades,” said PCB CEO Faisal Hasnain.

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