Author: Shahid Hashmi

Renowned Pakistan-based umpire Aleem Dar added another feather to his cap as he became the first umpire to officiate international cricket matches for 25 years.

Gujranwala-hailed Dar made his umpiring career debut in February 2000 when he officiated a One-Day International (ODI) fixture between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

His precision and pinpoint decisions soon brought him on the radar of the International Cricket Council (ICC), and the apex body, soon inducted him into the international panel of umpires.

He continued to flourish in the role and became a part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires in 2002, the same year of its inception.

Aleem Dar, who won the ICC Umpire of the Year Award thrice in his decorated career, has officiated in 231 ODI matches, 145 Test matches and 70 T20 Internationals.

Notably, his tally of international matches is the highest by any umpire.

Dar also holds the record of umpiring in the most number of T20 World Cups (five).

He also supervised the finals of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2006 and 2009, Men’s ODI World Cup finals in 2007 and 2001. He was also one of the on-field umpires in the 2009 Women’s World Cup.

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Furthermore, he is the youngest umpire to officiate in 100 Test matches and is also among the top three umpires who have umpired more than 100 Test matches.

He remained a part of the ICC Elite Panel of Umpires for a staggering 19 years before relinquishing his role in March 2023.

“It has been a long journey, but I have enjoyed every bit of it. I have had the pleasure and honour of umpiring the world over and what I have achieved is something I did not even dream of when I started in the profession,” Aleem Dar was quoted saying by the ICC.

“Though I am still keen to continue as an international umpire, I felt it was now the right time, after 19 years on the road to step away from the Elite panel and provide an opportunity to someone from the International Panel. My message to umpires the world over is to work hard, maintain discipline and never stop learning.

“I thank the ICC, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and my colleagues on the panel for their support over the years. I would also like to thank my family; without whose support I could not have gone on for so long. I look forward to continuing to serve the game as an umpire.”

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ISLAMABAD: The New Zealand cricket team has reached here in the wee hours of Sunday morning to play a five-match T20I series against Pakistan, commencing at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 18.

This is New Zealand’s third trip to the country in more than a year time as Kiwis have also played Test and ODI series.

The team members will have a complete rest on Sunday and are expected to start training from Monday evening onward at the Islamabad Club Cricket Ground and later at the Pindi Stadium.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the opening three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April before action shifts to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where the last two matches will be played on 25 and 27 April.

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All five matches of the T20I series will begin at 7 pm PKT. Ticket prices for the series will be set at affordable rates for the fans to watch their favourite players in action.

New Zealand squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.

Pakistan Squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

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New Zealand’s inexperienced squad for the five-match away T20I series against Pakistan got weakened as hard-hitting opener Finn Allen and speedster Adam Milne have been ruled out of the series.

According to New Zealand Cricket (NZC), Allen and Milne suffered injuries in the team’s training session that concluded just hours before their departure for Pakistan.

Adam Milne felt discomfort in his ankle while Finn Allen sustained an injury to his back and were subsequently left out of New Zealand’s already depleted squad.

“We feel for both Finn and Adam, suffering injuries so close to the start of the tour. They have been strong performers for us in the T20 format since the last World Cup,” New Zealand coach Gary Stead said.

“Our support staff and medical networks will be working closely with both players over the next few weeks to complete plans for their treatment and subsequent return to cricket.”

As a result, wicketkeeper-batsman Tom Blundell and all-rounder Zak Foulkes replaced Allen and Milne respectively.

Blundell has previously visited Pakistan while uncapped Foulkes will likely be making his debut for New Zealand.

“Zak has had an impressive season for Canterbury including being their leading wicket-taker in all three competitions,” Stead said.

“He has displayed impressive skills with the ball, particularly in T20 cricket for the Kings. We also know he has skills with the bat and it will be an excellent opportunity for him to be part of the group.”

New Zealand squad:

Michael Bracewell (c), Tom Blundell, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Zak Foulkes, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert (WK), Ish Sodhi.

Pakistan Squad:

Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Amir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Fakhar Zaman, Irfan Khan Niazi, Usama Mir, Zaman Khan

Reserves: Haseebullah, Mohammad Ali, Agha Salman, Sahibzada Farhan, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

New Zealand are slated to reach Pakistan on April 14, two days after Pakistan’s squad announcement, for the crucial series, leading to the ICC Men’s T20I World Cup.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium will host the first three T20Is between Pakistan and New Zealand on 18, 20 and 21 April.

The two sides will then travel to Lahore to lock horns in the remaining two T20Is on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

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MELBOURNE: The Pakistan Squash Team has once again showcased their exceptional talent and determination by clinching gold and bronze medals in the Australia Junior Squash Championship 2024.

The championship, held here at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre at Albert Park, Victoria, saw Pakistan players excelling in different categories and claiming laurels for their homeland, which dominated the sport in the past.

In a display of outstanding skill and perseverance, Pakistani players, both boys and girls, dominated the courts throughout the tournament, culminating in impressive victories on the final day.

Detailed Results of Australia Junior Squash Championship 2024

Boys U-13:
Huzaifa Shahid (PAK) defeated 2nd seed Gng Hung Yu (AUS) by 3-0 (11-6, 11-3, 11-2)

Boys U-15:
Yahya Khan (PAK) triumphed over Henry Kross (AUS) by 3-0 (12-10, 11-7, 11-3)

Boys U-17:
Ibrahim Zeb (PAK) secured victory against Brodie Bennett (NZ) by 3-0 (11-3, 11-7, 11-6)

Girls U-13:
Mahnoor Ali (PAK) outshined Emily Senior (Malaysian) by 3-0 (11-5, 11-4, 11-4)

Girls U-17:
Mehwish (PAK) emerged victorious over Erin Wyllie (Malaysian) by 3-2 (10-12, 11-6, 11-9, 9-11, 11-6)

Additionally, M. Harmas Ali Raja in Under 11, Fawad Khan in Under 13, and Azaan Ali Khan in Under 15 categories have secured bronze medals, further highlighting Pakistan’s success in the championship.

“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the young champions for their exceptional performances, said Honourary Secretary Pakistan Squash Federation, Amir Nawaz.

“Their hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship have not only brought glory to the nation but also inspired countless others with their passion for the game,” he added.

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New Zealand Cricket (NZC) on Wednesday announced a 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Pakistan under the leadership of allrounder Michael Bracewell.

“Bracewell, who will skipper the team for the first time, has been side-lined since his most recent international appearance in March last year, firstly with a ruptured Achilles and then with a broken finger,” NZC said in a press release.

“Since recovering he’s made a spectacular return to cricket, claiming his best first-class figures with the ball in his first match back in the Plunket Shield.

Bracewell last played for New Zealand in March last year before suffering a ruptured right Achillies injury during the T20 Blast in June and then a broken finger.

He made his comeback during the Plunket Shield and claimed career-best bowling figures of 8 for 41 while playing for Wellington against Otago.

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The squad features uncapped batter Tim Robinson and fast bowler Will O’Rourke, who represented New Zealand in Test and ODI cricket earlier this season.

Colin Munro, Will Young and Tim Southee were unavailable for selection, while some of the first-choice players opted out of the tour due to their commitments in the IPL.

The Blackcaps squad will reach Pakistan on 14 April and will play three T20Is at the Pindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi on 18, 20 and 21 April.

Following that, the action will move to Lahore, where the remaining two T20Is of the series will be played on 25 and 27 April, respectively.

New Zealand T20I squad vs Pakistan

Michael Bracewell (c), Finn Allen, Mark Chapman, Josh Clarkson, Jacob Duffy, Dean Foxcroft, Ben Lister, Cole McConchie, Adam Milne, Jimmy Neesham, Will O’Rourke, Tim Robinson, Ben Sears, Tim Seifert, Ish Sodhi

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SYDNEY: Australian opening batter David Warner announced his retirement from ODI cricket on Monday ahead of his farewell Test against Pakistan at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Warner previously announced that the Sydney Test, which would commence on January 3, 2024, would be his final appearance in Test cricket.

He has also confirmed his retirement from ODI cricket, however, he has not ruled out the possibility of turning out to play in Champions Trophy 2025, only if the team needs him.

David Warner announced his decision during a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“I’ve got to give back to the family and also on the back of that I’m definitely retiring from one-day cricket as well,” Warner announced.

“That was something that I had said through the World Cup, get through that, and winning it in India, I think that’s a massive achievement.”

Warner also stated the fact that leaving ODI cricket will allow him to feature in more T20 franchise leagues around the globe.

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“So I’ll make that decision today, to retire from those forms, which does allow me to go and play some other (T20) leagues around the world and sort of get the one-day team moving forward a little bit,” he added.

But the veteran opening batter has left the door open for his return in Champions Trophy 2025, which is scheduled to be played in Pakistan.

“I know there’s a Champions Trophy coming up. If I’m playing decent cricket in two years time and I’m around and they need someone, I’m going to be available,” he concluded.

Warner will continue to represent Australia in the T20I format with a T20 World Cup scheduled later this year in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies.

The 37-year-old will his feature in his 112th and final Test against Pakistan, starting from January 3rd, having amassed 8,695 runs at an average of 44.58, with 26 centuries and 36 half-centuries.

Meanwhile, he has featured in 161 ODIs, scoring 6932 runs at an average of 45.30 with 22 centuries and 33 half-centuries.

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The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has sanctioned Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq over their desire to be released from the annual central contracts on Monday.

The ACB announced that the spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman, as well as pace bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen Ul Haq, will not be granted NOCs (no-objection certificates) for any franchise league for the next two years, as well as revokement of their current NOCs.

Afghanistan board through a statement also announced to delay their annual contract after these players expressed to opt out of central contracts and play more franchise cricket.

“The insistence on not signing the central contract for these players was their involvement in commercial leagues, prioritising their personal interests over playing for Afghanistan, which is regarded as a national responsibility,” the board statement added.

“By opting for their release, the Afghanistan Cricket Board has decided to take disciplinary measures against these players.”

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The statement further shed light on the fact that the decision to sanction the trio stems from their prioritization of league cricket over national duty.

“The decision by the Afghanistan Cricket Board is made with a focus on national priorities, aligned with the ACB’s core values and principles,” the statement further said.

“It highlights the necessity for every player to maintain the ACB’s principles and prioritise the country’s interests above their personal ones.”

Notably, Naveen-ul-Haq was picked by Peshawar Zalmi during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 Draft held earlier this month, while Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Fazalhaq Farooqi remained unpicked.

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MELBOURNE: Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed will not be available for Pakistan’s second Test of the three-match series against Australia, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared Saturday.

According to the PCB, Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have significantly improved but the mystery spinner did not fully recover and thus will not be considered for selection for the Boxing Day Test against Australia.

“Abrar Ahmed’s symptoms have significantly improved, and he has started bowling at 50 per cent intensity. Although he has worked really well since his diagnosis in Canberra, he still is not 100 per cent asymptomatic,” stated PCB.

“Considering the nature of the injury and the workload required from a spinner in a Test match, Abrar is not yet ready and will therefore not be available for the second Test.

“He will undergo a preliminary fitness test on 25 December, which will determine his probable return-to-play date.”

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Notably, Abrar Ahmed complained of discomfort in his right leg after bowling eight overs on the third day of a four-day game against Prime Minister’s XI.

Consequently, the 25-year-old spinner was taken off the field and was then sent for an MRI scan.

Sajid Khan was then added to the Pakistan squad for the Australia Tests to provide a cover for the injured mystery spinner.

For the unversed, Abrar was the first Pakistan player to suffer an injury on the Australian shores while Khurram Shahzad and Noman Ali became the latest victims.

Both Khurram and Noman have been ruled out of the entirety of the series while Abrar is still in race to attain complete fitness before the third Test.

Pakistan Test squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sajid Khan.

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LAHORE: Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz replaced injured Noman Ali for the remainder of the Test series against Australia, sources claimed.

According to the details, the chair of the Pakistan Men’s Selection Committee Wahab Riaz approved Mohammad Nawaz as Noman Ali’s replacement for the series remainder.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced that left-arm spinner Noman was ruled out of the series due to acute appendicitis.

“Noman Ali has been ruled out of the Test series against Australia due to acute appendicitis,” stated PCB.

“Noman Ali complained of sudden and severe abdominal pain yesterday, leading to examinations and scans in emergency that confirmed a diagnosis of acute appendicitis.

“On Surgeon advice; he underwent Laparoscopic Appendectomy today in the morning. Post-surgery he is stable and doing fine. He will be discharged later this afternoon,” PCB concluded.

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Earlier today, the two-day practice match between Pakistan and Victoria XI ended in a draw.

The previous day saw Pakistan declare their first innings at 323-8, helped by half-centuries by Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha.

In reply to Pakistan’s 323, Victoria XI posted 272-4 before declaring.

Pakistan then posted 57-3 in their second innings, when stumps were called.

Following their practice match against Victoria XI, Pakistan will enjoy a rest day before resuming their training at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on December 25.

Meanwhile, the Australia team will report to Melbourne on December 23 and partake in the training session for two days before kicking off the Boxing Day Test on December 26.

Pakistan Test squad

Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafiq, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Sajid Khan.

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The ongoing season of the Big Bash League (BBL) saw the debut of innovative colour-flashing ‘Electra stumps’ in men’s cricket after being used in the women’s BBL previously.

The ‘Electra stumps’ made their debut during the BBL match between Sydney Sixers and Adelaide Strikers at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday.

These stumps use colour-changing technology to flash different colours, depending on the different decisions during the game.

Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Mark Waugh revealed the ‘Electra stumps’ in an official video by BBL and explained how these stumps work.

For the first time in the BBL…

The electra stumps are on show 🪩 #BBL13 pic.twitter.com/A6KTcKg7Yg

— KFC Big Bash League (@BBL) December 22, 2023

They explained that there are five different displays that these stumps will depending on various situations during the match.

The ‘Electra stumps’ will flash the colour red and then fire on a dismissal, meanwhile, in the instance of a batter hitting a boundary, the stumps will shift different colours in an alternate pattern.

In the same way, different colours will be scrolling in an upward motion through the length of the stumps when a batter hits the ball for a six.

The stumps will further show colours red and white scrolling up and down when a bowler bowls a no-ball, while a pulsating effect alternating between purple and blue will scroll in the interval between the overs.

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