Author: Zahid Noor

BRISTOL: Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has replaced his countryman Naseem Shah in the Gloucestershire County Cricket Club for the remainder of the Vitality Blast 2022.

Naseem, who returned to Pakistan due to his father’s ailment, has been replaced by the left-arm pacer Amir.

Naseem’s shoulder injury prevented him from playing, therefore the veteran bowler recently filled in for him for three matches in the ongoing County Championship for Gloucestershire CCC as well.

In an official statement, the club confirmed the return of Amir and at the same time expressed their pleasure in the signing.

“Gloucestershire is pleased to announce that former Pakistan International bowler Mohammad Amir is to return to BS7.

“The 30-year-old left-arm pace bowler will be available for selection for The Shire’s remaining T20 Vitality Blast matches and comes in as a replacement for fellow countryman Naseem Shah,” Gloucestershire said in a statement.

Welcome to back, @iamamirofficial 😍

We are delighted to announce that Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir has rejoined Glos for the remainder of the @VitalityBlast campaign 🙌

Read more ⤵#GoGlos 💛🖤

— Gloucestershire Cricket (@Gloscricket) June 16, 2022

It is pertinent to mention here that Amir will be in action in the Vitality Blast after three years as the left-arm pacer last represented Essex in the 2019 edition.

READ: South Africa crush Thailand in the opening round of Pool World Cup

LEEDS: England’s right-arm pacer earned a maiden Test call-up as England Men’s selection panel have named a 14-member squad for the third Test against New Zealand starting at Headingley on 23 June.

Following his amazing run in the ongoing County Championship, the Surrey seamer Jamie Overton has received a call-up to the Test squad for the first time and will join his brother Craig in the squad.

The right-arm pacer has been in exceptional form for the league leaders Surrey in the Division One of the County Championship as he bagged 21 wickets at an average of 21.61.

The recently-announced England Test squad will report to Headingley on Tuesday afternoon ahead of the match starting on Thursday. England lead the three-match series 2-0.

ENGLAND SQUAD: Ben Stokes (Durham), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Harry Brook (Yorkshire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Ben Foakes (Surrey), Jack Leach (Somerset), Alex Lees (Durham), Craig Overton (Somerset), Jamie Overton (Surrey), Matthew Potts (Durham), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Joe Root (Yorkshire)

READ: Conway, Bracewell test Covid positive, Williamson rejoins

YORKSHIRE: The Yorkshire County Cricket Club has confirmed the receival of the charges raised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over the racism scandal and requested cooperation from those in charge during the mentioned time period.

In an official statement, the Yorkshire CCC confirmed that the club has received the notification of the charges raised by the ECB over the alleged breaching of ECB Directive 3.3 – conduct which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer into disrepute – and the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code.

As per the statement, the Yorkshire CCC requested the cooperation of individuals, who were in charge from 2004 up until 2021 to gather the first-hand knowledge, while also claiming that the club will not be able to comment until the fulfilment of their request.

“For clarity, YCCC notes that the allegations relate to charges as far back as 2004 up until 2021 and the Club will need the cooperation of those in position during this time in order to fully consider and respond to the matters raised,” the statement read.

“Unless and until that cooperation by those with first-hand knowledge and responsibility during the relevant period is forthcoming, the Club is not able to comment on the investigation, evidence, report or charges but will, of course, continue to fully cooperate with the CDC throughout this process,” it concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ECB started the investigation after the former Yorkshire CCC player Azim Rafiq made racism allegations and claimed to have experienced ‘inhuman behaviour’, whereas, an independent panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) will hear the cases in due course and as per the normal practice of the ECB.

READ: ECB charges Yorkshire County Cricket Club over racism allegations

BRISBANE: England Deaf Cricket Team created history as they achieved an unassailable 5-2 lead over Australia for the first time in the Deaf Ashes.

In the seventh match of the series, England bowlers completely dominated the Australian batting lineup as they bowled out the hosts for a mere 129 runs, thanks to the brilliant bowling spell of the all-rounder James Schofield, who took four wickets for a mere 37.

Tyson Hay retaliated against the strong England bowling attack with his gritty knock of 21 runs but following his dismissal to Jake Oakes, diminished the hopes of the hosts as they were left stranded to 119-8 in the 35th over.

For England, Schofield led the way with four wickets, while Henry Wainman made two scalps. Oakes and Josh Price, on the other hand, managed to bag one wicket apiece.

In the run chase, the touring side survived an early wobble, losing Price and Joel Harris inside the opening two overs. But an unbeaten century-plus partnership between Schofield and Umesh Valjee closed the doors of the hosts’ hope.

The pair took their side to a rebuilding phase by rotating the strike with a chanceless display before switching gears and easing to the target in just the 22nd over when Schofield clubbed Sean Walsh for six.

In the batting charts as well, Schofield led the way for the touring side with an unbeaten half-century; scoring 63, while the veteran Umesh Valjee remained not out on 45.

Following the victory, Schofield expressed his delight and termed the victory a special day for the entire team while also his pleasure to be able to contribute to his side’s triumph.

“It was a pretty special day – it’s great to be involved after the stress of watching a lot of it on TV,” said Schofield.

“I’m just pleased I’ve been able to contribute in the last couple of games. It’s [a] reward for a lot of hard work and dedication from everybody on and off the pitch – and people have taken responsibility on the day to see the job home. They’re a competitive side and have given us some tricky moments – it’s been a really good series and a great advert for deaf cricket,” he concluded.

Skipper Greenway was ecstatic. “I’m so proud of all the players and so thankful to all the support staff who’ve really looked after us, especially through Covid,” he said. “It’s a huge team effort and a massive achievement for us. A few of us are quite emotional.

“There’s been a couple of mornings where I haven’t been able to eat because of nerves, but James and Umesh settled us down so well today. I’m so thrilled with the way we fought back from that disappointment of losing the T20 super-over to come back and dominate.”

READ: LaLiga alleges unfair financing of Man City and PSG, complains to UEFA 

LONDON: England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has charged Yorkshire County Cricket Club and a number of individuals on Wednesday following an investigation into racism and other allegations at the Club and its handling of those allegations.

The cricket board launched the charges against the County Club following the alleged breaching of the ECB Directive 3.3 – conduct which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer into disrepute – and the ECB Anti-Discrimination Code.

Following this, an independent panel of the Cricket Discipline Commission (CDC) will hear the cases in due course and as per the normal practice of the ECB, the names of the individuals shall not be disclosed at this stage.

According to the ECB, the investigation has been thorough and complex, with the allegations covering a significant period of time and the decision will be taken on a case-by-case basis.

The CDC is likely to hold the hearing in September or October later this year. Whereas, the CDC disciplinary panel will publish its decisions and written reasons in full following the hearing.

It is pertinent to mention here that the ECB started the investigation after the former Yorkshire CCC player Azim Rafiq made racism allegations and claimed to have experienced “inhuman behaviour.”

READ: Yorkshire Cricket hosts first-ever Eid Milan event at Headingley Stadium

MANCHESTER: Pakistan’s former captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed his willingness to help the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and serve the cricket in Pakistan whenever the board asks for his assistance.

The legendary cricketer in his exclusive talk to this reporter revealed that he would be ready to serve in any capacity whenever the board approaches him for his services to the betterment of Pakistan cricket.

“I provided assistance from time to time whenever the PCB has asked me in the past”, claimed Akram. “I’ll be there at any minute if the PCB asks me for help in the future as well.”

The legendary cricketer showed his naivety when he was asked why he was not offered any role by the PCB yet.

“It is a tough question and I am not able to answer this,” he replied. “In fact, the PCB should be asked this question.”

The legendary pacer gave all the credit to his fans and the homeland for his successful career.

“Whatever I am today, it is because of Pakistan and my fans,” claimed Akram.

READ: Sarabia scores early to help Spain nose out Switzerland in Nations League

MANCHESTER: The spin bowling coach of the Pakistan National Men’s Cricket Team – Mushtaq Ahmed reviewed his team’s triumph against the West Indies in the first ODI and stressed the importance of a solid middle-order.

Mushtaq, in an exclusive interview with this reporter here, highlighted the issue of an unstable middle-order while claiming that we often misunderstood the role of the middle-order batters, claiming it is the position for hitting sixes.

“It is important for us to have solid batters in the middle-order. I think we have misunderstood the concept of the middle-order numerous times, which is in fact the position for hitting sixes,” Mushtaq stated.

“The fourth, fifth, and sixth number batting order is very important for a team. The openers laid the foundation of the match and the middle-order batters finish the game. I think the team should focus on this technically and the batters recruited in the middle-order must be solid,” he maintained.

The former cricketer also applauded the heroic knock of the left-handed batter Khushdil Shah and termed him the match-winner, whose unbeaten knock of 41 led the Green Shirts to victory after the skipper Babar Azam laid the foundation with a magnificent century.

“The way Khushdil played was simply outstanding. He is a match-winner. The energy level of the players does not remain the same in such hot weather. But the credit goes to Babar, his team, and the management for this incredible victory,” Mushtaq said.

The legendary spinner further highlighted the importance of consistent chances by claiming it motivates the player to perform to their fullest.

“The most important thing to focus on is the continuity and I think the board is already working on it,” Mushtaq claimed.

“This continuity helps in building the confidence of the players and they feel motivated to perform well in any given situation,” he concluded.

READ: Australia blunt Sri Lanka in a low-scoring thriller, seal T20I Series 2-0

LEEDS: Pakistan’s right-arm speedster Haris Rauf shared his experience of playing the County Cricket in the United Kingdom and claimed it would help him in international cricket.

Haris, in an exclusive interview with this reporter here, commented on his participation in the county cricket and claimed that he gained valuable experience from playing in different conditions which would benefit him in the international matches.

“England tour was a wonderful experience. County cricket is a bit difficult but there is a lot to learn from this,” Haris stated.

“It is a bit challenging to control the Dukes ball here in these conditions but again I have learned a lot from this which will definitely help in international cricket,” he maintained.

Haris further opined regarding the next assignment with the Green Shirts against the West Indies in the scorching weather of Multan, claiming that being a professional cricketer, one has to be prepared for such challenges.

“Being professional cricketers, we have to be prepared for such challenges. We are playing for our country so we will give our best on the field regardless of the weather,” he concluded.

Shadab, on the other hand, also seconds Haris on his remarks regarding the challenge of playing against West Indies in the scorching heat of Multan by saying we would have to get used to it.

“There is no fear from the heat of Multan, no doubt it is hot but you have to get used to it,” Shadab stated.

Shadab further commented regarding his recovery from the injury and revealed he was under a lot of pressure before travelling here while claiming to be fully prepared for the forthcoming series.

“I was a little bit of under pressure when I came here. I played here after the PSL, my goal was to practice before the series and I am well prepared for it,” Shadab claimed.

“It was a rather difficult condition but I enjoyed it a lot. Our focus is on the West Indies series right now and we will try to play a good series,” he concluded.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shadab and Haris have departed from the UK after participating in the ongoing County season. The two cricketers will land in Pakistan today to participate in the recently commenced training camp for the home ODI series against the West Indies.

READ: ‘It is a part of the game’ Babar backs struggling Rizwan for Windies ODIs

YORKSHIRE: Pakistani cricketers Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan attended a tape ball cricket family event today, organized by Yorkshire Cricket Foundation at Park Avenue, Bradford. 

The two cricketers were given a warm response by their fans at the event. The fans clicked pictures and took autographs with the cricketers.

The community-based event culminated in a Tapeball tournament featuring eight teams competing against each other.  It also included a speed gun challenge, a throw show challenge and cricket games.

The Yorkshire County Cricket Club’s Chief Operating Officer Andy Dawson expressed his delight in the overwhelming response given by the crowd to the Pakistani cricketers. “It was fantastic to see so many young girls and boys enjoying the occasion and going home happy with their autographs and selfies with Haris and Shadab,” he claimed.

The organizers of the event also extended their gratitude to Shadab and Haris for accepting their invitation and attending the event.

It is pertinent to mention here that Shadab and Haris are currently in the UK to participate in the ongoing County season. The two cricketers will travel back to Pakistan on June 1 to participate in the recently commenced training camp for the home ODI series against the West Indies.

LONDON: Former Australian cricketer and the head coach of the Australian Women’s Cricket Team, Matthew Motts, has been appointed as the head coach of the England white-ball head coach, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed on Wednesday.

Mott, 48, has signed a four-year-long contract with the ECB, and an away three-match ODI series against the Netherlands, is expected to be his first assignment as England’s white-ball head coach.

Former Aussie cricketer Mott has worked with the Australian Women’s Cricket Team since 2015 and has overseen one of the world’s best winning records across international sport during his tenure. The Australian side won consecutive ICC T20 World Cups, this year’s ICC Women’s 50-Over World Cup and are undefeated in four Ashes series.

Mott has also assisted Australia to win 26 consecutive one-day internationals, a record in either the men’s or women’s game.

According to the details, the ECB’s selection panel of Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison, Managing Director of England’s Men’s Cricket Rob Key, Strategic Adviser Andrew Strauss and Performance Director Mo Bobat unanimously agreed that McCullum is an outstanding candidate for the role, having impressed during the competitive interview process.

Commenting on Mott’s appointment, the newly appointed managing director of ECB Rob Key talked to the media and said that Mott is a perfect fit for the appointment, having been involved in international cricket.

“It is a real privilege to be able to announce Mathew Mott as the Head Coach of our men’s white-ball team. He has had an incredible coaching journey with so many varied experiences that have brought him to this point where he was outstanding in the interview process and the perfect fit for our white-ball teams,” Key said.

“We are lucky to be able to appoint a Head Coach that has not only been involved in international cricket for the last few years but he has also worked in franchise cricket around the world. More importantly, what he has done with the Australian Women’s team is what will be asked of him to achieve for our men’s white-ball sides,” he added.

The ECB Managing Director further expressed his confidence in the captain Eoin Morgan and coach Mott and believe that the partnership can push for more trophies in the coming years.

“I’m confident that in Eoin Morgan and Matthew Mott, we have a formidable partnership that can push for more trophies in the coming years and that Matthew will be able to oversee any transition that team will go through in the future,” he concluded.

Mott expressed his delight at his new position, noting that while being an Australian, he has strong ties to the United Kingdom and that the opportunity to work with a well-established team drew him in.

“I am delighted to accept the opportunity to take this white-ball role with England. Whilst I am Australian, I have deep connections, and several of my closest friends are in the UK, having spent considerable time in Scotland, Wales and England, both as a player and coach,” Mott said.

“When this role became available, I was attracted by the chance to work with such an established and successful team under the astute leadership of Eoin Morgan and now Rob Key, whom I have always admired as an excellent cricket mind,” he added.

The former Australian coach also praised the idea of split roles and shared that he is enthusiastic to work alongside the red-ball coach Brendon McCullum.

“The idea of the split roles and the chance to work alongside Brendon McCullum in his red-ball role is an opportunity that I am incredibly enthusiastic about and certainly provides the right balance for my family as we embark on this exciting journey,” he concluded.

READ: Anderson, Broad return as England name squad for New Zealand Tests