Sports Info

Junaid Khan named Pakistan U19 bowling coach

Lahore, 31 December 2023  Former left-arm pacer Junaid Khan has been named Pakistan U19 bowling coach, following the unavailability of Rehan Riaz, who has opted out of the ICC U19 World Cup due to a family emergency. Junaid, who previously served as the head coach of Islamabad Region, led the team to victory in the Hanif Mohammad Trophy and Hanif Mohammad Cup 2023-24. The 34-year-old cricketer has represented Pakistan in 107 international matches, taking 189 wickets.

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Boxing Day Test tickets sale surge at a rapid pace

Melbourne, Australia The enthusiasm is evident as the tickets of Pakistan Bay for Day 1 of the Boxing Day Test match at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) are already sold out, particularly in the dedicated Pakistan Fan Bay, which notably serves as an alcohol-free zone. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Cricket Australia has announced the establishment of a dedicated Pakistan Fan Zone located outside Gate 4 of the MCG. This fan-centric area named as “The Outfield,” is set to transform into a vibrant “Cricket Mela” for Pakistan supporters. Attendees can look forward to a cultural extravaganza featuring Karachi food trucks, traditional Char Pai’s, and the tape ball cricket, creating an immersive experience for fans to celebrate their passion for cricket.

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MCG to transform into a Cricket Mela for Boxing Day Test

Melbourne, Australia Cricket Australia is gearing up to infuse vibrancy into the upcoming Boxing Day Test by unveiling a spectacular Pakistan Fan Zone outside Gate 4 of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This three-day activation is set up to elevate the spectator experience, offering a harmonious blend of cricket, culture, and entertainment. Notably, traditional Char Pai’s (woven beds) will be arranged for fans to relax and savor the game in a traditional setting outside the MCG. A fan-walk on the first day of the Test is also scheduled, providing an opportunity for passionate Pakistan supporters to showcase their unwavering devotion to the visiting side. A special tape ball cricket match is on the agenda, injecting an element of traditional street cricket into the festive atmosphere. Catering to diverse culinary preferences, the fan zone will feature a Halal Desi food truck, ensuring a delightful array of flavors for attendees. Throughout the three-day activation, attendees can immerse themselves in participation zones designed to enhance their overall match-day experience. The entertainment lineup peaks with a live performance by the talented Faisal Amlani on the morning of Day 1, just before the first ball is bowled. For those desiring a more laid-back viewing experience, ‘The Outfield’ provides a designated area equipped with deck chairs, bean bags, and picnic rugs. This space caters to fans seeking relief from the sun or those who prefer to stay close to the action outside the stadium.

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Cricket Australia CEO reacts to media queries

Australia While talking to local media he said, “We are excited about the upcoming Pakistan series. Witnessing the competitiveness of these teams during their last encounter in Pakistan was truly remarkable. The incredible support shown by Pakistan fans when their team reached the finals in the T20 World Cup last year was inspiring. “We anticipate a tremendous amount of backing from Pakistani fans during the Benaud Qadir Trophy, and we would be delighted to see them in full force in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. “The Prime Minister XI game presented a valuable opportunity for Pakistani batters to gain experience in Australian conditions. It’s unfortunate that the game couldn’t be completed due to significant weather disruptions overnight before the final day of play. We have witnessed two substantial scores from both sides. This series serves as excellent preparation and a confidence booster for the Pakistan side. The captain’s exceptional batting performance, scoring 200, was a testament to their skill and resilience.”

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PCB removes Salman Butt from selection committee

Lahore “There is no pressure on me. I had made a decision and I am revoking it,” Wahab Riaz says Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Saturday removed former Pakistan captain Salman Butt from a consultant panel to assist the selection committee a day after his appointment. Furthermore,The Pakistan Cricket Board ( PCB ) has decided to make Test batsman Asad Shafiq a selector and consultant. Shafiq will be the first one from Karachi to be inducted into the PCB selection committee.

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Bouncy drop-in pitch installed for Pakistan, Australia Test in Perth

Australia- Drop-in pitches installed at Perth Stadium ahead of the upcoming NRMA Insurance West Test between Australia and Pakistan The World Cup and ICC World Test Champion Australians will take on Pakistan from December 14-18 at Perth Stadium, showcasing Western Australia to the world. The wicket square consists of five drop-in pitches, with each one weighing around 25 tonnes and the entire installation process taking more than two days. The drop-in wicket has been curated at the stadium since February, tended to daily by WA Cricket curators in the nursery located next to the outdoor practice wickets on the northern side of the stadium. The drop-in wicket contains the same local clay and grass species as the pitches at the WACA Ground and is closely monitored during its growth to replicate the Ground’s fast and bouncy nature. Last week, the drop-in wicket was moved by a 30-meter-long, 40-tonne cricket wicket transporter onto the stadium playing surface. The machine is the only one of its kind in Western Australia. This will be followed by five Perth Scorchers BBL|13 home matches, with the reigning titleholders to play their first home match on December 20.

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CAS-Serena Hotels Int’l Squash Tournament featuring 23 foreigners

Islamabad Serena Hotels in collaboration with Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Squash Federation, held a press conference announcing the beginning of the International Men & Women Squash Series 2023 in Islamabad starting from November 29thtill December 4th, 2023. During the press conference, the PSF Secretary Amir Nawaz announced that other than the Pakistani players, athletes hailing from Malaysia, Egypt, and Spain will compete in the forthcoming tournament. The prize money for the men’s championship is USD 1805 for the winner and USD 1140 for the runner-up,while the prize money for the women’s event is USD 902 for the winner and USD 570 for the runner-up. The championship finals are set to take place on 4th December 2023, while the opening ceremony is set for 29th November 2023. “The PSF has been working really hard to raise squash’s image throughout the nation. The federation wants to demonstrate to the world that we can organize major squash tournaments and host the world-class players in an effective way, ” the PSF secretary said. He also Highlighted the federation was providing extensive support and the best available facilities to players and necessary arrangements have been made to hold the event successfully. Serena Hotels under the initiative of Sports Diplomacy has always been committed to revitalizing and restoring the glory that squash once brought to our nation. In the efforts to do so, Serena Hotels aims to act as a bridge, encouraging a revived enthusiasm and deepened appreciation for this esteemed game and to ensure that squash not only regains its position as a treasured sporting legacy but also continues to inspire future generations.

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After pulling out of BBL, Rashid Khan undergoes lower-back surgery

Rashid Khan BBL|13 update Leg-spinner Rashid Khan has withdrawn from the upcoming KFC BBL|13 due to a back injury which requires a minor operation. Adelaide Strikers General Manager, Cricket Tim Nielsen said it is a big loss for the Adelaide Strikers side. “Rashid is a beloved member of the Strikers and a fan favourite who has been with us for seven years, so he will be extremely missed this summer,” Nielsen said. “Rashid loves Adelaide and the Strikers, and we know how much he loves playing in the BBL, and we support him as he has treatment for this injury to ensure his long-term involvement in the game. “Our list management and coaching staff will now look at our options for replacing Rashid for the upcoming season and a replacement player will be announced in due course.” The Adelaide Strikers will maintain retention rights for Rashid for upcoming BBL seasons.

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Heartbreak for hosts India as Australia win in final

Australia won the Cricket World Cup for a record-extending sixth time Sunday, ending India’s dominant run in its home tournament with a six-wicket victory in a low-scoring final on the back of Travis Head’s 137. Australia have pulled off an upset by beating hosts and undefeated tournament favourites India by six wickets to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad and extend their staggering record of title wins to seven. The calm but experienced Australian side sailed to a comfortable win despite losing three early wickets in their run chase at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening.

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