Day: January 26, 2023

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Babar and Sciver claim the double as final ICC Awards 2022 winners revealed

Dubai, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the final list of winners celebrated in the individual categories of the ICC Awards 2022. Among the categories revealed on ICC’s digital channels were the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the coveted Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Pakistan icon Babar Azam was revealed the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, as well as scooping the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year prize, while England’s all-round sensation Nat Sciver emulates the feat by securing the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and the Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award.

Elsewhere, Ben Stokes was confirmed the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year following a landmark spell as England captain, Richard Illingworth was named the ICC Umpire of the Year and Nepal wicketkeeper Asif Sheikh was honoured in the Spirit of Cricket category.

The winners were selected following a global vote conducted among an independent panel of prominent media representatives – the ICC Voting Academy – whose votes were combined with those of cricket fans from around the world registered to icc-cricket.com.

Winners in the 13 individual categories were based on overall performances and achievements throughout the calendar year.

Babar Azam – Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

By winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, Babar becomes the second winner from Pakistan in consecutive years, emulating the feat of his teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi, who won the prize in 2021. Babar also set new records in 2022, not least becoming the first, and still the only, player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions.

Picking up where he left off in 2021, Babar enjoyed another momentous year, captaining his side to two Finals, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. At the crease, he piled on the runs in all formats, scoring over 2,500 international runs across ODIs, T20Is and Tests, ending the year as the leading run-scorer in the latter.

The Pakistan batter also claims the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for a second successive year – the first to do this since Virat Kohli in 2017 and 2018. Babar consolidated his position atop the ODI batter rankings thanks to his staggering scoring consistency, registering 679 runs in 9 matches at an average of 84.87. Within these numbers came notable performances against the likes of Australia, West Indies and New Zealand.

Reacting to the awards, Babar said, “I feel humbled to have been voted as winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and join the ranks of some of the most iconic and respected names who have previously won the biggest and most prestigious individual award in our great sport. I continue to look up to these players as well as champions of the past for inspiration, motivation and improvement.

“As cricket is a team sport, this recognition and achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of my family, team, fans and the institution, to all of whom I am greatly indebted and thankful.

“Every match I played for Pakistan has been special and memorable, but the most satisfying and accomplishing aspect for me was to compete and perform in front of my home fans against Australia, England and New Zealand’s touring sides. Of course, reaching the finals of two major tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Australia were also some of the highlights for me and my team, and we hope to do better this year, which is going to be equally demanding but highly rewarding.”

Nat Sciver – Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy and Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.

England’s Sciver enjoyed a remarkable year of form across all three formats of the game, and in claiming the prestigious Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy, becomes the first English winner of the award since Sarah Taylor back in 2014.

A regular figure in a highly successful year for England in T20Is, she excelled in the longer format too, recording a classy half-century in the Women’s Ashes Test against Australia in January and a dominant 169 not out against a touring South Africa later in the year.

However, the ODI format was where Sciver truly excelled in 2022, becoming the first English winner of the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award. She now stands second in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings, after 833 runs during the year at 59.50.

Among her thrilling performances is the memorable century scored in the Women’s Cricket World Cup Final in March, where despite falling short of the mammoth total set by Australia, she took the fight to a fearsome bowling attack to record a memorable century, dragging her side back into contention in a high scoring spectacle.

Sciver evoked the legacy of Heyhoe Flint in her reaction, adding, “It’s lovely to have been awarded the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year, especially as Rachael was such a legend of the women’s game in England and Wales. It’s always a privilege to be given individual honours but no personal achievements are possible without the hard work and togetherness of the whole team. Picking up a trophy or a medal is all the more special when you do it alongside your teammates so hopefully that’s what 2023 has in store.”

“It means a lot to have been awarded the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year. It’s funny that two of my standout moments in ODI cricket in 2022 came in losing causes. It’s a cliché, but I would happily swap individual honours for team success because they are the moments you really remember. Congratulations to my fellow award-winners and thank you very much for the award.”

ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year.

Ben Stokes was an influential figure at the heart of the England team that saw a revival of fortunes in 2022. The former Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy winner becomes the third Englishman to win the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award, behind teammate Joe Root who won the award last year, and Alastair Cook, who won in 2011.

Alongside his outstanding individual performances in the longest format, scoring 870 runs and taking 26 wickets, Stokes secured the England captaincy in April and this immediately heralded a return to success.

The England skipper drove a pioneering approach to Test captaincy, initiating a more direct, aggressive style of play in terms of both batting style, and declarations. Since the change, England have won nine of their last ten Tests, including dramatic series wins against Pakistan, South Africa and New Zealand.
Stokes reflected on a momentous year in the Test arena, commenting, “I’d like to thank the ICC, the panel and the fans for voting for me as the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year. This is down to the England players and management for what has been such a positive year in Test cricket. We have played some incredible cricket with series wins against New Zealand, South Africa, a significant performance against India and a historic victory in Pakistan.

“We are enjoying our cricket and love having fun wherever we play. The way in which we approach Test cricket is to excite the fans and making it a spectacle for everyone to get behind and enjoy regardless of the result for England.

“We cannot wait for what is in store over the next 12 months.”

Spirit of Cricket Award

Nepal wicketkeeper Aasif Sheikh was announced the recipient of this year’s ICC Spirit of Cricket Award following his selfless decision to refuse the run-out of Andy McBrine of Ireland during their T20I contest in the Oman Quadrangular Series back in February.

In the 19th over of the first innings, Nepal bowler Kamal Singh collided with McBrine attempting to field the ball as the batters opted to take a quick single. With the Ireland batter left on the floor, the ball was thrown to the wicketkeeper, but with McBrine well short of his ground, Sheikh instead refused the run out, allowing the batter to complete the run.

Speaking on the moment for which he received the award, Sheikh commented, “It’s an honour for me to receive this award, as my coaches always taught me to be humble and play within the Spirit of Cricket.
“Talking about the moment, it was a spontaneous decision on our part not to take the wicket as it would have been unfair to the batter. We wouldn’t have been pleased with a wicket in those circumstances as it would have been against our culture, and the Spirit of the sport.”

ICC Umpire of the Year

Richard Illingworth claims his second David Shepherd Trophy for ICC Umpire of the Year after previously winning in 2019. During 2022, Illingworth took charge of 24 international fixtures, and the Emirates Elite Panel Match Official was selected based on the consistency of his decision making and his communication and relationship with teams and captains during the calendar year.

Illingworth expressed his delighted at the award win, stating “I am very honoured to receive the ICC Umpire of the Year award. There have been many people, coaches, colleagues and management who have contributed towards my development over my career both as a player and umpire. Their input has been substantial and invaluable and I’m forever grateful to them.

I continue to be passionate about cricket and after many years in the professional game I will continue to learn and develop. I’d also like to thank my family who have given me such great support over the years to enable me to go out and enjoy my umpiring around the world.”

ICC Voting Academy:

Anand Vasu, Anjum Chopra, Daniel Beswick, Daren Ganga, Emal Pasarly, Estelle Vasudevan, Faizan Lakhani, Firdose Moonda, Frankie Mackay, Ian Bishop, Ian Callender, Isobel Joyce, Javed Hamim Kakar, Lisa Sthalekar, Lydia Greenway, Mehluli Sibanda, Melinda Farrell, Mohammad Isam, Mohammad Sekander Ali, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Nasser Hussain, Natalie Germanos, Niall O’Brien, Paul Radley, Peter Della Penna, Peter Lalor, Rex Clementine, Russel Arnold, Sambit Bal, Shahid Hashmi, Simon Doull, Simon Wilde, Suzanne McFadden, Tristan Holme.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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Babar Azam wins Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year 

Lahore, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):The International Cricket Council (ICC) today unveiled the final list of winners celebrated in the individual categories of the ICC Awards 2022. Among the categories revealed on ICC’s digital channels were the prestigious Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and the coveted Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy for ICC Women’s Cricketer of the Year.

Pakistan icon Babar Azam was revealed the winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, as well as scooping the Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year prize.

Earlier, Pakistan duo Mohammad Rizwan and Haris Rauf were named in the ICC Men’s T20I team of the year while all-rounder Nida Dar was included in the ICC Women’s T20I team of the year.

The winners were selected following a global vote conducted among an independent panel of prominent media representatives – the ICC Voting Academy – whose votes were combined with those of cricket fans from around the world registered to icc-cricket.com.

Winners in the 13 individual categories were based on overall performances and achievements throughout the calendar year.

By winning the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy, Babar becomes the second winner from Pakistan in consecutive years, emulating the feat of his teammate Shaheen Shah Afridi, who won the prize in 2021. Babar also set new records in 2022, not least becoming the first, and still the only, player to win the ICC Men’s Player of the Month award on two occasions.

Picking up where he left off in 2021, Babar enjoyed another momentous year, captaining his side to two Finals, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. At the crease, he piled on the runs in all formats, scoring over 2,500 international runs across ODIs, T20Is and Tests, ending the year as the leading run-scorer in the latter.

The Pakistan batter also claims the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award for a second successive year – the first to do this since Virat Kohli in 2017 and 2018. Babar consolidated his position atop the ODI batter rankings thanks to his staggering scoring consistency, registering 679 runs in 9 matches at an average of 84.87. Within these numbers came notable performances against the likes of Australia, West Indies and New Zealand.

Reacting to the awards, Babar said, “I feel humbled to have been voted as winner of the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy and join the ranks of some of the most iconic and respected names who have previously won the biggest and most prestigious individual award in our great sport. I continue to look up to these players as well as champions of the past for inspiration, motivation and improvement.

“As cricket is a team sport, this recognition and achievement would not have been possible without the overwhelming support of my family, team, fans and the institution, to all of whom I am greatly indebted and thankful.

“Every match I played for Pakistan has been special and memorable, but the most satisfying and accomplishing aspect for me was to compete and perform in front of my home fans against Australia, England and New Zealand’s touring sides. Of course, reaching the finals of two major tournaments in the United Arab Emirates and Australia were also some of the highlights for me and my team, and we hope to do better this year, which is going to be equally demanding but highly rewarding.”

ICC Voting Academy:

Anand Vasu, Anjum Chopra, Daniel Beswick, Daren Ganga, Emal Pasarly, Estelle Vasudevan, Faizan Lakhani, Firdose Moonda, Frankie Mackay, Ian Bishop, Ian Callender, Isobel Joyce, Javed Hamim Kakar, Lisa Sthalekar, Lydia Greenway, Mehluli Sibanda, Melinda Farrell, Mohammad Isam, Mohammad Sekander Ali, Mpumelelo Mbangwa, Nasser Hussain, Natalie Germanos, Niall O’Brien, Paul Radley, Peter Della Penna, Peter Lalor, Rex Clementine, Russel Arnold, Sambit Bal, Shahid Hashmi, Simon Doull, Simon Wilde, Suzanne McFadden, Tristan Holme

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk

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Dr. Shahida Wizarat’s Book Launched at IoBM 

Karachi, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):Karachi: The book launch ceremony of “Alternative to the IMF and Other Out of the Box Solutions” by Dr. Shahida Wizarat was held on Thursday, January 26, 2023. The Chief Guest was Mr. Bashir Jan Mohammad, Chancellor IoBM.

The speakers on the occasion were Ambassador Hasan Javed; Engineer Abdul Jabbar, VP FPCCI; and Mr. Azhar Jamil, Chairman Citizens Alliance and Qaumi Mahaz-e-Azadi. During his Welcome Address, Mr. Talib Karim, President IoBM said that the IMF has been in the news particularly with regards to Pakistan’s economy. He urged the need to develop a short-term strategy on how to repay debts that Pakistan owes. “I hope that the right people will read this book and implement the ideas presented,” he added.

Ambassador Hasan Javed said, “This book is a remarkable edition on the literature of this subject. It should be read by political leaders and scholars in developing countries.” Ambassador Javed added that the book includes a list of economic problems with strategic clarity. “Dr. Wizarat’s insights and knowledge on economics is for a global audience,” he added. He said that Pakistan has resources, but lacks resourcefulness.

Engineer Abdul Jabbar said that the sixty-seven chapters of the book touches on past economic events that altered Pakistan’s relations with the IMF. He said, “IMF’s decisions and policies should be scrutinized by the developing countries to resolve their economic crisis.” Engineer Jabbar added that, “Dr. Wizarat presents solutions to an array of economic problems.”

Mr. Azhar Jamil said that Pakistan had an opportunity to put its house in order during the rule of Pervez Musharraf. He added that the tax structure should be equally distributed among the citizens as the burden is more on the poor. “We need to present a detailed reform agenda that is approved by a national consensus to give Pakistan’s economic solutions.”

During her address, Dr. Shahida Wizarat said that the book includes strategies to resolve the crisis without the need to use foreign exchange reserves. “We do not go to the IMF, we are taken to the IMF,” she added. “IMF program is not about reforms. It is a connection between the opportunities and the IMF where the burden is on the middle and lower classes.”

She suggested increasing the quality of exports and prioritizing the goods to be exported including the banning of importing of luxurious goods.” She mentioned the various crises facing Pakistan including political, constitutional, and economic, among others. “Those in the corridors of power should not pursue IMF’s policies and find a substitute solution at the earliest.” “We may also

Chief Guest, Mr. Bashir Jan Mohammad said the book has various subjects that are connected to the IMF. He said it is difficult for Pakistan to pursue alternate options other than to continue with the IMF. “The economic situation is so precarious because we have been following the IMF’s policies and we cannot get out of it at once.”

Dr. Wizarat’s book must be read to give a holistic outlook of what has been wronged and how to rectify the policies,” he added. “Dr. Wizarat’s efforts must be appreciated which must be read by students.” Rector, Deans, faculty members and management of IoBM were also present.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Business Management (IoBM)
Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-002-004
Tel: +92-21-35090961-67
Fax: +92-21-35090968
Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

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Mechanical Engineering Department organised a seminar on Engineering Projects in WASA and Government jobs for Engineers

Lahore, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):Mechanical Engineering Department and Society of Mechanical Engineers (SME-UCP) organized a seminar on “Engineering Projects in WASA and Government Jobs for Engineers”. Mr. Ahmad Husnain, Deputy Director WASA was a presenter of this seminar who is also a UCP alumnus, graduated in 2015. The water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) is responsible for planning, designing, constructing the water supply and drainage systems.

The session emphasized on how engineering designs and schemes helps in providing the safe and reliable supply of water. Prospects of jobs for engineers in government sector especially in WASA were also discussed.

For more information, contact:
University of Central Punjab (UCP)
Khayaban-e-Jinnah Road, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: +92-42-35880007
Fax: +92-42-35954892
Email: info@ucp.edu.pk
Website: https://www.ucp.edu.pk/

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Important Message for University Students: Keep Corridors Quiet during Final Exams for Mutual Success 

Lahore, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):

Dear University Students,

With final exams in progress, it is especially important to keep the corridors in the academic blocks quiet so that everyone can concentrate. Remember that this will help fellow students and will in turn help you when you are taking your exams. Thank you for your help in maintaining an atmosphere where everyone can succeed.

Wishing you all the best for your exams!

Dr. Trimble

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

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Habib Talks: Engaged Citizens in Times of the Economic Challenges

Karachi, January 26, 2023 (PPI-OT):On 20th January, 2023, Habib University hosted the first session of their intellectual initiative, Habib Talks, titled “Engaged citizen in times of economic challenges.” The speaker of the interactive session was Zafar Masud, President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, and it was moderated by Dr. Aqdas Afzal, Assistant Professor of Social Development and Policy at Habib University.

The session was open to the public and drew a large audience, including students, teachers, policymakers, economists, and other members of the community. The goal of Habib Talks is to not only discuss the various developmental, humanitarian, economic, and political crises affecting the world and their implications for Pakistan, but also to advocate for the resolution of such crises.

During the session, Zafar Masud spoke about the importance of a well-rounded personality for professionals and how liberal arts can play a role in achieving this and appreciated the work and generosity of Habib University, in this regard. He also emphasized the need for a more organic approach to addressing economic challenges, as opposed to relying on templates.

Dr. Aqdas Afzal moderated the session and asked Mr. Masud a question about how to manage the current economic crisis in Pakistan, specifically regarding inflation and the exchange rate policy. Mr. Masud responded by saying that moderation is key and that both extremes, such as a free float or fixed exchange rate, are not solutions.

He also noted the success of countries like China and Vietnam in increasing their exportable surplus and suggested that Pakistan should take a similar approach. He also touched on the subject of Privatization, he believed that privatization is not the solution for every economic challenge. It should be used with caution and only in certain sectors where the private sector can perform better than the public sector.

The world is currently facing a global recession due to pandemics, wars, and climate disasters, and Pakistan is no exception. The country is struggling with a financial crisis and a high level of debt. In this changing socio-economic climate, it is increasingly important for citizens to be critically engaged in society.

Mr. Zafar Masud also shared his unique perspective on the importance of being a good human being, drawing on his personal experience of surviving a plane crash in 2020. He also emphasized the need for addressing climate change as a socialist project at the global level.

Mr. Masud’s proposed solutions to economic problems are unconventional, at least by local standards. On issues ranging from privatization and exchange rate management to the subsidized financing for businesses during Covid-19, he stands apart from the rest of the financial community in Pakistan.

His ideas on economic challenges, the role of liberal arts, and the importance of a well-rounded personality have inspired the audience and created a thought-provoking discussion at the session.

In conclusion, the Habib Talks session on “Engaged citizen in times of economic challenges” was a successful event that brought together a diverse group of individuals to discuss the pressing economic issues facing Pakistan.

Zafar Masud’s unique perspective on these issues, as well as his emphasis on the importance of a well-rounded personality and a more organic approach to addressing economic challenges, provided valuable insights for the audience.

The goal of Habib Talks is to continue to provide a platform for these important discussions and to advocate for the resolution of the various crises affecting Pakistan and the world.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk