Games – Page 271 – Newswire Pakistan

September 19, 2022September 20, 2022

Pakistan, England raring to go as T20Is begin tomorrow

Karachi, September 19, 2022 (PPI-OT):The much-anticipated moment is finally upon us, as Pakistan will host England for the first time in 17 years when the two sides meet for the first of the seven historic T20 Internationals on Tuesday.

Since the arrival of Jos Buttler’s side in Karachi on Thursday, the discourse has revolved around the historic nature of England’s visit, but when the first ball is bowled and two of the most exciting T20I sides get in action, cricket will take the front seat.

England have had an upper hand in the format in head-to-head contests, winning 14 of the 21 matches, and losing on only six occasions. They have had four days of practice at the National Stadium, and after familiarising themselves with the conditions, they will look to stretch their dominance in this series.

“Everyone is raring to go,” England captain Jos Buttler told PCB Digital on the eve of the first T20I. “Preparations have been good and the guys are excited to be practising at this venue. Everyone is looking ahead at the first game.”

This England squad is well familiar with the conditions because of their multiple visits to the country, especially to Karachi and Lahore, for HBL Pakistan Super League editions since 2017. Exactly half of the 20-player squad has been in Pakistan before and have let the other half know what will be on offer at National Stadium, Karachi and Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.

Moeen Ali will take the captaincy as Buttler – who is nursing a calf injury, sustained in the recent The Hundred – is expected to be available for the last few matches.

England squad: Jos Buttler (Captain), Moeen Ali (Vice-Captain), Adil Rashid, Alex Hales, Ben Duckett, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Dawid Malan, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Liam Dawson, Luke Wood, Mark Wood, Olly Stone, Phil Salt, Reece Topley, Richard Gleeson, Sam Curran, Tom Helm and Will Jacks

The Tuesday match will be Pakistan’s only second of the format in the country this year. They played Australia in a solitary T20I during their historic visit to Lahore in April. Pakistan, however, enter this series at the back of a decent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup in which they ended up as runners-up after losing to Sri Lanka in the final.

They sealed thrillers against India and Afghanistan and have won nine out of their last 13 matches – something that underscores Babar Azam men’s consistency and ability to pull off remarkable wins under pressure.

Pakistan have the services of two of the most successful batters at the top of the order in Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. The two have been outstanding since the start of 2021 with Rizwan scoring 1,630 runs – the most in the period – at 67.91 per dismissal and Babar behind him with 1,073 at 33.53. They are two of the only three batters to score more than a thousand runs in the format in the last 21 months (the third being West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran).

“Playing at home provides a great opportunity for the youngsters to express themselves and it boosts morale when your fans back you,” Babar said to PCB Digital. “I am thrilled and excited for this series. It is an important one for us as it leads us into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. We are all very excited and eager to get going.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board has pledged all the gate receipts from the first T20I to Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund to help the victims of the devastating floods that have submerged one-third of the country.

Pakistan squad: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shahnawaz Dahani, Shan Masood and Usman Qadir.

SCHEDULE OF MATCHES:

Pakistan v England T20Is (matches to start at 1930 PKT):

20 September – 1st T20I, Karachi

22 September – 2nd T20I, Karachi

23 September – 3rd T20I, Karachi

25 September – 4th T20I, Karachi

28 September – 5th T20I, Lahore

30 September – 6th T20I, Lahore

2 October – 7th T20I, Lahore

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

September 18, 2022September 19, 2022

Fatima Sana ruled out of ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup

Lahore, September 18, 2022 (PPI-OT):Fast bowler Fatima Sana has been ruled out of the ACC Women’s T20 Asia Cup scheduled to take place in Sylhet, Bangladesh from October 1. Fatima twisted her ankle while featuring in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League.

The PCB Medical panel after investigating the injury have advised her a four-week rest.

Fatima – who featured for Barbados Royal in the CPL was also not part of the first phase of the preparation camp for the tournament held in Lahore from 30 August to 2 September. Her replacement will be announced in due course.

Meanwhile, Pakistan squad and the reserves will assemble at Lahore Country Club, Muridke later today to undergo a 10-day camp starting tomorrow (Monday). The national side will fly out for Bangladesh on 28 September.

Pakistan squad: Bismah Maroof (c), Aimen Anwar, Aliya Riaz, Ayesha Naseem, Diana Baig, Kainat Imtiaz, Muneeba Ali (wk), Nida Dar, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wk) and Tuba Hasan

Reserve players: Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Pervaiz, Umme Hani and Waheeda Akhtar

Player support personnel: Ayesha Ashhar (team manager), Saleem Jaffer (bowling coach), Mauhtashim Rashid (fielding coach), Muhammad Zubair Ahmad (analyst) and Rifat Gill (physiotherapist).

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

September 17, 2022September 19, 2022

Qualifiers have a charm of their own – Mignon du Preez

Dubai, September 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):If you think that a qualifying event like the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2022 can’t provide fans with thrills or that the results don’t matter much, well, you could not be further from reality.

Just go back a few years to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier played in Colombo and you get an understanding of what it can be like. The performances were a feast for the eyes and the results showed how performances in qualifying events can boost teams as they make it to the main tournament.

India beat South Africa in a last-ball thriller in the final, with Harmanpreet Kaur hitting an outstanding, run-a-ball 41. That win lifted India’s morale several notches and they ended up playing the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2017 at a packed Lord’s stadium, in what is widely acknowledged as a watershed moment for our sport.

The qualifying tournament helped us too and we also made the semi-finals of the World Cup. Though the Qualifier final in Colombo was one that I badly wanted to win (I got some runs too) I realize now that there were several positives for us to take out and they helped us develop as a team.

This tournament though will be a lot different for me. I am honoured to be named the Event Ambassador by the ICC and will be doing my bit to promote the event, including as a commentator, and am really looking forward to my new role.

It’s an awesome time to be associated with the game in this role. Everyone is talking about the growth of women’s cricket and its bright future, the recent ICC mega events are a reflection of how the game has transcended. A packed MCG for the Women’s T20 World Cup Final in 2020 and the lively debut at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games are bright spots while the Women’s World Cup in New Zealand this year showed the advance in quality with several close games.

The teams in this Qualifier Event include three ICC Full Members – Bangladesh, Ireland and Zimbabwe – but it is also a great opportunity for others to show their mettle, not least the Thailand team that has been talked about on the circuit for some time now. The T20 format provides teams with great opportunities and those two qualifying spots will not be easy to grab.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has hosted several top-level tournaments, including the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup last year, and I am sure the players will enjoy every moment at the iconic Zayed Cricket Stadium and the adjacent Tolerance Oval.

It’s good to know that the matches are being live-streamed. The ICC has done a great job in taking the women’s game to people’s homes and this is a great way to add fans and reach new frontiers. Our game’s ambition is to be part of the Olympics and both women’s cricket and the T20I format will have a role in that.

Come 23 September and we will know the two qualifiers for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 to be played in my beautiful country, but I am sure the final two days later will still be looked forward to by both players and fans alike.

Going by past experience, I am expecting some thrills and maybe even some spills, but definitely not your everyday tournament!

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

September 17, 2022September 19, 2022

Geo News successful in bidding for PCB’s Official Content Partnership Rights

Lahore, September 17, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Pakistan Cricket Board is pleased to announce that Independent Media Corporation (IMC) has become successful in bidding for PCB’s Official Content Partnership Rights following a transparent, open and fair tender process.

Through this partnership, IMC’s TV News Channel, Geo News, will have non-news access to all exclusive content in the period between September 2022 and August 2023. This includes select number of interviews with elite players/coaches/PCB officials, behind the scene footage, one-on-one interviews with star performers of the day from home international matches, 120 seconds of match highlights (for editorial purposes only) and access to the field of play on training sessions only for filming purposes.

From the PCB’s perspective, this partnership will bring the Pakistan cricket followers closer to the game through timely, accurate and fact-based information and analyses about Pakistan cricket affairs, both domestic and international, which, in turn, will contribute significantly in the image and profile building of the current and future stars, as well as protecting, promoting and enhancing the Pakistan cricket brand.

Of particular focus for both sides will be enhanced reporting and information about grassroots/pathways cricket, women’s cricket, domestic events and other PCB initiatives, as such as the Pakistan Cricket Foundation and development programmes.

Welcoming Geo News, the PCB said: “Cricket unites our nation and is probably the only national brand that is recognised, respected, followed and admired the world-over. As such, it is the PCB’s obligation and responsibility to protect, promote and strengthen its image, profile and reputation so that Pakistan cricket continues to grow, develop and thrive.

“In this background, we are delighted to have Geo News as our Official Content Partner. Through this partnership, the PCB aims to bring its cricket fans closer to the game by keeping them abreast of all developments. The PCB already has a strong and powerful presence on the digital media, and we are confident that after having Geo News on its side, the PCB will be able to further maximise its messages, provide accurate/fact-based information to its fans and attract new audiences.

“The PCB congratulates Geo News on becoming its first-ever Official Content Partner and aims to work closer with it in the best interest of cricket and all its stakeholders.”

Sharing their excitement, Geo News said: “As the pioneer of sports coverage and sporting culture in Pakistan, Geo News is excited to enter this partnership as PCB’s Official Content Partner. This partnership means Geo News will become a one-stop shop for authentic news/analyses for Pakistan cricket fans and followers.

“This, we believe, will provide us with an opportunity to further minimise the gap between fans and Pakistan cricketers. We look forward to our mutual cause of uplifting the global image of the PCB, its initiatives and enhancements, and, most importantly, all its cricketers in an effort to make them bigger and more successful global brands.”

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

September 16, 2022

ICC and Fanatics announce new omnichannel partnership to enhance global fan experience

Dubai, September 16, 2022 (PPI-OT):The International Cricket Council (ICC) and Fanatics, a leading provider of licensed sports merchandise and global digital sports platform, today announced a new partnership that will see the ICC take advantage of Fanatics’ global footprint and state of the art technology to better serve cricket fans across the world.

The agreement will see Fanatics operate the official ICC Global online store for all events and manage event retail including the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia, the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 and the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023. As part of the new deal, Fanatics will also be able to manufacture officially licensed ICC product utilising Fanatics’ innovative vertical commerce model, widespread global manufacturing and distribution capabilities. This will give cricket fans access to a significantly expanded assortment of licensed ICC merchandise wherever they are based in the world.

Fanatics, which will be showcasing the ICC licensing opportunity at Brand Licensing Europe at ExCel London, has more than 60 manufacturing facilities, distribution centres and offices in 15 countries throughout the world, including Australia and India, the hosts of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 and the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023. It partners with more than 900 sporting organisations and clubs across the globe, including Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Chelsea, NFL, NBA, MLB, International Olympic Committee, Tour De France and Formula One.

ICC Chief Commercial Officer, Anurag Dahiya said: “We are delighted to welcome Fanatics to the ICC family. This partnership will be key in helping us take the cricket fan experience to the next level. The ICC’s licensing and merchandise programme aims to supplement cricket’s global strategy to reach more fans, through more channels, with more products from a wide range of fan merchandise – from apparel, accessories and headwear to official replica jerseys of the fans’ beloved teams. We look forward to extending our licensing presence to not only event host nations but all countries with passionate cricket-loving fans.”

The new online store for the ICC, which will open this month, will be powered by Fanatics’ industry leading Cloud Commerce Platform (CCP) with the tech rich experience providing cricket fans with a rapid streamlined navigation, featuring hi-resolution displays, frictionless checkout and expanded payment options.

Matthew Primack, Senior Vice-President of International Business Development at Fanatics, said: “I am delighted that the ICC has chosen Fanatics to help it deliver a better retail experience to its millions of fans across the globe. Cricket fans are incredibly passionate about the sport and I am sure that they will be impressed with the retail experience and range of merchandise that will be available to them over the coming years.”

September 16, 2022

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup fixtures announced

Dubai, September 16, 2022 (PPI-OT):The match schedule for the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup to be held in South Africa has been announced. The historical event will showcase the future stars of the game with 16 teams travelling to the Rainbow Nation to compete in 41 matches from 14 to 29 January 2023 in Benoni and Potchefstroom.

The 16 participating teams which include the very best U19 female players in the world comprises 11 Full ICC Members and five Associates. The four groups are as follows:

Group A

Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the United States of America (USA).

Group B

England, Pakistan, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Group C

Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand and West Indies.

Group D

India, Scotland, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rwanda joins fellow newcomers Indonesia, as first-time ICC World Cup participants at any level. The former beat out Tanzania by six wickets on Monday to secure their place in the event which promises to see even more dazzling performances as it progresses.

Scotland, the UAE, and the USA were the three remaining teams that qualified to the World Cup through the regional qualification pathway, detailed here.

The 41-match World Cup schedule will begin on 14 January with Australia taking on Bangladesh, followed by the hosts, South Africa, going head-to-head against India at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, while at Willowmoore Park B Oval, the UAE will go up against Scotland, followed by Sri Lanka and the USA.

The top three teams will progress to the Super Six League where the teams from Group A play against two of the teams from Group D, while the same will take place between Group B and Group C.

The semi-finals will be played on 27 January, at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, with the final taking place at the same location on 29 January.

ICC Head of Events, Chris Tetley said: “The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup is the ultimate finishing school for future female stars of our game and to have 16 teams heading to South Africa for the inaugural event is incredibly exciting for the development of women’s cricket which is a strategic priority for the ICC.

“We are looking forward to seeing the kind of success stories emerge from this event that we have enjoyed in the Men’s U19s over the years and it’s fantastic to welcome ICC event debutants Indonesia and Rwanda to the world stage.

“We are delighted that South Africa will be hosting this event as well as the senior ICC Women’s T20 World Cup shortly thereafter and we wish all the teams the very best in their preparations for the tournament and to Cricket South Africa in organising the event.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA) CEO, Pholetsi Moseki said: “CSA is thrilled to be hosting two very exciting ICC women’s events in the coming months, but for us as an organisation, the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup holds a special place in our hearts. As a nation, we hold women and the significant and vital roles that they play in our society in high esteem, and to that end, we are incredibly proud to be hosting the very first global T20 event of its kind for young women of this age group.

“This falls in line with CSA’s vision to make cricket a truly national sport of winners and accessible to all, not just in South Africa and Africa, but around the world.

“The fixtures and matchups are going to make for exciting viewing, and we look forward to record-breaking and life-changing results.”

There will be 16 warm-up matches taking place between 9 and 11 January in the cities of Johannesburg and Tshwane.

ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Venues:

Benoni – Willowmoore Park and Willowmoore Park B.

Potchefstroom – JB Marks Oval and North West University Oval.