Day: May 20, 2024

England Women won the three match T-20 series by 3-0 beating Pakistan Women by 34 runs in third and last match at Leeds last night. Batting first, England Women team scored 176 runs in stipulated 20 overs. In reply, Pakistan Women scored 142 in 20 overs for the loss of four wickets. Source: Radio Pakistan

The first One-Day International of the three-match series between Pakistan Women and England Women will be played on Thursday in Derby, England. Earlier in the tour, England Women defeated Pakistan Women in the three-match T-20 series by 3-0. Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has raised concerns about the recently installed lighting system at the Jinnah Stadium in Islamabad ahead of their clash against Saudi Arabia next month. In a letter addressed to the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB), the PFF stated that the new floodlights have failed to meet the standards set by the Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). The PFF's observations are backed by observation reports that highlighted the inadequate lighting around the goalposts following the visit of the PFF officials on two different occasions May 3 and May 18. According to the reports, the lighting in these critical areas does not conform to the required specifications, potentially affecting visibility and safety during matches. https://x.com/faizanlakhani/status/1792510327801667911 This development comes at a crucial time as Pakistan aims to host one more international fixture of the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Round 2 to complete its home fixtures of Group G. The inadequate lighting could pose a significant hurdle, affecting the quality of play and the country's ability to host the international match against Saudi Arabia on June 6. The PFF has urged the PSB to address these issues promptly. The letter emphasizes the need for immediate corrective measures to ensure that the stadium meets the international standards of AFC and FIFA. Inadequate lighting might force the PFF to look for alternate venues to host their home match against Saudi Arabia somewhere else which means Pakistan will not host football legends such as head coach Roberto Mancini and assistant coach Yaya Toure next month. In response, the PSB has yet to issue an official statement, but the matter is expected to be addressed urgently given its implications for Pakistan's football infrastructure and the future of football itself. Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan national hockey team's plans to travel to Amsterdam for a training camp have been disrupted due to visa delays by the Dutch embassy in Pakistan. Head coach Roelant Oltmans had arranged a 10-day training camp in Amsterdam that was originally scheduled to commence on May 22 to prepare the team for the upcoming Nations Challenge Hockey Cup, set to begin on May 31 in Poland. According to sources within the squad, the team has not obtained visas so far although the embassy has promised to speed up the formalities, however, the chances of getting the traveling documents ready by Monday seem highly unlikely which means that the team would not be able to start the training camp as per schedule on May 22. As part of the camp, a friendly match against the Dutch national team had been organized, offering the Pakistani players a valuable opportunity to test their skills against one of the top teams in the world. This match now hangs in the balance, increasing doubts over the team's preparations. Coach Oltma ns, who is already in the Netherlands setting up the camp stated, 'It is a good development. I am trying to get more matches but at the moment one Test against the Dutch national team has been finalised.' The visa issue not only jeopardizes the planned camp but also poses a significant challenge to the team's readiness for the Nations Challenge Hockey Cup. The Pakistan Hockey Federation is reportedly in urgent discussions with the Dutch authorities, seeking an expedited resolution to ensure the team's timely travel. Winning the Nations Cup is extremely important from Pakistan's perspective as the title will take the team into the FIH Pro League next season. Source: Pro Pakistani

Former Pakistan cricket captain Shahid Afridi on Saturday expressed his appreciation for Indian cricket star Virat Kohli's willingness to visit Pakistan. Afridi's remarks came during a tape-ball cricket event in Karachi, where he warmly welcomed Kohli's gesture. 'I expected such a statement from Virat. I welcome Virat, whether he comes to the PSL or with the Indian team,' Afridi said confidently, showing his approval of Kohli's open-minded stance. Virat Kohli's interest in visiting Pakistan first came to light during a video call in 2022 with Pakistani mountaineer Shehroze Kashif. During the conversation, Kohli expressed his hope to visit Pakistan soon, noting the growing trend of international figures traveling to the country. 'Give my regards to your family and all your friends. Hopefully, we will visit Pakistan soon; everyone's started visiting now,' Kohli told Kashif. In addition to his comments on Kohli, Afridi also voiced support for young Pakistani opening batter Saim Ayub, highlighting the import ance of nurturing new talent in the national team. 'Saim has a lot of talent. I hope he performs well. Pakistan needs a batter who can play well in the first six overs,' Afridi remarked, emphasizing Ayub's potential. Saim Ayub is currently in England with the Pakistan squad for a four-match T20I series against the host nation, set to begin on May 22. The team arrived in England on Wednesday, fresh off a 2-1 series victory over Ireland. Following their series with England, the Men in Greem will travel to the United States for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The 2009 champions will kick off their campaign against co-host USA on June 4, followed by a highly anticipated match against arch-rivals India on June 9. Source: Pro Pakistani