Day: July 17, 2023

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a groundbreaking Rs. 5 billion initiative to revive and improve the sports sector, including traditional and E-sports.

This comprehensive program is set to be inaugurated on July 18 and aims to provide support to athletes and federations, fostering an environment conducive to sports growth.

With a focus on recognized Olympic sports federations, Rs. 1.1 billion will be allocated to provide aid, and conduct talent hunts, and promotional initiatives to nurture future Olympians.

The program also includes establishing a Sports University in Islamabad, backed by Rs. 1 billion, to shape the future of sports education and research.

To ensure individual financial support, Rs. 1 billion has been allocated to the Sports Endowment Fund for stakeholders, prominent players, and athletes.

Rs. 400 million will support athlete development with specialized training abroad, and Rs. 330 million will aid coaches through the stakeholders’ scholarship program.

Rs. 400 million has been allocated for sports education initiatives, including seminars and conferences to raise awareness about the urgent need for sports development.

Officials highlight the potential of these financial resources to lay a strong foundation for sports development in Pakistan.

A gathering is anticipated in Islamabad, where Shehbaz Sharif will share his vision for the program and emphasize its importance in uplifting the sports sector in the country.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Pakistan and India are likely to face each other twice in the upcoming Asia Cup 2023, scheduled to take place in Pakistan and Sri Lanka in September.

According to media reports, the first group match is expected to take place on September 2, and if they qualify for the Super 4s, the neighbors will likely clash on September 10.

It is also reported that the venues for the high-octane clashes between the arch-rivals are likely to be Colombo or Kandy in Sri Lanka, but the final decision is yet to be announced.

Prior to their encounter with India, the Men in Green will play their first group match against Nepal in Multan on August 30 or 31 following a grand opening ceremony.

As per the proposed schedule, Pakistan will depart for Sri Lanka after the first game, while the other teams, except India, will play one match each in Pakistan.

The upcoming tournament, which is likely to run from August 31 to September 17, follows a hybrid model proposed by the former PCB Chairman, Najam Sethi.

According to the proposed hybrid model, Pakistan will host the first four matches of the event, while the remaining tournament will be held Sri Lanka with the venues not finalized yet.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Former Pakistan cricket captain, Wasim Akram, recently opened up in his autobiography, Sultan, about the challenging circumstances he faced during the latter part of his captaincy tenure.

Akram’s revelations provide a candid glimpse into the behind-the-scenes turmoil that affected team dynamics and ultimately led to his departure as captain during the infamous reign of Lt. General Tauqir Zia as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The Sultan of Swing highlighted the significant changes within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during that period. Political maneuverings resulted in the appointment of Lt. General Tauqir Zia as PCB chairman, leading to a series of personnel changes.

These changes extended to the team’s management, resulting in the exit of coach Richard Pybus and the introduction of new faces.

Akram candidly expressed his reservations about Tauqir Zia, describing him as a domineering figure with a preference for his cronies. Zia’s favoritism was evident in his handling of Shoaib Akhtar’s bowling ban.

As captain, Akram faced challenges due to the interference of Zia’s appointees, who undermined his authority. Akram confronted a brigadier proxy who authorized an unauthorized substitution, firmly asserting his leadership role.

Despite such challenges, he maintained a professional relationship with the team manager, acknowledging his organizational skills.

The 57-year-old stated that he sensed the end of his captaincy approaching when Zia succumbed to pressure from Akram’s rivals within the team. Saeed replaced Akram as captain, leading to subsequent defeats in Sri Lanka.

Wasim Akram’s revelations provide valuable insights into the complexities and struggles he faced as Pakistan cricket captain. They shed light on the impact of external political dynamics on team performance.

Despite the challenges, Akram’s resilience and determination exemplify his commitment to leading the Pakistan cricket team. His contributions as one of Pakistan’s greatest fast bowlers and his enduring legacy in cricket remain undisputed.

Source: Pro Pakistani