SL players training at home: Arthur

DUBAI: Unlike foreign cricketers, who have ample space and gyms at home for training during the current standstill period, the space constraints may have been hampering training of the Asian players.

However, Mickey Arthur, the Sri Lankan cricket team’s head coach, is very optimistic.

“I am still in Colombo along with Grant Flower [batting coach] to make sure we are on top of the things,” Arthur, speaking exclusively over telephone from his hotel room, said on Sunday.

“The Sri Lankan players are training at home. A few of our guys have gym equipment available at home. Others just have programmes tailored to what they have available, but all are working hard.

“All our players are on individual programmes that they can do from home; some players have more facilities available than others so they have a programme that fits in with what they have,” Arthur added.

David Saker (bowling coach) and Shane McDermott (fielding coach) last week took leave for sometime and left for Australia.

Tim McCaskill, another Australian associated with the High Performance Unit, is in Sri Lanka, Arthur confirmed.

“Our coaches are updating our player plans and will share them with the players. We are also analysing all our opponents so that when the time comes we are fit and mentally ready to play,” Arthur signed off.—Bipin Dani

Fund created for virus-hit sportspersons

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Inter-provincial Coordination (IPC) Dr Fehmida Mirza on Monday announced the creation of a fund to cover the medical treatment expenses of infected, if any, sportspersons from coronavirus.

According to a statement issued by the IPC ministry, Dr Fehmida announced creation of the fund to cover medical treatment expenses of the sportspersons infected from coronavirus (COVID-19) which she underlined had affected 199 countries and territories around the world including Pakistan.

The IPC minister also instructed the medical and rehabilitation staff of the Pakistan Sports Board to be available to help out the virus-infected sportspersons, if there were any.

Dr Fehmida directed the authorities concerned to upload videos on social media i.e. Facebook, Twitter and teleservices, on prevention measures against coronavirus and other health issues pertaining to sportspersons.

She added that the IPC and the PSB were committed to playing their due role in this critical situation.—Sports Reporter

Azam Khan’s demise condoled

KARACHI: Chief of the Air Staff, Pakistan Air Force Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan has expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of squash legend Azam Khan who breathed his last in London on Saturday.

The PAF chief, who is also president of the Pakistan Squash Federation, lauded Azam regarded as one of the greatest squash players of all times, who died at the age of 95.

Describing the legend as an inspiration for the young squash aspirants of Pakistan, the PSF president said Azam proved that hard work and focused approach ensures success in fulfilling the desired objectives in one’s life.”Azam carried along the legacy of [his elder brother] Hashim Khan by winning four consecutive British Open titles from 1959 to 1962,” Mujahid added.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Olympic Association president retired Lt Gen Syed Arif Hasan and the entire Olympic Family of Pakistan have condoled the death of Azam.

“May Allah shower His blessings and grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. He will always be remembered for his outstanding contribution to squash sport in Pakistan,” they said.

POA secretary Mohammad Khalid Mehmood said Azam’s services would long be remembered.—Agencies

Naval Star CC clinch T20 title

KARACHI: Naval Star Cricket Club beat Abu Rehan Cricket Club by two wickets in the Sheikh Arif Shaheed T20 Cricket Tournament final here at the Abu Rehan Cricket Ground FC Area recently.

Batting first, Abu Rehan CC made 189 all out in 20 overs. Sheikh Talha top-scored with 60 while Asghar Haider (31) and Mohammad Owais (21) also batted well. Mohammad Mudassar grabbed three wickets for 30 runs while Mohammad Yasir took 3-33.

In reply, Naval Star CC knocked off the required runs in 19.2 overs while losing eight wickets. Mohammad Muazzam struck a match-winning 47 while Hammad and Farhan scored 37 and Heyat Khan 32, respectively. Akbar Haider picked up three wickets for 46 and Asghar Haider claimed 2-32.

Sheikh Talha was named man-of-the-match.

Former KCCA secretary of Zone VII Mazhar Awan, who was chief guest on the occasion, distributed the prizes and trophies.Meanwhile, Talha Babar was declared the player of the tournament, Heyat Khan Mahsud was named best batsman, Mohammad Owais was adjudged the best bowler while Faraz Khan received the best fielder award.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2020