Physical disability cricket to be upgraded
President of All-Pakistan Memon Federation Shabbir Haroon is seen with PPDCA President Imran Balwani, General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari, and Maqsood Memon at the press conference. PHOTO: PPDCA
"Major changes are set to take place in Pakistan's physical disability cricket where disabled cricketers will be offered central contracts, along with full support for all national and international events."
This was stated by Shabbir Haroon, President of the All-Pakistan Memon Federation, during the inauguration of the newly renovated office of the Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association (PPDCA) and the subsequent press conference.
On this occasion, President of PPDCA Imran Balwani, General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari, Maqsood Memon, Media Manager Muhammad Nizam, and others were also present.
Earlier, PPDCA President Imran Balwani reviewed the national and international performance of Pakistan's PD cricket during the past year. He also shared updates about the upcoming National Physical Disability Cricket Championship scheduled for next month and other forthcoming events.
General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari outlined the objectives behind the establishment of the association and briefed on the participation of Pakistani cricketers in various national and international events so far. He emphasized that the association enjoys full support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that all cricketing activities are conducted under PCB's supervision.
He also revealed that planning is underway for Pakistan's first-ever league for physically disabled cricketers, for which significant sponsorship is required.
Shabbir stated that he and the entire Memon community stand firmly with the PPDCA. He added that he was highly impressed with the achievements of Ameeruddin Ansari and his team, who have introduced this form of cricket on a global scale. "Today, physical disability cricket is played in many countries around the world, and all the credit goes to Pakistan. This is a matter of great pride for all of us," he concluded.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Olympian Sabrina will attempt to climb K2
"I really did it, finally arrived in Skardu 2 days ago, after an incredibly difficult and challenging day from Gilgit to Skardu," the four-time Olympian judoka Sabrina Filzmoser texted as she achieved the incredible feat of becoming the first woman in Pakistan's history to complete the journey of 2,324 km in just 10 days. This is the first time a female cyclist has covered a long-distance ride in such a short time under extreme weather conditions, according to the Pakistan Judo Federation. Sabrina has been a breath of fresh air for the local judo clubs, as well as along the way, where she trained with the youngsters, highlighting the conditions they are pursuing in the sport. The greatest feature of Sabrina's journey has been her open-hearted interactions with the people on the road and those she met at her stops. She has been featuring Pakistani music on her Instagram as well as the incredible moments from her experience on Pakistani roads. Her efforts show that she has been immersed in the Pakistani culture through her incredible initiative. This is also the second time that the 2011 and 2008 European Judo Championship gold medallist is in Pakistan, previously she visited and trained the locals in judo and cycling on her journey in 2023. But this time it is different because the 44-year-old is fulfilling her aim of riding from the sea level to K2. On her reaching in Skardu Sabrina reflected on her effort with joy and pride. "It was a challenging day from Gilgit to Skardu, 14 hours on the road, rain, heat, headwind, crosswind, mudslides, rockfalls, blockages, technical issues, but it's all done and dusted. Safely in Gilgit-Baltistan," she text this correspondent on Thursday. "Now I will spend time preparing for the expedition, working on the permits, train with the Baltistan cycling club and the Judokids. "Then there'll be a possible one further section on MTB to Askole, probably starting in 10 days, and from there we'll the trek on the Baltoro glacier. "K2 base camp is very remote, we need at least 1 week to reach it from Askole. Afterward acclimatization period will start, and the actual K2-climbing is possible in a short window end of July/beginning of August." The Austrian athlete covered 2,324 km on her bike, the total altitude she gained was 118,386 meters, and spent 111.45 hours on the road, according to the statistics shared by the Pakistan Judo Federation secretary Masood Ahmed. Sabrina has taken up this journey on her own resources, however, the PJF is helping with logistics wherever they can. Sabrina began her journey when she arrived in Karachi on May 21. She immediately took to her engagement with the media and the Sindh Olympic Association, went to the mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and cycled her way from the Seaview. She then went on to complete the first leg upwards from Karachi to Hyderabad and then Sukkur in sweltering temperatures of 48 to 52 degrees Celsius. From there onwards she reached Rahim Yar Khan to Lahore and then the nation's capital in Islamabad. Later the International Judo Federation Athletes' Commission chairperson went ahead to Gilgit-Baltistan. Break for the International Judo Fed meeting Sabrina will resume her ambitious project of climbing K2 after a week's break. She returned to Islamabad after spending a few days in Skardu and will be leaving for Budapest on June 7 due to her commitment to the IFJ. "I just arrived in Islamabad and will leave for an important commitment as the chair of the IJF athletes commission to the Judo world championships in Budapest," Sabrina updated this correspondent. "I will be back in Islamabad on 14.6. next day to Skardu from where I further continue my way to K2." After attending the IJF meeting on 11 June 2025, the two-time World Judo Championship bronze-medallist will resume her mission from Skardu to the K2 base camp and then the K2 summit attempt upon her return. She is expected to return to Islamabad again around August 2025, after the conclusion of the second phase of her mission, according to the PJF press update. Key stats from Sabrina's Garmin Edge device: Total distance: 2,324 km Total altitude gained: 118,386 meters Time on road: 111.45 hours.
Express Tribune
13 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Physical disability cricket to be upgraded
President of All-Pakistan Memon Federation Shabbir Haroon is seen with PPDCA President Imran Balwani, General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari, and Maqsood Memon at the press conference. PHOTO: PPDCA "Major changes are set to take place in Pakistan's physical disability cricket where disabled cricketers will be offered central contracts, along with full support for all national and international events." This was stated by Shabbir Haroon, President of the All-Pakistan Memon Federation, during the inauguration of the newly renovated office of the Pakistan Physical Disability Cricket Association (PPDCA) and the subsequent press conference. On this occasion, President of PPDCA Imran Balwani, General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari, Maqsood Memon, Media Manager Muhammad Nizam, and others were also present. Earlier, PPDCA President Imran Balwani reviewed the national and international performance of Pakistan's PD cricket during the past year. He also shared updates about the upcoming National Physical Disability Cricket Championship scheduled for next month and other forthcoming events. General Secretary Ameeruddin Ansari outlined the objectives behind the establishment of the association and briefed on the participation of Pakistani cricketers in various national and international events so far. He emphasized that the association enjoys full support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and that all cricketing activities are conducted under PCB's supervision. He also revealed that planning is underway for Pakistan's first-ever league for physically disabled cricketers, for which significant sponsorship is required. Shabbir stated that he and the entire Memon community stand firmly with the PPDCA. He added that he was highly impressed with the achievements of Ameeruddin Ansari and his team, who have introduced this form of cricket on a global scale. "Today, physical disability cricket is played in many countries around the world, and all the credit goes to Pakistan. This is a matter of great pride for all of us," he concluded.
Express Tribune
14 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pak to make two changes for BD tour
The Pakistan team is expected to have two new additions for the upcoming tour of Bangladesh for a three-match T20I series, which is likely to take place in July. According to reports, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi and spinner Sufiyan Muqeem are likely to return to the national side. Shaheen last featured in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in March this year, where his performance was below expectations — taking just two wickets in four matches at an economy rate of 10.23. Sufiyan, who also played in the same series, appeared in only one match but impressed with two wickets at a remarkable economy rate of just 3.00. Meanwhile, the door remains open for star batter Babar Azam regarding his inclusion in the national squad, as he has reportedly been assured of future opportunities. The preliminary schedule for Pakistan's T20I tour of Bangladesh has been finalised, with the team expected to arrive in Dhaka on July 18, sources confirmed on June 1. The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has drafted the initial itinerary and shared it with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The T20I series will commence on July 20, followed by the second and third matches on July 22 and 24, respectively. All three matches are scheduled to be held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka. This tour is not part of the ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP). The series was arranged following discussions between senior officials of the PCB and BCB on the sidelines of the ICC Champions Trophy preparations, which Pakistan is set to host later this year. For context, Pakistan's white-ball team recently entered a new chapter under the leadership of Mike Hesson, the former New Zealand coach. The 50-year-old made an immediate impact, guiding the team to a 3-0 T20I series whitewash over Bangladesh - Pakistan's first home series victory since December 2021. Hesson holds in-depth discussion with Shaheen The second day of the national training camp in Lahore saw seven players participate in the Wednesday morning session, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Mehran Mumtaz, Khurram Shehzad, Haider Ali, Khawaja Nafi, and Ahmad Daniyal. Additional training also took place during the afternoon session, under the supervision of head coach Mike Hesson and the coaching staff specialising in bowling, batting, and fielding. According to sources, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi did not participate in ground drills. Having returned from abroad after the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Afridi arrived in Lahore on Wednesday morning, specifically to meet head coach Mike Hesson. The two held an in-depth discussion regarding future plans for the team. In a social media post, Mike Hesson expressed his satisfaction with the session at the National Cricket Academy, calling it an important opportunity for both coaches and players to familiarize themselves with one another. He shared images from the training session, emphasising its significance in building rapport within the squad. Babar Azam had attended the opening day of the camp, while Mohammad Rizwan will join on the final day. The three-day camp, involving 22 of Pakistan's top white-ball cricketers, commenced at the Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday. Players were divided into three groups, reporting to camp on June 3, 4 and 5, respectively. The first groupcomprising Babar Azam, Abbas Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Salman Mirza, Shahid Aziz, and Usman Khantook part in various sessions on Tuesday under the guidance of the national team management, led by Hesson. According to sources, the PCB is using the camp to inform players about the team's future direction, while also assessing their fitness levels and recent performances. Furthermore, head coach Hesson is scheduled to meet with top-performing players individually to discuss the roadmap ahead for Pakistan's white-ball squad. Pakistan's white-ball team recently entered a new chapter under the leadership of Hesson, the former New Zealand coach. The 50-year-old made an immediate impact, guiding the team to a 3-0 T20I series whitewash against Bangladesh — Pakistan's first home series victory since December 2021. Following this series win, the team is expected to take a brief break before potentially returning to Bangladesh next month for another T20I series.
