Pakistan announce squad for Asia Cup, Malik axed while Jamshed, Sarfraz recalled

Pakistan have dropped Shoaib Malik, Imran Farhat and Adnan Akmal for the Asia Cup beginning March 11 in Bangladesh, bringing in opener Nasir Jamshed and wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed in the 15-man squad. All-rounder Malik, opener Farhat and gloveman Akmal have been excluded from the side that lost 0-4 to England in the recently concluded one-day series in United Arab Emirates. Fast bowler Junaid Khan was not considered due to a knee injury.

The selectors headed by new chief Iqbal Qasim picked the side here Friday in the presence of Dav Whatmore, whose first assignment will be the Asia Cup involving teams from India, Sri Lanka and hosts Bangladesh.

"We have selected the best possible squad for the Asia Cup in the shortest time available, and since Malik was an additional member for the England series we couldn't find a place for him in the 15-man squad. We did consult Misbah and he agreed to the selection," said Qasim.

"We had to maintain the balance keeping view of the pitches in Bangladesh. But now we have to compete with quality teams, especially Sri Lanka, who returned to form, and India will obviously come hard after the Australia tour."

Jamshed has played 12 One-day Internationals with his last match in 2009.

"Jamshed earned his recall only after he has done well in the domestic circuit as an opener," Qasim said. "There was an added pressure on Umar (Akmal) and this is why he might not be giving his best with the bat. He always was selected as a designated batsman, we wanted a batting wicketkeeper who can bat effectively in ODIs to score quick runs."

For Sarfraz, Qasim said Asia Cup would be his last chance to establish himself in the team. He last played for Pakistan in December 2011.

Qasim said that the Asia Cup would be Sarfraz's last chance to seal his place in the Pakistan team.

"It is our inability that we don't have a batting wicketkeeper but this would be the last chance for (Sarfraz) to step up and do well with the bat. Otherwise, after the series, we are starting the talent hunt for an all-round wicketkeeper."

The squad: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Mohammad Hafeez, Nasir Jamshed, Younis Khan, Umar Akmal, Hammad Azam, Asad Shafiq, Shahid Afridi, Azhar Ali, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Wahab Riaz.

AFC Challenge Cup 2012: Fulham Goalie Neil Etheridge to Come Nepal

According to goal Nepal Philippines National Football team coach, Michael Weiss has exclusively revealed that Fulham goalkeeper, Niel Etheridge would be released by the EPL Club, Fulham for the AFC Challenge Cup Football Tournament. Weiss said, "I can confirm you that he is coming to Nepal. He will arrive Kathmandu on Tuesday". 

Azkals Coach Michael Weiss

Weiss also added that he and his FA had made right decision to come early in Kathmandu.

"We trained today and boys are looking sluggish due to altitude. I think we have made the right decision to come early".

"We will acclimatize to this weather and it will help us to show our actual performance", Weiss added

Neil Etheridge 

.
Weiss also mentioned that it would have been the strong squad if they could have invited all their foreign based players in Kathmandu.

"Paul Moulders and Dennis Cagara can also come to Kathmandu and we are working on it to clear the paper from their respective clubs", Weiss added. 

6th National Games Far Western Region Creates History; Defeats Armed Police Force in Final of football

To win in a football game you don’t need to be good but know how to score. So the football is known as intresting game. 

This is the first time Far Western Region has won gold medal in the football category of 6th National Games. Far Western Region defeated Armed Police Force 2-1 in the final of football tournament of 6th National Games played on Dhangadi on Saturday.

AFC Challenge Cup 2012: India, Tajikistan To Arrive On Sunday

India National football team and Tajikistan National Football team will arrive Kathmandu on Sunday afternoon to take part in AFC Challenge Cup Football Tournament. Indian team will land TIA via Air India flight AI 215 at 2:55 PM. Tajikistan will land Kathmandu in the evening through FZ 575 flight at 6 PM.

India and Tajikistan are pitted in the same group along with Philippines and DPR Korea. Stay with me to get the exclusive updates of AFC challenge cup 2012.

6th National games : Twin title for APF in cricket

Armed Police Force finished at the top in two out of two cricket finals, taking both the men’s and women’s title at the 6th National Games.

In the final, APF men’s team defeated Central Region by 6 wickets, while the women’s team defeated Eastern Region by 28 runs. This was the first time APF women’s team played in nationals. It was formed only a year ago.At the Covered Hall grounds, Central Region won the toss and posted 144 runs. APF chased it own with an over to spare. For APF, Paresh Lohani scored 38 off 23 deliveries, with 2 sixes and 5 fours. Sharad Veswakar and Gyanendra Malla added 27 and 22. Towards the end, Mehboob Alam blasted 21 off 14 deliveries. For Central Region, Hasim Ansari took 2, as Nischal Pandey and Naresh Raj Giri took one each.

Earlier, Rajesh Pulami scored 43 for Eastern Region. Anil Mandal scored quick 38 in 27 balls and Hasim Ansari scored 24. Basant Regmi continued his form with ball, taking 4 wickets for 16 runs. Amrit Bhattarai took 2 and captain Paras Khadka managed a single wicket.

In the other final on the day, APF women’s team posted 106 for 6. Halfway through the innings, the score was 45 for no loss. Sita Ranamagar scored 47 runs. Madhu Thapa added another 27.

Bowling for Eastern Region, Anuradha Chowdhary took 2wickets.

Chasing less than run-a-ball, Eastern region managed 78 in 20 overs, losing 7 wickets. APF’s Rubina Chhetri took two wickets for 11, after 4-over spell. Prema Gurung scored the highest 16 runs for Eastern Region. Kavita Gautam and Anuradha Chowdhary scored 14 and 10.