Category: Sports

Lahore (Nut Desk) Free Fire Pakistan League hosted its Grand Finale event yesterday in Lahore, with thousands in attendance. FFPL III came to a close in a manner of grandeur as we saw Pakistan’s first-ever Professional Esports League have a new winner this year, team _.

FFPL has previously attained the coveted endorsement status by MOIB under Fawad Chaudry and has now been endorsed by the Punjab Sports Board and the Ministry of Sports under Mr. Rai Taimoor Bhatti. The high-voltage competition between the top esports talent from all over Pakistan came to a close as the final leg of the grand finale of Pakistan’s Grandest Esports League, FFPL III saw _ Crowned as Pakistan’s champions. The tournament saw a massive prize pool of PKR 1 Crore with the cash prize extended to the top-12 teams. The winning team, topping the leaderboard, took home the major share of Rs 35 lakh from the prize money.

The Country Product Manager, Binh Nguyen, was present to award the winning teams their cash prizes alongside. Onlookers were mesmerized by the grand growth of Esports in Pakistan with the final resembling that of International standards. Live broadcasting, Casters, Celebrity appearances, Cosplay, generous giveaways by the sponsor Infinix and a technically superior set up showed encouraging signs for Esports in Pakistan. 7 Final matches were played to decide the winning team representing Pakistan in the coveted Free Fire World Series Falak Gondal, Esports & Community PR commented on the occasion:

“We started off with 2000 teams registering, with weeks of competing to reach the top 12- Congratulations to those who made it this far, enabling Esports as a profession has been dear to all of us at Free Fire Pakistan this year and with phenomenal turnouts such as these we only see the trajectory of Esports as exponential from here” Sharing his views about the event Mr. Joe Hu, CEO – Infinix Pakistan said “Infinix takes pride in supporting the Pakistani Esports industry to keep up with the latest trends and exciting ways to engage with youngsters. This partnership with FreeFire is a testament to Infinix’s commitment to be a frontrunner in the expansion of technological advancement in Pakistan.” He further added “we aim to empower youth with esports enabled interactive technology and to promote E-sport further in Pakistan’’.

Dubai (Nut Desk) The festivities of the Kashmir Premier League showcase at Expo 2020 concluded on Sunday 27^th March 2022 with astounding events leaving a phenomenal impact on visitors from around the world. Chief Guest Wasim Akram (Vice President of KPL) accompanied by Guests of Honor H.E. Afzaal Mehmood (UAE Ambassador) and Abdul Majid Khan (Finance Minister of AJ&K) graced the closing day and highly treasured this 3-days long extravaganza for the people visiting Kashmir Gallery at Pakistan Pavilion.

Mr. Arif Malik (President of KPL) in his inaugural remarks on the 3^rd day of the event said that KPL Season 1 heralded great shifts in technological advancement, improved international exposure, increased trade, culture, and tourism of AJ&K with a positive impact on the Kashmir region. He said that we launched KPL Showcase Event at the right moment to set the tone for economic & tourism development and create a positive environment for businesses to thrive in AJ&K. Furthermore, the initiative of the cricket academy at Muzaffarabad will enhance the skills of Kashmiri youth as well as the sports culture of AJ&K. He said that KPL Season 2 with the increased number of Franchises and with its finals in United Kingdome will be a major catalyst for Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Wasim Akram on this occasion acknowledged this 3-days engaging activity by KPL. He illuminated his role in KPL Season 1 and elaborated on the actionsenvisione and accomplished by KPL. He declared KPL to be a game-changer league not only for the youth of Kashmir but exclusively for the future of AJ&K with a long-lasting impact on the economy, sports culture, social harmony, and tourism.

H.E. Afzaal Mehmood extended his felicitations for the management of KPL and the Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir on the great initiative of KPL. He said that it will not only change the lives of residents of Kashmir but will also have a positive impact on the Kashmiri Diaspora around the globe. He wowed to support KPL for its future endeavors in every way possible.

Mr. Mansoor Qadir Dar (Secretary Sports and tourism of AJ&K) delivered a note of thanks to the participants, management of KPL, and visitors from around the world for joining Kashmir Gallery and making this graceful KPL showcase event successful. He also acknowledged the media representatives for globally presenting a peaceful and friendly message from Kashmir Gallery at Pakistan Pavilion.

Mr. Abdul Majid Khan in his closing remarks enlightened the cause of Kashmir Gallery at Pakistan Pavilion and praised the efforts of the AJ&K government and Management of KPL in delivering a great and splendid image of Kashmir and its premier league. He wowed to stand firm and support the futuristic ventures for a more developed and prosperous Azad Jammu & Kashmir.  

Mr. Arshad Khatak (Chairman of KPL) Ch. Shahzad Akhtar (CEO of KPL), Mr. Taimoor Ali Khan (COO of KPL), and Mr. Saqib ur Rehman (CMO of KPL) also decked the event with their presence. The efforts of these officials along with the team of KPL in organizing this auspicious occasion were highly cherished by the speakers as well as the attendees of the event. 

Followed by the speaker’s remarks, TECHSEL exhibited the E-KPL presentation that meets the technological advancement needs of modern times. It introduced the KPL Super App design where the users will not be only able to play the KPL online, but they will also be able to shop the Kashmiri products. The special feature is the exploration of the Magnificence of Kashmir where you can visit the beauty of Kashmir while sitting anywhere in the world. The audience highly appreciated this effort of Showcasing Kashmir via the mobile app through modern technology.

The spectators were very excited to attend the program “KheloAazadi Se” with Wasim Akram. The program host Zaariya Khan asked questions covering various aspects of his life, career, and about playing a significant role in KPL Season 1. Wasim Akram also answered several questions asked by the audience present in the show. Afterward, he interacted with the people and presented them with his signed bat and ball.

The crowd at the Kashmir Gallery highly appreciated the 3-days long event of “Magnificent Kashmir with its Premier League” and expressed that they believe that KPL Season 2 will be much enthralling and exciting event. They interacted with media, the management of the Kashmir Premier League, and the high-profile dignitaries from the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government. The Kashmiri Diaspora present at the event seemed very impressed with the initiative of KPL. They expressed their love and emotions for their motherland and seemed very hopeful for the global success of KPL Season 2.

The media representatives present at Kashmir Gallery enriched the value of the event by exhibiting the KPL showcase event and the magnificence of AJ&K to the world, directly from Kashmir Gallery at the Pakistan Pavilion. All the attendees of the events were very contented with the arrangements and the success of this great showcase titled “Magnificent Kashmir with its Premier League. 

Dubai (Nut Desk) The second day of the Kashmir Premier League showcase at Expo 2020 was another extravaganza for the people visiting Kashmir Gallery at Pakistan Pavilion, on Saturday, 26th March 2022. Honorable guests and sports legends from Pakistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir added value to the ongoing events. 

Ch. Shahzad Akhtar (CEO of KPL) opened the day with an introductory speech about the Kashmir Premier League Season 2. He said that this year we are coming with a much greater and superior KPL. He further added that the addition of two more franchises has enhanced the canvas of KPL which will add more excitement and thrill to the game. Also, this addition of new franchises will uplift the increased number of talented local players from AJ&K. Above all, this season will bring more economic activity, increase social harmony, develop sports culture, and will also increase tourism in the region.

The occasion was ornamented with knowledge-intensive and gladsome programs and activities. A conference with the topic “KT20 -A feeder league by KPL was held in the moderation of Mr. Taimoor Ali Khan (COO of KPL). The session was graced by the guest of honor Herschelle Gibbs (International Cricket Player of South Africa), Mr. Mansoor Qadir Dar (Secretary of Sports & Tourism of AJ&K), Mr. Arif Malik (President of KPL), Mr. Arshad Khattak (Chairman of KPL), and Ch. Shahzad Akhtar (CEO of KPL).

Participants of the conference had a fruitful discussion on the topic KPL including the need and initiative for this domestic league, the futuristic approach of KT20, increased opportunities for local players of AJ&K, development of sports culture in the region, eradication of local challenges, and opportunities for investors & the tourism industry. They appreciated the initiative of KT20 by KPL that is envisioned to uplift the local talent, enhance their skills, and develop them into the international standard players. They wowed to make it a domestic league that will directly impact the lives of players besides enhancing the lifestyle of the people of the Kashmir region. The addressees cherished the initiative and learned about how to be a part of the KT20 league.

The spectators were very excited to attend the program “Khelo Aazadi Se” with Herschelle Gibbs as the guest of honor. The program host Zaariya Khan questioned him covering various aspects of his life, career, and about playing a significant role in KPL Season 1. Herschelle Gibbs also answered several questions asked by the audience present in the show. Afterward, the people also had live interaction with Herschelle Gibbs who gifted them with his signed bat and ball.

The visitors of the Kashmir Gallery also had a close interaction with the management of the Kashmir Premier League and the high-profile dignitaries from the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Government. The Kashmiri diaspora was very keen on learning more about KT20 and KPL. The visitors of the Kashmir Gallery expressed their love and emotions for these great initiatives of KT20 and KPL. They said that these leagues will not only provide high-energy entertainment but will also enhance the peaceful and harmonious image of Kashmir along with the magnificence of Kashmir.

The presence of a large number of media representatives increased the worth of the events held at the KPL section of Kashmir Gallery at the Pakistan Pavilion. They reported live from the venue to send a global message from the peaceful people of Magnificent Kashmir with its Premier League.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced TikTok, the leading destination for short-form videos, as a sponsor for the ODI series and one-off Twenty20I being played as part of the historic tour of Australia to Pakistan. TikTok will be the presenting sponsor for the three-match ODI series, which will commence at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from March 29, and associate sponsor for the T20I game. The sponsorship comes after the title sponsorship of the Test series. Earlier, TikTok was also announced as the entertainment partner of Pakistan Super League 7 and 8 and the title sponsor of the PSL anthem for the latest season.

The PCB, who are now also officially on TikTok, have entertained cricket fans on the platform throughout the partnership by sharing the highlights of the current and previous matches, fans reactions, favourite moments and exciting challenges. Cricket fans in Pakistan were able to engage with the PCB and their favourite cricketers like never before on TikTok. TikTok, with more than 1 billion monthly active users around the world, provides a place where cricket fans can follow their favourite cricket content creators, share the best TikTok cricket content, and create their own special moments, reactions, and celebrations around this historic series with Australia.

Paul Katrib, Head of Brand Marketing, Middle East, Turkey, Africa, and Pakistan at TikTok: “We are delighted to continue our strong association with the most popular sport in Pakistan. Being part of this historic Pakistan-Australia Test series first and now the ODIs and T20I has made TikTok the ultimate platform for cricket fandom in Pakistan. With all the content posted during the PSL and the Test series, TikTok has become a place where people entertain themselves with the exciting cricket content that exists on the platform.” The second and third match of the ODI series that is part of the inaugural 2020–2023 ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, will be played on March 31 and April 2 respectively, while the T20I will be played on April 5 at the same venue.

Dubai (Nut Desk) To showcase the success of the Kashmir Premier League, three daysKPL showcase with the title “Magnificent Kashmir with its Premier League.” has begun in Kashmir Gallery at Pakistan Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, 25^th March 2022. Honorable guests from Pakistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and UAE joined the KPL showcase while a large number of visitors joined in and highly cherished the events of the day.

A welcome note was delivered by Mr. Arshad Khattak  (Chairman of KPL) who greeted the guests of honor and the visitors of the KPL section at Kashmir Gallery. He wowed that the KPL showcase will be a unique experience for them to enjoy and learn about Kashmir as well as KPL. 

Mr. Arif Malik (President of KPL) then presented the success story of the globally recognized Kashmir Premier League Season 1. He also elaborated on the challenges on his way to bringing this inimitable dream to reality. Further, he added that KPL season 2 will be a much bigger and healthier event about the prosperity and development of the Kashmir region

The Secretary of Sports & Tourism of AJ&K Mr. Mansoor Qadir Dar delivered the vote of thanks to the participants as well as the spectators visiting the Kashmir Gallery. He enlightened the vision behind the Kashmir Premier League and its outcome global recognition of the first season.

Chief Guest Mr. Abdul Majid Khan (Finance Minister of AJ&K) highly appreciated the Kashmir Premier League and expressed his facilitations on the success of KPL season 1. He further added that he has a strong belief in KPL in strengthening the economic condition of AJ&K.He wowed to support KPL for its future endeavors.

Ch. Shahzad Akhtar (CEO of KPL), Mr. Taimoor Ali Khan (COO of KPL), and Mr. Saqib ur Rehman (CMO of KPL) also adorned the event with their presence. Their efforts in making this dream come to reality were also praised by the speakers of the event.

The first day of the occasion was bursting with knowledge-based and fun-filled programs and activities. A conference with the topic “Sports Tourism in AJ&K” was graced by Mr. Abdul Majid Khan, Mr. Mansoor Qadir Dar, Shoaib Malik (Former Captain of Team Pakistan), Muhammad Amir (Fast Bowler of Team Pakistan), Mr. Arif Malik, and Mr. Owais Nazar (President of Pakistan Hotelier Foundation UAE). Whereas, Ms. Bakhtawar Mahmood  was the moderator of the conference.

Participants of the conference discussed different aspects including sports infrastructure and sports culture in AJK, initiatives for sports and tourism, hospitality challenges, and opportunities for investors & the tourism industry. They appreciated the initiative of KPL as it proved to be asignificant asset towards the economic, social, cultural, sports, and tourism development of the Kasmir region. The audience was engaged in the activity, learning about the solutions for challenges in AJ&K.

The spectators were very excited to attend the program “KheloAazadi Se” with Shoaib Malik as the guest of honor. The program host Zaariya Khan questioned him covering various aspects of his life, career, and as a part of KPL. Shoaib Malik also answered several questions asked by the audience present in the show.

Several other activities were also part of the first-day events including the success stories of KPL displayed on digital screens. The visitors of the Kashmir Gallery had a close interaction with the guests of honor and the management of the Kashmir Premier League. The Kashmiri diaspora from around the globe was observed to be very keen on learning more about KPL and how to become a part of this precious league of Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

The visitors of Kashmir Gallery including Kashmiri Diaspora in their views said that Kashmir Premier League is the first ever very own league of Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and has proven its strength and vision by uplifting the Kashmiri youth and by projecting the Kashmir Issue globally.

Dubai (Nut Desk) Glazer and Kiran, who separately own teams in the UAE T20 League, spent the day touring Dubai and the Expo with UAE T20 League Chairman and Emirates Cricket’s Vice Chairman, Khalid Al Zarooni and Emirates Cricket’s Secretary General, Mubashshir Usmani.

They visited the USA and India pavilions and were highly impressed with the entire setup. Khalid Al Zarooni, UAE T20 League Chairman and Vice Chairman Emirates Cricket Board said; “We were delighted to welcome Avie and his associates to Dubai. It has always been a pleasure to meet with Kiran who now spends most of his time in Dubai. It was indeed an honour to host them for a meeting with His Highness and take them a tour of Expo 2020’s most impactful pavilions during their brief visit.”

Dr. Tayeb Kamali, ECB Board Member and Chairman of ECB Selection Committee said; “It was, indeed, a pleasure to meet with both Avie Glazer and Kiran Kumar.” “We are particularly delighted with our shared vision for the UAE T20 League. With the team owners passion and commitment to premier league cricket, the inaugural season promises to be highly competitive and truly exciting for cricket fans all over the world”.

Chairman of Lancer Capital Mr. Avram Glazer and Chairman of GMR Group Mr. Kiran Kumar Grandhi met Chairman of Emirates Cricket, His Highness Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan at Dubai Expo 2020.

Free Fire Campus Championship Grand Final held in Karachi, Scholarships worth PKR 2 Million distributed

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) Free Fire Pakistan’s most recent introduction in Esports Competitions FFCC, the Free Fire Campus Championship was Pakistan’s first inter-university Esports competition to be held on a National Stage.

The Grand Final was held on the 20th of March in Karachi at Ramada plaza. Last year, Free Fire had announced Pakistan’s first-ever Esports Scholarship, under their Campus Challenge competition, which took place across 9 different universities in Pakistan. Free Fire Campus Championship 2022 took place across 5 major cities of Pakistan, namely, Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Bahawalpur & Peshawar in 12 different universities. The winning team from each University progressed to the Grand Final Event held on 20th March where the contestants competed for a Scholarship prize pool worth PKR 2,000,000.

The winning team receiving PKR 700,000 was from City University Peshawar, with the team from Comstats following up. Registration desks went live across universities as students played the qualifier tournament to be crowned as their University’s champions. The winning teams went on to represent their University on the National Stage where they compete for a scholarship worth up to PKR 700,000 each. The Grand Final event mesmerized spectators with an incredible light show and performance featuring the famous Young Stunners. Commenting on the occasion, Zafeer Khan, Esport & Community Manager said, “I’m glad to see FFCC garner such a great response at these Universities.

These grass root efforts provide us extreme motivation when we’re able to see the passion students have for Esports in Pakistan first hand. We saw this during the overwhelming response from our Campus Challenge and how much these Scholarship opportunities really meant to these Students. We’re here to stay- our community is growing everyday, the future for Esports in Pakistan is bright” Free Fire is also behind FFPL, Pakistan’s First Professional Esports League, FFPL III Grand Finale will take place on the 27th of March in Lahore, where the final 12 teams compete for a grand prize pool of PKR 10,000,000 & the chance to represent Pakistan in FFWS, the largest Free Fire tournament in the world, held later this year in Singapore with a grand prize pool worth $2 Million.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) GameBird FFPL III is now moving toward the most-awaited Grand Esports Final where Pakistan’s Top 12 teams will take center stage and compete to be crowned this year’s champions. The Grand Final for FFPL III will be held in Lahore for the first time at Avenue Marquees on 27th March at 6PM.

This mega event is scheduled to include an opening performance featuring Aleem & Bilal Ali from Kashmir. The scheduled guest list includes some of the biggest names from Pakistan’s entertainment industry who have endorsed Esports.

The event will also include numerous entertaining stalls and the audience will automatically be part of a grand lucky draw which includes various rewards & limited edition merchandise including in-game bundles.

The grandest Esports event in Pakistan to date awaits you with the best gameplay, fun-filled activities, amazing giveaways & a lucky draw. 300 early comers will also receive a rare in-game item, the Hayato the Guardian Gloo Wall. You can also receive Merry Snowman Grenade in the event. GameBird FFPL III Grand Final will be open to welcome guests from 4PM onwards, with the schedule to commence at 6pm.

Tickets are now live & available at these Burger Lab outlets in Lahore: Burger Lab – Z Sector Parking Area, 14Z، DHA Phase 3 Burger Lab – KD plaza @100, Shop 1 burger lab, MM Alam Rd, Block B 2 Gulberg III For those unable to attend the event in person, there’s no need to worry as GameBird FFPL III will be broadcasted Live on all official channels of Free Fire Esports Pakistan’s. Youtube:

Free Fire Esports Pakistan Facebook: Free Fire Esports Pakistan Official Website: https://esports.ff.garena.pk/

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood (BARD) Foundation will be supporting Pakistan’s tennis phenomenon Mahin Aftab Qureshi with her Pro-Career at the world-renowned Barcelona Tennis Academy in Spain.

A special ceremony was recently held where BARD foundation’s senior management signed the formal contract to support the 20-year-old tennis player, who was accompanied by her father, Aftab Sadiq Qureshi. The ceremony was also graced by the honorable members of the Foundation’s, Board of Governors including Taimur Dawood, Faisal Dawood, Farooq Nazir and Ijaz Ali Khan, along with senior staff from the BARD foundation.

“At BARD, support is available for young athletes so they can unearth their true potential and shine on an international platform. Mahin is one of Pakistan’s most promising young tennis players with an array of accomplishments to her name. However, getting to the top in any sport can be an expensive endeavor and we are very happy to step in to help her progress further” said Taimur Dawood Member Board of Governors BARD Foundation.

In 2015, Mahin became the first-ever female tennis player of Pakistan to claim a singles international tennis title by winning the Asian Under-14 tournament. She later went on to win the Under-16 tournament held by the Barcelona Federation in 2016. At the age of 15, she created history by winning four titles (Ladies singles, Ladies doubles, Mixed doubles and Pakistan junior title) in Subh e Nau Tennis Championships in PTF Islamabad.

Mahin’s impressive performance continued at the 2019 SAF games where she won a bronze medal. However, following a serious injury to her right wrist, Mahin had to take a little break; she is now fully recovered and enrolled in the world-renowned Barcelona Tennis Academy to get back in the game and kick-start her pro-career. As the Academy’s student she will be given strength and conditioning sessions, incorporating speed, agility, and weights, in between on-court sessions. Mahin will work with the best coaches, fitness trainers, and sport psychologists.

The BARD Foundation is a venture undertaken by Bilquis and Abdul Razak Dawood to enable less fortunate individuals to realise their potential as champions in their chosen field. The Foundation’s primary goal is Changing Fortunes with a special focus on Education and Sports. Another is people development through skills. One such initiative of the Foundation is Descon Technical Institute, which imparts vocational skills to enable individuals to change their lives for themselves and their families.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) The gathering was organized to honour the English Journalists at the Head Office of AAA Associates.

The English Journalists players met with the Chairman AAA Associates Mr. Fawad Bashir, MD AAA Associates Lt. Col. Shahzad Ali Kiani (r), CEO AAA Builder Mr. Farooq Bashir, Country Head AAA Associates Mr. Umer Shaukat and Head of Communication AAA Associates Mr. Shazad Sikandar.

Kits were awarded to the English team, and souvenirs were exchanged between AAA Associates and England Journalists Cricket Team as a token of remembrance. The London Media Cricket Club was briefed with the projects launched and delivered by AAA Associates in Pakistan particularly in Rawalpindi/Islamabad.

AAA Associates Chairman Mr. Sheikh Fawad Bashir expressed his gratitude and said, “AAA Associates has always supported sports on all levels. Hosting foreign players depict a positive image of the country to the world and we vouch to project that image to the world.”

Addressing the guests, Managing Director AAA Associates Lt. Col. Shahzad Ali Kiani (r) emphasized on the need of organizing events and said, “Such sporting events inculcate a sense of fraternity and humanity across borders. They help boost sports tourism and also provide employment opportunities.”

Players of the London Media Cricket Club had come to Pakistan for a planned Tour to play 3 friendly cricket matches at Sialkot, Lahore and Rawalpindi. The match scheduled with AAA Associates was unfortunately cancelled due to rain. However, the events and visit opened the door to many such sporting exchanges in near future.