KARACHI (March 12, 2010): Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ejaz Butt defended the punishments imposed on seven top players, saying strong action was needed to stamp out indiscipline in the national side. "I am not apologetic; I think the board has taken the right decision and such strong action was urgently required to put Pakistan cricket back on the right track," Butt said on a private television channel on Thursday.

NEW DELHI (March 12, 2010): Fast bowling legend Wasim Akram said Thursday bans on key players for their dismal performance in Australia had made Pakistan's cricket "a laughing stock" and should be reconsidered. Akram was commenting on the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) decision Wednesday to ban former captains Younus Khan and Mohammad Yousuf indefinitely from the national side following this year's disastrous Australian tour.

KARACHI (March 12, 2010): Former Pakistan Captain Rashid Latif have demanded action from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also against management of the national team for failing to control the players. "Like imposing fines and bans on players action should also be taken against Pakistan team management viz Yawar Saeed, Intikhab Alam, Abdul Raqeeb, Waqar Younis, Aaqib Javed etc" he told APP in an interview here on Thursday.

ISLAMABAD (March 12, 2010): Terming Pakistan Cricket Board's strict action against some top players a bold move, former captain Zaheer Abbas has said the move would help end players' power in the team. "Players' power was affecting team's performance badly. There was no discipline in the team and it had become impossible for the board to tackle the players.

LAHORE (March 12, 2010): Pakistan's umpires Aleem Dar and Asad Rauf who are also included among the Elite Panel have been picked among the panel of umpires for the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 2010 to be staged at different venues of West Indies from April 30 April to May 16. Other umpires are Marais Erasmus, Rod Tucker and Shavir Tarapore.

NEW DELHI (March 12, 2010): Pakistan on Thursday sacked its manager, coach and selectors, while the entire squad offered to retire, after the four-time champions finished last at the men's field hockey World Cup. Scott Tupper scored a golden goal two minutes before the end of extra-time to hand Canada a 3-2 win over Pakistan in the play-off for the last two positions in the 12-nation tournament.

LAHORE (March 12, 2010): President, Pakistan Hockey Federation Qasim Zia, in the backdrop of Pakistan's shameful 12th finish in World Hockey Cup has dissolved the team management and national selection committee. "It was the worst ever showing of the team in the Cup and the decision has been taken to better the sagging fortunes of hockey", said a spokesman of PHF while talking to APP from India on Thursday.

LAHORE (March 12, 2010): Pakistan and India have agreed to revive bilateral annual test series on home and away basis. "Apart from bilateral hockey men series both the countries have also agreed to expand the span of mutual hockey ties and women teams of Pak-India will also be also be involved in a similar venture," said a spokesman of the Pakistan Hockey Federation in a message made available here from India where the team is taking part in World Hockey Cup.

LAHORE (March 12, 2010): A three-day Inter Provincial Wrestling (14 years) Championship organised by Pakistan Sports Board, started at National Hockey Stadium here on Thursday. Punjab Minister for Culture, Youth Affairs and Sports Dr Tanveer-ul-Islam inaugurated the championship.

LAHORE (March 12, 2010): FIFA has approved Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat to adjudicate disciplinary cases of World Cup Football South Africa 2010 as Member of FIFA Disciplinary Committee detailed for this historic mega event. It may be noted that Soccer World Cup will be the 19th edition of the premier international football tournament, scheduled to take place between 11th June and 11th July, 2010.