Testing the limits of Pakistani fans

Here is the equation, Pakistan + England = Cheating. This is almost becoming like a tradition in cricket. Every time a Pakistani player is in England, he is always involved in some sort of fixing. Two years ago we had the spot fixing case of Salman Butt, Mohammed Amir and Mohammed Asif, which really shook the cricketing world. The latest addition to this has been the Pakistani leg spinner Danish Kaneria who has been banned for life from any cricket under the jurisdiction of the ECB after being found guilty of corruption by a disciplinary panel in relation to the spot-fixing case involving Mervyn Westfield.

As a Pakistani fan this really sucks, as if the political and security turmoil in the country was not enough for the people of Pakistan, these cases have destroyed the image of Pakistan as a cricketing nation. Nowadays on the internet it’s not a surprise to find comments that refer to Pakistanis as cheaters and/or fixers. This is really pushing the limits of the Pakistan cricket fans as they are ones who suffer the most because of the actions of a few individuals.

How much more can the fans bear? Already so many people have stopped following Pakistan cricket because they can’t take the humiliation anymore. The fans that are still following Pakistan cricket even after such events need to saluted, but enough is enough! It’s time the Pakistan cricket board does something, harsh steps need to be take by the PCB to deal with player who are involved in any sort of fixing activities either at the international level or domestic level. Programs need to be introduced that educate players about the fixing, how to stay away from it and its consequences. We just can’t afford to keep getting humiliated over and over again because cricket is our craze.

Pakistan vs England: My take on the test series and why Pakistan will win

Pakistan will kick start their 2012 this Tuesday January 17th in Dubai against England, the current number 1 test side, in a 3 test match series. In this post I will talk about Pakistan bowling attack vs England bowling attack and give you reasons why I feel that Pakistan's bowling attack will cause them to win this series.

I believe Pakistan win be victorious in this series. Now a lot of you will be thinking, come on England are the number 1 side and that we'll be lucky to even tie the series. That's true, however Pakistan has been playing really consistently over the last year or so and we didn't lose any test series last year. Even though some of those were against sides like Zimbabwe and Bangladesh but we did beat Sri-Lanka 1-0 who were above us on the rankings table and we also beat New-Zealand away from home 1-0. The fact that we've been playing so consistently will make our players have hight morals and they will waiting eagerly to perform.

Another reason is our bowling attack, both pace and spin. Let's discuss pace first:

Playing in UAE where the conditions are very much the sub-continent i.e the pitches are flat and don't have much for the bowlers requires bowlers to have the ability to reverse swing the ball. For Pakistan, I think every bowler knows how to reverse swing the ball. Umar Gul, Aizaz Cheema, Junaid Khan and Wahab Riaz are all able to reverse swing the ball and we've seen that in previous matches. On the other hand the only bowler that I know in the England squad who is able to reverse swing is Tim Bresnan but unfortunately for England he is out of the series due to an injury. Reverse swing is something that is essential in sub-continent type conditions and considering how James Anderson and Stuart Broad have struggled in the past in those type of conditions, it has to a worry for them.

Pakistan I feel also has a better spin attack. England have Swann and Panesar who Pakistan has Ajmal, Rehman and I feel that Hafeez should also counted as a full time bowler now, considering how well he has performed as a 3^rd spinner. Obviously Greame Swann vs Saeeed Ajmal will be the main contest but I feel that Ajmal has the edge here over Swann because of his variations, that have allowed him to become so dangerous and he has troubled the best of the best with his bowling. That's not to take anything away from Swann though as he is also a really good bowler and Pakistan will have to watch out for him but I feel Ajmal has the edge of Swann. Then obviously England have Panesar who has a very good record against Pakistan so he is some who will want to continue his form against them. Rehman is the next spinner that Pakistan has and he has also given batsmen a headache because of his tight line and has a over the last few months formed a lethal combination along with Ajmal in tests. England don't have a 3^rd spinner in their ranks while Pakistan have Hafeez who is someone that both English opener Andrew Strauss and Alistair Cook will have to watch. Cook and Strauss are both lefties and Hafeez just loves lefties, he has a very good record against bowling to left handed batsmen so they better watch out. Overall though I feel that Pakistan's spin department is better because Ajmal has the variations, Rehman has the ability to hold one end tigh and pick up wickets and Hafeez is really good against lefties and can also cause the batsmen a headache with his testing lines.

Now obviously you won't win just by bowling well. You batting has to click as well but the point that I want to make is that our bowling is strong enough to defend even if our batsmen put a modest total. We saw the last time we faced England, our batting really let us down put because of our bowling we did give England a hard time compared to India who performed better in the batting department in England then us but their weak bowling caused them to suffer big defeats.

InshaAllah, lets make dua that our bowling and batting both click in this series as this will promise to be a tough series no matter what. Feel free to share your thoughts with me in the comments section. 

Amir could be released early

I came across this news headline earlier today that really grabbed my attention. It was about the former Pakistani teenage age sensation Mohammed Amir and that might be released after half of his jail term is over, February 3. I don't think I need to get into details of what he did and why he is jail since we all know that. He was given a 6 month sentence in a young offenders institute but according to British laws one can be released on bail early if they show good attitude during their sentence.

If he is released, what do you think he should do considering that he is banned for cricket for five years. In my personal opinion he should use these years in trying to get more education. I am not going to put off the possibility of his return because due to his age I believe that it's very much possible.

What your opinion though, if you were a fan of him (which most people were) do you forgive him? What do you think he should do if he is released? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section.

Junaid Khan to under-go fitness test later today

Pakistan young fast bowler Junaid Khan will soon be under going his fitness test at the national cricket academy in Lahore in order to prove to the selectors that he is fully fit for the upcoming series against England. Junaid Khan was reported to his suffered a partial tear in his abdominal muscle in Abu Dhabi last year.

Most of you will know that Junaid started played for Pakistan last year and impressed especially in the test series against SriLanka where he displayed his skills with the ball and also earned his first 5er. He will one of our main bowlers in the series against England. InshaAllah he will prove his fitness.

GOOD LUCK!

Will Umar Akmal seize his chance?

If your are a Pakistani and follow Pakistan cricket you ought to love Umar Akmal. He is the future of our team and has my vote for the most talented batsman going around in Pakistan. He is an attacking player and can play an array of strokes all around the wicket. This is though will discuss Umar Akmal as a potential star in test cricket.

Umar began his test cricket in a way that every youngster would love to begin. His first test match was against New-Zealand in Dunedin and guess what? He scored 129 in the 1st innings. That's not it though, he followed that up with a 75 in the 2nd innings. I remember watching that match was absolutely amazed at the way he batted.

However it slowly started to go down hill for Umar from that point onwards. We would often see him getting starts, but then falling to a brainless. His attacking instinct started to become a problem for him and fans started to question whether he had the right temperament for test cricket or not.

He was dropped from a the side and told to improve his temperament for the longer format (he continued to play ODI and T20s) until recently he got recalled when has included in Pakistan's test squad for series against England which starts on January 17th.

Now, my point here is that this is a great chance for Umar to really show the selectors and his fans that he belongs in test cricket. It's his chance to show that he has the temperament to succeed in the longer format of the game. I personally believe that he shouldn't completely let go of his attacking style but rather learn the art of "controlled aggression".

What do you think about it? How will Umar fare against England? Share you thoughts with us in the comments section.

South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell converts to Islam!

I was on Pak Passion and saw this post about the South African fast bowler Wayne Parnell and that he has graced Islam mashallah. He will now be known as Waleed. According to the post Parnell had dinner alongside Rana Naved (Pakistani bowler) as they both play for Sussex which is where it was revealed.
Pak Passion admin Saj confirmed this news "Its confirmed, Wayne Parnell has converted to Islam.  He has not changed his name yet though and also it was family friends in South Africa who guided him to converting."


I wanted to confirm it for myself so I went to Google and this what came up.

Johannesburg and Bloemfontein - One of the country's top cricketers has converted from Christianity to Islam.

Wayne Parnell, Protea fast bowler, could in future be known as "Whallid".

"Wayne has already decided to follow Islam a couple of months ago," said Proteas team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee.

Moosajee rejected rumours that Parnell was "influenced" by team-mates Hashim Amla and Imran Tahir to adopt the religion.

However, Moosajee could not confirm that Parnell will change his name to "Whallid" - which means "Great One".

"It was his own decision, but I know nothing of the name change," said Moosajee.

Several of Parnell's team-mates said on Wednesday that he is "dead-serious" about changing his religion and since the Indian Premier League he hasn't consumed alcohol at all.

In October 2009 he was dropped from of the Warriors' side after he partied until the early hours of the morning in a Port Elizabeth nightclub during the team's SuperSport series match against the Dolphins.

All I have to say now is: WELCOME TO ISLAM BROTHER!!!!!!!!!!!

Waqar wants to groom a young captain for the 2015 W.C

Pakistan cricket team’s head coach Waqar Younis, while putting his weight behind ageing captain Misbah-ul-Haq advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to groom a young skipper for the 2015 World Cup.

In his recent report on the players’ abilities submitted to the Board, Waqar praised Misbah as a player and a mature captain. “I have to give full credit to Misbah as he has stabilised the team and leads from the front.

“His performance is also outstanding. He makes the boys feel comfortable and relaxed so they actually enjoy their cricket. He is mature and willing to listen.”

However, Waqar added: “The only unfortunate thing is the age factor which is not in Misbah’s favour. On that account, I don’t think he would be able to lead the side in the next World Cup (2015), and therefore, I would advise that we should start grooming a young captain from now.”


About opening batsman Mohammad Hafeez, the coach observed: “Hafeez has been exceptional, both with the ball and the bat. He was timing the ball sweetly and worked with the game plan when bowling. He is now taking responsibility as a senior member of the team.”


Similarly, about the two spinners –– Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman –– Waqar remarked: “Both are very good boys. They really try their best all the time.

They listen to advice and work to improve themselves. They are reliable and are developing into match-winners.”

Moreover, the coach seemed positive about the upcoming medium-fast bowler Wahab Riaz and middle-order batsman Asad Shafiq, noting that both had an average tour, but they are young and hungry for success so they would continue to improve with the passage of time.

Waqar also praised Azhar Ali, arguing that he is a very good find for the Test matches and he had been faring better over the last year and had also proved that he could be a good one-day player.

In his report, the coach argued that middle-order batsman Umar Akmal helped chip in with his aggressive style of batting and was improving day by day.

About a new little-known all-rounder Hammad Azam, the coach said he was still very young, but had the capabilities to excel in the one-day game.

Pressing ahead with his report, the coach noted that Mohammad Salman is a good wicket-keeper, though he still seems a little nervous. “But that should be overcome with more exposure and being a regular member of the team,” he concludes.


Who do you guys think is a good choice as our next captain? Tell us in the comments section below.

'News of the World' to shut down after wire-tap scandal

Perhaps "Karma" is the word that's best to describe this. This was the news paper that trapped out 3 beloved cricketers (Butt/Amir and Asif) in the spot-fixing controversy and a few months later found themselves in the similar position. Read on for more details.

Via CTV

The tabloid at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal that consumed Britain is planning to shut down.

James Murdoch -- son of media baron Rupert Murdoch, who owns "News of the World" -- said the paper's last edition will be published on Sunday after losing several advertisers due to the scandal.

The decision came after three days of revelations about the paper's intrusive wire-tapping activities, which including accessing a teenage murder victim's voicemail messages. Hackers also targeted relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and family members of victims of London's 2005 subway bombings.

James Murdoch, who runs the European division of News International, said 200 jobs will be lost in the closure.

Spokeswoman Daisy Dunlop said Thursday that employees who lose their jobs will be eligible to apply for other positions within the large media conglomerate.

"News of the World" has been publishing for 168 years and Thursday's announcement took media-watchers by surprise. Its final edition will run without ads, with James Murdoch promising all money from its sale will go to "good causes."

"While we may never be able to make up for distress that has been caused, the right thing to do is for every penny of the circulation revenue we receive this weekend to go to organizations -- many of whom are long-term friends and partners -- that improve life in Britain and are devoted to treating others with dignity," he told employees when announcing the closure.

Dunlop denied online rumours that suggested "The Sun," a similar newspaper also operated by News International, would shift from a five to seven-day publication to replace the folding paper.

"It's not true at the moment," she said.

While the paper's management had already admitted to hacking cellphones of actors, politicians, royal aides and other celebrities -- and paid cash settlements to several of them -- the discovery it had potentially compromised an investigation into a child's murder caused public opinion to explode.

Parliamentarians held a debate on the subject on Wednesday, many expressing disgust and revolt that the paper would spy on such vulnerable members of the public.

James Murdoch indicated he had no idea such activities were taking place under his watch, saying that if the allegations were true, "it was inhuman and has no place in our company."

"Wrongdoers turned a good newsroom bad," he said, "and this was not fully understood or adequately pursued.

Police are now combing though a list of thousands of people who may have been targeting by the paper's hackers. They are pleading with the public to be patient as they work their way through the massive document.

While the phone hack revelations are definitely bad for "News of the World," they could shine a less-than-desirable light on other News Corp. properties, said Carlton University journalism school director Christopher Waddell.

He said two public inquiries scheduled to examine the hacks will shine even more negative press on the company's practices, and will inevitably lead consumers to wonder if the same practices were ever allowed at New Corp.'s other properties.

"They might have to independently prove they operate at higher ethical standards than the News of the World," Waddell told CTV News Channel on Thursday, saying it's hard to believe the paper'sThe tabloid at the centre of the phone-hacking scandal that consumed Britain is planning to shut down.

James Murdoch -- son of media baron Rupert M
The decision came after three days of revelations about the paper's intrusive wire-tapping activities, which including accessing a teenage murder victim's voicemail messages. Hackers also targeted relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and furdoch, who owns "News of the World" -- said the paper's last edition will be published on Sunday after losing several advertisers due to the scandal.
on Wednesday, many expressing disgust and revolt that the paper would spy on such vulnerable members of the public.

James Murdoch indicated he had no idea such activities were taking place under his watch, saying that if the allegations were true, "it was
The decision came after three days of revelations about the paper's intrusive wire-tapping activities, which including accessing a teenage murder victim's voicemail messages. Hackers also targeted relatives of soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan and family members of victims of London's 2005 subway bombings.

James Murdoch, who runs the European division of News International, said 200 jobs will be lost in the closure.

Spokeswoman Daisy Dunlop said Thursday that employees who lose their jobs will be eligible to apply for other positions within the large media conglomerate.

"News of the World" has been publishing for 168 years and Thursday's announcement took media-watchers by surprise. Its final edition will run without ads, with James Murdoch promising all money from its sale will go to "good causes."

"While we may never be able to make up for distress that has been caused, the right thing to do is for every penny of the circulation revenue we receive this weekend to go to organizations -- many of whom are long-term friends and partners -- that improve life in Britain and are devoted to treating others with dignity," he told employees when announcing the closure.

Dunlop denied online rumours that suggested "The Sun," a similar newspaper also operated by News International, would shift from a five to seven-day publication to replace the folding paper.

"It's not true at the moment," she said.

While the paper's management had already admitted to hacking cellphones of actors, politicians, royal aides and other celebrities -- and paid cash settlements to several of them -- the discovery it had potentially compromised an investigation into a child's murder caused public opinion to explode.

Parliamentarians held a debate on the subject management didn't know the hacking was going on. "Either they knew more than they said they did, or they deliberately tried to avoid knowing more.

"When something like this happens it damages the media, and it damages the credibility of all journalists."on Wednesday, many expressing disgust and revolt that the paper would spy on such vulnerable members of the public.

James Murdoch indicated he had no idea such activities were taking place under his watch, saying that if the allegations were true, "it was inhuman and has no place in our company."

"Wrongdoers turned a good newsroom bad," he said, "and this was not fully understood or adequately pursued.

Police are now combing though a list of thousands of people who may have been targeting by the paper's hackers. They are pleading with the public to be patient as they work their way through the massive document.

While the phone hack revelations are definitely bad for "News of the World," they could shine a less-than-desirable light on other News Corp. properties, said Carlton University journalism school director Christopher Waddell.

He said two public inquiries scheduled to examine the hacks will shine even more negative press on the company's practices, and will inevitably lead consumers to wonder if the same practices were ever allowed at New Corp.'s other properties.

"They might have to independently prove they operate at higher ethical standards than the News of the World," Waddell told CTV News Channel on Thursday, saying it's hard to believe the paper's management didn't know the hacking was going on. "Either they knew more than they said they did, or they deliberately tried to avoid knowing more.

"When something like this happens it damages the media, and it damages the credibility of all journalists." management didn't know the hacking was going on. "Either they knew more than they said they did, or they deliberately tried to avoid knowing more.

"When something like this happens it damages the media, and it damages the credibility of all journalists." management didn't know the hacking was going on. "Either they knew more than they said they did, or they deliberately tried to avoid knowing more.

"When something like this happens it damages the media, and it damages the credibility of all journalists."

Your views? Share them with us in the comments.

"I'm always available for Pakistan" Azhar Mahmood

You guys hopefully still remember a guy named Azhar Mahmood right? Yes, I am talking about the one played for Pakistan and started his test career off with a bang by scoring a century on debut against South Africa. However his international career didn't go off as one would've wanted for a player of his calibre. It has now been four years since he last played for Pakistan, A half-chance of a comeback came his way last year, when he captained Kent, ironically against the touring Pakistanis. Waqar, the Pakistan coach, was impressed with Mahmood's fitness and hinted at a recall to the one-day side. But nothing came of it. Now a county pro, he still rues the missed chances and mismanagement of his international career. He still however is hopeful that he will play for Pakistan again one day.

"I'm always available for Pakistan. I haven't retired yet," he says with a chuckle. "On March 17 I qualified for England as well. But there's nothing like playing for your home country.

"A lot of people have been asking me if I want to play for England. It's like a bubble in the air, if the opportunity comes up I will take it.

Sohail Khan interview

Via: Pakpassion

Once regarded as one of the brightest stars in the up and coming Pakistani fast bowling ranks, Sohail Khan it would seem has fallen off the selector's radar and as things stand is not in the immediate plans of Mohsin Khan and his colleagues.

The 26 year old Malakand born right arm fast bowler has had limited opportunities in international cricket, with a paltry 5 matches being the sum of his international experience.

Sohail Khan had a debut first-class season in the 2007-08 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy few in Pakistan have equalled or will equal. Playing for Sui Southern Gas Corporation (SSGC), Khan took 65 wickets in his first nine matches, with as many as eight five-wicket hauls. The second of his ten-wicket match hauls was 16 for 189, which shattered Fazal Mahmood's long-standing national record for best haul (15 for 76).

Khan's solitary test match was against Sri Lanka in February 2009 on a featherbed at Karachi, where he bowled 27 wicketless overs as the batsmen from both teams enjoyed the great batting conditions. A fast bowler's graveyard or a backbreaker of a pitch is probably the best way to describe the surface at Karachi and no doubt Sohail must have thought why oh why did I have to make my debut on such a surface.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Khan was philosophical regarding his test debut and whether his career may have been rather different if he had made his test debut in more favourable fast bowling conditions.

"It was a tough surface to bowl on, I remember Sri Lanka scored more than 600 runs and then our batsmen smashed 765. It was hard work, physically draining and very demoralising as a fast bowler to have to bowl on such a surface. I sometimes think back and wonder what if I had made my debut on a green top in perhaps Wellington, or in more favourable bowling conditions. Of course as a bowler you have to bowl in all conditions and give your all, but it was just bad luck on my part that my only opportunity in test cricket came on such a flat pitch".

Khan's one day international career record consists of four matches and five wickets, with a best bowling analysis of 3 for 30 against Bangladesh in April 2008. Khan though is confident that he will not be yet another one test wonder for Pakistan and if his determination is anything to go by, then he will undoubtedly be back wearing a Pakistan shirt in future.

"I'm working really hard at the moment, training at both the Asghar Ali Shah stadium in Karachi, as well as at the Rashid Latif Cricket Academy under the watchful eye of Rashid Latif and some of the coaches of the Karachi Whites team. There are a number of us working together at what you could term a mini camp. Mohammad Sami is there, Faisal Iqbal is also present, as well as my brother Murad. Altogether there are more than 20 players working together to maintain our levels of fitness and work on technical issues with the coaches. There's a good atmoshpere at the training sessions and it's great to be working with the likes of Rashid Latif."

Khan who has previously admitted to having some issues with his bowling run up, is of the impression that working with a coach of the calibre of Rashid Latif is something that he will make full use of.

"Rashid doesn't say a lot, but he watches, he watches what's going on very closely. He analyses the players and when he has collected his thoughts he will come and speak. He has given me some excellent advice regarding my action and wrist position when bowling".

The hype surrounding Khan was immense after his amazing feats in domestic cricket, but he doesn't feel that he's a spent force and that his best days are already behind him.

"I hope the selectors don't forget about me. I am disappointed that I have not played for Pakistan since February 2009, but I pray that one day my phone rings and its one of the selectors telling me that I have been given another chance to play for my country. I do not want to be remembered as a one test wonder. I wasn't named in the 35 players for the tour of England, but I will continue to work hard on my game and to take wickets in domestic cricket, in the hope that I get another opportunity in future".

Afridi vs PCB: No winners in this mess

Via: Pakpassion.net


Whatever the outcome of the Afridi versus PCB battle is, there are no winners irrespective of whatever is decided. People can make it an issue about Karachi against whoever else, people can turn it into a cricketer versus whoever else, people can turn it into a political issue, but sadly the whole affair stinks of the mess that is Pakistan cricket.

Sadly whatever judgment is passed and irrespective of whether Afridi gets his NOC or not, the biggest loser once again is the reputation of Pakistan cricket.

The laughing stock of world cricket and looked upon as a bit of a joke, Pakistan cricket has again given the watching world plenty to look at in amazement and curiousity.

An issue that most Boards and cricketers would have kept in house and discussed behind closed doors, has now become an issue that has divided media, divided fans, the legal profession and divided politicians, when in fact it had nothing to do with any of them.

If the Afridi versus PCB situation had occurred in any test playing nation, it would have been resolved quickly, sharply and with the minimum of fuss. If the player was going to be punished, it would have happened and been dealt with straight away. If the player was not going to be punished, then again the situation would have been sorted out efficiently, diffused quickly and dealt with in house.

I was asked on the radio a few days ago, as to who was to blame for the fiasco. My answer was that it's not about blame, it's about resolving the situation as soon as possible and making sure this sort of thing doesn't happen again.
Personally, and as much as it will upset those that see Afridi as some sort of super hero who can do no wrong, I hold both parties responsible for this farcical situation. Neither are entirely blameless and neither will come out of this smelling of roses, once the dust has settled.

My main gripe with Afridi is that he stated that his father was not well and would not be able to play for Pakistan on the Saturday or Monday in Ireland, yet turned up in England on the Sunday, ready to play a friendly match for Hampshire on the Monday. Now he'd said that he couldn't play for Pakistan, yet was prepared to play for Hampshire, which basically insinuates that he was prepared to put County before Country.

Also Afridi announced his retirement via the media, rather than contacting the PCB, which in my opinion is highly unprofessional and unforgiveable, especially given that he had been appointed captain by this Board for both the one day and test sides in the past. He had been bestowed the ultimate cricketing responsibility by the PCB, a responsibility that all cricketers around the world dream of. He repaid the trust and belief from the Board, with a "slap in the face".
Afridi pleaded guilty to the charges initially, today his legal representatives are trying to tell us that he didn't plead guilty. Now are they trying to insult our intelligence by denying the fact that Afridi pleaded guilty.

One understands the frustration of the PCB especially given that they had backed Afridi in all of his "weaker moments" and various run ins with authority. He was backed by the Board when he decided to eat a cricket ball, he was backed by the Board when he decided to do a jig on the Faisalabad wicket, he was backed by the Board when he decided to retire from the test captaincy after only one test match. Many other Boards would not have left him in charge of the one day side, after the one test retirement.




Now in no way am I saying that the PCB are entirely blameless. They unfortunately have a history of "messing" things up and their man management skills sadly don't appear to be up to the mark.

You only have to look at the list of names and the issues there have been with the current administration to see that their house is not in order.

The NOC revoking was an issue that could have been dealt with in a much better way, after all Afridi is a cricketer who has mostly served the nation with great flair and for a long period of time. To prevent a man from earning his living is harsh.

But as Alec Stewart said on the radio to me today "You can't go around criticising your repsective Board and expect them to ignore it". Whether its the PCB, BCCI, ECB or whoever else, they would not have stood for the very public criticism from any one of their employees.

Its a situation that will upset those cricket fans with a clear mind, with a neutral perspective and those that wish the best for Pakistan cricket. It's a situation that is sad, unfortunate and has predictably turned ugly. It's a situation that those damn politicians are taking full advantage off. Today those politicians that are siding with Afridi would quite easily stab him in the back tomorrow if it meant more votes for them.

Now whatever the outcome is, whether Afridi gets his NOC or he gets a lengthy ban, or a fine, or indeed if the whole situation is brushed under the carpet and forgotten about, Pakistan cricket is the loser and comes out of this mess as a laughing stock once again.

Afridi may retire from ODIs

Pakistan’s former one-day captain Shahid Afridi is likely to retire from One Day International after his as skipper earlier in the week. Sources said on Saturday that Afridi is really dejected on the way the PCB has dealt with him on his media leakages about his differences with head coach Waqar Younis. Earlier on Thursday, PCB sacked Afridi as captain of the Pakistan’s One Day Internationals team and replaced him with Misbah-ul-Haq. The decision was made for Pakistan’s upcoming two-match ODI series against Ireland where veteran top-order batsman Younus Khan will also join the team.

Afridi, who is in the United States for fund-raising purpose for a charity, is still part of the team as a regular player, but PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt had told media that his place in the team is not cemented and he will have to prove his abilities. 
However Ijaz Butt told local media that Afridi wasn’t given any assurance of captaincy showing a state of anger in the top cricket board authorities after Afridi had told media about his differences with head coach Waqar Younis.
Following his remarks in the media, which wasn’t the first instance, the PCB had slapped Afridi with a notice demanding reasons for his media outburst. Following his media outburst, Afridi rapidly lost support in the cricket board for not abiding by the board rules and continuing to talk to media despite several warnings by Ijaz Butt, PCB chairman, and other top authorities.

Pakistan are having a tough schedule as after returning from West Indies, they are due to play two ODIs in Ireland and then they will be touring Zimbabwe in August but before that most of the stars will be in action in the Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) for which the PCB has issued NOCs to Shahid Khan Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal.


What do you guys think about this? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Pakistan look to wrap up the series

With Pakistan now 2-0 up in the ODI series against the West Indies they will be looking to wrap the series up in Barbados which will allow them to experiment more with different player combination in the squad. I don't remember the last time Pakistan were this dominant in an ODI series. Batting has been great with the top order wrapping it up for the team in both ODIs and special mention to the openers Hafeez and Shehzad who have put 68 and 66 for the 1st wicket in both ODIs respectively. In the bowling department the spinners have been extraordinary and played a huge role in restricting WI to low totals in both matches while the pacers have been decent considering the conditions in St.Lucia did offer much for them.


However the middle order has not been tested so yet, rookies like Salman and Azam still need to be given a chance so that we can see how they perform in the middle. Lets hope for the best in the 3rd ODI.


GO PAKISTAN!!!

Mohammad Salman first impressions

After Kamran Akmal's wicket keepng came under high scrutiny once again during the W.C, the Pakistani coaches and selectors finally realized that it was time to breed a new WK. On former captain Rashid Latif's reference the 29 year old Mohammad Salman was brought into the limited overs squad as the WK replacement. Now I know he has only played one T20 and one ODI so far for Pakistan and some of you might think that it's a bit too early to judge him but I believe in the saying "First impression is the last impression".

In both that Salman played in, he has looked flawless behind the stumps. He has been really chirpy and has always been firing up the troops. He had a couple of nice takes and technically looked really solid. He was reading the spinners bounce and turn perfectly and did fumble. He seemed full of energy. So far in one T20 and ODI he has contributed in 2 run-outs, 1 stumping and a catch. He has had a tidy start to his WK career and we would him to do the same with the bat.

What are you impression on Mohammad Salman? let us know in the comments

Pakistan vs West Indies, 1st ODI preview

Just look at the squad for both teams, you will find some big names missing in there from both teams such as Chris Gayle, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Kieron Pollard, Umar Gul, Younis Khan and Kamran Akmal.

However, a victory in the opening Twenty20 match suggested that Darren Sammy's side is not entirely without hope, and will fancy their chances of overturning an ugly World Cup quarter-final loss to Pakistan in Mirpur, 31 days ago.

Notable too is the return of Marlon Samuels for his first ODI since being banned for inappropriate dealings with an illegal bookmaker. It is nearly a year since Samuels became eligible to return.

The big problem for Pakistan is their batsmen, can they step up their game? Bowling has been impressive as always but it's the batting that has been a huge problem for them recently. They have some very talented youngster in squad but they have the tendency to throw their wicket away. Which means there will a huge responsibility of Misbah-ul-Haq who in recent months has been Pakistan's most productive batsman. Another concern will be weather Afridi's batting form and will he realise the situation and not play brainless shots.

Overall this will a good contest to watch and a win for either team can set the tone for the remainder of the series.

Chance for Pakistan to move on

A meeting between Pakistan and West Indies should be just the sort of combination of volatile elements that makes for an absorbing contest. One simply can't know what to expect from two teams famous for displays of talent and inconsistency in equal measure. Off-field disturbances can add to the soap opera, but there haven't been many occasions in the recent past when Pakistan have entered a series as the more stable, settled side. The current turbulence in West Indies cricket ahead of the tour opener at Gros Islet means the spotlight has been firmly on the hosts in the build-up.

Pakistan would really want to win this because Twenty20 was the format that they were known for. However in their last 8 Twenty20 matches they have managed to win only 1 and they want to get their groove back in this format. They have the right people to make this possible.

Just five members of the team that played the World Cup quarter-final against Pakistan last month are in the squad for the opening Twenty20. Though Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard were not eligible for selection because they did not play in the Caribbean T20 earlier this year, there is no place either for Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Ramnaresh Sarwan or Sulieman Benn, though Darren Sammy retains his place as captain.

With West Indies' big guns gone and Pakistan starting as firm favourites, the Twenty20 match on Thursday could well set the tone for the tour. How long will Pakistan's stability last? Does this latest twist represent a tangible change of direction for West Indies, or will it be yet another phase in the re-building exercise that has been going on for the best part of two decades?

What's your prediction for this game? Let us know in the comments section below.

Pakistan win warm-up by 68 runs

Pakistan cricket team has launched its tour of West Indies in an ideal style with a convincing victory of 68 runs against West Indies university vice chancellor XI in a warm up game.

Pakistan team went into bat after winning toss, the world cup semi finalists were without their full-time captain Shahid Afridi, his deputy Misbahul Ha, spin magician Saeed Ajmal and rookie pacer Sadaf Hussain in the game.

Led by Mohammad Hafeez, Pakistan managed to score 287/8 in allocated 50 overs, with a brilliant captain’s knock by Hafeez who returned to pavilion only after being retired with 101 runs against his name.

Middle order batsman Umar Akmal also had a good time with bat, he scored unbeaten 57 runs, Ahmad Shahzad scored 49 runs to register his return to form while opener Taufiq Umar made 44 runs.

Chasing 288 to win, the home side was restricted to 219/8 in 50 overs, spinner Abdur Rehman took four wickets to push the opponents on back foot. Wajab Riaz, Tanvir Ahmad and Junaid Khan took one wicket each.

Pakistan team’s manager Intekhab Alam termed the victory as confidence booster ahead of the “important” series against West Indies.

“I think the youngsters player really well, this is an ideal start of tour for us and I am confident that team will continue its winning streak against West Indies,” Intekhab said.

Pakistan will take on West Indies in only T20 game of the tour on 21st April.

PCB shortlists two expats for batting coach

Via cricket next

After former captain Javed Miandad turned down PCB's offer to become Pakistan's batting coach, the Board is negotiating with two foreigners for the post, chairman Ijaz Butt said.

"Yes, we are having talks with two foreign batting coaches but since nothing is final as yet I don't want to take any names," Butt said.

"We have held talks with these two gentlemen who have shown interest in the batting coach's position," he said.

He said that the two candidates were also in contention for a coaching position with other teams and he did not want to take their names as it would upset their other negotiations as well.

Butt, however, admitted that one major problem the Board was facing in trying to hire a foreign coach was the security situation in the country.

"The one issue with them is they are not willing to remain in Pakistan for long periods and prefer to join the team on foreign tours and work with them there," he said.

The PCB chief said the Board had decided to go for a foreign coach because the team management and selectors felt that the players required a fulltime batting coach with them.

Miandad turned down the PCB offer insisting that he did not believe having a full panel of coaches with the national team would bring productive results.

Miandad also apparently had issues with working under the supervision of head coach Waqar Younis, who is much junior to him.

In the past, the PCB had hired former England captain Geoffery Boycott to work with the team as batting consultant but he spent only a few days with the players in Lahore.

India, Pakistan working on a 3 match ODI series this year!

Source: Times of India

Could this happen?


India and Pakistan may play a three-match ODI series this year as the cricket boards of both countries are trying to find a window in their tight international schedule in the wake of the resumption of the bilateral peace process.

Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, who visited Mohali last month to watch the India-Pakistan World Cup semifinal, said the Boards of the two countries are holding negotiations for renewing cricket ties.

"We want to restart cricket ties with India. Negotiations are underway and nothing has been finalised as yet," Gilani told reporters on the sidelines of a reception he hosted on Monday for members of the Pakistani cricket team.

Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Subhan Ahmad told 'The News' daily that efforts were on to arrange a three-match ODI series despite the hectic schedule of the two countries this year.

He said there was a possibility that the two Boards might be able to arrange an ODI series sometime this year.

"Taking time out from the hectic ICC Future Tour Programme would not be easy. However, all efforts are being made to adjust the series this year," he said.

"We are working on it but I don't think we can manage more than 10-12 days and in such a case, only three ODIs can be arranged. However, all these talks are in an early stage," Ahmad said.

He was not sure when or where the series would be organised.

"That is a million dollar question," he said. India were scheduled to tour Pakistan in early 2009 but the visit was cancelled in the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which were blamed on the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba terror group.

Since then, the two countries have played against each other twice in One-Day Internationals -- at the Champions Trophy in South Africa and the World Cup last month.

Under the ICC's Future Tour Programme, Pakistan is scheduled to tour India for a Test series in March next year.

"Yes, Pakistan is scheduled to tour India early next year to play Test and One-Day series. That tour is part of the Future Tour Programme. Since we have announced the restart of bilateral series, the tour to India is a possibility," Ahmad said.

India and Pakistan recently agreed to resume their peace process, which was stalled in the wake of the Mumbai attacks.

The cricket diplomacy initiated by Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh by inviting his Pakistani counterpart to watch the World Cup semifinal at Mohali has given a boost to the process to normalise relations. 

A Pakistani Premier League!

Via PakPassion


Pakistan's cricketers look on across the border in envy at the colour, riches and glitz of the Indian Premier League and wonder when their time will come to "rejoin the IPL party", the Pakistan Cricket Board are once again pushing the idea of an offshore Pakistani Premier League.

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net ; Sultan Rana, the chief of PCB's domestic cricket department stated that the setting up of the Pakistani Premier League has been in their plans for the past couple of years.

"We first considered the idea a couple of years ago. The documents were complete and we were all set to go, but the attack on the Sri Lankan team meant that we had to shelve all of our plans at that time" stated Rana.

Rana though is hopeful that the plans that were prepared a couple of years ago and subsequently shelved will not go to waste and can be tweaked slightly and implemented soon.

"I recently went to Sri Lanka during the World Cup and spoke to many other countries Board representatives, but apart from Sri Lanka they are reluctant to send their players to Pakistan, so that presents a problem for us. We simply cannot host the tournament in Pakistan if we want to attract the top players."

Whilst the option of hosting the Pakistani Premier League in Pakistan is an unlikely eventuality at the moment, the other option of hosting the competition in Dubai is something that is much more likely according to Rana.

"What we are trying to do is to organise a competition in Dubai. This idea was discussed in the past and has very much been in our plans and is still on the table. I'm sure we (PCB) can organise this tournament, which will run along the lines of the Indian Premier League."


This seems like a good idea but again, the security in Pakistan is huge hurdle. What are your thoughts on it? Tell us in the comments section below.