'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