Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Mohammad Yousuf wins Test Player of the Year Award
In Johannesburg, South Africa, in an awards ceremony dominated by Australia, Mohammad Yousuf made Pakistan proud by winning the prestigeous Test Player of the Year award on the back of a tremendous year with the bat. He was also named in the ICC Test team of the Year alongside players like Matthew Hayden, Michael Vaughan, Ricky Ponting (capt), Kevin Pietersen and Michael Hussey. Mohammad Asif was the only other Pakistani player to be named in the Test team of the year.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Akhtar failed to handle the fame, says Imran Khan
The failure of Shoaib Akhtar to cope with the fame accorded an international sportsman has been a tragedy for Pakistan cricket, says former captain Imran Khan.
"He has such great potential (as a fast bowler) he could have done wonders but he has let himself down for being in the news for the wrong reasons," Imran told Reuters on Saturday.
"That's a big tragedy for Pakistan cricket. Shoaib has failed to handle all the fame," added Imran, who is in Dubai to raise funds for his cancer hospital.
"The frequent changes of Pakistan captain has further compounded Shoaib's problems," said Imran.
"Shoaib is a clear case of unfulfilled potential...and has to take all the blame for following controversies."
"He has such great potential (as a fast bowler) he could have done wonders but he has let himself down for being in the news for the wrong reasons," Imran told Reuters on Saturday.
"That's a big tragedy for Pakistan cricket. Shoaib has failed to handle all the fame," added Imran, who is in Dubai to raise funds for his cancer hospital.
"The frequent changes of Pakistan captain has further compounded Shoaib's problems," said Imran.
"Shoaib is a clear case of unfulfilled potential...and has to take all the blame for following controversies."
Akhtar accuses Afridi of instigating spat
Shoaib Akhtar blamed Shahid Afridi for the spat which led him to hit Mohammad Asif with a bat in the build-up to the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
Akhtar told a news conference on Saturday that he would lodge an official complaint against Afridi with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The 32-year-old said he lost his temper during a nets session on Thursday after Afridi made an offensive remark about his family.
"Afridi was responsible for the fight. He made some ill remarks about my family. And I could not tolerate them," said Akhtar, who had struck Asif on the thigh with a bat during a heated argument.
"I never hit Asif intentionally. It just happened accidentally. In my 10 years with the team I have never fought like this with anyone. But Afridi's remarks provoked me." Asif was just trying to stop us from fighting, he said. He said he was devastated at having to return home.
"This incident has shattered me. I have been painted as a villain by the media. I just wanted to clear the facts of the incident today," he added.
Afridi told Geo TV from Johannesburg that he was shocked at the accusations made against him by Akhtar.
"He has always been like an elder brother to me. I don't know why he is lying but I know if I had not stepped in Asif could have suffered more injuries," he said.
Asif suffered a bruised thigh following the incident.
The Pakistan board has placed an indefinite ban on Akhtar and a disciplinary hearing is to be held after the team returns from South Africa.
Akhtar told a news conference on Saturday that he would lodge an official complaint against Afridi with the Pakistan Cricket Board. The 32-year-old said he lost his temper during a nets session on Thursday after Afridi made an offensive remark about his family.
"Afridi was responsible for the fight. He made some ill remarks about my family. And I could not tolerate them," said Akhtar, who had struck Asif on the thigh with a bat during a heated argument.
"I never hit Asif intentionally. It just happened accidentally. In my 10 years with the team I have never fought like this with anyone. But Afridi's remarks provoked me." Asif was just trying to stop us from fighting, he said. He said he was devastated at having to return home.
"This incident has shattered me. I have been painted as a villain by the media. I just wanted to clear the facts of the incident today," he added.
Afridi told Geo TV from Johannesburg that he was shocked at the accusations made against him by Akhtar.
"He has always been like an elder brother to me. I don't know why he is lying but I know if I had not stepped in Asif could have suffered more injuries," he said.
Asif suffered a bruised thigh following the incident.
The Pakistan board has placed an indefinite ban on Akhtar and a disciplinary hearing is to be held after the team returns from South Africa.
Friday, September 7, 2007
Shoaib : History of Trouble
1996: Takes 25 wickets on the Pakistan A team's tour to England. Pakistan manager reports him for indiscipline and he is dropped from the Pakistan one-day squad going to Toronto for one-day series on the basis of report.
2000: Pakistan board fines him 50,000 rupees ($870.8) for indiscipline on manager's report after tour of Australia.
2003: Dropped from Pakistan team after World Cup and PCB Chairman tells him his career is finished if he does not improve his behaviour and discipline.
2004: Disciplined by match referees in Australia for rude gestures against Australian batsmen in the tests.
2006: Banned for two years after testing positive for the banned substance nandrolone in an internal drugs test carried out by the PCB. A three-man appeals tribunal later clears him of doping offences.
2007: Has a dressing room spat with coach Bob Woolmer during the second test at Port Elizabeth against South Africa caught by television screens. Withdrawn from Pakistan's World Cup squad just hours before the team prepares to fly out to the West Indies.
August 2007: Shoaib is fined 300,000 rupees by the team manager and board for leaving a training camp in Karachi.
September 2007: Shoaib is recalled from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa after a bust up with team mate Mohammad Asif.
2000: Pakistan board fines him 50,000 rupees ($870.8) for indiscipline on manager's report after tour of Australia.
2003: Dropped from Pakistan team after World Cup and PCB Chairman tells him his career is finished if he does not improve his behaviour and discipline.
2004: Disciplined by match referees in Australia for rude gestures against Australian batsmen in the tests.
2006: Banned for two years after testing positive for the banned substance nandrolone in an internal drugs test carried out by the PCB. A three-man appeals tribunal later clears him of doping offences.
2007: Has a dressing room spat with coach Bob Woolmer during the second test at Port Elizabeth against South Africa caught by television screens. Withdrawn from Pakistan's World Cup squad just hours before the team prepares to fly out to the West Indies.
August 2007: Shoaib is fined 300,000 rupees by the team manager and board for leaving a training camp in Karachi.
September 2007: Shoaib is recalled from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa after a bust up with team mate Mohammad Asif.
Akhtar Sent home from Twenty20 World Cup after hitting and injuring Mohammad Asif
On th eve of first Twenty20 World Cup in a bizarre but not entirely surprising episode Shoaib Akhtar has been reported to have injured fellow fast bowler and teammate Mohammad Asif after a heated argument broke out between the two of them during the net session in Johanessberg. Shoaib has immediately been sent home from the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa by the first available flight.
The incident, occurred in the nets on Thursday when a heated argument led to the 32-year-old Akhtar striking his fellow fast bowler on the thigh with a bat.
"A decision has been taken to call back Shoaib on the basis of an initial inquiry by the touring team management," PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi told reporters. "Shoaib has admitted hitting Asif," he said. "Thankfully Asif didn't suffer any major injury apart from a bruise on his left thigh and he will be okay." He said a full inquiry would be held when Akhtar returned to Pakistan.
Akhtar told the Indian television channel NDTV: "I am feeling very bad. Sometimes you do things in a fit of temper".
No decision has yet been taken on a replacement for Akhtar, which is allowed under tournament rules, but a PCB source said paceman Mohammad Sami was being lined up.
PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf was shocked by the incident.
"It is a shameful episode," he said. "For the time being we have supported the team management's decision to send him back but once the team returns home there will be a more detailed disciplinary hearing." He did not rule out the possibility of Akhtar facing more disciplinary action including a possible long-term ban. He also said the board would not allow any player to violate team spirit.
"We are giving a lot of importance to discipline and any player who violates the norms has to face the consequences," he added.
National Academy coach Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistan fast bowler, said the PCB should ban Akhtar for life.
"There must be a life ban imposed on him because this is an incident that has embarrassed all of us and is a black mark for our cricket community," he said.
Former test captain Aamir Sohail said the board had taken the right decision.
"Senior players have a responsibility in the team and what Shoaib did was sad," he said. "The incident needs to be investigated thoroughly."
Akhtar has a history of run-ins with players and officials and has been reprimanded on several occasions.
The incident, occurred in the nets on Thursday when a heated argument led to the 32-year-old Akhtar striking his fellow fast bowler on the thigh with a bat.
"A decision has been taken to call back Shoaib on the basis of an initial inquiry by the touring team management," PCB chief executive Shafqat Naghmi told reporters. "Shoaib has admitted hitting Asif," he said. "Thankfully Asif didn't suffer any major injury apart from a bruise on his left thigh and he will be okay." He said a full inquiry would be held when Akhtar returned to Pakistan.
Akhtar told the Indian television channel NDTV: "I am feeling very bad. Sometimes you do things in a fit of temper".
No decision has yet been taken on a replacement for Akhtar, which is allowed under tournament rules, but a PCB source said paceman Mohammad Sami was being lined up.
PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf was shocked by the incident.
"It is a shameful episode," he said. "For the time being we have supported the team management's decision to send him back but once the team returns home there will be a more detailed disciplinary hearing." He did not rule out the possibility of Akhtar facing more disciplinary action including a possible long-term ban. He also said the board would not allow any player to violate team spirit.
"We are giving a lot of importance to discipline and any player who violates the norms has to face the consequences," he added.
National Academy coach Aaqib Javed, the former Pakistan fast bowler, said the PCB should ban Akhtar for life.
"There must be a life ban imposed on him because this is an incident that has embarrassed all of us and is a black mark for our cricket community," he said.
Former test captain Aamir Sohail said the board had taken the right decision.
"Senior players have a responsibility in the team and what Shoaib did was sad," he said. "The incident needs to be investigated thoroughly."
Akhtar has a history of run-ins with players and officials and has been reprimanded on several occasions.
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Yousuf Shortlisted for Cricketer of the year & Test player of the year award
ICC short listed the nominees for various awards to be handed out on Sep 10 in Johannesburg before the start of 20/20 world cup. Yousuf has been able to make it to the shortlists of Cricketer of the Year and Test Player of the Year awards. He is the only Pakistani left in the final race after Mohammad Asif was cut from the long list of Cricketer of the Year.
For ICC's major prize of Cricketer of the Year, Yousuf competes with Kevin Pietersen, Ricky Ponting and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Mohammad Yousuf is competing with Kevin Pieterson and Muttiah Muralitharan for the Test player award. It will be important to see how ICC decides on this since on paper it looks like Yousuf is the sure winner with a record of 944 runs in 10 innings at 94.4, however Pieterson with 1255 runs at 54.4 and Murli with 43 wickets at 11.6 a piece are strong contenders.
Although Yousuf had a stellar year with the bat but considering ICC's bias against Pakistan and Yousuf's being out of favor with PCB it seems highly unlikely that he will be able to win any of these awards. If that happens it will be another great injustice to one of the most prolific batsmen of recent years who has a history of being tagged as under achiever despite his heroics. Yousuf's biggest problem has been that for most of his career he had to live under the shadow of other great names such as Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq. Everytime he performed he was immediately compared to these two greats and he always came up short. Another of his undoing has been that he has never been a flashy player like a Shahid Afridi or Shoaib Akhtar. He had always been the quite accumulator who seemed to always have fun with his batting whenever he was out in the middle, always focused on his task never caring about what the spectators wanted him to do. For an odd reason his speed between the wickets has also been overshadowed by a few run outs, so much so that he was once labeled as second most likely batsman to be run out behind Inzamam. When put as a question, to this he once smilingly replied that he is likely to get run out because of his speed and enthusiasm to sneak runs where they weren't possible, unlike Inzamam. Anyway, it will be important to see if the cricket world continue to do injustice to this great batsman, failing to acknowledge his contribution to the game of cricket.
For ICC's major prize of Cricketer of the Year, Yousuf competes with Kevin Pietersen, Ricky Ponting and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Mohammad Yousuf is competing with Kevin Pieterson and Muttiah Muralitharan for the Test player award. It will be important to see how ICC decides on this since on paper it looks like Yousuf is the sure winner with a record of 944 runs in 10 innings at 94.4, however Pieterson with 1255 runs at 54.4 and Murli with 43 wickets at 11.6 a piece are strong contenders.
Although Yousuf had a stellar year with the bat but considering ICC's bias against Pakistan and Yousuf's being out of favor with PCB it seems highly unlikely that he will be able to win any of these awards. If that happens it will be another great injustice to one of the most prolific batsmen of recent years who has a history of being tagged as under achiever despite his heroics. Yousuf's biggest problem has been that for most of his career he had to live under the shadow of other great names such as Javed Miandad and Inzamam-ul-Haq. Everytime he performed he was immediately compared to these two greats and he always came up short. Another of his undoing has been that he has never been a flashy player like a Shahid Afridi or Shoaib Akhtar. He had always been the quite accumulator who seemed to always have fun with his batting whenever he was out in the middle, always focused on his task never caring about what the spectators wanted him to do. For an odd reason his speed between the wickets has also been overshadowed by a few run outs, so much so that he was once labeled as second most likely batsman to be run out behind Inzamam. When put as a question, to this he once smilingly replied that he is likely to get run out because of his speed and enthusiasm to sneak runs where they weren't possible, unlike Inzamam. Anyway, it will be important to see if the cricket world continue to do injustice to this great batsman, failing to acknowledge his contribution to the game of cricket.
Friday, August 24, 2007
PCB's about face on Shoaib fine
In another about face by PCB, Shoaib Akhtar has been cleared of indiscipline charges by the cricket board after being penalised for leaving a training camp without the team manager's permission. Akhtar was fined 300,000 rupees ($5,000) and docked 1.5 from the available 20 disciplinary points for leaving the camp and then not appearing for the board's hearing this month. However, manager Talat Ali said"It was a case of miscommunication which has been sorted out.
"I had a meeting with him and he said he had informed the captain (Shoaib Malik) before leaving the camp. That has been confirmed." "We have accepted his assertion that he left the camp after informing the captain who could not tell us about this due to a communication gap," However, Akhtar has been warned to be on his best behaviour for the next six weeks and would remain on a watch list, he said.
Akhtar had filed an appeal against the punishment last week and an appellate committee suspended the action, asking the board to review the case. The 32-year old strike bowler has returned to the team for next month's Twenty20 World Cup having played just one test and four one-dayers in the last 15-months due to fitness problems, which also kept him out of this year's one-day World Cup. Akhtar said he could now focus on the World Cup.
"It is a big load of my mind now as I don't like being charged with indiscipline when I have done nothing," he said.
"I had a meeting with him and he said he had informed the captain (Shoaib Malik) before leaving the camp. That has been confirmed." "We have accepted his assertion that he left the camp after informing the captain who could not tell us about this due to a communication gap," However, Akhtar has been warned to be on his best behaviour for the next six weeks and would remain on a watch list, he said.
Akhtar had filed an appeal against the punishment last week and an appellate committee suspended the action, asking the board to review the case. The 32-year old strike bowler has returned to the team for next month's Twenty20 World Cup having played just one test and four one-dayers in the last 15-months due to fitness problems, which also kept him out of this year's one-day World Cup. Akhtar said he could now focus on the World Cup.
"It is a big load of my mind now as I don't like being charged with indiscipline when I have done nothing," he said.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Muddy waters run deep
Rare is the issue in Pakistan cloaked in black, white and little else. The deeper you delve, the more complex it gets; contradiction, hypocrisy, incompetence, lies, and sometimes facts, happily swim together in this cesspool, where nothing is really right or wrong. So it is with the decision of four active internationals to sign up with the Indian Cricket League, and maybe sign away what remains of their Pakistan careers.
What you also find is bristling diversity of opinion here. So for every person who says the PCB is incompetent, uncaring, and has driven its players away, another will chip in about the mercenary nature of the modern cricketer. The media, newly loud and proud, captures it best; one article in The News vented fury at the greed of the players, while the cartoonist down at The Post did likewise at the board. Both views are forceful, neither is wrong; but they should not be mutually exclusive either.
Read More @ Cricinfo
What you also find is bristling diversity of opinion here. So for every person who says the PCB is incompetent, uncaring, and has driven its players away, another will chip in about the mercenary nature of the modern cricketer. The media, newly loud and proud, captures it best; one article in The News vented fury at the greed of the players, while the cartoonist down at The Post did likewise at the board. Both views are forceful, neither is wrong; but they should not be mutually exclusive either.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Lawson says Pakistan can be top team in world
Pakistan's new coach Geoff Lawson is confident his team can become the best in the world. The Australian former fast bowler, who took charge of the senior team on Tuesday, said he saw a lot of talent, skill and enthusiasm among the players.
"They have all the required qualities to become the top side in the world. My main focus would be on improving their fitness and making them a more consistent side," he told a news conference.
Lawson said Pakistan had always been an unpredictable side, a trait that worked both ways. He said unpredictability could be a big advantage if it was used positively and did not become a habit.
Lawson is Pakistan's third foreign coach since 1999 after South African Richard Pybus and Woolmer. He has taken up his new post a day after four top players, former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and batsman Imran Farhat joined an unofficial Indian Twenty20 league.
"I am happy with the spirit I see in these players. My spirits are also not dampened because of the loss of some of the senior players," said Lawson.
The boards of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have threatened to ban players if they join the Indian Cricket League, which was launched in May.
Lawson joined the training camp set up for the Twenty20 World Cup on Tuesday and had a meeting with the players in which he told them about his future plans for them and his coaching methods.
"They have all the required qualities to become the top side in the world. My main focus would be on improving their fitness and making them a more consistent side," he told a news conference.
Lawson said Pakistan had always been an unpredictable side, a trait that worked both ways. He said unpredictability could be a big advantage if it was used positively and did not become a habit.
Lawson is Pakistan's third foreign coach since 1999 after South African Richard Pybus and Woolmer. He has taken up his new post a day after four top players, former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf, all-rounder Abdul Razzaq and batsman Imran Farhat joined an unofficial Indian Twenty20 league.
"I am happy with the spirit I see in these players. My spirits are also not dampened because of the loss of some of the senior players," said Lawson.
The boards of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have threatened to ban players if they join the Indian Cricket League, which was launched in May.
Lawson joined the training camp set up for the Twenty20 World Cup on Tuesday and had a meeting with the players in which he told them about his future plans for them and his coaching methods.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Inzamam Yousuf and Razzaq join Indian rebel league
Reuters have just reported that Inzamam Yousuf and Razzaq have all been among the 50 players unvailed today who have signed up for ICL. Other prominent names from around the world are players like Brian Lara, Imran Farhat, Nicky Boje and Lance Klusener.
The Indian Cricket League (ICL), promoted by the Essel group which owns the country's largest listed media firm Zee Telefilms, also named several former India players, including Dinesh Mongia, and domestic cricketers.
Former India skipper Kapil Dev and Himanshu Mody, ICL's business head, said about 50 players had signed up so far.
"Our focus is to entertain the people of our country who sometimes only see test (international) cricket, they don't see any other cricket," Kapil Dev said.
"I think these boys, they have the ability and have the talent."
The Indian Cricket League (ICL), promoted by the Essel group which owns the country's largest listed media firm Zee Telefilms, also named several former India players, including Dinesh Mongia, and domestic cricketers.
Former India skipper Kapil Dev and Himanshu Mody, ICL's business head, said about 50 players had signed up so far.
"Our focus is to entertain the people of our country who sometimes only see test (international) cricket, they don't see any other cricket," Kapil Dev said.
"I think these boys, they have the ability and have the talent."
Abdul Razzaq quits international cricket
Abdul Razzaq, the Pakistan allrounder, has announced his retirement from international cricket in protest against his omission from the Twenty20 World Championship squad.
Razzaq told Geo TV he was "mentally upset" by the selectors' decision not to pick him and suggested the decision was based on factors outside cricket. "They used form and fitness as an excuse," he said. "I believe the selectors want to drop me from Test and ODI cricket as well and so, as a protest, I am quitting international cricket."
Read More on cricinfo
Razzaq told Geo TV he was "mentally upset" by the selectors' decision not to pick him and suggested the decision was based on factors outside cricket. "They used form and fitness as an excuse," he said. "I believe the selectors want to drop me from Test and ODI cricket as well and so, as a protest, I am quitting international cricket."
Read More on cricinfo
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Pakistan buzzes with familiar talk of player unrest
Five months on from the lowest point in their cricket history and into another fresh era, disruption and uncertainty have seemingly crept back into Pakistan cricket.
Following persistent reports linking several top players with the Indian Cricket League (ICL), news has also emerged of an impending showdown between a group of senior Pakistan players and a board official, a confrontation that some say may lead to the group boycotting the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa.
Read More @ cricinfo
Following persistent reports linking several top players with the Indian Cricket League (ICL), news has also emerged of an impending showdown between a group of senior Pakistan players and a board official, a confrontation that some say may lead to the group boycotting the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa.
Read More @ cricinfo
Inzamam to play for Yorkshire, Farhat refuses contract
According to Reuters, Inzamam-ul-Haq is to make his English county championship debut for Yorkshire later this month, called up as a replacement for compatriot Younis Khan, who will be on international duty.
"I was offered a short term contract by Yorkshire and I have accepted it because I have never experienced playing for a county," the batsman told Reuters on Thursday.
Inzamam said he would be flying out to England next week to replace Younis, who is returning home to join up with the Twenty20 World Cup squad.
"I see my stint with Yorkshire as a good opportunity to get ready for a hectic international season for Pakistan," Inzamam added.
The 37-year-old stepped down as captain and retired from one-day internationals in March after his team was eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in the West Indies.
However, the player said he was keen to continue playing test cricket for his country and was also considering an offer from the lucrative Indian Cricket League (ICL).
He is expected to feature in three four-day matches and as many one-day matches while in England.
Inzamam has played 119 Tests and 378 one-day internationals.
The ICL, a private Twenty20 tournament starting in October, has been trying to recruit a number of leading players in South Asia and Pakistan opener Imran Farhat is the latest international linked with the competition.
On Thursday, Farhat asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to terminate his central contract and confirmed he was seriously considering an offer from ICL organisers.
The 25-year-old, who has played in 27 tests and 33 one-dayers, said he had taken the decision because he felt insecure about his cricket future.
"Look at what has been happening to me in the last five or six years. Merit has taken a back seat. I am a professional cricketer and I have to think about my future," he told Reuters.
The left-handed batsman was not selected for the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, despite performing well at the training camp and in practice matches with the Pakistan team earlier this month.
He becomes the first Pakistani player to turn down one of the 20 central contracts awarded to senior players last month, although Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Younis are yet to sign them.
Farhat said there was no security in the central contracts.
"It is a one-way document and the board controls everything. What is the use of this central contract if I don't have a chance to play for my country on merit itself?"
"I was offered a short term contract by Yorkshire and I have accepted it because I have never experienced playing for a county," the batsman told Reuters on Thursday.
Inzamam said he would be flying out to England next week to replace Younis, who is returning home to join up with the Twenty20 World Cup squad.
"I see my stint with Yorkshire as a good opportunity to get ready for a hectic international season for Pakistan," Inzamam added.
The 37-year-old stepped down as captain and retired from one-day internationals in March after his team was eliminated in the first round of the World Cup in the West Indies.
However, the player said he was keen to continue playing test cricket for his country and was also considering an offer from the lucrative Indian Cricket League (ICL).
He is expected to feature in three four-day matches and as many one-day matches while in England.
Inzamam has played 119 Tests and 378 one-day internationals.
The ICL, a private Twenty20 tournament starting in October, has been trying to recruit a number of leading players in South Asia and Pakistan opener Imran Farhat is the latest international linked with the competition.
On Thursday, Farhat asked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to terminate his central contract and confirmed he was seriously considering an offer from ICL organisers.
The 25-year-old, who has played in 27 tests and 33 one-dayers, said he had taken the decision because he felt insecure about his cricket future.
"Look at what has been happening to me in the last five or six years. Merit has taken a back seat. I am a professional cricketer and I have to think about my future," he told Reuters.
The left-handed batsman was not selected for the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa, despite performing well at the training camp and in practice matches with the Pakistan team earlier this month.
He becomes the first Pakistani player to turn down one of the 20 central contracts awarded to senior players last month, although Mohammad Yousuf, Abdul Razzaq and Younis are yet to sign them.
Farhat said there was no security in the central contracts.
"It is a one-way document and the board controls everything. What is the use of this central contract if I don't have a chance to play for my country on merit itself?"
Monday, August 13, 2007
Shoaib may face more punishment
Cricinfo staff
Shoaib Akhtar may face more action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his alleged outburst at the board's headquarters in Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, following the imposition of a fine of approximately US$5000.
On Friday, Shoaib reportedly clashed with several board officials over the fine, and specifically because he felt he wasn't provided a chance to clear his position. The board announced his punishment on Wednesday, after Shoaib did not turn up on Tuesday to clarify why he was absent from the national training camp in Karachi on August 4.
Shoaib has reportedly insisted that he received the letter for the original disciplinary hearing on Friday, and not Tuesday as the board claims. Shafqat Naghmi, the board's chief operating officer, however, contradicted this, telling Dawn that he had been in touch with Shoaib earlier.
"Shoaib rang me up and admitted that it was wrong of him not to attend the camp in Karachi and the PCB had rightly imposed a fine on him," said Naghmi. "He expressed annoyance over the manner in which one of the PCB officials had inquired of his whereabouts from his family."
Naghmi said he will be looking into the matter now personally. "I will be in Lahore on Monday and will inquire from the PCB staff about the actual incident which happened on Friday," he said. "After that, we will then decide on a course of action."
Shoaib Akhtar may face more action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his alleged outburst at the board's headquarters in Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, following the imposition of a fine of approximately US$5000.
On Friday, Shoaib reportedly clashed with several board officials over the fine, and specifically because he felt he wasn't provided a chance to clear his position. The board announced his punishment on Wednesday, after Shoaib did not turn up on Tuesday to clarify why he was absent from the national training camp in Karachi on August 4.
Shoaib has reportedly insisted that he received the letter for the original disciplinary hearing on Friday, and not Tuesday as the board claims. Shafqat Naghmi, the board's chief operating officer, however, contradicted this, telling Dawn that he had been in touch with Shoaib earlier.
"Shoaib rang me up and admitted that it was wrong of him not to attend the camp in Karachi and the PCB had rightly imposed a fine on him," said Naghmi. "He expressed annoyance over the manner in which one of the PCB officials had inquired of his whereabouts from his family."
Naghmi said he will be looking into the matter now personally. "I will be in Lahore on Monday and will inquire from the PCB staff about the actual incident which happened on Friday," he said. "After that, we will then decide on a course of action."
Razzaq faces sanction for criticising PCB
Cricinfo staff
The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken note of scathing comments made by Abdul Razzaq on a TV show recently, though it stopped short of saying whether any disciplinary action would be taken against him.
Razzaq told Geo TV, soon after he was dropped from Pakistan's Twenty20 squad for the World Championship, his omission was "illogical" and threatened to make himself unavailable for Pakistan.
"If this is the way I am going to be treated after serving the country honestly and diligently," Razzaq said, "I should be the one now to decide when to make myself available for national selection."
Razzaq, who has taken 246 wickets and scored 4465 runs in ODIs, said he felt most hurt because no one from the board or selection committee called him to explain the decision.
"I don't know what the logic was. I am a senior player and deserve a phone call. When I was injured no one in the board bothered to call me up and find out how I was doing."
Razzaq was one of seven Pakistani players to be approached by the Indian Cricket League (ICL). "I need to know what they have in mind but I am considering the ICL offer."
Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo that some comments did constitute a breach of the code of conduct. "Criticising board policy is definitely a breach and we have taken note of the interview but have not yet decided whether to take any action.
"He has the freedom to say what he feels and certainly we understand he must have been disappointed. We are aware of it but are currently undecided over any future action to take."
Naghmi confirmed that Razzaq has now received his central contract though he hasn't indicated whether he will sign it. Until Friday, Razzaq was the only player among the 20 handed central contracts who had not been in touch with the board at all, heightening speculation that he may opt instead for the ICL.
A board official told Cricinfo, "We have got in touch with him now and he has confirmed receiving the contract. He has intimated, once his lawyer goes through it, that he will sign it." According to the official the delay was the result of a recent change in address.
The original deadline for signing the contract was August 10 but was extended by five days to accommodate other players yet to sign, including Mohammad Yousuf, Danish Kaneria and Younis Khan.
Kaneria and Younis are in England and sought extra time because of a delay in receiving their contracts. Both, however, are said to have accepted the terms and agreements in principle. Yousuf said he'd been out of Lahore and saw the contract on August 9, so needed a few days before signing it.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has taken note of scathing comments made by Abdul Razzaq on a TV show recently, though it stopped short of saying whether any disciplinary action would be taken against him.
Razzaq told Geo TV, soon after he was dropped from Pakistan's Twenty20 squad for the World Championship, his omission was "illogical" and threatened to make himself unavailable for Pakistan.
"If this is the way I am going to be treated after serving the country honestly and diligently," Razzaq said, "I should be the one now to decide when to make myself available for national selection."
Razzaq, who has taken 246 wickets and scored 4465 runs in ODIs, said he felt most hurt because no one from the board or selection committee called him to explain the decision.
"I don't know what the logic was. I am a senior player and deserve a phone call. When I was injured no one in the board bothered to call me up and find out how I was doing."
Razzaq was one of seven Pakistani players to be approached by the Indian Cricket League (ICL). "I need to know what they have in mind but I am considering the ICL offer."
Shafqat Naghmi, the PCB's chief operating officer, told Cricinfo that some comments did constitute a breach of the code of conduct. "Criticising board policy is definitely a breach and we have taken note of the interview but have not yet decided whether to take any action.
"He has the freedom to say what he feels and certainly we understand he must have been disappointed. We are aware of it but are currently undecided over any future action to take."
Naghmi confirmed that Razzaq has now received his central contract though he hasn't indicated whether he will sign it. Until Friday, Razzaq was the only player among the 20 handed central contracts who had not been in touch with the board at all, heightening speculation that he may opt instead for the ICL.
A board official told Cricinfo, "We have got in touch with him now and he has confirmed receiving the contract. He has intimated, once his lawyer goes through it, that he will sign it." According to the official the delay was the result of a recent change in address.
The original deadline for signing the contract was August 10 but was extended by five days to accommodate other players yet to sign, including Mohammad Yousuf, Danish Kaneria and Younis Khan.
Kaneria and Younis are in England and sought extra time because of a delay in receiving their contracts. Both, however, are said to have accepted the terms and agreements in principle. Yousuf said he'd been out of Lahore and saw the contract on August 9, so needed a few days before signing it.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Yousuf set to sign central contract
Mohammad Yousuf is expected to sign his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board over the next few days, though uncertainty remains over the future of Abdul Razzaq, another player yet to sign the contract.
The two were surprisingly omitted from Pakistan's Twenty20 World Championship squad and coupled with the delays in signing their contracts have stirred speculation about the future of both players.
Read More @ Cricinfo
The two were surprisingly omitted from Pakistan's Twenty20 World Championship squad and coupled with the delays in signing their contracts have stirred speculation about the future of both players.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Yousuf & Razzaq ommitted from 20-20 squad
So finally the cat's out of the bag, after weeks of speculations, the selection committee confirmed today that Mohammad Yousuf and Abdul Razzaq couldn’t make the final cut for the sixteen member team that will represent the country in the first 20-20 World Cup. What a turn around in fortunes for Yousuf who just last year broke the world record for the highest number of runs scored by any batsman in one year, in test matches. This is a batsman who has been touted by all time greats as one of the most prolific batsmen that came out of Pakistan. Some even rated him higher than Miandad but he himself played it down because of his humble nature. It is extraordinary to see names like Misbah-ul-Haq in the squad, who hasn't played for the country for last few years and who just a few months ago couldn't even make it to the squad ahead of Faisal Iqbal for the World Cup.
What a pity that selectors have come down to this level that in order to get Yousuf out of the team they had to question his fielding which has never let the team down. Yousuf over the years have been a sharp out fielder and an excellent catcher but above and beyond that he is an exceptional batsman who can pace his innings in such a way that he can achieve any run rate. He gathers his runs through orthodox, composed stroke play. He is particularly strong driving through the covers and flicking wristily off his legs and brings with him as decadent and delicious a backlift as any in the game. He is one of those batsmen who can score runs when he wants to score and where he wants to score them. Particularly known for his inside out shots over the covers, in the shorter version of the game, he accumulates 20-30 runs within no time before anyone notices. And that might be his downfall as well, since the selection committee also failed to notice this trait of his. Its mind boggling to see someone of Yousuf's caliber being questioned for his ability to score quick runs after he has scored close to 15000 international runs at averages better than anybody else in the team, in both versions of the game.
What we fail to understand is that how the 20-20 format is so different from the one day format that Yousuf is considered to be one of the best batsmen for one format and a liability for another. While there have been a lot of questions asked by various quarters over the years about Younis Khan's inclusion in the one day side no has even remotely questioned Yousuf's position. Why then Younis Khan appears prominently in the 20-20 squad and Yousuf is not there? This baffling questions would definitely be asked time and again by Pakistani cricket lovers over the next few weeks until the end of 20-20 World Cup.
Razzaq has also been short changed by the selection committee which has totally forgotten his abilities to launch attacks at the death where he has won many a matches for the country by his power hitting. While he might be slightly out of touch at the time but no question he is a quality player who could change the face of a game within a few balls. This is exactly the kind of quality that is required in an all-rounder for a 20-20 format match. While he might look lazy to many when bowling but he has always been bowling at close to mid eighties m/hr and has the canny ability to swing the ball both ways. In 231 one day matches, his bowling avg. of 31 and economy rate of 4.69 is a testament to his abilities as a bowler. Apparently selection committee also failed to take a notice of that.
Its quite obvious that the selection committee didn't take Shoaib Malik's input while deciding about the team. While there were many acquisitions leveled against Inzamam by different quarters while he was a captain, at least he had it in him to ask for the players that he thought could make the difference. Shoaib Malik, although young and still learning will have to acquire this trait as soon as possible if he wants to be a successful captain. He will have to know who is needed in the team and will have to learn to stand up for those team members as well, because when the time comes, that’s what counts the most.
What a pity that selectors have come down to this level that in order to get Yousuf out of the team they had to question his fielding which has never let the team down. Yousuf over the years have been a sharp out fielder and an excellent catcher but above and beyond that he is an exceptional batsman who can pace his innings in such a way that he can achieve any run rate. He gathers his runs through orthodox, composed stroke play. He is particularly strong driving through the covers and flicking wristily off his legs and brings with him as decadent and delicious a backlift as any in the game. He is one of those batsmen who can score runs when he wants to score and where he wants to score them. Particularly known for his inside out shots over the covers, in the shorter version of the game, he accumulates 20-30 runs within no time before anyone notices. And that might be his downfall as well, since the selection committee also failed to notice this trait of his. Its mind boggling to see someone of Yousuf's caliber being questioned for his ability to score quick runs after he has scored close to 15000 international runs at averages better than anybody else in the team, in both versions of the game.
What we fail to understand is that how the 20-20 format is so different from the one day format that Yousuf is considered to be one of the best batsmen for one format and a liability for another. While there have been a lot of questions asked by various quarters over the years about Younis Khan's inclusion in the one day side no has even remotely questioned Yousuf's position. Why then Younis Khan appears prominently in the 20-20 squad and Yousuf is not there? This baffling questions would definitely be asked time and again by Pakistani cricket lovers over the next few weeks until the end of 20-20 World Cup.
Razzaq has also been short changed by the selection committee which has totally forgotten his abilities to launch attacks at the death where he has won many a matches for the country by his power hitting. While he might be slightly out of touch at the time but no question he is a quality player who could change the face of a game within a few balls. This is exactly the kind of quality that is required in an all-rounder for a 20-20 format match. While he might look lazy to many when bowling but he has always been bowling at close to mid eighties m/hr and has the canny ability to swing the ball both ways. In 231 one day matches, his bowling avg. of 31 and economy rate of 4.69 is a testament to his abilities as a bowler. Apparently selection committee also failed to take a notice of that.
Its quite obvious that the selection committee didn't take Shoaib Malik's input while deciding about the team. While there were many acquisitions leveled against Inzamam by different quarters while he was a captain, at least he had it in him to ask for the players that he thought could make the difference. Shoaib Malik, although young and still learning will have to acquire this trait as soon as possible if he wants to be a successful captain. He will have to know who is needed in the team and will have to learn to stand up for those team members as well, because when the time comes, that’s what counts the most.
Friday, August 3, 2007
South Africa want Pakistan venue changes after violence
Provided by: Reuters News
South Africa have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to revise their tour programme, which includes two tests and five one-day internationals, due to the security situation in Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket Board sources told Reuters on Thursday that South Africa had expressed concerns over playing in Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
"They have asked for a revision in the itinerary including a second look at the venues. They are not comfortable with Peshawar," said one PCB source.
South Africa's tour is due to start on Sept. 27 with the tests scheduled for Karachi and Lahore while the one-dayers are in Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad.
REVISED VENUES
"The venues will be revised in the next two weeks as we are having discussions with them (South Africa)," the source said.
"But they are satisfied with the overall security arrangements we are making for their tour. They have confidence in our ability to handle things," he added.
He added that he did not expect South Africa to refuse to play the first test in the southern port city of Karachi.
In 2003, South Africa refused to play in Karachi and Peshawar for security reasons.
Pakistan is also due to host the Australia A team from Sept. 1 and the source said the PCB was concerned another major security incident could derail the tour.
"Cricket Australia at this stage is committed to go ahead with their tour. But we fear one more incident could lead to a rethink on their part," the source said.
He added their could be a special security protocol in place for Australia and South Africa because of the situation.
But PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told reporters in Karachi the Australia and South Africa tours would be held on schedule.
He added that the interior ministry and Punjab police were handling the security arrangements and there was no cause for concern on the part of touring sides.
South Africa have asked the Pakistan Cricket Board to revise their tour programme, which includes two tests and five one-day internationals, due to the security situation in Pakistan.
Pakistan Cricket Board sources told Reuters on Thursday that South Africa had expressed concerns over playing in Peshawar, the capital of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP).
"They have asked for a revision in the itinerary including a second look at the venues. They are not comfortable with Peshawar," said one PCB source.
South Africa's tour is due to start on Sept. 27 with the tests scheduled for Karachi and Lahore while the one-dayers are in Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Multan and Faisalabad.
REVISED VENUES
"The venues will be revised in the next two weeks as we are having discussions with them (South Africa)," the source said.
"But they are satisfied with the overall security arrangements we are making for their tour. They have confidence in our ability to handle things," he added.
He added that he did not expect South Africa to refuse to play the first test in the southern port city of Karachi.
In 2003, South Africa refused to play in Karachi and Peshawar for security reasons.
Pakistan is also due to host the Australia A team from Sept. 1 and the source said the PCB was concerned another major security incident could derail the tour.
"Cricket Australia at this stage is committed to go ahead with their tour. But we fear one more incident could lead to a rethink on their part," the source said.
He added their could be a special security protocol in place for Australia and South Africa because of the situation.
But PCB Chairman Nasim Ashraf told reporters in Karachi the Australia and South Africa tours would be held on schedule.
He added that the interior ministry and Punjab police were handling the security arrangements and there was no cause for concern on the part of touring sides.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
Razzaq too????
Highly placed sources in the PCB have confirmed to journalists that Abdul Razzaq is expected to be another major causality of the 20-20 World Cup, along with Muhammad Yousuf. Though Pakistan don't announce their squad until Aug 10, Yousuf and Razzaq are set to be sacrificed on the pretext of testing country's younger talent and bench strength. Razzaq is expected to be dropped citing the reason that he failed to impress during the three training camps held for the world cup preparation. Sources mentioned that Razzaq has not been performing as well as he is expected to be for last two years while his poor fielding skills don't help either.
We can't help but note that these rumors are coming at a time when Pakistan cricket is going through a transition and when a new direction needs to be taken for the future of the team. Apparently in the eyes of PCB this new direction doesn’t involve two of the most prolific cricketers Pakistan has produced in recent years. While there is not even a question about Yousuf's abilities as a middle order supremo in both longer and limited form of the game, Razzaq's place has always been a point of contention among various circles. But he has always been able to shut his critics up by performing tremendously well in difficult conditions. No question that he has been one of the most devastating power hitters the game has ever known, in the shorter version of the game especially in the dying overs when stakes are their highest and going gets tough. Trying to get him out of team to play 20-20 world cup must be one of the worst decision ever made by PCB clergy, and if PCB takes this decision, it could be one of the greatest disaster one could bring upon itself.
We can't help but note that these rumors are coming at a time when Pakistan cricket is going through a transition and when a new direction needs to be taken for the future of the team. Apparently in the eyes of PCB this new direction doesn’t involve two of the most prolific cricketers Pakistan has produced in recent years. While there is not even a question about Yousuf's abilities as a middle order supremo in both longer and limited form of the game, Razzaq's place has always been a point of contention among various circles. But he has always been able to shut his critics up by performing tremendously well in difficult conditions. No question that he has been one of the most devastating power hitters the game has ever known, in the shorter version of the game especially in the dying overs when stakes are their highest and going gets tough. Trying to get him out of team to play 20-20 world cup must be one of the worst decision ever made by PCB clergy, and if PCB takes this decision, it could be one of the greatest disaster one could bring upon itself.
Yousuf : In or out of 20-20 World Cup?
Rumor has it that Mohammad Yousuf is not being selected in the Pakistani team for the upcoming 20 worldcup. These rumors have been circling around for a few weeks now but they were further fuelled by Yousuf's sudden departure from the National training camp currently going on in Karachi. Muhammad Yousuf left national camp on Wednesday without participating in day's training match and he also took his kit along with him effectively meaning that he wasn't coming back to the camp which is scheduled to end on Sunday. It was later revealed that Yousuf left because of his mother's sickness, but inside sources didn't accept this explanation.
Well whatever it is, if these rumors even have remotest chance of being true I believe it will be a total disaster for the Pakistani team. Yousuf certainly does not deserve to be treated this way since he was the leading run scorer in the test arena last year breaking the 31 year old world record of highest number of runs scored in an year. After Inzamam's departure he is the most important member of the team who could be a potential match winner. With his attacking strokeplay and ability to block wicket taking balls he is currently rated among the best batsmen of the world. It is obvious that 20-20 cricket is an entirely different ball game but it is players like Yousuf who have the capability to excel in any form of the game regardless. I think no one in PCB management could be stupid enough to not understand Yousuf's importance to Pakistani team at this critical juncture when the metal is being passed on from Inzamam to the new generation of players. It is important for the selection committee to understand that Yousuf makes the backbone of Pakistani team and every team needs a backbone no matter what form of cricket they are playing.
Well whatever it is, if these rumors even have remotest chance of being true I believe it will be a total disaster for the Pakistani team. Yousuf certainly does not deserve to be treated this way since he was the leading run scorer in the test arena last year breaking the 31 year old world record of highest number of runs scored in an year. After Inzamam's departure he is the most important member of the team who could be a potential match winner. With his attacking strokeplay and ability to block wicket taking balls he is currently rated among the best batsmen of the world. It is obvious that 20-20 cricket is an entirely different ball game but it is players like Yousuf who have the capability to excel in any form of the game regardless. I think no one in PCB management could be stupid enough to not understand Yousuf's importance to Pakistani team at this critical juncture when the metal is being passed on from Inzamam to the new generation of players. It is important for the selection committee to understand that Yousuf makes the backbone of Pakistani team and every team needs a backbone no matter what form of cricket they are playing.
PCB offers 27 players retainership contracts
Asim Kamal and Taufeeq Umar are among the 27 players who have been offered retainership contracts for the period from July 2007 to June 2008. The players have been offered a retainership fee of Rs 40,000 per month.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Read More @ Cricinfo
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Inzamam called up for trials
The Pakistan Cricket Board's selection committee has called up Inzamam-ul-Haq for fitness trials for the forthcoming Test series at home against South Africa. Inzamam's fitness will be ascertained at a week-long fitness camp ahead of the Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa in September.
"We have decided to invite a few players including Inzamam-ul-Haq to check their fitness for the Test series against South Africa," Salahuddin Ahmed, the chief selector, told The News.
Considering the fresh rethinking on the part the board, the chances of Inzamam making a comeback to the national team for Test matches now look good. Inzamam was not given a central contract by the board and the official reason for his omission was his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup. The board was keen to award contracts to only those who could play both forms of the game.
"It all depends on his fitness," Salahuddin said. "If Inzamam proves his fitness, he could be selected for the series against South Africa.
"We have decided to arrange a one-week training camp ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup as it would be too difficult to have an idea of players' fitness at the eleventh hour of the start of the series."
"We have decided to invite a few players including Inzamam-ul-Haq to check their fitness for the Test series against South Africa," Salahuddin Ahmed, the chief selector, told The News.
Considering the fresh rethinking on the part the board, the chances of Inzamam making a comeback to the national team for Test matches now look good. Inzamam was not given a central contract by the board and the official reason for his omission was his retirement from ODIs after the World Cup. The board was keen to award contracts to only those who could play both forms of the game.
"It all depends on his fitness," Salahuddin said. "If Inzamam proves his fitness, he could be selected for the series against South Africa.
"We have decided to arrange a one-week training camp ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup as it would be too difficult to have an idea of players' fitness at the eleventh hour of the start of the series."
Foolproof security for Australia A, U-19 - PCB
Pakistan will provide the Australia A and Under-19 teams, due to visit in September and October, with the kind of security cover generally reserved for Test squads touring the country.
Zakir Khan, director cricket operations, PCB, told The News he is confident the tours of the Australian squads will go ahead without any problems and that players and officials alike will be completely safe. Close protection officers will accompany the squads through the entire tour.
More
Zakir Khan, director cricket operations, PCB, told The News he is confident the tours of the Australian squads will go ahead without any problems and that players and officials alike will be completely safe. Close protection officers will accompany the squads through the entire tour.
More
PCB dope testing before world Twenty20 meet
The Pakistan board has decided to carry out dope tests on the 30 players in the provisional Twenty20 World Championship squad before the final 15-man side is announced next month.
Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, has instructed the board officials to get the tests carried out as soon as possible so that the results are received from a laboratory in Malaysia before the final squad is picked on August 10. The tournament takes place in September.
More
Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, has instructed the board officials to get the tests carried out as soon as possible so that the results are received from a laboratory in Malaysia before the final squad is picked on August 10. The tournament takes place in September.
More
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Afridi - Something is hurting inside!
In an interview with local and international media at a training camp in Qadafi Stadium, Shahid Afridi once again revealed that he was a contender for the top job in Pakistani team and he could not conceal his disappointment at not getting even the job of skipper's deputy. While talking to the journalists he admitted that he became a contender for captain's position after Younis Khan rejected the offer made to him, because he thought it was in the best interest of the team and he was ready to accept any such offer if it was ever made to him. Too bad, the offer never came his way and Shoaib Malik was chosen instead by the PCB.
"It is great honor to be in Pakistani team and being a captain is even greater honor," he said.
It was quite obvious from Afridi tone and words that after he was overlooked for captain's job, he was hoping to become vice captain but once again he was overlooked by PCB and Salman Butt was chosen out of nowhere.
"Board did the right thing to appoint Shoaib Malik as captain. He is a very talented cricketer and the decision of appointing Salman Butt as vice captain is PCB's so what can I say?"
Well, Mr. Afridi, you could say that it was also the right decision or if not at least you could keep your mouth shut so that people wouldn't try to read between the lines and make you look like a fool.
"It is great honor to be in Pakistani team and being a captain is even greater honor," he said.
It was quite obvious from Afridi tone and words that after he was overlooked for captain's job, he was hoping to become vice captain but once again he was overlooked by PCB and Salman Butt was chosen out of nowhere.
"Board did the right thing to appoint Shoaib Malik as captain. He is a very talented cricketer and the decision of appointing Salman Butt as vice captain is PCB's so what can I say?"
Well, Mr. Afridi, you could say that it was also the right decision or if not at least you could keep your mouth shut so that people wouldn't try to read between the lines and make you look like a fool.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
CHRONOLOGY-Pakistan coaches in the last decade
Australian Geoff Lawson on Monday became Pakistan's 12th appointment as coach in the last decade.
Since 1997 Pakistan have had nine coaches with some, including former captain Javed Miandad and South African Richard Pybus, in charge for more than one term.
Changes have often been triggered by internal politics, heavy defeats and man management issues.
Below is a chronology of the coaches who have worked with the Pakistan team since 1998.
Sept 1998. Javed Miandad replaces Haroon Rasheed.
April 1999: Miandad resigns over differences with the players following a tournament in Sharjah despite a successful tour of India.
Mushtaq Mohammad is brought in as coach two weeks before the World Cup in England where Pakistan reach the final but lose to Australia.
Aug 1999: Mushtaq is replaced after the World Cup defeat with the team facing a government inquiry about match fixing in games lost to Bangladesh and India.
Sept 1999: Wasim Raja is appointed coach.
Nov 1999: South African Richard Pybus is appointed coach for the tour of Australia after serving as assistant coach at the World Cup.
Dec 1999: Intikhab Alam replaces the sacked Pybus after Pakistan are whitewashed by Australia in a test series amid reports of disciplinary issues in the team.
March 2000: Miandad returns to relace Intikhab, who is sacked after a home series defeat by Sri Lanka.
April 2001: Miandad is fired after Pakistan's ill-tempered tour of New Zealand and Pybus is brought back by the board for the tour of England.
Sept 2001: Mudassar Nazar takes over as coach after Pybus does not return to Pakistan due to security concerns following the 9/11 attacks.
Sept 2002: Mudassar is summoned to return home midway through the ICC Champions Trophy. Pybus takes over again.
March 2003: Pybus resigns after Pakistan are knocked out in the first round of the 2003 World Cup. The board turns again to Miandad.
April 2004: Miandad is forced to step down after Pakistan lose tests and one-dayers to arch rivals India at home in a series marred by internal problems in the home camp.
June 2004: Former England player and ICC high performance manager Bob Woolmer becomes coach.
March 2007: Woolmer dies during the World Cup from natural causes one day after Pakistan are shocked by Ireland and tumble out of the tournament.
July 2007: Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson is named as the new coach -- the third foreigner to get the job.
Since 1997 Pakistan have had nine coaches with some, including former captain Javed Miandad and South African Richard Pybus, in charge for more than one term.
Changes have often been triggered by internal politics, heavy defeats and man management issues.
Below is a chronology of the coaches who have worked with the Pakistan team since 1998.
Sept 1998. Javed Miandad replaces Haroon Rasheed.
April 1999: Miandad resigns over differences with the players following a tournament in Sharjah despite a successful tour of India.
Mushtaq Mohammad is brought in as coach two weeks before the World Cup in England where Pakistan reach the final but lose to Australia.
Aug 1999: Mushtaq is replaced after the World Cup defeat with the team facing a government inquiry about match fixing in games lost to Bangladesh and India.
Sept 1999: Wasim Raja is appointed coach.
Nov 1999: South African Richard Pybus is appointed coach for the tour of Australia after serving as assistant coach at the World Cup.
Dec 1999: Intikhab Alam replaces the sacked Pybus after Pakistan are whitewashed by Australia in a test series amid reports of disciplinary issues in the team.
March 2000: Miandad returns to relace Intikhab, who is sacked after a home series defeat by Sri Lanka.
April 2001: Miandad is fired after Pakistan's ill-tempered tour of New Zealand and Pybus is brought back by the board for the tour of England.
Sept 2001: Mudassar Nazar takes over as coach after Pybus does not return to Pakistan due to security concerns following the 9/11 attacks.
Sept 2002: Mudassar is summoned to return home midway through the ICC Champions Trophy. Pybus takes over again.
March 2003: Pybus resigns after Pakistan are knocked out in the first round of the 2003 World Cup. The board turns again to Miandad.
April 2004: Miandad is forced to step down after Pakistan lose tests and one-dayers to arch rivals India at home in a series marred by internal problems in the home camp.
June 2004: Former England player and ICC high performance manager Bob Woolmer becomes coach.
March 2007: Woolmer dies during the World Cup from natural causes one day after Pakistan are shocked by Ireland and tumble out of the tournament.
July 2007: Former Australian fast bowler Geoff Lawson is named as the new coach -- the third foreigner to get the job.
Contract for Inzamam?
The Pakistan Cricket Board has awarded performance-based central contracts to 20 players but former captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is not among those who will receive the monthly retainers.
Inzamam also does not figure in a shortlist of 20 bench players given smaller retainers based on their performances in domestic cricket.
"The concept of the new contracts is not just based on seniority. Now 40 percent points will be awarded for performance and the remaining 60 for fitness, discipline and seniority," Zakir Khan, director of cricket operations, told Reuters on Monday.
He said the board had no grudge against Inzamam, who retired from one-day internationals and stepped down from the captaincy after Pakistan's early World Cup exit.
Inzamam has said he wants to continue playing test cricket.
"If Inzamam is fit he will be considered. We have given those players contracts and retainers who are available for both forms of the game," Khan said.
The board had cancelled the central contracts of its players after they returned from the World Cup. Those contracts were based on seniority.
Injury-prone fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been given a central contract in the A category although he has played just one test and four one-dayers in the last 14-months.
In addition to Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Asif have been given A category contracts which have a monthly salary of 250,000 rupees ($4,166).
Salman Butt, Mohammad Sami, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal will get 150,000 rupees ($2500) in the B category.
Imran Nazir, Rao Iftikhar, Faisal Iqbal, Misbah ul Haq and Yasir Arafat have been placed in the last category which carries a salary of 100,000 ($1666).
The monthly retainers are in addition to the match and tour fees and other incentives earned by the players.
Inzamam also does not figure in a shortlist of 20 bench players given smaller retainers based on their performances in domestic cricket.
"The concept of the new contracts is not just based on seniority. Now 40 percent points will be awarded for performance and the remaining 60 for fitness, discipline and seniority," Zakir Khan, director of cricket operations, told Reuters on Monday.
He said the board had no grudge against Inzamam, who retired from one-day internationals and stepped down from the captaincy after Pakistan's early World Cup exit.
Inzamam has said he wants to continue playing test cricket.
"If Inzamam is fit he will be considered. We have given those players contracts and retainers who are available for both forms of the game," Khan said.
The board had cancelled the central contracts of its players after they returned from the World Cup. Those contracts were based on seniority.
Injury-prone fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has been given a central contract in the A category although he has played just one test and four one-dayers in the last 14-months.
In addition to Akhtar, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Abdul Razzaq and Mohammad Asif have been given A category contracts which have a monthly salary of 250,000 rupees ($4,166).
Salman Butt, Mohammad Sami, Imran Farhat, Mohammad Hafeez, Yasir Hameed, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal will get 150,000 rupees ($2500) in the B category.
Imran Nazir, Rao Iftikhar, Faisal Iqbal, Misbah ul Haq and Yasir Arafat have been placed in the last category which carries a salary of 100,000 ($1666).
The monthly retainers are in addition to the match and tour fees and other incentives earned by the players.
What happened with Whatmore
While PCB was busy in announcing the decision to appoint Jeff Lawson as new coach of Pakistan for next two years, at least one person was left bewildered at the turn of the events within a short span of time. Dave Whatmore who was the darling of South Asian cricket just a few months back must be wondering what happened to his bid to become Pakistani coach after his name was unceremonuosly scratched out of the list of possible coaches just days before the final decision was announced at a press conference by PCB.
Whatmore has no one else to blame but himself for this snub, after he initially declined to become Pakistani coach rejecting an offer that was made to him by PCB, right after the sad death of Bob Woolmer. Everyone knew by then that Whatmore was eyeing the highly lucrative position of India's coach as Greg Chappel was slowly being pushed out by the Indian Board. He even expressed this desire during the recently concluded World Cup when he was still Bangladeshi coach, for which he received a repremand from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
What happened afterwards was not what Whatmore could have thought. After his refusal to become Pakistani coach, he was not even selected among the final candidates for the Indian position. At that time too much water had passed under the bridge since PCB had already advertised the position and they were actively looking at all the options. Although Whatmore was still in the mix, he was not the only candidate. He was invited to be interviwed by PCB along with fellows Aussies Jeff Lawson & Richard Done. At that point he was still a leading candidate but then suddenly something happened that tilted the balance against him.
As the rumor have it, Sri Lanka's world cup winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga had a chance meeting with Pakistan's manager-cum-coach Talat Ali in Scotland where the team had recently gone to play two one-day games. According to reliable sources in the Pakistan team Ranatunga advised Talat and the Pakistani players not to have Whatmore as a coach. According to a source, "Ranatunga during his talks with Talat and some senior players gave them a run down on Whatmore and eventually his advice was to avoid him,” he added, “Ranatunga did admit that Whatmore was coach when Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup but said the players had a big credit in this as well,” Rantunga advised them how he had problems with Whatmore when he was Sri Lankan Captain. This advice when looked at coupled with Whatmore's recent performance with Bangladeshi team pretty much convinced PCB that he was not the right man for the job.
Everyone admists that even in his stint with Sri Lanka, it was the single minded determination of then Sri Lankan captain and vice captain, Rantunga and Arvinda Desilva, not the brilliance of Whatmore that won them the world cup. For the first time PCB management which has been knows for its hasty decisions which are often wrong, took a long time to think about a decision and the outcome has been slightly positive in a sense that they at least avoided a person who has nothing to show for in his last few years as a coach of a national team.
Whatmore has no one else to blame but himself for this snub, after he initially declined to become Pakistani coach rejecting an offer that was made to him by PCB, right after the sad death of Bob Woolmer. Everyone knew by then that Whatmore was eyeing the highly lucrative position of India's coach as Greg Chappel was slowly being pushed out by the Indian Board. He even expressed this desire during the recently concluded World Cup when he was still Bangladeshi coach, for which he received a repremand from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.
What happened afterwards was not what Whatmore could have thought. After his refusal to become Pakistani coach, he was not even selected among the final candidates for the Indian position. At that time too much water had passed under the bridge since PCB had already advertised the position and they were actively looking at all the options. Although Whatmore was still in the mix, he was not the only candidate. He was invited to be interviwed by PCB along with fellows Aussies Jeff Lawson & Richard Done. At that point he was still a leading candidate but then suddenly something happened that tilted the balance against him.
As the rumor have it, Sri Lanka's world cup winning former captain Arjuna Ranatunga had a chance meeting with Pakistan's manager-cum-coach Talat Ali in Scotland where the team had recently gone to play two one-day games. According to reliable sources in the Pakistan team Ranatunga advised Talat and the Pakistani players not to have Whatmore as a coach. According to a source, "Ranatunga during his talks with Talat and some senior players gave them a run down on Whatmore and eventually his advice was to avoid him,” he added, “Ranatunga did admit that Whatmore was coach when Sri Lanka won the 1996 World Cup but said the players had a big credit in this as well,” Rantunga advised them how he had problems with Whatmore when he was Sri Lankan Captain. This advice when looked at coupled with Whatmore's recent performance with Bangladeshi team pretty much convinced PCB that he was not the right man for the job.
Everyone admists that even in his stint with Sri Lanka, it was the single minded determination of then Sri Lankan captain and vice captain, Rantunga and Arvinda Desilva, not the brilliance of Whatmore that won them the world cup. For the first time PCB management which has been knows for its hasty decisions which are often wrong, took a long time to think about a decision and the outcome has been slightly positive in a sense that they at least avoided a person who has nothing to show for in his last few years as a coach of a national team.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Lawson is the new Pakictan Coach
After months of speculations Jeff Lawson has finally been named as new Pakistan coach. It was almost a dead heat between him and Dave Whatmore but in the ned it was Lawson's fast bowling background that won him the final nod. The appointment has been made for a period of two years.
"Pakistan has many pace bowlers and we win matches with them", Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, said. "Having a former fast bowler on board is an advantage for that definitely."
"We weighed all our options and, though all three were highly qualified, we felt Lawson was most suitable to our needs. Dav Whatmore and Richard Done were not any less candidates, just that Lawson was what we needed."
There were rumors in the media that Sri Lanka's ex-captain Arjuna Rantunga played an important role in tilting the bar against Whatmore and in Lawson's favor but PCB chairman dismissed this as inaccurate.
Lawson, a level 3 qualified coach, will arrive in Pakistan on August 15 and is expected to be on a similar financial package as was Woolmer. He is likely to bring his own management support team with him and Ashraf said Pakistan might appoint a specialist batting coach, given their brittleness in that department. "We will definitely have a fielding coach and we want world-class trainers and physiotherapists as well. We want to have a streamlined management team and Lawson has his ideas on that," said Ashraf.
This is Lawson's first international assignment although he has been head coach with Australia's New South Wales team and is currently involved officially with the state.
"Pakistan has many pace bowlers and we win matches with them", Nasim Ashraf, the PCB chairman, said. "Having a former fast bowler on board is an advantage for that definitely."
"We weighed all our options and, though all three were highly qualified, we felt Lawson was most suitable to our needs. Dav Whatmore and Richard Done were not any less candidates, just that Lawson was what we needed."
There were rumors in the media that Sri Lanka's ex-captain Arjuna Rantunga played an important role in tilting the bar against Whatmore and in Lawson's favor but PCB chairman dismissed this as inaccurate.
Lawson, a level 3 qualified coach, will arrive in Pakistan on August 15 and is expected to be on a similar financial package as was Woolmer. He is likely to bring his own management support team with him and Ashraf said Pakistan might appoint a specialist batting coach, given their brittleness in that department. "We will definitely have a fielding coach and we want world-class trainers and physiotherapists as well. We want to have a streamlined management team and Lawson has his ideas on that," said Ashraf.
This is Lawson's first international assignment although he has been head coach with Australia's New South Wales team and is currently involved officially with the state.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
'I'm always thankful to Dalmiya' - Shoaib Akhtar
Cricinfo staff
July 5, 2007
Shoaib Akhtar has said that he would always be thankful to Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former ICC and Indian board president, for supporting him when doubts were being raised about his bowling action.
"The first time, in 1999-2000, was awful," said Shoaib, in an Asian News International report, of the suspicions raised at the time. "I'm always going to be thankful to Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the then ICC president, for his support. But, as I said, every controversy has made me a better and stronger person. I may have felt gutted, but the controversies haven't killed my josh (passion) and desire to play for Pakistan."
Shoaib also said that the doping controversy, during the Champions Trophy last year, was one of the toughest periods in his life. "My own countrymen shunned me, with some even refusing to look at me. It was a terrible period. Everybody's body mechanism isn't the same and certain levels are higher in my body compared to others.
"My hormone level fluctuates. I didn't take drugs to enhance my performance. I don't need to. I don't know why I was treated so badly. The test didn't show I was an evil person. I've always been misunderstood. I've never seen myself bigger than the game."
Shoaib wasn't happy with the way the entire Bob Woolmer episode was handled. "His death left me stunned. What's worse is his body remained in Kingston for weeks and weeks. Such indignity."
July 5, 2007
Shoaib Akhtar has said that he would always be thankful to Jagmohan Dalmiya, the former ICC and Indian board president, for supporting him when doubts were being raised about his bowling action.
"The first time, in 1999-2000, was awful," said Shoaib, in an Asian News International report, of the suspicions raised at the time. "I'm always going to be thankful to Mr. Jagmohan Dalmiya, the then ICC president, for his support. But, as I said, every controversy has made me a better and stronger person. I may have felt gutted, but the controversies haven't killed my josh (passion) and desire to play for Pakistan."
Shoaib also said that the doping controversy, during the Champions Trophy last year, was one of the toughest periods in his life. "My own countrymen shunned me, with some even refusing to look at me. It was a terrible period. Everybody's body mechanism isn't the same and certain levels are higher in my body compared to others.
"My hormone level fluctuates. I didn't take drugs to enhance my performance. I don't need to. I don't know why I was treated so badly. The test didn't show I was an evil person. I've always been misunderstood. I've never seen myself bigger than the game."
Shoaib wasn't happy with the way the entire Bob Woolmer episode was handled. "His death left me stunned. What's worse is his body remained in Kingston for weeks and weeks. Such indignity."
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
WADA and out: no winners in the drugs scandal
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif can heave a massive sigh of relief. You can be sure that if their case had been heard at the Court for Arbitration for Sport their plea of ignorance would not have been received sympathetically.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Read More @ Cricinfo
Doping: Shoaib and Asif exonerated
The Court of Arbitration for Sports has been forced to dismiss an appeal by the World Anti Doping Agency over the reprieves for the Pakistan fast bowlers, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, saying it had no jurisdiction to overturn the decision.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Read More @ Cricinfo
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Ifs and Butts
I was lucky enough to watch Salman Butt on debut. The immediate observation was this was a young player with a tremendous amount of time and hence--almost paradoxically--able to play the ball wonderfully late. A bright future as Pakistan's star opener beckoned. Since then Salman has delighted and dumbfounded. Some of his best efforts have come against Australia while last summer he was sent home early from England after a disappointing tour.
Read More @ Cricinfo
Read More @ Cricinfo
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Shoaib Planning to last out the whole season
The injury-prone Shoaib Akhtar has set his sights on lasting out the whole season this year especially the forthcoming test series against South Africa, India and Australia. Shoaib left with the Pakistan squad on Wednesday for Glasgow where they play two one-day games against Scotland and India next week. He was selected having played just one test and four ODIs since February last year after an array of knee, hamstring and groin problems.
"It is never easy coming back from a prolonged lay-off due to fitness issues," Shoaib told reporters before the team's departure.
"But I am feeling the best I have in my entire career. I see this chance as a new start for me and a chance to end my playing days in a creditable manner," " my target is now to remain fit for the coming test series," he said. "This is one of the biggest international cricket seasons for Pakistan. We play three of the best teams in the world and I want to be part of it all," said Shoaib. "I want to be recognised for my performances and I don't think you can get better opposition to do that than against these three teams."
In response to a question regarding a junior player's appointment as vice captain, he said that junior players will become senior players in the future and he doesn't see any problem with such appointment.
Pakistan host South Africa for two tests and five one-dayers in October and then tour India in November and December for three tests and five one-day matches. Early next year they host the Australians.
Team manager and interim coach Talat Ali said efforts would be made to nurse Shoaib through a hectic and tough season.
"He has come back after a long while and we will not try to overburden him although he is our main bowler. Our other bowlers are good as well
"It is never easy coming back from a prolonged lay-off due to fitness issues," Shoaib told reporters before the team's departure.
"But I am feeling the best I have in my entire career. I see this chance as a new start for me and a chance to end my playing days in a creditable manner," " my target is now to remain fit for the coming test series," he said. "This is one of the biggest international cricket seasons for Pakistan. We play three of the best teams in the world and I want to be part of it all," said Shoaib. "I want to be recognised for my performances and I don't think you can get better opposition to do that than against these three teams."
In response to a question regarding a junior player's appointment as vice captain, he said that junior players will become senior players in the future and he doesn't see any problem with such appointment.
Pakistan host South Africa for two tests and five one-dayers in October and then tour India in November and December for three tests and five one-day matches. Early next year they host the Australians.
Team manager and interim coach Talat Ali said efforts would be made to nurse Shoaib through a hectic and tough season.
"He has come back after a long while and we will not try to overburden him although he is our main bowler. Our other bowlers are good as well
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Afridi & Talat Ali fight over Salaman Butt's vice captaincy
There have been unconfirmed reports suggesting that Talat Ali, Pakistan's manager had a showdown with all-rounder Shahid Afridi during the national team’s training camp which concluded recently in Abbottabad. The incident happened on th eteam bus when Salaman Butt couldn't find a seat and had to sit on the gearbox of the bus. At that point Talat Ali asked Shahid Afridi to vacate a seat for Salman pointing out that he was thier vice captain. Upon hearing this Shahid Afridi offered his seat making a sarcastic comment saying "afterall Salman is our vice captain." An argument ensued between Talat Ali and Shahid Afridi resulting in some harsh words being spoken by both sides and according to some uncofirmed reports, Afridi rushed to assault Talat but was stopped by other team members.
Later on talking to journalists, Talat laughed off this version saying that the incident has ‘tremendously been blown out of proportion’. “May be there are some elements, who have their own hidden agenda and are trying to spread disharmony in the Pakistan team,” he said. Talat said that there is little truth in the ‘false reports’. “Actually, it was no big deal,” he said.
“These are false reports,” claimed Talat, who is looking after the team’s coaching in the absence of a national coach. “There have been no revolts and there would be no revolts. Our team is slowly turning into a well-oiled unit and we are looking forward our future assignments,” he added.
“There is complete harmony in my team and if some people are saying otherwise then they have malicious intentions,” Talat told ‘The News’ in a telephonic interview from Lahore.
According to Talat, what happened was that when Butt entered the team bus all the best seats were already occupied and he had to fit himself into a small seat near the gear box. “Pointing towards the side where some of the junior players were sitting, I just said that one of you should offer his seat to Salman, he is your vice-captain. It was Afridi who said that ‘he can take my seat, after all he is the vice-captain’. I told him (Afridi) to stay where he is and that some junior boy would vacate his seat but he was insistent and I had to tell him firmly to stop it. That is all that happened and now people are trying to make stories of it,” he explained. Talat, however, did admit that Afridi was a ‘bit sarcastic’ when he offered to vacate his seat for Butt. “He did sound a bit bitter but that was all,” he said.
Afridi, 27, was a candidate for captaincy following the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq after the World Cup debacle in March. But he and other senior players like senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq were all overlooked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that appointed young all-rounder Shoaib Malik as the new Pakistan captain.
Sources close to Afridi said that the player later anticipated that the Board would appoint him as the vice-captain but initially the PCB chose medium pacer Mohammad Asif for the job and later replaced him with Butt.
Sources say that Butt’s appointment has not been welcomed by some of the senior players especially the volatile Afridi. Before his appointment as Malik’s deputy, Butt was counted among the team’s junior players. When it comes to seniority there is no comparison. When Afridi made his international debut for Pakistan in 1996, Butt was just an 11-year-old schoolboy.
Afridi has scored 5074 runs and taken 204 from 240 one-dayers besides scoring 1683 runs from 26 Tests. Butt has played 14 Tests and 26 one-dayers since making his international debut as a promising teenager in 2003.
However, Talat said that the team management is working to promote a new culture within the national team where ‘performance and not seniority’ would be rewarded. “We had made it clear to all players that they have to behave professionally and can only stay in the team purely on the basis of performance,” he said.
Later on talking to journalists, Talat laughed off this version saying that the incident has ‘tremendously been blown out of proportion’. “May be there are some elements, who have their own hidden agenda and are trying to spread disharmony in the Pakistan team,” he said. Talat said that there is little truth in the ‘false reports’. “Actually, it was no big deal,” he said.
“These are false reports,” claimed Talat, who is looking after the team’s coaching in the absence of a national coach. “There have been no revolts and there would be no revolts. Our team is slowly turning into a well-oiled unit and we are looking forward our future assignments,” he added.
“There is complete harmony in my team and if some people are saying otherwise then they have malicious intentions,” Talat told ‘The News’ in a telephonic interview from Lahore.
According to Talat, what happened was that when Butt entered the team bus all the best seats were already occupied and he had to fit himself into a small seat near the gear box. “Pointing towards the side where some of the junior players were sitting, I just said that one of you should offer his seat to Salman, he is your vice-captain. It was Afridi who said that ‘he can take my seat, after all he is the vice-captain’. I told him (Afridi) to stay where he is and that some junior boy would vacate his seat but he was insistent and I had to tell him firmly to stop it. That is all that happened and now people are trying to make stories of it,” he explained. Talat, however, did admit that Afridi was a ‘bit sarcastic’ when he offered to vacate his seat for Butt. “He did sound a bit bitter but that was all,” he said.
Afridi, 27, was a candidate for captaincy following the resignation of Inzamam-ul-Haq after the World Cup debacle in March. But he and other senior players like senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf and all-rounder Abdul Razzaq were all overlooked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that appointed young all-rounder Shoaib Malik as the new Pakistan captain.
Sources close to Afridi said that the player later anticipated that the Board would appoint him as the vice-captain but initially the PCB chose medium pacer Mohammad Asif for the job and later replaced him with Butt.
Sources say that Butt’s appointment has not been welcomed by some of the senior players especially the volatile Afridi. Before his appointment as Malik’s deputy, Butt was counted among the team’s junior players. When it comes to seniority there is no comparison. When Afridi made his international debut for Pakistan in 1996, Butt was just an 11-year-old schoolboy.
Afridi has scored 5074 runs and taken 204 from 240 one-dayers besides scoring 1683 runs from 26 Tests. Butt has played 14 Tests and 26 one-dayers since making his international debut as a promising teenager in 2003.
However, Talat said that the team management is working to promote a new culture within the national team where ‘performance and not seniority’ would be rewarded. “We had made it clear to all players that they have to behave professionally and can only stay in the team purely on the basis of performance,” he said.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Inzamam keen to play on in Tests
Inzamam-ul-Haq, former Pakistan captain, wants to play Test matches for some more time before retiring "in an honourable manner."
Inzamam retired from ODIs after a disastrous World Cup and resigned from the Test captaincy. The PCB is expected to leave out Inzamam from its list of centrally-contracted players, on the basis that he is no longer an ODI player. Further, sounds coming out of the board and selection committee suggest that it may be difficult for Inzamam to find a way back into the team.
Read More @ cricinfo
Inzamam retired from ODIs after a disastrous World Cup and resigned from the Test captaincy. The PCB is expected to leave out Inzamam from its list of centrally-contracted players, on the basis that he is no longer an ODI player. Further, sounds coming out of the board and selection committee suggest that it may be difficult for Inzamam to find a way back into the team.
Read More @ cricinfo
Friday, June 22, 2007
Military training camp comes to an end
The military training camp organised by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to improve the players' fitness levels finishes today with the team in a great shape for the forthcoming season, according to Major Mohammad Arif, the camp instructor. The 20-member squad attended the camp in Abbottabad for 15 days to prepare for a season that starts off next month and includes Test series against South Africa, India, Australia as well as the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship.
Read More @ cricinfo
Read More @ cricinfo
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Central contracts list finalised; Inzamam snubbed
By Khalid Hussain
KARACHI: National selectors have ignored former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq while finalising a list of 30 players to be submitted today to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for issuance of central contracts.
Well-placed sources told ‘The News’ on Tuesday that the members of the national selection committee have reached a consensus on the list of players to be recommended for new central contracts. They have decided against recommending Inzamam for a central contract but have opted to keep in the list all other leading national cricketers who were previously given contracts by the PCB.
Read More @ The News
KARACHI: National selectors have ignored former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq while finalising a list of 30 players to be submitted today to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for issuance of central contracts.
Well-placed sources told ‘The News’ on Tuesday that the members of the national selection committee have reached a consensus on the list of players to be recommended for new central contracts. They have decided against recommending Inzamam for a central contract but have opted to keep in the list all other leading national cricketers who were previously given contracts by the PCB.
Read More @ The News
Cricket South Africa okays Karachi as Test venue
KARACHI: South African cricket officials have given the green light to their national team playing a Test match in Karachi during a tour of Pakistan this fall.
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told ‘The News’ on Tuesday that the South African cricket board (Cricket South Africa) has okayed Karachi as one of the two Test venues during their team’s tour of Pakistan from September 26 to October 29 this year.
Read More @ The News
A Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official told ‘The News’ on Tuesday that the South African cricket board (Cricket South Africa) has okayed Karachi as one of the two Test venues during their team’s tour of Pakistan from September 26 to October 29 this year.
Read More @ The News
PCB’s dual stance irks media
ABBOTTABAD, June 19: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has imposed a ban on interviews of the Pakistan cricketers, says manager Talat Ali as some local journalists approached the team’s captain and vice-captain.
It should be noted that the PCB has set a code of conduct for the team management, officials and players some time back which is still implemented but interestingly the team management and star players are giving interviews to their ‘favourite’ newspapers and TV channels.
Read More @ Dawn
It should be noted that the PCB has set a code of conduct for the team management, officials and players some time back which is still implemented but interestingly the team management and star players are giving interviews to their ‘favourite’ newspapers and TV channels.
Read More @ Dawn
Miandad slams PCB approach for selection of coach
LAHORE, June 19: While challenging the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) wisdom to interview those who did not apply for the post of Pakistan coach in response to the board’s advertisement, Javed Miandad has pointed out that seeking the regional heads’ confidence in Bhurban by the PCB chief indicates his weakness.
Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, Miandad, an icon in the world of cricket, criticised the PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf’s move of taking confidence vote from the regional heads by offering them a tour of Bhurban last Saturday.
Talking to Dawn on Tuesday, Miandad, an icon in the world of cricket, criticised the PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf’s move of taking confidence vote from the regional heads by offering them a tour of Bhurban last Saturday.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
PCB Announced 2007-8 Int'l Sechedule
July1st July: Pakistan Vs Scotland in Glasgow ODI
3rd July: Prince Charles Trust ODI Pak Vs Ind in Glasgow
Jul 25-Aug 25: Pakistan U-19 to England
August
Twenty 20 Championship in Toronto or Kenya,Mohammad Nisar Trophy in Pakistan
September
Sep 12-2: Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa
Sep 1-23: South Africa to Pakistan (Sep 26- Oct 29) 2 Tests, 5 ODIs, Australia A to Pakistan
October
Oct 27 & 28: Hong Kong Sixes
Oct 1-13 Oct: Australia U-19 to Pakistan (5 ODIs)
November
Nov 2-Dec 13: Pakistan to India 3 tests, 5 ODIs,
Nov 7-27: Bangladesh U-19 to Pakistan
January 2008
21 Jan 21- Feb 7: Zimbabwe to Pakistan ,5 ODIs,
Pakistan U-19 to Bangladesh
February
Feb-Mar 2: U-19 World Cup in Malaysia
March
Mar 10- Apr 27: Australia to Pakistan, 3 Tests, 5 ODIs, (April) Asia Cup in Pakistan (6 possible ODIs)
May
Pakistan to Bangladesh, (Tri-Series-India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), (5 possible ODIs)
June
Afro Asia in Nairobi.
3rd July: Prince Charles Trust ODI Pak Vs Ind in Glasgow
Jul 25-Aug 25: Pakistan U-19 to England
August
Twenty 20 Championship in Toronto or Kenya,Mohammad Nisar Trophy in Pakistan
September
Sep 12-2: Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa
Sep 1-23: South Africa to Pakistan (Sep 26- Oct 29) 2 Tests, 5 ODIs, Australia A to Pakistan
October
Oct 27 & 28: Hong Kong Sixes
Oct 1-13 Oct: Australia U-19 to Pakistan (5 ODIs)
November
Nov 2-Dec 13: Pakistan to India 3 tests, 5 ODIs,
Nov 7-27: Bangladesh U-19 to Pakistan
January 2008
21 Jan 21- Feb 7: Zimbabwe to Pakistan ,5 ODIs,
Pakistan U-19 to Bangladesh
February
Feb-Mar 2: U-19 World Cup in Malaysia
March
Mar 10- Apr 27: Australia to Pakistan, 3 Tests, 5 ODIs, (April) Asia Cup in Pakistan (6 possible ODIs)
May
Pakistan to Bangladesh, (Tri-Series-India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), (5 possible ODIs)
June
Afro Asia in Nairobi.
Monday, June 18, 2007
New central contract structure
Chairman PCB, today announced that a new central contracts structure has been approved. Central contracts will come in three categories, as before, but will now give greater consideration to performance in the last year (40%) and also take into account aspects such as fitness (20%), discipline (20%) and seniority (20%). categories for the central contracts that are to be issued shortly. Three slabs remain in the monthly retainer: a category A contract amounts to Rs3 million, category B to Rs2.5 million and category C will be Rs1.8 million annually.
There are also increases in match fees for ODIs with greater incentives also on offer, though the fees will be the same for all players. The contracts, Ashraf added, will be based on performances as judged by the ICC player rankings. The board is aiming to award all central contracts by July 1.
There are also increases in match fees for ODIs with greater incentives also on offer, though the fees will be the same for all players. The contracts, Ashraf added, will be based on performances as judged by the ICC player rankings. The board is aiming to award all central contracts by July 1.
PCB appoints Salman Butt as vice-captain
In another embarrassing about turn Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Sunday appointed opener Salman Butt as vice-captain to Shoaib Malik till the end of the year. Butt replaced Mohammad Asif who was deputy for the One-day series in Abu Dhabi against Sri Lanka in April. Butt's appointment came after the board's ad-hoc committee met in Bhurban.
PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf justified the appointment of Butt for the remainder of the year saying it was a move aimed at securing the future of Pakistan cricket.
"We have to start planning for the future. We have lacked in this aspect and have never really prepared replacements. Malik and Butt are both young and compliment each other," he said.
Ashraf said Butt was picked because he was more focused on the game and had returned to the team with new enthusiasm.
"Everybody believes he has a long future in the national team and is a safe bet to become a permanent opener in Tests and One-Day Internationals."
The left-handed Butt was dropped from the national squad last year, but he has always been rated very highly by former players, including Javed Miandad. He made a comeback in the recent Abu Dhabi series where he had scores of 34, 74 and 2.
Ashraf said Asif was a team man and had been informed of the decision.
This comes after months of speculation regarding Butt's place in the side. He was even touted as a possible contender for the top job before Shoaib Malik was eventually appointed to that job.
There was a lot of talk from various circles referring to Butt as having a good cricketing brain and how he could complement Shoaib Malik as a future leader. But the cricket world was extremely surprised to learn that for Abu Dhabi series PCB choose to appoint Asif as vice captain citing the reasons that Salman Butt's place in the side was uncertain. It is not quite uncharacteristic of PCB that suddenly after only 3 matches his place in the side has not only become certain for the whole year but he has also been given the chance to lead the side in the captain's absences.
While no wonder Butt might be a good choice but why he was ignored just a few weeks ago has become the new burning question. It is quite obvious the decision makers at PCB haven't learnt anything from the past and they keep on making arbitrary decisions without any accountability and with blatant disregard of the impact of these decisions on the morale of the team.
PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf justified the appointment of Butt for the remainder of the year saying it was a move aimed at securing the future of Pakistan cricket.
"We have to start planning for the future. We have lacked in this aspect and have never really prepared replacements. Malik and Butt are both young and compliment each other," he said.
Ashraf said Butt was picked because he was more focused on the game and had returned to the team with new enthusiasm.
"Everybody believes he has a long future in the national team and is a safe bet to become a permanent opener in Tests and One-Day Internationals."
The left-handed Butt was dropped from the national squad last year, but he has always been rated very highly by former players, including Javed Miandad. He made a comeback in the recent Abu Dhabi series where he had scores of 34, 74 and 2.
Ashraf said Asif was a team man and had been informed of the decision.
This comes after months of speculation regarding Butt's place in the side. He was even touted as a possible contender for the top job before Shoaib Malik was eventually appointed to that job.
There was a lot of talk from various circles referring to Butt as having a good cricketing brain and how he could complement Shoaib Malik as a future leader. But the cricket world was extremely surprised to learn that for Abu Dhabi series PCB choose to appoint Asif as vice captain citing the reasons that Salman Butt's place in the side was uncertain. It is not quite uncharacteristic of PCB that suddenly after only 3 matches his place in the side has not only become certain for the whole year but he has also been given the chance to lead the side in the captain's absences.
While no wonder Butt might be a good choice but why he was ignored just a few weeks ago has become the new burning question. It is quite obvious the decision makers at PCB haven't learnt anything from the past and they keep on making arbitrary decisions without any accountability and with blatant disregard of the impact of these decisions on the morale of the team.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Question of the Coach
Former Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore was left as the main contender to coach troubled Pakistan after his Australian compatriot Steve Rixon ruled himself out. Pakistan are due to shortlist candidates later this week to replace Bob Woolmer, who died at the World Cup in Jamaica in March prompting a police investigation and controversy. Police this week announced that he died of natural causes, not murder. Rixon, the former New Zealand coach, told AFP from Sydney that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) did contact him about the role but he had already made other plans.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Commission to review Woolmer investigations
KINGSTON, Jamaica, June 13 (Reuters) - The Jamaica government will set up a commission to review the investigations into the death of former Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer, the island's minister of national security said on Wednesday.
"Given the high degree of public interest which the case has generated at home and abroad... I have considered it desirable to commission a review," Minister Peter Phillips announced in parliament.
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"Given the high degree of public interest which the case has generated at home and abroad... I have considered it desirable to commission a review," Minister Peter Phillips announced in parliament.
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Woolmer died of heart failure
Bob Woolmer, almost certainly died of heart failure, Jamaica police said on Wednesday, a day after ending a high-profile investigation into his murder.
Police based their conclusion on the cause of Woolmer's death on the evidence of three independent pathologists from Britain, Canada and South Africa who reviewed an initial postmortem and said Woolmer was not, in fact, murdered.
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Police based their conclusion on the cause of Woolmer's death on the evidence of three independent pathologists from Britain, Canada and South Africa who reviewed an initial postmortem and said Woolmer was not, in fact, murdered.
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Woolmer was not murdered
Pakistan's World Cup cricket coach Bob Woolmer died of natural causes and was not murdered as earlier announced, Jamaican police said on Tuesday, ending an embarrassing, three-month investigation that gripped the cricket world. The murder suspicions triggered speculation he had been killed by an irate fan or an illegal gambling syndicate. But police reversed course after reports from three independent pathologists and a toxicology test said the 58-year-old former England international cricketer died of natural causes and had no poisons in his body, said Jamaican Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas.
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Tuesday, June 12, 2007
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