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."
Showing posts with label Players' Corner. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Players' Corner. Show all posts
Monday, September 10, 2007
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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."
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 8, 2007
Pace lessons - past meets future
"First thing is the run-up. Then the pace of the kid. Then whether they have a cricket brain. Then the fitness. Then how hungry he is. With good fast bowlers you spot these qualities within a few overs." So says Wasim Akram of spotting class, and who's to argue? Fortunately for Pakistan, if belatedly, it is what he has been doing over the last couple of weeks.
Read More @ cricinfo
Read More @ cricinfo
Inzamam doing regular batting practice at Bagh-e-Jinnah ground
It has been reported that Inzamam ul Haq has been doing regular batting practice at Lahore Gymkhana Bagh-e-Jinnah ground to maintain fitness and batting touch after his retirement from one-day cricket. Inzamam has been seen engaged in serious batting practice along with members of the club led by their captain Naeem Gulzar Chaudhary.
Inzamam is a regular visitor of the ground over a week and primarily concentrating on fitness and form by undergoing serious batting practice.
" I really feel good and comfortable at this historic ground and besides enjoying cricket I feel close to the nature ",Inzamam told APP here on Friday.
He said after giving up one day cricket he is now focusing on giving his best in the longer version of the game, the test cricket and that is why even in the off season he is regularly doing work out and batting practice.
" Batting practice in hot and heat is a quite difficult but I believe it will help in maintaining form and fitness ",he asserted.
He said he enjoys playing cricket with the members of the club.
Naeem Gulzar,clubs captain said it was a honour for them to have Inzamam with them in the nets. " He is a great player and one for the best captian's Pakistan has ever produced and he has a lot of potential to do well in the test cricket".
Inzamam is a regular visitor of the ground over a week and primarily concentrating on fitness and form by undergoing serious batting practice.
" I really feel good and comfortable at this historic ground and besides enjoying cricket I feel close to the nature ",Inzamam told APP here on Friday.
He said after giving up one day cricket he is now focusing on giving his best in the longer version of the game, the test cricket and that is why even in the off season he is regularly doing work out and batting practice.
" Batting practice in hot and heat is a quite difficult but I believe it will help in maintaining form and fitness ",he asserted.
He said he enjoys playing cricket with the members of the club.
Naeem Gulzar,clubs captain said it was a honour for them to have Inzamam with them in the nets. " He is a great player and one for the best captian's Pakistan has ever produced and he has a lot of potential to do well in the test cricket".
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