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cricket Zimbabwe
aim to make return to Test matches More
technology: Why not? cricket Pakistan
v Zimbabwe series: Rao
Iftikhar:
There are some players who cross the limits sometimes and then find themselves in severe danger of being imposed bans upon or massive fines. It affects the whole team, the fans backing it and their future ahead By Muhammad Shahbaz Zahid Cricket is termed as the
gentlemen's game. And when such is the reputation of a The game of cricket was used to be played by the Britons way back in the seventeenth century. That's where it all started. It was then spread over the British Empire and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) started governing the rules in 1788. In the mid 18th century, the Americans were introduced to the game but it didn't get much popularity. When Great Britain ruled over the subcontinent, the cricketing fuel was injected into the blood of people living here. Cricket then got off to a flyer. The history behind the game is very rich. And it goes out to every corner of the globe. From Europe to Australia, and from Asia to Africa, the game is amongst the most played and highly followed. Matches, which are contested between the best of the world, are being keenly watched and observed, and are also considered as a sign of spreading love and unity among nations. Then there comes the responsibility on people and governing bodies, who are related to the sport. It is up to them to keep clean the image of the game, bring it up to a higher level, promote it, back it up, keep up the tempo and try to avoid those circumstances which can diminish the gloss from the beloved sport. These people and bodies include that of the governing body (International Cricket Council in this case), national bodies (Board of Control for Cricket in India and Pakistan Cricket Board for example) and administrators related to them. But most important of them all are the players who play cricket and grab the entire attention of everyone and the spotlight. They have the most important role to play in order to stabilise and maintain the status of the game. If they are doing things in an improper manner, it only affects the stature of cricket. Cricket, most of the times, is being played in an aggressive manner these days. Most of the teams try to adapt attacking policies on the field and defend only on rare occasions. The rivalries are huge between cricketing nations and they never tend to back away from the limelight or lower down their impressions. And in doing so, there are some players who cross the limits sometimes and then find themselves in severe danger of being imposed bans upon or massive fines. It affects the whole team, the fans backing it and their future ahead. Such a case was recently witnessed in the ongoing four-match Test series between Australia and visiting India. The first match of the series was played in high spirits with Aussies routing India in the end with a big margin -- Australia won by 337 runs. But things suddenly started to deteriorate in the second match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Tempers rose up and arguments became heated. Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh always had been called an ill-mannered person, according to me at least. This might rattle up a few people and provoke them to start a new conversation but it's true. Whenever 'Bhajji' is on the field, he is always chatting aloud and making certain gestures and passing on harsh comments. Most of us have seen this sort of attitude too whenever the Indians are up against Pakistan. What happened at the SCG was unavoidable. Harbhajan was charged after he reportedly called Australia batsman Andrew Symonds a 'monkey'. Now that was totally racist. The governing body of the game, ICC, doesn't permit any player to pass on such comments. And many would believe making this sort of comment isn't right even if it is not said during a match or between two players. It is inhuman to call a human an animal! That very incident changed the whole match, series and the game forever. Harbhajan was said to be banned for a few matches, which raised a lot of eyebrows in our neighbouring country and amongst their players. I won't say that Australian players are the best-behaved and have a nice human attitude all the time. But what Harbhajan did was very poor. The reaction to that incident was poorer. The BCCI, the most powerful and cash-rich national cricketing body in the world, reacted too strongly to the verdict and threatened to walk off from their team's tour Down Under. This can be called the most childish-attitude any one can ever show. The BCCI and the fans backing up their team asked for a proof. What proof dudes? If the umpires give a decision, the players and teams are to stand by that very judgement. And Harbhajan's on-field attitude itself suggested that he surely would have done such a thing. I admit that the umpiring in that very match was very awful. The Indian team's performances were surely let down by bad umpiring decisions and halted their charge for a sure-shot victory. But it doesn't mean that one cross their limits. Symonds faced the same sort of treatment when Aussies toured India last year. During a one-day game there, the crowd started over reacting and made monkey chants while Symonds was on the field. Even photographs of those fans were printed in Indian newspapers and they were being traced down. Symonds after the SCG episode also made a comment and blamed Harbhajan for hitting his teammate with a bat. He said he was dumbfounded after seeing that event. The Harbhajan hearing is pending at the moment and he also didn't play in the third Test at the WACA. Another incident that happened during the Sydney Test was that of Aussie spinner Brad Hogg using obscene language. He also faced a ban and a fine for that meagre gesture that he showed but has now been cleared of the charges. Surprisingly, the Indian team passing on a kind of signal backed away from their decision of filing a request for Hogg's ban and got a lot of praise for their decision too. Some say that BCCI and the Indian team management did this because a deal had been struck between Cricket Australia and the Indian board and as they (BCCI) have withdrawn from Hogg's case, the Aussies will do the same and will also back off from Harbhajan's case. But to their utmost disappointment, the ICC has said that Harbhajan's case can not be withdrawn now because a proper appeal was being made by the Australian cricket team and the matter will surely be looked into now. There is still a lot of cricket to be played between the two teams. Nobody knows what will happen next. India pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth is also willing to have a go at Australia again in the One-day International (ODI) series. He says he's all pumped up for the upcoming assignment. And we all know what happened in India during Australia's tour. He always had heated arguments with Symonds. The umpires were brought into action every now and then. A fearsome rivalry was created between the two. His gestures are also very strong and critical sometimes and do create an atmosphere of tension. Then there are other players, too, in this same company of making gestures and getting on the nerves of opposition. South Africa's Andre Nel is one, who has been reported a lot of times. He is always on a high and gets out of control on a number of occasions. Pakistan's star all-rounder Shahid Afridi is a short-tempered person too. He is one of the most aggressive players in the world today and shows his aggression against players and fans on occasions as well. While there are other things going around, there is one thing that has to be kept in mind: whoever gets being imposed of a ban for their stance, whichever player and team feel the consequences and whatever the scenario comes out of all this, there is one thing that gets affected the most -- the image of cricket. The illustration of the game is tarnished when these sort of incidents happen. And it is not only about the players who can destroy it. Fans are involved in it too. Recalling the memory, the first scenario that comes to the mind is of thousands of Australian fans saying 'no-ball' together whenever Muttiah Muralitharan came to deliver a ball. This not only distracted star Sri Lankan off-spinner's concentration but also made cricket's critics to bloom. We, as humans and educated people, should try to avoid these circumstances and should play for the promotion of the game. The players should try to get as professional as they can and shouldn't allow their egos and attitude to come in their way of progress. Every player has a responsibility on his shoulders. And it is not only about the present day cricketers. Players, who now have said good bye to the game, should also pull up their socks and try to bring in their experience for the betterment of sport. The media also has a large role to play here. They should try not to focus too much on things which can smudge the game's standing. Though they promote the sport like none other, the media sometimes for the promotion of their own channels, newspapers and sources go haywire which disrupts the whole situation. Only then can these mishaps be avoided. The
writer is a staff member at 'The News' Karachi shehnu@gmail.com
On the tour of Pakistan in 1998-99 Zimbabwe created history with their first ever win in an away Test at Peshawar by seven wickets. Pakistan prepared a grassy pitch for their fast bowlers, but the ploy backfired By Khurram Mahmood The first one-day international between Pakistan and Zimbabwe is being played on Monday (tomorrow) at Karachi. Zimbabwe's Test status has been suspended since 2005 on the Zimbabwe board's request after disputes between Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) and the players arose on policy matters. A 23-member Zimbabwe team
led by off-spinner Prosper Utseya is on the Pakistan tour for five One-Day
International matches. Zimbabwe players don't have enough The Zimbabwe tour was in doubt due to the law and order situation in Pakistan. But after getting security assurances from the PCB, Zthe imbabwe cricket team agreed to play the ODI series in Pakistan. The critical law and order situation can also affect the all-important Pakistan-Australia series in March. Australia and England players are very cautious about their security. After the Benazir Bhutto assassination in late December, Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds has already showed his concerns about their proposed tour to Pakistan. He was deeply concerned about the level of security in Pakistan. "I'm not interested in going into a situation that's dangerous, where people are getting killed and hurt," Symonds told an Australian newspaper. These days the Pakistan team facing some fitness problem to their leading players. Skipper Shoaib Malik and fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul are the sufferers. Shoaib Malik injured his ankle during a post-match football session after the Delhi Test against India in last November due to which he missed the remaining two Tests of the tour. Pakistan first-choice fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul are out of the series due to injuries. Asif and Gul also missed the India tour last year. Shoaib played all three Tests against India, but only in the first Test he was fully fit. An illness before the Kolkata Test severely hampered his effectiveness, while he was troubled by back pain in Bangalore. Now Shoaib Akhtar has announced his availability for the Zimbabwe series, but the board doesn't want to take any risks specially with an important series against Australia just one and a half months away. Another important issue for the Pakistan team is as to who will lead the national team if Shoaib Malik is not fit before the first ODI. The Chairman clearly refused to appoint Younis Khan as skipper. The management only wanted to appoint a vice-captain who will lead the team in the absence of Shoaib Malik. Senior batsmen Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah-ul-Haq are strong candidates for the vice-captain's post. The ODI series against Zimbabwe is the best time to provide an opportunity to youngsters. Nasir Jamshed, Khalid Latif, Khurram Manzoor, Anwar Ali, Samiullah Niazi, Sohail Khan, Yasir Arafat, Mansoor Amjad, Abdul Rauf, Fawad Alam etc are very talented players and capable to replace their senior players in the national side after getting some experience against international sides. Another wicket-keeper must be invited to the camp for future preparations. When Kamran Akmal did not perform according to requirement, everybody demanded his removal and asked to include new blood in the side. Against Zimbabwe is the best time to test a new wicket-keeper as a back-up for Kamran Akmal. But the management doesn't look interested to search for Kamran Akmal's replacement. Zimbabwe toured Pakistan for the first time in 1993-94 whey they played three Tests and four One-day Internationals. Pakistan won both series by 2-0 and 4-0 margins, respectively. Next year in 1994-95 Pakistan returned to Zimbabwe and received a shock when the newest cricket nation beat the much stronger Pakistan team in the first Test by an innings inside four days. But Pakistan bounced back and won the remaining two Tests and the Test series by 2-1. The One-day International series was won by the visiting side also by 2-1. During this series a few controversies upset the Pakistan team and fans that some Pakistani players received money from bookmakers to lose the Test, but team members denied these rumours. The other major controversy appeared when Zimbabwe umpire Ian Robinson accused Pakistan captain Saleem Malik of applying sweat to one side of the ball during the third Test in Harare. On his return the PCB management sacked Saleem Malik from the captaincy and suspended him from playing for Pakistan until the board's inquiry. In 1996-97 Zimbabwe toured Pakistan again for playing two Tests and three one-day internationals. It was a remarkable series for Wasim Akram, as he scored his first double-century (257 not out) in the first Test at Sheikhupura and shared a record 313 runs eighth-wicket partnership with Saqlain Mushtaq (79). Middle order batsman Hasan Raza made his Test debut at the age of just 14 years and 227 days in the second Test at Faisalabad and became the youngest Test cricketer ever. Pakistan as expected won the Test series by 1-0. The result could have been 2-0 but the last Test at Peshawar was called off because of crowd trouble. Match referee Jackie Hendriks considered declaring the match void, but ICC ultimately decided to let the result stand. Pakistan made a clean sweep in the ODI series by 3-0. Pakistan's second tour to Zimbabwe came in 1997-98 for two Tests and two limited overs game. Both the Test and ODI series were won by Pakistan by 1-0 and 2-0, respectively. On the tour of Pakistan in 1998-99 Zimbabwe created history with their first ever win in an away Test at Peshawar by seven wickets. Pakistan prepared a grassy pitch for their fast bowlers, but the ploy backfired and the Zimbabwe bowlers Heath Streak, Henry Olonga and Mpumelelo Mbangwa bowled the home team out for 103 on the third day to set up an unexpected win. The other two Tests ended as drawn due to bad weather and Zimbabwe enjoyed their first ever Test series victory by 1-0. The One-day International series won Pakistan by 3-0. The last series between the two countries was played in Zimbabwe in 2002-03. Pakistan won the three-Test series by 2-0 and the ODI series convincingly by 5-0. In the last one-dayer fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar received a one match ban for throwing a plastic bottle into the crowd. So far 35 One-day Internationals have been played between Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Pakistan have a clear upper hand with 31 wins while Zimbabwe have been successful only on two occasions. One match was tied and one ended without producing any result. The
writer works in the art department at 'The News on Sunday' in Karachi
khurrams87@yahoo.com ONE-DAY
INTERNATIONAL SCHEDULE 2007-08 1st ODI Jan 21 (d/n) Karachi 2nd ODI Jan 24 Hyderabad 3rd ODI Jan 27 (d/n) Multan 4th ODI Jan 30 (d/n) Faisalabad 5th ODI Feb 2 Sheikhupura
Most of the game's followers believe that if the Aussies are there then nobody can come between them and victory. This trend has been prevailing for quite some time now, making the spectators desperate to see something which they do not expect By Syed Ahsan Ali In its initial TV broadcasts cricket employed just a couple of cameras. Today there as many as sixteen, giving umpteen angles of the game's beauty to the viewers. Similarly, players have started using better equipment to play more competitively and all this has become possible due to better technology. Not long ago, when cricket was caught in its forgettable controversy of match-fixing, the game's managers used technology in the form of close-circuit cameras in and around the places used by players to curb the menace then what is wrong in using more technology to improve umpiring standard when it is fast becoming a highly disturbing on-field issue. Why are we afraid of inculcating technology in the game to make it more agreeable for people all round the world especially when we want to make it a global sport? Its inexplicable length and then so many other distractions such as bad umpiring which makes it unfair for competitors is presenting cricket as the game which is not worth indulging for audiences who compare it with tennis and football that are getting fairer and competitive while cautiously accommodating technology. When we talk about why cricket is losing its audience then we have to look at the real, concrete answers. Cricket is losing its followers because of its length, awfully one-sided contests and too many distractions either in the form of match-fixing or in the shape of shoddy on-field decisions. Crowd neither have the time to give it to cricket which it generally wants nor have the trust because the game is shaped up for them in such a fashion and game's well-wishers are not in any mood to leave their traditionalist attitude for its fans. Twenty20 Cricket has emerged after much reluctance and scepticism. Then there is one more factor which is making the game tasteless and that is the Aussies' dominance. Most of the game's followers believe that if the Aussies are there then nobody can come between them and victory. This trend has been prevailing for quite some time now, making the spectators desperate to see something which they do not expect. Best novels, well-made films and all great scripts are good because they have in them an air of anticipation or eagerness to strike a chord of surprise. Whereas the Aussie dominance has become little too long and somewhat boring for spectators and that's why we saw Sydney crowd enthralled by the Indian fight-back while applauding Laxman and Sachin more than they praised Symonds and Hussey. Even the Australian spectators wish to see something worth their money. And when the hosts were reeling at 200-6 with Symonds, on 30, seeking to rescue them, he clearly edged one outside the off-stump off Ishant Sharma, perhaps heard by people sitting in the brewery, Steve Bucknor shook his head as if he was not there at all, giving a shocker of his life as an adjudicator of repute. It was not the first time any umpire gave anybody not out in this fashion or it was not the first edge that went unheard but it was the edge that could shake the Aussie dominance and could have given spectators a hope to see a tight finish in the backyard of cricketís superpower. Not long ago, an atrocious decision was quite reminiscent of Kumar Sangakkara's dismissal when he was on the verge of glory against the Aussies to win a Test match and square the two-match series. However, he was hard done, not by his opponents, but by the person who he believed was there to facilitate him in achieving his goal in all fairness -- South Africa's Rudi Koertzen. Though Rudi apologised to Sangakkara later but it was too late, giving the Aussies yet another let-off. What made matters even worse was the way Mark Benson gave Ganguly out in the second innings at Sydney when Clarke caught him in the slips with cameras screaming that it was inconclusive but the umpire took the word of Ricky Ponting who was also standing in the slips, rather than consulting his on-field colleague Bucknor or the TV umpire. It was a matchlessly strange decision by the umpire to believe a fielder who also was the beneficiary of that catch in that case. How on earth can you take a word of a person who knows that slight honesty on his part can end up his and his team-mates five days' toil in nothing and vice-versa? It was the moment that could have saved ineptness of the umpires to be exposed so blatantly but may be technology's case needed an incident like that to showcase all round the world to become a necessity at highest level sports. We need the enhanced role of technology and we need it badly to avoid such mishaps at the highest level. Cricket can be a global sport if we minimise the errors it bears at the moment. Otherwise fans would move at other sporting avenues where they can witness far fairer contests.
In 2007, what has been left behind after all the rhetoric, pretentiousness and the warped policies is one large reeking clutter By Dr Nauman Niaz It would be hard to say
whether we have never had a year as full of tumult as 2007 I would be the first one to say, the view must be totally different from that of the custodians of the game's governance in the country. But other than those who have hands daubed with the choicest of salaries and benefits, for most other Pakistanis, even the players it was another abysmal year ending without much to look forward to. For a top heavy PCB, sequence of defeats against South Africa at home and against India in India was simply fiery, too convoluted and too downhearted -- though most of it is their own doing. In 2007, what has been left behind after all the rhetoric, pretentiousness and the warped policies is one large reeking clutter. Dr Nasim Ashraf's arrival was seen as a faint hope of cricket's revival -- he promised too. A few, well-placed and obviously loyal persons were duly lined up and interviewed and steps were taken to make PCB completely 'Corporate'. Also undertaken were the far reaching and constructive steps, as the phrase goes, to restructure, remodel and reorganise the game in the country and to bring progress and prosperity. All such assumptions, speechifying and claims soon vapourised. In 2007 Pakistan lost though only through retirement their premier batsman Inzamam-ul-Haq. As Inzamam resigned, the PCB jumped in the fray promising him a heart-touching farewell -- it seemed an institution was in the making. Robin Jackman was asked to host Inzamam's departing ceremony. He was also given a life time achievement gold medallion -- it looked a befitting finish to what was essentially an outstanding career. On October 22nd, 2007 Inzamam-ul-Haq signed a receipt committing to have 'received a sum of Rs 10,000,000 (10 million) with thanks from the PCB'. If the PCB dispensed a colossal amount to Inzamam for his miraculous services, it remains uncontestable, but as alleged such a huge sum was given in cash. And coincidently, on the same date i.e. October 22nd, 2007 a bank payment receipt under the ADMIN & HR department a sum of Rs 10,500,000.00 (10 Million and five hundred thousand) was debited as advance for the purchase of cable for the Multan floodlights. Was it just a coincidence or the same money actually given to Inzamam? And if it was the same, then why an extra amount of Rs 500,000 was added and why the money had to be given out so secretively, out of the sun still? The point of conflict here is not the amount of money given to Inzamam. It was about setting new but awry precedents. In 2007 Pakistan lost to India in India amidst a handful of controversies and fitness problems. Talat Ali Malik, the Pakistan team's manager in his report has tried to highlight the core issues. Ostensibly he has condemned Younis Khan and Shoaib Akhtar. As per the source, Talat writes: "Younis Khan is a below par leader and fails to command respect of his teammates because of his attitude and temperament. He may not be retained as vice-captain of the team." And about Shoaib, Talat tersely comments: "Shoaib's replacement may be looked into immediately and young players should be inducted in both Tests and One-day Internationals." The Pakistan manager has also commented on the management party: "While concluding my report I must appreciate the role of Chief Operating Officer, Media Manager and Director Administration." He also looks into the positives, expressing his satisfaction over Misbah-ul-Haq's high run, terming him as the 'find' of the tour. Talat, it appears reads the minds. Reportedly, similar comments were made and aspersions cast by Dr Nasim Ashraf while talking to the selectors recently at Lahore. A happenstance that Talat and Dr Nasim think alike. Regarding Younis not being captaincy material may well be a lop-sided, biased and a convoluted view. PCB in connection with World Cup 2011 has hired a five-bed room house situated at Gulberg in Lahore. The monthly rent is Rs 115,000 and already a one-year advance has been given. The rent paid so far is Rs 1,308,000. The property has been hired through an estate agent who has whisked away a commission of Rs 115,000. Why couldn't the imaginative administrators use the space in PCB's Cricket House or at the Gaddafi Stadium is bewildering. There was a case filed against the PCB in the Supreme Court of Pakistan by Mr Wasim Rehan. On March 28th, 2007, the PCB approved hiring a Senior Advocate from Islamabad for Rs 1,500,000 and Rs 50,000 per hearing. It wasn't restricted to this alone, the advocate needed to have an assistant to be paid Rs 350,000 and Rs 25,000 per hearing and an advocate on record at Rs 30,000 plus costs of paper books, concise statements, etc. The Pakistan Cricket Board signed a special service agreement with one of the local journalists from Lahore hiring him on August 1st, 2007 as Media Consultant. His contract lasts until June 30th, 2008. Nature of service and title included performance of the services such as managing public and media relations with a sense of optimism and using opportunities to support and enhance the cricket squad and PCB's image. He was promised Rs 100,000 besides an office rent of Rs 10,000 and mobile expenses of Rs 5,000 per month. In spite of being given a lucrative package, the consultant as stated 'shall not be considered in any respect as being a permanent staff member of the PCB'. According to the agreement, the consultant 'shall not be entitled to any benefit, payment, subsidy, compensation or entitlement'. Freedom of the press is a self-evident good, like motherhood. I would guess that even Stalin would have extolled its virtues and offered 'The Pravda' as a shining example of it. One tends to see freedom of the press in terms of the relationship between the cricket government and the media that is to say exclusively in sporting terms. However, there is a thin line between coercion and compliance. On May 28th, 2007 Media Manager & PR wrote to the Chief Operating Officer that the PCB had offered a stipend of US$700 per person (US$100 per day) to the media representatives sponsored by PCB to cover the Abu Dhabi Series. Due to the delay in the visa process the media representatives missed the first two days of the series. During this time they were already on standby. PCB ended up paying them US$500 instead. It was therefore requested to pay the remaining US$200 per person to these representatives as that was the amount they were initially promised and the delay wasn't from their end. The eleven names are listed thereon. Interesting in front of the eleventh name it was mentioned that the gentleman already owed US$1000 to PCB, carried forward from the last series on top of that was paid to him. Therefore he still had to pay PCB US$800. The proposal was duly approved by the Director Marketing and Communications and the COO. It was like feeding the journalists to keep them shut. It's about work ethics, alone. A General Secretary of one of the sports journalists association wrote a letter to the Chairman of the PCB on October 5th, 2007 seeking donation of a fund raising campaign for the facilitation and welfare of its members. The Director Marketing and Communications recommended a donation of Rs 500,000 on October 11th, 2007 which was duly endorsed by the Chairman PCB on October 12th, 2007. Interestingly the money had already been debited on October 1st, 2007 through Admin & HR department. The cheque issued includes Rs 500,000 donation for the journalists association and Rs 500,000 E-Ticketing Expenses -- South Africa in Pakistan (Sept 07). One million rupees was taken out of Bank Alfalah Limited, Tufail Road Branch Lahore Cantt on October 1st, 2007. There is an irony of sorts in that those who could afford to buy tickets seek free rides. They avail of the complimentary culture, an institutional free-loading and it covers more than cricket. Those who can barely make ends meet, buy tickets which entitle them to get into the stadium but not necessarily a seat. They are also entitled to the harassment and occasional roughing up by the police, all good natured, barring a few broken bones. As per tradition the PCB employees are given free match tickets for the home series to be dispensed to friends and acquaintances -- very traditional. Nevertheless, during South Africa's tour to Pakistan in September/October 2007 new traditions unearthed. The Administration & HR department purchased tickets worth approximately 1.8m rupees. The first payment made in this regard was on October 1st, 2007 (Rs 500,000) E-Ticketing Expenses -- South Africa in Pakistan (Sept 07). On September 27th, 2007 one million rupees were debited, the break-up including tickets worth Rs 45,000 for the second One-day International at Lahore on October 20th, 2007. Next are tickets of 55,000 for the fourth One-day International at Multan on October 26th, 2007. Horrendously, 400 tickets worth Rs 1500 each were picked for the first One-day International on October 18th, 2007 (total of Rs 600,000). For the 2nd One-day International at Lahore on October 20th, 2007 total of Rs 255,500 were spent. There is another Inter Office Note where the Chief Finance Officer demanded 75 tickets worth Rs 87,500 for the 2nd One-day International at Lahore. Another 90 tickets cost the PCB Rs 125,000 picked for the 1st One-day International at Lahore on October 18th, 2007. It's not that PCB's recent extravagance is beginning to shape up as a scam but someone somewhere in time has to be answerable. Pakistan v Zimbabwe series: A ray of hope Shoaib Malik's case is somewhat similar to South African skipper Graeme Smith who was appointed as captain after the 2003 World Cup at the tender age of 22 By Muhammad Asif Khan The weak Zimbabwean outfit
is seen as a ray of hope by cricket followers in Pakistan Coming back to Shoaib Malik who has had a rough ride since he took over the captaincy. After an unsuccessful few months at the helm of the affairs, young Pakistani skipper Shoaib Malik must be under a lot of stress, but he at the same time would be quite eager to get on with the Zimbabweans. Shoaib, whatever happened has happened, now you have to look forward but at the same time learn from the mistakes you committed in the past. After making his ODI debut in 1999 against the West Indies and Test debut in 2001 against Bangladesh, the 26-year Shoaib Malik was appointed as the captain in April last year. Many feared upon his appointment that it would turn out to be an unwise decision as Pakistan has faced revolts against young captains in the past. I don't blame Malik for it as he didn't ask for the captaincy. Many analysts and former Test cricketers went on to say that Shoaib Malik did not even deserve a place in the Test side, but if not Shoaib then who else could be appointed at a time when Younis Khan who had been the vice-captain under Inzamam, refused to take charge. I think, it will be unjust to completely write off Shoaib Malik after only two full series. Yes, he has committed a few errors but he will surely overcome those if guided by his peers who have only been critical of the young captain. Here some would probably argue that the Indian skipper, Dhoni is also very young in terms of age as well as experience, but don't forget he has plenty of sages around him in Tendulkar, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman etc. On the other hand, what is the story with Shoaib Malik? If some former players have found flaws in him, then they should help him out rather than coming down hard on him. On PCB's part, I urge the board to stick with Shoaib but at the same time give him a strong vice-captain such as Younis Khan or Mohammad Yousuf so that he could be more relaxed and could perform up to his potential. One thing should be kept into account while analysing Malik's performance as captain is that he was an unfortunate captain of a mediocre Pakistan side to start of his captaincy, his main fast bowlers such as Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul were injured and Shoaib Akhtar was half-fit. Had he got a seasoned side, it would have been a fitting outcome. Shoaib Malik's case is somewhat similar to South African skipper Graeme Smith who was appointed as captain after the 2003 World Cup at the tender age of 22. His appointment was heavily criticised, but the South African board decided to stick with Smith who had only played eightTest matches before his appointment. No doubt the patience and trust in young Smith paid off, and gradually he has transformed into a fine leader. He was also given an opportunity to captain the ICC World XI in the ICC Super Series Test Match between the ICC World XI and Australia in October 2005, which is indeed a testimonial to his leadership skills. The point here is that Shoaib Malik should not be judged after only two series and should be given a reasonable run to overcome his flaws. Like everyone else he will learn from his mistakes. When we say that a young bowler or a batsman should be given a reasonable run then why is a young captain so different. The issue of captaincy arose as the PCB only had one man (Younis Khan) in consideration for the job and he refused to take charge. So in future by appointing more than one vice-captain through a rotating policy such crisis could be shunned. By rotation policy I meant that more than one vice-captain should be kept in view and should be groomed with opportunities in a series or two. With this strategy, we would have a few people to consider for the skipper's job in challenging situations. Coming back to the Indian tour which has been the major cause of criticism lately, the major reason of the team's poor performance in India was not only Shoaib Malik but the fact that we lacked replacements for injured players. In the bowling department all the pacers looked off-colour, only Shoaib Akhtar looked threatening in patches, as ever batting was inconsistent, by looking at the strong batting line up of India, a strong bowling attack was needed to dislodge the Indian might which was simply not there. So how can a leader single-handedly win matches, cricket is a team effort after all. Moreover, Shoaib's ability as Test captain cannot be judged on the basis of the teamas performance in India as he only played one out of three Test matches due to an ankle injury and vice-captain Younis Khan led the team as stand-in captain in the last two Test matches. As it is said that a new year is a new beginning therefore I hope with Zimbabwe home series Pakistan will regain its footing and things start falling in place for our cricket team sooner then later. The
writer is a freelance contributor mak374@hotmail.com
Rao
Iftikhar: Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul have been advised by the Board and the selection committee to appear in the domestic season to prove their fitness so they could be considered for the future assignments By Muhammad Akram Chohan The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its selection committee have taken a revolutionary step as they have decided to give the youngsters a much needed opportunity to demonstrate their skills at the highest level of the game in a befitting manner. The PCB has very rightly
taken the decision of trying out quite a few youngsters in the The series is starting from tomorrow (Monday). The young guns, who have succeeded in getting places in the national team set-up are considering themselves very lucky as their dreams have become the reality of representing Pakistan internationally. The Pakistan cricket team will be without the services of their ace bowlers Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul in this series. These players will be out of action due to various reasons. Their absence will affect the team performance a lot as they all are proven performers. The national selection committee with the permission of the PCB has opted for youth in the series. Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul have been advised by the Board and the selection committee to appear in the domestic season to prove their fitness so they could be considered for the future assignments. The series against the world conquerors, Australia, will be a competitive one and the Board and national selection committee cannot take the risk of ignoring them in the rubber. The future assignments of the Pakistan team greatly require the services of the duo as they have remained the main hope of the team in the bowling department due to their extraordinary skills. If one goes through the basic reasons of their ouster from the squad, one does find out that it has something to do with the Indian tour. Umar Gul was involved in a row with the team management and he was sent back after the incident involving the coach and captain Shoaib Malik. His spat with them had greatly affected the team discipline and it looks that the Board has decided to teach him a lesson so this type of situation may never happen again. In their absence there are some reservations a cricket lover is having. It is true that the Zimbabwean team is comparatively a weaker side to other cricket playing nations, but the question is that who will spearhead the fast bowling department in the coming series which is going to start from tomorrow. Rao Iftikhar Anjum is the answer of all these queries and worries. He has remained with the team most part of the years after his emergence in world cricket arena and surely possesses the required credentials to demonstrate at the international level with his gentle medium pace and accuracy. Rao Iftikhar Anjum, who represents Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in the domestic season, has represented Pakistan in 39 ODIS. He has remained a bright prospect for the cricket pundits over the years and now the time has come to prove all those opinions correct. He is quite effective due to his high arm action. He bowls within himself and rarely experiments too much. This reflects his mental stability that he seldom went off the line to get success. This habit of experimenting a lot to take a wicket has been a hallmark of some of our bowlers among them the most notable one is Danesh Kaneria. The 27 years old Rao Iftikhar despite this very fact that he was never given enough chances with consistency in the past, has always performed exceptionally well whenever he was selected for national duty. His main weapon are his outswingers. He has been performing at the domestic level with consistency for the last three years. During the said period he has succeeded in taking over 200 wickets in domestic cricket which is quite significant in the sense that lifeless strips in Pakistan are really nightmares for the fast bowlers. Considering all these facts, it can be said without any doubt that the coming series is a golden opportunity for this youngster to prove once and for all that he is a future star. This is also a test of his nerves and skills as he is carrying a big responsibility in the absence of the trio of Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul. He is a very talented and hard working guy and knows very well that this task is going to be a tough one. The team, the nation and the Board are pinning their hopes on this young lad and one does hope that this series proves Rao Iftikhar as a match winner.
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particular sport, the stakes are always very high.
experience of international cricket, but they are a young side and are
confident for their development into a strong and competitive performer side
on the international circuit.
which ended in total dismay with the saddest of all news of the assassination
of ex-Prime Minister Mohtharma Benazir Bhutto. Nevertheless, on the sporting
front, Pakistan surrendered almost everything and like hockey, cricket's
nose-dive was simply unprecedented. With our pride lost in the drowning of
the December 31st sun, we have had our share of turbulence since 1999 -- no
two ways about that whereas there usually is some insipid misgiving of a
silver lining with depressive happenings, this one year seems singularly
devoid of it -- though Pakistan did reach the final of the Twenty20 World Cup
in South Africa.
and the PCB authorities seem on course as they have announced to fit in new
players to somehow secure the future of Pakistan. A few steps that have
recently been taken are indeed commendable such as the inclusion of top
Quaid-e-Azam Trophy performers in a side match and at the national camp. Only
one minor crisis is at hand at moment, the fitness of key players including
the captain, Shoaib Malik. Since Zimbabwe is not a potent side hence this
could also be taken a blessing in disguise to try out as many youngsters as
possible.
series of five One-day Internationals against a comparatively weaker Zimbabwe
side.