Sunday, September 30, 2007

Miandad talks, Hair talks, let's all talk

Morning all, and it's such nice weather here today. Too bad another week starts tomorrow.

So, while we're all warily happy about Mohammad Yousuf returning to the squad, we're not the only one's questioning his commitment to Pakistan. My quite distant relative however, Javed Miandad, who seems to spend his days moaning and complaining, says that Yousuf should have been loyal to the Indian Cricket League firstly, because he's a Muslim.

While I don't exactly see what being a Muslim has to do with betraying your country, but Javed sees a strong, strong link.

"How can they [the Pakistan board] allow Yousuf to sign a contract in vague knowing he is already signed on by the ICL? Where is the fair play and veracity? What message are we giving out to the world about our players?,"

"Once a Muslim gives his word, leave alone sign a document he has to fulfill it regardless of the consequences. And even if Yousuf was keen on playing for Pakistan, while being contracted to the ICL, he should have informed the PCB."

Yes Javed, since you're the epitome of all that is good and loyal. Did you notice all Miandad does is complain? He never said a word during the Twenty20 when Pakistan was winning, he just needs something negative to latch on to.

Next, South Africa's game against Patrons XI, which is like Pakistan B team (something I only found out today, lol) was drawn. SA is happy just to have a draw at this stage and couch Mickey Arthur says he's happy with the way the team played. Let's see how happy he is tomorrow when the first Test starts.

Lastly, Australian Darrell Hair, being a hair-loss commercial guy that he is is now suing the ICC for racial discrimination. He got fired as an international umpire when he accused Pakistan of ball-tampering, leading to the first ever forfeit in the history of Test cricket. Pakistan were cleared of the charges...which pissed him off since he got fired. The thing that made him really angry was that West Indian Billy Doctrove didn't get fired too, since he was with him at the Oval. That's true friendship right there...

And it's the man's birthday today. Happy Birthday Darrell, I'm sure turning 55 will take away the pain of losing your court case. Yes, I'm mean, I know.

Saturday, September 29, 2007

So what's the real story?

Do you think that Shoaib Akhtar just lost his mind one day and decided to take the bat to Mohammad Asif? Because that's what Asif says, and Akhtar is going to have to face a disciplinary committee to explain why he couldn't keep his bat to himself. especially if you're a bowler...dude, what were you even doing with the bat?

Shoaib's side of the story is that he meant to hit Shahid Afridi (which isn't much better) but accidentally hit Asif. According to him, Afridi was the culprit. According to them, Shoaib just has anger management issues.

The head of the PCB's disciplinary committee says:

"We have issued a notice to Shoaib and asked him to appear before the committee on October 6 to record his statement,"

"Besides Shoaib, Asif and Afridi [will] also be examined on Oct. 6 and we will also question the team manager and some players."
Ah, this sounds like the good old days, when the Pakistan team was in controversial disarray. I I hope this is just a blip though...would it be such a loss for Pakistani cricket if Shoaib left? In the last two major tournaments, he hasn't been there for us and both exclusions were of his own doing. Let's see if they let him in for the second test...

As far as the first test goes, Polly (Shaun Pollock) might actually have a chance to be in the squad again, after Morne Morkel (preferred over Polly) picked up a slight injury in his foot, he'll be undergoing a fitness test tomorrow...Shaun's fate hangs in the balance until then. Ok, that's a melodramatic cliche...I think I'd rather have Polly in the team though, mainly because it seems better for Pakistan.

The test starts Monday, hope you're all having a good weekend!

Friday, September 28, 2007

Lots of news today...

Morning all, or afternoon or evening, where the heck you're from.

Whole bunch of things happening. Religion is waking up with Shahid Afridi, who asked to be excused from the two tests against South Africa because he's fasting. I have to say I admire that...when he gets the time, he can also work on his batting.

"I asked the Pakistan board to allow me to skip the two Tests against South Africa because it would be difficult to fast and play in Ramadan,"

"We lost the final due to poor batting and I apologised to the fans for not doing my part in the final but that did not influence my decision of not playing Tests."


So, the two things aren't connected and we'll have Afridi back in time for the one-days, to hopefully mow through South Africa's middle order. Did you notice I don't have much loyalty to my country of residence? Maybe I would if the team weren't a bunch of arrogant chokers...though I did feel sorry for them when they lost to India.

While I'm happy Mohammad Yousef is back in the squad, I still have some doubts about his loyalty. I like the guy, I mean, he's a converted Muslim and that's great, but he took his exclusion from the Twenty20 squad bitterly and went to ICL, knowing that his chances of playing in Pakistan again would be very low. The only reason he's back is because he's a good player and Pakistan need him when it comes to Tests and ODI's
"Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan,"

"I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously."

Wasn't there a loyalty bonus thrown in there? Whatever MoYo, you know you left for money and pride. No-one is that 'bholla-bhalla' (innocent and naive). Try scoring a century o two against SA and then maybe we'll forgive you for selling out.

Since Inzimam ul Haq retired from ODI, we all knew his career was over, despite him saying he was available for Test matches. So it's a given that he wasn't included in the squad to face SA, though dear Misbah-ul-Haq was and frankly, Misbah deserves this place. I hope he can really make a difference to the squad. Shoaib Akhter isn't in the squad however, probably for the safety of the other players, in case he wants to go on a random vendetta with a cricket bat.

Pakistan squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed, Taufeeq Umar, Abdur Rehman

Finally no-one will have to feel the fear since Shaun Pollock is out for the first test, basically because he sucks but more diplomatically stated as 'South Africa is giving younger bowlers a chance'. Shaun is surprised obviously, since he feels he'll be deadly even bowling at 100.

Have a good iftaari all, or sehri, or whatever. Just go eat.

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Can Pakistan carry on winning?

Yes, according to our dear captain. He thinks the team really shoed their talent during the Twenty20 tournament and their good form can be carried on to the one day series against South Africa. South Africa arrived today in Pakistan for a month long tour that involves two tests and five one day games.

Shoaib says:
"South Africa are a very good team so we have to be at our best to beat them. But I am confident that we have some good players who can transform their Twenty20 form into Test cricket,"

He also talks about the final against India and does concede that it was Pakistan who played badly. But it is still nice to see how Pakistan made a comeback from the crap ICC World Cup a few months back when they got kicked out in the 1st group stages...the only good point being is that at least India went out too, lol.

"Twenty20 cricket is different, so a player can come good at one time and can fail in the next, so all the available players made the team stronger..."No, it's not that we were playing against India, There was no such pressure. We batted poorly and India defended an achievable target of 158. But all in all it was a good final and a very good tournament for Pakistan."

"The players are very committed and that was proved by their performances,"

"We don't think about what happened in the past; our focus is on the future, especially on the series against South Africa, then the tour of India and finally on the series against Australia."

So things sounding good for Pakistan cricket at the moment. Don't know how long it'll last though. SA will be looking to prove that they're not chokers by playing well against Pakistan...which doesn't really prove anything since they are a good team when it comes to normal matches. Though I have hope for Pakistan...I'm hoping this is a start of a new era when we have a good team that's not selling the matches, Whoohoo!

Lol, I'm exuberant and there's really great weather here which puts me in a good mood. Have a great day everyone...well, the 5 readers who've been here so far.

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

A quiet morning...

Unfortunately, that's the problem with cricket. There's not always much going on, especially when there aren't any matches being played. It's not like soccer where there's always something happening, even if it is off the pitch. Cricket doesn't have the controversial players who do stupid things...I mean, they do, but since the Pakistan team started behaving, we have a serious lack of controversy...which is a blessing I'm sure.

I guess the Twenty20 news will have to continue...

Cricinfo has player ratings about the top 20 bowlers and batsmen from Twenty20 based on technical ratings and a bunch of math that scares me. Pakistan obviously has a few in there.

Batsman:
At number 5 is Misbah-ul-Haq. Obviously a given, the man has saved us from humiliating defeats twice. I mean, we were defeated, but it was very close both times. I don't think anyone can make a fuss that he was chosen over Mohammad Yousuf...but I think it would have been nice if we had brought both along...maybe left Younus Khan at home?
For some strange reason, Imran Farhat is in the list at 9...did he even play? I mean, I watched every one of Pakistan's matches, but I really can't remember him. I thought we went to play for the Indian League? Must be domestic stats.
Right after him is our Cap'n Shoaib Malik. Except for the final match, he's played like a pro. A cute, cool-minded pro. Beautiful to watch.
Number 14 goes to Asif Hussain. Youngish player...not in the tournament. All his stats from domestic cricket.
At 17 is Abdul Razzaq. Once again I have to question exclusions from the squad...Why aren't these players there when they have good figures? Though obviously, those are all numbers to me and they could random stats about Pakistan's nucleur cababilities and I seriously wouldn't know the difference.

Bowlers:
Fawad Alam in at number 4. Really should have played in the Final...extra batsman and bowler for us...also, he's so cute to watch. He looks like a kid. I'm sounding alot more like a girl now and less like a hardened and informed Pakistani fan, right?
Sohail Ahmed comes in at number 5. Wasn't in the team...can't comment.
7 is Umar Gul, one of the most deserving and he played beautifully to restrict teams at the death.
Mushtaq Ahmed right behind him. I didn't even know he played Twenty20, he's like 37, which translates to ancient in cricket.
I'm sure there's one or two more obscure Pakistani players in that list but my last focus is on Shoaib Malik at 17. He rocks, what more can I say?

There's a list of all rounders too. Shoaib, Fawad and Imran Farhat are in there, also Abdul Razzaq. Too tired to write more now.

I think that's enough for the day. Here's the article where I got the info from...if you can stomach the math and numbers.

Have a good day!

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Only an Indian wouldn't celebrate

Now if Pakistan had won yesterday, I wouldn't have cared about anything! People could talk and write all the crap they want but for me, the fact that we had the cup would be the be all and end all of my happiness. Obviously, Indians don't share my sensibilities and they have picked up on Shoaib Malik's comments during the post-match presentation and are trying to make it into a political event.

Shoaib said:

"First of all I want to say something over here. I want to thank you back home Pakistan and where the Muslim lives all over the world."
This wasn't the most grammatically correct or wisest of things to say, but I don't think that making it into a huge deal is going to achieve anything. Maybe not all Muslims are like me and put being a Muslim before anything else...but I think we do have some loyalty to our religion and if it came down to two teams taking each other on, and we didn't have a higher alliance, wouldn't you support the Muslim team?

Bangladesh against anyone besides Pakistan in the cricket? I'd support the Bengalis.
Saudi Arabia vs. Portugal in soccer? Saudi Arabia, though I know they suck and are gonna lose, that's besides the point.

So all Muslims in the world don't support Pakistan but I don't think Shoaib was making Pakistan the representatives of Islamic cricket. I'd like to think that he was thanking Muslim's for their prayers or it was just a slip of the tongue, where he couldn't find the words to thank Pakistani's living all over the world and said 'Muslims' instead. Maybe I'm making excuses and putting religion in a secular sport was a bit dodgy, but hey, he's a new and learning captain. So what if he said something that wasn't 100% politically correct? And if it insulted Indian Muslims or any other Muslims who didn't support Pakistan, then you just have to get over it. The world is not a pretty sparkling place where unicorns frolic and people say everything you want to hear.

And is it just me, or did an Indian Hindu make the most fuss about it on Cricinfo? You can read his article here. I know that his comments are relevant, but have you seen Shoaib Malik spouting off jihadist nonsense through the tournament? No he hasn't, this Pakistan team isn't the religious team of 6 months ago and aren't going to bring religion into the game, except for the occasional "Inshallah" and "I'd like to thank Almighty Allah"...what's wrong with that? Shoaib will learn from his mistakes and I'm sure someone is there to point them out. But I know some people won't shut up and will milk this opportunity to the end instead of letting it rest as the words of a inexperienced captain, trying to express himself in a language that isn't his own, especially considering how bad he must feel about the whole situation. And of all people that realises that there are Muslims that are loyal to India only, who better to know this than the captain, who has an Indian Muslim wife?

So seriously, let it go and move on!

Monday, September 24, 2007

A New Start...

Well, I'm really disappointed about how the Twenty20 Final ended up...I thought we were going to win for sure...well, before Younus decided to throw the match. But I love my team and I'm proud of what they achieved, so I decided to start this blog about Pakistani cricket. Maybe there won't always be something to write about, but hey, this is a new start for me and the Pakistan cricket team, because they showed us what they can do...

I thought I'd do some player ratings, based on todays match, rated out of 10. It kinda hurts having to think back when we came so close, but I'll be strong. Don't mind me if I burst into tears all over again after I write this.

Mohammad Hafeez (3/10): Mohammad's been a decent player for Pakistan this tournament and we were hoping that if he couldn't shine in the bowling, he could at least get a few solid runs on the board before going out. Hafeez had other plans in mind and threw his wicket away quickly by the third ball, which wasn't especially surprising, but we thought he could have done better, as he did against New Zealand. We also blame him for pushing Rohit Sharma's ball over the boundary for a 6 which seemed an obvious, if not easy out. And relying on 'if'...if he had caught that ball, we would have won!

Imran Nazir (7/10): He's been pretty sucky the first few matches, going out within 10 runs along with his opening partner and it wasn't until Bangladesh and New Zealand that Imran started to show what he could do. He also had a brilliant start today (I seriously think he can play better injured) but unfortunately couldn't keep going because that idiot Younus decided to take a quick single when he knew his partner was injured. He was run out, possibly dawdling a bit and in hindsight, Pakistan's hopes went with him back to the dugout.

Kamran Akmal (5/10): Kamran's been a decent wicketkeeper for us the whole tournament, but his batting is atrocious and I question Malik's decision of bringing him in at number 3, basically giving the Indian's another wicket without us gaining anything from it. He went out for 0 after 3 balls...I really think we need a new wicketkeeper, one who can bat and not drop the ball. 19-year-old Sarfraz Ahmed coming to mind as a replacement.

Younus Khan (1/10): Sorry to be biased, but I blame this man for losing us the match. Not only did he call for the run that ended Imran Nazir, he also took a pointless attempted straight drive that became an ugly heave going straight to the fielder and became an omen for the collapse of Pakistan's middle order...well, basically the whole teams collapse. Also, batting like that from an experienced and senior player is disgusting and I hope Younus never plays for Pakistan again.

Shoaib Malik (7.5/10): Oh Captain, my captain! I'm a big fan of Malik for years and I think he did an excellent job with this tournament, leading from the front, usually with the bat but he's decent with the ball too. It's been him and Misbah keeping the middle order going until the end of the match (except today) and I guess it was a combination of nerves and pressure that made our brilliant captain hit straight to the fielder at midwicket. At first, no-one knew what happened and as the realization sunk in, the first hints of real and scary doubts were planted in our heads.

Misbah-ul-Haq (9/10): Misbah is seriously the man. It's sad that he was discovered so late in the side (he's 33) but no-one can diss him for not bringing us the cup. Her took us near victory against the Indians twice this tournament and my heart goes out to him left kneeling at the crease when he lost his wicket. I will concede that his final shot was dodgy and unnecessary, but after not scoring 1 in two balls against India before, I can't blame him for trying to get it over and done with. I hope he gets a place in the one day side because it's thoroughly deserved, way ahead of Younus 'idiot' Khan. A real find, if a bit old, for Pakistan.

Shahid Afridi (6/10): I think we have to re-evaluate Shahid's contribution to the side and I think some official declaration should be made to get 'Boom Boom' removed from his name. Shahid is now a bowler who can bat a little and matches should not depend on him. He's made little contributions with the bat this tournament, but he's really handy with the ball. He mixes things up nicely, resulting in a wicket or two but he completely loses his head when he gets the bat, especially in a pressure situation, resulting in his 'Let's see if I can kill a bird' aerial shot that ends with a run-less innings.

Yasir Arafat (5.5/10): A weird choice for the final, especially since he only bowled two overs without getting a wicket. Fawad Alam should have been played ahead of him, in my opinion. Was OK with the bat, scoring 15 from 16 balls before being bowled. I can't diss him, he did try, like the whole team did and he brought us somewhat closer to the total, along with Misbah and Tanwir.

Sohail Tanvir (7/10): With the second lowest economy rate and 1 wicket, Tanwir has been a real find for Pakistan, because alot of batmen haven't played him before and take a while to get used to him and his unorthodox action, if they don't go out before then. Tanwir can be hit around and he has the propensity to try bowling around the wicket which ends in no balls and free hits but he has the potential, that he's shown often that he can be a good addition to the Pakistan side as a medium-fast bowler...along with Anwar Ali and Jamshed Ahmed (a mini-Wasim Akram), also great potentials for Pakistan, even though they weren't involved in the tournament. A nice find for losing Shoaib Akhtar and I'm sure Shoaib can be at peace knowing that the Pakistani bowling attack didn't fail us. Sohail also took a few sixes that had us out of our seats, eyes alight (warily) with hope.

Umar Gul (9/10): I love this man. He's been a brilliant bowler for Pakistan this whole tournament, especially bowling brilliantly at the death, usually resulting in a few wickets when the batting team is hoping for a final surge. Unfortunately, he didn't quite make it to the death today, his services being needed earlier than expected but he took 3 important wickets, that kept the Indian total down to a manageable (so we thought) 157. He's the highest wicket taker of the tournament and I can totally forgive him for the funny streaked hairstyle.

Mohammad Asif (6.5/10): Good player, usually, bowling at the start, but gave India 13 runs from the first over, which was pretty disturbing. He only took one wicket and anyone expecting the same kind of haul he took against India in the first match had to be disappointed. Everyone was terrified at his arrival at the crease but he stunned as all by edging a ball for a four from his first and only ball of the tournament. A very good bowler but can be hit around when he gets excited.

And that's it. Players worth mentioning are Salman 'thook thook' Butt, who almost lost us the Bangladesh match with his annoying inability to play anything besides a block shot. He's a good player, but not suited for this format of the game. Fawad Alam also showed that he has a lot of potential and I wish it had been him in the final.

Things I liked about the team:
-Team Spirit: It was beautiful to see a happier and more put together team, that congratulated each other for the good and didn't blame for the bad. Though I did think it was funny when Hafeez dived pointlessly for a ball, resulting in a misfield and Afridi yelling "Fazool ki diving mat karo!" (don't do stupid diving!)
-Fielding: If they carry on like this, Pakistan may become one of the best fielding sides in the world. While today's match was rife with sloppy fielding, I think this was brought about by nerves but otherwise, they've run hard, thrown accurately and cleanly, hitting the stumps mostly rather than not and it's great to see them like this.
-Fitness: Besides injuries, this is not a Pakistan team that will fall over in the middle of the pitch (sad flashback to the time of Wasim Akram and Inzimam-ul-Haq). They can dive, jump, do cartwheels (well, that guy with the mustache could) and have all become fitness freaks, according to coach Geoff Lawson.

So that's it, my first post and a despicably long one and one I doubt that many people will read, but hey, it's just the start. I could go on about what I didn't like about the team but I think I've given the gist of it with the player ratings.

Even if Pakistan didn't win the tournament, they've shown what they are capable of and it's so great to see that Pakistan are doing well, after almost a decade of decline. A few more kinks to iron out and I can see the World Cup in our grasp. We're a team that can go from strength to strength and I'm proud of our boys of getting so far and trying so hard!

Pakistan Zindabad!