What are Pakistan trying to do?!

Good morning all and another wet and windy Joburg day. How brilliant. Things looking a bit dodgy for Pakistan though. Some admin crap...still doing the shifting. I'm too scared to move it all before the end of the month because I wanna disable this blog first...Google might get me for duplication of content. Anyways, back to the cricket.

Pakistan are desperate to win this match so we can win the series...so today, when they won the toss (for once) Shoaib Malik took the bat. So far, it is not paying off. Shahid Afridi went out for a duck in the second over...so there's another opening partnership that sucks. And now Yasir Hameed just went out in the 9th over and Pakistan are 20/2...could it be looking any worse?

-Roll eyes- This is so not good! I still think that Pakistan are better at chasing than scoring big totals. Pressure does us good...erm, sometimes. Now Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf are out there. Please, they have to do something! Though losing this match wouldn't be the worst thing. We'd still have a chance in the final ODI...but knowing Pakistan, we'd lose that, just from the pressure. Ok, some boundaries being made, but we need some serious slogging and clever shots to get us to a decent total.

Let's leave that mound of depression for a while. In other news, Shoaib Akhtar probably won't be playing in the final ODI, but Nasim Ashraf (PCB chairman) insists that he expects the best from Shoaib and the rest of the squad when they go for the tour of India.

"The tour of India is certainly the most important assignment for our team and is perhaps even more important than the World Cup...I expect that all the players, including Shoaib Akhtar, would be at their best behaviour and give 100%.

"I hope that Shoaib will be a changed man on the tour of India,"

"It is his last chance and we all hope that this time he would not waste it. He also has a point to prove and should give his best to silence his critics who believe he is a spent force."

Why would you put such pressure on the team Nasim? While Pakistan-India is always interesting, it's stupid to say that it's more important than the world cup. India is always a bogey team for us, no matter how well we're performing because there's just so much pressure to win. Why can't you just wish them the best and say you'll be proud of them no matter what the result? Then when they come back, you can ax anyone who played badly, quietly.

And Indian bowler RP Singh thinks that because of the way that India lost to Australia, they will surely win against Pakistan. Yeah RP, that makes so much sense. India lose terribly to Australia...and thus, by the natural balance of things, they should win against Pakistan? Whatever. If anyone should get a beamer, it's him...and Sreesanth. That little goblin annoys me to no ends.

Crap...I really have to stop cursing people. I will leave you all in a depressed state. Pakistan are now 38/3, with Mohammad Yousuf just being run out. 13 overs are now over and it's just Shoaib Malik and Misbah-ul-Haq there to do something. And Kamran Akmal I guess, but I don't really set any hopes on him. And now I shall leave, weeping bitterly.

Bye all!

We won, we won, we won, we won!

Now put that next to a picture of me dancing around my room. Yesterday was a good day for my teams. Pakistan won at night and Arsenal totally thrashed Slavia Praha in the evening...so Yay! Not much going on in the cricketing scene though...

The Bob Woolmer inquests continues and basically it's a dissing session for international pathologists to tell the Jamaican ones how much they suck. Reportedly, the pathologists who said that Bob had been strangled were full of crap.

The Pakistan tour of India will clash with the matches of the Indian Cricket League. How very exciting. I don't really care anymore since we got Mohammad Yousuf back. Everyone else sucks and they can go play for money.

Finally, Shahid Afridi has dropped out of the All-star sixes in Hong Kong this weekend, preferring to play against South Africa. And ya...that's it for the day.

And another good morning...

Inshallah Pakistan can bank on another win today. I'm not jinxing it but Pakistan have played well today to restrict South Africa to 194 all out. Even with the almost half centuries from Smith and Kemp, South Africa's batting line-up struggled and no-one else could manage to get more than 20 runs. It's very sad...but yay for Pakistan!

Shahid Afridi and Iftikhar Anjum picked up 3 wickets a piece and Umar Gul got two, restricting the South Africans nicely before cleaning up the tail.

Oh crap. Pakistan are now at 58/2. Everyone got tired of waiting for Imran Nazir to click and so Afridi and Yasir Hameed were sent out to open. While it was nice to pass 5 overs without losing a wicket, Afridi went on his usual slog-out, scoring 32 from 18 balls before being caught by Smith with a good catch. Yasir is a bit expensive though. Yes he can stay at the crease, but he doesn't score much and went out for 18 after 46 balls. Another Salman Butt maybe?

Oh well, now Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan are at the crease and let's hope they can take Pakistan to the end. This match shouldn't be too hard to win...we are staying above the required run rate, which is a nice low 3.65. No-one should get complacent though and since I had a terrible dream about the match last night, I will seriously be praying for the best.

There isn't any confirmation about whether the last match in Karachi is going to be played but officials say:
"A South African security official will go to Karachi today to assess the situation on the ground there...He is expected to report back tomorrow afternoon after which the situation will become clearer."

Ok, and that's it for today. Pakistan are at 63/2...even if they can't go to Karachi, at least set Faisalabad alight.

Come on boys!

Does Hafeez suck that much? Yes!

Hi all and a busy afternoon. It feels so weird...I think I might have attended my last lecture of campus life...and I have no idea what's around the corner. Oh well, at least the Pakistan team know what's happening with them, even if I don't.

Some news today, which I'll be mostly linking since I'm so out of it.

Pakistan is getting tired of the suckiness that Mohammad Hafeez displays and so have replaced him with Khalid Latif. I have no idea who this guy is, but apparently he did well against Australia A. He's supposed to be a much more reliable opener than the current lot, and he may play in the match after next. Cool, it would be nice to see us with a few runs on the board and not being two down.

I guess that's a plus, but Mohammad Asif is still out for the next match tomorrow, since he hasn't recovered from his elbow injury and it's being considered resting him for the whole series, so he'll be fit for the tour of India. While there is the option of Shoaib Akhtar for the final match (his ban will run out by then), it's still a question whether the final will even be played, as it happens in Karachi, where all the bombs and crap are going on. -Roll eyes-

Finally, Pakistan are putting their feet down and will fight to protect one of their best batsman, after discovering there's a possibility that Mohammad Yousuf could be taken to court for cancelling his contract with the rebel Indian Cricket League.

Naseem Ashraf, chairman of the PCB says:

"The ICL cannot prevent him from playing for Pakistan. Yousuf signed a contract for them but later he cancelled it and since the ICL has not started yet, any other player or he can do this,"

Big words man, big words. Can I say how typical it is for Indian's to screw things up? Lol, but I won't and it's wrong. Cheers all!

Any reason to be afraid?

I really shouldn't update during the last over but I couldn't put off updating any longer. It looks like Pakistan will win this one, Inshallah. They need 27 runs from the last over with Umar Gul bowling at the death. He's very good at this. Unfortunately for South Africa, I don't see them winning this. 27 is a massive effort...and why should they win this? They can win the rugby world cup this evening!

Ok and we won! Yay! First time since I've started writing this blog that we've won something! Well done Pakistan!

Now a brief overview as I have to move on to less interesting things before the rugby World Cup final tonight. I have no idea what the rules are and the only way I'll know South African players is by their uniforms. But I have some patriotism to my country of residence...and rugby is the only way I can do that because I hate the cricket team and would be ashamed supporting such a pathetic soccer team. Anyways, moving on. I know South African's read this...please don't get me wrong, I love SA...maybe not as much as Pakistan but I do have a true affection for my country(s).

Pakistan won the match by 25 runs. Their openers left them lacking as per usual and if it wasn't for the century by Mohammad Yousuf and half century by Shoaib Malik, we would have been in serious trouble. Kamran Akmal went out for a duck (if it wasn't for his average wicketkeeping, he would so be out of the squad) and Imran Nazir followed him a few overs later for 2. If this guy doesn't have a good game next time, he can also kiss his place bye-bye.

A nice partnership was building between MoYo and Younis Khan and it was unfortunate the way Younis went out, caught out of his crease as MoYo waved him back from a run. My favourite captain comes out and has quite a decent innings, scoring 56 from 52 balls (without making a single 4, only 6's, lol). Misbah-ul-Haq started off quite well and scored 21 before being caught by Smith. Shahid Afridi makes me laugh...he plays like me. Hits a boundary and then goes out. He smacked a six off Kallis before going out the next ball. We have to stop thinking of Afridi as a match-winner or someone who can turn things around. Yes he can play brilliantly sometimes, but he's too inconsistent and either does two things under pressure...smashes all around the field or goes out. MoYo only went out in the second last over for a brilliant and match saving 117. The last two overs were a debacle however as Pakistan lost Abdur Rehman and Iftikhar Anjum in quick succession and it was only a 6 and a few quick singles by the tail to bring Pakistan to 265.

I didn't know they implemented the no ball equals free hit in ODI's but I guess they did. Despite an early no-ball, Gibbs goes out for a royal duck. Next to fall was Kallis who also went out without scoring a run. While things were looking pretty for Pakistan...what happened to the fielding performances from the Twenty20?! This was atrocious with numerous dropped catches. Gul dropped Smith in the 11th over...and the next over, De Villiers was dropped as well, both easy catches. Smith was dropped again in the 15th over and I think the man's evolving into the cat with 9 lives. De Villiers put a decent 35 on the scoreboard before going out. During an over by Afridi, Smith basically lobs the ball back at him and Afridi drops it...pathetic.

Kemp couldn't get a good wind and he and Boucher left, not putting much on the board and despite Smith's presence, things were looking good for Pakistan. Smith finally went out in the 35th over and Pakistan should have cleaned up the rest...Pakistan is a team of gentlemen however and they have to give the other team a sporting chance -roll eyes-. Morkel started creating some trouble with Pollock and was dropped in the 39th over. How many dropped catches have their been now? Finally Morkel was run out and Pollock also left by the 46th over. Unfortunately, Pakistan let them go to the last over before SA was 240 all out.

And that's that. Have a good day Pakistani's and Go Springboks!

And isn't it a beautiful morning?

No-one call the cops. I'm not on drugs just very very very happy. Does anyone want to hear me sing? because I'll do it. Seriously, take cover.

Ok, moving on to the cricket which is not that cheerful. Does 133 dead people sound cheerful to you? So let's talked about how completely screwed in the head Pakistani's are...and they are. In your bid to protest some stupid witch returning to Pakistan, you blow yourself up and take 133 people with you? What's wrong with you? Could anyone be more lacking in grey matter? You want to kill someone, hire a flippin' sniper!

So with Pakistan looking so safe at the moment, the South African's are quite scared. I don't really think they have to be, unless they change their names to Benazir Bhutto and start screwing the life out of the Pakistani's, some of them can also be Musharaf. That increases your chances of getting shot too. I don't even live in Pakistan and I'm so pissed, I can't imagine how everyone else feels.

Michael Owen-Smith, the South African's media manager says:
"The safety and security of the team is paramount at all times. We have been shocked by the news and our thoughts are with those who lost their loved ones and with those who have been injured.

"Beyond this point, we now consult Cricket South Africa officials with the PCB and with our own security consultants before taking any decision. The situation is fluid. I can't comment or speculate further as we first need to assess the incident."

We'll see what happens with that and I'll keep you updated. Next, anyone feeling the urge to play in India was participate in the Indian Premier League, a Twenty20 tournament thingy and Pakistan Cricket Board has cleared 7 players to play for it.

And finally, the pathologist who said that Bob Woolmer was strangled to death will testify next week to why he said this. Other pathologists have criticized his methods and it was his fault that the whole controversy around Woolmer's death started.

And ya, that's it for today. Have a good one!

At least it's just the the PCB XI

Or I would be seriously pissed off. In the warm up match between South Africa and the Pakistan Cricket Board XI, South Africa annihilated them...like seriously.

Boucher and De Villiers both made centuries to beat them in the warm up by 176 runs. Pathetic hey...but it is just a warm up, but it unfortunately warms up SA in a winning streak. C'mon Pakistan, don't let this happen during the ODI's!!!

I don't want to0 go too much into this since I'm pretty ignorant about cricket that doesn't involve national teams. I suppose it would be a learning experience but with exams coming up, I'm tired of learning, so you'll excuse me for being a bit lazy.

Anyone who thought that the Bob Woolmer inquest would be a quiet affair talking about how inept the Jamaican police was is so wrong! Some 'new' evidence has come out, a chambermaid has come forward with her testimony of what she saw when she entered his room and it doesn't sound good.

"I started to look around the room, and I noticed that there was a chair
that was overturned,"

"There was blood on the pillow and the bed. I
continued looking around
the room and didn't see him. And then I went into
the bathroom. The door was
closed, I knocked, got no response, then I tried
to open the door but I couldn't
open it as something was pressing against
it."

And that was Bob. It sounds so messy and disturbing and basically hints that there was more to the story than a heart attack. Do people vomit blood during a heart attack? Not that I've heard of...

There's also the story that someone could have been with him at the time of his death. If there was...then that's disgusting. Though I have a very simple question that's been going through my mind since the start of this whole debacle. Surely hotels have security camera's, right? I mean c'mon, that's not brain surgery...though on the other hand, the Caribbean has stadiums without floodlights...talk about primitive.

Yes, that's very stereotypical of me...sorry. I hope to be enlightened some day soon.

Today I found lots of news!

Nice weather here today...except I'm a bit cold...and sleepy...and hungry. Ah, the life of s student. Since I couldn't take the initiative to start my varsity assignments yet, I decided to take initiative in another way and surfed some sites for more cricket news than just what Cricinfo gives. True this kind of initiative won't let me pass the year, but who cares when all I want to do is make people read this? Yesterday I had a new record...10 visits in one day...Whoo-freakin-Hoo! Lots to talk about...I guess.

I don't know what's up with India's and Pakistan's fans. It's like they're still so sore and bitter about all those years of colonialism that they feel being racist (like the colonialists were during that time) is totally going to even things out. And in the end, they just look really stupid. And they probably end up going to jail. Four Pakistani fans were arrested for abusing the South African team in Lahore and the ICC really is cracking down on the subcontinent, where Indian fans are also talking crap. It really isn't cool to yell racist rants at the Australians or the South Africans. Isn't it more productive to beat them in the game? I think I've made my point in a roundabout way and we can move on.

Nasim Ashraf, PCB chairman feels that Shoaib Akhtar needs some psychiatric evaluation and counseling. For his anger management problems? For his issues with authority? Hmmm, there's so much going on with this guy. But he is behaving for now...so let's take advantage of his pace before he gets himself banned for life.

Pakistan were a bit late in asking the BCCI whether it was possible to change a test match in their India series to two Twenty20 matches, with the proceeds going to Bob Woolmer's family. The Indian Cricket Board rejected the request saying it was too late to change the games. While that is a noble gesture, I still can't agree with the two-test series format. You can't just play two tests, it has no point since the team who won first can't lose the series then. More open-endedness please!

Finally, an inquest has been started in the Caribbean about the death of Bob Woolmer, 5 months after he passed away. I mean, while it was the Pakistani teams fault that he died (admit it guys, they killed him with their pathetic cricket display and exit), you can't really charge them for that and the whole hallabaloo that they made in the West Indies, blaming everyone from Inzamam-ul-Haq to Bugs Bunny was pretty disgusting. So according to them, they have to conduct this inquest...because the last one was such a mess? Ag, you can try and work it out.

And that's it. Cheers all.

What to write about...

I didn't think writing a Pakistani cricket blog would be so hard, but wow. Unless there's actual cricket being played, there isn't ever much to write about. Guess I'll have to be creative.

But before then, I'd like to do some shameless self-advertising. You know I love cricket, but football is also something that appeals to me a lot, and in the quest for winning something besides that trophy for hurdles in grade 6, I wrote this article. Obviously, don't bother reading it if you aren't interested in football, but it would be great if you went in there and gave a comment.

Now, on with the cricket...or lack thereof. Graeme Smith obviously had to get sick...I mean, who goes to Pakistan without getting some kinda stomach bug? Unfortunately, I don't think it's gonna hurt him too much. I mean, when you can eat wors in SA (they're these totally gross fat sausages you get here, above...I guess it's an acquired taste...an acquired taste for food that makes you puke) a little Pakistani food can't hurt you. I miss Pakistan...all I think about is food there nowadays. I don't know whether it was because of the fasts or it's because I'm so looking forward to my end-of-year trip there.

Anyways, the cricket will start again on the 18th, with an ODI in Lahore. Good news for the matches though, we'll be having the return of our hungry veteran Shahid Afridi (he's hungry because he was fasting, get it?) and somewhat stars of the Twenty20 World Cup Sohail Tanvir and Imran Nazir.

The rest of the team will stay the same obviously, with the exceptions of Inzamam-ul-Haq (duh), Taufeeq Umar, Danish Kaneria and Faisal Iqbal. Mohammad Asif is a doubt though, but Umar Gul is there to smash a few wickets (I hope).

The official squad is:
1 Shoaib Malik (capt), 2 Mohammad Yousuf, 3 Younis Khan, 4 Shahid Afridi, 5 Salman Butt, 6 Mohammad Hafeez, 7 Imran Nazir, 8 Kamran Akmal, 9 Misbah-ul-Haq, 10 Mohammad Asif, 11 Umar Gul, 12 Rao Iftikhar Anjum, 13 Yasir Hameed, 14 Abdur Rehman, 15 Sohail Tanvir.

Now let's talk about Imran Nazir. I like the guy, I honestly do and not just because he's cute. He has some natural talent and he's flippin' scary when he gets going. The thing I don't like is that he's a maniac who plays like a real idiot sometimes...though I did notice that he was a lot more sober and controlled when injured. So here's my theory. Just before he goes to open, Shoaib Malik gives him a quick knee in the groin...then wishes him a good game. That'll do wonders, I'm telling you! We'll start having century partnerships again!

And that is all. Please guys, please read the article linked above and give a comment or two. It'll make me feel better...seriously.

You rock Inzi!

Are great batsmen cursed? Brian Lara ended his career with a whimper, Inzi couldn't beat Javed Miandad's record and even Don Bradman was bowled for a duck in his last innings. But really, is that important? But...are you great by how you spent your time at the crease or how you left it finally? Don Bradman is still remembered as the greatest batsman of all time and Inzamam Ul Haq will still be remembered as the solid wall that kept Pakistan cricket together for so many years.

I know I've kinda shown that I wasn't a fan of Inzi, but in the end of the day, he was a great player, batsman and captain. He deserves our respect and we (Pakistani's) should be proud that he played for us. We wish you all the best Inzi, whatever you're doing after this. Thank you for everything. Here's a very nice homage by players all over the world to Inzi.

His words to the crowd and the world:

"I am going today but I would like to thank you for all the support that you all have given me for the last 17 years. I would also like to thank the members of the board for giving me this opportunity. I would like to thank you the selectors also for selecting me for these 17 years. I thank my seniors and colleagues for supporting me. Special mention to the boys, in this team, who played under my captaincy and for extending support.

I thank my family, my brother and sisters. Especially, my father, who would be really sad that I am quitting the game. Also, my wife for supporting me thick and thin through everything.

"Unfortunately I couldn't finish this game on a high. But that's the way it goes sometimes."

Inzi then returned to his team, arriving to big hugs and Shoaib Malik weeping away. Despite my best efforts, I still haven't found the video of that. Hopefully will find something by Sunday...

Ok. Now I have to stop weeping and get on with cricket news. We drew the match, which is better than losing, obviously, but a win would have been nice. Younus Khan and Kamran AKmal were doing very well from the start, poor Kamran went out for 71, a nice innings that may have saved his Pakistani career. Mohommad Yousuf finally got the hang of things and the two 'You's were making a nice partnership until Younus went out at 130...at least he made a century. Yousuf and Malik stayed until the end, but when it was obvious that Pakistan couldn't win this, the match was declared a draw.

Vice-Captain Salman Butt is in trouble for complaining about the umpiring and saying that MoYo wasn't supposed to be out. I'd probably agree with his, except that cricket is a game where the umpire is always right (except Darrell Hair, hehe) and complaining about decisions not going your way is kinda stupid, especially since he lost 50 % of his match fees.

Finally, umpire Rudi Koertzen may be investigated by the ICC after Darrell Hair insisted that Koertzen called the Pakistani team a bunch of cheats over the phone at his tribunal. Obviously, the PCB encouraged this.

So the end of another day of cricket. Well done South Africa, you played well. Eid Mubarak to all Muslim readers, you won't see an update tomorrow because of that and everyone else...just take the day off if you have work and say you're supporting tolerance in religion. :-D

Have a great day and weekend everyone!

A draw maybe?

Ever since I started writing this blog, things haven't been looking good for Pakistan cricket. I'm hoping that we'll have better luck in the ODI's and at best, Pakistan could manage a draw with this second test. I hope it's a draw! I don't want Pakistan to lose the series so badly...

News today...well, they declared at 305/4 and with Salman Butt going out for 6 early, it seemed like another bad day. But Kamran Akmal and Younus Khan are both almost on 50...wouldn't it be nice if they got centuries? Pakistan need 349 runs on the last day...not a really gettable total, unless they start playing Twenty20-esque cricket without losing the wickets.

I can't talk about it. It's too depressing really. Let's talk about something just as cheerful...Mohammad Asif's elbow. He's been ruled out for the rest of the Test and may only play later on in the ODI's, after suffering from a recurrent elbow injury...it's a slight inflammation, but whatever.

Shoaib Akhtar is seriously not a happy chappie, being handed a 13 match ban (which includes the Twenty20 tournament...meaning he could play in the last ODI against SA) and a huge fine of US$57,000 for disciplinary infractions. He's also on a 2-year probationary period, meaning if he screws up once more, he'll be banned for life. Does anyone want to bet with me over how long before he's banned? I say 5 months, tops.

Akhtar says:

"I have apologised to Asif, my team-mates, the country. It was a nightmare for me and something that happened in the heat of the moment. I have suffered enough in the last four weeks.

"I want to put this matter behind me now and focus on cricket. I want to thank the board for considering this matter carefully. I will pay what penalties I have to but I want to get ready for India now."

It would be nice to let him play in India...not only is it a chance for him to relive past glories (so he says), it would also be great to see Pakistan with a 3-pronged fast bowling attack. Asif, Akhtar and Umar Gul. Guess we'll have to see.

Now I'm out of here...c'mon Pakistan, you can draw this...

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.

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.

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!

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!