Tag Archives: PCT

Dissection of Pakistan’s WT20 2014 Debacle

The problems are larger than what some may think. The cure will need time, not just a cure on the pitch, or with the administration, but with the mindset.

Pakistan have ended their World T20 campaign for 2014 in demoralizing circumstances. The winner-takes-all match against West Indies promised much but failed to deliver anything of substantial note. This was Pakistan’s first WT20 without reaching the semi finals at the very least. What was the problem then? Why did Pakistan succumb so easily, admittedly to the world champions? The answers to these questions are not so straightforward as to change 2-3 players and all will be good. The problems are larger than what some may think. The cure will need time, not just a cure on the pitch, or with the administration, but with the mindset. Continue reading

No Leniency for Ball Tamperers

Instead of making a fool out of himself, it would have been better for du Plessis to apologize for his actions and promise to never repeat them.

Instead of making a fool out of himself, it would have been better for du Plessis to apologize for his actions and promise to never repeat them.

The Faf du Plessis ball tampering incident has not received the attention it deserved and the discussion was instead shifted to whether ball tampering is a crime or not. People argue that everyone does it and it’s just a matter of how well you can hide it. Regarding the incident itself, du Plessis got away with just a fine of 50% of his match fee. He, along with AB de Villiers, still claims that South Africa are not cheats. Continue reading

Pakistan Cricket: What lies ahead?

 

The first-leg exit of Pakistan from the prestigious tournament has raised a lot of questions.

The first-leg exit of Pakistan from the prestigious tournament has raised a lot of questions.

By Muhammad Asif Khan

With high hopes the men in green embarked on a trip to England around a month before the historic Champions Trophy to get accustomed to the conditions. Even before leaving the country the boys were trained at Abbottabad – a relatively cooler place – to get the English weather feel. However, the first-leg exit from the prestigious tournament has raised a lot of questions back home. Continue reading

“PCB has come a long way since the 2010 incident”-Zaka Ashraf

Zaka Ashraf is confident and claims that PCB has placed a concrete mechanism to avoid the recurrence of disgraceful incidents like the spot-fixing saga in 2010.

Zaka Ashraf is confident and claims that PCB has placed a concrete mechanism to avoid the recurrence of disgraceful incidents like the spot-fixing saga in 2010.

By: Mohammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: The 2010 event in England rocked the very foundations of Pakistani Cricket, however, the incumbent chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is confident and claims that the PCB has placed a concrete mechanism to avoid the recurrence of such disgraceful incidents. “We [Pakistan Cricket Board] have framed a formidable code of conduct along with a strict vigilance mechanism to keep a check on such matters”, Zaka Ashraf told this correspondent for News One TV. Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt, fast bowlers Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir were jailed in London, while the ICC suspended the trio for their involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2010. “The PCB has a separate anti-corruption code and all measures are also mentioned in the players’ central contracts”, Zaka Ashraf added. Continue reading

Basit Ali urges PCB to form a think tank

Basit Ali thinks that PCB should form a think tank which consists of Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif and Intikhab Alam.

Basit Ali thinks that PCB should form a think tank which consists of Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif and Intikhab Alam.

KARACHI: At the time when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is trying to put its house in order with the introduction of a newly amended constitution, former test cricketer Basit Ali urged the PCB chairman to constitute a think tank for the betterment of Cricket in the country. “PCB should form a think tank which consists of Javed Miandad, Wasim Akram, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Rashid Latif and Intikhab Alam. I guarantee that Cricket in this country would get better with their valuable contributions”, Basit Ali said, while talking to this correspondent for News One. “PCB Chairman [Zaka Ashraf] has been sincere in his efforts, other departments should also put their differences behind for the sake of Pakistan Cricket”, he added. Continue reading

Exclusive: Edgbaston Champions Trophy warm up games confirmed

The three games to take place at Birmingham, as the warm up for the Champions Trophy have been confirmed.

The three games to take place at Birmingham, as the warm up for the Champions Trophy have been confirmed.

It has been confirmed that three Champions Trophy warm up games will be played in Birmingham before the tournament kicks off. In an exclusive discussion with the blog, the news was broken that Sri Lanka will play all three games in preparation at Edgbaston.

The games that catch the eye are two Asian derbies as Sri Lanka face off with Pakistan and India. The third game at the venue will be the 1996 World Cup winners with the present World T20 champions, West Indies. Sri Lanka versus India will be a televised fixture. Tickets for the games will set you back £15 if purchased in advance, and £20 on the day at the ground. Continue reading

What is next for Asif and Butt?

Unless Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif fulfill the prerequisites mentioned by ICC, their return is not possible.

Unless Salman Butt and Muhammad Asif fulfill the prerequisites mentioned by ICC, their return is not possible.

By: Mohammad Asif Khan

After the International Cricket Council (ICC), independent anti-corruption tribunal and the London court, the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) also upheld the penalties imposed by the ICC on Pakistani crickets Muhammad Asif and Salman Butt. Continue reading

Misbah, Hafeez, Ajmal will be the Key in Champions Trophy

These 3 are undoubtedly the key who the team heavily rely on for runs, wickets, stability and balance.

These 3 are undoubtedly the key who the team heavily rely on for runs, wickets, stability and balance.

Misbah, Hafeez, Ajmal – The Faisalabad trio are the nucleus of the one day side and the 3 most valuable one day players in terms of leading batsmen, leading all rounder and leading bowler as well as experienced respected leadership presences in the case of Misbah and Hafeez that you wouldn’t consider dropping and hence have a longer description in place for them. Ajmal might not be a leader, but there is no disagreement about him being Pakistan’s biggest talking point from the perspective of opposition camps. These 3 are undoubtedly the key who the team heavily rely on for runs, wickets, stability and balance. They are the go to men who have all played over 80 of these 50 over internationals with impressive success. Continue reading

Whatmore denies rift with Misbah

Whatmore denied any rift between Hafeez and Misbah.

Whatmore denied any rift between Hafeez and Misbah.

Pakistan cricket team head coach, Dav Whatmore, replied to fans on twitter to quash all suggestions of any rift with his skipper, Misbah-ul-Haq. This was amid Pakistani media reporting that Whatmore along with Mohammad Hafeez are at loggerheads with the captain.

Apart from media groups, former chairman Ijaz Butt also took a dig at Whatmore and his reported ‘game plan’ against Misbah. When asked about a fan about Butt’s comments, Whatmore tweeted and clarified by saying “@dfwhatmore: I have never been disloyal to any of my players especially the captain.” He then added “@dfwhatmore: He is an astute leader. Its a pleasure 2 work with him as an individual that has the best interests of Pak cricket at all times!” Continue reading

Pakistan to play Zimbabwe, WICB still optimistic for a full tour

A statement on the WICB website suggests that they are still interested in Hosting Pakistan for a full tour.

A statement on the WICB website suggests that they are still interested in Hosting Pakistan for a full tour.

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies scheduled for July was part of the ICC’s Future Tour Program, however, the recent ambiguous signals from the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) provoked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to shift to a contingency plan.

“The WICB was planning to host India and Sri Lanka for a tri-nation series during the period, and wanted to reschedule Pakistan’s tour”, a PCB source revealed to this correspondent. “Now we have scheduled a pending test series with Zimbabwe in this window”, the source added. Continue reading

PCB gears up for strict measures to avoid repeat of 2010 incident

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were banned and jailed for their involvement in spot-fixing in 2010.

Salman Butt, Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif were banned and jailed for their involvement in spot-fixing in 2010.

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: The Pakistan Cricket team with embark on a trip to London to participate in the prestigious Champions Trophy with two worries this time around, along with tackling with the tough oppositions, avoiding the kind of incidents that occurred in 2010 would also be in the back of everybody’s mind.

Pakistan, in 2010, went to England on a full-tour to face the home team but three of the players – Captain Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir – were caught and later sent to jail for their involvement in the notorious spot-fixing episode. Continue reading

Rashid Latif sees Younis More Effective in Coaching Role

 

Rashid Latif thinks Younis Khan should retire from ODIs and become a batting coach.

Rashid Latif thinks Younis Khan should retire from ODIs and become a batting coach.

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: After getting dropped from the Champions Trophy squad, the one-day international career of the former skipper, Younis Khan has probably reached a decisive juncture. The veteran batsman might be in a dilemma, but his close friend and another former captain, Rashid Latif is categorical on this matter, and feels that Younis Khan should call it a day in the ODI cricket. Continue reading

Pakistan Fans Should Be Confident of Success in England

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Left to Right: Pakistan’s leading one day batsmen, bowler and all rounder.

1) Tournament Memories in England – 1999 World Cup finalists, 2004 Champions Trophy semi finalists and 2009 World T20 winners.

2) Tournament Success in ICC events since 2007 World T20 – 8 out of 9 ICC men’s events they have reached the semi final. The only exception was the 2012 U19 World Cup quarter final where they were defeated by their neighbours by only 1 wicket. They rise to the occasion and turn it on. Continue reading

Misbah to Lead at CT

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Misbah will be 39 when the tournament is in progress which was the same age of Imran Khan when he won the 1992 World Cup, the only ICC ODI senior team tournament Pakistan have won.

Misbah ul Haq will captain the green shirts in the ICC Champions Trophy in England in June.

Pakistan have never won an ICC Champions Trophy.

Pakistan have never played an ICC Champions Trophy final.

Zaka Ashraf assured Misbah of retaining captaincy for the showpiece event.

Misbah will be 39 when the tournament is in progress which was the same age of Imran Khan when he won the 1992 World Cup, the only ICC ODI senior team tournament Pakistan have won.

Before, the ICC Champions Trophy, Misbah will lead Pakistan in matches against Scotland and Ireland in 2 match series in May.

Misbah was Pakistan’s leading ODI run scorer against South Africa with 227 runs in the series at an average of 57.

Misbah has been Pakistan’s 2nd leading ODI run scorer since 2011 at an average in excess of 45 with 10 half centuries contributing in winning causes. Continue reading

Mr. Pakistan Cricket

Mr Pakistan Cricket will be attending his 3rd ICC tournament in just as many years

Mr Pakistan Cricket will be attending his 3rd ICC tournament in just as many years

Mr Pakistan Cricket will be in attendance during the Champions Trophy and Pakistan’s matches in Scotland this summer. Mr Pakistan Cricket is an iconic Pakistan supporter who is now widely recognised in his costume in the stands. He has attended the 2011 World Cup, matches in Pakistan’s 2011 tour of the West Indies, Pakistan vs England in the UAE 2012 and travelled to watch the team at the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka most recently.  Continue reading

ICC Champions Trophy Warm Up Match At Edgbaston

64 days to go.

64 days to go.

Pakistan will play an ICC Champions Trophy warm up match prior to the tournament kicking off.

Edgbaston will be the venue.

 County season is in full swing by the time the warm up matches are in progress so the match will be against an international opposition. Continue reading

Younis Khan was dropped, not discarded: Iqbal Qasim

"Younis was not picked, but it doesn't mean that he was sidelined forever”-Iqbal Qasim

“Younis was not picked, but it doesn’t mean that he was sidelined forever”-Iqbal Qasim

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: Younis Khan’s poor run of form has not only cost him a place in the Pakistan squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy but also put his ODI career in jeopardy. Some former cricketers have advised him to hang his boots. However the chief selector, Iqbal Qasim, feels that this important call had to be made by the veteran batsman himself. “Putting an end to somebody’s career is not the mandate of the selection committee. Whoever performs is considered for selection and Younis Khan is no exception”, said Iqbal Qasim while talking to this correspondent for News One TV. “In view of the current form, Younis was not picked, but it doesn’t mean that he was sidelined forever”, The chief selector added. Continue reading

Pakistan’s tour of West Indies postponed

Pakistan seemed to have the ammunition to fire them to their first ever Test win in the caribbean.

Pakistan seemed to have the ammunition to fire them to their first ever Test win in the Caribbean.

Pakistan’s tour of West Indies later this year has been postponed due to reasons not specified at this moment of time. The tour, scheduled for July this year, would have been the second time Pakistan would have toured the Caribbean in the past two years.

West Indies have been in a rich vain of form lately and have recorded six straight wins, their best run since the 80s. In a far cry to those times, the pitches now suit spin bowling and Shillingford has bowled the Windies to newly found form. With the pitches as they are, Misbah and his team will be disappointed as, in Ajmal and Rehman, Pakistan seemed to have the ammunition to fire them to their first ever Test series win in the sunny islands.

Junaid snubs county offers, concentrates on CT

Despite an inury, Junaid Khan was impressive in South Africa.

Despite an injury, Junaid Khan was impressive in South Africa.

By Muhammad Asif Khan

KARACHI: In the recent tour to South Africa, Pakistan’s batting line-up  didn’t perform up to the expectations, but pacemen Junaid Khan and lanky Muhammad Irfan caught everybody’s attention including the English county teams. However, one of the duo, Junaid Khan has said that his entire focus is on the upcoming Champions Trophy.

“I have played for Lancashire, and recently got good offers from Durham and a few other county teams, however my entire focus is on the Champions Trophy at the moment, hence I turned down the offers”, said Junaid Khan while talking to this correspondent for News One TV. “PCB also advised me to skip county offers to avoid possible injuries before the mega event.” he added. The left arm fast bowler hurt his leg during the recently concluded tour of South Africa where he performed impressively.  Continue reading

Pakistan due to succeed in CT under Misbah

Misbah will be representing Pakistan at Champions League in India

Misbah will be representing Pakistan at Champions League in India

Misbah Factor (Mr Dependable) – Highly rated by those who have worked with him and know him well in terms of being an articulate and smart man in the game, well respected by team members and coaching staff, statistically high achieving. Those in the cricketing circles such as fellow players or top class journalists think highly of him and his man management credentials are most impressive. We have already seen him win tournament silverware as captain, though not in an ICC event. One of Pakistan’s finest and most stable in the captaincy department. Continue reading