Week Round Up

Waqar Younis hands in his resignation as national team coach citing family commitments and health issues as the reason for the decision. Decision accepted. Zimbabwe tour to be his last in charge.


Shoaib Malik receives the necessary clearance from the PCB integrity committee and therefore can resume his career with Pakistan.


Before we know it Shoaib Malik is back in the team for the LOI leg of the tour in Zimbabwe.


Pakistan will be leaving for Zimbabwe on the 25th.


The FL T20 finals day is this Saturday. Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Junaid Khan expected to be in action. Hampshire are defending champions. 9th time this event will be taking place.


NBP win the Cool and Cool Ramadan cricket tournament organised by former Pakistan WK Moin Khan in Karachi. Kamran Akmal is the winning team captain. Kamran also feels a foreign coach is the best step forward for Pakistan cricket team.


Ijaz Ahmed will be batting coach for the Zimbabwe tour. Inti is no longer manager. Aqib Javed is no longer bowling coach or team assistant either.


Younis Khan turns down LOI captaincy after being offered in order to reduce the workload off Misbah Ul Haq. Turns it down so he can concentrate on his batting and stay away from controversies. Misbah is named as Pakistan captain for the next 3 series coming up against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka and England respectively.


Rumours are that Ijaz Butt will be re-elected in October due to some change in constitution.


Domestic T20 tournament to be held again in September. Venue to be confirmed. Lahore, Pindi and Islamabad are likely possibilities as hosts.


A week is a longggggggg time in Pakistan Cricket World! A lot can happen. A lot can change.

Random Friday Cricket Facts and Figures

-Umar Akmal has only scored 2 50s in his last 21 test innings.

-Mohammad Hafeez has gone 11 innings without a half century in test cricket.

-Pakistan have lost 2 out of their last 8 tests in comparison Australia have lost 6 out of their last 8 tests.

-Australia have lost 7 out of their last 8 T20 internationals. Pakistan has also done the same.

-Pakistan this year has won 70% of their ODI matches and has won tests by victory margins as large as 196 runs and 10 wickets.

-Since Kamran Akmal has been excluded from the Pakistan Cricket Team they have not lost a single test series in 3 attempts (2 being played outside Asia and the one inside Asia was played against a high profile number 2 ranked side) and won 5 out of their last 7 one day internationals (The ones they have lost have been dead rubbers with one of them being determined by Duckworth Lewis). Evidence they are  better off without him. There is direction and progress as well as a unified camp. Also, Imran Farhat has a better batting average than Karman Akmal in both ODIs and tests.

-Sri Lanka has won 5 T20s in a row. They are looking a solid unit as hosts for the 2012 T20 WC and will be right up there as one of the favourites (they are due some triumph like 1996 having been finalists in the last 2 CWCs and during the 2009 T20 WC). England hold the record for the most consecutive T20 wins in a row of 8 which they achieved in Australia early 2011.

-Azhar Ali is the only Pakistan cricketer to have played every single test match since the start of the England tour last summer.

- Sri Lanka’s Sanath has the most number of ducks in ODI cricket history of 30.

-Rahul Dravid has faced the most balls in test cricket history and taken the most catches. He is the oldest test cricketer still playing.

Akmal Distractions

Pakistan take on Zimbabwe tomorrow from Kandy. The weather is a concern.



Umar Akmal is apparently "injured"



Kamran Akmal's internal politics along with nepotism is destroying Pakistan Cricket. Hard to believe that UAs injury was genuine. This has not been the first time that when Karman's place is on the line something drastically happens to change his fortunes so he can somehow retain his place in the line up. Fishy news indeed and we have every right to be speculative.

Which way around do you think it is?

1) Umar is deliberately faking an injury to save Kamran's place in the team?
2) Kamran is playing dressing room games and pressurising the youngster to play it dirty so he is not side-lined?

Personally I believe its number 2 but either way this is an act of shamefulness and questions the national pride of the brothers who are seemingly more concerned with personal interests. The management have strictly and correctly warned the duo that if there is a any repeat of what happened following the SCG debacle it will not be tolerated which puts their future with the Pakistan Cricket Team in question. These two might be sleeping uneasy now.

Shahid Afridi has earned a reputation of firmly criticising and attacking his own players in the open media, but when it's Kamran Akmal he does not say a word. Mind blowing stuff from Pakistan's captain.

Any observer who follows the game in any detail and technical seriousness will know that Umar is technically a better and more advanced keeper than Kamran. He may be called a make shift keeper but he has excellent reflexes and sharp footwork as we have seen previously and when you compare him to someone like Kamran, Umar is far superior with the gloves. Therefore, there should be absolutely no hesitation in making him the premier keeper. The irony is that Kamran is actually worse than a make shift keeper!!!

Even leading media sources are insulting Kamran. Cricinfo has been calling him a 'prat' and to be frankly honest we really cannot blame them one bit. The match winning drop machine must go for good.

The chances of Kamran scoring tomorrow if he plays are high though. There is a pattern that he always lift his performance levels when his place is on the line and he is under the firing line, but then does nothing much after to follow it up and we then wait for another disastrous keeping exhibition down the line. So even if he does end up scoring tomorrow, people must not get carried away.

Pakistan (probable) 1 Ahmed Shehzad, 2 Mohammad Hafeez, 3 Kamran Akmal (wk), 4 Younis Khan, 5 Misbah-ul-Haq, 6 Asad Shafiq/ Umar Akmal, 7 Shahid Afridi, 8 Abdul Razzaq, 9 Wahab Riaz, 10 Saeed Ajmal, 11 Umar Gul.

I would move Afridi and Razzaq up a position and play Junaid Khan as well rather than Shafiq in the middle order. Gives us an extra front line bowling option and a genuine new ball bowler, but it looks like they're going to stay with their 8 batsmen defensive strategy even against a weaker side. Good riddance.

Possibly they are playing Shafiq as a keeper in which case that is totally understandable, but still even if they are doing that one of the openers has to make way for the 7-4 combo. I'm beginning to accept that they are going to go with a 8-3 combo from here on in, but this is something they may well regret big time down the line. Afridi and Waqar are showing how hopeless they are in planning a strategy to become a champion side and extract the best out of the team by using full strength well balanced and attacking combinations. They are clueless in bringing the best out of others and showing game awareness, something which Younis, Misbah and Malik have done really well when they had the captaincy in their hands. Sir Imran will be tearing his hair out at Afridi right now! He has the resources, just not using them properly!

Team Confirmed by ARY News who have got it right each time so far:-

1) Shehzad
2) Hafeez
3) Kamran (WK)
4) Younis
5) Misbah
6) Shafiq
7) Afridi
8) Razzaq
9) Wahab
10)Gul
11)Rehman

Central Contract Analysis and Judgement

List of contracted players


Category A: Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar


Category B: Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Akmal, Abdul Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Wahab Riaz


Category C: Taufiq Umar, Asad Shafiq, Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali, Adnan Akmal, Tanvir Ahmed, Junaid Khan


Yesterday the central contracts were awarded and there have been some very questionable categorical criteria which comes under the spotlight.

The fact that Kamran falls in the “A” category is totally absurd and undeserving according to many as far as merit is concerned let alone the negative conception of his off field troubles. He has scored 2 half centuries in his last 13 one day internationals and they too both came in less significant encounters. Not to mention his diabolical keeping performances.

Meanwhile, PKs Test Number 3 Azhar Ali who has been extremely impressive and a true breath of fresh air clearly deserved better than falling under group “C”. He has scored 6 half centuries in just his first 10 Tests and all the time he has scored well they have come in positive outcomes. He is a highly promising long term future prospect which has really won the appreciation of close Test cricketing followers. Tests should arguably also get prioritisation over limited overs affairs and therefore surely Ali deserved to be a category up at least as far as merit and value is concerned.

Taufiq Umar also did extremely well in New Zealand where he notched up 2 half centuries in effectively 3 opportunities and showed a great deal of mental strength, guts and application. He seems to be a good solution to the opening woes in the 5 day game and is even an excellent contender to be groomed as vice captaincy in that format as is Azhar Ali. Both these names deserve to be given a higher degree of priority and investment.

Meanwhile, it was good to see the seniors get the respect they deserve and are acknowledged with top brand contracts which include Younis, Misbah and Akhtar. This time last year it seemed as if their careers were over but they have bounced back hard and shown their class and experience in particular Misbah who has been nothing but exceptional since taking over the reins of Test Captaincy and sensationally changed the fortunes and structure of the well developing and achieving outfit as well as establishing his presence, attributable assets and reputation as a top class ODI player as well.

He (Misbah) has clearly been the stand out performer and revelation during his golden years as a comeback king with admirable responsibility and consistency. Some of the credentials he has are not even comparable to past greats and players like him are found in rare proportions especially by Pakistani sides and therefore it is of utmost significance PK take full advantage of his services which remain. Consideirng the tough manner in which he was treated earlier in his career where he was really unlucky to be overshadowed and the form he is showing presently this could be justifiably stretching another few years which will be beneficial from a team perspective.

All in all, it was a mixed bag. Some of it was pleasing. Some of it was reasonable. Some of it was questionable. Some of it was insulting. Either way, hopefully the scheme will be beneficially motivating and successful in helping bring the best out of the named figures on the pitch in the months and years which lie ahead as we as providing them with financial re-assurance.

Kamran Akmal Dislike Club

“Like” this post if you agree that Kamran “Fakmal” should be dropped from the team and even sent back home. How bad, negatively influenced and immature does a keeper simply have to be before he can be dropped for good? Surely there has to be a limitation on the level of cost and genuine badness? Just to remind everyone there are 3 very capable make shift keepers in the squad who are capable of doing a better job than Kamran any day of the week. And if the management are reluctant to select a make shift keeper there are always specialists available who can be called up which include capped players with international exposure like H. Farhat and Safraz Ahmed who are performing really well domestically. A bold decision is needed.

http://www.facebook.com/update_security_info.php?wizard=1#!/photo.php?fbid=10150152768602442&set=a.191597712441.153517.191594347441&theater

Kamran Must Go

A comprehensive thrashing at the Pallekele Stadium totally exploits the significant areas of concern which have been raised even when we were winning games on the trot as well. Hopefully, it provides the necessary re-think in order to gain at least something out of today’s humiliating outcome. The Kiwis on the other hand were top notch and rose to the challenge in emphatic fashion.

Observations

-Opening with Rehman was a creative and innovative move from the skipper. The SLA bowled economically and the experiment proved to be a revelation with only 14 being conceded from his 5 overs in his opening spell during the PP overs! Credit must be given here for the surprise tactics and successful execution.

-Gul bowled really well and economically in his first spell and only conceded 8 from his first 5 overs with one scalp when he came on as first change. An excellent job from the top class pacer.

-New Zealand added a mammoth 92 in the last 4 overs of the innings courtesy of some magnificent late onslaught and sheer carnage from Ross Taylor and Jacob Oram who completely battered the bowling to all parts of the ground and somehow enabled the Black Caps to reach 300 out of the blue which took everyone by surprise. Unless, you were a supporter of the men in green the formidable destruction made some great entertainment and was absolutely unbelievable when witnessing. There were some ruthless blows and the destruction was of astonishing capacity. Inevitably the figures of the bowlers were all spoiled and messed up significantly as a result and New Zealand almost certainly had the upper hand at the half way stage when they concluded on 302/7. Taylor was undoubtedly the star of the show with a breath taking exhibition.

-Hafeez once more failed to deliver and dropping him now at the expense of an extra seamer (Wahab/Junaid) preferably would be a reasonable and worthwhile ploy. Ajmal should also automatically be in the starting line up ahead of a left arm darter. He is the more attacking, skilful, classy and threatening option and has the ability to bring more value to the side and make a bigger impact. He should be the premier spinning option. Playing Rehman might not be the worst idea in the world, but when you have to select one between the two, Ajmal should always get the nod ahead of Rehman. The general quality he possesses is of a unique nature and strength which needs to be utilised, especially when it’s available on sub continental surfaces. The reluctance to select him is mind blowing considering the skills, experience and craftiness he has up his sleeves. Why would you simply not want to utilise it in order to make the bowling force and resources look more feared, technically advanced and balanced? It beats me for one!

-Kamran Akmal is undoubtedly the best MATCH LOSER in international cricket. Unfortunately for the cricket mad nation he had to be born in Pakistan's team. We can only persuade the guy to do the honourable thing and retire from international cricket with immediate effect or at the very least give up the gloves for good. If he had the slightest element of pride, dignity and shame he would take this step forward.

-Kamran Akmal on the other hand is also failing to deliver at number 3 and today he played across the line and was comfortably gobbled up at first slip when he needed to deliver only to give away his wicket once more in a soft manner. Frankly speaking his vulnerabilities are easily exploitable if you study his dismissal pattern and footage in any good depth, a bowling unit can easily fancy their chances again him. His disheartened facial expressions as he departs off the field is all too a familiar sight for PCT observers. The cringeworthy, monstrous, heavily tainted short ring leading figure is justifiably disliked amongst his fan base in many proportions more than one. Over the weekend he made some strong self defence statements in regards to the cloud of suspiciousness which was hanging over him and also his own personal performances, but this can also be argued as excuse making at the same time to overweigh the hardships. Once more the WK does not seem to be doing him or his country any favours and instead throwing what little credibility in him which remains down the drain.

Pakistan Start With a Bang!

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/engine/current/match/433563.html

Pakistan started their World Cup Campaign with a bang today by defeating Kenya by an overwhelming margin of 205 runs. It was a clinical all round performance with some record breaking performances as Pakistan eased their ways to a comfortable victory. Pakistan will want to use this victory as an opportunity to set up their tournament where they have gained that victorious tone which they can build on and carry through in the fixtures which proceed. This could be the start of what plans out to be a successful and memorable tournament for Afridi's side. The captain himself bowled magnificently and claimed some remarkable figures during a breath taking spell of leg spin bowling where he concluded with 8-3-5-16. He demonstrated a great degree of skill and uniqueness which absolutely puzzled the Kenyans as they faltered in quick succession against the brilliance of the Pakistani skipper. They struggled to combat his sharp drift, variations and dip he was getting which was always going to be a challenge for them to combat and counter, especially if he was on the money.

Earlier Pakistan amassed 317 having won the toss, despite the early losses of the openers with the score line at 12-2 after just 7 overs. Kamran Akmal played a good hand in re-building the innings and getting Pakistan on track with his 9th half century, Younis set the platform with the help of his class and experience to bring up his first half century in a World Cup encounter whereas Misbah played an important hand in accumulation and carrying the good work through in his first World Cup appearance, Mr consistent did not fail to live up to our expectations and continued his magnificent purple patch of form. However, it was Umar Akmal who stood out and played with freedom, intent, aggression and energy once the foundations had been laid and the situation was ideal for him to do what he does best! He notched up 71 off just 52 deliveries. The Kenyan bowlers were sloppy and undisciplined which helped the Pakistani cause with 46 extras contributing to the overall total.

On the whole, it was a perfect outcome and a victory which should be celebrated and applauded appreciably. The manner in which they went about their business and produced the goods is the area which should be looked at and not the strength or depth of the opposition. Moreover, in the previous WCs where Pakistan faced humiliation in the preliminary stages, they lost their opening fixture so perhaps this change is a refreshing spark of better things to follow?

Razzaq at #3

Ideally, Razzaq should bat at number 3 as a floater. It's sad how they waste his talent and treat him. He wants to bat higher up as well. He can dominate attacks if he gets more time to get his eye in and a better opportunity to show what he can do rather than coming in during a crisis most of the time. Need to use him more effectively and give him the added responsibility which he deserves.

We can afford to be flexible with Kamran. For other players it makes a significant difference where they bat as they are more effective in certain positions whereas for Kamran this does not necessarily matter. He can score at a good rate and play in the same manner wherever he ends up playing.

2011 World Cup Pakistan Player Portrait Day!

Photo Shots of the Squad members displayed below




The young rockstar :) - AHMED SHEHZAD

The one and only! He has a burning ambition to win the WC and retire with a legacy. He has been prioritising and focussing on this since his comeback in the side in June at the Asia Cup. Probably will retire after it finishes. We have heard from himself that he hopes to be clocking up 95mph during this tournament!!! Best Wishes Shabby.....

QEA Round Up 2010/11

The Quaid E Azam Trophy Final was held between the 13th and 17th of January 2011 at the National Stadium Karachi. It was a fascinating historical spectacle as it was the very first day night first class match being held under the lights within the country with an orange ball. The match was an exciting evenly balanced contest in which HBL emerged as the winners and PIA were the runners up. The traditional fixture also received media attention as it was telecasted by the local TV sports channel, Geo Super.


Scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/482808.html


Exclusive Pictures:-
The Pavilion
View from one of the stands


Autographs of Anwar Ali & Faisal Iqbal below:






Meanwhile, in the division 2 final contest which was held earlier, SPB beat KRL to take the honours in a largely rain affected innings reduced timeless fixture.



Scorecard: http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/match/482798.html



Overall Stats


Top 5 run getters Division 1

Rameez Raja 801
Shoaib Malik 799
Mansoor Amjad 784
Kamran Sajid 781
Kamran Akmal 767



Top 5 wicket takers Division 1

Sadaf Hussain 64
Abdur Rauf 63
Mohammad Khalil 61
Nasrullah Khan 61
Aizaz Cheema 57



Top 5 run getters Division 2

Usman Saliuddin 927
Asif Zakir 797
Raheel Majeed 673
Wajihuddin 752
Wajid Ali 716


Top 5 wicket takers Division 2

Sohail Khan 50
Saeed Altaf 50
Riaz Afridi 49
Mohammad Irfan 45
Atif Maqbool 40


Top 3 WKs

Ahmed Said 50 dismissals
Jamal Anwar 41 dismissals
Kamran Akmal 33 dismissals

Kamran Akmal - A cringeworthy character

My general dislike for the man knows no bounds. This "hatred" if you will, comes from something that I for the life of me cannot explain. Missed catches, stumpings, match fixing, oath-taking are just a few things I associate with him.

The amount of catches he has dropped (34 at last count) in the last few years make him one of the worst wicket-keepers to have played in this era. No WK has ever been retained after such miserable showings but the man with "The Teeth" has made numerous comebacks just like a Pakistani salesman who refuses to go away after being shunned numerous times.

AFP PHOTO/ADRIAN DENNIS

ODI Series Soon

Umar Akmal will have a key role to play in the ODI series having been taken off the radar for some time now. His middle order aggression, stylishness and fearlessness should be an interesting spectacle for all concerned. Fingers crossed he is able to revive his form ahead of the sub continental 10th ICC Cricket World Cup which gets under way on the 19th of February.Incidentally Pakistan play their opening match in the tournament against Kenya on the 23rd.

Afridi, Shehzad, Akhtar, Ajmal, Razzaq and Kamran have all left for New Zealand ahead of the ODI series which commences on Saturday at 1am GMT and 6am PST. It will be held at Wellington. Your series predictions required? Mine: 4-2 PAKISTAN. Obviously really important and useful World Cup preparation. Hopefully Pakistan use this to their advantage. Looking forward to it. Series will conclude on the 5th of February at Auckland. Match dates include 22nd, 26th, 29th, 1st, 3rd and 5th.

On Adnan Akmal's 5-fer

Who says Akmal’s can’t keep? After having seen Kamran drop dollies for the last 8 years, any wicketkeeper playing for Pakistan, who takes regulation catches, is like a breath of fresh air. Pakistani fans were obviously hoodwinked by the elder Akmal into thinking that he is the most competent keeper in the family while the savior (from Kamran’s torturous wicket keeping) was living in the same house.

© Arun Ramkumar for Cricinfo

Adnan is now officially the 9^th wicket keeper to have taken 5 or more catches in an innings for Pakistan. Topping the list is obviously the legendary Wasim Bari who took 7 catches in a match against the same opposition in 1979.

Produced using Cricinfo's StatsGuru

New Zealand are still 6 down and Akmal has an opportunity to take if not 2 then at least 1 more catch to get to 6 catches in an innings. It will be a huge confidence booster for the still relatively young WK.

Another thing I would like to mention is his batting performance in the 1^st innings of the first test. It wasn’t a perfect innings and he scored most of his runs playing risky shots but it was a good indication of where he stands as a batsman. He showed positive intent and will only get better with time playing international cricket, practicing with top Pakistani bowlers on a regular basis.

I can only hope and pray that he DOES not go down the Kamran Akmal way.