Pakistan's Next 'Mohammad Aamir'......

The bans which were imposed on the trio at approximately 3pm GMT on Saturday 5th February 2011 were realistic, reasonable & totally fair as far as I and many are concerned. We should acknowledge and appreciate the ICCs attempt to set the example straight and eradicate corruption from the game, regardless of personal abilities, past heroics and previous tendencies. The integrity and credibility of cricket is arguably a dying art and something which needs to be restored with immediate effect in order to prevent such disgraceful incidents from being witnessed on the cricketing field time and time again. If that means we have to use Pakistan, provide no exemption for age and prevent giving them second chances, so be it. If we don't take action NOW we will NEVER and cricket can continue to be expected to be dominated with controversies and acts of shamefulness. The trio have been found guilty of bowling pre-arranged no balls during the 4th Test Match at Lords this summer. They have purposefully sold out the name, image, pride and dignity of the country in return for money. Such individuals do not deserve to represent a nation at any capacity. Mohammad Aamir's career could and perhaps should be used as an example setter for the strictness to follow. There is no room for any degree of fixing in some professional society.

Although this is a less significant point I am about to make, but for of the emotional ones this could provide some relief. Pakistan is blessed with endless talent and continues to lead the way and thrive in producing gems from the youth and domestic circuit, especially in the fast bowling club which is second to none and thankfully has been for several generations and doesn't look like dying out anytime soon! Therefore, rest assured there are capable world beaters waiting in the wings, developing and performing who have the capabilities of being as effective, sensational and brilliant as Aamir was without being tainted and shameful. Pakistan can literally afford to lose Aamir and co for the non cricketing reasons and there are various replacements who can do equally as well or if not better when it comes to the cricketing stuff. Here below I have a look at some young mouth watering fast bowling prospects which are worth keeping a close eye on and could break into the national side very soon and do exceptionally well as long as the selectors are creative and brave like they once were with Aamir! Remember this line :" Pakistan will find their next 'Mohammad Aamir' within the next 12 months." Watch this space and never underestimate the greatness of our long lived fast bowling legacy. We do not need cheats and traitors in OUR team. Anyhow, without further ado let's get on to having a look at them:

1) Junaid Khan: A highly rated left arm fast bowler and the guy which looks like being the obvious successor. He has claimed 167 wickets in 35 First class appearances. He can move the ball both ways with control at sharp pace and swing the ball enough to get the in roads. Generally has a smooth run up and orthodox point of release. At 21 years of age he has a good head on his shoulders and is pushing through the ranks very nicely indeed.

2) Mohammad Talha: In the recently concluded Faysal Bank One Day National Cup Division One, 2010/11was the joint leading wicket taker with 21 scalps at an average of just 14 for his domestic team NBP. He has made his Test debut before in 2009, but unfortunately had it coming on a flat bed. Nevertheless, this Tall skinny skiddy seamer is progressing nicely and it will be hard for the selectors to ignore him for much longer.

3) Anwar Ali: The wonder kid which bamboozled the Indian U19 line up in the intriguing low scoring U19 WC final in 2006 from Colombo to give Pakistan their 2nd consecutive U19 triumph. He has been well spoken off amongst the closest of Pakistani cricket fanatics. He has apparently developed on the "outswinger" to go with his prodigious inswingers and also worked on his batting and voiced aspirations of becoming a genuine all rounder too.

4) Sadaf Hussain: A Tall Left arm fast bowler from Rawalpindi who was the leading wicket taker in the 2010/11 Quaid E Azam Trophy Season. He has notched up 85 scalps in just 15 FC matches which is astonishingly good and suggests he has something "special" about him.

5) Asad Ali: A young tall seamer from Faisalabad. He played league cricket in 2010 for a club in the Staffordshire league called Moddershall CC which has previously signed the likes of star internationals, Imran Tahir & Rangana Hearth to name a few. During his stint with the club he made an immediate impression totalling with 37 wickets from just 12 matches including 4 5fors. His First Class stats make excellent reading with 246 scalps from 54 games at an average of approximately 22. I recall viewing some footage of his bowling where he successfully managed to move the ball appreciably.

Domestic One Day Division 1 Tournament Final

It will be NBP vs HBL in the Faysal Bank Domestic One Day Tournament Division 1 Final on Tuesday. Imran Farhat from HBL has been the stand out performer so far during this competition with 476 runs at an average of 95. Young emerging fast bowler from NBP Mohammad Talha is currently the leading wicket taker with 19 scalps in 6 games at an average of just 12. Both in form players will be participating in the final on Tuesday which will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore. Hasan Raza will be captaining HBL whereas Fawad Alam will be captaining NBP. Should be a good contest and good luck to both sides.

28/01/11 National One Day Tournament Updates

Hammad Azam is pictured

Domestic updates 28/01/11

In the ongoing domestic National one day competition between various cities and departmental sides here are some of the key individual performances worth highlighting in the various matches which were contested around the country today.

-Imran Farhat scored 150 for HBL.

-Fawad Alam scores 78*captaining NBP.

-Young emerging fast bowler Mohammad Talha claimed excellent figures of 6-38.

-Young future all round prospect Hammad Azam scored 54 for NBP to add to his 93* in the previous fixture he played in.

-Imran Nazir scored 51 and claimed 3 wickets.

- Highly rated Ghani scored 105* for PIA.