Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Southerners aim to break monopoly


While the Asian trio of Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka pose a decent threat of mauling their opponents en route to glory, the southern hemisphere trio of the formidable ‘chokers’ South Africa, the ‘nearly-there’ New Zealand and the ‘undeniable’ Australia remain a huge obstacle.

New Zealand and South Africa made it past the first hurdle last year but the duo had their title-dreams shattered by eventual champions Pakistan. The Australians, however, have barely had time to dream so quick was their exit from the tournament.

The golden boys remain a potent threat

Despite its poor record in the shortest form of international cricket – winning just 15 of their 29 Twenty20 internationals – Australia remains one team that cannot be ruled out of walking away with a trophy every time they enter a tournament.

The current world champions and the Champions Trophy holders, Australia have won four of their last five T20s and with the likes of the hardhitting David Warner, the irrefutable Shane Watson and the dangerous Shaun Tait, the warning bells are already ringing for the opposition. Led by Michael Clarke, the side will also see Dirk Nannes in yellow instead of orange – he represented Netherlands last year in England and was instrumental in his side’s shock win over the hosts in the tournament-opener.

And with no Ashes to divert their attention, the Australians may well put their 110 per cent into the four-hour format to bear fruit, one that is missing from their trophy cabinet.

‘Chokers’ may well become the kings

South Africa may well be thanking the Indian Premier League in two weeks for instilling the attacking mentality into its players.

Albie Morkle was part of the winning unit, the Chennai Super Kings, while Dale Steyn proved his worth with the ball for Bangalore. Jaques Kallis, opening for the same outfit, scored at will while captain Graeme Smith got the much needed break courtesy a broken thumb.

The South Africans remained favourites in England until they faced a rejuvenated and inspired Shahid Afridi who handed them a ticket home – sealed with a kiss. The addition of Loots Bosman will provide the flair up the order but the exciting talent that is the 19-year-old Wayne Parnell, who was South Africa’s star finding of the 2009 World Twenty20, will be sorely missed.

Providing South Africa take time getting acclimatised to the conditions, their second match – against Afghanistan – may well prove to be more than just a stroll that the whole world expects.

Vettori desperate for onfield support

New Zealand have always been a nearly-there side. It gathers support, momentum and wins.

However, as things start heating up and wins become a necessity rather than a bonus, the team falls flat, more so due to lack of support for captain Daniel Vettori than due to lack of talent. Vettori, apart from being the chairman of New Zealand Cricket, is everything to New Zealand’s cricket: scoring runs, taking wickets, plotting other teams’ downfalls, restricting runs, inflicting run-outs and stroking the bristled chin.

However, with the oftenmisfiring Brendon McCullum promising glimpses of useful, and regular, contribution, and the availability of Shane Bond, Vettori may well find time to relax on and off the field. And with the slow and turning pitches in the Caribbean, Vettori will also get to enjoy his primary role in the team —as a spinner.

© Faras Ghani 2010
Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 28, 2010

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Asians remain contenders

International cricket’s shortest format has been aptly adapted by the South-Asian nations as a much-loved one and where they have made a huge impact since its inception.

Only India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan (twice) have reached the final of the two World Twenty20 tournaments taken place so far and much of the same looks on the cards as the teams arrive in the West Indies. Pakistan and India are missing key players but, according to the team managements, credible backup exists to make up for the loss.b

Defending champions remain strong

Suited to the ‘crash-and-bang’ format that the youngsters grow up breathing on the streets, Pakistan are once again strong favourites to reach the final of the third edition.

Despite the forced absence of Umer Gul Pakistan’s fast-bowling remains a potent force with Mohammad Aamir, the debutant who impressed all in England, as well as Mohammad Asif, bowling with the unerring accuracy that continues to annoy batsmen. The batting remains strong enough to disrupt the oppositions’ plans. Opening remains a cause for concern but Kamran Akmal looks set to resume duties at the top with Shahid Afridi promoting himself to number three in order to cause as much destruction as possible.

Pakistan’s middle-order remains weak in the absence of Younus Khan and Shoaib Malik but the attacking tendency instilled in Umar Akmal and Hammad Azam can ensure plenty of fireworks even in the middle overs.

India vow to improve on last year

The defending champions arrived in England last year with heads held high (that went higher following a warm-up thrashing of Pakistan). However, the strongest batting line-up in the tournament faltered, especially as short deliveries grew tall and before the semi-finals were even finalised, the Indian team were sitting across the Atlantic training to take on the West Indies.

The IPL was blamed for the exhaustion last year but this time it may prove a blessing for them. MS Dhoni lifted the trophy for Chennai, Yusuf Pathan scored a blistering 37-ball century and Zaheer Khan refused to fade away. Harbajhan Singh carried on his wicket-taking ways and with Murali Vijay in death-mode, a repeat of last year looks highly unlikely for a team that remains strong even without Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag.

Sri Lanka desperate to go one better

The Sri Lankans were surprise but worthy finalists last year and it was not Sanath Jayasuria or Chaminda Vaas that got them there but the unorthodox stroke-play – if Dil-Scoops and paddles can be labelled that – off the bat of Tillekaratne Dilshan. He remained the tournament’s highest scorer by a distance and was voted the player of the tournament as well. Although teams will be wary of his extended handle, Dilshan will no doubt continue his merry ways.

Mahela Jayawardene, in astonishing form with the bat during the IPL, may even move up the order to free up an all-rounder’s slot with captain Kumar Sangakkara’s versatility ensuring Sri Lanka will be likely to post competitive totals every time they take the field. Ajantha Mendis does not remain the force he once was but the spinning tracks in the Caribbean may prove ideal location for him to revive his and the team’s fortunes.

© Faras Ghani 2010
Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 27, 2010

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Sindh romp to four-wicket win

Shahzaib Hasan and Khurram Manzoor are disappointed at being overlooked for Pakistan’s World Twenty20 squad.

But that did not stop them from leading Sindh Dolphins to a convincing four-wicket win over Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Panthers in the Pentangular One Day Cup at the National Stadium in Karachi. Hasan cracked seven fours and three sixes in his 81-ball innings and shared a 100-run opening partnership with Manzoor, who scored an equally-aggressive 44 off 49 balls laced with eight boundaries.

The duo utilised the field restrictions aptly as they flayed the Panthers bowlers to all parts of the ground and brought up the century partnership in the 16th over. As Manzoor was picked up by leg-spinner Yasir Shah, Hasan found another able partner in the form of Asad Shafiq and carried on scoring at will.

The procession continued even after Hasan’s departure, with just over 100 runs needed, as Shafiq scored a 60-ball 59 to lead the Dolphins to their second win in as many days. Sohail Khan, included in the Panthers’ line-up, remained the pick of the bowlers with two for 59 as Shah also bagged a brace but Sindh owed the win to a disciplined bowling attack earlier in the day that restricted the Panthers to a modest 250 on a batting track.

Imran Nazir was dismissed without scoring and captain Yasir Hameed, too, failed to last long as Anwar Ali had the opposition reeling at 30 for two. Rafatullah Mohmand, however, steadied the slide and shared a useful third-wicket partnership of 86 with Adnan Raees as the duo looked towards a big total. However, a middleorder collapse meant Panthers lost three wickets for 14 runs, including that of Mohmand for a 115-ball 90, and meant the 300 that looked possible at one point was not to be achieved.

© Faras Ghani 2010
Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 24, 2010

Monday, April 19, 2010

Dazed PCB select Rehman

The omnipresent confusion in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) rose to new heights yesterday as, barely 24 hours after including Mohammad Irfan in the 15-man squad for the World Twenty20, the board decided to omit the tall fast-bowler and include left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman in his place.

Irfan, who is reportedly seven feet tall, has only played ten first-class matches and three Twenty20s but was surprisingly ‘selected’ by chief selector Mohsin Khan, coach Waqar Younis and captain Shahid Afridi following injuries to Umer Gul and Yasir Arafat. The PCB media spokesperson Nadeem Sarwar was also present at the occasion but later produced a press release saying Irfan’s inclusion was not confirmed since the decision was not authorised by the chairman.

Rehman’s inclusion means Pakistan will now go into the tournament with four spinners – Saeed Ajmal, Afridi, Mohammad Hafeez and Rehman. Another member of the squad, Fawad Alam, too, bowls left-arm spin and Rehman’s inclusion – over-ruling the team management’s request in the form of Shahzaib Hasan – means that the entire squad now comprises players selected without the consent of the captain and the coach with neither happy over the snub.

However, according to the PCB Chairman, the decision was not taken to over-rule Afridi and Younis but was forced due to ICC’s rules and regulations.

“It wasn’t to hurt anyone’s egos or self-esteem,” Butt told The Express Tribune. “The decision was taken while considering ICC’s rule that no player outside of the initial 30-man squad could be selected for the tournament. “The change wasn’t made because it was assumed that Irfan was chosen without my permission. The ICC is very strict with its rule and it was essential to make the necessary replacement.”

In a similar circumstance last year, Abdul Razzaq was sent to England after Arafat’s injury in Pakistan’s first match of the tournament. Razzaq, who had severed ties with the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL) then, was fast-tracked into the national side without having being named in the 30-man squad.

The chief selector, too, backed Butt’s decision, saying Rehman was a good choice considering the type of pitches in the West Indies, while forgetting the moment of madness that he went through a day earlier.

“Rehman has been selected with the chairman’s approval,” said Khan. “Irfan was not selected by me but by the coach and the captain. I wanted to select Rehman in the first place considering how spinnerfriendly the pitches are in the West Indies and how successful he can be.”

According to sources in the PCB, Younis called up the chairman apologising for the act that led to the confusing scenario, citing unawareness of the ICC rules about replacing an injured player.

Khan also lauded Gul’s honesty and how the fast-bowler came out with the injury without hiding it and heading to the tournament half-fit. Gul, whose absence will be a massive blow for the defending champions, is the highest wicket-taker in Twenty20 internationals as well as being the top wicket-taker in the World Twenty20s in 2007 and 2009.

His accuracy and speed with the ball was a major component in Pakistan’s success at last year’s event. The services of Arafat, too, will be missed by Pakistan as he is the country’s most experienced Twenty20 international following his country and county commitments. Pakistan are due to launch their title-defence on May 1 against Bangladesh.

© Faras Ghani 2010
Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 19, 2010

Saturday, April 17, 2010

ICC wants resumption of Pak-India cricketing ties

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat has renewed hopes of a Pakistan-India series in the near future by confirming that while political differences between the two countries do not allow a home series for either team, the postponed tour can take place at a neutral venue.

Lorgat, while speaking exclusively to The Express Tribune during his World Twenty20 trophy tour of Karachi, also assured Pakistani fans that the ICC was taking up the issue of lack of international cricket in Pakistan, instead of isolating the country. “India was due to tour Pakistan in early 2009 but they cancelled that series because of political reasons,” said Lorgat.

“But they have to fulfil the obligation before the next FTP that begins in 2012. We can’t force any country to play if political or security reasons prompt their government to instruct them not to play in a country but such a series can be held at a neutral venue.”


Security woes

The Pakistani fans have been feeling isolated of late as, together with the foreign teams’ reluctance to tour the troubled land, the ICC has also been forced to move tournaments away from the country. The Champions Trophy 2008 was first postponed and then moved to South Africa and Pakistan was removed as co-host of the 2011 World Cup that led to its cricket board filing a legal case against the ICC.

The case was later withdrawn and the PCB was awarded ‘significant compensation’. The forced and justified move on the ICC’s part led to a negative perception of the organisation but Lorgat confirmed that they were practical moves and taken considering the betterment of the sport in general.

“We took the decision for the right reason. There wasn’t anything funny about it and we didn’t intend to hurt Pakistan cricket or its fans. It was purely a practical and cricketing reason and the negative perception of the ICC was, indeed, unfortunate. At the back of our minds we know that the Pakistani people feel as if they’ve been let down but that’s not something we wanted to do.”

The legal case, according to Lorgat, was a case of the “Pakistan board being mis-informed” as opposed to it being unhappy over the decision. “The 50-over World Cup is the ICC’s flag-ship event. It takes a long time to prepare and we have no option but to deliver it successfully.

We learnt from the Champions Trophy postponement and acted upon the advice to remove Pakistan as co-hosts early as no teams were willing to play there.” While Pakistan longed to play international cricket last year, the willingness to host matches at a neutral venue has increased its international commitments significantly. Lorgat, however, reminded the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to neglect domestic cricket to ensure the players remain competitive and fresh for matches the fans remain interested.”

© Faras Ghani 2010

Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 17, 2010

Friday, April 16, 2010

'Cricket will soon flourish in Pakistan'

The International Cricket Council (ICC) CEO Haroon Lorgat has termed Pakistan as one of the favourites for the forthcoming ICC World Twenty20 2010 that takes place in the West Indies from April 30.

Lorgat held a press conference in Karachi yesterday – a month before the final of the third version takes place in Antigua – thus becoming the first high-ranking ICC official to visit Pakistan following the Lahore attack on the Sri Lankan team last March. He was joined by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt and Pakistan’s Twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi at the event that also featured the World Twenty20 trophy that Pakistan won in England last year.

“I’m sitting next to the captain of the defending champions and I know when you’re the top seed, there is an added responsibility and greater pressure but this is a very experience Pakistan team that is going across to defend the title,” said Lorgat. “They’re a very competent side and there’s no reason why this team can’t bring this trophy back to Pakistan.”

Afridi, who has seen various injuries in the three-week training camp currently being held in Lahore, seemed confident that his side not only had the right players needed to lift the trophy but also the team morale and confidence levels that complement the physical talent.

“Going into the tournament as defending champions will add to the pressure but we’re all confident,” said Afridi. “We’ll be playing as a unit, supporting each other and there’s not reason why we can’t win again.”

Pakistan went into last year’s tournament severely under-prepared as following the Lahore attack, foreign teams have refused to tour Pakistan. Lorgat ruled out the notion that foreign teams had acted in a ‘racist manner’ and termed it a ‘sophisticated and complex’ issue.

“The security issue is very complex and complicated. It is untrue to suggest that the reluctance is on racist grounds but, simply put, it is the lack of confidence the visiting teams have in visiting Pakistan in a safe environment.”

The ICC CEO compared Pakistan’s case to South Africa’s when the latter were barred from international participation until 1991. “It is an unfortunate situation cricket is facing in Pakistan but the nation has the resolve and patience to work itself through the difficult period and I’m sure cricket will flourish in Pakistan very soon.”

© Faras Ghani 2010

Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 16, 2010

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Pakistan cricket in familiar territory

Inadequate and rocky preparation for a major tournament, a cliché when it comes to the Pakistan cricket team and its ‘tried and tested’ method of going into yet another global event with the run-in marred by injuries, controversies and surprise inclusions.

Prior to the 2009 World Twenty20, Pakistan were termed mere participant, courtesy humiliation against an under-strength Australia, a new captain and an unwilling chief selector.

New faces were included for the gruelling trip and as the warm-ups were conceded without even a whimper, it all seemed dusted in still air. What followed, however, was a case of captivating resurgence and all was forgotten amid the hurrah.

Despite the promises and the omnipresent assurances, the boat rocks again for Pakistan cricket, weeks before their title defence. Eyebrows were raised when the newly-appointed selector gave his verdict early.

Salman Butt, awful with the bat and even worse in the field last year, keeps his place. Misbahul Haq, out of form and out of favour lately should have been out of reckoning.

Changes are likely only days prior to the team’s departure. Injuries have rocked Pakistan’s training camp as Umar Gul and Yasir Arafat look set to miss out. And if that was not enough to shake the camp, off-field worries have played a vital role in diverting undue attention from the preparations.

Shoaib Malik has been utilising his ‘time off’ aptly by claiming headlines while Mohammad Asif’s self inflicted headache, and a legal case against him, has given the team management an unwanted dilemma as the training camp gathers momentum.

Seven players from the squad that toured Australia were recently fined and banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The board, in a move that defies logic, also put an appeal process in place and as a consequence, the players – who alongwith their captain are currently involved in preparation for the World Twenty20 – are now also engulfed in an off-the-field battle with their own board.

Punishments, weddings, appeals, injuries and legal cases – Pakistan cricket sits in familiar territory.

There have been calls of using a psychologist to prepare the players mentally – a successful ploy introduced by former captain Younus Khan prior to the team’s departure last year.

The focus and the level of concentration needed for a global event is surely missing. And with the path the individuals have been taking lately, it seems that the dismal performance the team will take into the tournament in April is what they will be coming out with in May.

© Faras Ghani 2010

Published in The Express Tribune, Apr 14, 2010

Sunday, April 04, 2010

Umar Akmal - The shining star


In the humiliation that the Pakistan cricket team has been on the receiving end since their World Twenty20 triumph last June, there has not been much to cherish and look at with a smile. Apart from a diving effort here, a brief cameo there and a win against India in South Africa, the smile has always been upside down.

There have been embarrassing losses, comic dismissals, flurry of dropped catches, ball-biting antics and a mortifying run of losses. However, amid the chaos, the disarray and the sense of abasement instilled into the team, a 19-year-old ray of light shone brightly from within the ruins since his debut against Sri Lanka last year.

It is hard to believe that Umar Akmal is still only 19 and carries so much responsibility within the team. His performance on the field — and antics off it — have been admired, questioned, scrutinised and lauded effortlessly. And it comes as no surprise that Umar was a talent identified ever since his first-class debut. Calls for prompt maturity triggered a premature death for his childhood. On the field, a 17-year-old had just scored 248 in only his sixth first-class match. In the dressing room, he was chased around after pouring water over a colleague and pinching another’s butt repeatedly. His talent, embellished aptly by his aggressive nature, was on show. But so was his refusal to mend his slashing ways. A Test century on debut, a coming of age against the West Indies and a duck against India, the youngest of the playing Akmals launched his cricket career in awe of his older brother Kamran.

“I started liking cricket after watching Kami bhai play,” he said. “Although I played for my school, my college and then a local club (Model Town Cricket Centre, one of the best clubs in Lahore according to Akmal) I was more than happy carrying drinks for my seniors for a couple of years just for the sake of watching them and learning the skills.”

His love for cricket resulted in Umar getting a lot of stick — verbally and physically — from Kamran but after repeated promises to his father, he was finally granted permission to play openly as opposed to sneaking out after school with Kamran forcing him to study and stay away from the sport. Lucky for him, help and support was always available.

“Apart from my brothers (Kamran and Adnan), my early mentors included Majeed bhai, my school coach Nadeem Zafar, Noshi, Khurram and Khalid; all of whom supported me at club level. As things moved on swiftly, and as Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) offered me a contract, I owed much to Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq who ensured I learnt as each day progressed. They treated me like their brother in Kamran’s absence and I owe them a lot for my success.”

First-class debuts seldom come sweeter than Umar’s. Becoming the second-highest scorer in a title-winning debut season with SNGPL, his ascent was sharp and enviable. His 855 first-class runs included a 258 and 186 and “for a 17-year-old, that was as much joy as you can get”. After an encouraging tour of Sri Lanka, the under-19 World Cup presented Umar his first real challenge; one he was tipped to blast to all parts. However, life in the middle took a turn for the worse…

“The World Cup turned out to be fairly disappointing. There was a lot of expectation but I performed horribly and let the team down. I had learnt to handle pressure but I felt guilty. And when I was left out of the Pakistan Academy team following the World Cup, I was shattered but vowed to work harder, improve my cricket and make a comeback. I wanted to have a shot at the next under-19 World Cup, to show the world what I can do but thankfully, I got a chance at the senior level before that.”

His call-up to the national side, following success at the lower tier, did come as a huge shock to the teenager. The thought of playing alongside not only his brother but his idols — Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Yousuf and Shahid Afridi — did bring tears to his eyes but not a bout of nervousness. “A huge honour for me, an indescribable feeling, I must say”. Smiles became beams and the little-known became a national star after stroking a stunning ODI century against Sri Lanka — setting the tone for what we were to be treated to in the coming weeks. A change in attitude — on and off the field — saw Umar go from strength to strength. No longer the spoilt brat in the domestic dressing room, Umar now carried hopes of millions. Written about in match previews before Afridi, spoken of during lunch breaks and waited for with impatience during the match, Umar has realised his worth, and what is expected of him.

“International cricket is never easy. There is a lot of pressure from everywhere: media, crowd and the need to carry the team with you. But I have learnt a lot from my short time in international cricket. Obviously, I’d like to play more for Pakistan, perhaps even move up the order like I do for SNGPL. I’ve been lucky to stay injury-free till now and am training in the off-season to ensure it stays that way. Cricket has been a fun ride for me so far and hopefully, things will only go up from here.”

© Faras Ghani 2010
Published in Dawn newspaper, Apr 4, 2010