The importance of being earnest

Smiling, just as he was after overcoming the might of Australia at the World Twenty20 group phase, Robin Brown sits down to talk about a group of internationals who don't play Test cricket. Zimbabwe had just lost a four-day tour match in Karachi by an innings - albeit against a bunch of strong Pakistan hopefuls - a detour possibly to their road back to Test cricket.

Brown, appointed Zimbabwe's coach in September last year, chose, however, to concentrate on the positives. "Yes, we lost by a big margin but we managed to get a lot out of it," he told Cricinfo. "I think a result was the only thing we failed to achieve because our bowlers got a chance to spend time bowling to good opposition under new conditions. Our batsmen, even though only a couple went past fifty, spent time in the middle and adjusted to the low bounce and slowness that is the subcontinent pitch. It's a learning process, whether it's accompanied by a win or a loss."

He agreed that there were spurts of impatience from the batsmen - mostly due to a lack of match experience. Tatenda Taibu, for example, had just escaped with a rash stroke away from his body when, to the following delivery, he slashed again - to one close to being called a wide. Taibu departed, having faced 131 deliveries.

"Players need to own up, they need to take responsibility," Brown said. "They all know how vital they are to the team's cause. We have done away with the 'senior' tag so be it a debutant, or someone whose played over fifty matches, they are all equally responsible."

Zimbabwe cricket has been in turmoil for some time now. They voluntarily gave up Test status in 2006, having lost almost their entire first team during the player revolt of 2004. Brown admits that it greatly affected the side, but quickly adds that no player goes on forever in any case, so backups should have been in place. It gave, he reasons, younger players a chance to step up though the very basics, which, when he took over, had to be revisited.

"Rebuilding is a gradual process, especially when you have a young side with limited international experience. When we set about the process, we took players to nets to work on basics. Batsmen need to put their feet in the right places, play balls on merit and learn how to spend time at the crease.

"Bowlers were given a channel to bowl in. We worked at those basics for six-seven hours a day for six weeks. Players had a set routine. They knew what they would be doing two weeks ahead. There is a set plan now in place for every member and that has helped immensely."

Hard work is paying off, as is cooperation from Zimbabwe Cricket. Before, according to Brown, facilities were not provided simply because players never asked for it. Now there are professional trainers, sports psychologists and world-class training facilities. "The board is working with the players now. We have a lot of talent and the board has realised that and invested time, effort and money into it."

The return of some experience has also helped. Without delving into the reasons behind their exits, Brown welcomed back Taibu, Ray Price and Gary Brent, highlighting their value to the team from the tour match alone. Taibu scored 46 and 30, Price managed a four-for and Brent was involved in a defiant 96-run seventh-wicket partnership to delay the inevitable.

"Experience improves the side. While they perform, they can share the magic with younger players and pass on advice. Their return also fires a warning to players whose spot they have occupied, as they now need to work extra hard elsewhere and warrant selection in the playing eleven. It's healthy competition."

Vital to maintaining that competition will be the ability of the domestic structure to churn out talent. Brown says matters are rapidly improving, pointing out that provincial sides managed to beat the Kenyans easily last season. "It was beneficial for Zimbabwe to have invited Kenya to play but it was pleasing for our players to be winning against them. It just shows how much depth we have in our talent pool. We also have A and B teams, with international coaches coming in. It is definitely on the rise."

There are still kinks, for example the fielding, which saw a number of grassed chances in Karachi. Brown recalled that it was Zimbabwe's fielding that played a key role in the upset win over Australia, so giving away "60 crucial runs due to sloppiness" against the Patron's XI wasn't good.

"Sometimes they switch off on the field," Brown admits. "It is difficult to keep them motivated as we, before this hectic schedule recently, barely played any cricket. I would love to see them play more, ideally in international cricket but even if its club cricket. Playing under various conditions different to back home would help the players develop a great deal."

So what does Zimbabwe need to get back into the Test arena? "Nothing," Brown says without hesitation. "I think we're right up there with most of the teams on the Test circuit. Obviously, competing against the top two will be difficult, but against the likes of Bangladesh, West Indies and New Zealand I'm sure the team will perform well."

So a humble enquiry is put forward: on the performance of the tour match, would a Zimbabwe Test against Bangladesh last five days? "Obviously it won't. We will beat them in four."

© Faras Ghani 2008
Published on Cricinfo Jan 20, 2008

Third-most famous beard, and a dummy's guide to 'bastard'

Beard face
The year has started on a disappointing note for Monty Panesar. Winner of the Beard of the Year award last year, he has slipped down to having the third best beard in the country. He was beaten to the top two spots by Robert Plant, the Led Zeppelin front man, and Rafael Benitez, Liverpool FC's manager, in a competition held by the Beard Liberation Front, an informal network of beard wearers. The winners, according to Keith Flett, Beard Liberation Front organiser, have "stylish beards and are promoting a new 21st-century image of the hirsute." Where is WG Grace when we need him?

It's not cricket
Such was the scale of the umpiring saga during the Sydney Test that it the concern over the use of technology echoed in tennis courts too. Lleyton Hewitt, former world No. 1, a victim of "poor calls" in his loss to Chris Guccione, labelled the umpiring as "pretty ordinary" while stating, "I feel like the cricketers, I think. What's going on with all the refs these days? They're useless."

Hewitt also criticised the umpires for relying on Hawk-Eye too much. "I think central umpires have probably gone into their shell more so since Hawk-Eye has come in, which is fine in major tournaments. But at the smaller tournaments where you don't have Hawk-Eye you have to stand up and make decisions." Major thinking required.

Victory for all
While the furore over the Indian cricket tour raged on, Brett Lee and Mike Hussey were busy on the sets of "Victory", a Bollywood blockbuster featuring international stars including the Australian duo. There have been calls in India for the public to boycott the film when it comes out. Amid the recent tussle between the two sides, the film producers were far from worried. The US$ 7million production is the story of a young, impoverished cricketer who realises his dream of playing cricket for India. Anu Sharma, the producer of the film, eased off notions that the Australians might be led into playing the bad guys by saying that Australians were the most popular guys in India. With the burning effigies and the likes, Sharma's comments might be a tad off the pace.

Move on, Steve
Dickie Bird has called on Steve Bucknor to retire from the game in the wake of his poor umpiring in the Sydney Test that led to massive protest and his removal from the following Test. Bird, who retired from international cricket in 1996, said: "When you get to that age... I have said to Steve, 'Don't go on too long, get out while you are still respected.' I think he has gone on too long." Darrell Hair, who was ranked as the second best umpire in the world when removed from the elite panel following the Oval saga, also believes time has caught up with Bucknor. "I feel for Steve. In a way, it's probably the best for him to stand down and relieve the pressure a little bit," Hair said.

Justice for all
Hartley Alleyne , a former West Indian cricketer, has been given permission to reside in the UK for three more years after facing deportation despite being a resident for 29 years. Alleyne, who played for Barbados, Worcestershire, Kent and Natal before coaching youngsters in Canterbury, described the decision as "winning the Lotto". He had applied for a permit in 2005 when he began working as a sports coach and resident boarding assistant at a school in Canterbury. But his application was turned down because he did not hold an NVQ Level 3 certificate. "It has been a very long, hard slog, which has been dragging on for some eight months," Alleyne said. "But I'm glad common sense has at last prevailed."

Quote of the week
"This [bastard] is a serious term. It has a lot of bad meanings back in India and we are very sensitive about these issues. In India, we do not have children without getting married. It is a taboo and it is not accepted in the society. A child born out of wedlock is considered to be very low and an outcast. We don't use this word at all, only when you really want to abuse somebody in a derogatory manner."

Chetan Chauhan, India's manager, tells Sydney Morning Herald why calling someone a bastard is far worse than calling someone a monkey, which, according to him, is not an insult in India.

© Faras Ghani 2008
Published on Cricinfo Jan 14, 2008

Pakistanis brave violence to vote

Low voter-turnout and sporadic incidents of violence greeted election-day across Pakistan.

Delayed by over a month due to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto, and preceded by attacks on politicians and party workers, the day was met with lukewarm response from the general public.

According to officials, nine people, including a woman, were killed in different areas of the countries in election-related violence.

Empty streets and deserted polling stations were witnessed in Karachi, Pakistan's largest and most-populous city, as well.

Even though polling commenced at 9am, it was not until late afternoon that the majority of voters cast their votes. A number of stations visited in various localities of the city resulted in polling staff and security officials confirming a slow start and minimal interest.

However, with people staying away, an avid enactment of poll-rigging was witnessed and reported from all over the city.

There were numerous complaints that people arriving late in the afternoon had their votes cast already. Some, upon arrival at the stations, learnt that their names were missing from the electoral vote. While a few chose to head towards another nearby station to try their luck, majority of them were left fuming.

At one station in central Karachi, polling ceased well before the 5pm closing time due to 100 percent voter turnout. However, further investigation revealed that over 20 locals in that area had their vote "cast by someone else".

At one particular venue in Clifton, a southern Karachi area, officers allowed a woman to cast her vote despite her name not being present on the list. Staff at a polling station in Defence (Karachi) reported massive rigging due to the lack of security staff and the involvement of the election officers on-site.

In some northern areas of Pakistan, women voters were forced not to participate in the polls. An independent candidate tried to mark the ballot papers after snatching them from the voters in NA-74 constituency.

According to Geo News, a PPP candidate was arrested in Nazimabad (Karachi) after allegedly kidnapping a presiding officer at a polling station.

Despite the lack of interest by the public, workers of several parties provided pick and drop service to residents of their area in order to encourage voting.

Several MQM activists were seen in the city transporting women and the elderly to and from the polling stations. With PPP and MQM deemed as leading parties in Karachi, an active presence of party workers was witnessed on the streets and outside the polling stations for last-gasp luring of votes.

While MQM looks all set to sweep the city, PPP is well-placed for a healthy result across the province of Sind. PML-N has emerged as the leading party in Punjab over the years and the trend looks set to continue. In NWFP, the ANP looks set to benefit from JUI's decision to boycott the elections and may very well secure healthy numbers in Baluchistan as well.

For the National Assembly, however, the death of Benazir may well have placed PPP in a majority-securing position courtesy of sympathy votes.

© Faras Ghani 2008
Published in Asian News Feb 19, 2008

Imran Khan barred from Karachi

IMRAN Khan, leader of Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf - Movement for Justice - was prevented from entering Karachi - for the second time in five months - as he arrived in the city to address the Karachi Bar Association (KBA).

Imran, a cricketer-turned-politician, was served an expulsion notice upon arrival in Karachi from Quetta and was flown to Islamabad instead, leaving dozens of PTI followers shouting anti-government slogans outside Karachi airport.

Citing his planned address to the KBA as the reason behind his expulsion, government officials stated that anyone attempting to join the lawyers' movement with the general elections looming would be treated as a threat to the law and order situation.

"He was also due to address public meetings of the All Pakistan Democratic Movement (APDM) in Hyderabad and Karachi," Arif Ali Khan, the Sindh home secretary, said. "Since the APDM had announced an election boycott, they have not been given permission to hold such processions or meetings so participation in such gatherings would not be a legal or a wise move.

"We respect the political parties and their leaders but sometimes you need to prioritise your actions in the name of the national interest," the home secretary added. "The order against Imran Khan was part of that strategy."

Imran, who refused to fight the government orders in court, said: "Musharraf and his men - regardless of whether they were from the earlier government or from this caretaker set-up - have a history of violating the constitution.

"They did it again by preventing me from addressing the people and they [the newly-appointed judges] are all Musharraf's personal judges and I don't pin any hope on getting any justice from such people. So I am not going to challenge the Sindh government's move before any court."

Speaking at the seminar in Quetta prior to his departure for Karachi, Imran had blamed the lack of provincial autonomy and the absence of an independent judiciary as the reasons behind the country's instability.

Last September, the elected Sindh government barred Imran's entry into Karachi citing his political engagements as a possible cause for traffic problems.


The PTI chief had been scheduled to address a group of lawyers in support of the deposed chief justice of Pakistan, Iftikhar Mohammed Chaudhry.

© Faras Ghani 2008
Published in Asian News Feb 11, 2008

'I don't want to be a back-up bowler'

Yasir Arafat has had a good season with Kent, an impressive Test debut against India, and is now looking forward to doing well in Pakistan's domestic season
Tell us about your stint with Kent earlier in the year
It was my second year in county cricket and this time I was paired with Andrew Hall for Kent. Playing with, and against, international stars taught me a lot. I had earlier played at Sussex as well, with Mushtaq Ahmed. I played 10 first-class matches with Kent and managed 369 runs, with two centuries, as well as 27 wickets.

What is your role in the current Pakistan team? You had been labelled an ODI specialist, but your county stint suggests you are a fairly capable allrounder in the longer form
That is true. I have 527 first-class wickets and close to 4500 runs. Because I am now considered an allrounder, I have to work hard on my batting and bowling both. I have been playing first-class cricket for 10 years now, but I have only played seven ODIs since making my debut seven years ago. I'm called up for a game here and there due to injuries to senior players and that is the reason why I haven't been able to perform to the level that I can.

What was your Test debut like?
It was always my dream to play for Pakistan, and to make my Test debut against a team like India, and that too in India, was just overwhelming. Since it was a Test match, it allowed me to bowl long spells and prove to doubters that I can bowl in Test matches too. Seven wickets on debut and 44 in the first innings [in Bangalore in December 2007] - I can't really complain.

Why do you think Pakistan lost against both South Africa and India despite good individual performances?
Individual performances merely played a rescue act in both series. We failed to click as a team and when you have your strike bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Umar Gul unfit, it is a blow to the team. We did not have enough resources to counter the experienced line-ups.

What next for you?
I played four matches in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and performed reasonably well, hopefully enough to get the nod for the tour matches and the ODI series against Zimbabwe. There is a domestic Twenty20 and limited-overs tournament after that series, and I'm hoping to perform there as well, so I'm in the reckoning for the Australia series. I don't want to be a back-up bowler called up whenever someone is injured. I want to be a worthy allrounder in all forms of cricket.

© Faras Ghani 2008
Published on Cricinfo 5th Jan 2008

Young, inexperienced and ready for Pakistan

Sohail Khan, the right-arm Karachi-based fast bowler, has shot to fame in his debut first-class season by grabbing 65 wickets in his first nine matches. The haul includes 16 for 189, a Pakistani record previously held by Fazal Mahmood. Aged 23, Sohail's journey to first-class stardom has seen plenty of travel, hard work, pebble-throwing and prayers, as he reveals to Cricinfo

Since it is your debut season, not many people know much about you. What was your early cricketing life like and how did you end up in Karachi?
I am from up north. I was born in Malakand agency (in NWFP) and, like a majority of other youngsters, played tennis-ball cricket from an early age. I was told that I bowled at a lively pace, something I realised quite soon myself. We lived in the mountain regions and, as kids, we threw a lot of stones around. Tedious as it sounds, it helped build muscle-strength in my shoulders, which was increased by the amount of swimming I did in the innumerable streams and rivers. Perhaps realising the potential I had, together with my height and build, a relative of mine advised me to go to Karachi to play professional cricket. And such has been the bond between myself and Karachi, together with the success I have had, that ever since I set foot here four years ago, I have not gone back even once.

So how did the transition from tennis-ball cricket and pebble-throwing to professional cricket take place?
When I arrived in Karachi, I did not know many people. So I started playing cricket here and there. Nothing professional. Then, Sikander Bakht held a speed hunt talent contest which I entered, and attained top position. At 85 mph, I also came in third fastest in Pakistan. It was after that recognition that I started playing for Millat Club in Malir (Karachi) and followed that up with a place in the Sind Police team. A few months after that, Dr Shah (a renowned individual in the cricket fraternity in Karachi) spotted me and insisted I play for his club (A.O. Club). During a successful stint with him, I was spotted by Rashid Latif who then offered me a place at his academy. That I could not refuse since Rashid bhai has groomed so many individuals - including Younis Khan and Danish Kaneria - at his academy. While a member of his academy, I also played for Deewan group and finally, I got spotted by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) who offered me a place on their team last year. I got 21 wickets in a handful of matches and, following its promotion to first-class cricket, here I am.

What sort of coaching have you been able to receive?
When I started at Rashid bhai's academy, he confined me to nets for a year! I thought I would never see an actual match situation because it was nets day in and day out. I would bowl all day, work on my fitness and remain in the nets and do nothing else. It seemed endless. However, it all paid off when, playing for the first time under Rashid, I bowled three overs, got three wickets and even hit one batsmen who was taken to hospital. I have also sought help and guidance from [former first-class cricketer] Mohinder Kumar who has also helped Kaneria and Mohammad Sami. I would spend four to five hours a day with Kumar and he's the one who helped me develop my outswing because previously, I would bowl fast and swing the ball in only. He guided me on the wrist position on how to obtain movement away which has helped me considerably. The 65 wickets has a lot to do with the month I spent with Kumar.

Our fast bowlers are prone to injuries at a relatively early age. Any that you have been affected by?
Yes, in fact, I missed an entire season due to a groin injury about two years ago. I was actually called up to a Pakistan camp following my performance at the speed contests and club cricket I had been playing and it was in the middle of the camp that I felt the niggle. I decided, with the help of Dr Shah, that it was best to take a break and get it sorted otherwise it could have severe repercussions in the future. Therefore, I had to abandon my stay at the camp and return to the training ground. However, that time off gave me ample opportunity to work on my body and fitness and I came back eager and stronger, both physically and mentally.

You are currently involved in a grueling domestic season, your first, as well as playing club cricket. What sort of training routine do you follow to keep your body in shape?
Training hard is essential for any cricketer and since I'm a fast bowler, I tend to work harder on my shoulders. I have this tractor wheel that I tie with a rope and run the diameter of this ground [Asghar Ali Shah Stadium, home to A.O.Club] pulling it with my shoulders. There is also sprinting and gym sessions involved and together with a good, balanced diet I also find time for plenty of rest.

Not everyone enters first-class cricket and breaks a national record from the depths of obscurity. How has the season worked out for you?
Well, I'd like to sum it up in three words; training, desire and prayers. As mentioned before, there is, and was, a lot of training and hard work involved. In order to achieve something, I knew I had to put in a lot of effort and I did. Because I had the desire to succeed and I knew, and was told, that I had the potential to make it. I am also a devout Muslim and I back up my willingness with prayers. By the grace of God, I have managed to break the great Fazal Mahmood's record.

Do you think you are ready for international cricket or would you like to spend some more time playing domestic?
I am at my peak. I'm fit physically and mentally and everyone I speak to tells me I'm quite capable of handling international pressure. I have not had any communication with the national selectors but I know there is a series against Zimbabwe coming up and I would love to represent Pakistan. I know I am young and inexperienced, but playing with experienced cricketers, coaches and being among people who know much about cricket, I can only improve. Given the chance, I will surely replicate my domestic performance on the international arena.

© Faras Ghani 2007
Published on Cricinfo 19th Dec 2007

Pakistan hunt for future Wasims and Waqars

Imagine this: Pakistan take the field at the World Cup 2011 and the opening bowlers are not from Rawalpindi and Karachi but two lanky rookies from the snow-ridden valley of Chitral and the flats of Bannu: the same pair who shone in the previous year's junior World Cup and have progressed steadily through various age-groups.

It may seem a far-fetched prospect presently - Chitral and Bannu being represented as much as a seamless transition through different age levels - but it may well become a credible vision soon. Or so a new talent hunt scheme launched earlier this year hopes.

Mobilink Hunt for Heroes, a joint effort between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Mobilink, Pakistan's premier mobile-network provider, was launched after the debacle at the 2007 World Cup. The embarrassing exit not only left the country weeping for a second successive World Cup, but also forced the entire cricket fraternity wondering into introspection: where was Pakistan cricket going wrong?

At grassroots level, it was discovered. And so amid the broad belief that there lies hidden treasure in the most obscure corners of the country, this massive program was unveiled. Covering 52 districts throughout the country and all four provinces, the hunt reached out not only to residents of urban centres such as Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi, but also to locations off the beaten track, such as Hub, Mirpurkhas, Sukkur, Nawabshah and Chitral.

The plan was not to spot talent ready to be drafted into the first-class system and, after a couple of seasons, in to the national side. No, for that would, in effect, not be different from other talent hunt schemes in the past. This joint venture aimed solely at 13-16 year-olds who believed they had what it takes to play for Pakistan.

Continue reading this article on Cricinfo

© Faras Ghani 2007
Published on Cricinfo 18th Dec 2007

Of paths just opened

Before the imposition of emergency, it seemed the growing media enterprise had no holds barred. But these restrictions cannot last too long. They will have to go and let the media take its own course, writes Faras GhaniIt is hardly news that Pakistan’s media industry is rapidly expanding and is in a powerful state (rather, was until the curbs, impositions and blackouts, of which it has been a victim lately). But ever since the government decided to dish out licenses to individuals and private companies to bid for a representation on the broadcasting horizon of Pakistan, there had been a rush to make one’s presence felt.

Thus news, entertainment, music, sports, children, shopping, religion and even culture arrived on our television screens, often in a boisterous manner.

No doubt, it had been a long road: from the time of nine o’clock PTV Khabarnama to news around the clock, from watching cartoons at quarter-past seven in the morning to an unstoppable, often addictive, dosage of an entire variety of animated characters at our service 24/7, from the cherished and eagerly awaited night when our national television station would bless our curved screens with an English movie, albeit from the Mughal days, to Pay-per-View and movies-on-demand, and from Radio Pakistan and the crackling ‘AM’ stations that our grandparents tuned into and over to the various request shows inundating our frequency-world today.

And notwithstanding the emergency, we can safely say that a revolutionary variety in media, especially television has come a long way in the last decade.

However, quantity does not necessarily signify quality. Similarly, with the sheer speed that these private channels grabbed a spot on our screens and in our minds, it gave the audience, the people who decide what should be on the screens and airwaves, not much time to reserve judgment.

There had been a far few rotten apples along the way as well. These victims of our sincerest of abominations are the ones who have inflicted our wrath upon themselves on the basis of a purely unprofessional presentation and sheer lack of standards.

Working in the media industry comes with added perks. The apparent ‘charm’ for the masses serve as rocking reasons enough, but at the same time, it requires toil that is not easy to handle, and with the kind of work that was being churned out, it is no surpeise that experts were not very impressed by the results, be it visuals on televions, or audio on radios, or even what we would come across on billboards, magazines and websites.

Asma Fazil, a student counselor for a media training institute, reckons that there was only one way our media industry was going, and that was up (obviously, this was before the curbs of TV channels). She, however, fully agrees that no media can survice without proper training and facilities and that should be made top priority.

“Although the media and multimedia industry is an expanding field in any country, and one where charm perhaps outshines the rest of the incentives, it is not for everyone. Take designing and advertising for example. You need people with artistic minds, people who are looking to contribute to a field with lots of creativity involved and who can sketch or draw, and people who have attention to detail and not someone who wants a quick result.

“However, even with all the creativity and sketching qualities they bring, we still need to train them. We still need to craft their minds in such a way that they pick up on the concepts, oozing out of them in their everyday task.

“And it is not only the concepts we need to straighten up. While the minds are young, we also need to ensure there is proper awareness. We need to ensure we bring in new ideas instead of copying other people’s work.”

A major point raised in the recent past is the downhill progression of our locally-produced dramas. There was a point in time when our own dramas made headlines with copies of those old-time classics still sitting on a lot of shelves even today. Even the younger generation recalls the story, the twists, the plot and the characters. Where has the trend disappeared now, they ask. Why have we suddenly gone from utilising our brains, our creativity and our ideas to copying what our neighbours are doing and that too of inferior quality.

“Even when these channels were on air, we were not moving ahead with time. We lack the technology, the hardware and and the commitment to match our neighbours. There are plenty of institutions who will train on how to improve the quality of photo, colours, and even the looks of the models, but we are not availing these opportunities.

“Foreign industries are using animations as well as various software in their films. Pakistan, on the other hand, is lacking all that,” she adds.

This is where the need of a proper training and guidance procedure lies. Media houses, private production companies and television channels emphasise the need for properly trained individuals in the industry. Obviously those with the ‘concepts and awareness’ drilled in can mix the creative juices within and come up with appealing presentations, for example, an animated commander on own screens or even the billboards that line our roads, and the websites that Pakistani youngsters have produced.

Nadym Khan, a private producer, is all for the injection of young, talented and trained blood into the industry. “It’s a fast growing field. You come up with something and your message will be delivered throughout the world in no time.

“When it comes to students, it is precisely for this reason that it becomes essential to give them ample work experience as well as on-hand training while they are studying. Theory will only get you to a certain level, but practicing what is learnt in classrooms will ensure the refined material. ‘Student’ who comes out after graduating has the confidence to tackle real world problems as well.

“It takes a lot of hard work. Media is no easy job. It comes with long, often stressful, hours and not a huge pay to start off with, but as long as one’s concepts are clear, there should not be a problem.”

All said and done, why was there a sudden surge in media-related jobs (until recently) and, as a result, an aspiration towards working in the field? One major reason, as mentioned before, is the charm of working in the so-called glamour world, be it television, radio or even a magazine. It forms an influencing factor among peers and a source of respect. But according to a few, it also gave them something different to choose from as not everyone in the world wants to be a doctor, lawyer or engineer.

However, experts are quick to warn newcomers against expecting reaping benefits from day one.

“It is a gradual process, and progression takes time. It should be given the time it deserves,” says Asma. “Speaking about our dramas again, we tend to shoot them and edit them in haste. Eagerness to put them in front of the audience often makes the editors and producers miss out on important tasks that could have improved the final quality of the product and maybe attracted the viewer for longer than it has.”

While advising a hearty dosage of patience and conscientiousness, Nadym reminds students that the world of media does not necessarily stop at a television channel or a radio station.

“There are a number of decent magazines that are being edited and produced locally. With students and professionals picking up new ideas courtesy the internet and exposure to the international world of media, we have seen great improvement in our print media as well. Magazines about twenty years ago tend to stick to the same design and format for eons. In recent years, electronic and print media switched to vibrant colours and new designs, and it is really refreshing to see all the emerging change,” Nadym said.

Speaking on the same topic, Asma pointed out that in the world of multimedia designing, there exist three fields: architecture, character animation, and product modeling. This meant that television, radio and magazines were not the only horizons creativity-aspiring individuals can venture towards. There is a lot of interior design, fashion designing and even engineering aspect of it to cater a lot of students.

However, for all that, there has to be formal training, commitment and a desire to succeed even with all the problems facing the world of media in Pakistan. Experts believe that the tools and hardware required for a delivery is a notable presentation that exists. But above all that we need to use the mind in a required manner.

Media boom all over the world can thank technology for its existence. Having tasted this boom, and hoping for more, it becomes all the more important for media institutes to work on the techie factor, if they want their students to assimilate easily in the work environment. As for the improvement in equipment and formats and an improved cash-flow and advent of technology, it is a task that the individual and the community has to undertake as a whole.

© Faras Ghani 2007
Published in Sci-Tech World (DAWN newspaper) 17th Nov 2007

Fletcher, film stars, fast bowlers

A change of direction
He was on the winning end of an epic Ashes series. He was on the receiving end of an Ashes whitewash. He coached England during a dismal World Cup and hung up his boots straight after. He then delivered stinging criticism of the nation's cricket's heroes in his book. Now, fascinated by the prospect of a sudden change in direction, Duncan Fletcher has decided to try his luck at rugby union.

"The big thing in rugby is changing direction," Fletcher told the Independent. If you can change direction, you've got a one-metre advantage over the opposition, and by the time they've woken up, you've stolen that metre. I find that fascinating." Wonder if there's any such thing as PUI (Playing Under the Influence) in rugby.

Hiding for justice
Imran Khan's change of direction, however, has brought him more trouble in the recent past than good fortune. In the latest instance, the former allrounder, and leader of the Tehreek-e-Insaaf party (Justice Movement), had to go into hiding after authorities surrounded his house wanting to arrest him following the imposition of a state of emergency in Pakistan. A jump over his house wall was what it took Imran to edge past his waiting captors, after which he has been moving around the city of Lahore, voicing his call: "Our aim is to continue the struggle and mobilise the youth of the country from underground."

The hardest hit
The imposition of the emergency was probably the worst thing to happen, in terms of the India-Pakistan series. For a brief period private television channels faced a blackout, resulting in angry cricket fans. It was the cricket betting market in Pakistan, however, that faced the brunt. A series that would otherwise have witnessed a heavy movement of cash, received only lukewarm response thanks to the fallen stock market, the prevailing uncertainty, communication problems, and the channel-blackout which meant that some matches were not available to viewers.

Makhaya strikes back
Makhaya Ntini has retained his position as the most popular South African sporting personality among junior fans even after a rare disappointing Test series, against Pakistan. The 2007 BMI Junior Sporttrack Survey - an annual poll of sports spectators in the 13-18 age group - had the fast-bowler warding off stiff competition from football players Benni McCarthy and Benedict Vilakazi to come out on top. Ntini has also been the most popular sports star on the BMI Adult Survey for the last two years.

Catching the eye
Irfan Pathan's impressive return to international cricket has been heavily praised in cricketing circles. The praise, however, stretches far beyond those circles - as was borne out when a former Miss India and Bollywood star, Sayali Bhagat, who once proposed to Rahul Dravid on TV, confessed her fondness for the Indian allrounder.

Pathan, it seems, is not the only one catching the eye. Sania Mirza, Asia's most popular tennis star, was present at the second ODI between India and Pakistan, apparently being charmed by... Shoaib Akhtar. "I like watching Shoaib Akhtar," Mirza said. "He is fast and aggressive and these are key qualities in a sportsman."

Shunned
Shahrukh Khan may just have been India's lucky charm at the final of the ICC World Twenty20, but his presence was deemed unnecessary and a recipe for crowd trouble by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association (UPCA) for the third ODI at Kanpur. The UPCA apparently advised the BCCI not to invite the Bollywood superstar to the ground, since it was going to be hard enough to control the crowd, what with the presence of government ministers and the like. Oh well, Chak de India anyway.

And before that happened...
At Chandigarh, after the second game, a few members of the Indian team went to the cinema to watch Om Shanti Om starring, ironically, the same Shahrukh as above. Ones paying homage to the great actor included MS Dhoni, and Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly with their families.

Yuvraj Singh, meanwhile, drove around the city in his sports car attracting fans, while Shoaib surprisingly turned up at a much quieter venue: an orphanage in Chandigarh where he played cricket with the children.

© Faras Ghani 2007
Published on Cricinfo 12th Nov 2007

Down to the wire

Pakistan and India have a habit of scripting thrilling encounters. Cricinfo looks at ten of the most exhilarating duels between these two teams, games that will be remembered not only for the close finishes, but also the excitement and entertainment that accompanied all through


1st match, Four-nation Cup 1985, Sharjah
India 125 beat Pakistan 87 by 38 runs
A formidable Indian batting line-up was left in tatters by the pace and swing of Imran Khan. He dismissed Ravi Shastri leg-before off the first ball of the match, and had three of his victims caught behind, proof enough of his unplayable bowling. A target of 126 was always within Pakistan's reach, even though they lost their first wicket at 13. However, a double collapse saw them go from 35 for 1 to 41 for 5 and then from 85 for 6 to 87 all out. Kapil Dev, after scoring a dogged 30, proved Pakistan's nemesis with the ball, and captured 3 for 17. Sunil Gavaskar chipped in with four catches, three of them breathtaking.

Final, Australasia Cup 1986, Sharjah
Pakistan 248 for 9 beat India 245 for 7 by 1 wicket
Perhaps the greatest of all ODIs between the two countries, if only because it is the one that first comes to the mind of fans of either country. It will forever be remembered for the last ball of the match, with everything that preceded it - Kris Srikkanth's aggression, Gavaskar's 92, late wickets by Wasim Akram and Imran to restrict India, and even an unbeaten century by Javed Miandad - all swept aside. Chetan Sharma did manage three wickets in the match, but his last delivery, off which Pakistan needed four to win the tournament, was pulled mightily over midwicket and over the boundary by Miandad to spark wild celebrations after an unlikely last-wicket victory.

2nd ODI, Pakistan in India 1987, Kolkata
Pakistan 241 for 8 beat India 238 for 6 by 2 wickets
A Srikkanth century inspired the home side to a respectable score, and after Pakistan collapsed to 174 for 6 after a 106-run opening partnership, they needed to score at almost 10 runs an over. Saleem Malik, batting at No.7, tore through the Indian bowling, sharing a 50-run partnership with Akram in which the bowler scored only 3. Smashing 11 fours and a six, including five fours in an over off Kapil, Malik's 36-ball 72 carried Pakistan home with only three balls left.

Quarter-final, World Cup 1996, Bangalore
India 287 for 8 beat Pakistan 248 for 9 by 39 runs
A charged-up encounter with a World Cup semi-final spot for the taking received a jolt when Akram, Pakistan's captain, pulled out minutes before the toss. With Ajay Jadeja smashing a 25-ball 45 - Waqar Younis was hammered for 40 off his last two overs - and Navjot Sidhu lumbering his way to 93, the balance had shifted in the favour of the Indians even before the reply began. Although Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail flayed the Indian attack to start off, Sohail's loss of temper and temperament as he tried to assert his authority over Venkatesh Prasad, combined with the batsmen's lack of application saw them succumb to pressure. Anil Kumble and Prasad grabbed three each as Pakistan perished, failing to put together reasonable partnerships.

Sahara Cup 1996, Toronto
Pakistan 266 for 8 beat India 264 for 6 by 2 wickets
Pakistan's decision to field first, based on their strong bowling line-up, backfired as Rahul Dravid and Mohammad Azharuddin added 161 for the third wicket. Akram and Waqar went wicketless, while Jadeja once again smashed a few towards the end. Although Anwar scored a 78-ball 80, wickets tumbled regularly, and at 221 for 8, India looked all set to take a 2-0 lead in the series. Malik (70 not out) and Saqlain Mushtaq (11 not out), however, added 44, and Pakistan scrambled home on the penultimate ball of the match, from Sunil Joshi, which Malik, playing with a twisted ankle, cut past point.

Sahara Cup 1997, Toronto
India 182 for 6 beat Pakistan 148 by 34 runs
A disastrous start to the innings saw India slump to 23 for 3 in seaming conditions against a less than threatening Pakistan attack. A brief recovery by Azharuddin and Co. made for a somewhat respectable 182. It should have been a comfortable target for Pakistan's strong batting line-up, and at 103 for 3 seemed just that. That was when Sourav Ganguly's medium pace was brought on. Utilising the conditions, and Pakistan's frailty against the moving ball, Ganguly snapped up five wickets - all caught - as the last seven wickets went down for the addition of only 43 runs.

India's tour of Pakistan, 1997, Karachi
India 266 for 6 beat Pakistan 265 for 4 by 4 wickets
Karachi lived up to its billing as a batsman's paradise and attacking seventies by Shahid Afridi and Inzamam-ul-Haq enabled Pakistan to post a competitive score (though the innings was cut short due to crowd trouble). India looked set for an easy victory until panic struck, resulting in the loss of four wickets for only 26 runs, two of them run-outs. Saba Karim and Robin Singh consolidated, and when Saqlain, economical till then, went for 33 in three overs, a win seemed in sight. As the ball was changed yet again in the final over, Saqlain was hit for a six by Rajesh Chauhan and India sealed victory.

3rd Final, Independence Cup 1998, Dhaka
India 316 for 7 beat Pakistan 314 for 5 by 3 wickets
Saeed Anwar and Ijaz Ahmed scored blistering centuries and Saqlain grabbed three wickets but India still managed to lift the Independence Cup courtesy a Ganguly century and supporting knocks from Sachin Tendulkar and Robin Singh. It wasn't easy, though. India, at one stage 250 for 2, slumped to 281 for 5 at the hands of Saqlain. A further two quick wickets followed, and in the end it was left to Hrishikesh Kanitkar to strike a boundary in fading light off the penultimate ball of the match to seal the win.

1st ODI, India's tour of Pakistan, 2004, Karachi
India 349 for 7 beat Pakistan 344 for 8 by 5 runs
A strong batting display, especially by India's top order, built a mammoth 349 - the first 200 of which came in only 25 overs. However, a brave fightback by Pakistan, after losing their openers cheaply, took the game right down to the wire. Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam and Younis Khan all played their part, but Inzamam's dismissal left Pakistan requiring 72 off eight overs. The lower order failed at the last hurdle to keep up with the required rate, and Moin Khan was unable to "do a Miandad" off the last delivery.

4th ODI, Pakistan's tour of India, 2005, Ahmedabad
Pakistan 319 for 7 beat India 315 for 6 by 3 wickets
Another strong batting display from India on the back of a Tendulkar 123 and a late cameo from Yuvraj Singh led them to a 300-plus score, as Pakistan bowlers toiled in batting-friendly conditions. A blistering opening partnership between Salman Butt and Shahid Afridi laid the foundations of a strong reply, but with wickets falling regularly, India were still in with a good chance. Inzamam, however, provided a calm figure in the middle as others perished around him. With three needed off the last over, he blocked the first five deliveries before slashing the last one for a four to round off a remarkable chase.

© Faras Ghani 2007
Published on Cricinfo 4th Nov 2007