Some Statements from Sarfaraz Nawaz – Should Media Consider Sarfaraz Nawaz as Analyst

Pakistan’s former fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz  is famous for his hot and fiery statements. He is live in media because of his negligent statements. He never thought that what would be the negative impact of his non serious statements on the status of Pakistan cricket. Here is record of some statements of Sarfaraz Nawaz, read these statement and then decide, is this man has potential to express his views on any cricket issu? If not Media should not take his views after every controversy to promote its channel viewer ships, for the betterment of cricket as well as for the betterment of Pakistan image.

“He told a television channel that Imran had demanded money from former Pakistan player Younus Ahmed to play him in the side on a tour and after he didn`t pay the full amount he was sent packing home. Sarfaraz has alleged he was witness to the deal between Imran and Younus. He has also claimed that Imran used to take hashish regularly (charas) and had bawdy sex romps as a Pakistan team member.”

Infact he was stating after meeting with MQM Head Altaf Hussain, by this he was trying to damage the personality of Imran Khan on the advice of MQM. Sarfaraz was also on the pay role of PML (N)  when PLM (N) and PTI was opponent in an election in 1990s. At that time Sarfaraz was creating story of Seta White.

After loosing series in Sri Lanka in captaincy of Younis Khan Sarfaraz Nawaz Stated

“I feel that team captain Younis Khan should retire from international cricket and hand over the responsibilities to Shahid Afridi”.

Can a sensible person demand a young player to retire after loosing a series. 

In one of his TV interview to Indian News Channel “Star News”

he said “that Shoaib Malik is marrying Sania Mirza only to fix Tennis matches now  as he cannot serve Pak Cricket Team because of ban now”.

Commenting on a controversy, when after differences with Chairman Younis Khan resign from captaincy Sarfaraz said:-

Younis Khan ko Istifa dene par gairat dikhane ke baad be-gairati nahi karni chahiye aur is par kaim rehna chahi

Stating regarding ex Chairman of ICC on September 15, 2010 (Frontier Star): “Sarfaraz terming former Chairman of ICC Ehsan Mani as a match fixer”  

In another interview he stated

"I urge upon cricket nations to stop taking part in the ICC-held events. They are havens for match-fixers. ICC is actively promoting it,"

On death of Bob Wolmer Controversy he stated:-

"Bob must have seen how Pakistan team went about its business against West Indies. You could sense it from their body language that something was amiss. I believe he was writing a book and he would have come off with sensational disclosures.”

On another occasion he claimed

“that captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, along with Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik were involved in betting.”

On one occasion he  claimed

“That he was threatened with death threats by unidentified men who snuck up on him and threatened to kill him if he continued with his jibes against match fixing by Pakistan cricketers.”

No doubt he was great bowler of his time, and the invention of reverse swing is on his credit, but after reading these statements can any one draw some positive conclusions from his statements in favour of cricket, players and especially Pakistan cricket.  All these statements look like he knows the habits of emotional Pakistani nation and by these spicy statement he is trying to live in media.

But I think media should read statements and think again that is he could be consider cricket analyst. Should media take him for expressing his views on cricket controversies? 

Is It Not Weakening Statement from Abdul Qadir?

According to “Daily Express” Abdul Qadir has stated that Misbah should be appointed as captain for the remaining 3 matches of Pakistan in New Zealan and after that PCB should decide for Captaincy of Shahid Afridi or Misbah.

Can any one believe that this is a statement from Legendary Spin Bowler of Pakistan and an annalist who is famous for his bold analysis?  Its look like this is not Pakistan cricket team but it is a street playing eleven. All over the world managements like to prepare team and captain years before the world cup, but here Abdul Qadir want to experience 20 days before starting of world cup.

Infact after resigning as Chief Selector of the cricket board, the first statement of Abdul Qadir was that Shahid Afridi should be made skipper in ODIs & T20s instead of Younish Khan. And before he was not chief selector and when Inzamam Ul Haq was captain, he was in fovour of Younish Khan and after Younis Khan first he was in favour of Shahid Afrid and then in favour of Salman Butt and now he is in favour of Misbah Ul Haq.

What are the reasons of opposing entire captains by Abdul Qadir?

Every player passes through different phases of his career. Some time when players get good form they perform well, some time because of bad form they became fail. But expert always tries to indicate the deficiencies instead of dropping the players from the team. But the dilemma of Pakistan cricket experts is different.  Look at the desires of Abdul Qadir who is famous for his bold analysis. He changes his views with the appointment of every captain. It is because he is not interesting in betterment of Pakistan cricket, but he is a man of ego. He wan that every captain should go to him, and should take directions from him, and then play the cricket.  This is not possible. Because every player has their own ideas, and it is not essential for captain to act upon the advices of Abdul Qadir, Sarfaraz Nawaz and Amir Sohail. These experts should realize this fact and should not prefer their personal desires on the interest of the country by lobbing for some one for satisfaction of their personal ego.

An Analysis of Pakistan’s Squad for World Cup 2011

All over the world managements like to form the team in following way: -

1.         4 pure Specialist Batsmen (2 Openers and 2 Middle Order batsman)

2.         1 Wicketkeeper Batsman

3.         1 Bating All-rounder

4.         1 Bowling All-rounder

5.         4 Specialist Bowlers

Following is Pakistan Team for World cup 2011:-

1.         Ahmed Shehzad. Pure Opening Batsman.

2.         Kamran Akmal. He is Wicketkeeper Batsman, good in opening also.

3.         Younis Khan good in Middle Order.

4.         Misbah. Good in middle order.

5.         Umer Akmal. Good in Middle Order but inexperience.

6.         Asad Shafiq. Good in Middle Order, but still inexperience

7.         Muhammad Hafeez. He is good Opening Batsman. One can consider him as Bowling All-rounder also. 

8.        Shahid Afridi. Actual he is Bowling All-rounder, as he was inducted into team as leg spin bowler on start of his career.

9.         Abdul Razaq. Also Bowling All-rounder.

10.       Shoaib Aktar Fast Bowler

11.       Umer Gul. Fast Bowler

12.       Wahab Riaz. Fast Bowler.

13.       Sohail Tanveer. Medium Fast Bowler.

14.       Saeed Ajmal. Off Spin Bowlser.

15.       Abdul Rehman. Leg Spin Bowler.

The team one can consider to play:-

Kamran Akmal, Ahmed Shezad/Muhammad Hafiz, Younas Khan, Misbah Ul Haq, Umer Akmil, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razaq, Shoaib Akhtar, Umer Gul, Sohail Tanveer, Saeed Ajmal.

Although Pakistan is short of experience openers, but still the above team is looking good. If the players apply themselves and concentrate only on cricket no reason that we can perform well in all matches.

Shocking Defeat in Ist ODI – A Terrible Trailer of Performance of Pakistan Cricket Team in Upcoming World Cup 2011

The way Pakistan loss first ODI to New Zealand may be trailer of performance of Pakistan team in upcoming world cup 2011. Success and defeat is part of the game but the story of the defeat of Pakistan is looking different. Every player was under pressure and was trying to safe his place in the team; due to this pressure players were unable to present their natural game. The reason of Pressure was stupid attitude of PCB. As we know that PCB has delayed announcement of Captain for World Cup 2011 for unknown reasons. Therefore, a rivalry has come into existence between Shahid Khan Afridi and Misbah Ul Haq. Because due to Misbah’s some fifties in Test Matches nonsense Ijaz Butt want him as captain. How short of performance is our team, 2 or 3 fifties are enough for captaincy.

Now some players may like Shahid Afridi and some may like Mishab, because demanding change is habit of our nation from beginning in Politics and other field of life also. So, therefore, the focus of the players is not on the game but on other matters. Cricket is a game of concentration, but unfortunately our players are not able to do so under these circumstance. It is clear by the performance of some players that they are underperforming by advice of some high profile person of PCB to demote Shahid Afridi. As Shahid is aware of the situation, therefore, he is also in immense pressure.  His inning was complete failure, after getting chances he was still not able to apply himself. This is the result of the pressure of PCB which he is feeling on himself for survive as captain. He knows that PCB is going to disgrace him by removing him from captaincy in this important time of his career when all the stage is set for world cup 2011.

It will be better for Shahid Afridi to withdraw himself not even from captaincy but from world cup team also. Because in this situation when on the advice of Chairman PCB players are not with him he cannot perform well as captain and as batsman also.

A Team Without Captain – Is PCB Fond of Creating Controversies

World cup is a mega event of the cricket world and all teams want to win it, therefore all cricket boards likes to start preparations for world cup years before. But the priorities of PCB are not the same.

Pakistan cricket board has announced 15 members team for World cup 2011 without captain. It is a big question mark on the performance of Pakistan cricket board that it has not yet decided the captain when less than a month left over in starting of World cup 2011.  

This captain controversy will create differences between players, because two or three players want to become captain. It will develop grouping in team, because if someone not like Shahid Afridi he will underperforms in New Zealand tour to create difficulties for him. In these circumstances wining of world cup is almost impossible.

According to media reports bookies are also taking keen interest in this issue. They are biding for Shahid Afridi and Misbah. Defiantly it will borne questions in the minds of people that why board has provided a chance to bookies to involve in its team controversies when Shahid Afridi is already performing the duties of captain in difficult situations and we have no right replacement for him at the time.

Pakistan cricket team coach Waqar Younis has also recorded his concerns on pending the name of captain. Instead of solving the problem, board has issued an explanation letter to him.

Its look like Pakistan cricket board is fond of making controversy for some reasons. Because at this time when world cup is just starting, making controversy of captaincy in players is illogical. The fans of Pakistan cricket team and most of the experts are in favour of  Shahid Afridi as captain for World Cup 2011 . So, therefore, PCB should announce Shahid Afridi as captain without further delay to avoid grouping in the team and for the betterment of the team.

Creative Contributions of Pakistani Cricketers to International Cricket

The history of cricket is full of unique contributions of Pakistani players in International Cricket. Following are some arts which have been introduced by Pakistani players to cricket:-

Reverse Swing. Reverse swing is an art which added sensation to cricket. Before this art, swing was available to bowlers only in start of inning on new ball or because of grassy wicket. But former Pakistani fast bowler Sarfaraz Nawaz introduced the art of reverse swing to cricket. He invented this art by his own genius by keeping one side of ball rough and other side shined. Sarfaraz transferred this art to Imran Khan, Imran Khan transferred it to Waseem Akram and then Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhter and Umer Gul used this art with mastership. This art made batting difficult for batsmen in middle of the inning. All Cricket World was afraid of this weapon from Pakistani bowlers, therefore, they blame Pakistan for ball tempering after every match in which they failed to face reverse swing. Although in very rare cases allegations were true but they blame every extra ordinary performance by Pakistani bowlers for ball tempering. With the passage of time this art has been transferred to other countries also. But when other countries use it, it is an art, when Pakistani use it, it is ball tempering.

Swinging Yarker. This delivery was a step forward in reverse swing. The ball was swinging in air and batsmen were in trouble because of this swing. Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis used this art perfectly on old ball.

Doosra. Doosra is an art which make revolutionary changes in off spin bowling. This delivery was introduced by Saqline Mushtaq. Batsmen were feeling difficulties in facing Saqline’s “Doosra”. Before the introduction of this delivery batsmen were expecting leg spin or googly from leg spinners. But “Doosra” was a delivery like leg spin from a finger spin bowler. Although career of Sqalin became at end very soon because of injuries, but after him Muttiah Muralitharan and Harbhajan Sing  troubled the batsmen using “Doosra”. Even the story of Australian batsmen was a failure in facing Dossr, They were so frustrated that they tried to ban Harbhjan Sing and Morli from cricket by blaming them for throwing. 

Reverse Sweep. Reverse sweep is a shot which Legendary Batsman Javed Miadan introduced to world of cricket. He used it as unconventional shot in difficult situation when runs were required. But now in T 20 and ODIs it is a successful shot for batsman to score runs quickly.

Shahid Afridi Factor. Shaid Afridi, a hard hitter of cricket ball is unique character in world of cricket. This hard hitter brave character completely changed the soul of cricket by hard hitting without westing time and balls. He played his shots in every situation without fear and got strike rate of more than 100%. One can consider it his Weakness or Braveness but he never applied restrictions on his self. In start of his career he occupied record of fastest century in ODIs. It was not the fastest century of cricket history but was also start of changing face of cricket. After his first 2 or 3 matches he was popular figure among the fans of cricket because of his aggressive batting. Looking into the interest of cricket fans in Afrid’s batting, ICC started thinking regarding change in cricket for maintaining enthusiastic interest of cricket lover in every match.  First of all ICC introduced power plays to ODIs, but it was not enough. Step by step it introduced another form of cricket matches “T 20”. It was Shahid’s unique aggressive batting which made ICC to change the game according to the whishes of fans.

Besides these arts Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is also having fastest delivery record.  International media has always tried to go harsh against Pakistan in every controversy. But now it is time to highlight the positive characteristics of Pakistan cricket also for boosting the moral of Pakistan cricket which is in difficult situation now-a-days. Because no other country has contributed so many charms as Pakistan did for the promotion of the game. 

A List of Match Fixer and Their Punishments – Why Pakistani Should Be Ban

Mukesh Kumar Gupta is a well known Bookie of India. He had disclosed the names of following players for role in Match Fixing/Spot Fixing/Fancy Fixing.

Mark Waugh (Australia)
Mukesh Kumar Gupta  stated that he paid a sum of $20,000 [£12,900] to Waugh to provide “information” about pitches, weather, strategy, etc.

Brian Lara (West Indies)
According to Mukesh Kumar Gupta was paid $40,000 (£26,000) to under-perform in two one-day matches in India during 1994.

Alec Stewart (England)
Mukesh Kumar Gupta discloses he paid £5,000 in exchange for information about pitches, weather, team composition, etc.

Martin Crowe (New Zealand)
Mukesh Kumar Gupta went to Crowe’s residence in presence of his wife and paid him $20,000 [£12,900] for information on pitches, etc.

Besides these players Marlon Samuels, Shane Warn and Harshell Gibbs were also involved in match fixing.

Gibbs was fined and suspended for six months by his national board after admitting he agreed to underperform in a one-day international.

Marlon Samuels was punished as 2 years ban.

Shane Warn and Mark Waugh was fined by Australian board for offering information about the weather and pitch information

Although Ajay Jadeja, Hansi, Salim Malik and Azher Ud Din were punished for life ban, but infact the career of Hansi, Saleem Malik and Azher Ud Din was at the end  and the punishment was symbolic while ban on Jadeja was lifted after 5 years.  

The international media is showing the case of Pakistani players as it is the first case of fixing. Infact some of the players in the above list have already faced the punishment. But the maximum punishment in recent past is that of Marlon Samuels i.e. 2 years ban. Now after looking into the above facts why international media and ex players are demanding for ban on Pakistani cricketers and Pakistan cricket. Why ICC was silent in the cases of the above players. It shows clear double standards of the International Media and ICC towards Pakistan.

Now when even the Pakistani players are involved in Spot fixing not Match fixing ICC should look the case on merit and should punish the guilty players equally as the other have been punished before. 

CEO of ICC Haroon Lorgat Should Maintain Distance with Tribunal

 

Pakistan cricket fans are disappointed after anti-corruption tribunal hearing ended in Doha without a decision.

The tribunal will now again starting hearing on 5^th February 2011 and then will give decisions.

What this all story means. I think, if a judge find enough evidence against any one he will not hesitate to announce the decision. Now when the hearing has been delayed until 5^th February, one can draw conclusion that there are no enough evidence against the players, that’s way that hearing ended without conclusions. There may be some doubts in the mind of tribunal. And it is the rule of justice to give the benefit of doubt to individual facing the allegations. Therefore, in this case the benefit of doubt should go to the players.

Pakistan cricket fans have some doubts in the minds. As we know that by his controversial statements, CEO of ICC Haroon Lorgat looks like he is committed to punish the players any way, therefore, Pakistan cricket fans have concerns in their minds that CEO of ICC may try to influence the tribunal to go against the players. If he did so, it will fix unpleasant spots on the history of cricket for ever. So there is a need for CEO of ICC to have distance from the tribunal as the matter is still sub judice.  

Money Makes Holes in Rocks - Harbhajan will Share Dressing Room with Adnrew Symonds

First of all I would like to remind you the story of Harbhajan and Andrew Symnods which occurred in 2008 during Indian tour to Australia.

“Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh was initially banned three Tests Matches after being found guilty of racial abuse to Andrew Symnods during the second Test against Australia, in 2008.

Later on he was cleared of making a racist comment to Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds.  At an appeal in Adelaide, New Zealand High Court Judge John Hansen ruled there was not sufficient evidence to prove an offence under rule 3.3 of the code of conduct, which relates to racially insulting behaviour, but decided Harbhajan should be charged with a Level 2.8 offence. The off-spinner pleaded guilty to that charge and accepted a fine of 50% of his match fee”.

This was the controversy which changed the position of Nations in the cricket world. Before this controversy Australia was enjoying position like supper power. Sri Lankan cricketer Muttiah Muralitharan was the victim of Darrell Hair by calling him “Chuker” at the 1995-96 Boxing Day Test but went on to take a record 800 Test wickets before retiring. Even Australian Prime Minister John Harvard was supporting Darrell Hair also.

But in Harbhajan – Symnods controversy when Australia tried to humiliate Harbhajan Sing, Indian board took strong stand and threatened for ending the series if Harbhajan was awarded punishment. After this stand Australia feel her self no more super power of cricket. Because BCCI was now rich board of the cricket world. Therefore, Australia took back-step, because she was not ready to make unhappy one of the rich board of the cricket.

After this controversy relationship between Indian and Australian players remained stress. In his one of interview Gilchrest questioned honesty of Indian Legend Sachine Tendulker. He alluded to Tendulkar stretching the truth and said the Indian team got Singh off the hook.

Andrew Symonds was also unhappy because of the soft stand by Cricket Australia against Harbhajan. He was so upset that he lost his form. After this controversy relationship between Cricket Australia and Andrew Symons became so worst that player like Symond was dropped from the team and it was the end of his international career also.

But now the charm of money brought Symond not only India again but he will share dressing room with his career destroyer Harbhajan Sing as both are bought by Mumbai Indians. Realize what can these player do for money. How can we expect that these sold players will not fix the matches on the desires of their franchise? In conclusion I must say “MONEY MAKES HOLES IN ROCKS”

Unfair Attitude of BCCI towards Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS)

In this modern world of latest technology the game of cricket is suffering from the wrong  decisions of umpires. It is happening because of not using Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) by ICC in all cricket matches. This system has produced clean results where it has been used. Now in recent tour of India to South Africa, in 3rd test match some decisions of umpire were doubtful. South Africans were not satisfied from these decisions and they expressed their views against these decisions openly. In recent tour of Pakistan to Newzealand, in 1^st Test Match some decisions of umpire were looked like wrong during Newzealand inning on first day. Most of the cricket umpires, experts and players are feeling need of using this system. During Matches commentators are also in favoure of this system.

But ICC would not use this system, because India is against this system.  ICC is making excuses of funds, but infact it is the pressure from Indian which is not allowing ICC to implement this system in all international matches.  Here some questions arise. Why India is against this system. Little master Sachin Tendulkar is against this system also. Infact after so many great achievements, Tendulkar is still feeling that he cannot survive without umpires support. Infact now-a-days India is enjoying superior position in ICC because of the charm of the money. BCCI is a rich board in the cricket world. Therefore, ICC is acting like puppets on the direction of BCCI. Because the present management of ICC is not working for betterment of the game, but it is working for money also. Now when BCCI has great influence in ICC decisions, therefore, umpires are very careful while giving decisions against Indian players. Actual umpires are afraid to be thrown by India from Elite Panel if they make India unhappy. One of the example is Steve Buckner. How ICC thrown him from a series on pressure of BCCI. So, therefore, these umpires are making doubtful decisions in favour of Indian Players. This is the reason that BCCI is against this system. In presence of UDRS Indian player cannot get doubtful decisions in their favour.

The other reason is IPL. Actual IPL is a controversial league which came into existence for making money. On one side India is making money from sponsors and franchise and on the other side bookies are involved in it. If this system has been introduced to IPL also, bookies will be not able to get unexpected results through umpires. So, the aim of earning money from this league by Indian boards by any means could not be completed.

Therefore, the other Cricket Playing Nations should pressurize ICC to use UDRS in all matches, even in ODIs and T-20s also. Only this system can make the game free from disputes