Bangladesh may tour Pakistan in 2012 – Mustafa Kamal

Brushing aside the security concerns in Pakistan, the President of the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), Mustafa Kamal has made it clear that the senior team is not in a position to tour Pakistan before 2012. “Pakistan and Bangladesh should definitely play, there is nothing wrong in it. I had a fruitful meeting with Ejaz Butt in this regard but next year we will only be sending either our under 19 or academy team to Pakistan”, said the BCB Chief while talking to this correspondent for News One TV.

“May be in 2012, we shall be in a position to play in Pakistan”, the BCB chief added.

While turning down the security fears, Mustafa Kamal stated that with the tight schedule of the national team, touring Pakistan next year is highly unlikely. “No, law and order issue is not there at all. If law and order would have been the issue then how come we would be sending our under 19 team to Pakistan? Because of our tight schedule and engagements we are not in a position to send our team to Pakistan next year”, said Mustafa Kamal is also the President of the Asian Cricket Council.

Captaincy is the secret behind success – Rashid Latif

The Former Pakistan Captain, Rashid Latif is of the view that the harmony between coach and the captain is paying dividends on the field. “Afridi has been able to impart the strategy and his own enthusiasm to the other players which is indeed the secret behind our success. Sprits are high under Afridi’s leadership”, stated Latif while talking to News One TV.

“The team developed a much-needed fighting spirit which is a very heartening thing to see after months of turmoil”, maintained Latif

On a question, Rashid Latif said that primarily Afridi has been performing very well as a bowler lately, and hoped that his majestic bowling would boost his confidence which would soon reflect in his batting as well.

Latif also turned down the idea of altering the combination in haste, saying that it is not the right time to put overdue emphasis on the issue. “The problem is that we have millions of coaches and strategists at home, but this is the job of the management which I believe is consist of experienced individuals. They have the firsthand knowledge of the conditions therefore let them do their work and hope for the best”, said Latif.

Pakistan favourites against Kiwis - Bookies

KARACHI: The international sports betting website has termed Pakistan as favourites for the Tuesday’s encounter against Black Caps to be played at newly built Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy.

Pakistan is currently leading Group A with six points as they have won their all three matches played so far in the tournament while New Zealand have lost one match against Australia while they have defeated the minnows Kenya and Zimbabwe convincingly.

As per the sports betting website, the Pakistan rate for the Tuesday match is $1.590 while the rate for Black Caps victory is $2.300.

It is important to mention here that Pakistan had defeated New Zealand at their backyard in a six-match one day international series by 3-2 just before the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011.

Pakistan’s skipper Boom Boom Afridi is in prime bowling form as he is the leading wicket taker of the tournament with 14 wickets in three matches.

Ricky Ponting describes Pakistan as a very dangerous side

Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has described Pakistan as a very dangerous side, predicting that the team will get better by the day as the 2011 World Cup progresses.

Speaking at a press conference in Colombo, Ponting drew comparisons between Pakistan and his own team, which is looking for a record fourth consecutive World Cup crown.

“They have some good bowlers. Their fast bowers have done well here. They have Shahid Afridi who is in terrific form. Then they have (Mohammad) Hafeez, who can bowl. Rehman is there and also Saeed Akmal. So in a way they are similar to Australia,” The News quoted Ponting, as saying.

He said Pakistan are a well-balanced side, and have made their presence felt at the World Cup by beating co-hosts Sri Lanka, one of the favourites for the title.

After Australia’s Pool A match against Sri Lanka was washed out by rain at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Ponting hoped that his team would be fully prepared to face Pakistan in their last group game on March 19 at the same venue.

Speaking on his team’s abandoned match against Sri Lanka, Ponting said that he was ‘surprised’ by the slowness of the wicket at the R Premadasa Stadium, adding that more than the players, he was disappointed for the crowd after the match was rained out.

“We had a sold-out crowd, which would have seen a good match had it continued. I’m really disappointed for the fans,” Ponting added.

Afridi's performance at World Cup inspiration for entire Pak team: Intikhab

Pakistan's World Cup captain Shahid Afridi has been a source of inspiration for his entire squad after lifting the man-of-the-match trophy twice at the group stage of the mega event, team manager Intikhab Alam has said.
"Afridi has been an inspiration for the entire team," The News quoted Intikhab, as saying.
"He has given some stellar performances in this tournament so far and has been man-of-the-match twice already which is a great sign for Pakistan," he added.
According to Intikhab, it was very important for Afridi to lead from the front, as the entire team starts performing "if the leader does well."
"As a team's captain, Afridi had the biggest burden of responsibility on his shoulders," he said, adding, "It's great to see that he has really lived up to all the expectations," said Intikhab.
"As captain and senior player, Afridi was always one of the most important members of the team and now he has once again proved himself to be one of the valuable players.y giving such solid performances, he has certainly raised the bar for his teammates," he added.
Afridi, who has been sensational as a bowler in this World Cup, is yet to really fire as a batsman in this tournament.
He has scored 7, 16 and 20 in his first three outings, but Intikhab expressed confidence that Afridi would deliver with the bat as the event progresses.
"He has been brilliant with the ball but so far hasn't played a big knock," said Intikhab. "But it doesn't worry us because he is a big game player and will also do well with the bat in this event."
Pakistan are looking to top Pool A in a bid to have an easier quarter-final, but they will have to conquer both New Zealand and Australia for this.
Intikhab was of the view that Afridi will once again be the vital cog for his team in the tough matches against the Black Caps and the Aussies.
"He is the man in form and we are confident that Afridi will continue delivering for Pakistan in this tournament," the team manager maintained.