We are the world’s best side: Akhtar

Fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes Pakistan can be the world’s “best side” if they can overcome the off-field controversies they find themselves drowning in regularly.

Akhtar, who is leading Islamabad Leopards in the ongoing Faysal Bank Twenty20 Cup, has been a regular in Pakistan’s limited-overs squad since the Asia Cup in June.
“If the situation favoured Pakistan in England and if we had stayed away from controversies, Pakistan would’ve beaten them five nil in the One-Day Internationals (ODI),” Akhtar told reporters at Gaddafi Stadium. “As far as I know, Pakistan are the world’s best side in ODIs and T20s.
“We have the ability to win against any team. Our main strength is bowling and reverse-swing and it has been the case since the 1980s but our batting has been a concern for a long time. But once our batting improves and we play fifty overs with authority, we can become an unbeatable side.”
Akhtar is part of Pakistan’s ODI and T20 squad for the series against South Africa in the UAE where they will play two Twenty20s, five ODIs and two Tests followed by five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand.
Akhtar also denied reports that he has distanced himself from Test cricket and is focussing solely on the shorter format.
“It’s not like I don’t want to play Test cricket. To be very honest, I missed doing that in England. I’ve started work on a new run-up after the Asia Cup and with this, my pace has remained the same but it has reduced the workload on my body. I don’t think I’m ready to play Test cricket right now but I’m definitely looking forward to the New Zealand series to make a comeback.”

off-field controversies have affected the team's confidence and on-field performance:Shoaib Akthar

 


Fast bowler Shoaib Akthar has said off-field controversies, including the spot-fixing allegations against three players, which marred Pakistan cricket recently have affected the team's confidence and on-field performance.


"These controversies have shaken the confidence of the team and players and now it is very important to get rid of such problems in order to lift the sagging fortunes of the team," Shoaib told reporters during National T20 Championship here.


"I think it is sad but at the same time it is important to overcome this factor to infuse new confidence in the team to produce better results in coming assignments."


Shoaib, who himself is a controversial cricketer and was recently caught on camera tempering ball in an ODI against England, said the only way of regaining confidence is by playing stress-less game with "full potential." 

He said that Pakistan team has "high quality talents" to beat any team in the world, but it need to exploit those talents with confidence.


"I am a firm believer that our team has the guts and talent to beat any team in the world because we have high quality cricket talent in our ranks in batting and bowling and what needed is to utilize such a combination with confidence."


The speedster, who played in ODI series against England after the controversial Test series marred by allegations of spot-fixing, failed to find a place in Test squad for South Africa series in UAE. Shoaib said he is working hard to get into Test team and still have four years of cricket left in him.

Pakistan 1 – 0 British tabloids

Following weeks of turmoil and a string of allegations by British tabloids against the Pakistan cricket team, there came some respite for the nation when the game’s governing body cleared the Pakistan team of any wrongdoing in the third One-Day International (ODI) against England at The Oval.
The allegations were brought by The Sun and the ICC, convinced by the data, launched an investigation into the ODI before thanking the tabloid for their help in the matter.
However, after almost four weeks of investigation by its Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU), the ICC was forced to backtrack and claim insufficient evidence to charge Pakistan.
“The ACSU has verified all the available information and concluded that there was no compelling evidence to suspect individual players or support staff,” said the ICC in a statement following a two-day governing board meeting in Dubai.
“The investigation is now complete but if new and corroborating evidence comes to light then clearly the ACSU will re-open the matter,” added the statement.
PCB urged to ‘act’ in curbing corruption
Meanwhile, the ICC also urged the PCB to ensure zero-tolerance on corruption in cricket and assist the Pakistan Task Team for the purpose. The game’s governing body also directed the PCB to implement a competency-based education system for players and a proper disciplinary process for the sport.
Similarly, guidelines laid down by the ICC also include the introduction of a domestic anti-corruption code in the light of ICC rules besides implementing a deterrent and detection process to protect the game from any wrongdoing. The board has been given a month’s time to achieve the instructions.
“The PCB is required to conduct a thorough review of player integrity issues across all authorised cricket in Pakistan and report back to the Pakistan Task Team within 30 days,” said the ICC statement while warning that action would be taken if the guidelines are not followed.
“If the PCB fails to the satisfaction of the Board [acting in consultation with the Pakistan Task Team] within the next 30 days, the Board will consider what further action [including, if appropriate, sanctions] is required in the circumstances.”
The ICC has also asked the PCB to urge their players to provide relevant information to the ACSU which it said would be kept confidential but used to rid the sport of the menace.
ICC doubts PCB governance
The ICC has raised questions on the competency of the PCB as it asked for improvements in the administration of the game in Pakistan.
The Task Team, which will see matters pertaining to Pakistan cricket, will also assist the PCB in bringing in reforms.
PCB ‘welcomes’ The Oval verdict
The PCB welcomed the outcome of the investigation and termed it “welcome news” for the Pakistan team.
“It’s welcome news for us and a relief that our team has come out clean of any wrongdoings in the match,” PCB legal adviser Tafazzul Rizvi told The Express Tribune while adding that the sport’s governing body seems to be committed to helping Pakistan out of the current crisis. “The measures the ICC has taken are friendly and hopefully it would help Pakistan cricket. The PCB would follow their instructions to root out the corruption menace.”
Meanwhile, Rizvi said that the PCB would wait for the outcome of the spot-fixing report before taking legal action against any newspaper.

Afridi dismisses reports of rift in the squad

Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi has vowed to fight with the available players in the UAE series and dismissed reports of any rift over team selection.
The allrounder, who met coach Waqar Younis and newly-appointed manager Intikhab Alam to chalk out strategies for the series against South Africa, was reportedly unhappy with selection.
“It’s up to the selection committee to pick the players,” said Afridi. “My job is to fight with these players on the field. I can give my suggestions  but it’s up to them if they want to accept or refuse them.
“I have, however, been saying that the committee should make a pool of 20 to 22 players for the World Cup so that I can give them a proper run during the series against South Africa and New Zealand. I don’t know why things are not taken as they should be but I’m afraid if I retaliate, things can go against me and my well-wishers have advised me to concentrate on playing cricket and doing well.”
The all-rounder was earlier reported to be unhappy over comments made by the coach after the tour of England. However, Afridi ruled out any rifts and said that the team was looking forward to the preparations for the upcoming series that start with a rescheduled training camp from October 17 to 21 in Lahore after the conclusion of the Twenty20 Cup.

I said nothing wrong in interview: Afridi

Pakistan's One-day International Captain, Shahid Afridi, had to pay the price for speaking the truth, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pointed its guns at him for expressing his displeasure at not being consulted during the team's selection for the upcoming UAE series. A PCB spokesman disclosed that Afridi had been officially warned over his comments, the Daily Times reported. "It is not a show-cause notice but a written warning, asking Afridi to avoid giving statements on selection issues," the spokesman added. Under the PCB code of conduct, players are forbidden to speak on selection matters, and are also not allowed to criticize the board's policies. Afridi has been named Pakistan's captain for the two Twenty20 and five one-day matches against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month. "I make it a point to give the selectors my input because I am the one who has to get the desired results from my team on the field," Afridi had said in a television interview. "I wanted 2-3 players other than Sohail Tanvir in the side. I will meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to discuss this," he had added. On Tuesday, Afridi received a letter from the PCB, warning him to refrain from commenting on selection matters, and asking him to explain his remarks on the team selected for the UAE series, The News reported. The ODI skipper is planning to send his explanation to the Board on Wednesday (today). "I would tell the Board in my reply that I meant no harm," he said. "I will tell them my comments were aimed at ensuring that all of us can work together for the betterment of the team. I just wanted to make sure that all our efforts are in one direction because it's our team and needs a united front to get back on the right track before next year's World Cup," he added. Though the PCB's decision to slap him with a notice could be a signal that his captaincy is in danger, Afridi appears to be least concerned. "For me the betterment of our team is more important than any other thing else including the captaincy," he said. Vindicating his stand, Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan admitted at a hearing conducted by the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports that Afridi and Pakistan coach Waqar Younis were not consulted before the team was finalised. He revealed that he was instructed by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to go ahead and decide the touring party for the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Former Pakistani Test cricketers have lambasted the PCB for taking action against Afridi. Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz pointed out that the captain had all the right to raise an objection if a team was selected without taking his proper input. Ex-Test batsman Basit Ali said that the PCB's incompetence had been highlighted yet again, as instead of taking notice of the captain's objections it had decided to take action against him. (ANI) SEARCH

Pakistan's One-day International Captain, Shahid Afridi, had to pay the price for speaking the truth, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pointed its guns at him for expressing his displeasure at not being consulted during the team's selection for the upcoming UAE series. A PCB spokesman disclosed that Afridi had been officially warned over his comments, the Daily Times reported. "It is not a show-cause notice but a written warning, asking Afridi to avoid giving statements on selection issues," the spokesman added. Under the PCB code of conduct, players are forbidden to speak on selection matters, and are also not allowed to criticize the board's policies. Afridi has been named Pakistan's captain for the two Twenty20 and five one-day matches against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month. "I make it a point to give the selectors my input because I am the one who has to get the desired results from my team on the field," Afridi had said in a television interview. "I wanted 2-3 players other than Sohail Tanvir in the side. I will meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to discuss this," he had added. On Tuesday, Afridi received a letter from the PCB, warning him to refrain from commenting on selection matters, and asking him to explain his remarks on the team selected for the UAE series, The News reported. The ODI skipper is planning to send his explanation to the Board on Wednesday (today). "I would tell the Board in my reply that I meant no harm," he said. "I will tell them my comments were aimed at ensuring that all of us can work together for the betterment of the team. I just wanted to make sure that all our efforts are in one direction because it's our team and needs a united front to get back on the right track before next year's World Cup," he added. Though the PCB's decision to slap him with a notice could be a signal that his captaincy is in danger, Afridi appears to be least concerned. "For me the betterment of our team is more important than any other thing else including the captaincy," he said. Vindicating his stand, Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan admitted at a hearing conducted by the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports that Afridi and Pakistan coach Waqar Younis were not consulted before the team was finalised. He revealed that he was instructed by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to go ahead and decide the touring party for the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Former Pakistani Test cricketers have lambasted the PCB for taking action against Afridi. Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz pointed out that the captain had all the right to raise an objection if a team was selected without taking his proper input. Ex-Test batsman Basit Ali said that the PCB's incompetence had been highlighted yet again, as instead of taking notice of the captain's objections it had decided to take action against him. (ANI) SEARCH

Pakistan's One-day International Captain, Shahid Afridi, had to pay the price for speaking the truth, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pointed its guns at him for expressing his displeasure at not being consulted during the team's selection for the upcoming UAE series. A PCB spokesman disclosed that Afridi had been officially warned over his comments, the Daily Times reported. "It is not a show-cause notice but a written warning, asking Afridi to avoid giving statements on selection issues," the spokesman added. Under the PCB code of conduct, players are forbidden to speak on selection matters, and are also not allowed to criticize the board's policies. Afridi has been named Pakistan's captain for the two Twenty20 and five one-day matches against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month. "I make it a point to give the selectors my input because I am the one who has to get the desired results from my team on the field," Afridi had said in a television interview. "I wanted 2-3 players other than Sohail Tanvir in the side. I will meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to discuss this," he had added. On Tuesday, Afridi received a letter from the PCB, warning him to refrain from commenting on selection matters, and asking him to explain his remarks on the team selected for the UAE series, The News reported. The ODI skipper is planning to send his explanation to the Board on Wednesday (today). "I would tell the Board in my reply that I meant no harm," he said. "I will tell them my comments were aimed at ensuring that all of us can work together for the betterment of the team. I just wanted to make sure that all our efforts are in one direction because it's our team and needs a united front to get back on the right track before next year's World Cup," he added. Though the PCB's decision to slap him with a notice could be a signal that his captaincy is in danger, Afridi appears to be least concerned. "For me the betterment of our team is more important than any other thing else including the captaincy," he said. Vindicating his stand, Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan admitted at a hearing conducted by the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports that Afridi and Pakistan coach Waqar Younis were not consulted before the team was finalised. He revealed that he was instructed by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to go ahead and decide the touring party for the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Former Pakistani Test cricketers have lambasted the PCB for taking action against Afridi. Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz pointed out that the captain had all the right to raise an objection if a team was selected without taking his proper input. Ex-Test batsman Basit Ali said that the PCB's incompetence had been highlighted yet again, as instead of taking notice of the captain's objections it had decided to take action against him. (ANI) SEARCH

Pakistan's One-day International Captain, Shahid Afridi, had to pay the price for speaking the truth, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) pointed its guns at him for expressing his displeasure at not being consulted during the team's selection for the upcoming UAE series. A PCB spokesman disclosed that Afridi had been officially warned over his comments, the Daily Times reported. "It is not a show-cause notice but a written warning, asking Afridi to avoid giving statements on selection issues," the spokesman added. Under the PCB code of conduct, players are forbidden to speak on selection matters, and are also not allowed to criticize the board's policies. Afridi has been named Pakistan's captain for the two Twenty20 and five one-day matches against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this month. "I make it a point to give the selectors my input because I am the one who has to get the desired results from my team on the field," Afridi had said in a television interview. "I wanted 2-3 players other than Sohail Tanvir in the side. I will meet PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to discuss this," he had added. On Tuesday, Afridi received a letter from the PCB, warning him to refrain from commenting on selection matters, and asking him to explain his remarks on the team selected for the UAE series, The News reported. The ODI skipper is planning to send his explanation to the Board on Wednesday (today). "I would tell the Board in my reply that I meant no harm," he said. "I will tell them my comments were aimed at ensuring that all of us can work together for the betterment of the team. I just wanted to make sure that all our efforts are in one direction because it's our team and needs a united front to get back on the right track before next year's World Cup," he added. Though the PCB's decision to slap him with a notice could be a signal that his captaincy is in danger, Afridi appears to be least concerned. "For me the betterment of our team is more important than any other thing else including the captaincy," he said. Vindicating his stand, Pakistan's chief selector Mohsin Khan admitted at a hearing conducted by the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Sports that Afridi and Pakistan coach Waqar Younis were not consulted before the team was finalised. He revealed that he was instructed by PCB chairman Ijaz Butt to go ahead and decide the touring party for the series against South Africa. Meanwhile, Former Pakistani Test cricketers have lambasted the PCB for taking action against Afridi. Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz pointed out that the captain had all the right to raise an objection if a team was selected without taking his proper input. Ex-Test batsman Basit Ali said that the PCB's incompetence had been highlighted yet again, as instead of taking notice of the captain's objections it had decided to take action against him. (ANI) SEARCH

Pakistan’s ODI and T20 captain Shahid Afridi, in his reply to the PCB show-cause notice, has insisted that he did not say anything wrong in his views to media.

The PCB had served the all-rounder a notice on Tuesday and Afridi promptly sent a reply in the evening, contending that his only focus in the TV interview was to urge the need for collective wisdom in selection since the Pakistan cricket has been facing serious challenges in the recent months.

“My intention was very much clear. I feel the current challenges to Pakistan cricket demand that all should sit together to take important decisions,” he said in his reply, Dawn learnt on authority.

Reliable sources in the Board confirmed that neither Afridi nor Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq were allowed to give their input in teams’ selection for the SA series, which is a clear reflection of Ijaz Butt’s desire to run a one-man show in the PCB.