Afridi can turn it around for Pakistan in World Cup, says Imran

Cricket legend Imran Khan said Thursday that maverick all-rounder Shahid Afridi is the best man, who can pull Pakistan out from the depths of despair to the glory of winning the World Cup. "Pakistan cricket is in a mess and in this situation Afridi is the best man to lead the team. He is unpredictable but his little cameo of his in 10 overs can turn the match in Pakistan's favour. If anybody can pull out Pakistan cricket from this mess, it has to be Afridi," he said.

Imran, Pakistan's World Cup winning captain, feels that his country faces its biggest challenge after Salman Butt, Mohammed Aamer and Mohammad Asif were found allegedly involved in spot fixing in England series.

"Today my country faces the biggest challenge in international cricket. Sadly, the patron of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is our president (Asif Ali Zardari). The less I talk about him, it is better as I don't want to talk about politics," the 58-year-old cricketer turned politician told reporters in New Delhi.

Asked if he wants to get into cricket administration, Imran said, " My philosophy of life is that I don't look in the past. My cricket chapter closed after I led Pakistan to win the 1992 World Cup. I don't want to get into cricket administration and think about match-fixing, I have a bigger responsibility and that is of fixing my country."

Imran said that he is concerned about the future of young fast bowlers Aamer and Asif, who are staring at possible life bans from the International Cricket Council (ICC).

"I am specially concerned about the future of the two young fast bowlers. Asif and Aamer are the best opening pair in the world and I can certainly tell that Aamer is the most exciting talent in international cricket. I saw Wasim (Akram) at the age of 18 and I also saw Aamer, who is now 18 and I can tell you that Aamer at this stage is better than Wasim. If Aamer and Asif are a part of the team, then Pakistan has a chance," he said.

Imran also said that he is in favour of Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS), that will be used in the World Cup from the knock-out stages.

"I think this the best thing to happen in international cricket. I wish we had this system during our playing days," he said. 

Pakistan facing biggest crisis, says Imran

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Pakistan cricket is facing its biggest crisis and the team stand little chance of winning the 2011 World Cup without fast bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, former captain Imran Khan said on Thursday.

Unable to host international cricket due to the volatile security situation at home, Pakistan suffered another blow when Amir and Asif and former test captain Salman Butt were suspended by the International Cricket Council following allegations of spot-fixing in the fourth test against England this year.

Wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider then left the squad in Dubai last month and fled to London, seeking asylum and saying he was being threatened by people who wanted him to co-operate in fixing matches.

"Cricket in Pakistan faces its biggest crisis and so does the country," Imran told reporters.

"Sadly, the patron of the (Pakistan Cricket) Board is the president (of the country) and the less I say of him, the better," said the cricketer-turned-politician.

"We are in a mess. We have the talent but we want to know the verdict on Mohammad Asif and Mohammed Amir.

"They are arguably the best opening pair of bowlers...I have seen both Wasim (Akram) and Amir and I can tell you Amir is ahead of what Wasim was at this age...Without those two, our bowling is not potent," added Imran, whose charismatic captaincy was crucial in securing Pakistan's only World Cup triumph in 1992.

The former all-rounder, however, has not lost all hope of a turnaround.  

Bright chances to beat Kiwis: Intikhab

LAHORE - Pakistan cricket team would give tough time to New Zealand and their winning chances are brighter, said Intikhab Alam on Wednesday. 

Talking to mediamen, Pakistan cricket team coach Intikhab Alam said: 'Physical fitness is a key to success for the national team during the camp which began here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.' 

Intikhab said that there was a lot of talent in our country and the players had great ability to upset any team but the major problem with them was physical fitness. 

There was a great need to make them physically fit only then they would be able to beat the best teams of the world. 

He said New Zealand series was very important for Pakistan team as the team will return home on February 5 and then would leave for Bangladesh to play World Cup on February 11. 

'The team have no time to practice for World Cup so the practice for New Zealand series would also be considered as preparation for World Cup. And the team which will be finalised for the New Zealand series will also finalised for World Cup,' said Pakistan coach. 

Intikhab also said that three tainted players Salman Butt, Muhammad Asif and Muhammad Amir would not be available for World Cup. 

Talking about World Cup advertisement, he said that no player has asked him for advertisement and if someone would ask, he would not be allowed to take part. 

'The camp is more important than any other work. So for the camp, they have to leave any other activity and fully concentrate on camp and physical fitness which will help them to win not only New Zealand series but also World Cup,' Alam said. 

All the players have reported at the camp in time. Pakistan former captain Javed Miandad also joined the camp as batting and fielding consultant. He also gave tips to Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi and advised him to be cool while batting and try to remain on crease as much time as he can. 

Great feeling to be back in cricket gear: Miandad

Pakistani team batting consultant Javed Miandad (R) gives tips to cricketer
 Shahid Afridi during a training session in Lahore on December 8, 2010.

LAHORE: As former Test captain Javed Miandad joined the national team as batting consultant on the first day of the training camp here on Wednesday, manager Intikhab Alam hoped valuable guidance from the legendary player would help batsmen hone their skills for the upcoming World Cup.

Miandad gave some useful tips to both Test and limited-overs captains — Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi — at the camp, which started at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday for the forthcoming tour of New Zealand.

The tour comprising three Twenty20 Internationals, two Test matches and six One-day Internationals starts from Dec 18.

Miandad, who has been appointed as batting consultant for the tour, could not attend the first session of the camp in the morning, but appeared in the afternoon to reach out to Misbah and Afridi, besides interacting with talented young batsmen Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq.

The 53-year-old Miandad, a veteran of 124 Tests and 233 One-day Internationals, was seen spending half an hour in telling Misbah and Afridi finer points of the trade. Noting the flaws of both captains, Miandad guided them how they could remove those to enhance their batting skills.

Miandad has coached the national side on three different occasions in the past. The last time he was coach in 2004, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) asked him to step down after a home series defeat against India.

Though Miandad, regarded as one of the finest tacticians in the game of cricket, was also spotted making efforts to improve the players’ fielding, Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam said the iconic player had been given the assignment of batting consultant.

Meanwhile, Intikhab said Miandad’s presence at the camp and his tips would be very useful for the batsmen.

“I welcome Miandad in the camp and the first day’s proceedings [at the camp] remained quite satisfactory,” Intikhab stated.

As Miandad is bound to work under head coach Waqar Younis, the former great batsman had objected to this term of the contract, considering himself senior pro to the head coach. It has been reported that Miandad could have rejected the new assignment for the same reason as Waqar was also not comfortable with him.

However, Intikhab dispelled the impression that there were any issues between Miandad and Waqar — the two great players of their era.

“There is nothing wrong and Miandad attended the camp with a positive frame of mind and there are no such issues,” insisted Intikhab.

The manager noted that the tour of New Zealand was crucial for the boys to judge their potential before the World Cup.

He added the New Zealand series would also help the selectors pick the best possible combination for the upcoming World Cup starting on Feb 19.

Intikhab emphasised it was the best time for Pakistan to beat New Zealand on their home soil, since their confidence would be down after losing the ODI series to lowly-rated Bangladesh and India recently.

“On the other hand, Pakistan team’s morale is high after forcing draw in the two-Test series against world No 2 South Africa in the UAE,” the manager reckoned.

Though, he admitted that local playing conditions would help the Kiwis.

Intikhab said the main focus at the camp was to improve the players’ physical fitness level, which was low compared to other international teams, adding excellent fitness level makes players remain competitive throughout the contest.

All the players — selected for the three Twenty20 games and two Test matches in New Zealand — attended the camp on Wednesday.

Agencies add: Intikhab said the camp is the final phase of Pakistan’s preparation and Miandad’s involvement would be a boost.

“It’s a great chance for the youngsters to get useful training from Miandad in this final phase of our training for the World Cup,” Intikhab said.

Miandad, meanwhile, said he was happy to help batsmen ahead of the event.

Pakistan crashed out of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa and the 2007 tournament in the West Indies in the first round, mainly because of batting failures.

“I am always ready to help the Pakistan team in any way because Pakistan cricket has given me a lot. I hope that they improve their batting and achieve better results in the World Cup,” said Miandad, whose batting helped Pakistan clinch their only World Cup title in Australia in 1992.

“It is a great feeling to be back in cricket gear. Coaching has always been a passion for me and anyway I can help our players,” Miandad added.

Miandad said he had agreed to work with the players so that the batsmen could further polish their skills.

Work harder, Miandad tells Pak players

Miandad, who has been roped in as Pakistan’s batting and fielding consultant, said that he will try to use his vast experience to help out the country’s struggling batters.

“This is the right time for our players to learn a thing or two from us,” Miandad told ‘our sources’ on Wednesday. “We have a week to discuss a few things and work on them before the team leaves for New Zealand,” he added.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) wants Miandad to travel with the team to New Zealand for a tour that precedes World Cup 2011 but the legendary batsman doesn’t sound much interested in becoming a part of the touring party.

“I think that as batting consultant I can be useful during this camp but I’m not sure whether it would help the boys if I’m with them on the tour. In New Zealand, their focus should be on delivering rather than learning any new things,” he said.

There have been reports that Miandad is unwilling to become a part of the team as a full-time batting consultant in order to avoid working under Waqar Younis, Pakistan coach.

According to the reports Miandad, who has served as the national coach on three separate occasions in the past, wants an independent assignment but the Board is adamant that he reports to Waqar.

However, Miandad denied such reports saying that he doesn’t have any ego problems. “I’ve been given a responsibility and would do it for the sake of my country,” he said.

Miandad said that too many cooks spoil the broth.

“I don’t have any ego problem. Personally I believe that Waqar is the team’s coach and he should have authority. I can chip in with my tips on batting, fielding and even wicket-keeping because I have the necessary experience and believe that the boys can benefit from it.”

Miandad underlined the fact that Pakistan’s cricketers are already playing at the highest level and cannot be taught.

“At this level, all they need is fine tuning,” he said. “I and the team’s coaches can give them useful advise but at the end of the day they will have to take responsibility. To excel at the international level, you need to work really hard because talent alone cannot guarantee good results.

“The good thing that I’ve noticed about our boys is that they are keen to learn and that they are training really enthusiastically.”

Pakistan are aiming to finalise their preparations for World Cup 2011 which will begin on February 19 on a positive note by doing well in New Zealand.

However, Miandad’s advise to the national cricketers is to keep their eyes on the ball.

“I would advise them to just focus on the matches against New Zealand. The World Cup is still quite far away and there is no need to worry about it right now.”

Miandad, currently working as PCB’s director-general, said that the Board will make all out efforts to help out the team in a bid to raise its performance graph.

“It’s our aim to give the players maximum possible help in their preparations for the World Cup.”

Most of Pakistan’s batters, especially Umar Akmal, have been quite disappointing in recent times but Miandad expects the youngster to bounce back in New Zealand.

“In cricket, there are always ups and downs. But if the lows are coming too frequently then there is a fault,” he said. “I believe Umar akmal will regain his form soon. These kids need guidance. I’m pinpointing their faults in the nets and am also working individually with every one of them. I’m hopeful of making a valuable contribution.”

India will be tough to beat at home'

Pak fortunes depend on availability of Asif and Aamer, says ex-Pak skipper Imran Khan.

By Shiva Chadha

Pakistan legend and 1992 World Cup-winning captain Imran Khan feels India are in menacing form and the top contenders for the 2011 World Cup. Speaking at an ESPN-STAR SPORTS-organised World Cup promotional event in New Delhi on Thursday, Imran said that playing at home will be a big advantage for Team India.

"India have great depth in the batting and the bowling department. Moreover, when they are playing at home they really are a tough opponent to beat," said Imran.

The former Pakistan all-rounder also feels that a tough tour of South Africa just ahead of the showpiece event will put them in good stead.

"I actually think that if India have a tough tour of SA it will help them prepare better. Real competitive cricket before a mega event helps you analyze your strengths and weaknesses.

"Before the 1992 World Cup, we got the West Indies to come and play in Pakistan, which really helped us in our preparation," said Imran.

King Khan also said that players should train really hard before such a big competition and should not worry about picking up injuries.

"I trained the hardest before the 1992 World Cup and that really helped me. You should play the toughest matches in the most challenging conditions before such a major tournament. Injuries can happen to you at any time and one should worry about them," he added.

The 58-year-old also said that tainted Pak pacers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif are incredible talents and matters pertaining to their future should be dealt with prudence.

"Pakistan cricket is in disarray at the moment but they are a powerhouse of talent. Aamer and Asif are arguably the best new-ball pair in world. I have seen both Aamer and Wasim Akram at similar stages of their career and let me tell you, Amir is better than what Wasim was at this stage of his career." Imran said.

Imran indicated that the availability of Asif and Aamer will be key to Pakistan's success as bowling strength will surely be a differentiator.

Million dollar offer to Warne

A group of fans offered one million Australian dollars to Shane Warne for making himself available for the remaining Ashes Tests.

The 41-year-old, who has taken 708 Test wickets, has been consistently urged by the desperate fans across Australia to help out the Aussie team revive from the slump. Warne, however, has time and again negated any possibility of him coming out of the retirement.

The England team director, Andy Flower on the other hand was perplexed over the prospect of spin wizard being intrigued out of retirement, saying, "I would think that's a joke. Shane has retired from international cricket. I've heard how much he earns and I would have thought they would have to make a bigger contribution than that," reported Daily Mail.

Meanwhile, a website - www.bringbackwarne.com - has been launched after Australia went one down in the Ashes series.

"We have had so much traffic that the site is currently running very slowly," said Ross Heywood, who launched the campaign.

"We have only raised about USD 4,000 at this stage, however, it has certainly initiated a considerable amount of debate. Will we achieve our goal of Warne playing? I think if people get behind the concept and contribute funds we have a better chance," Heywood insisted.

Heywood, however said, "The feedback we've had has been varied. Many loves the idea of seeing him play again, some have suggested it would be the wrong move for Australian cricket.

We are eager to see how things evolve over the next few days."

Warne retired from Test cricket during England's last tour of Australia in 2006. The legend has been, though, seen only in action for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League for the last three seasons.

Cricket Betting ON Kamran Akmal as a Specialist Batsman

Kamran Akmal, the Pakistan wicketkeeper has been heard by the cricket betting fans as saying that he is better than ever but is ready to play even as a specialist batsman if needed to help with the cricket scores. The cricket betting fans wonder if Akmal is ready also.

“I’ve addressed some of the basics, especially those things that went wrong for me in England,”Kamran told PakPassion.net. “I’ve watched a lot of the videos and we’ve analysed some of the errors.

I’ve been working hard with the National Bank coaches and have received sound advice from ex-cricketers like Ijaz Ahmed and Waqar Younis [the national coach].”

Cricket betting sites heard that Akmal, hopes that his performances have proven that he is good to go.

“When I wasn’t chosen for the series versus South Africa, I decided that I would look to regain my form and confidence in domestic cricket,” he said. “I’ve managed to score plenty of runs and I have been happy with my form behind the stumps.

“My dropping was up to the PCB and the selectors, and was out of my control. They choose who they think deserves a chance and I have no problem with that.

I am more determined than ever to reclaim my place in the Pakistan side and I am comfortable if the selectors and management want me to play as a keeper or purely as a batsman.”

Cricket betting fans should know that Akmal, has admitted that the training has been rough but says that he is ready mentally.

“Being dropped is not an easy thing to take,” he said, “but I took it on the chin and decided that I would use my dropping from the team as a motivational tool.

At this level, it’s the mental side of the game that quite often causes mistakes or a loss of form. I needed to be mentally tougher and I’ve worked on that.”

Cricket betting fans are eager to see if Akmal can affect the cricket scores if called upon and only a bet can prove them right or wrong.

Why I was dropped? Kamran to ask PCB

Karachi: After being axed from the Pakistan team, discarded wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal on Wednesday said that he would be meeting with the PCB officials to seek a clarification as to why he was dropped from the national side despite performing well in domestic cricket.

"There is so much being said about the spot-fixing scandal these days and my name is also being mentioned in it.

I want to seek some clarification from the board on this," he said.

"As far as I know I got a letter from the ICC saying I was clear to play for any team. I want to know why I am being ignored," he added.

Kamran, who has played in 53 Tests and 123 ODIs for Pakistan, was dropped for the series against South Africa in the UAE and also sidelined for the tour to New Zealand by the selectors last week.

Chief selector Mohsin Khan has said that Kamran was not considered for the tour because the PCB had not given clearance to the selectors to pick him up.

Sources have said that Kamran is also in danger of being overlooked for the World Cup preliminary squad due to be announced later this month as the International Cricket Council has told the PCB it still has concerns about his role in the spot-fixing scandal.

"I plan to meet with Zakir Khan because playing in the World Cup is every player's dream and I want to play in the mega-event and perform. It would be heartbreaking for me if I don't get an opportunity to play in the World Cup," Kamran said.

Kamran has scored heavily in domestic cricket and his exclusion for the New Zealand tour came as a surprise to many.

He also said that he had consulted his lawyers and planned to send a legal notice to bookie Mazhar Majeed this week for implicating him in the spot-fixing scandal.

"Either he has to produce evidence to substantiate his allegations or make a public apology," Kamran added.

Mohsin today admitted that the selectors were finding it difficult to finalise the preliminary squad for the World Cup without some of the senior players.

"But we will have to manage with the players we have been given clearance for but definitely it is not easy not knowing which senior player is available for consideration," he said.

The national selectors are due to meet on December 15 to finalise the World Cup preliminary squad of 30 players and going by indications Kamran, Shoaib Malik, Rana Naved and Danish Kaneria will not be considered for the quadrennial event to be played in the sub-continent.

Pakistan’s tainted trio may face ICC wrath

Pakistan's suspended trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer face an uphill task at next month's full hearing by an independent tribunal appointed by the ICC. Sources in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said the three players will most likely be found guilty of association with match fixer and face life bans. A recent statement by ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat indicated that the ICC has gathered solid proof against the trio, who will face the tribunal in Doha January 6.

According to sources, most of the evidence gathered against the players is in the form of recorded telephone calls and text messages through which ICC believes it will prove their association with match-fixers.

Well-placed sources said that Salman and Asif will be handed life bans if proved guilty but the tribunal could show some mercy for 18-year-old Amir and he could walk away with a ban of anywhere in the range of two to five years.

The ICC, which suspended the players when the allegations were first made by the British tabloid, also held a hearing against the players' provisional suspensions in Dubai in October that was rejected by the one-man tribunal that comprised Michael Beloff.

While Salman and Amir had appealed against their provisional suspension, Asif chose not to and instead opted for a full hearing.

The hearing rejected appeals against the suspension, creating a ruckus between Salman's lawyers, who said the tribunal was biased. Beloff will also head January's full hearing against the trio along with Justice Albie Sachs of South Africa and Kenya's Sharad Rao.

Zulqarnain to know the status of his ayslum plea on Friday

KARACHI: Runaway Pakistan wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider will find out on Friday if the authorities in the United Kingdom are willing to grant him asylum. 

The Pakistani player, who deserted the national team midway through a series in Dubai last month, has been summoned for a hearing with the home department in London on Friday regarding his application for asylum in the UK. 

"Zulqarnain will know his fate on Friday in all probability," one source said. 

The source said that the wicket-keeper had also contacted his lawyers in London and requested them to represent him at the meeting. 

The law firm had earlier this week made it clear that it no longer was representing the Pakistan player since he had failed to show up for important meetings and not bothered to return calls to them as well. 

The source said that the authorities in the UK had also got in touch with the Pakistan Cricket Board and UK High Commission in Pakistan regarding the wicket-keeper's asylum application. 

"They have collected details about his family background and is family and also on his claims that he and his family had been getting threatening calls in recent days after he threatened to expose the corrupt people in Pakistan cricket," the source stated. 

Zulqarnain had fled the team hotel without informing the team management claiming he had got threats from people who wanted him to fix matches of the ODI series against South Africa last month in Dubai, something he refused to do. 

"I have always been a honest person and I don't believe in indulging in any form of corruption in cricket that is why I have put my cricket career on the line," he had said recently. 

Home department officials in London declined to comment on the Pakistan player's application status pointing out that they were not allowed to discuss any applicant's issue with anyone. 

But they confirmed that Zulqarnain's application was under process.

Pakistan give Javed Miandad coaching role before World Cup

KARACHI (Reuters) - Former Pakistan captain and top batsman Javed Miandad has accepted an offer from the Pakistan Cricket Board to work as a batting and fielding consultant with the national team before the 2011 World Cup.

Miandad who represented his country in more than 350 test and one-day internationals in an illustrious career joined the team on the first day of a training camp in Lahore on Wednesday set up to prepare for the tour to New Zealand later this month.

"It is a great feeling to be back in cricket gear. Coaching has always been a passion for me and anyway I can help our players, I am always ready," Miandad told Reuters.

Miandad, who is also director general of the board, has three times been coach of the national team before leaving or being told to leave the post in acrimonious circumstances.

The last time he was coach in 2004, the board asked him to step down after a home series defeat against India.

Miandad said he had agreed to work with the players so that the batsmen could further polish their skills.

"It is all about fine-tuning them and preparing them mentally for difficult conditions and situations, they have the talent," he said.

The board has also asked Miandad to accompany the team to New Zealand.

Pakistan tour New Zealand for three Twenty20 matches, two tests and six one-day internationals before the World Cup in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in February and March.