Besieged Pakistan eye shock, surprise

To make matters worse, the PCB delayed naming the captain for two weeks

With three key players banned for corruption and their homeland a no-go zone for international cricket, Pakistan face a mighty challenge if they are to win a second World Cup.

That’s the view of Imran Khan, the legendary captain who led his country to the 1992 world title.

He believes that the bans handed out to opener Salman Butt and new-ball bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer will hit Pakistan’s chances.

“Without Aamer and Asif - currently two of the world’s best bowlers - our attack is not potent,” Imran told AFP.

Pakistan’s build-up to the World Cup has not only been marred by the spot-fixing scandal, but also by the uncertainty over the selection of wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, former captain Shoaib Malik and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria.

All have been under suspicion but only Kamran got clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), while the other two were not selected in the 15-man squad.

To make matters worse, the PCB delayed naming the captain for two weeks, raising doubts that one-day captain Shahid Afridi may be replaced with Test skipper Misbah-ul Haq.

It was only after Pakistan won their recent one-day series in New Zealand 3-2 that Afridi was retained.

But Imran still believes Pakistan can surprise if they play above their potential.

“Pakistan are a very unpredictable side,” he said. “They will have to play out of the ordinary to make a mark at the World Cup.

“I fail to understand why they delayed naming the captain because Afridi is the only player who can pull the team together, both as player and as captain.”

Former spinner Iqbal Qasim said Pakistan can shake up the whole tournament.

“Pakistan are the only team in the world who can do anything, shake up the whole tournament by beating any top team and can also give a 440-volt jolt to their fans by going down to any team,” said Qasim.

Pakistan’s build-up for the 2003 and 2007 World Cups was similarly chaotic, resulting in first round exits on both occasions.

Despite having a balanced squad, Pakistan lost to minnows Ireland in the West Indies four years ago.

A day after the shock defeat, their English coach Bob Woolmer died at the team’s hotel in Jamaica in mysterious circumstances.

Jamaican police initially treated the death as murder and questioned the Pakistani players before declaring Woolmer had died of natural causes.

Afridi is hoping for a less-chaotic World Cup this time around.

“We have our full attention focused on the World Cup,” said Afridi, who played only one match in the 2007 World Cup because of a ban.

“We have a balanced team and if we play to our potential nothing is impossible.”

Without experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf, not selected due to a lack of fitness, and Shoaib Malik, Pakistan’s batting looks fragile.

Veteran batsman Younis Khan will be the mainstay in a line-up which has exciting talents in Umar Akmal, Ahmed Shahzad and Asad Shafiq.

Former captain Wasim Akram believes Afridi and Abdul Razzaq hold the key.

“If the top order gives Afridi and Razzaq a good platform, then they can be ruthless in the death overs,” said Wasim, who also termed bowling as the weak link.

Controversial paceman Shoaib Akhtar has a last chance to bow out on a high.

He missed the last World Cup in the wake of a doping ban and fitness problems.

Umar Gul, Sohail Tanveer, Wahab Riaz and Razzaq can share the new ball with off-spinner Saeed Ajmal and left-armer Abdul Rehman will assist spinning all-rounders Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez.

“After the first stage, it’s anybody’s game and when it comes to knock-out matches, Pakistan can knock any team out on their day - they are a very dangerous team,” said Wasim.

Dada tips India, considers Pakistan dark horse

Under his leadership, Team India came within a whisker of winning the World Cup in South Africa eight years ago. Two years into his international retirement, SOURAV GANGULY still remains a big draw in Indian cricket. The former India captain, who has been roped in as a TV expert, feels it will be a very open World Cup and tips India, Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa to make the last-four stage, favouring MS Dhoni's boys to clinch the crown with Pakistan being his dark horse. Sourav analyses the teams in a chat with SUMIT MUKHERJEE

INDIA 

Strength

A powerful batting line-up, stacked with match-winners, and plenty of variation in bowling. Lot of part-time bowlers means skipper Dhoni will have plenty of choices to fall back on if one of the frontline bowlers has a bad day in office. Overall, the team has good balance.

Weakness

There is no one who can bowl genuinely quick, so Indian bowlers will have to mainly rely on clever variation to prevent rival batsmen from hitting through the line. Ground fielding is an area of concern as other teams would be a step ahead in this department. No second wicketkeeper means the team will be keeping fingers crossed on Dhoni's fitness.

Opportunity

It's India's last big chance to win the Cup before the rebuilding process starts. I expect the team to play around Sachin Tendulkar and make it a memorable event for the maestro. There dressing-room atmosphere is excellent and players are well aware of their roles. Low and slow wickets should suit our batters and bowlers alike. Also there is enough time in-between matches for minor injuries to heal.

Threat

Much will depend on how individual players, and the team as a whole, handle the pressure of expectations of a billion fans. On the field, the main threat would come from Australia, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.


AUSTRALIA

Strength

Good and robust batting side a potent pace attack with two genuine quick bowlers in Brett Lee and Shaun Tait. The team has the right mix of youth and experience and looks very balanced on paper. With someone like Michael Johnson or Steven Smith likely to bat at No 8, the Aussies have enough depth in their batting to chase down big totals, or set them up.

Weakness

Lack of a quality spin bowler is sure to hurt them at some stage of the tournament. Jason Krejza is a decent bowler, but, against quality players of spin bowling, he may struggle. Their attack lacks balance. Also after the warm-up game against India, questions have to be asked about their batsmen's ability to handle top-class spinners.

Opportunity

They have a golden opportunity to make it four-in-a-row. Skipper Ricky Ponting, having led Australia to two successive World Cup titles, now has a chance to record a hat-trick. Having lost the Ashes to England and their No 1 ranking in Tests, the Aussies would be more than keen to hold on to their numero uno status in ODIs.

Threat

The threat to Aussies comes mainly from the sub-continental teams like India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan as these teams not only have better spinners, but also players who revel in 'home' conditions.


SOUTH AFRICA 

Strength

A great pace bowling unit and a strong batting line-up. They also have three spinners which means skipper Graeme Smith has sought to cover all the bases. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel are genuinely quick and are capable to extracting good bounce from deadest of tracks. And the have players like Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis who always look to bat right through the 50 overs, making it easier for the others to bat around them.

Weakness

They have too long a tail. With Du Plessis at No 7 and Johan Botha at No 8 their lower order lacks a finisher. Also, apart from Botha, their other spinners are too inexperienced. They are strong in certain departments but do not look to be a good team.


Opportunity:
The Proteas have always been a very competitive side. They haven't gone beyond the semis in World Cup so it gives Smith's side an added desire to take those final two steps to glory. Smith himself must look to shed his over-attacking style in ODIs and look to bat through the innings.

Threat

The Proteas have always been extremely vulnerable to quality spin bowling and would be wary of teams like India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.


SRI LANKA 

Strength

Top-order batting and a quality attack with lots of variety in both, pace and spin departments. With Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene at the top of the order and the likes of Murali, Mendis, Malinga and Perera forming the core of their bowling attack, Sri Lanka look really strong on paper.

Weakness

An untested middle-order. Should Sri Lanka lose early wickets, it will expose a middle-order comprising Samaraweera, Kapugedera, Chamara Silva and Angelo Mathews.

Opportunity

Touring teams have always found it hard to beat Sri Lanka on their home pitches. As the team from the island nation are scheduled to play all their matches (barring the final) at home, they would look to make it count. They were undone by Gilchrist's brilliance in the 2007 final, but have the arsenal to go all the way.


Threat

The main threat to their campaign comes from teams which have depth and variety like Australia, India or unpredictable sides like Pakistan or the West Indies.


ENGLAND 

Strength

Good, in-form team that gels well. In Strauss and Bell they have two classical batsmen, while Swann and Anderson are classical Test bowlers, who can make it count on their day. In Pietersen, Collingwood, Bresnan and Yardy, England have ODI specialists who can turn a match on their own.

Weakness

First and foremost, they have to convince themselves that they can be as good in limited-overs cricket as they are in Tests. Pietersen must look to bat through the innings and not over-attack like Smith. Their other concern is lack of firepower in the lower order which comprises mainly of bits and pieces players.

Opportunity

Having won the World T20 championship last year, England have an excellent chance to register a 'double' in limited overs cricket. It will also enhance their reputation as a truly great all-round side.

Threat

Historically, English batsmen have struggled on the low and slow pitches of the sub-continent, particularly against quality spin bowling, and this time it will be no different.


PAKISTAN 

Strength

A slew of big-hitters and a potent pace attack make Pakistan a dangerous side, which is known to play fearless cricket. They bat deep with someone like Razzaq at No 8. In Gul and Akhtar they have two fast bowlers who can devastate any line-up and Ajmal and Rehman they have two crafty spinners who can be pretty effective on sub-continental wickets.

Weakness

Pakistan teams over the years have a tendency to blow hot and cold. Consistency is the name of the game and Afridi's side must look to fire in every game. They are sure to miss the banned Asif and Aamer in bowling and Butt in batting.

Threat

They have the tendency to self-destruct, so the threat perception for Pakistan comes from within this extremely talented bunch of individuals.

Opportunity

It's a great chance for Pakistan to show the world what they are capable of. If they make the knock-out stage they will be a dangerous side. The tag of dark horses suits them.


NEW ZEALAND 

After being blown away by Bangladesh and India in recent times, the Black Caps are under pressure. They remain a good fielding side and have plenty of utility cricketers, but lack both depth and finesse to make a big impact on the big stage. Unless they show a bull-headed approach, they could just get blown away. Their first task would be to get into the quarterfinals from Group A which in itself is a tall task.


WEST INDIES 

They have proven match-winners like Gayle and Pollard who are capable of turning any match on its head with their power-hitting, but ODIs call for mixing caution with aggression. Batting in top gear for 10-15 overs may not be enough for Caribbean batsmen, who must take a leaf out of Sachin or Gambhir's book and try and build their innings. They have a decent bowling unit, but it lacks the cutting edge.

BANGLADESH 

The surprise packet of 2007 World Cup have a young side which has been performing pretty consistently in recent times. Playing at home, in familiar conditions will certainly suit them, but their real test will come against the big teams. A quarterfinal berth is not beyond the realms of possibility for the Bangla Tigers, who will certainly miss the all-round skills of Mashrafe Mortaza. I don't see India slipping up again against Bangladesh, but it would be foolhardy for any team to underestimate Shakib's team in the tournament.


ZIMBABWE, KENYA, NETHERLANDS, CANADA & IRELAND

These teams are potential banana skin for the big teams as Ireland showed us in 2007. However, under the new format, an odd win will not be enough to earn them a passage to the knock-out stage. They can nevertheless embarrass the big guns and earn some brownie points in cricket's quadrennial showpiece event.

Time for Pakistan to fight like cornered Tigers

The social landscape in Pakistan is dotted with a myriad of cricket games, crammed in restricted space, throughout the land.

Although the poorer regions -such as Balochistan, interior Sind and southern and western Punjab - remain under-represented in the national team, cricket is the nearest thing to the national game in Pakistan. In the first Test match Pakistan played, the team was made up of seven players born in Lahore and four who were born in Indian territory.

Cricket has clearly expanded geographically in Pakistan since then. However, it has also witnessed a growth in its social base, from players from mainly privileged backgrounds in the early days to players from a greater variety of classes as it is today.

This growth had a significant impact in the emergence of a more defiant spirit in the 1970s.

In the early years, many of the cricketers who represented Pakistan were educated and affluent, who had learnt their cricket in the collegial system based on British educational institutions.

These players were more subservient and deferential in spirit. So in 1971 when Pakistan arrived in England, Imran Khan noted in his autobiography, the pervasion of an "inferiority complex" among Pakistani players.

The emergence of players from poorer backgrounds paved the way for cricket to be a field where there was an assertive expression of identity.

Success encouraged a focus on the cricket team as symbolically embodying Pakistan unity, identity aspirations and pride. And success has not come any bigger than the 1992 World Cup, still considered the high point for Pakistan cricket.

Pakistan cricket, when successful like it was in 1992, can transcend particularistic identities in a nation with all too apparent fault-lines.

This is the special value of the game in Pakistan.

As Pakistan cricket does not belong to any province, ethnic or kinship groups (biraderis), or sectarian interests, Pakistan cricket can be a unifier, even if only a temporary one, as it was in 1992.

An economically poor nation, it has often felt a victim of the prejudices of "outsiders". Pakistan has throughout its history also suffered great a deal of internal turbulence. For some, therefore, the result of the 1992 World Cup was both a bolster to self-esteem and a slap in the face of critics who have constantly denigrated the country.

The 1992 success also encouraged the link between cricket and Pakistani identity.

Pakistani pride as expressed in cricket had become explicit by the 1996 World Cup. This could be clearly seen from the band Junoon's song - Jasbaan-e-Junoon (The Joy of Madness).

The video was juxtaposed with images of the Pakistan squad as well as "back alley" cricketers. It was a song redolent with nationalism, seen in lines such as (when translated into English): "Never forget Pakistan, Pakistan is yours, Pakistan is ours and never forget your identity."

The 1992 World Cup triumph also inspired countless numbers. One such person was Shoaib Akhtar, whose interest in cricket was sparked by watching Wasim Akram's masterful spell of fast bowling that turned the final decisively in favour of Pakistan.

Pakistan's solitary World Cup success created new hopes and dreams, but also etched into the consciousness happy memories for Pakistanis.

They remember fondly Imran Khan's incorrigible belief in the team and inspirational captaincy; Inzamam-ul-Haq's thunderous semi-final innings; Javed Miandad's skill in constructing an innings; Wasim's sensational spell in the final. Even Imran's clarion call to "fight like cornered tigers" is often recalled.

At the same time it should also not be forgotten that the World Cup victory was not wholly positive. Players high on success were now wielding their inflated egos.

Mushtaq Ahmed candidly admitted in his autobiography that the players "first thoughts turned to materialistic things". But for many fans the positive memories outweigh such matters.

The memories that the "against the odds" triumph evoke are especially stirring when you consider the depths that Pakistan cricket has sunk to.

In the past few years, Pakistan went through a whole year (2007) without playing a single Test, players have been banned for drugs and international cricket has ceased in Pakistan after an attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

Half-fit Shoaib can win World Cup for Pakistan, says Intikhab

NEW DELHI: Pakistan team manager Intikhab Alam feels that "half-fit" Shoaib Akhtar is good enough to give the country its second World Cup win.

Intikhab, who coached Pakistan to 1992 World Cup triumph and Twenty20 World Cup title in 2009, was confident that team will put up a good show in the World Cup and hoped that Shoaib, nicknamed Rawalpindi Express, still has the ability to perform well.

"Shoaib's not fully fit, but even a half fit Akhtar can lift Pakistan to glory. He needs to be utilised carefully during the World Cup to get the best out of him. A lot could depend on the weather, the heat, the humidity as to how Shoaib is utilised by the skipper," the former captain was quoted as saying.

"At the moment in Bangladesh the weather is very nice, it's not too warm, but we'll have to see what the weather is like in Sri Lanka in the group stages," he added.

Initikhab was happy with the team's training session in Dhaka. Pakistan will be playing two warm-up games in Bangladesh involving the home team and England.

"We've had a couple of good training sessions since we arrived in Bangladesh. Everything is going well. The boys are in good spirits and the fitness levels are okay. We're all looking forward to getting started against Bangladesh," he said.

"Botch matches are extremely important with regards to the build-up and planning, and we will be going all out to win both matches."

Intikhab said that despite having spinners like Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Abdul Rehman, Pakistan's bowling attack won't be over dependent on spin.

"The time for experimentation is over. We have to select our best eleven players and ensure they are full of confidence going into the World Cup group matches. It's all about the conditions that we encounter. We'll take it match by match. In New Zealand, Ajmal and Rehman didn't get much of a look in, but that was largely due to the conditions that we encountered.

"Ajmal was an ever-present previously but it's good that there is competition in the side and nobody's place is guaranteed in the starting eleven. I expect that only two spinners will start in most matches. We are very fortunate that we have the versatile Hafeez who can open the batting, as well as bowl his quota of overs, but I would say that Rehman and Afridi are the first choice spinners."