Afridi, Razzaq contemplating retiring from Test cricket ?

May 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, May 21 (ANI): Pakistan T20 skipper Shahid Afridi along with all rounder Abdul Razzaq are reportedly planning to bid adieu to Test cricket.

According to sources, both Afridi and Razzaq, who last played an international five-day game in 2006, would meet the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt to convey their decision regarding retiring from Test cricket.

“They are not interested in playing Test matches any longer and just want to concentrate on extending their international careers in the one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches,” The Daily Times quoted sources, as saying.

They also said neither Afridi nor Razzaq are interested in touring England for the Test series against the hosts and Australia in July, as they want to spend their time with their families. (ANI)

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15 ft wall to fortify Baghdad

May 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 18 (ANI): Following a spate of suicide bombings in Baghdad the city’s governor has proposed the construction of a massive concrete wall around the city.

The huge city, which is home to approximately five million residents, will need a concrete wall of enormous dimensions. It will span 112 kilometres and will be 15 feet high.

The entry and exit to the city will be regulated at eight gates, which will be the only access points. This is likely to cause immense discomfort to the denizens as it would take at least an hour to gain entry into the city.

“We want to stop the terrorist from sneaking in. With the wall it will be much easier,” the Times quoted Shatha al-Obeidi, an aide to Salah Abdul Razzaq, the governor, as saying.

The authorities are hoping that the fortification will render the city much safer than it has been thus far. Previous measures include setting up of 1,500 checkposts and several miles of cement blast barriers both of which have failed to curb the violence.

These will be dismantled once the wall is completed.

“We have become a city filled with concrete. That will change,” said Al-Obeidi. (ANI)

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Pak elects to field against Kiwis in Barbados 20-20 match

May 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Bridgetown (West Indies), May 8 (ANI): Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has won the toss and elected to field against New Zealand in a World Twenty20 Super Eights match being played at the Kensington Oval here today.

The match is important for both sides after they lost their opening second round Group E fixtures here on Thursday.

New Zealand went down by 13 runs to South Africa, while Pakistan suffered a six-wicket loss to England.

Both sides have made two changes each following those defeats.

New Zealand brought in pace bowlers Ian Butler and Kyle Mills to replace fellow seamers Tim Southee and Jacob Oram and Pakistan recalled Mohammad Sami in place of Mohammad Asif and brought in left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman for Fawad Alam.

Teams
New Zealand: Brendon McCullum, Jesse Ryder, Martin Guptill, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Gareth Hopkins (wkt), Daniel Vettori (capt), Ian Butler, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Shane Bond

Pakistan: Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal (wkt), Mohammad Hafeez, Shahid Afridi (capt), Umar Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Aamer, Mohammad Sami, Saeed Ajmal

The umpires for the match are West Indian Billy Doctrove and England”s Ian Gould. Rudi Koertzen of South Africa is the third umpire and Sri Lanka”s Ranjan Madugalle is the match referee. (ANI)

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No infighting in team, will defend T20 title : Afridi

March 24, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.24 (ANI): Rejecting reports about infighting and factionalism within the team, newly appointed Pakistan T20 captain Shahid Afridi has expressed the hope that his squad would defend their ICC T20 World Championship title in West Indies.

Afridi, who was appointed skipper for the upcoming tournament which would commence from April 30 in the Caribbean, said there is no truth on reports of rifts among players in the team.

“A lot of people have been talking about our team lacking unity but I don’t agree with them. I’m confident that all the boys will bond well together and as captain I’ll try to get the best out of them,” Afridi said.

“The Twenty20 World Cup is a very important assignment for us. I’m confident that we will defend the title,” he added.

The flamboyant all rounder said his team has got the talent to lift the coveted trophy once again and repeat the success of 2009.

“As captain and the senior most player, it will be my responsibility to lead from the front in the West Indies,” he said.I’m also confident that my team-mates will give their best because only by a team effort can you win a major title like the World Cup,” The News quoted Afridi, as saying.

Veteran all-rounder Abdul Razzaq, who was also in the running for the captaincy, backed Afridi, saying he has no ill-feelings for his skipper.

“There are no harsh feelings because I believe that Afridi is the best choice for captaincy.He has the skills to keep the boys united and get the best out of them,” Razzaq said. (ANI)

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PCB allows Rana Naved to play in Bangladesh T20

March 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Mar.20 (ANI): After allowing Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Malik, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also given permission to ‘ banned’ fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan to participate in Bangladesh’s domestic T20 tournament starting March 26 in Sharjah.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had imposed a year’s ban on Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved and slapped hefty fines on them for violating the players code of conduct during the disastrous Australia tour.

It may be noted that the PCB had issued a strict warning to the players wanting to participate in domestic tournaments of other countries, saying they must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board.

The PCB had also prohibited players selected for the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship from taking part in Bangladesh’s domestic T20 tournament.

Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Mohammed Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Nazir had signed for the tournament but insiders said the PCB does not want to risk these players ahead of the coveted T20 World Cup and is unlikely to grant them the NOC’s.

The PCB has allowed former captain Mohammed Yousuf, who is also facing an indefinite ban, to take part in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL). (ANI)

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PCB gives Afridi, Akmal brothers central contracts despite being guilty of ‘misconduct’

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.19 (ANI): Rubbing salt into the wounds of banned senior players, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has omitted the names of former captains Mohammed Yousuf, Younis Khan, Shoaib Malik and all rounder Rana Naved-ul-Hasan from the list of players given a central contract, while offering the same to Shahid Afridi and wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal.

Afridi, and the Akmal brothers (Umar and Kamran) have been included in the list of 37 cricketers who will be offered the year-long contracts despite being slapped with hefty fines for ‘misconduct’ during the winless tour Down Under.

The contracts will be valid from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2010, a statement issued by the PCB said.

While players like Afridi, Umar Gul, Danish Kaneria and Kamran Akmal have been named in the ‘A’ category, veteran batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, opener Imran Farhat and middle order batsman Umar Akmal have been bracketed in the ‘B’ category.

Surprisingly, young pacer Mohammad Aamer has also been given a ‘B’ category contract despite performing well through out last year.

In addition to the three categories, the board has introduced a special ‘stipend’ category, which has been offered to top domestic and under-19 cricketers, The Dawn reports.

Players offered different central contracts are:

Category ‘A’: Umar Gul, Salman Butt, Danish Kaneria, Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Asif, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal

Category ‘B’: Umar Akmal, Mohammad Aamir, Saeed Ajmal, Faisal Iqbal, Misbahul Haq, Imran Farhat

Category ‘C’: Fawad Alam, Yasir Arafat, Mohammad Hafeez, Wahab Riaz, Abdul Rehman. (ANI)

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PCB allows Shoaib Malik to play in BCL

March 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Mar.19 (ANI): A day after giving a green signal to Mohammad Yousuf for taking part in the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also allowed all-rounder Shoaib Malik to participate in the tournament starting March 26 in Sharjah.

According to sources, the PCB allowed Malik to play in tournament, as he has no national assignment ahead of him due to the one-year ban imposed on him by the board.

Earlier, the PCB allowed former captain Mohammed Yousuf to play in a private league in Bangladesh.

“Yousuf had requested the PCB that he wanted to play in Bangladesh and Ijaz (Butt) has given him the permission,” The Daily Times quoted a PCB spokesperson, as saying.

It may be noted that the PCB had issued a strict warning to the players wanting to participate in domestic tournaments of other countries, saying they must obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the board.

“The PCB firmly conveys to all concerned that no player is allowed to play cricket outside Pakistan without having prior approval from the board in this regard. Any player interested to play cricket in any part of the world should apply to the board to seek permission for the same,” a statement issued by the PCB said.

The PCB has prohibited players selected for the upcoming ICC T20 World Championship from taking part in Bangladesh’s domestic T20 tournament.

Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal, Mohammed Hafeez, Abdul Razzaq and Imran Nazir had signed for the tournament but insiders said the PCB does not want to risk these players ahead of the coveted T20 World Cup and is unlikely to grant them the NOC’s. (ANI)

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Afridi emerging frontrunner for Pakistan’s T20 captaincy

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Mar 15(ANI): Pakistan all-rounder Shahid Afridi has emerged as the top contender for the Pakistan team’s captaincy for the forthcoming Twenty20 World Cup, starting from April 30 in the Caribbean.

According to reports, Afridi met Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt on Saturday, and they are believed to have discussed the captaincy issue.

Butt exchanged views with Afridi on some terms and conditions of captaincy and also asked about his response in case any one among Abdul Razzaq or Misbah got the coveted post, The Dawn reports.

The only negative point for Afridi is his involvement in the ugly ball tampering incident in the last ODI against Australia in Perth, where he was captaining the team in the absence of Mohammad Yousuf.

For the offence, the 30-year-old was banned for two Twenty20 matches by the ICC match referee, and then the PCB imposed a cash fine of Rs three million on him recently.

Before the incident, the PCB had appointed him as captain for the tournament. (ANI)

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Afridi in, Malik out of PCB’s squad for T20 World Cup

March 13, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Mar.13 (ANI): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced a 15-man squad sans the name of the skipper for the forthcoming ICC T20 World Championship in the Caribbean.

The squad also includes all-rounder Shahid Afridi and Akmal brothers (Kamran and Umar), who were slapped hefty fines by the PCB for violating the player’s code of conduct during the winless tour of Australia.

Announcing the team at the National Stadium here, chief selector Mohsin Khan expressed the hope that the squad would be able to defend the title.

“Name of the captain will be announced later by the PCB.This is the best possible team and if they play to their potential I am sure they can defend the title,” The Daily Times quoted Khan, as saying.

He also backed the board’s decision to ban and impose hefty fines on some of the senior players of the team, describing it as a necessary step.

“The problems of indiscipline and infighting were affecting the team like cancer and I back all the decisions, not as chief selector, not as a former player but as a Pakistani,” Khan said.

While former captain Shoaib Malik and fast bowler Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, both of whom were also fined by the PCB, have been axed from the squad, veteran batsman Misbah-ul- Haq and opener Salman Butt have staged a come back in the team.

Under-19 all-rounder Hammad Azam has aloe been rewarded with a place in the senior team for his brilliant show in the Uder-19 World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

Another opener Mohammad Hafeez has also secured a place in the squad for the tournament, which will be played in West Indies from April 30 to May 16.

Squad:

Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Khalid Latif, Kamran Akmal (wicketkeeper), Misbahul Haq, Umar Akmal, Shahid Khan Afridi, Fawad Alam, Abdul Razzaq, Yasir Arafat, Hammad Azam, Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal.

Reserve players: Shahzaib Hasan, Hasan Raza, Naved Yasin, Mohammad Sami and Sarfraz Ahmed. (ANI)

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Ignoring Razzaq a ‘big mistake’: Mohammad Akram

September 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Islamabad, Sep.19 (ANI): Former Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Akram has criticised the selectors for ignoring all-rounder Abdul Razzaq for the ICC Champions Trophy, saying they have made a ‘big mistake’ by leaving out the experienced player.

“The Pakistan selectors have made an error in leaving Abdul Razzaq out of the squad for the Champions Trophy. They have made a big mistake by not selecting him and the team will miss his hitting power down the order and his bowling too in South Africa. I was very surprised when I saw the squad and noted that Razzaq wasn’t named. If it had been up to me I would have left out Shoaib Malik” Akram said.

Commenting on the young guns of the team,Akram, who played for Pakistan from 1995 to 2001, said he is particularly impressed by the young pace sensation Mohammad Aamer.

“Mohammad Aamer has been very impressive. Provided he stays fit and in form, he will be a great find for Pakistan,” Akram told PakPassion.net.

When asked which team he thinks would lift the coveted Champions Trophy this time, Khan said the Championship would go to one of the three participating Asian teams.

“In my opinion I think one of the Asian teams will be champions this time around,” he said. (ANI)

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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy beginning September 22 in South Africa. (ANI)

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Champions Trophy snub disappoints Razzaq

September 19, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.19 (ANI): Experienced Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed over his non-selection for the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Razzaq said he was surprised at not being selected.

“It came as a huge setback to learn that I was not in the final team. Since my comeback to the national team, I had been working very hard to play in this elite tournament,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq said his attempts failed to convince the selectors

“It is a big tournament and you get a chance to prove yourself against the top teams. I was working hard to convince everyone I should be in the side,” The Daily Times quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for the Champions Trophy beginning September 22 in South Africa. (ANI)

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Imran Farhat discontinues his ICL contract

September 4, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Sep.4 (ANI): Another Pakistan batsman Imran Farhat has parted ways with the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).

Farhat has handed over a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying he longer is affiliated with the ICL.

“Imran Farhat came to me to give ICL’s NOC and the PCB will adopt the same procedure, which has been applied in the case of the other ICL players,” The Dawn quoted PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Wasim Bari said.

Farhat, who has played 27 Test matches and 33 One-day Internationals for Pakistan had joined the ICL in 2007.

Farhat follows middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and bowling all-rounders Abdul Razzaq and Rana Naved-ul-Hassan. (ANI)

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Alam backs Pakistan to win Champions Trophy, says momentum is with team

August 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Aug.27 (ANI): Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam has backed his team as favourites for winning the ICC Champions Trophy scheduled to be held in South Africa in September.

Despite the disastrous tour of Sri Lanka, Alam said the momentum is with Pakistan.

“We lost the Test and one-day series in Sri Lanka but won the last three games of the tour. Those results were very important and now the momentum is with us ahead of the Champions Trophy,” said Alam.

However, Alam admitted that Pakistan would have to play really well to succeed in the eight nation tournament, in which it shares the group with India and Australia.

“Australia and India are two of the world’s best teams but in a way it’s good for us that both of them are in our group,” The News quoted Alam, as saying.

Alam said his boys were looking forward for battle against arch rivals India.

“A match against India is always a big one and the team is planning to go all out for a win against them,” he said.

Pakistan has never won a game in ICC tournaments like the World Cup and the Champions Trophy against India.

Alam believed that Australia would be vulnerable in the tournament, particularly after their morale-shattering Ashes defeat against England.

“For Australia, Ashes is the ultimate thing. Their morale would be really low and I believe that would be good for our cause,” he added.

Commenting on the selection committee’s controversial decision to include tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif omitting experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the 15-man squad, Alam said Asif will add strength to bowling line-up.

“We certainly need a bowler like him. Asif will add to our team’s strength. He is fully fit and has played plenty of cricket in the last five or six months,” he said. (ANI)

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More Pak ICL players planning to discontinue their contract

August 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.27 (ANI): After middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf and bowling all-rounders Abdul Razzaq and Rana Nave-ul-Hassan parted ways from the Indian Cricket League (ICL) to represent their country once again, several other Pakistani cricketers are also thinking about ending their ties with the rebel league.

Hasan Raza, one of the 22 Pakistani players in the ICL, said former wicketkeeper captain Moin Khan would soon send a notice to the ICL asking it to release the cricketers.

“I think till the ICL lasted it worked for us and we benefitted from it financially. But now it is time to move on for us. After all, we still have a chance of representing our national team and domestic teams again,” Raza said.

Raza said ICL’s future was uncertain so the players wanted to return to the national team or seek some other assignment.

“We have still not received some dues from the ICL for the last few months and the ICL future is also uncertain,” The Daily Times quoted Raza, as saying. (ANI)

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Qadir criticizes selection committee for dropping Razzaq, Butt

August 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.27 (ANI): Former chief selector of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), Abdul Qadir, has criticized the selection committee for omitting experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from the ICC Champions Trophy squad.

Qadir also condemned the committee’s decision to ignore opening batsman Salman Butt for the eight nation tournament.

“I don’t know in what direction this present cricket board is taking Pakistan cricket into. There is no consistency in selection at all. Salman is your most experienced opener with an average of close to 40 in Tests and one-day internationals.Yet the selectors have ignored him for such a big tournament and instead opted for only one specialist opener in Imran Nazir,” Qadir said.

He expressed amazement at the exclusion of Razzaq, saying even though the all-rounder had performed well during the ICC World Twenty20 Championship, and did satisfactory job during the Sri Lanka tour, he was axed.

“If the board and selectors didn’t want to pick Razzaq for a major tournament like the Champions Trophy then why send him to Sri Lanka or England for the T20 World Cup in the first place,” The Daily Times quoted Qadir, as saying.

He also raised questions over the selection of tainted fast bowler Mohammad Asif in the 15-man squad.

“I don’t understand what was the hurry of picking Asif when he has not played for over a year. The pace department is already strong with Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir, Rao Iftikhar and Rana Naved bowling well. So what was the point in rushing Asif into the main fray,” he said. (ANI)

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Former Pak greats blast ‘rusty’ Mohammad Asif’s selection

August 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Aug.26 (ANI): Several former Pakistani cricketers have raised questions over the selection of fast bowler Mohammad Asif in the national squad for the ICC Champions Trophy.

Former fast bowler Sarfraz Nawaz criticised the selection committee for Asif’s selection, saying the tainted bowler should not be included in the 15 member squad as he has not participated in any international event for the last 18 months.

“He (Asif) has not been allowed by ICC to attend the Pakistan’s cricket team’s conditioning camp ahead of Champions Trophy as his ban ends on 22nd September. I ask what was the reason they took the decision to indulge Asif for such an important event. He should have been picked to play other low-profile series and if he would have performed, then he could be selected for an important event as this one,” Nawaz said.

Former leg-spinner and chief selector Abdul Qadir termed Asif’s selection as a ‘bad decision’ and said the pacer was unlikely to give his 100 percent in South Africa.

Qadir also condemned the decision to drop all rounder Abdul Razzaq from the team.

“Razzaq did well in the ICC World Twenty20 championship in England and could have been very useful in South Africa,” The News quoted Qadir, as saying.

He questioned the selection committee’s theory behind selecting only one specialist batsman, Imran Nazir, for the mega event, and said Salman Butt should also have been included in the team.

“Salman Butt is such an experienced guy with more one-day centuries than captain Younis Khan. He should have been in the team,” Qadir said.

Former captain Zaheer Abbas said the selection committee may have just rushed Asif into the national team.

However, coach Intikhab Alam has rejected all allegations regarding Asif’s selection.

“No I don’t think Asif’s selection is a gamble because he is in good shape and working hard to be 100 percent fit for the big tournament,” he said. (ANI)

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Disappointed Razzaq vows to make a comeback

August 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Karachi, Aug.23 (ANI): Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq is disappointed after being dropped from the national squad and ignored for the ICC Champions Trophy, but has vowed to make a come back soon.

Razzaq, who lost his place to Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, said he had regained his rhythm and was looking forward for the Champions Trophy to cement his place in the national squad.

“I’m obviously disappointed at being dropped for the Champions Trophy.I had regained my fitness and was looking forward to playing in the tournament. But I’m very much hopeful of making a comeback soon,” Razzaq said.

Razzaq, who quit the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) to play for the country, made a remarkable comeback with a series of useful performances in the ICC Twenty20 World Championship. However, he struggled to continue the good from during the Sri Lanka series.

Although he performed satisfactorily with the ball, it was his batting that let him down in the series and probably the prime factor behind being selector dropped from the squad.

Razzaq said he had been in similar position in the past and come out of it though hard work.

“I’ve never avoided hard work and am willing to put in the hours in order to get back my place in the Pakistan team,” The News quoted Razzaq, as saying.

The veteran of 234 one-day internationals and 46 Tests said he has no regrets over quitting the cash-rich ICL.

“It (ICL) is a thing of the past and all I’m interested now is to focus on my career with the Pakistan team,” Razzaq said. (ANI)

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Pak selectors axe Razzaq, bring in Asif, Imran Nazir for Champions Trophy

August 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Lahore, Aug.21 (ANI): The seven member selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday controversially recalled paceman Mohammad Asif and opener Imran Nazir, but omitted all-rounder Abdul Razzaq from their 15-man squad for next month’s Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Pakistan is placed in Group A of the eight-nation Champions Trophy to be held from September 20 to October 5.

The selection committee met at the PCB offices in Lahore. Sources told the Dawn that the chief selector Iqbal Qasim had consultations with head coach Intikhab Alam and PCB chairman Ijaz Butt before finalising the squad.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the best available team selected for the mega event,” Qasim was quoted by a foreign news agency, as saying.

Squad: Younus Khan (capt), Imran Nazir, Misbah-ul-Haq, Umer Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Shahid Afridi, Rana Naved-ul Hasan, Fawad Alam, Moahmmad Yousuf, Kamran Akmal, Umar Gul, Mohammad Aamir, Mohammad Asif, Rao Iftikhar and Saeed Ajmal (ANI)

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