Afghanistan excited at Pak ODI exposure

 

They have promised to put up their best showing in their first-ever one-day international against in Sharjah on Friday, an official said.

 

The war-torn country has played 18 one-day internationals since gaining status in 2009 but all their matches were against associate and affiliate teams Canada, the Netherlands, Ireland, Kenya and Scotland.

 

And the prospect of playing Pakistan, World Cup champions of one-day cricket in 1992, left the Afghanistan players ecstatic.

 

“It s a great opportunity for Afghanistan players and they can t wait for Friday,” team manager Shafiqullah Stanikzai told AFP. “It s a tough challenge for the team but we will show our qualities and fight to the last.”

 

Of their 18 ODIs to date, Afghanistan have won 11 and lost seven and Stanikzai said despite the big challenge his team will not let their fans down.

 

“The Afghanistan team is an entertainment package and we will try to give the best possible fight to Pakistan, who are the form team after beating England 3-0 in Tests and doing well in one-day cricket recently,” said Stanikzai.

 

The cricket relationship between the two countries goes a long way, as the game was made popular in Afghanistan by refugees who spent years living in Pakistan when Soviet troops invaded their country in 1979.

 

In the last three years cricket has progressed in the war-ravaged country by leaps and bounds.

 

Afghanistan finished fifth in the World Cup qualifiers in 2009 to win the right to play one-day cricket and the following year they won the qualifying tournament to earn an opportunity to play in the World Twenty20 held in West Indies.

 

Stanikzai said Afghanistan are progressing fast.

 

“With this opportunity we hope to build our team and next month we will feature in the World Twenty20 qualifiers and hope to win that again to play the main tournament,” said Stanikzai of the World Twenty20 event to be held in Sri Lanka in September-October this year.

 

Afghanistan s team will be led by Nawroz Mangal and has exciting players in Karem Sadiq, Mohammad Nabi, Mohammad Shahzad and fast bowler Hamid Hassan.

 

Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan said his team will not take Afghanistan lightly.

 

“Afghanistan s team is coming up very fast and we will take them very seriously,” said Khan, hoping his team carry on their good work from the 3-0 Test series win over England.

 

“This one-day against Afghanistan will give us an opportunity to switch to the one-day mode before the series against England,” said Khan of his team s four-match series starting from February 13.

 

Pakistan have brought in all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Hammad Azam in the squad for the one-day matches.

 

Organisers in Sharjah hope a large number of Afghan and Pakistan expats will come to support their teams.–AFP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jadeja costliest buy in IPL auction

 

Chennai and Deccan Chargers both offered $2 million for Jadeja before Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai clinched him in a tie-breaker for an undisclosed sum.

 

Jadeja played for Kochi Tuskers Kerala last year before the team was barred for non-payment of its fee to organizers, making him the most sought-after of 144 players on offer.

 

Other players going for hefty amounts during the auction included Sri Lankan batsman Mahela Jayawardene to Delhi Daredevils for $1.4 million, India pace bowler Vinay Kumar to Royal Challengers Bangalore for $1 million and New Zealand s Brendon McCullum to Kolkata Knight Riders for $900,000.

 

Sri Lankan spin great Muttiah Muralitharan went to Bangalore for $220,000 while South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs ($50,000) and Australian pace bowler Mitchell Johnson ($300,000) were both taken by Mumbai Indians.

 

Veteran Brad Hogg, 40, who made a return to the Australian side during this week s two Twenty20 games against India, was bought by Rajasthan Royals for $180,000.

 

The auction this year was primarily for Kochi players looking for new teams as well as others who had either remained unsold during the main auction last year or showed interest later on.

 

There have been some other changes for the coming season as well, with England batsman Kevin Pietersen moving from Deccan to Delhi, Dinesh Karthik joining Mumbai from Kings XI Punjab, and Pragyan Ojha going from Deccan to Mumbai during a transfer window last month.

 

Teams have been allowed to increase their squads from 30 to 33 and the number of foreign players from 10 to 11. However, only a maximum of four foreigners can play in any game.

 

This year s IPL will be played from April 4 to May 27.
 

Last India T20: Australia all out at 131 runs

MELBOURNE: India dazzled in the field with four run outs to restrict Australia to 131 in their second Twenty20 international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

The Indians, chasing their first victory on their tour of Australia, rocked the home side with brilliant ground fielding led by two run outs from Ravindra Jadeja.

Opener Aaron Finch, one of three changes from Australia’s 31-run win in Wednesday’s opening T20 game, topscored with 36 off 23 balls and first match topscorer Matthew Wade chipped in with 32 off 29 balls.

But India had the home side under pressure from the third over when they had T20 specialist David Warner dismissed for eight to a great catch in the deep by a back-pedalling Gautam Gambhir off Praveen Kumar.

Test flop Shaun Marsh was out for a two-ball duck and Finch was run out by an outstanding piece of athletic fielding by Jadeja after David Hussey hit straight to him at backward point and scampered for a single.

Hussey also played a role in a second run out as Jadeja found skipper George Bailey (3) well out of his ground at the bowler’s end, and was himself next to go, caught and bowled by Jadeja for 24 off 29 balls.

Smart glovework by skipper M.S. Dhoni had Mitchell Marsh stumped for 13 off spinner Rahul Sharma and Wade was run out by a direct throw from Rohit Sharma in the 19th over.

The Australians collapsed losing their final three wickets in seven balls.

Clint McKay was caught by Dhoni off Vinay Kumar for a first-ball duck, veteran Brad Hogg was leg before wicket to Rahul Sharma for four and Xavier Doherty was run out by Suresh Raina attempting a suicidal second run to end Australia’s innings with two balls left.

Kumar took two for 21 off three overs and Sharma claimed two for 29 off 3.4 overs. AGENCIES

Four run out as Australia make 131 against India

MELBOURNE: India dazzled in the field with four run outs to restrict Australia to 131 in their second Twenty20 international at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.

The Indians, chasing their first victory on their tour of Australia, rocked the home side with brilliant ground fielding led by two run outs from Ravindra Jadeja.

Opener Aaron Finch, one of three changes from Australia’s 31-run win in Wednesday’s opening T20 game, topscored with 36 off 23 balls and first match topscorer Matthew Wade chipped in with 32 off 29 balls.

But India had the home side under pressure from the third over when they had T20 specialist David Warner dismissed for eight to a great catch in the deep by a back-pedalling Gautam Gambhir off Praveen Kumar.

Test flop Shaun Marsh was out for a two-ball duck and Finch was run out by an outstanding piece of athletic fielding by Jadeja after David Hussey hit straight to him at backward point and scampered for a single.

Hussey also played a role in a second run out as Jadeja found skipper George Bailey (3) well out of his ground at the bowler’s end, and was himself next to go, caught and bowled by Jadeja for 24 off 29 balls.

Smart glovework by skipper M.S. Dhoni had Mitchell Marsh stumped for 13 off spinner Rahul Sharma and Wade was run out by a direct throw from Rohit Sharma in the 19th over.

The Australians collapsed losing their final three wickets in seven balls.

Clint McKay was caught by Dhoni off Vinay Kumar for a first-ball duck, veteran Brad Hogg was leg before wicket to Rahul Sharma for four and Xavier Doherty was run out by Suresh Raina attempting a suicidal second run to end Australia’s innings with two balls left.

Kumar took two for 21 off three overs and Sharma claimed two for 29 off 3.4 overs. AGENCIES

Younis urges ban reduction for Amir

 

Former Pakistan captain and coach Waqar Younis has urged the International Cricket Council to review its five-year ban on young paceman Mohammad Amir.

 

Amir was released from jail on Wednesday because of good behavior after serving half his six-month sentence for spot-fixing during a test against England in August 2010.

 

Younis says Amir could only make a comeback if his suspension is reduced because “it s difficult for a fast bowler to keep himself fit if he is not allowed to play even club cricket.”

 

Amir s suspension from all levels of cricket will not end until September 2015.
 

Misbah says return of Amir too early to predict

 

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq feels sympathy for banned former teammate Mohammad Amir, but pointed out that any possible early return for the fast bowler to play cricket can only be decided by sporting authorities.

 

The 19-year-old Amir was released from jail in London on Wednesday because of good behavior after serving half his six-month sentence for spot-fixing with two teammates during a test against England in August 2010.

 

Amir is banned by the International Cricket Council until September 2015, but his mentor said the player will now appeal to have his suspension overturned at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

 

“I am not the concerned person, it s what the ICC decides,” Misbah said. “I think it feels sad whoever suffers that, as a cricketer you feel sad about such incidents. But sometimes you have nothing in your control and you can t do anything.

 

“Once he is cleared, once he is available, then only we will see what happens. Before that, I have nothing to do with that.”

 

Amir pleaded guilty before the trial at London s Southwark Crown Court last year.

 

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt and fast bowler Mohammad Asif are still serving their sentences in London after being convicted of also receiving money to ensure no-balls were bowled in the Lord s test 18 months ago.

 

Butt was jailed for 2½ years and Asif for 1½ years.

 

Misbah said he is more concerned about the third test against England, which starts Friday.

 

“We have nothing to do with that, we are here to play cricket and we are focusing on that,” Misbah said. “I think it s all up to the appropriate people what they think, what they say about him (Amir).”

 

England captain Andrew Strauss, who was also leader in that infamous test in 2010, was also reluctant to get involved.

 

“It s not my job to hand out bans or otherwise,” Strauss said. “I have said that the deterrent for match-fixing or spot-fixing should be as strong as possibly can be so that people don t do it in future, so it s up to ICC to deal with that.”
 

Family and fans want Amir in action again

TrendPK.com

KARACHI: Anxiously waiting for his return to Pakistan, fans and family members of cricketer Mohammad Amir want to see the bowler back in the national team, TrendPK reports.

The 19-year-old Amir was freed from Portland Prison in Dorset, south-west England on Wednesday after serving half of a six-month sentence for his part in the infamous spot-fixing scam.

He belongs to Changa Bangyal area of tehsil Gojar Khan where his relatives and fans want a great welcome for the superb bowler, saying that “thought he committed a mistake but we want to see him in the action again.”

“May Allah lead him to the right path now and he become beneficial for the country once again,” one of his relatives hoped.

Aamer’s family is anxiously waiting for his return. “We are happy at his release,” said elder brother Ejaz. “He talked to mother and other members of the family and was very happy at his release.”

“It was a conspiracy to entangle him in spot fixing scam. He should be excused now,” Ashraf, another relative of Amir, said.

Some of his fans are annoyed with him, urging him to seek apology to the nation. “Justice should be done for every guilty. He should face the nation and seek apology which we are sure will raise his respect,” a cricket-lover said. TrendPK

Cricket: Mohammad Amir released from prison

Amir, who was convicted last November for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal, was freed from Portland Young Offenders Institution in Dorset after completing half of his six-month sentence.

 

Amir, along with team-mates Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, was banned for a minimum of five years by the International Cricket Council in February last year. Asif and Butt, serving one year and two and a half years respectively, both remain behind bars.

 

The 19-year-old will spend three weeks in London before returning to Pakistan. He will hold a series of meetings with his lawyers to finalise an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against the five-year ban imposed on him by the International Cricket Council.

 

The talented left-arm bowler had taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests before his career was brought to an abrupt halt, but Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf has left the door open for him to eventually return to international cricket.

 

“Whenever he is cleared by the International Cricket Council and serves his punishment, we think he needs intense counselling and then the selectors can decide about him,” Ashraf said last month.

 

“As far as his playing again is concerned that is for the selectors to decide because there is no doubt about his immense talent and he is still very young.”

 

Pakistan s Test team has fared well in Amir s absence, with Misbah Ul-Haq leading the squad to a series victory over England in the United Arab Emirates.

Misbah now wants world to forget scandal

 

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq wants people to stop bringing up Pakistan s 2010 spot-fixing scandal after his team comfortably defeated top-ranked England in their test series.

 

England was bowled out for just 72 on Saturday after being set a target of 145 on the fourth day of the second test. Pakistan also won the first test inside three days, handing Andrew Strauss s team a 10-wicket drubbing.

 

“I think the whole world should now stop talking about 2010,” Misbah said. “The whole world should acknowledge and accept that Pakistan cricket is coming up.”

 

The case led to three Pakistan cricketers being sent to a British prison last November.

 

“Such negative things can happen anywhere in the world and we must now forget it,” Misbah said.

 

Since Misbah was appointed captain in the wake of the scandal, Pakistan has not lost a test series winning its last four against Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England.

 

“I think whichever team is doing well it should be accepted and our team deserves that,” Misbah said. “Pakistan, with the self-confidence it has, will do better.”

 

Offspinner Saeed Ajmal mesmerized England in Dubai with a 10-wicket haul and added another seven scalps in Abu Dhabi to complete the quickest 100 wickets for Pakistan, needing just 19 test matches.

 

Former captain and coach Waqar Younis held the previous record when he reached the milestone in 20 tests and formed a lethal pace combination with Wasim Akram.

 

However, Ajmal s brilliance was overshadowed by man-of-the-match Abdur Rehman in the second test when his 6-25 on Saturday just rolled over England in 36.1 overs.

 

“It s a blessing to have a bowler like this,” Misbah said of Rehman, who took his first five-wicket haul in test matches.

 

“Whenever he s needed, whenever there s a pressure situation he comes there and performs.

 

“When a bowler like Ajmal is not giving breakthroughs, Rehman comes and takes four to six wickets and that s what he did today.”

 

Few critics gave Pakistan a chance before the series as it had not competed against any of the top four teams in the world over the previous year.

 

“There were lots of talks before the series that it s our first real big test against a big team and whether we can perform well,” Misbah said. “The team has done well to prove this and I think I don t have words to describe how big this win is.”

 

England s vulnerability against slow bowlers was fully exposed by Ajmal, Rehman and even offspinner Mohammad Hafeez, who was given the new ball in the second innings.

 

“Even when we were batting we were having problems,” Misbah said. “But we also knew that England batsmen were also struggling, especially when the ball was turning and the bounce was good.”

 

Pakistan has now every chance to look for its first series whitewash against England when the teams meet again at Dubai on Feb. 3.

 

Misbah certainly sounded upbeat about the prospect.

 

“We will try our level best to do our best,” he said. “We have the best team up against us so they can come back. But what is in our control we will do.”
 

Captain should be one in trio formats of cricket: Imran Khan

Captain should be one in trio formats of cricket: Imran Khan

The former captain of Pakistan cricket team Imran Khan has said that there should be one captain for the all formats of cricket. He said that with this, the team can run on the victory way. He was addressing in Lahore in a ceremony, in honor of ICC Elite Umpire Panel. Aleem Dar, who was the only umpire in the World Cup 2011 whose all decisions were 100% accurate and not a single decision upheld when review.

Imran Khan said that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should persuade Shahid Afridi to become the captain of Test cricket team too due to this the actual capabilities are came into know. He added that, in Indian cricket team MS Dhoni is the captain of trio formats, he captained well in hard circumstances and made his side world champion. Former captain said that nothing will be change by changing coaches again and again, the system will be better if captaincy became right.

We couldn’t handle the pressure in semi-final: Imran Khan

Imran Khan further said that the players feel a lot of pressure in World Cup and I am very hurt on the defeat of Pakistan in semi-final against India in Mohali. Imran Khan said that if green shirts came under pressure, if it got success in losing pressure, defiantly they can defeat the home side. Imran Khan said that I advised many times to correct the batting order, but the management not listed to me, due to which the result came in defeat, he said that four catches of Sachin Tandulkar were dropped but despite of this he played the innings of 85 runs. Indian team batted in pressure, but when it came on us, we failed to handle this.

Imran Khan says, Amir was more talented then Wasim Akram

Imran Khan said that if Pakistan’s cricket system was strong, we don’t have to lose the bowler like Muhammad Amir I haven’t seen bowler like him in my life. In regard to his age, he was more talented pacer then Wasim Akram.

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