Shoaib could get one last tilt at glory

KARACHI: Pakistan are considering playing their controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final against India after his international career appeared to be over.

Shoaib, 35, who will retire after the tournament, has not played since Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand in the group stages.

Media reports said he had fallen out of favour after an argument with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who dropped Ross Taylor twice in one over. Taylor went on to score a match-winning century.

“I would like to see him play but we just want to make sure he is match fit and ready for such a big game. We will test him out in the final nets,” said captain Shahid Afridi on Monday

Former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has been urging Afridi and coach Waqar Younis to take a chance with Shoaib.

“I don’t know how fit he is but if he is available I would definitely play him even if he can bowl just five or six overs because he is a shock bowler and a wicket-taker and you need such a bowler in such a big match,” Imran told the media.

Hints that Shoaib might get a final fling at the World Cup emerged during news conferences with vice-captain Misbah-ul-Haq and pace bowler Umar Gul this week.

Gul, who has spearheaded the Pakistan pace attack in Shoaib’s absence, said he would feel comfortable and confident if the veteran were to bowl at the other end against India.

Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam also did not rule out the possiblity of a return.

“Shoaib has been fully involved in match practice and is available for selection. He’s very much part of the squad and there is no question about his motivation or enthusiasm to play in this important game.Akhtar is ready for the semi-final,” Intikhab said on the Pakpassion.net website.

The former test captain dismissed reports that Shoaib was no longer taking an interest in training or focused on cricket after announcing his retirement.

“The rumours about Shoaib no longer focusing on cricket after announcing his retirement are false. Shoaib has been training hard with his team mates throughout the tournament and it’s been no different since he announced his retirement,” he said.

Former Pakistan captain, Zaheer Abbas also urged the management to play Shoaib if he is fit.

“It is a high pressure game and the team needs someone of Shoaib’s experience and pace. His pace will matter against the strong Indian batting and we have backup bowlers if the gamble does not work,” Zaheer told Reuters. AGENCIES

Shoaib Malik Back Shahid Afridi As Captain

Former Pakistan captain and all-rounder Shoaib Malik said that PCB should not change the captain for the national team for the world cup. He said that Shahid Afridi is doing well for Pakistan and he will able to lead the team in the world cup 2011. Malik is recently named as captain of Punjab team and he also supports Shahid Afridi as a captain for Pakistan team.

Now a day there is race for captaincy between Shahid Afridi and Misbah Ul Haq as PCB has named the national team for the world cup but so far the name of the captain is still not announced.

PCB decided to name the captain for the world cup 2011 after the New Zealand’s ODI series. Misbah has leaded the team well in the world cup and now he is also performing well in ODI’s. Shahid Afridi who was not in form has now came back in form as he scored quick 65 runs in 25 balls in last match.

Both Afridi and Misbah is doing well for Pakistan and now PCB has to decide about the captain. Shoaib Malik is of view that by changing the captain there will be disturbance in the team. he favors Afridi as captain.

Afridi has to Deliver Results: Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan skipper Shoaib Malik expressed his support for Shahid Afridi and called upon him to play his due role as the captain of the team.
Shoaib Malik has been out in the cold for a while now and despite skipper Shahid Afridi backing him to play a role in the current series against South Africa, the selectors did not play ball. However, the stylish right-handed batsman has not given up hope. Malik is confident of getting a nod for the World Cup next year and has kept himself in nice shape. When asked that how he keeps himself in shape, he said: Ive been working out regularly in the gym besides practicing in the nets wherever I am. Apart from this Ive played some domestic cricket in Pakistan. I feel fitter than I ever was.
It is a dream for every cricketer to play for ones country in the World Cup and I believe I am still good enough to represent Pakistan for many more years. I will be delighted to get the opportunity. Referring to Afridi he said, I always supported him and believe he has the experience to do well but he will have to deliver positive results and grab the opportunity that was given to him to lead the country.

Musharraf launches comeback bid with new party

LONDON: Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf vowed Friday to return to politics as he launched a new party in London, where he has spent the past two years in self-imposed exile.

At a packed press conference which at times resembled a rally, the retired general unveiled the All Pakistan Muslim League to contest the next elections in 2013 as a civilian — although he promised to return home before then.

“The time has come to make Pakistan into a progressive, modern Islamic state,” Musharraf said, cheered on by dozens of supporters.

He promised a “party of national salvation” to replace the country’s current leaders who “do not show any signs of light in the darkness that prevails in Pakistan”.

“I think I can give that light,” he said.

Asked when he would return home, Musharraf said: “Whatever the dangers, whatever the pitfalls, I will be

Musharraf launches comeback bid with new party

LONDON: Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf vowed Friday to return to politics as he launched a new party in London, where he has spent the past two years in self-imposed exile.

At a packed press conference which at times resembled a rally, the retired general unveiled the All Pakistan Muslim League to contest the next elections in 2013 as a civilian — although he promised to return home before then.

“The time has come to make Pakistan into a progressive, modern Islamic state,” Musharraf said, cheered on by dozens of supporters.

He promised a “party of national salvation” to replace the country’s current leaders who “do not show any signs of light in the darkness that prevails in Pakistan”.

“I think I can give that light,” he said.

Asked when he would return home, Musharraf said: “Whatever the dangers, whatever the pitfalls, I will be

Imran Khan rejects calls for cricket ban

KARACHI: Pakistani sporting hero Imran Khan brushed aside calls to ban his nation from international cricket until corruption allegations are investigated, saying a country cannot be punished collectively.

Former England captains Ian Botham and Michael Vaughan have demanded Pakistan are kicked out of international cricket until a probe into their cricketers has been completed.

Their calls follow allegations of spot-fixing against Pakistani cricketers during their ongoing tour of England, which triggered a war of words between cricket officials from the two countries.

Former Pakistan cricket captain Khan said a country cannot be thrown out on the basis of allegations.

“In any form of illegal activity you cannot give collective punishment to a country and deprive millions of fans, more so because these are still allegations yet to be proven,” Khan told

Rashid quits Pakistan job, becomes Afghan coach

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif resigned Tuesday as a coach at the national cricket academy over spot-fixing comments and said that he had taken up a new job with the Afghan team.

The former wicket-keeper batsman resigned after authorities handed him notice over a statement he made about spot-fixing.

“This is to inform you all that after having discussions with the Afghan cricket authorities I have accepted their offer to become the head coach of the Afghan cricket team,” he said.

Latif, who was until last month Afghanistan’s batting coach, is taking over from fellow Pakistani Kabir Khan, who was coach until last month’s tour of Scotland. He resigned over differences with the Afghan cricket authority.

Pakistani cricket has been rocked by an investigation against three of its top cricketers in Britain over the latest spot-fixing

Former players criticise Pak selections

KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test players on Monday criticised two of their cricket board’s selections for the second Test against England, saying the decision would make the national team a laughing stock.

Continued here:
Former players criticise Pak selections

Tendulkar masterclass keeps India afloat

COLOMBO: Sachin Tendulkar hit his 48th Test century to lead India”s fightback in the second Test on Wednesday after Sri Lanka”s new-look bowling attack ran through the top order.

The world”s leading international run-scorer was unbeaten on 108 as India, replying to Sri Lanka”s 642-4 declared, recovered to 382-4 by stumps on the third day at the Sinhalese Sports Club.

India, who lost the opening Test in Galle by 10 wickets to trail 1-0 in the three-match series, need 61 runs more to avoid the embarrassment of a second successive follow-on.

The tourists were 165-0 at one stage before suffering a mini-collapse to 173-3 in the morning session, as rookie off-spinner Suraj Randiv grabbed two wickets and Ajantha Mendis claimed one.

Tendulkar, 37, who has scored more Test runs and centuries than any other batsman in history, stood rock-solid at one end for four hours and 37 minutes to anchor India”s revival.

He put on 68 for the fourth wicket with VVS Laxman (29) and 141 for the unbroken fifth with debutant Suresh Raina, who ended the day unbeaten on 66.

Tendulkar, a veteran of 168 Tests, reached his fifth hundred this year by sweeping Randiv to the square-leg fence for his 13th boundary.

Sri Lanka were left to rue Tendulkar”s lucky escape on 29 when wicket-keeper Prasanna Jayawardene failed to grasp a head-high catch as the batsman attempted to slice a ball from Dilhara Fernando to third man.

The hosts had changed their entire frontline bowling attack for the match following the retirement of Muttiah Muralitharan and after losing fast bowler Lasith Malinga to a knee injury.

But Randiv stood out with 2-108 from 35 overs, while Mendis had 2-92 from 26 overs on a wearing wicket that afforded bounce and turn to the spinners.

Openers Virender Sehwag (99) and Murali Vijay (58) put on 165 for the first wicket before Sri Lanka hit back, removing both batsmen in the space of 11 deliveries.

Sehwag was one run away from his 21st century when he rushed out to loft Randiv”s first ball of the day, misjudged the line and was stumped.

Sehwag, who hit 15 boundaries, missed out on a fourth century in successive Tests.

He made 109 and 165 in the last two home Tests against South Africa in February and 109 in the opening match of the current series.

“I felt bad to get out, not because I missed a century, but because the team needed more runs from me,” the Indian vice-captain said.

“Tendulkar showed how great he is, but Raina played so well it was difficult to make out which of them was the debutant. They pulled us out of a tight corner.

“The wicket has started to crack up and I think there will be a result in this Test.”

Vijay compiled a confident half-century but was dismissed when he misread a googly from Mendis and was caught plumb in front of the wicket.

Randiv struck a second time before lunch when he trapped Rahul Dravid leg-before for three.

Laxman partnered Tendulkar for most of the afternoon session, before falling just ahead of the tea interval when he was leg-before to Mendis.

Raina, 23, who was drafted in for his first Test cap after Yuvraj Singh developed high fever on the eve of the match, reached his 50 by driving Randiv through the covers.

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 642-4 declared (T. Paranavitana 100, T. Dilshan 54, K. Sangakkara 219, M. Jayawardene 174, T. Samaraweera 76 not out)

India 1st innings (overnight 95-0):
M. Vijay lbw b Mendis 58
V. Sehwag st P. Jayawardene b Randiv 99
R. Dravid lbw b Randiv 3
S. Tendulkar not out 108
V. Laxman lbw b Mendis 29
S. Raina not out 66
Extras: (b5, lb1, w4, nb9) 19

Total (for four wickets, 108 overs) 382
Fall of wickets: 1-165 (Sehwag), 2-169 (Vijay), 3-173 (Dravid), 4-241 (Laxman).

Bowling: Prasad 10-0-53-0 (nb4), Fernando 21-0-83-0 (nb4, w3), Mathews 9-1-24-0 (w1), Randiv 35-11-108-2, Mendis 26-2-92-2 (nb1), Dilshan 7-0-16-0.

Toss: Sri Lanka
Umpires: Daryl Harper (AUS) and Rod Tucker (AUS)
TV umpire: Ranmore Martinesz (SRI)
Match referee: Andy Pycroft (ZIM)

Saqlain anticipates close Pakistan, England Test series

TRENT BRIDGE: Former Pakistan off-spinner and current England national Saqlain Mushtaq is anticipating evenly-contested Test cricket series between England and Pakistan.

Pakistan take on England in first Test Thursday at Trent Bridge.

Saqlain, who played 49 test matches for Pakistan and took 208 wickets, believes young Pakistan team can cause upset against seasoned England side.

“It will be a very good series. Pakistan won against Australia in Twenty20s and drew Test series and they have great belief now with form. They have lack of experience and there will be mistakes, but they are right up there in terms of form at the moment, he said.

Saqlain accepts England is better team than Pakistan as they have more experienced players in squad. “On paper, England are better than Pakistan – they have been playing very well for a while now – but, on their day, Pakistan can beat anyone.

“I think Pakistan attack is very effective. Umer Gul is master of reverse swing and excellent with old ball. He is very experienced. Mohammad Asif is number two bowler in the world at the moment in rankings and has done a great job – he is a world-class bowler. Mohammad Aamer is a young lad who is full of energy and passion. He is very hungry and has great belief,”” he added.

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