Afridi contacts intl players to bring cricket back to Pak

KARACHI: Flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi Saturday said he was trying to bring international cricket back to Pakistan and a number of foreign stars have shown an interest.

“All of us have to make efforts to bring international cricket back to Pakistan,” Afridi, who said he has talked to a number of foreign players about an exhibition competition, told AFP.

“I have spoken to a number of top players from different countries and have got good feedback on travelling to Pakistan for a double-wicket competition,” said Afridi, 31.

Afridi said New Zealand’s Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram, West Indian Chris Gayle and some Australian players including paceman Shaun Tait were among those with whom he had discussed the proposal.

“Most of them have expressed great interest in the event and in playing in Pakistan so I am seriously planning to organise the event, which can allay players’ fears on Pakistan,” he said.

Afridi added he will also try to convince some Indian players.

Pakistan have been forced to play their home series at neutral venues in United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and England. They are currently playing the second of three Tests against England in Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Zaka Ashraf has vowed to bring international cricket back to his country and is hoping to have a one-day series with Bangladesh in April. AGENCIES

Afridi should lead the team for long time: Wasim

The former captain of Pakistan cricket team Wasim Akram has said that Shahid Afridi should lead the team for a long time. According to him, he captained very well in World Cup 2011. Wasim Akram was giving interview to a Pakistani private channel. He said that due to the great captaincy of Afridi, Pakistan won the 6 matches out of 8 and reach into the semi-finals.

Batting coach is necessary: Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram supported the decision of batting coach and said that with his our batsman can correct their mistakes. He asked that most of the teams have the batting coaches at this time, then why we don’t have?

Wasim Akram says, this is a great opportunity for youngsters

Wasim Akram further said that extras is the big problem of green shirts but I hope that bowling coach Waqar Younis and his assistant Aqib Javed will work to recover this problem. He supported the decision of PCB’s selection committee to give chance to youngsters and said that this is a great opportunity for youngsters to prove themselves as the alternates of old players and make their place in the team. Especially he said that Hammad Azam is a good and very talented player. Wasim Akram added that giving rest to Umar Gul is a good decision.

BCCI must permit Pakistanis to play IPL: Afridi

BCCI must permit Pakistanis to play IPL: Shahid Afridi

Captain of Pakistan team, Shahid Afridi talking to an India News Agency, has appealed the Indian Cricket Board to give permission to Pakistani players of playing Indian Premier League (IPL). He said that as now the relations between two countries are improving so players of Pakistan must be given a chance to play IPL.

The proof of improving bilateral relations is the semi-final match of World cup 2011, between India and Pakistan, seen by Pakistani Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and his Indian counter part Manmohan Singh together. Manmohan Singh invited Pakistani P.M to see the Indo-Pak semi-final of in Mohali last month.

“It is high time the Pakistani cricketers also get a place in the IPL. For three seasons, including the current one, we haven’t been a part of the IPL. We have no problems playing in India as we have just played a World Cup semi-final there,” Afridi said.

It is to be rememberd that this is the successive third year, since green shirts are not permitted to participate in the biggest T20 tournament.

Shahid Afridi says, IPL could be a great platform for youngsters

Shahid Afridi said hoped that IPL can be great platform for the youngsters to show their abilities.
“I am not saying I want to play the IPL but it could be a great platform for youngsters. They could make a mark for themselves,” he said.

IPL can ease tensions between both countries: Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi declared the inclusion of Pakistani players in IPL as the measure for reducing the tensions between two countries:
“Our PM responded positively to that invitation. Now IPL can be a platform to further ease the tension,” he added, “We should play more against each other. This will not only ease the pressure but will also reduce the unwanted media hype surrounded with Indo-Pak matches,” Shahid Afridi said.

India Pakistan Series Will Held In The End Of This Year: Ijaz Butt

India Pakistan Series Will Held In The End Of This Year: Ijaz Butt

Chairman of Pakistan cricket board Ijaz Butt has said that the positive statement from Indian Foreign Secretary about India Pakistan series is pleasurable. We are about to write the letter to government about the preparation of holding the series matches. Hopefully the cricket lovers will enjoy the series between the two traditional rivals in the end of this year. If it would difficult to play in the home ground Pakistan is ready to play at the neutral venue. While talking to media he said that the decision, of holding series with Pakistan, from Indian side is a positive step and Pakistan appreciates India for this step. In the meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the President of ICC Sharad Pawar and Head of BCCI Shashank Manohar were also present. Manmohan Singh gave instructions about the holding of series between two countries.

Players Will Give Good Performance In India Pakistan Series.

About the performance of Abd-ur-Razzaq and Kamran Akmal in World Cup, he said that both players presented very bad game in World Cup, the cricket of both players is over now so they should quit the game. He further said that it depends upon them that they get position in the team again by proving themselves capable of playing international cricket by giving good performance in domestic cricket. The trend of emptying the place for new players is not there in our country. Senior players do not decide something about quiting their career the cricket board has to decide something about them. This is the issue due to which the board is being criticized. If Shahid Afridi would not have played well, then he too would not be included in the team any more. But he has proved his abilities in World Cup by taking 21 wickets. Misbah-ul-Haq too has given good performance in World Cup so he must not be criticized. Hopefully players will give good performance in India Pakistan series.

India Pakistan Series: Step Towards Betterment of Relations.

It is to be remembered that no India Pakistan series held since Mumbai blast. India Pakistan series would be a positive towards the betterment of bilateral relations.

Shahid Afridi In Top ICC Rankings

Pakistan’s captain Shahid Afridi is in top ICC ranking. He is at number three position in the top five all-rounders. Shahid Afridi also jumped five places up and reached number nine spot in top ten best bowlers.

The performance of Shahid Afridi in the world cup had lifted the team. He took his team to top ranking. It was his effort that brings the team to the semi final. Pakistan lost the match against India in the semi final. Shahid Afridi was wicket less in that match. He led the team like a true captain.

Shahid Afridi decided to skip the West Indies tour after the world cup but he later on decided to travel with team and make himself available for selection. He is now selected in the team and will travel to West Indies.

Shahid Afridi Wants Result Oriented West Indies Tour

Shahid Afridi said that the tour of West Indies will be result oriented. He added that youngster included in the team will help them a lot and they will definitely try to overcome the West Indies team. He is hoping for favorable results for Pakistan team.

Shahid Afridi added cricket lovers are expecting from team and they will try to give series win to nation.

Pakistan Will Visit West Indies Without Shahid Afridi

West Indies tour of two test matches, five ODIs and a T-20 match is starting from 18^th April will be without Shahid Afridi. Pakistan captain for the world cup Shahid Afridi will not go with the team in the tour. He wants to have rest after the world cup as they are going to get three weeks time before the tour.

World Cup 2011: Pakistan get good start, reach 52

Earlier, India set 260 runs target against Pakistan to win in the match being played at Mohali Stadium. India won the toss and elected to bat first at a flat batting wicket but Wahab Riaz’s 5-wicket haul didn’t allow them to put a huge total. Sehwag provided the much-needed flying start but Wahab magic bowling pushed India into a defensive mode. After Sehwag, he bowled out Kohli and Yuvraj, the two inform batsmen.

Hafeez tossed the ball that enticed Gambhir to come forward but he missed and Kamran did the job. Gambhir made 27 off 32 and hit two boundaries in his innings. Bad fielding and dropping of five catches once again allowed Tendulkar to score 85 runs. Raina, at the end, grabbed India to past 250 scores. Pakistani spinners bowled superbly against strong Indian batting. Ajmal picked two wickets while Hafeez took one wicket.

After winning the toss, Indian Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that he was not sure if this match was the biggest match he had ever played. He said that they had made one change in the team and Ashish Nehra has been called in place of Ravichandran Ashwin.

Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi said that winning or losing the toss did not matter. He said that they had made no change in the squad. In the World Cup 2011, India and Pakistan each have won four of their last five games but this will be the first time Pakistan is going to face India in semi-finals. Collectively, both the teams have faced each other four times in the World Cups, with India winning all four matches.

In the cricket ground in Mohali, Pakistan has played twice against India and won both the matches. Pakistan also has a better record in the One-Day-International matches as they have won 69 out of a total of 119 games while India only managed to win 46 matches.

Any team that wins today’s match will face Sri Lanka in the final of the World Cup on April 2. This will be the first World Cup final in which two Asian teams will be fighting for the top prize. Regardless of who wins the match, the World Cup trophy will return to Asia after 12 years.

World Cup 2011: Wahab’s double strike rattled India, 161/4

Something extra ordinary was required to remove the pressure of Sehwag’s onslaught and Wahab did the magic with back to back strike and pushed India into a defensive mood.

First it was Kohli, who cut the ball only to hand a catch to Umar Akmal at point. Then came the stunner, Yuvraj Singh – the strongest contender for the player of the tournament – was back on his way after facing just one ball. It was full, it was straight, it was quick and it rattled the stumps.

Hafeez tossed the ball that enticed Gambhir to come forward but he missed and Kamran did the job. Gambhir made 27 off 32 and hit two boundaries in his innings. India 119/2 after 20 overs. Tendulkar got the second life as Younis dropped a catch that must be taken when you were plying the World Cup semi-final. Tendulkar has already been dropped by Misbah and Afridi’s was the poor bowler at both occasions.

Afridi introduced offspinner Saeed Ajmal in the ninth over in search of break through and he almost picked Tendulkar twice in his second over. First he won an LBW decision in his favour only to get it overturned on a referral.

One ball later, Karman Akmal dislodged the bails but the batsman again proved lucky as just manage to land his foot on time.

Carrying the momentum of Sehwag’s blistering start, India cruise at 73/1 in 10 overs.

Sehwag went for the referral but the on field call stood as he was hit on the middle.

The right hander struck five boundaries to Gul in the third over of the innings. Gul kept pitching half-volleys and Sehwag taking full advantage. He hit two more boundaries, this time on the off side. Razzaq also went for 12 in his second over.

After winning the toss, Indian Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni said that he was not sure if this match was the biggest match he had ever played. He said that they had made one change in the team and Ashish Nehra has been called in place of Ravichandran Ashwin.

Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi said that winning or losing the toss did not matter. He said that they had made no changes in the squad.
The semi-final match of the cricket world cup is being played at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali.

In the World Cup 2011, India and Pakistan have won four of their last five games but this will be the first time Pakistan is going to face India is semi finals. Collectively, both the teams have faced each other four times in the World Cups, with India winning all four matches.

In the cricket ground in Mohali, Pakistan has played twice against India and won both the matches. Pakistan also has a better record in the One-Day-International matches as they have won 69 out of a total of 119 games while India only managed to win 46 matches.

If Pakistan loses the match, this will be the last time Shoaib Akhtar will be a part of the Pakistani cricket team as he earlier announced his retirement from international cricket.

Pakistan Captain Shahid Afridi is regarded as a danger man as he is the leading wicket taker in the tournament with 21 wickets. He is also the first bowler in World Cup history to take four wickets in a match on four different occasions in a tournament which include two five wickets and two four wickets hauls. Umar Gul is also among the top 10 wicket taking bowlers in the tournament.

On the other hand, India has a strong batting line up with Sachin Tendulkar, the leading Indian run scorer with 379 runs which includes two centuries and a half century. Tendulkar is yet to score a century against Pakistan and if he does so he will have a record 100 centuries.

Apart from that, there are three Indian batsmen in the top 10 of most runs scored in the World Cup. Umar Akmal is the only Pakistani batsmen to score beyond 200 runs and the best placed Pakistani batman is ranked at number 28 for most number of runs scored in the tournament.

Any team that wins today’s match will face Sri Lanka in the final of the World Cup on April 2. This will be the first World Cup final in which two Asian teams will be fighting for the top prize. Regardless of who wins the match, the World Cup trophy will return to Asia after 12 years.

Mother of all cricket matches few hours away

MOHALI: The news from Mohali is that it’s been raining here for hours and that Shoaib Akhtar is ‘highly unlikely’ to feature in what is being described as the ‘mother of all matches’.

As security personnel were making a final check at the PCA Stadium ahead of Pakistan’s World Cup semifinal clash against India, a dust storm lashed Mohali and adjoining areas. It was followed by rain and thunderstorm.

Rain is good news for Pakistan. If it does rain enough to wash out the day’s play today, then there is a reserve day — Thursday — when the match can be played. If rain also washes out play on the reserve day, then the rain rule states that, “If following a tie, weather conditions prevent the one over eliminator from being completed, or if the match is a no result, then the team that finished in the higher position in the Group stage shall proceed to the final.”

In that case Pakistan, since they topped Pool A, will progress to Saturday’s final. However, the unseasonal downpour is unlikely to affect today’s match with the meteorological department forecasting a partly cloudy sky to prevail in this region with a little chance of light rain by Wednesday evening.

Tuesday night’s rain could add juice to the Mohali pitch that was earlier expected to be batting friendly. It is expected that it could assist pacers more with all the moisture in it at least for the first hour or so.

Meanwhile, just before the sudden showers, Pakistan had their pre-match meeting over dinner at The Taj in Chandigarh. Though a decision over the possible inclusion of Shoaib Akhtar was delayed till this morning, a well-placed source told The News that it was highly unlikely that the maverick pacer will be included in the playing eleven.

That means Pakistan are likely to take the field against India with an unchanged team. India, too, seem set to retain the same team that helped them conquer Australia in the quarterfinals though team sources have said the management has mulled the possibility of bringing in left-arm pacer Asish Nehra and even allrounder Yusuf Pathan.

Pakistan were in an upbeat mood on Tuesday even though Shahid Afridi, their captain, declared India as the favourites Pakistan have already punched above their weight to march into the World Cup semifinals with an enviable ease and are now looking for a win against the Indians.

At this World Cup, Pakistan have overcome two of the pre-tournament favourties — Sri Lanka and Australia — and they are now looking to scalp the Indians. It’s a gigantic task, but Shahid Afridi is confident his troops can achieve it.

“It’s our dream to win the World Cup and tomorrow we hope to take a big step towards by beating India,” Afridi told The News on Tuesday. Afridi heaped praise on his players, saying that they were itching to take the field for the high-pressure match. “A few of the players are playing really mature cricket especially youngsters like Umar Akmal and Asad Shafiq. They have been waiting for this game,” he said.

Afridi and his men will have to tackle a strong Indian batting line-up that is spearheaded by the great Sachin Tendulkar. All eyes will be on the little master, who will be looking for his 100th international hundred. The master blaster has featured in all four of India’s World Cup wins against Pakistan, scoring 54 not out, 31, 45 and 98.
Off the field, India is in a complete frenzy.

In Mohali and the adjoining cities of Chandigarh and Panckhula, it seems everybody is obsessed with the idea of getting hold of a match ticket. The Tricity has become the nerve centre of India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gilani will be flying in to hold talks on the sidelines of the semifinal. Business tycoons and Bollywood starts are bringing their private jets here. All roads, it seems, lead to Mohali.

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

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