Imran backs ICC ban on goverment meddling

Pakistan’s legendary former captain Imran Khan on Thursday welcomed a decision from cricket’s governing body to ban political appointments, calling for a total revamp of the national board.

The ICC executive board on Thursday gave cricket boards 12 months to implement free elections and another 12-month grace period to enact the changes before any sanctions would be considered.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), whose chairman Ijaz Butt was appointed by the president, was not immediately reachable for comment but it has threatened legal action in the past if the constitution is changed.

Khan, one of Pakistan’s most vocal opposition politicians, welcomed the amendment.

He told AFP that the PCB now had a chance to become a real institution if the system was overhauled.

“The amendment will help Pakistan as there is no transparency and accountability in the current set-up,” Khan told AFP.

“But to gain full benefit, Pakistan must fix the cricket structure with a new constitution on regional grounds where officials are elected.”

Khan said the changes could allow Pakistan to perform better.

“If we have our cricket structure right, Pakistan has more talent than anywhere in the world, and we will dominate the world,” said Khan, who led Pakistan to their only World Cup title in 1992.

Former PCB chairman Arif Abassi said reform had long been needed.

“I resigned in 1996 because there was uncalled for government interference when I wanted to make the PCB a private company with shares,” said Abassi.

Abassi said the ICC was after Pakistan after a slew of public irregularities and said: “It’s now time we find the right people to overhaul our system and who know how to do it,” he said.

But fellow former PCB chief Khalid Mahmood rejected the ICC imposition as a violation of Pakistan’s independence.

“The ICC has no business to tell us how to run our cricket,” said Mahmood, calling for legal action if necessary.

“We must resist on this and although legal action is the last resort, one has to back it because we have to draw a line on sovereignty,” said Mahmood.

Former spinner Iqbal Qasim thought Pakistan would have trouble in enacting the change.

“While other Boards like England and Australia have a proper system, Pakistan will face some problems in implementing the change and they will need to overhaul the system from grass-root level,” said Qasim.

“We need to think out a proper plan, be it with the government’s help, to implement the change in two years.”

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are also directly affected by the amendment as their cricketing affairs are similarly run on government directives.

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Pakistan slated to tour india in 2012

Pakistan have been pencilled in to tour India for a full series of Test and one-day cricket matches next year, in what would be a breakthrough in relations that were hit by the deadly 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The International Cricket Council governing body’s latest Future Tours Programme shows that the two South Asian rivals could play three Tests and five one-day internationals in March and April 2012.

India is designated as the host of the series, but an ICC spokesman told AFP on Thursday that the list was provisional and indicated that the matches were likely to be played at a neutral venue.

Any series would be organised entirely by both countries’ governing bodies, he added.
No one was immediately available for comment at the Board of Control for Cricket in India.

India severed cricketing links with its neighbour after the Mumbai attacks, which killed 166 people and which New Delhi blamed on outlawed Islamist militants based across the border in Pakistan.

No major international cricket side has toured Pakistan since gunmen attacked the Sri Lanka team bus in Lahore in March 2009, killing eight people and injuring seven others.

Pakistan now plays “home” games in the United Arab Emirates, England and New Zealand.

India last played Pakistan in this year’s World Cup semi-final at Mohali, beating them in a keenly-watched encounter attended by the two countries’ prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Yousuf Raza Gilani.

Afterwards there were calls by players and politicians for the resumption of cricketing links, as millions of fans were missing out due to the nuclear-armed neighbours’ strained political ties.

India’s foreign secretary, Nirupama Rao, even said that the country was ready to send its team to Pakistan, if provided full security.

The Pakistan Cricket Board welcomed Rao’s statement and said it was exploring options for playing a series at a neutral venue.

The last time Pakistan played a Test match in India was in the southern city of Bangalore in December 2007. India won the series 1-0.

Apart from the World Cup semi-final, their the last one-day international on Indian soil was in November 2007 in Jaipur. Pakistan won the match but lost that series 3-2.

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I will continue playing cricket with my fans: Amir

Banned Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir plans to stay in London until the Scotland Yard makes a decision in the spot-fixing case and will be playing cricket local parks over there, a private news channel reported on Tuesday.

Amir, who was hopeful of a reduction in his sentence, said that he was not barred from playing cricket with his fans and would continue to interact with them.

The fast bowler said that he was imparting bowling tips to children and would also set up an academy in the future.

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Anderson sparkles, as jayasuriya bows out tamely

James Anderson inspired England to a 110-run win over Sri Lanka in the first one-day international here at The Oval on Tuesday.

The Lancastrian took 4-18 as Sri Lanka slumped to 121 all out chasing a revised target of 232 in a rain-shortened match.

England made 229 in their 32 overs after a storm halted play for three hours and Sri Lanka’s target was subject to a Duckworth Lewis amendment.

Anderson’s opening spell of 3 for 14 from four overs knocked the stuffing out of the Sri Lankan top order and their innings never recovered.

He had captain Tillakaratne Dilshan caught on the boundary by Tim Bresnan running in, trapped Mahela Jayawardene leg before and induced a return catch from Kumar Sangakkara.

Sanath Jayasuriya – in his final one-day international two days before his 42nd birthday – was snared by a sharp catch from Eoin Morgan in the gully off Bresnan for just two although he did manage a wicket in England’s innings.

Anderson turned fielder to take a superb diving catch at midwicket to remove Angelo Mathews and an easier chance off Graeme Swann to dismiss Jeevan Mendis and Sri Lanka had slumped to 57 for six.

The Lancastrian, closing in on 200 one-day international victims, returned to claim the wicket of Nuwan Kulasekara.

From then on there was no way back for the tourists despite Lasith Malinga and Suraj Randiv throwing the bat late on for a record ninth wicket partnership, 52, for Sri Lanka against England.

Swann finished off the innings, ending with figures of 3 for 18. Thilina Kandamby hung around for 19, made off 48 balls, but lost patience eventually and skied a ball from Jade Dernbach to Stuart Broad at mid-off to give the Surrey pace bowler a second wicket on his one-day international debut.

Craig Kieswetter was the mainstay of the England total hitting two sixes and four fours as he passed 50 in one-day internationals for the third time before holing out to the first ball of Randiv’s second spell for 61.

Morgan chipped in with 45, Kevin Pietersen 26 and Jonathan Trott 23 with Malinga picking up three wickets including two late    on.

England were on course for a much bigger total when Kieswetter and Morgan were at the wicket but their scoring rate slowed until a late flurry from Bresnan, who hit Suranga Lakmal for three successive fours in the penultimate over and Broad.

Bresnan, recalled to the squad after a calf injury, gave the innings a much-needed shot in the arm when it looked like petering out with England’s big hitters back in the pavilion.

Pietersen put on 56 for the third wicket with Kieswetter before hitting a Jeevan Mendis long hop, straight to mid-on.

Morgan hit six fours in his 35-ball stay but Ian Bell could not find the golden form he displayed in the recent Test series.

Alastair Cook, in his first game in permanent charge of England’s one-day side, was out caught behind down the leg side for just five before the rain came.

The teams now head to Leeds which will stage the second match of the series on Friday

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Aisam-peschke pair out of wimbledon

The pair of Pakistan’s Aisam ul Haq Qureshi and Kveta Peschke of Czech Republic lost in the second round of the mixed doubles competition at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Monday.

Aisam and Kveta were beaten by Israeli pair of Jonathan Erlich/ Shahar Peer 3-6, 1-6.

Aisam, who paired with Indian Rohan Bopanna in Men’s double, was also knocked out in the first round of the men’s doubles event

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PFF increases premier league prize money

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) announced an increase in the Pakistan Premier League prize money on Tuesday.

According to a press release issued by the PFF, the league prize money has been enhanced from Rs 600,000 to Rs700,000 for the winning team while the runners-up money has gone up from Rs400,000 to Rs500,000 and the third position holder will get Rs400,000 against the previous Rs300,000.

Meanwhile, the individual prizes have also been increased by Rs50,000. The best player of the league will now be getting Rs1,50,000, while the highest scorer, best goalkeeper, best match commissioner and best referee will all be getting Rs1,00,000 now while the best assistant referee will see an increase of Rs25,000 to receive Rs50,000. The match bonus amount for each match has also been raised from Rs25,000 to Rs30,000.

It was hoped by the PFF President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat that the gesture would encourage the players and officials of the league to put forward their best efforts while bringing credit to the nation.

PFF’s 8th Premier League, featuring 12 departmental and four club teams, will see the playing of 240 matches between July 5 and Dec 28

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ICC agrees to give minnows World Cup lifeline

World cricket’s governing body opened the door Monday for non-Test playing nations to compete in the next World Cup, reversing a bar that had outraged ‘minnows’ such as Ireland and Holland.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) in a statement said its chief executives’ committee had recommended a qualifying process for the 2015 tournament, without specifying how many teams it wanted to see taking part.

The recommendation rows back on the ICC’s unpopular decision to limit the 2015 World Cup, in Australia and New Zealand, to the 10 full-member teams — excluding Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada, Kenya and other countries.

“The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the ICC executive board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand,” the ICC said in a statement.

ICC president Sharad Pawar had asked his board to discuss the matter at the conference, with the governing body looking to avoid a repeat of the seven-week World Cup, deemed by some critics as unnecessarily lengthy.

Officials are believed to be in favour of retaining a 10-team limit but a qualifying tournament would give minor nations a chance of reaching the event.

The CEC also agreed to restrict the elective powerplays in One-day Internationals — two blocks of five overs when only two fielders are allowed outside the 30-yard circle — to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings, one from each end.

Powerplays, introduced in 2005 to add excitement to the 50-over format, place restrictions on fielding positions and are designed to give a temporary advantage to the batting side.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket.”

The committee approved recommendations to continue research into the use of different colour balls in day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wickets to block a run-out chance.

Meanwhile, England and Australia will play 10 back-to-back Ashes Tests as part of the new future tours program agreed at the meeting.

Andrew Strauss’s side face Australia at home in the English summer of 2013 and then will do it all again Down Under in the Australian summer.
The series form part of the Future Tours Programme (FTP) for the period from 2012 to 2020 finalised on Monday.

The back-to-back Ashes schedule is a result of Australia hosting the World Cup in 2015, when the return Ashes would normally be played.
The FTP also contains an official two-week window in September for the Champions League Twenty20 each year.—

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I want to do more for pakistan squash: Danish Atlas

Pakistan’s upcoming squash player Danish Atlas Khan, who recently won the Junior Asia Cup title in Amman, Jordan, said on Monday his aim in life is to bring more laurels to the country.

Danish, the nephew of legendary squash player Jansher Khan, returned on Monday from Jordan after his title win in the U-19 event. “I had been doing hectic training with my father and my brother before  the Asian Junior Championship,” disclosed Danish. “So when I went into the tournament, I was in good form and was ready to meet the challenge.”

Danish is the younger the brother of Aamir Atlas Khan, the former Pakistan No 1 who is currently ranked 29th in the world circuit. Danish is placed at 87 in the international rankings.

“I am happy to have performed well in the tournament and to bring good name for Pakistan,” said Danish. “In future, I will do my level best to bring more laurels for my country.”

Danish beat India’s Ramit Tandon, who had stunned him earlier this year in the Asian Jr Team Championship.

Danish said that the win in the final of the tournament brought him double delight as it also helped him avenge the defeat against Ramit. “I was desperate for a win against him, so the victory in the final was double joy for me.”—PPI

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Billawal Aslam bags special Olympics gold for Pakistan

Talented Pakistani cyclist Billawal Aslam raced past rivals to clinch a gold medal at the Special Olympics World Games here on Monday.

In a special performance on the wheels, Billawal finished first in the 1000m/1km time trial to edge past the opponents. Fellow Pakistani cyclist Nazeer Ahmed came fourth in the race.

Aslam defeated Mexico’s Johnny Tovar and India’s Yogendra Kumar Shrivas.

In the other competitions, Pakistan’s men’s basketball team lost to Indonesia with a scoreline of 17-7 in the preliminary round. However, the women’s basketball team was impressive against Israel and defeated them 14-13.—Agencies

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Runners, format of ODI cricket to be also discussed at ICC meet

The ICC Chief Executives’ Committee (CEC) meeting began the ICC Annual Conference week in Hong Kong and concluded today. The key recommendations it has made to the ICC Executive Board are:

Decision Review System

The CEC today unanimously recommended universal standards for the usage of technology in decision-making (Decision Review System) in all Test matches and One-Day Internationals subject to availability and commercial considerations. The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices.

The CEC also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability. The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating Members.

CEC, which also approved the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to reduce the number of unsuccessful reviews in ODIs from two to one, believed that this was a step forward as the game embraces the principles of technology.

Format of ODI Cricket

CEC agreed with the ICC Cricket Committee’s recommendations for the further enhancement of international 50-over cricket with the restriction of the elective powerplays to between the 16th and 40th overs of each innings and also to the use of two new balls per innings – one from each end. This will come into effect from 1 October.

ICC Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat said: “Even though the success of 50-over cricket played during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 was universally acknowledged, the CEC rightly supported the enhancements recommended by the ICC Cricket Committee to strengthen the format further, including encouraging Members to trial some specific innovations in their domestic cricket.”

These innovations include a review of the maximum number of overs that a bowler can bowl; an increase from one to two for the number of short balls permitted per over; no compulsory requirement for close catchers; and a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle during non-powerplay overs.

Runners

CEC agreed with the Cricket Committee’s recommendation to abolish runners in international cricket.

Over-rates

The CEC, like the ICC Cricket Committee, was concerned at the slow over-rates in Test match cricket and agreed on stricter sanctions against captains for over-rate breaches. A captain will now be suspended for two over-rate breaches in a 12-month period in any one format of the game rather than the current position which is three breaches prior to suspension.

Other ICC Cricket Committee recommendations including the continued research into the use of different colour balls to facilitate day/night Test matches and the directive that batsmen can be given out for obstructing the field if they change their direction when running between the wicket to block a run-out chance, were also approved.

ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

The CEC recommended that there should be a qualification process for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 but did not make a recommendation to the ICC Executive Board on the number of teams that should compete in the event to be held in Australia and New Zealand.

Reliance ICC Rankings

CEC gave its unanimous support to the present Reliance ICC Rankings system following a presentation by statistician David Kendix, who devised and operates the system for the ICC.

Mr Lorgat said: “There was agreement and a great deal of satisfaction that we have a robust and reliable rankings system that presents a true reflection of the quality and standing of the performances of international teams and that this system will be used for qualification and/or promotion and relegation purposes.

“It was also noted that the system is recognised by players, officials and supporters who are becoming more familiar and referring to the Reliance ICC Rankings to measure their teams’ progress.”

Context and Content for International Cricket

CEC agreed and recommended the Future Tours Programme (FTP) 2012-2020 to the ICC Executive Board for adoption.

The ICC Executive Board will meet in Hong Kong on 28 and 29 June 2011

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BCCI accepts modified version of DRS as row with ICC ends

India agreed Monday to a modified version of the controversial Umpire Decision Review System, bringing to an end a damaging row which threatened to tear apart international cricket.

The International Cricket Council said its chief executives’ committee (CEC) had unanimously agreed at its Hong Kong conference to make DRS mandatory in all international Tests and one-day matches, India’s cricket authorities announced.

“The agreed standards will include infra-red cameras and audio-tracking devices,” the ICC said in a statement on its website.

“The CEC also agreed that further independent and expert research will be carried out into ball-tracking technology and its accuracy and reliability.

“The continued use of ball-tracking technology as a decision-making aid will depend on bilateral agreement between the participating members.”

The ground-breaking deal means that India will, for the first time, agree to using the DRS in a Test series when they tour England from July. But the world champions released a statement after the meeting insisting that the Hawkeye ball-tracking system remained “unacceptable”.

“The BCCI has always expressed its willingness to embrace technology, for the betterment of the game,” said Narayanaswami Srinivasan, the president-elect of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, in a statement posted on its website.

Hot Spot, the “thermal imaging” technology now available and made mandatory in the DRS, will mostly be used for close catches and edges.

But the committee decided that the use of Hawkeye, which tracks the trajectory of the delivery, would continue to depend on agreement between both teams in any match.

Lbw decisions will continue to be governed by the on-field umpires.

Under the agreement, teams will be allowed to make one incorrect challenge to an on-field umpire’s decision before all their referrals for that innings are used up.

A two-challenge system, broadly accepted by most of cricket’s leading nations, was in use at the recent World Cup in the subcontinent, which India won.

The BCCI had questioned the accuracy of the technology involved in the DRS and Monday’s deal marks a significant concession from the world champions, who have been opposed almost from the moment of the system’s inception in 2009.

India had been adamant they wanted no part of DRS in their four-Test tour of England and a controversial lbw decision during the rivals’ tied World Cup match, where England’s Ian Bell was given not out even though replays suggested he was in fact lbw, seemed to have hardened their stance.

But Dave Richardson, the ICC’s general manager for cricket, had said following a two-day meeting of the ICC’s cricket committee at Lord’s in May he was confident of changing India’s mind.

India, whose financial clout in world cricket gives them huge bargaining power among the Test-playing nations, have often drawn criticism for what has been seen as their unhealthy influence on the global game.

“Making DRS mandatory is a move that has huge consequences for the game, and we can’t talk enough before implementing it,” said ESPNcricinfo assistant editor Sidharth Monga, in an opinion piece on the website.

The mandatory terms and conditions for the DRS have been recommended to the executive board for approval on Tuesday, seen as a formality now that India’s crucial backing has been secured

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ICC set for fiery talks in Hong Kong

Cricket’s governing body is set for fierce battles over moves to scrap its rotating presidency and bar “minnow” nations from the next World Cup at annual talks in Hong Kong starting on Sunday.

Powerful India, whose huge revenues give it a dominant position in the International Cricket Council (ICC), will also fight plans for blanket use of new technology allowing players to challenge umpires’ decisions.

Memories are still fresh of last year’s embarrassing meeting, when countries flatly refused to endorse conservative former Australian prime minister John Howard as the next ICC president, despite his nomination by Australia and New Zealand.

The debacle is thought to be at the heart of moves, reportedly spearheaded by India and England, to scrap the two-year rotational presidency, although details of any new system remain unclear.

But big changes will by met with vehement opposition from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are scheduled to nominate the body’s next-but-one leader to take power from 2014.

“We don’t agree with the proposal of change and we have shown our reservations to the ICC,” Pakistan Cricket Board chief operating officer Subhan Ahmed told the ESPNcricinfo website.

“We are in touch with the ICC over the matter and will decide the future course of action soon.”

The ICC is also expected to water down plans to let only the 10 Test nations play the 2015 World Cup — excluding countries such as Ireland, the Netherlands, Canada and Kenya — following widespread opposition.

Officials are believed to be in favour of retaining a 10-team limit but may consider a qualifying tournament that would give minor nations a chance of reaching the event, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.

India will also wage a lonely battle against the Decision Review System (DRS), where wicket decisions can be checked using video, audio, ball-tracking and thermal-imaging technology in an innovation welcomed by most countries.

India, burned by several DRS challenges and with superstar batsman Sachin Tendulkar a leading opponent, has vowed to fight an official recommendation to put the technology in place for all international games.

This week, English commentator and former Test batsman Geoff Boycott urged ICC members to defy India despite its wealth and influence, which is based on enormous incomes from its cricket-crazy, billion-plus population.

“If a majority of the ICC countries believe that the (DRS) is a good improvement for international cricket, they should vote for it and say, ‘Sorry India, you are in a minority’,” Boycott told ESPNcricinfo.

“But there is fear to offend, and some countries are totally afraid to offend India,” he added.

“The sooner they get around to it and say, ‘No. Since a majority of us believe it is good, we are going to do it’, the better. Simple as that. India won’t like it, but you can’t be run by one country.”

The talks will kick off with four days of meetings between the chief executives’ committee and executive board, followed by a full council meeting on June 30, at glitzy hotels in downtown Hong Kong.

Officials are also expected to study proposals for day-night Tests — which have snagged on finding a suitable ball — and will closely examine the problem of corruption, after last year’s spot-fixing scandal involving Pakistan.

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New zealand notch historic win over Australia in championship trophy

New Zealand beat Australia 3-2 for their first women’s Champions Trophy field hockey win over their trans-Tasman neighbour and move to second place in Pool B here Sunday.

In the other local derby, Netherlands defeated Germany 2-1 to secure a semi-final place.

In Pool A, Argentina took care of China 4-1 and England drew 2-2 with South Korea.
New Zealand have only beaten Australia ten times in 85 all-time matches between them since 1935.

Adam Commens, Australia coach, reflected: “We saw today that New Zealand are quite a dangerous team, able to score easily if we give them enough space while our style of hockey relies on creating a lot of chances and converting them.”

Katie Glynn and Krystal Forgesson tore Australia’s defence to pieces, scoring field goals a minute apart early in the first half.

New Zealand went 3-0 ahead early in the second half through Cathryn Finlayson’s slap in of Charlotte Harrison’s cross and Australia looked in big trouble.

Jade Close turned the tables for Australia, getting a pass from deep defence and driving past New Zealand keeper for Australia’s first goal.

New Zealand gifted Australia their second goal as both Cathryn Finlayson and Alana Millington were suspended at the same time for five minutes and Casey Eastham exploited the 11 on 9 advantage to score.

Mark Hager, New Zealand coach said: “The difference today was that we put away our chances by scoring three goals then we defended quite well for long periods, particularly when we were down to nine players which we have practiced at home.”

Netherlands started spectacularly against Germany, scoring 20 seconds from the opening whistle when Carlijn Welten scored, with some help from the stick of Germany defender Julia Mueller.

Veteran Germany striker Natascha Keller hit back minutes later taking a rebound off the pads of Netherlands keeper Joyce Sombroek to hammer a shot into the left of goal.

Kim Lammers received a long pass out of defence in the midfield and ran unmarked to the circle to fire in a bullet goal inside the left post for Netherlands winner in the first half.

Max Caldas, Netherlands coach, said: “We lost the initiative as Germany made it difficult for us with their man-on-man marking, rather than the zone marking we expected which made it difficult for us to add to the score.”

Michael Behrmann, Germany coach, commented: “I was happy my team could come back quite soon after the early goal and I could see we created some good chances in the second half but it was frustrating that we could not gain a point today.”

England earned their first tournament point, drawing 2-2 with South Korea after losing to world champions Argentina on Saturday.

Beckie Herbert scored both England’s field goals and Kim Da-rae did the same for Korea.
Danny Kerry, England coach, said: “In the second half both teams went for the breakthrough win and overall we had a cracking game and I was particularly proud that we fought back from the 2-1 deficit.”

Argentina also booked a semi-final place by beating China 4-1.

Noel Barrionnuevo converted Argentina’s third penalty corner chance with a deflection off a defender but failed in three other attempts.

Zhao Yudiao finished a brilliant penalty corner variation for China’s only goal for a 1-1 scoreline at the break.

China’s defence crumbled in the second half, allowing field goals to Argentina’s Soledad Garcia, Delfina Marina and Daniela Sruoga.

Carlos Retegui claimed the world’s top ranked team’s semi final place.

“This was a really important game for us and it was a tough one and now we are able to say that we are in the semi finals and one of the top four teams in the world,” Retegui said.

Kim Sang-ruyl, China coach, remarked: “Our defence is not strong enough and they allowed Argentina to capitalize on our mistakes in the circle – but we can fix it,” Kim added with conviction.

Monday is a rest day in the tournament with Tuesday Pool A matches pitting England against China and Argentina against South Korea.

In pool B, Australia meets Germany and Netherlands play New Zealand on Tuesday.

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Jaffar to lead Pakistan in world cup qualifier against Bangladesh

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has named goalkeeper Jaffar Khan captain of the team, which will take on Bangladesh in the World Cup 2014 qualifiers in Dhaka on June 29.

The PFF besides announcing the 20-member contingent, including players and officials, also appointed Faisal Iqbal as vice captain.

The team will depart for Bangladesh on Sunday (today) from Islamabad.

The federation made the selection for the match after the recommendations of coach Tariq Lutfi.

Four Pakistanis settled in England and Australia are also included in the squad.

Meanwhile, commenting on the team strength, coach Tariq Lutfi told Dawn that the players were prepared for the important match and hopefully they would give their best to win the match.

“It is important for us to beat Bangladesh in Dhaka as it will be an important booster to tackle Bangladesh in Lahore in the second leg match, Lutfi argued, adding that the inclusion of four Pakistanis settled abroad will further strengthen the squad.

Among the foreign Pakistanis, three are from Britain namely Atif Bashir, Zeeshan Rehman and Adnan Farooq, while Ahmad Akbar Khan is from Australia.

Lutfi said that though Zeeshan Rehman could not practice with the national team in Islamabad, he would join the team from England.

To a question, the coach admitted that Bangladesh were better in ranking as compared to Pakistan. However, he claimed that the Pakistan team have been performing very well for the last eight months and hoped the team would be able to beat the hosts on their home ground. The national team has been playing practicing matches against some departmental team to hone their skills after efforts of the PFF to arrange matches against any foreign team before the match against Bangladesh failed to bear any fruits.

Bangladesh team are scheduled to visit Pakistan on July 3 to play their second leg match against Pakistan at the Punjab Stadium.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jaffer Khan (captain) Jehangir Khan.
Defenders: Samar Ishaq, Alamgir Khan, Kamran Khan, Mohammad Ahmad, Atif Bashir and Zeeshan Rehman.

Mid-fielders: Faisal Iqbal (vice-captain), Manzoor Ahmad, Arif Hussain, Kaleemullah, Mahmood Khan, Hasnain Abbas, Ahmad Akbar Khan and Arif Mahmood.

Forwards: Mohammad Qasim, Mohammad Ikram, Mohammad Rasool and Adnan Farooq.

Officials: Gohar Zaman (manager), Tariq Lutfi (head-coach), Nasir Jamal (assistant coach), Aslam Khan (goal-keeping coach), Dr Kamran Mehdi (Physio) and Irfan Khan Niazi (Media manager)

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China win 5-nation rugby as pakistan finish 4th

China captain Zhang Zhiqiang put on another superb performance at the HSBC Asian 5 Nations Rugby Division III tournament in Jakarta to lead his side to a 28-18 victory over Guam. The win sees China promoted to next year’s Division II competition after being relegated in 2010.

Hosts Indonesia celebrated a memorable victory as a last-gasp try from scrumhalf Kirk Arundale put them clear of Pakistan 20-19 to take third place in the tournament.

In the Division II Final, China came back from a 13-point halftime deficit to win a match played in some very blustery conditions. Guam jumped out to an early lead with a well-taken penalty from centre Chris Sgro in the 3rd minute. Sgro added a further ten points for Guam in the first half with a try, conversion and penalty. Paul Eustaquio scored Guam’s second try to give them an 18-5 lead at halftime. China’s first half try came from workhorse prop Fa Li, his second of the tournament.

But in the second half, Zhang Zhiqiang again took the reins of this young China team, single-handedly racking up 18 consecutive points in 25 minutes through three tries and a drop goal to regain the lead. Zhang scored 35 of China’s 60 total points in this year’s Division III competition.

In Saturday’s 3rd/4th place play-off, tournament fourth seeds Indonesia celebrated an emotional and exciting win over second seeds Pakistan.

Pakistan opened the scoring in what was a tightly contested first half through a try to Khalid Mahmood.

The conversion by fullback Manan Naseem completed the only scoring in the first half with Pakistan in the lead 7-nil.

The second half opened up nicely as Indonesia struck first through Tom Elliott with Kirk Arundale’s conversion leveling the scores at the 45-minute marker. Powerful outside centre Saqib Mutaza, (who was a late arrival to the squad in Indonesia), then bashed Pakistan back into the lead 12-7 with his first try of the tournament just three minutes later

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Pakistan in ENOC snoker quaters

Formidable Pakistan stormed into quarter-finals of the seven-nation ENOC team international snooker championship after registering back-to-back victories at the Dubai Snooker Club on Saturday.

According to details made available here, Pakistan, Thailand, Syria, Hong Kong, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and host UAE are featuring in the contest.

The hosts have fielded two teams.

Represented by national champion Shahid Aftab and former Asian No 2 Mohammad Sajjad, Pakistan disposed of UAE 3-1 and defeated Syria by the identical score line on the opening day on Friday.

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Sindh Open Golf to tee off next month

The 13th edition of the Sindh Open Golf Championship will be held at the picturesque Arabian Sea Country Club from July 8 to 10, the Sindh Golf Association (SGA) announced here on Saturday.

“Cream of the country in professional as well as senior pros in golf will be featuring in the premier event,” vice president SGA Asad IA Khan told APP.

The event carries a total cash purse of Rs 1.1 million, the vice president claimed, saying that one million rupees will be distributed among professionals and Rs 100,000 among senior professionals.

Khan said that the event will be played at the home of Sindh golf – Arabian Sea Country Club where it was launched.

The    three-day event will be played over 54 holes, while senior pros will appear in 36-hole contest with other subsidiary events.

In the championship Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal will be defending his crown.

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Ijaz Butt to go on leave after attending ICC meetings

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ijaz Butt has appointed Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmed as acting chairman of the board as the former is going on a one-month leave, starting from July 1.

While Subhan will act as chairman in the absence of Ijaz, Naveed Akram Cheema, a Governing Board member, will be looking after the Board’s financial affairs.

Soon after attending the crucial meetings of the ICC Executive Board on June 28 and 29 and later Full Council meeting on June 30 in Hong Kong, the PCB chairman will go on leave.

While the Full Council meeting is quite significant as it will make two major changes in the ICC constitution, which are set to hit Pakistan in particular, the absence of the PCB chairman from the cricketing scene after these amendments will be a blessing in disguise for him, or maybe a temporary relief to be exact.

The Full Council meeting will consider a constitutional amendment aimed at ensuring free elections in the affiliated countries’ boards without any government interference in cricketing matters.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s patron-in-chief is the country’s president and if this amendment is made at the Full Council meeting, the PCB will be deprived of this patronage and it will be forced to bring in an elected chairman, a long-held demand by the game’s critics in Pakistan.

Besides Pakistan, some other countries affiliated with the ICC, like Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, also face government interference in their cricketing matters.

The second ICC constitutional amendment, if it is made eventually, is also going to have an impact on PCB’s interests as the Full Council will also consider a change to the process for nomination and election of ICC president.

Under the present procedure, the ICC president is elected from among full-member countries on rotation basis.

However, the new proposal suggests the ICC Executive Board will decide the process and term of office from time to time, subject to certain qualifying criteria.

Under the existing system, PCB chairman is to head the ICC with vice-president from Bangladesh, for the next term after the BCCI president Sharad Pawar completes his term.

Though Pakistan has raised its strong written concerns with the ICC against both the likely amendments, chances of PCB’s protest getting the minimum required support from other member countries remain bleak.

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I'm still available for Pakistan: Azhar Mehmood

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood claimed that he was still fit enough to represent the national side and was puzzled that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had not included him in their plans.

“I’m always available for Pakistan. I haven’t retired yet. There’s nothing like playing for your home country. A lot of people have been asking me if I want to play for England. It’s like a bubble in the air. If the opportunity comes I will take it,” Mahmood told the cricketer.com.

Mahmood, who last appeared in national colours during Pakistan’s humiliating defeat to Ireland at the 2007 World Cup, has been playing county cricket in England for several years and believes he still has what it takes to be a the top level.

Mahmood said it was frustrating because the Pakistan Cricket Board never explained why he wasn’t in its plans.

“It was tough missing so much cricket. People said I wasn’t fit and had put on weight. It was just a media thing. I’ve played county cricket for nine years and I’ve proved my fitness.

“In the few chances I got for Pakistan, I wasn’t given the new ball, I was batting at No.6, or below. It’s tough when you have only the last 3-4 overs to bat.”

Mahmood enjoyed a promising start to his test career, scoring 900 runs at an average of 30 from just 21 matches but it was in the ODI arena that he excelled with both bat and ball. He picked up 123 wickets and scored 1521 runs in his limited-overs career but played in an era when Pakistan had plenty of all-round options in Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik.

The 36-year-old recalled how he was offered the captaincy at 25, but turned it down because of his inexperience.

“In 2000, Gen Tauqir Zia (the then PCB chairman) took me aside and said, “you’re the next Pakistan captain. I said : no, make Waqar (Younis) the captain.”

“That was the biggest mistake I made in my life.”

“The captaincy wasn’t offered for a long term. I saw no point having it for one tour alone.”

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Pakistan court adjourns shoaib appeal

A Pakistani court on Friday adjourned an appeal by retired international paceman Shoaib Akhtar against a record seven million rupee ($82,400) disciplinary fine imposed three years ago.

The 35-year-old, who retired from international cricket after Pakistan’s World Cup semi-final defeat in March, had appealed against the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to fine him in June 2008.

PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said the court had sought a detailed reply on the matter.

“Akhtar’s lawyer had pleaded that the fine imposed ended after a new PCB set-up took over in October 2008, but our stance is that there is no vacuum in the law and the fine still holds,” Rizvi told AFP.

Lahore high court judge Azmat Saeed adjourned the meeting until September 27, Rizvi said.

The PCB last year deducted the record fine from Akhtar’s dues.

Akhtar was banned in April 2008 for five years after several disciplinary incidents and for violating the conditions of a two-year probation period imposed for hitting a teammate with a bat.

The ban came after Akhtar publicly criticised the PCB for dropping him from a list of 15 players who were given central contracts.

His suspension was later reduced to 18 months, and although the fine was imposed, he was allowed to play international cricket.

In October 2007 Akhtar was banned for 13 matches and fined 3.4 million rupees for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat just days before the Twenty20 World Cup in September in South Africa.

The mercurial fast bowler’s 14-year career was riddled with injury and disciplinary problems but he is still widely recognised as one of the best fast bowlers of his generation.

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I have not taken a U-turn by joining PCB, says sarfraz

One of Pakistan’s most controversial players Sarfraz Nawaz has dispelled the impression that he has taken a U-turn by joining the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Sarfraz, who was recently appointed as coach for fast bowlers at the PCB’s Fast Track Coaching Programme, has remained a staunch critic of the current PCB regime and many eyebrows were raised in the cricketing circles on his joining hands with the board by accepting the coaching assignment.

Speaking to DawnNews, the outspoken former Test fast bowler stated that he had been pleading for corrective measures in the past and have made efforts to guide the administrators of the game to improve things.

“However, I have no personal grudge against anyone and have only accepted the current offer in a bid to help Pakistan cricket,” clarified Sarfraz.

He also stated that he has rich experience of coaching the fast bowlers and has had regular coaching stints since 1999.

The 62-year-old, who played 55 Tests, added that the current fast bowling crop needs constant guidance as international cricket had become extremely demanding.

Sarfraz said that the bowlers could benefit greatly if they follow his advice and work on their strengths and weaknesses keeping in mind the varying conditions around the world.

Sarfraz, who is hailed as the pioneer of reverse swing, stated that he would be aiming to pass on his experience and help the bowlers understand the nuances of fast bowling better. He claimed that he is focused on training the bowlers and does not intend to meddle in the administrative or team affairs.

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India win Test as West Indies collapse

India defeated the West Indies by 63 runs to win the first Test here at Sabina Park ion Thursday. Suresh Raina took the last West Indian wicket when he dismissed Bishoo for 26.

Needing a further 195 runs to win with seven wickets in hand on, the West Indies lost six wickets for an addition of 95 runs in the morning session.

Earlier, swing bowler Praveen Kumar claimed the key West Indies wickets of Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Darren Bravo to bring India closer to victory.

The hosts, overnight 131-3, went to lunch on 226-9 in pursuit of a victory target of 326, still 100 runs away. Kumar, on his debut, claimed 3-42 while his new ball partner Ishant Sharma took 3-77. Leg-spinner Amit Mishra grabbed 2-39 while off-spinner Harbhajan Singh took the other wicket to fall.

Bravo top-scored with 41 while left-hander Ravi Rampaul provided some resistance in the lower order with a run-a-ball 34.

Bravo and Chanderpaul stretched their overnight partnership to 68 before Kumar struck in successive overs to undermine the chase.

Bravo, after hitting seven fours off 89 balls, came too far across his stumps and had his leg stump hit by Kumar from around the wicket.

One run later, Chanderpaul drove straight to extra cover where Suresh Raina hauled in an easy catch. The veteran left-hander hit four fours in 30 off 73 balls.

The West Indies slipped to 150-6 when Carlton Baugh fell for a duck as India claimed its third wicket in the space of two runs. Baugh, on his 29th birthday, turned a catch to leg slip off Harbhajan.

Captain Darren Sammy countered the crisis with an aggressive approach, launching Harbhajan for three consecutive sixes into the North Stand on the leg side. He compiled 25 off 11 balls before he stroked the first delivery from Mishra straight to V.V.S. Laxman at extra cover.

Brendan Nash continued his struggles in 2011 when Mishra claimed him lbw soon afterwards at 188-8 with one that crept low. Rampaul and Fidel Edwards showed some fight in a ninth-wicket stand of 35 in a half hour.

Edwards (5 not out) and Devendra Bishoo (2 not out) stretched the match until the interval.

On Wednesday, Rahul Dravid batted for almost six and a half hours to compile 112 in a low-scoring match where both teams struggled to score freely. His performance enabled the tourists to post a second-innings total of 252.—Agencies

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Pakistan to lock horns with india in polo World Cup qualifiers final

Pakistan is set to meet India in the final of Polo World Cup qualifying tournament to be held at Royal Pahang Polo Grounds on Saturday.

The two teams have had a great run in the tournament and the final is expected to be a thrilling affair.

Pakistan qualified for the World Cup after a gap of eight years after they edged out Australia in the semi-finals by half a goal, winning the tie by 8 ½ goals to 8.

On the other hand, the Indians trounced defending champions South Africa by 9 goals to 5 to book a place in the final. For Pakistan Samiullah and Taimur Needen played a pivotal role in the semi-final clash against Australia, the two who scored five goals between them would be aiming to repeat their performance in the final.

Meanwhile, the officials of Pakistan Polo Association are delighted with the performance of the team. Speaking to Dawn News, a spokesman of the Association stated that the players were geared up for the showdown with their arch rivals.

They added that the team has done a commendable job by qualifying for the World Cup as the competition was stiff in tournament with teams like Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India fighting for three spots.

The two finalists would be joined by either Australia or South Africa who would be fighting for the last spot from Zone D. The 2011 edition of the World Cup will be held in San Luis, Argentina from11th to 25th October.

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Olympic misery for Iran china and North Korea

China crashed out of London 2012 Olympics qualifying in controversial circumstances while Asian champions Japan survived a scare to make it safely through to the next stage.

Australia and South Korea also booked their places in the final qualifying round alongside resurgent Malaysia, while United Arab Emirates dashed North Korean hopes with a narrow 2-1 aggregate win.

But the biggest casualty of the night was China, who had a player sent off and a goal disallowed in Muscat before humble Oman scored three goals in extra time to run out 4-1 aggregate winners.

China, fighting to overturn a shock 1-0 deficit from the first leg in Shanghai, lost midfielder Zhang Linpeng to injury after just four minutes but managed to level the tie through Wu Xi deep into the second half.

But Cao Yunding was red-carded for a late tackle just three minutes later, before the linesman’s intervention ruled out a dramatic stoppage-time winner when Wu’s close-range strike was flagged offside.

During extra time in baking conditions, Hussain Al Hadhri scored twice and Yaqoob Abdul Karim added another to extend China’s miserable international football record.

“The weather was hot and the players are not used to this type of weather, and in extra time a lot of the players were suffering and we could not organise ourselves properly,” said assistant coach Li Bing.

“It is a shame we have lost the chance to play in the next phase, but we have learnt a lot from this match.”

Saki Oriki eased Japanese jitters in Kuwait when he netted first at Mohammed Al Hamad Stadium, extending their advantage to 4-1. But the nerves returned when Kuwait scored twice in the second half to run the Asian giants close.

A 1-1 draw in Jordan was enough for South Korea after they convincingly won the first leg in Seoul. But Australia had no concerns as they slotted four unanswered goals past Yemen to run up a 7-0 aggregate score.

Iraq overturned a 1-0 first-leg deficit to advance 2-1 at the expense of arch-rivals Iran, while Southeast Asian champions Malaysia beat Lebanon to go through.

Among other results, Saudi Arabia finished 6-1 winners against Vietnam, Qatar ousted India and Uzbekistan booted out Hong Kong.

This week’s 12 winning teams will be split into three groups of four for final qualifying, with the three top sides all gaining automatic entry to the London Olympics.

The second-placed teams go into a three-way round robin, with the winner playing off against a side from the African confederation for another ticket to the Games.

Men’s football is played as an under-23 tournament at the Olympics, although the rules allow for three over-age players.

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Pakistan flay kazakhstan in junior Asia Cup

Pakistan’s junior hockey team outclassed Kazakhstan 12-0 in the third U-18 Junior Asia Cup in Singapore on Thursday.

Mohammad Umair scored four goals while Khurram Shahzad, Bilal Qadir and Arsalan Qadir got two each with Hafiz Rizwan and Mohammad Irfan adding one each.

Friday is a rest day in the championship with the first semi-final between Pakistan and South Korea to be played on Saturday.— Agencies

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Li stopped in her tracks, hewitt falls short

Li Na’s hopes of a French Open-Wimbledon double vanished on Thursday as the Chinese was beaten by wildcard Sabine Lisicki but Serena Williams, the last player to achieve the feat, continued her comeback in ominous fashion.

Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer continued their swashbuckling progress through the draw and fifth seed Robin Soderling fought back from two-sets down to beat former champion Lleyton Hewitt in an enthralling match.

Li, who became the darling of the world’s most populous nation by triumphing at Roland Garros this month, squandered two match points in a 3-6 6-4 8-6 defeat under Centre Court’s roof on a cool, showery day in south west London.

Her surprise exit to a player battling back from injury continued a recent trend of Wimbledon woe for winners of the women’s singles in Paris.

Francesca Schiavone made a first-round exit last year and Svetlana Kuznetsova, in 2009, and Ana Ivanovic, in 2008, survived only until the third round.

Li’s appearance on Centre Court was delayed by a gritty win for Soderling who dropped the first two sets against 2002 champion Hewitt.

Australian former world number one Hewitt, still a dogged competitor despite the injuries that have seen him drop out of the top 100, looked set to pull off the biggest shock of the tournament but Soderling won 6-7 3-6 7-5 6-4 6-4 after nearly four hours of baseline combat.

“We’ve all just been focusing on trying to get through here in sort of one piece and we’ll pick up all the pieces after that and put it together,” the 30-year-old Hewitt, who nearly missed the tournament because of a foot injury, said after his earliest exit since a first-round defeat as champion in 2003.

PERFECT START

Second seed Djokovic continued his perfect start with a crushing 6-3 6-4 6-2 victory over towering South African Kevin Anderson.

The Serb, who can take over as world No.1 if Rafa Nadal fails to retain his title, won the opening five games in 15 minutes and never looked back.

“I’m really happy with the opening two rounds in Wimbledon,” he said. “Two straight-set wins. I cannot ask for more.”

Third seed Federer also looked a class apart as he continued his bid for a seventh Wimbledon title and 17th grand slam crown with a 6-2 6-3 6-2 win over Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the late match under the Centre Court roof.

“It was a nice match for me and it was good to play under the roof for the first time,” Federer said. “It was a good experience and the atmosphere was great.”

Defending women’s champion Williams dispensed with the tears as she reached the third round with an ultimately easy victory over Romanian teenager Simona Halep.

The 29-year-old, who wept after beating Aravane Rezai on Tuesday as the emotional turmoil of a horrendous 11 months out caught up with her, eventually found her A-game in a 3-6 6-2 6-1 victory out on Court Two.

While she was generally happy with her progress after returning to action just before Wimbledon, she was a little puzzled at the decision to schedule her match on the third-biggest court.

“I don’t know,” she told a news conference. “They like to put us on Court Two, me and Venus, for whatever reason. I haven’t figured it out yet. Maybe one day we’ll figure it out.”

Several other seeds began to bloom despite the fickle weather that had fans reaching for their pullovers and umbrellas throughout day four.

Sixth seed Schiavone beat Barbora Zahlavova 7-5 6-3 on her 31st birthday and was joined in the last 32 by Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic who breezed past Greek wildcard Eleni Daniilidou 6-3 6-0.

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki had a frustrating afternoon, however, as her second-round match against Virginie Razzano was postponed until Friday, as was 2004 champion Maria Sharapova’s against British teenager Laura Robson.

At least they survive to fight another day, unlike Li.

The 29-year-old was highly-fancied to challenge for the title after her runner-up finish at the Australian Open and then her crowning glory in Paris, but she was left to rue wasted opportunities against an inspired opponent.

When Li sent a forehand wide on match point, Lisicki, who missed most of 2010 with a serious ankle injury, fell to the turf and burst into tears.

Li remained upbeat and said she was looking forward to going home after a momentous few weeks.

“The match is over. It’s finished. After today, I don’t even think about it too much because now is my holiday, a week off. I didn’t even want to think about tennis.”

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Aisam, Bopanna knocked out in wimbledon first round

The pair of Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Indian Rohan Bopanna was knocked out in the first round of the men’s doubles competition at the Wimbledon tennis championships on Thursday.

The Colombian duo of Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah fought back from a set down to turn the tables on their opponents 2-6, 6-2, 21-19.—Correspondent

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Next time, I will make it count

Not long ago he was touted as one of the brightest batting talents in the country. However, three years after making his international debut Khalid Latif finds himself in the wilderness.

At 25, the right handed opening batsman has already spent more than a decade playing first class cricket, yet many feel that he is a finished article.

Latif remains hopeful even though his ten international appearances in One Day and T20 formats have given little impression of his ability.

His best is a hard fought half century against New Zealand in the first match of the controversial three-match ODI series staged in Abu Dhabi in 2009. He scored 64 at the top of the batting order, however failed to repeat the performance in the next two games.

His last appearance at the highest level was at the T20 World Championship in the West Indies last year. Latif played in two matches yet failed to make much of an impression as Pakistan bowed out of the event after a pulsating semi-final against Australia at St.Lucia.

The Karachi-born opener is now eyeing a comeback. He has had a fruitful stint in the domestic season where he scored heavily in the four day and One Day tournaments.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my limited appearances at the highest level. I feel that I have a lot to offer and can do wonders if given an extended run at my preferred opening slot in the batting order. I have been on the rough end of at least three umpiring decisions which have had an impact on my performances, however, I have put my past behind me. My only aim is to make my next opportunity count big time,” Latif tells Dawn.com in an exclusive interview.

Having played cricket for Malir Gymkhana ever since the start of his career, the right-handed batsmen has been in the company of Rashid Latif, Younis Khan and the now-forgotten Asim Kamal.

For him Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper, is a mentor who has remained a guiding force for him. But it is Sachin Tendulkar whom he idolises at the international level.

“Tendulkar is easily the best player in the world. My dream is to achieve consistency like him and plunder records at the highest level, and his achievements are an inspiration for me.”

Latif has a strong head on his shoulders and is a thinker with the unique distinction of leading teams at all age groups.

His greatest achievement to date is the 2004 Under-19 World Cup held in Bangladesh. Latif was the captain as Pakistan lifted the trophy. He has fond memories of the event.

“We were the best team in the competition and played like champions through out, I hope that one day I emulate the success at the senior level also.”

He will have a great opportunity to show off his ability and perhaps move the selectors when the National T20 Championship starts on June 24 in Faisalabad.

Latif will be representing the finalists of 2010 edition Karachi Dolphins. As the opener, he feels that the time is rife for him to show the world his true potential.

“I am training hard these days, besides playing regularly to stay match fit. The T20 tournament is the showpiece event of the domestic stage and I hope that I impress the selectors with my performance and take my team to the title.”

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Many questions remain unanswered in Afridi case

While the raging dispute between Shahid Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board has come to a close, the governing body of the game in Pakistan has succeeded in avoiding many important and pertinent questions which were raised during the last two weeks.

This was stated by Mehmood Mandviwalla who appeared as counsel for Shahid Afridi in the case.

Mehmood felt that the main question is whether there is a link between the grant of the NOC to play for Hampshire with the disciplinary proceedings since the ICC clearly lays down the guidelines for refusal of NOC by a home board.

“The question is whether the PCB follows such guidelines or again uses its own judgement to grant, refuse or take away an NOC that has already been given,” Mehmood pointed out.

He added that the ICC recognises that players have a fundamental right to earn a living and hence cannot be deprived of an NOC by a home board and that an NOC is only a guarantee that the player should remain available to play for the national side and the player’s fitness should not be comprised while playing county cricket.

He further stated that the PCB does not appear to have a permanent disciplinary committee and it functions on a need-basis with excessive authority that is delegated to them

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Pakistan thrash brunei in junior asian cup clash

Waseem Abbas scored seven goals as defending champions Pakistan thrashed Brunei 18-0 in the U-18 Junior Asia Cup match in Singapore on Sunday.

According information received here, Bilal Qadir and Asad Bashir netted four goals apiece.

Arsalan Qadir, Mohammad Irfan and Mohammad Umair scored one each

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Asian giants register easy victories in olympic qualifiers

 

Asian zone heavyweights Australia, Japan and South Korea put one foot in the final phase of London Olympics qualifying with emphatic home victories on Sunday.

Asia’s top trio all scored three times against Middle Eastern opposition, making them strong favourites to reach the third and last round in Thursday’s away legs.

Australia sparkled to a 3-0 victory over trouble-hit Yemen, South Korea overcame dogged Jordan 3-1 and Japan beat Kuwait by the same margin but were disappointed not to score more.

However North Korea, who played their first World Cup since 1966 last year, are up against it after losing 1-0 at home to UAE, courtesy of Ali Mabkhout’s 56th-minute strike.

The continent’s leading teams are all in action for the two-legged ties, with the winners split into three groups of four for the final phase, which winds up in March.

In seaside Gosford, striker Jason Hoffman scored twice and midfielder Mitch Nichols got the other to put Australia within touching distance of the next round.

Hoffman headed home a Sebastian Ryall cross in the 14th minute, as Australia had nine attempts on goal before Yemen’s first shot was saved by goalkeeper Andrew Redmayne on the half-hour.

Nichols added Australia’s second in the 67th minute after a cross by the ever-present Hoffman, who rounded off the scoring in stoppage time.

South Korea were made to work harder for their win and had to come from a goal down after Jordan’s Mahmoud Saleem Mahmoud Za’tara opened the scoring in first-half injury time.

But Kim Tae-Hwan equalised 11 minutes into the second half before midfielder Yoon Bit-Garam calmly converted a penalty with 13 minutes to go. Substitute Kim Dong-Sub increased their margin with an 86th-minute header.

In Toyota, Japan dominated Kuwait but were left kicking themselves after letting slip an away goal which gave the visitors a lifeline in Thursday’s return leg.

As Japan peppered the Kuwait goal, Cerezo Osaka midfielder Hiroshi Kiyotake nodded the opener on 18 minutes before Mizuki Hamada grabbed a second headed goal eight minutes before half-time.

And Japan were cruising when Kashima Antlers forward Yuya Osako poached the third just after the hour-mark. But Jaber Jazea pounced on a defensive mistake on 68 minutes to give Kuwait hope of pulling off a huge upset later this week.

The second-placed teams go into a three-way round robin, with the winner playing off against a side from the African confederation for another ticket to the Games.

Results:
At Gosford:
Australia 3    Yemen 0
At Seoul:
South Korea 3    Jordan 1
At Toyota:
Japan 3    Kuwait 1
At Pyongyang:
North Korea 0    UAE 1

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Misbah not thinking about next world cup

CHI: Playing down the age factor that might end his international career well before the next World Cup, Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq on Saturday said continuing to maintain form and fitness, and not captaincy, remained his primary concern.

“Frankly speaking, I have never thought whether my career will continue till the next World Cup [2015] as it’s too far to dwell upon,” Misbah, who reached the age of 37 years on May 28, 2011, told Dawn on Saturday.

“No one can predict even about tomorrow, while the next World Cup is four years away. Therefore, it is better for me to concentrate on fitness and form in order to deliver my best performance for the team,” he said.

According to a report, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is pondering over installing a vice-captain while believing that it would be quite demanding for Misbah to continue playing international cricket till the 2015 World Cup.

However, Misbah is oblivious of any such move by the game’s authorities.

“I am not aware of any such plan within the PCB. It is the prerogative of the board to appoint any suitable captain for the team and I am ready to quit [captaincy] whenever the PCB deems it appropriate,” he said.

Misbah, who has played 25 Tests for Pakistan, insisted the main challenge ahead of him was to lift the current team to the peak amid all the challenges confronted by the team management and the PCB.

As a cricketer, Misbah underlined, he would always prefer to focus on his individual performance, and not captaincy. “It is the [individual] performance that can help you keep your place in the team or can enable you to retain captaincy. Therefore, everyone should concentrate on producing prolific [individual] show,” he emphasised.

While acknowledging that he has to bear pressure to lead from the front, Misbah asserted he always tried to perform his duty with honesty.

The skipper said the recent tour to the West Indies gave the youngsters a great opportunity to learn and improve their skills.

The captain revealed he would participate in the Super Eight Twenty20 tournament starting from June 24. “The T20 tournament will provide the best opportunity to all the players to remain in on-field action as the national team has a long off from international cricket,” Misbah, who has featured in 32 Twenty20 Internationals so far, said

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The power of two

Picking up a victory here and a victory there, the Indo-Pak Express is still very much on course chugging along. What do they say about winning races by going slow and steady?

Not so successful when playing solo, Pakistan’s Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and India’s Rohan Bopanna came into their own as a team when they partnered for the first time at the Manchester Trophy at Manchester, UK, in 2003. The event saw them reaching the semi-finals.

Next, they won the Colorado Classic in Denver, USA. But Aisam back then was experimenting with several partners of the likes of India’s Harsh Mankad, Mustafa Ghouse, Australia’s Alexander Peya, Turkey’s Tuomas Ketola, Holland’s Rogier Wassen and, the most controvesial of all, Israel’s Amir Hadad, a pairing that was condemned by many in Pakistan. So when Aisam finally paired up with Rohan on a regular basis, it was more acceptable to be playing with an Indian player than an Israeli one.

Still, about his partners, Aisam reasons, “First of all, the game should be above politics and diplomacy. Then, there are hardly any other Pakistanis or Muslims playing tennis at my level and ranking so I don’t really have a choice when it comes to taking on partners. Plus I’m a peace-loving citizen of the world and I see everyone else that way, too.”

Other than reaching the doubles final in a Grand Slam event like the US Open, which earned them major recognition, the duo have also won the LTA Manchester Trophy (2007), Aisam and Rohan’s second triumph after the Manchester Trophy. And last week brought them another victory in the shape of the Gerry Weber Open in Halle, Germany.

The Gerry Weber Open final between the Indo-Pak pair and the Dutch-Canadian pair of Robin Haase and Milos Raonic was a matter of one hour and 19 minutes where the former overcame the latter 7-6 (8), 3-6, 11-9. Failing to convert any of the four breakpoints, three in the opening set, dropping the second set, they still held their nerves in the Super Tie break to clinch the title.

The win has come just in time as it will be a morale booster for the boys just ahead of the Wimbledon. The Gerry Weber Open is known as a warm-up event for the Wimbledon anyway.

“I’m really happy that we won our last two matches in tie-breaks. It’s going to make us mentally tougher and believe in ourselves even more. We’re just looking forward to the rest of the year. Our goal is to win a Grand Slam title and to qualify for the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, and this is one step forward,” said an excited Aisam after the win.

Well, it would be phenomal if they are able to achieve something like that but for now we are also proud of what they are have done already and what they are doing outside the court as well. Their campaign, “Stop war, start tennis”, with the goal to play a match on the Wagah Border is a great and positive initiative. It may not have received clearance from the Pakistan government as yet but it has earned them the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year for 2010.

It is also good that the 31-year-old Aisam has realised that his success lies in doubles events (reaching the US Open mixed doubles with Czech teammate Kveta Peschk another case in point) and he concentrates on them more now. The son of Nausheen Iftikhar-Ehtasham, Pakistan’s number one tennis player for 10 years, and grandson of Khawaja Iftikhar, the All-India champion before partition, this son of the soil is bound to do more great things for his country in the days to come.

As of now, the Indo-Pak Express is all fuelled up and picking up speed once again before it reaches its next stop… Wimbledon!

news covered by dawn sports