Who will win Cricket Champions Trophy 2009? September 15, 2009
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket.Tags: australia, champions trophy, Cricket, india, Pakistan, semi final, south africa, tournament, winner
add a comment
ICC Champions Trophy Cricket
Champions Trophy has always produced topsy turvy results. Giants have always crashed out early, while relative minnows seem to get to the top fairly regularly. There was even an instance when Sri Lanka and India shared the title rather than any single team declared victor (2002). And by the way, this is one tournament that South Africa actually has won. Yes, the inaugural tournament held in Dhaka (Bangladesh) in 1998 and a young and upbeat South Africa coached by Bob Woolmer beat out West Indies in the final. And West Indies, who are never ranked among the top 4 in one day cricket won it themselves in 2004.
This year the event is being held in South Africa. Based on the form of the teams and the unpredictable nature of the tournament, it is difficult to predict who will win it. Having said that, I will still predict the semi-finalists for this tournament. Based on the consistent performance put up by the teams, I believe, the following four teams shall reach the semi-final
Australia, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Pakistan
Sri Lanka is probably the most consistent side of them all. They have the most number of match winners whom one can rely on and therefore, their chances of not only making it to the semi-final but going beyond it are good. Their weakness will be batting on bouncy South African tracks. In the last T20 world cup final, Pakistan exposed this kink in their armor. All great teams get over their weaknesses, and if they did, then Sri Lanka may go on to win it again.
South Africa has begun to shape up like a team possessed for some greatness. They have started to win crucial matches with more consistency and therefore, with current form, it is likely they will reach the semi-final stages of the tournament. Their only weakness will be if their batsmen are able to keep the consistency going throughout the tournament. If not, then early curtains for them.
Australia after a complete drubbing of England (in one day matches) are poised to reach the semi-final. The team is learning fast and new boys are settling in. Most of the players have it in them to make the difference and therefore, it is easy to see them make it to the final four. Their only weakness would be if their batsmen fail to fire at the right times. If that happens, then early curtains for them.
I chose Pakistan as the fourth team over India and New Zealand. India, having just defeated both New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Columbo put up a strong case, but one reason for my dropping them is that they are not consistent enough outside of the subcontinent. Their fielding is weak and at times laughable. And in big tournaments like the Champions Trophy, it counts a lot. Hence, they are not likely to get among the top 4.
New Zealand have an outside chance but nothing more. Their team is suffering from lack of quality cricketers. They lack bowlers who can take wickets at crucial junctures and batsmen who can win them all on their own on a consistent manner. They have sparks of brilliance but nothing to write about.
And now why Pakistan? I must admit they are an outside chance. Only because, they now play the least amount of cricket among all the Test playing nations. Heck, Bangladesh gets away with playing more matches than them in a year. Pakistan’s lack of international cricket is what hides their true strength. They have superb match winning bowlers in Umer Gul and Mohammad Asif. Their batsmen like Yunus Khan and Mohammad Yusuf can win matches all on their own. With able support from Afridi and Ajmal in spin, Pakistan currently has a far balanced squad than either New Zealand or India.
Their lack of Cricket is also one of their strengths. The team is extremely well rested and hungry for victory. So they might seem rusty, but once they get going, boy it will be a treat to watch. T20 World cup a few months back showed their class and their strength. They demolished their opponents so consistently and with such finesse that cricket seemed like a child’s play.
I will not be surprised if Pakistan comes home with the Champions Trophy.
Win us the T20 World Cup Cricket June 19, 2009
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: bcci, Cricket, india, ipl, Pakistan, t20, World Cup
add a comment
Go Pakistan Go and win the World T20 Cup
Watching Pakistan beat South Africa in the semifinal of the World Cricket T20 Championship last night was like watching a soaring eagle make a swift swoop from its perch to capture an unsuspecting prey with its claws. Throughout the match, South Africa struggled to loosen the stranglehold which Pakistan had placed around their neck, but in vain. In the end, they were agony filled short by seven runs from the penultimate target of 150 which many pundits had predicted would be easy pickings for South Africa. While the streets of Karachi and Lahore erupted with euphoria over reaching another World Cup final by the Pakistan team, Johannesburg and Capetown had deserted and dejected fans pouring out of pubs as their team once again failed to reach the final of a major cricket tournament.
This time round, it was not the weak or choking South Africa, rather an extremely determined and strong Pakistan side that made the difference. True, Pakistan started this tournament as one of the also rans and no one predicted they would go beyond the Super 8s let alone reach the final. Of course, on the way, they had lost to Sri Lanka and England making them as one of the weaker sides to compete. But Pakistan, as we all have learn to love and predict, is well, quite unpredictable. It has the talent to bounce back from any situation and the team has a never die attitude which makes the games extra special.
The transformation of Pakistan began somewhere in the middle of the the game against Sri Lanka. The initial 10 overs that they bowled to Sri Lanka were well, something nothing to be written about. Starting with conceding 18 runs in the first over, the combination of extras, rudementary fielding and half vollies let Sri Lanka race to over 80 runs within the first 8 overs. But as soon as the spinners were brought in to bowl, the match turned as Sri Lankan batsmen failed to cope with the spin and the run rate slowed down to a halt. Pakistan did eventually lose the game by 19 runs but the game could have easily swung in their favor had they controlled their line and length in the initial overs.
From then on, they did not let any team take any advantage of them, beating New Zealand, Ireland and now South Africa in quick succession and each time more convincingly than before. Their bowling, fielding and even batting began to click. Players like Afridi, Yunus, Kamran Akmal began to contribute with the bat while Ajmal, Afridi and Gul continued to mesmerize the batsmen with their bowling.
It is ironic that the best and most talked about teams have not made it the final. Heck, Australia was knocked out in the preliminary stages and well India, the tournament favorites, never seemed like winning a game in the Super 8s.
This year, BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) prevented Pakistani cricketers from playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League) hoping to score a few political points against their arch rival neighbor. Hence, Pakistani cricketers were the only ones not to feature this May in the IPL, while the best of the world competed out and honed their skills for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June. The world expected Pakistani players will be too rusty and too out of shape to even make any impact during the world cup.
Rather the opposite happened. The very lack of competitive cricket has made Pakistani team even more hungry for victory. While Dhoni and his men seemed lethargic and tired, Pakistani cricketers seem to have a new spring in their feet and a vigor to win from any situation. South Africa and New Zealand have found that out the hard way. True they were rusty in the beginning but once the shine returned, all that is glittering is gold. Pure gold.
Go Pakistan Go! Win us this World Cup. This nation deserves a few tears of joy as it has shed plenty of them for sorrow that has besieged it these past many years. We are praying for you.
Bring on ICL franchise to Pakistan October 20, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: Cricket, icc, icl, india, Pakistan, pcb, rebel cricket
add a comment
Indian Cricket League
The cricket community generally belonging to the Australian and the European continent are reluctant to travel to Pakistan due to their absurd security concerns (as discussed earlier in my blog). Thus, depriving the fans here in Pakistan of much sought after cricket extravaganza. In fact, 2008 will go down in history as one of the “dead” years when no Test Cricket is played in Pakistan. Barring a few one day matches, the year has been a barren for Pakistan Cricket and a game-less season for the fans.
Meanwhile, just across the border, in India, a rebel cricket league is keeping the fans here in Pakistan glued to the Television screens. Indian Cricket League, or ICL is currently playing 20/20 style of cricket with some of the best talent from across the world led by some of the greats of International cricket including Inzimam ul Haq, Abdul Razak, Saqlain Mushtaq (Pakistan), Damien Martin, Jason Gillespie (Australia), Brian Lara (West Indies), Marvin Attaputu (Sri Lanka), Murray Goodwin (Zimbabwe), Andrew Hall (South Africa) among many others. In fact, there is now a team from Pakistan called Lahore Badshahs and one from Bangladesh as well.
Now here is an idea. Let’s invite the teams from ICL to come and play competitive cricket here in Pakistan. In fact, let’s extend the tournament to include venues in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi among other cities and give us fans the chance to see some of the biggest cricket stars slug it out in the middle. Just because ICC sanctioned teams do not want to play cricket in Pakistan does not mean the ICL teams will not travel here. I bet, all of them will be here the moment they get a chance.
So let’s not wait and make this request immediately to Kapil Dev, the foremost Indian cricketer of yester-years and now CEO of ICL. So Mr. Kapil Dev, if you ever get to read this blog, then make it a point to discuss this option with the players and teams and expand your franchise right here inside Pakistan. We will welcome you with open arms. Heck, I am even ready to help organize it. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may raise a few objections to such an event, but then again, when did ICL ever needed to ask anyone for permission to organize matches. Besides, PCB has failed to organize any serious cricket this year in Pakistan so their objections have no meat.
The second question is whether the sponsors will join in the bandwagon to make it a financial success? Of course! Already, Lahore Badshahs have Telenor (Pakistan’s second largest mobile operator) splattered all across their jerseys. And almost all major brands are advertising heavily on television (and any other medium possible) during the tournament as they all know and understand quite clearly, that Pakistani cricket fans love cricket and ICL is providing them with the a great opportunity to watch some competitive matches.
Cricket a great spectator sport with a following of over a billion worldwide. Every living person has a right to organize, play and watch this great game as they please regardless of any board, any country or any person.
Australian Cricketers Lust for Cash September 18, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: australia, cash, Cricket, india, lust, security
2 comments
Greed and lust finds no boundaries in Cricket
Here is a team that refused to play in Sri Lanka during the 1996 cricket world cup due to remote security concerns. Australians have also avoided to tour Pakistan for over 10 years citing various security concerns. Recently, they were at the forefront of refusing to play in the Champions Trophy to be held in Pakistan again citing vague security concerns. Despite the fact that a successful and safe Asia Cup was held there just weeks before their refusal.
But today, the lure and lust for cash has changed all that. India, which is experiencing a surge in violence and terrorist activities not unlike Pakistan, is now being considered by them a complete “safe” country to visit and play.
Its not just huge amount of cash that each player will earn against match fees, but also the numerous personal endorsements and lucrative advertisements that they will feature has over ridden everything else.
With such rampant greed and lust, it is quite disheartening to see, ICC sitting idle and not doing anything. Letting players and countries chose tours on their own citing whimsical double standards and has made the cricketing governing body a laughing stock.
ICC MUST get strict on such issues and make sure that such tours continue as planned.
As regards Australian crickets lust for cash, it can only be said, that they are losing fans faster than they can accumulate cash from around the world.
http://content-pak.cricinfo.com/indvaus2008/content/current/story/370137.html
Ball Tampering – The accusers are the accused! August 27, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket.Tags: ashes, australia, ball tampering, Cricket, england, Pakistan
add a comment
For decades, British cricketers and their press has been trying to implicate (quite unsuccessfully) Pakistani great fast bowlers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis into ball tampering. These and other such great fast bowlers were able to mesmerize their batsmen for decades. Match after match, the English batsmen would fail miserably against their style of attacking fast bowling.
However, a revelation by Marcus Trescothic (a former English batsmen) in his recently published autobiography reveals that he used mint induced sliva to shine the cricket ball so that it would swing ominously. This “tampered” ball was able to let England win back the Ashes after over 21 years from Australia in a tightly fought battle in 2005. Now, however, we know, it was not all fair play.
Angus Fraser reacted this revelation saying,
“To me it is a total hypocrisy on what is deemed to be ball tampering. When Pakistan were accused of ball tampering it was built into something that was abhorrent. Ball tampering is ball tampering whether you scratch the ball or whether you deliberately put in sugary saliva on it to aid its shine so I don’t see any difference between one and the either.
Somehow, it does not feel right. When Pakistan is blamed for ball tampering, a whole match gets awarded to England and players get banned. The press cries foul and blames everyone in Pakistan. And when Englishmen do the same and admit to the guilt, nothing happens.
The Australians were asked of their opinion of Englismen using illegal methods to defeat them during the Ashes battle, they simply brushed it away. Which is quite odd, as they were up in arms against Pakistan when the same thing was accused on them.
If English Cricket Board choses not to take action against its players who were involved in ball tampering then it would be a clear message to the cricketing world.
It is ok for us, the Englishmen to cheat, as long as we can win.
Cricket or Not! August 22, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: champions trophy, Cricket, Pakistan
add a comment
So as it boils down to whether the “white” nations (Australia, England and New Zealand) will make a trip down to Pakistan to play in the forthcoming Champions Trophy is now up in the air. From the messages being received here, it is evident that they will probably not come, which is really a pity. However, teams from all other nations including India, West Indies and Sri Lanka among others see no issue with traveling to Pakistan and pleasing the crowds with a fiercely fought Champions Trophy competition.
Here in Pakistan, 160 Million people are anxiously awaiting to see some action on the cricket field. The nation has been deprived of it for the most part of this year due to various tour cancellations and reschedulings.
My question to the cricketers from Australia, England and New Zealand is, “Are your lives far more important than the lives of Pakistanis? We can venture out to watch you play and guarantee your safety. But you are still too insecure!”
If you do not want to come, then don’t, but don’t make a big fuss about it either. Let us enjoy the cricket tournament here in peace while you stay in doors at home and watch it from your TV screens.
Blasts in Jaipur and Cricket May 14, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan, Politics.Tags: Cricket, Pakistan, Politics
1 comment so far
Somehow, it is the Cricket in Pakistan that seems to get affected more by an occasional blast within the country than anything else. While these blasts have political motives, yet it rarely affects anyone or anything for long in the country. However, somehow, in all this entaglement, Cricket stops happening in Pakistan and with countries like Australia continue to not travel due to “security concerns”. I really do not understand these concerns. Take the 2005 blasts in London or even the recent series of bombings in Jaipur that killed over 60 people instantly.
http://content-pak.cricinfo.com/ipl/content/current/story/350910.html
The same Australian board never sent out any security teams to India or England. Nor did their players opt out of the Ashes or IPL. Life went on as it is. Yet, in the case of Pakistan, the whole series and seasons have been rescheduled or canceled outright.
I see only double standards and lack of commitment from ICC to have uniform policies. It is quite unfortunate that such double standards and Hippocratic practices continue to happen with no one really taking any serious action.
Can Anyone Monopolize Cricket? January 25, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: acb, bcci, Cricket, icc, icl, Pakistan, pcb, sports
1 comment so far
ICC might be the governing body, but do they really control everything that is cricket? Do Country Boards like PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), BCCI (Board for Control of Cricket in India), ACB (Australian Cricket Board) and others have monopoly over cricket in their respective countries? Or do they “perceive” they have such powers? It is quite disheartening to note that ICL has been construed as a rebel league and that most of the players who play in that league have been banned by their respective boards (barring probably England) from all forms of cricket, first class inclusive.
Now, say Roger Federer, the great tennis star, plays in a match that is not sanctioned by ITF, would he be banned from playing in Wimbledon tournaments? Does ITF have monopoly over it? Or if Tiger Woods decides to play for a little known golf tournament or league in China not sanctioned by the official body, would he be banned from all Golf tournaments? Does anyone monopolize Golf?
ICL or Indian Cricket League is a revolutionary concept to take hold in the Indo-Pak subcontinent. For the first time, in the history of the South Asian cricket, there is a league that offers competitive salaries for playing matches of first class cricket quality. It also is probably the first time when large crowds are actually going to the stadiums to watch competitive cricket other than international matches. Yes, local leagues and first class matches have never really garnered any spectators in South Asia. However, since it is not sanctioned by BCCI in India or ICC (International Cricket Council) internationally, most of the cricket boards decided to ban their players (first class inclusive) from participating. Despite such punitive measures, giants of Cricket including Inzimam ul Haq, Abdul Razzaq, Brian Lara opted to quit International cricket and play in the league. Now even some lesser known players from around the world have joined the league including Taufiq Umar, Imran Farhat from Pakistan and Andrew Hall (South Africa) and Franklin Rose (West Indies) and many others.
The Pakistan first class cricket structure is so badly designed that there are just a few quality matches in a year and the salaries for professional cricketers is nothing short of pittance. Hence, when ICL came along, many potentially good cricketers decided to sign up to make those extra dollars and thus forgoing a chance to represent Pakistan at national level. Take the example of fine cricketers like Taufiq Umar, Imran Farhat who have played test cricket for Pakistan in the past, but don’t seem to find a regular place within the Test team these days. The salary of a professional cricket who does not play for Pakistan is probably not much higher than a clerk’s monthly income. Therefore, these talented youth opted to make some extra money by joining the ICL in India this year and played the whole season. However, our board reacted sharply against it and have already moved to ban all players who play in ICL from not only from the national team, but also from the first class matches within the country.
It just does not add up. The Board does not pay well and makes them live on a frugal salary. Yet if they find a league to make some extra money on their own time, they are banned from representing the national team and playing competitive cricket in their country. The punishment is so severe that it is worse than the punishment one gets for taking illegal substance to enhance their performance. It is totally bizarre!
The concept of control and punishment is as old as the colonial mindset. In today’s world, it has no place. The boards should be enablers and supporters of promoting sports in this era and age. Cricket is a spectator sport with fans now in billions. We do not like to see the boards tell us what we can see and what we cannot. So step back and let us all enjoy the game and if someone wants us to see better cricket, be it ICL, embrace it, not ban it like some maniac dictator.
Cricket and PCB January 22, 2008
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: Cricket, naseem ashraf, Pakistan, pcb, sports
1 comment so far
Here are some things that Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Dr. Naseem Ashraf should seriously consider if they want us to fill the stadiums and be more active in watching their games within the country.
Marketing of the Event
It is not surprising for many folks to inquire “Aaj match hay?” if they see someone glued to a radio or a TV set. Since the series is never announced in advance, people find out about it during the matches!
South Africa, Zimbabwe and later Australia are playing cricket in Pakistan this season. However, not once has PCB done anything to promote these matches in the local press or advertising hoardings within the city. Rather, if you ask anyone where the games are being played or what is the schedule, no one really knows for sure. There is virtually no effort or campaign created to promote a series locally by the board. If the board announces in advance where the matches are being played at what time and date, then many people like me can reorganize our lives and spare a few hours to be at the stadium.
Ticket Sales
Barring one series a few years ago against India, no one really knows where to buy the tickets from. It is the best kept secret in town! Amazing isn’t it! There should be some relationship with banks, or other commercial entities where tickets are available with easy reach. If they expect us to come to the stadium to buy the tickets or to their head office in Lahore then the board must be crazy. Here is a suggestion. There are so many call centers sprouting all over Pakistan. Sign up with one of them and get yourself a toll free 0-800 number. Announce it to fans like me in the newspapers and websites and ask us to call and buy tickets by paying through credit card, check or even money order. This would be easy, quick and no hassle of long lines or driving for hours. And do it at least a month before the beginning of the series.
Weekend Matches
Today, on a Monday, Karachi stadium was completely empty as hardly anyone came out to see Pakistan vs Zimbabwe one day match. Which is not surprising. This was also true during the test matches and a few one dayers against South Africa earlier in the season. Empty seats all the way. The reason is simple. If you are planning on holding matches only on week days, then don’t expect us, the fans, to come. Hold them on weekends also! During the South Africa series, the two test messages were played from Monday through Friday. They both missed the weekends with the result no one really showed up to watch. One has to be crazy today to expect fans to miss work for 5 days in a row. But weekends, even I could have made it on a Saturday or Sunday or maybe both.
Do the above and the stadiums will begin to fill up. Don’t bother about it, and we will continue to ignore the matches even on Television eventually generating little revenue for the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Pakistan Cricket Woes November 17, 2007
Posted by Atif Mumtaz in Cricket, Pakistan.Tags: Cricket, Pakistan, sports
add a comment
Pakistan has been going through a lean period in its cricket life. Other than a brief euphoria of reaching the 20/20 final, overall the team’s performance has been nothing but wanting. Our ranking on World cricket has begun to fall again and this time quite steeply. We are now ranked among the worst three cricket teams in the world. And our ability to lose matches at crunch time is also becoming a nasty habit.
This is all a far cry from a year ago, when Pakistan was among the top 3 teams in the world. But it seems, like Pakistan’s political turmoil, the cricket team is going through one of its own. Ever since the summer of 2006, and with the end of a disastrous English tour, Pakistan cricket is constantly on a slide downwards. The management at the helm of Pakistan cricket has changed, including the coach and the captain of the team. Yet, nothing that has been done is yet to produce the desired results.
Here are a few factors that we deem need more attention that is so far been given.
All Rounders
For as long as one day cricket has been around, Pakistan has played with some of the best all rounders the world has ever known. With hard hitters who bowled magnificently as well, including Intikhab Alam, Asif Iqbal, Mushtaq Mohammad, Imran Khan, Salim Yousuf, Wasim Akram, Asif Iqbal, Azhar Mahmood, Abdul Razzaq and Shahid Afridi. At any given match, there would be atleast two or three such all rounders representing Pakistan. Today, sadly this custom and culture of our cricket is all but gone. Other than Shahid Afridi, who seems to have lost his batting ability, we have no great all rounder in our team. Even though Abdul Razzaq and Azhar Mahmood are available and so are some other wonderful youngsters willing to break into the team, but none so far have been selected to represent Pakistan. This has created one of the most acute problems for Pakistan.
No reserve bowlers
When the front line bowlers are hammered all over the park, there are no all rounders out there to take their place. Imran had so many all rounders in his team, that he would only play with four main bowlers and let the fifth be shared among part timers including all rounders. Today, if Shahid Afridi or Umar Gul are hammered into oblivion, the captain has no choice but to continue to give them the ball. He has no reserves.
Long Tail
Pakistan today plays with probably the longest tail in one day cricket. Apart from the front line five batsmen, and one occasional all rounder (afridi as far as batting is concerned), the rest have no idea what to do when they are batting. With Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar, Mohammad Asif, and Sohail Tanvir. Essentially, when Pakistan loses six wickets, chances are there will be no one that can score a big innings. In fact, this has been proven by numerous fantastical collapses that Pakistan has suffered against South Africa in the recent past. What is required is that atleast two of these bowlers be replaced by all rounders. Hence, Rao, Umar Gul and Sohail Tanvir have be replaced by bowlers who can bat or batsmen who can bowl. Sort of the same class like Azhar Mahmood and Abdul Razzaq. This will once again guarantee that Pakistan can way down upto the last wicket. Hence, our chances of winning in crunch situations will improve dramatically.
Opening Blues
A lot has been written about this and a lot still needs to said. Almost every match has shown a new combination with disastrous results. At times, one opener has clicked and at others, someone else. However, there has hardly been a situation where both openers have clicked together. The best opening partnership has not reached 50 in any of the recent matches played this season. One cannot expect to win matches and tournaments, when the openers are weak and classless. Salman Butt, Imran Nazir are probably the only two openers in the current crop who have shown any promise. Other than that, none of the others have the ability to last longer than a few deliveries. Yet, the two have hardly played together. In fact, in the current one day series, due to the longish tail, Pakistan is forced to play with only one specialist opener (Salman Butt) and the other slot is taken over by a late middle order batsmen. They have tried, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik. None of them being able to carve out a place for himself. What is required is a series where the openers like Imran Nazir and Salman Butt be allowed to bat through the whole series and let them find their own mojo. They are both capable of doing that and should be given an opportunity. Not just in one day cricket, but also in the long version of the game.
When Pakistan cricket has thrived in the past, it is always when our openers were in the groove and scoring heavily. In the 1970s, it were Sadiq Mohammad and Majid Khan causing havoc. In the 1980s it was Ramiz Raja with sleuth of openers scoring heavily. In fact, he was one of the leading scorers during our 1992 World Cup victory. Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail in the 1990s. Their fast paced opening stands were a legendary and they created more opportunities for Pakistan to win matches than any other players.
Hard Hitters
Pakistan also possessed some of the game’s hardest hitters in the late order. What with Imran Khan, Inzimam ul Haq, Manzoor Elahi (in the late 1980s), Wasim Akram, Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, to name a few. These hard hitters are the cornerstone of any Pakistani victory in the late overs. However, today, we rely too much on Afridi and he somehow is misfiring in every innings. If he is gone, there is no one out there who could take the challenge back to the bowlers. In other words, our cause is lost in the tense moments of the game. This is not just essential, but has defined our cricket from early days of one day cricket.
If Pakistan is to get back among the top two teams in the one day cricket, then they need think deeply and choose a combination that has won them matches in the decades past. Good openers, hard hitters, all rounders has always defined Pakistan cricket and will always be our culture. Abandoning it will not win us any laurels the world over.
