Char Paher Ye Fikr thie Pehlay Qaid say hon Azaad Kaheen - Ab Durr hai ye bay baal O bari may chorr na day Saiyaad kaheen?

One of the culprits, a convict, a criminal, supposedly young, stupid and naive made a mistake because, he got carried away and was dragged into a situation by his seniors and peers and not knowingly how grave a mistake he is committing he landed into trouble.  When he was caught red-handed with money in his room that did not belong to him, he denied and it wasn’t just a denial but it was full of arrogance and attitude — meaning how dare you say that I am in the wrong doing? I am a superstar, a hero, a great fast bowler, a legend in the making, don’t you know I am the future Wasim Akram of Pakastan?

Yes sir, but where did this money come from? It is certainly not yours than whose is it? It is my aunties, nephew’s niece’s cousins daughter who is getting married and it is their money to purchase a wedding  dress for her. Ooops this wasn’t what I was supposed to say! This was supposed to be the captain’s template and he was supposed to say……errrr he has already said this.  And, me? I have also blabbed it out, so now what is going to happen? Am I trapped now? Yes, I am trapped, these people trapped me, I am innocent, I am young, I am seventeen, aNO  I was seventeen 2 years ago then I must be eighteen now? Or, is it nineteen? Whatever but, I am too young to be sentenced to jail because this is not a crime.  Crossing a line is a crime? We cross it everyday, we cross railway lines, we cross zebra lines, we cross civil lines but, this is just a line on the pitch and most bowlers cross it and the umpire says NO.  Even when I crossed that line the umpire said NO, so what is the difference between them and I ?

Line cross ki hai, gunah tou nahee kiya !

Sir, that was a mistake but, you deliberately crossed the line and not by an inch or a two but, by a foot or a two.  Well, when you are running on foot it is always a foot or two, so what is the big deal?  Sir, there is a deal, you made a deal with the bookie. What bookie? I don’t read books, in fact I have never read one, but I plan to read one if I don’t go to jail.  Sir, that bookie is not a book, it is a guy, your friend Mazhar Majeed.  Oh, him? He is not my friend he is my captain’s friend and I never talked to him.   Sir, we have proof that you have exchanged text messages with him.  I dunno what text messages are and I told you I never talked to him.  Sir, the text messages are those which you sent from your cell phone to his cell phone.  Oh, you mean SMS? Yeah, the same thing you say that in your country.  So, what did I say or write in it?

Sir, don’t you remember what you write? If I was a good writer, I would have been writing books and not playing cricket besides, a lot of gals also SMS me so I dunno which one are you talking about? The one in which you said, “Should I do it?” What were you asking him to do? Is it something that you wanted to do it in the toilet and sought his permission to do? Actually you did a big one and you are in it and there is no way of getting out of it.  Anyways, I am going to Pakastan and I won’t come back here to England.

In Pakastan he kept telling his friends and relatives that this is some kinda “yahoodiyoun ki saazish hai” aur angrezi may iss entrapment kehtay hain, I will challenge in the court of law that I am innocent and I will go back to clear my name.  In the meantime the ICC banned these players from playing international cricket for 5 years.   When the hearing took place in England, the three Musketeers and D’Arthagnan were sentenced ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

The latest news is Aamar is released after serving half his sentence and after spending a couple of weeks in England he will go back to Pakastan where thousands of people are waiting to give him a red carpet reception and tons and tons of flower petals shall be showered upon him as if he has won a war? The irony is it is only in Pakistan where convicts, criminals and thugs are considered as heroes and are given heroes welcome in the country.

Instead of doing all this comical and farcical antics (this is definitely going to happen that Aamir will get a heroes welcome back home) the PCB should have announced long time ago that Aamir, Asif and Salman Butt are banned for playing international cricket for LIFE.  Also, they should not be allowed to sponsor any ad or appear on TV shows or, TV commentary.  They must start a totally different job to maintain their lively hood which should be something else BUT, not CRICKET related.

I am a drinker with writing problems.— Brendan Behan

Mai peeta nahee hoon, pilayee gayee hai.

I WARNED YOU BEFORE THAT I WILL GET YOU THROUGH MY TEESRA

The desire to write grows with writing.  — Desiderius Erasmus —  And, writing something about cricket test matches these days is like a campaign akin to “Save the Dolphin”, “Save the Whales.”  That is because people have lost interest in test matches and they think that test matches will become extinct like Dinosaurs.

No one knows the exact date, period or era in which cricket started, but international test cricket started in 1877, the origins are from England, our Masters and the Masters of this game of cricket which is famous for being a game for gentlemen —  a game of the noblemen and aristocrats.

While I was struggling to find some background information about cricket, I stumbled upon some very interesting info on cricket and betting.  Instead of narrating it in my own words, I would like to quote it here for our bloggers.

“Gambling, Match Fixing and Press Coverage:

Cricket certainly thrived after the Restoration in 1660 and is believed to have first attracted gamblers making large bets at this time. In 1664, the “Cavalier” Parliament passed the Gaming Act 1664 which limited stakes to £100, although that was still a fortune at the time, equivalent to about £12 thousand in present day terms. Cricket had certainly become a significant gambling sport by the end of the 17th century. There is a newspaper report of a “great match” played in Sussex in 1697 which was 11-a-side and played for high stakes of 50 guineas a side.   With freedom of the press having been granted in 1696, cricket for the first time could be reported in the newspapers. But it was a long time before the newspaper industry adapted sufficiently to provide frequent, let alone comprehensive, coverage of the game. During the first half of the 18th century, press reports tended to focus on the betting rather than on the play.

MCC was itself the centre of controversy in the Regency period, largely on account of the enmity between Lord Frederick Beauclerk and George Osbaldeston. In 1817, their intrigues and jealousies exploded into a match-fixing scandal with the top player William Lambert being banned from playing at Lord’s Cricket Ground for life. Gambling scandals in cricket have been going on since the 17th century.”

This is another subject and I do not wish to delve deeper in this gambling and match fixing mess which is also a creation of the British, instead I will focus on the whining, whinging and crying of the Englishmen when they lose a test match especially if they are comprehensively beaten by the inferior ones like, those who were under the British Raj and those who were reportedly convicts etc., etc.

The current test series that is being played in the UAE between England and Pakistan at a neutral venue where Pakistan has comprehensively beaten their Masters by 10 wickets and within 3 days!  As expected they started whining and whinging against the mystical bowling of Saeed Ajmal, who initially played a mind game before the start of the test match — giving them a taste of their own medicine —  instead of targeting a player like the English and Australians do, he talked about his new mystery ball called the ” Teesra,” which worked better than expectations.

The Englishmen were bowled out for under 2oo twice and Ajmal took 10 wickets in the match and they cannot digest this defeat and are talking about Ajmal’s action. Instead of justifying myself with my views, I would like to copy paste another quote on Ajmal’s action, which will give a better picture of his bowling action.

” After all, it is a well-known fact that Ajmal has been cleared by an independent panel of specialists approved by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Dr Bruce Elliot – a professor of Bio-mechanics, Motor Learning and Development at the University of Western Australia – cleared Ajmal in 2009, when the Australian cricket team were struggling to deconstruct his mystery at the same venue. Elliot revealed that “during a comprehensive analysis it was apparent that the amount of elbow extension in Saeed Ajmal’s bowling action for all deliveries was within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted in the ICC regulations.”

So it is evident that Ajmal’s action is clean and the ICC has approved the report and cleared him.  So, why are they crying now? The comical and farcical thing is, the Englishmen are saying that Ajmal is hiding his elbow by wearing a full sleeves shirt.  This is absurd, ridiculous and laughable.  Should Ajmal roll up his sleeves and show his muscles to them? What sort of a complaint is this?

Even if Ajmal rolls up his sleeves, can the umpire or anyone for that matter by seeing his action with a naked eye can tell that it is within the 15-degree level of tolerance permitted in the ICC regulations?  You must have a bionic eye for that.  The Englishmen and the Australians are cry babies and they cry shamelessly. 

Most Indian supporters and fans are not even watching these test matches anymore because the matches are all one sided and they say they already know the result so what is the point of watching and wasting your time?

There was some hope that India will play well at the Sydney Cricket Ground which is Tendulkar’s happy hunting ground where he has scored a double and three big hundred and in all occasions he has remained not out, so there was a lot of expectation and the media once again hyped up the occasion trying to coincide his 100th 100 with SCG’s centenary.  And, that did not happened, at least not in the first innings.  Tendulkar has one more chance and i.e., in the second innings but, his second innings average is in 30′s and he may not be able to do that and he will carry the burden in the 3rd test.

Although he did not play badly in the first innings, scored 41 runs which are not bad but, by his own standards it is bad especially on this ground but, law of averages and luck is not always in your favour. There are good days and there are bad days and that is happening with him. But, for Indian team especially in test matches, there are no good days.

None of the senior players are playing up to their past potential which means they have past their prime and it is about time to induct new blood. No one is asking for a total change, slow and gradual induction of new blood is always healthy. Because, the new players learn a lot while playing along the senior players.  Tendulkar and Dravid can still continue for a year at least but, Laxman I have my doubts.

Gambhir has so far been a flop in the last 3 innings and it is not likely that he will change all of a sudden, it is not a matter of confidence alone but, it is a matter of technique and experience. His technique against fast bowlers on fast pitches has a flaw he cannot stop himself from edging the ball which is outside the off stump and constantly getting out in the slips cordon.  Besides, he is out of form in the whole of 2011.

Sehwag was in good form until recently and he scored a double hundred in ODI but, in test matches the Australians seems to have gotten him with their speed, rising balls, short pitched deliveries and he is unable to attack freely as they are cramping him and not giving him room to play shots and his footwork is questionable since day one, but he has managed very well despite a lot of criticism but, there is always a time when your hand eye coordination cannot be 100% and without footwork it is very difficult to play accurate shots. So, he is unable to give India the flying start that he normally does. But, that is not a big scare for India.

The big scare is what will be the future of Indian cricket when these three big players viz., Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman will retire? Therefore, it is important to introduce new players from now rather than waiting for a 4-0 whitewash in Australia.  Rohit Sharma can replace Laxman and Rahane can replace Gambir to see if they can contribute something because, the total of Laxman and Gambhir put together in 3 innings is only 21 runs.

So, there is nothing much India will lose if Rohit or Rahane cannot score due to pressure, but they are young and they should not be discouraged if they fail. For India there is nothing to lose if they drop Laxman. Because, if Laxman fails in all 4 matches then he will definitely be axed by the selectors.  So, why not try Rohit now?

Dhoni has proved that he is not a test captain, he is very defensive and he knows nothing about setting an attacking field when it is needed. It was very obvious when Clarke and Ponting were dominating he did not attack, he opted for defense and used all defensive techniques like Kohli and Sehwag were used as bowlers.

India must also think of finding a new captain who is more suited for test cricket and that will save their team from taking a nose dive from number one to number five or six. The future of Indian cricket depends on younger players especially while Tendulkar and Dravid are in the team. It will benefit them a lot otherwise a defensive captain with defensive technique and approach will ultimately ruin the confidence of the team.

I am not writing anything about the bowling because, the Indian bowlers especially Zaheer, Yadev and Ashwin has bowled very well, it is FOR THE FIST TIME THEIR BATTING is letting the team down.

It is up to the bloggers to agree or disagree with my views but, I would certainly like to hear their views and opinions.  I have written what I believe.

“The art of writing is the art of discovering what you believe.”— Gustave Flaubert

During the last few weeks we haven’t seen any real quality cricket, even though Pakistan was playing in the UAE against Sri Lanka and now one is playing in Bangladesh and the other in South Africa there is no action, no aggression either they are one sided matches or totally and completely dull and boring. Jayasuriya was saying the Lankans will adjust and Intikhab was saying Pakistani bowlers will trouble England in the UAE. These are all ifs and buts.

So lets shift our focus towards the South Pole ….. I mean Australia and India series which will start from the Boxing Day at the MCG. Laxman was saying Australia’s aggression has always helped him in getting the best out of him. Tendulkar surprised Gavaskar by giving up a century – by retiring from the match and not from cricket – while he was in his mid-nineties. It shows the little man is in some form and does not care any more about his hundredth international hundred. That is a good sign. Dravid looks solid as he has always been. Dhoni, I am not sure about his batting form but, I hope he will raise to the occasion when it comes to deliver. I am sure Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will not make the selectors feel that they have taken a wrong decision in leaving behind Yuvraj, Jadeja and Raina.  And, Ashwin has to prove his worth in the team by not only taking wickets but, also by scoring runs. The two new fast bowlers Yadav and Aaron should be of some assistance to the senior fast bowlers like P. Kumar and Zaheer Khan.

The Australian team is not taking easy at all, they know that they have to pack up fast bowlers in the team and it is good to see new faces in their side, almost half of the probables for the Boxing Day match are new or making debut. Here are the names of the probable Australian team: David Warner, Shane Watson, Ed Cowan, Usman Khawaja, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Daniel Christian, Brad Haddin (wk), Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon. The names highlighted are the senior players whereas the rest of the team is relatively new. There is no Mitchel Johnson, Lee, Nathan Bracken etc.

The team looks pretty balanced to me and the young blood inducted must be roaring to perform especially Daniel Christian who is an all-rounder. There is one thing which is guaranteed here is there will be a lot of action unlike what we have seen in the last couple of months.

Bowlers: Yadav, Ishant, Vinay Kumar, Ashwin, Zaheer Khan, Mithun, Ojha

Batsmen: Dhoni, Sehwag, Gambhir, Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Kohli, Sharma, Rahane

We might be on the verge of seeing the end of a rare influential Indian fast bowler

Zaheer Khan’s fitness has a question mark over it but in the current tour match against CAC XI he bowled 10 overs and conceded 41 runs. According to reports Zaheer was not at his best and it seems he might not be an automatic choice in the playing XI. Whether Zaheer can secure a place due to his recent years’ performance remains to be seen. Zaheer last played in Australia in 2007 and in Australia he has played 3 Tests and taken 10 wickets so arguably he has wicket taking potential on Australian pitches.

As far as Test cricket is concerned this presents an opportunity for the likes of Yadav, Mithun and V Kumar. If they can take regular wickets they might become India’s first choice pacers and Zaheer Khan may have to say goodbye to Test cricket. Zaheer is 33 now and age is not on his side; if bettered by the young pacers it is likely we might not see Zaheer playing for India again. For Zaheer’s sake he will be remembered as ending his career on a very enviable high and his bowling contributed a great deal in India’s WC victory earlier this year.

Another reason why this series is crucial is because of SRT’s form and the sword of the 100^thcentury dangling over his head. Tendulkar averages about 60 in Australia and this must be one of the highest averages for any international batsman in Australia. However, this year his average has been 47 and he has looked uncomfortable when batting. The million dollar question is whether SRT will be able to make that elusive century or not? This issue was blown out of proportion by the Indian media, so much so that there are been a noticeable restraint now in discussing this very

Tendulkar must call it a day if he is unable to perform

elusive century for fear of further pressurising SRT.

Finally this series is also crucial from the Indian perspective because of the current Test rankings and present form of the top 4 teams. This year Australia played 3 Test series- against Sri Lanka they won 1-0, against New Zealand and South Africa they drew 1-1. Australia are definitely not the force they were when McGrath and Warne were playing but they have still had a respectable 2011 compared to 2010. This year India beat West Indies 2-0 and 1-0, drew with South Africa 1-1 and lost to England 4-0. Form wise one might say that Australia has the slight edge, even though they suffered a totally unexpected collapse against New Zealand a few weeks ago. India took a drubbing in England and this will definitely be at the back of their heads when they are preparing for the Boxing Day Test.

Sehwag have Gambhir have not been at their best in Tests in 2011 and Tendulkar and Laxman have also been unable to deliver. This is the reason why India lost badly against England. Indian batsmen perform well on Australian pitches so this gives an opportunity for them to regain form. Australia is currently ranked no 4 in Tests and India, no 2. There is a difference of 15 points between the two teams so the chances of Australia overtaking India are slim and can probably only occasion if Australia whitewash India.

A good performance will help India in forgetting the disastrous England series of 2011

As for Australia, their batting and bowling both have lacked consistency this year and this might work in favour of India. Australia have their own fitness problems to worry about because Shaun Marsh and Shane Watson are not fully fit. Neither are Mitchell Johnson or Doug Bollinger available. Siddle and the impressive newcomer Pattinson will probably lead the bowling attack and they might spring a surprise for Australia. It seems there is a chance Australia might be unable to play their best XI whereas India will most definitely play their best XI. How much of an impact will this cause?

It looks like it is difficult picking a favourite. Australia have to their advantage that they are usually mentally strong at home, notwithstanding the domination of Indian batsmen on their pitches. Their young pacers can also surprise India because they are untested. This will work in India’s favour too when they try Yadav and Mithin against Australia. Both teams have drawn Test series with the South Africans this year, both teams have defeated weaker teams (SL and WI) but, whereas India got slaughtered in England, Australia also collapsed against a considerably weaker Test side, New Zealand.

Expectations are high from Yadav who has shown promise

From Australia’s perspective a good series will promote them to no 3 (a whitewash may propel them to no 2) in the rankings and from India’s perspective, a whitewash will take them to no 1. But more importantly, a good showing from the Indians will bury the demons of the England series earlier this year and may persuade the passionate Indian fans that the England mauling was a once-in-an-era event for a spirited team that may well have a dominating future with hopefuls such as Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Yadav and Mithun.

RAHUL DRAVID ONE OF THE MOST RESPECTED PLAYERS IN CRICKET

RAHUL DRAVID   has talked about Day and Night Test Matches, he is not the first one to talk about it, there are others too like us fans, bloggers, supporters and Dravid has spread the word at the right forum i.e., when he was giving a 40 minute long speech in Canberra Australia and emphasized the need of saving the test matches (not drawing a test match – which is a Mishap) from the disappearing interest of general public because they appear to be dull, boring and end up without any result. He asked the administrators to retain the public interest and respect the fans, and they must try to handle the trickiest of the challenges in balancing the three formats in cricket.  And he described test matches as  “The Gold Standard.”

He also said,  “Everything that has given cricket its power and influence in the world of sports has started from that fan in the stadium.”  Dravid also asked the players to “re-think about the fans when they play the game, in terms of conduct, intensity and integrity.   “They [the fans] deserve our respect and let us not take them for granted. Disrespecting fans is disrespecting the game. The fans have stood by our game through everything. When we play, we need to think of them.  As players, the balance between competitiveness and fairness can be tough but it must be found.”

People have also talked about 4 day test match. There must be flexibility and adaptability in the game, over the years many rules have been changed, technology stepped in and 7~10 days test matches have been reduced to five days test match which is still continuing.  ODI’s and T20 has kicked in to keep the interest of the fans and viewers. So, why not make further changes in the test cricket?  We have talked about pink colour cricket balls a long time ago on cricinfo PakSpin blog and were ridiculed by a few narrow minded blokes. 

We also talked about making cricket grounds a little more different from the typical galleries and pavilions by landscaping the grounds in such a way that at least one one side a big hotel is constructed and the backyard leads to the cricket ground (like a golf-course) where the club house is a part of the golf-course from where you can see the players Teeing off. In this case it should be more like a resort where people retreat and lounge around and also watch live cricket. There should also be swimming pools in hot countries.  And, we have seen in the Caribbean they made above ground swimming pools which were temporary, even that would do if it is a part of the entertainment for the shorter version of the game.   We have not only heard about the introduction of pink coloured cricket balls for night cricket but, Pakistan is actually going to use it in the domestic tournament (Qaid-e-Azam trophy) within this month.

Dravid has covered a lot of points in his speech and I must say that he has raised his voice at the right time to save the test cricket which is plagued with cancer and it is on the verge of dying. And it will die soon if the intention of the players or teams is only to draw a test match. So far cricket is alive because of the variations and changes that have been made by introducing ODI’s and T20′s and test matches are losing its charm in the eyes of the general public. Where will they go from here? Hong  Kong sixes? That is a joke about cricket and a bad one too.

To find out more about what Dravid has said in his speech please follow the link:

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/content/current/story/545358.html

Graeme Swann feels ODI's should be scrapped

When T20 took over the world by storm many commentators questioned whether the 50 over format would last. The 50 over format has since received criticism and appears to be getting squeezed between T20 and Tests. Cricket reformists lobby for T20 while purists want cricket to maintain its traditional touch with teams regularly competing in Test cricket.

Graeme Swann feels that the ODI format is the least significant format and should be ended in favour of T20 and Tests. Is this the right mentality?

Opinions on this will be very personal but there cannot be any denying that, ODI’s are a great balancing exercise between the thrill and fast pace of T20 and the mental toughness and challenge of Test cricket. In some ways this format incorporates the best of what both T20 and Test can offer. Yet, one can understand why this format is losing popularity in the wake of T20 which has now become the most popular cricket format and is popular with women and children as well as men.

There seems to be a geographical divide in that whereas ODI’s are still popular in the subcontinent, Tests are more popular in England and Australia, who are still prominent members of the cricket fraternity despite the rise of India in the recent past and the improving stature of teams like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. So, any efforts to end ODI cricket should receive opposition from the subcontinent.

ODI cricket has provided some of cricket’s most glorious memories. Whether that is the Kerry Packer revolution, India’s World Cup 1983 victory, Miandad’s Sharjah sixer, Tendulkar’s general dominance etc, ODI cricket has balanced thrill and skill and brought a fresh and welcome outlook to cricket when it was introduced decades ago.

ODI's have shown us the best of special players like Tendulkar and Afridi

Certain heroic or dramatic events that have captured our hearts and minds can only happen in ODI’s. Shahid Afridi’s 37 ball 100 is one such event- this kind of milestone is unlikely to be reached in any format, but it has the strongest likelihood of being reached in ODI’s. Similarly, the suspense and drama of matches such as the Australia v South Africa semi final in the World Cup 1999 can also only happen in ODI’s.

The ICC needs to think very carefully whether it wants to dispose of ODI’s. Firstly this motion is bound to receive stiff opposition from the subcontinental lobby. Historically subcontinental teams have performed better in ODI and England and Australia have performed better in Tests. So, there might be a clash of opinions here. Secondly, cricket fans around the world may become frustrated with the fact that, T20 often seems to be a contest of luck rather than skill and fans do not get to see a lot of player development and strategy. Whereas they get to see player development, mental toughness and skill in Tests, there is no denying that due to changing trends around the world fans simply do not have enough time to follow Test matches like they used to.

If any format has to be scrapped then arguably it should be Tests. A cricket purist would call for axing for T20s, but that seems very remote because T20 is a money spinner and popular with fans and cricket players alike. So due to the thrill and excitement offered by T20 it will probably exist for a long time to come. However, scrapping ODI should not be the answer.

The ICC can intervene between cricket boards and organise matches evenly between teams so that some teams like India and England don’t feel they are playing too much cricket. They can also alter the rules of the game but this has to be done sensibly and timely. For example, the SuperSub rule introduced a few years ago was a disaster and one wonders how it even saw light of the day?

In Tests I have proposed that there should be some changes in order to make the format more stimulating in order to prevent teams from playing negative cricket which goes against the spirit of the game. I feel that after each session of 10 overs, a batting team should be penalised 50 runs if  it does not score a minimum of 25 or 27 runs. This means, that 50 runs are awarded to the opposition. If this happens in a 4th innings chase then the chasing team has to chase 50 runs more.

Such minor but eminent changes can create more interest in the game.

I feel cricket would lose out if ODI’s are ended in the future. Whilst the ICC should obviously consider changing times and changing demands of the fans, with some imagination they can definitely overcome this problem we are having today of players constantly complaining that they are playing too much cricket. Why not devise some kind of compromise rather than just scrap a format and damage cricket?

After Imran Khan Niazi, Pakistan has found Mishab ul Haq Niazi – this is the truth and a fact – the rest I am going to write here is lies, total lies and nothing but lies. Like he is the most successful Captain of Pakistan cricket team. I admire his cool demeanor and from whichever “angle” you look at him, he looks like a cool cucumber.

cool cucumber

I am not sure if the girls like him because of this coolness that he possess.

I heard that Mudassar Nazar cried for several hours because Misbah has broken his record of slow batting but, then someone told him, you still hold the slowest century record so hold on let Misbah try it in Bangladesh.

If Misbah was not in the team, Pakistan cricket team may have not even reached the first T20 WC final, well Misbah said, why am I here, I did that against India in the round match, I will do that in the final and make the bookies happy that, Pakistan lost and India won. But, trust me Misbah is very honest he did not make any money from the bookies, not even a cent. Instead Uncle **SIM jo India hee may rehay hain, he made a few millions, may be rupees, may be dollars.

But, Misbah is a very honest, dedicated man, a real team player. He plays till the end and tells the team, “Laal Tain, iss Terha Pakartay Hain.” If you guys know about this joke you would be rotflol-ing.

People have forgotten Misbah’s two innings of the Ist T20 WC in SA and they have even forgotten LONG, long ago his slow and negative batting in the recent 50 over ODI, WC of 2011. He didn’t mean to irk the Pakistanis he was actually playing his natural game, I mean this is true. I cannot pack ALL the lies in Misbah’s bucket and ask him to kick the bucket. Marray Uss Kay Dushman, he should live long and lead Pakistan even when he is 65 years old. And, make Asad Shafiq, Junaid Khan, Umar Akmal etc. look old and haggard.

Misbah’s field placement is excellent, he never bothers to tell anyone by indicating with his hand or even open his mouth and that is because of his cool demeanor, he simply uses his ” disgustipating – telepathetic” communication skills with players and they simply move into the desired position wherever he wants to place them.   See this is a KwalTee which no one can acquire and he has often done that.

It is just like he often gets out in a different way each time and upon asking he said, my name ends with UL-HAQ so there is something common between me and Inzi Bhai. But, I must admit that he is a very creative player, captain and a leader he discovers new ways of getting out when everyone expects him to finish the match, he ends up on the winning side, because he has never, ever, lost a match single-handedly and that is because, I am speaking the truth.

This reminds me of a nursery rhyme and i.e., in Urdu and I am making it into a parody:

Baat Ki Baat, Khurafaat ki Khurafaat
Misbah nay lagaye 2, 2, shaat
Ek Miss Hoa, Doosra Laga hee nahee
Jo Miss hoa wo dikhaa hee nahee
Jo Laga nahee uskay banay ek duggi aur Chaar Chowkay
Jis kay lagay Chaar Chowkay
Vo kisi kay Hisaab may nahee
Jo hisaab may nahee, Vo Misbah kay howay
Misbah nay banaye 50 runs
Ek baar not out reha
Doosree baar out hee nahee hoa
Jab out hee nahee hoa
Tab Khel Khatam hoa

Misbah nay phir poocha,
Konsi team jeeti aur konsi haari?
Uss nay kaha, jab haari nahee
Tou jeetnay ki kay baat kahee

Kaptaan ho tou aisa,
Jis ki dum pay Paisa

The first table explores how each batsmen did vs each Test team and how much they averaged in each country. These stats are separated by “/”. The next table explores players’ averages in all innings of a match which provides an insight into who played better whilst chasing or when the pitch had deteriorated, or had become more conducive to spin. It also shows average in won, lost and drawn matches, averages at home or away, the number of innings played and most importantly,  scores of 100 and 50 that led to victory for their teams expressed as a percentage of total innings played. Although we will discuss this in more detail below it is startling to know that Lara has the poorest record in this regard.

I would like you all to offer your thoughts and I hope Bichoo, Pawan, 420 and the others can also contribute with their views.  Stats have been noted from Cricinfo.

Aaj Kal Imran Khan kay charchay her zubaan pay …… 
Nawaz ko maloom hai aur Zardari ko khabar ho gayee …

Everyone in Pakistan and most countries in the world are focusing on Imran Khan’s growing popularity.  They are all talking about the rising of a “Son of the Soil” arising from the East, who is going to change the face of Pakistan? And we, on this blog are more concerned about Imran’s success as a new elected leader, hoping Imran will overhaul the cricket industry of Pakistan.  Obviously, there is no better person in Pakistan who understands cricket and as head of the State i.e., if Imran is elected he will certainly bring a revolution in the PCB its, management, selection process and in the grooming of the players and finding talent at the grass root level.  Therefore, we are very interested in Imran Khan winning the elections based on the facts that there is no other suitable candidate because of his educational background, his honesty, loyalty, dedication and straightforwardness.  He has the charisma and he is using it well so far, yet it is a very farfetched goal.

On this cricket blog we would like to analyze what Imran Khan can and, must do in order to succeed?  He definitely needs to plan rather than say, “we will cross the bridge when we will come to the bridge.” He should have planned long ago in making a team of young, dynamic, educated people who are honest and loyal and not just a few workers in his party. He need people with vision and he need people who already have some political background, by inviting Shah Mahmood Qureishi in his party is the first good move he has made so far in expanding the horizons of his political career.  Otherwise, so far people have been saying that his party is only a one man show.  Its a fact, there are no big names in his party.  As a leader he should not be at the top of the pyramid but, he should be at the center, in the core and in the hearts of people and his party.  People should be revolving around him rather than waiting for their turn to reach at the top to meet their leader.

Considering the political setup in Pakistan it is extremely difficult for Imran Khan to get a total majority or, even significant votes to form a coalition government. Seeing half a million people in his public rallies and gatherings in Urban areas means nothing to me. Because, All those who have attended his “Jalsa” may have come from different riding and different electoral sectors and, their votes will be scattered and get wasted.   And, most importantly what he should (I am sure he does) know that almost 80% of Pakistan’s population is in the rural areas and these are the hardcore votes and these voters are simply loyal to their masters i.e., the Chaudhries, Wadheras and Sardars.  And, these feudal lords are controlling them like their slaves. The masses are told by their masters that they have to vote for them and not anyone else and they obey their master’s orders.  And, most of the ignorant poor people in the rural areas have no knowledge of Imran Khan or his party and nothing about his party’s manifest or the “Manshoor.”  Some of them may not even know who Imran Khan is? And those who have heard his name may think he is “that” cricketer – Imran Khan?

In the big cities like Lahore, Islamabad and Multan he can win his seats but, in Karachi its very difficult that is because of MQM’s Fort Knox they have a total control over the city and no one can win against their candidates and same is the case in interior Sindh especially in Larkana, Sukkur, Khairpur etc. 

How can Imran Khan break this wall and penetrate into their territories and get the votes? He should go back and read QeA M. A. Jinnah’s strategy in winning the constituent assembly elections of 1946. The All India Muslim League won 425 out of 496 seats reserved for Muslims (and about 89.2% of Muslim votes). How did this happen? I don’t think it is mentioned in the history books but, people who are still alive from 1925 onwards remember that. Jinnah appealed ALL the Muslim educational institutions of India i.e., including Aligarh University to shut down their institutions for 2-3 months prior to the elections and asked them to send their educated young Muslims to the rural areas to create awareness about the elections and the need to create a Muslim state called Pakistan.  There was a famous pamphlet that was distributed among the Muslims was titled, “Now or Never.  Are We to Live or Perish Forever?”

So, Imran Khan should ask not only his party workers but, appeal the educated students to come forward and take the responsibility as the torch bearers of the New Pakistan that will emerge after the elections under Imran Khan’s leadership. They should not only be going to the rural areas to deliver a speech like all the leaders do, because they are not the leaders, they are the ambassadors of The Justice Party or the Tehrik-e-Insaaf and they should stay there for a good period of time and mingle with the people and explain to them what was going on in the past and where Pakistan stands or is lagging behind other small nations due to the lack of leadership and and growing corruption.  And, these young ambassadors have to create awareness and pave the way for their leader to address them, then Imran Khan should address the mass gatherings rather than rushing and hurrying a “Jalsa” at the 11th hour. With awareness comes the knowledge and the ability to distinguish between the right and wrong and it helps in decision making rather than acting like a herd and vote without any awareness of what they are going to get from their leaders?

Imran, you are no more the captain of Pakistan cricket team, you have grown up, you are more matured now and you have a vision and you need to accomplish your goals and no one alone can accomplish such goals, you have to rely on others who share the same vision as you and who are as honest, dedicated and committed as you. Your team is not of 11 players but, the whole country must be your team or at least a majority of the people must share your vision and that should be your aim.

So, remember the strategy of Jinnah and follow his footsteps because, never in the history of the sub-continent there was such a big turnout in elections as it was in 1946 and that is why his party won the elections with absolute majority. SEND YOUR TEAM TO THE RURAL AREAS  it is “Now or Never” situation for you.  People are sick of Zardari and Nawaz and they also dislike the Army. So, this is your golden chance to win this “Election Cup,” which is much, much bigger than the 1992 World Cup.  Win it or lose it forever.

On this cricket blog we are very blunt, straightforward and very selfish, the reason we are supporting you is because, we want a better PCB administration, we want NO corruption in the PCB and we want the players to be groomed, educated and aware of the the rules as well as their roles. A player who is uneducated, uncouth, ignorant cannot and shall not be a role model for the youngsters. Hoping that you will certainly do what is needed to be done in to the development and the improvement of cricket in Pakistan.  Our bloggers are going to share their views through brainstorming and may be able to suggest even better ideas. So, I am wishing you all the best in your future endeavors.