Pakistan to develop young cricketers in Windies

Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said on Wednesday he hoped to use the upcoming tour of the West Indies to bring on new cricketing talent for the years ahead.

The side fly out to the Caribbean on Thursday for a tour that will include one Twenty20 international, five one-dayers and two Tests.

With express paceman Shoaib Akhtar retired and fellow fast bowler Umar Gul rested, Pakistan have selected left-armers Junaid Khan and Sadaf Hussain -- both 21 -- and 20-year-old all-rounder Hammad Azam.

"We have selected some youngsters for the tour in the hope that they get groomed and serve the country in the future," Waqar said at the conclusion of a two-day training camp in the eastern city of Lahore.

Junaid has 167 wickets in 35 first-class matches while Hussain's tally in 18 domestic matches stands at 90.

Kamran Akmal, dropped after his sloppy wicket-keeping in last month's World Cup, made way for 29-year-old Salman Ahmed while veteran batsman Younis Khan, rested for the tour, was replaced by 20-year-old Usman Salahuddin.

Salahuddin, a right-handed batsman, has scored 1505 runs in 24 domestic matches.

"We are not taking the West Indies team lightly. We also have experience at our disposal and we hope to do well on the tour," said former captain and fast bowling legend Waqar, adding that he hoped to see an improvement in his side's batting.

"Whatever shortcomings we had during the World Cup, we want to overcome. The main thing is that I want the batsmen to show improvement."

Pakistan failed to persuade former great Javed Miandad to serve as batting coach and Waqar said the team should look elsewhere.

"I don't know why we go round and round and come back to Miandad again and again. If Miandad doesn't want to do the job then we must ask someone else for help because its not an issue of technique, its an issue of slight adjustment in batsmen's scoring runs," said Waqar.

India and Pakistan will start on equal footing: Miandad

India and Pakistan will start on equal footing: Miandad

Yahoonews, PTI, 24 September 2009

Karachi: Former Pakistan skipper Javed Miandad believes the India-Pakistan match of the ICC Champions Trophy will begin on an equal footing for the archrivals and the team that sustains the pressure will emerge as victories.

"Both the teams in my book are equally balanced. While India has a stronger batting line-up despite the absence of Yuvraj Singh, Pakistan has a much better and more penetrative bowling attack," Miandad said.

"Both teams have their own strengths and weaknesses but definitely having players of the calibre of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid is a big plus for India. But I think we have the bowling to seriously challenge the Indian batsmen. So the match will start on an even kneel," he said.

Miandad feels the hype generated for the match will create a lot of pressure on the players of both the team.

"Which means basically that the team that keeps its nerves and cool will win," he added. Miandad said it will be an important match considering the current political tensions between the nations.

"Things have changed a bit now people don't react that strongly to the result. But I think this match at Centurion is important in the backdrop of the relations between the two countries," he said.

Miandad said if injury-hit Younus Khan returns to lead the side against India it will give Pakistan a morale boost. "It is a big match and the presence of the regular captain will be a boost for the team after he missed the first game against West Indies," Miandad said

Dope hearing awaits Pakistan's Asif despite IPL release

Mohammad Asif, who opted out of the Indian Premier League at his own request, must still be cleared of doping charges if he wants to play for Pakistan again, an official said on Tuesday.

The controversial fast bowler, 26, was released from his 650,000 dollar-a-year IPL contract by Delhi Daredevils late Monday after serving just one year of his three-year deal in the Twenty20 tournament.

Asif is due to appear before an IPL drugs tribunal in Mumbai on Saturday after testing positive for the banned steroid nandrolone during the tournament's opening season last April-May.

"We have released him, but I suppose Asif still needs to have his name cleared if he wants to play official cricket," Delhi Daredevils chief operating officer Amrit Mathur told AFP.

Asif was detained at Dubai airport for 19 days last June after 0.24 grams of opium were found in his wallet. After being deported to Pakistan, he was told he had also failed an IPL test.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has suspended Asif indefinitely from playing official cricket pending the IPL hearing.

The talented seamer has taken 51 wickets in 11 Tests, 36 wickets in 31 one-dayers and 12 wickets in nine Twenty20 internationals since his debut in 2005.

Asif said in a written statement released by the Delhi Daredevils that he voluntarily opted out of his IPL contract to concentrate on playing for Pakistan again.

"Due to personal reasons, I am having to take this step, and definitely it has not been easy as I still have a contract valid for another two seasons, with lucrative financial benefits," Asif said.

"I am going through a tremendous amount of pressure. My only purpose and wish is to play for my nation Pakistan again, and for that I need to disengage from any other cricket engagements."

The second edition of the lucrative eight-team, franchise-based IPL tournament, featuring many of the world's top cricketers, is to be held across India in April-May.

Australia not keen to play in Pakistan - PCB

KARACHI (Reuters) - Australia are not keen to tour Pakistan for a one-day series in April and May and the matches could be played at neutral venues, Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ejaz Butt said on Monday.

Butt told a news conference after a meeting of the governing board that Australia had indicated it still had security issues playing in Pakistan.

"Chances of them agreeing to play in Pakistan are slim. They have asked us to suggest three neutral venues where the series can be relocated," Butt said.

He said England, Malaysia and the Emirates states of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai were under consideration to host the five one-day internationals and a twenty20 match.

Butt said the neutral venues would be discussed when he met with Cricket Australia officials in Perth later this month during the ICC executive board meeting.

Australia refused to tour Pakistan last year for a test series citing security and safety concerns for its players.

The Australians have not played in Pakistan since 1998 and a test series in 2002 was also relocated to Colombo and Sharjah.

"We want Australia to play in Pakistan but our first priority is to ensure the series is played. We have to be realistic, flexible and pragmatic about having this series," Butt added.

Pakistan captain Malik backtracks on struggling Akhtar

Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik toned down criticism of Shoaib Akhtar ahead of the third and final match against Sri Lanka Saturday, saying the struggling paceman was back from a long break.

"I never used any individual's name," Malik told a news conference Friday, referring to comments made Wednesday.

"I was talking about the 11 players who played the match and people did not understand me," Malik said.

"What I felt was that he lacked rhythm as he was playing after a break of 11 months or so," he said.

Malik had questioned Akhtar's commitment after Pakistan went down by 129 runs in the second one-day match in Karachi Wednesday, levelling the three-match series at 1-1.

Pakistan won the first match by eight wickets, also played in Karachi, on Tuesday. The third game will be played in Lahore Saturday.

After Wednesday's defeat Malik was asked whether Akhtar had played his last match. The Pakistan captain replied: "If you look at his performances and record and matches he has won, there is no question over his effectiveness," Malik said.

"But the question is over 100 percent fitness. Cricket has changed and if you aren't 100 percent fit then it is difficult.

"Everyone can see what is out there. He has the ability to bowl 10 overs but the commitment in fielding that I want wasn't there.

"Maybe he has a problem and that is why he wasn't running in the field," Malik said Wednesday.

Although Malik refused to say whether Akhtar would be dropped for Saturday's match, it was likley that Akhtar and fellow paceman Sohail Tanvir will make way for rookie paceman Sohail Khan and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Akhtar managed only one wicket for 88 runs in the first two matches, while Tanvir's only wicket cost 85 runs.

Akhtar played just three Twenty20 matches for Pakistan last year. The 33-year-old missed the major part of Pakistan's cricket season due to fitness problems and a ban over discipline charges.

Dawood Ibrahim threatens future of Pak cricket

Sydney/Karachi: The alleged presence of Dawood Ibrahim, the man who masterminded the 1993 terrorist attacks in Mumbai, and is said to have also played a role in last month’s attacks on the same city, is threatening the future of cricket in Pakistan.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Ibrahim is being dubbed as "India''s Osama", and threatens to destroy any remaining hope Pakistan cricket has of re-emerging by dismantling the crucial relationship between the boards of Pakistan and India.

Ibrahim, a notorious gangster who reputedly funds his terrorist activities through a billion-dollar drug trade in Afghan opium.

He is associated with Pakistan cricket''s director general, Javed Miandad, through the marriage of his daughter Mahrukh to Junaid, son of the batting legend.

The Indian Government is demanding that Pakistan hand over Ibrahim, who is believed to have hidden himself in luxurious palaces for 15 years in the world''s second-largest Muslim nation.

India suggests that Pakistan is actively involved in shrouding Ibrahim and - retaliatory or not - cricket has become a pawn in the game.

Once Pakistan''s most powerful and important supporter, India is threatening to pull out of a tour starting later this month.

"If India doesn''t tour, it will be a total disaster for Pakistan cricket," said former PCB chief operating officer Shafqat Naghmi.

"It''s very important for cricket, not just in Pakistan but in the world, for India to come. If they don''t, it would relegate Pakistan further into isolation. If India doesn''t come, I can''t see New Zealand coming even though their tour is at the end of next year. Australia is supposed to tour in April but I can''t see that happening. Unfortunately, this Mumbai thing has triggered a political dimension," he added.

India''s sports minister, MS Gill, asked: "Is it possible for one team [the terrorists] to arrive in Mumbai and indulge in mass murder, and have another team go and play cricket in the winter afternoon sun at Lahore, immediately after?"

Having been ousted by the recently appointed regime, Naghmi - now working for the Pakistan government - also sees worrying trends from the new board, including the ravaging of domestic programs designed to improve the skills of youngsters.

Another source said PCB chairman Ijaz Butt lacks the skills to handle the crisis.

Pakistan, as a cricket destination, has already lost the faith of the west. To lose that of India would be paralyzing.

Source: ANI

I don't think Pakistan tour is on: Ganguly

New Delhi: Former India captain Sourav Ganguly feels that the cricket team will not tour strife torn Pakistan for the next month's series.

"It is not right for me to say but I feel the tour is not on. Things are not right now for India to tour Pakistan," Ganguly said on the sidelines of Bengal team's practice session for the Ranji Trophy Plate semi-final against Goa at the Karnail Singh Stadium here on Wednesday.

Ganguly, who led India to a historic series win in Pakistan 2003-04, is playing his last first class match at a crucial juncture for the Bengal team. A win against Goa will ensure that Bengal are back in the Super Division League.

Asked whether the Indian team should show a similar gesture by going to Pakistan as England did by returning to India, Ganguly said: "England will not face similar security situation in India as we would face when we go to Pakistan. So it will be really tough for India to tour Pakistan."

India are scheduled to play three Tests, five one-days and one Twenty20 International during the series.

The 36-year-old left handed batsman also said he was happy to see India win the Chennai Test. "I saw the match, they played really well. I don't miss cricket now. We have the capability to be the No.1 team. We have defeated South Africa, Australia and England at home. But our real test lies when we go out," he said.

Source: Indo-Asian News Service

Shoaib not to pay the fine: Lawyer

Shoaib Akhtar's legal counsel on Sunday said that the fast bowler would not pay the seven million rupees fine, as demanded by the Pakistan Cricket Board as a pre-requisite to keep him in the Champions Trophy preliminary squad, until the court pronounced its verdict on his writ petition.

Abid Hasan Minto said Shoaib would pay the fine imposed on him by the appellate tribunal only when the Lahore High Court will make a final decision on the writ petition filed by him against the ban and fine."He has no objections to paying the fine but only when the high court reaches a final decision," Minto said. Shoaib and fellow pacer Mohammad Asif were selected by the national selection committee in Pakistan's 30-member preliminary squad. The list of probables was to be released by the Board on Friday, the deadline set by the International Cricket Council.

However, the Board held back the squad and called the selectors for fresh discussion tomorrow. They have also sent a notice to Shoaib asking him to pay the fine by Monday to be considered for selection.

The fine was imposed by an appellate tribunal, which reduced his original ban of five years to 18-months in June after Shoaib appealed against the PCB decision to ban him for five years.Shoaib had challenged the tribunal decision in the High Court which recently suspended the 18-months ban but did not stay the fine imposed on him.

Minto said the payment of the fine had nothing to do with the court decision allowing him to play for Pakistan even though the court will hear the case sometime in September.

"That has nothing to do with this ... the question is about playing of the cricketer. The ban on him playing has been removed by High Court's interim order, therefore as far as the fine is concerned, he will pay when the final decision of the High Court comes," he argued.

Minto also said it was up to the Board to decide if they wanted to select him or not.

"The ball is in their court. What they decide is up to them. If they want the devoid the national team of his presence and keep a first-class cricketer like him away from the team then it is their decision."They know that the fines that have been imposed on my client in the past have always been paid and he has never challenged them," he said.

Pakistan cricket needs the right balance

by Imran Farooqi

Pakistan cricket's unabashed flirt with controversies continues unabated as it enters a fresh season. The nation was still struggling to come to terms with Shoaib Akhtar's suspension from the game when Mohammad Asif, the former's pace partner, joined him on the sidelines. This time it is not some recurring injury -- as is usually the case with Pakistan's pace merchants -- but an action that has further dented the nation's falling image.Though Asif has been released by the UAE authorities as the 'charge' of keeping in possession a contraband substance has not been proved, everybody knows very well that it could only be Islamabad's excellent relationship with the Emirates' royalty that has made the release possible.The bowler did admit carrying the drug which he said was prescribed by a Hakeem for some ailment. Does he think people here in Pakistan and the world over are so naive that they would believe what he has to say? In an era where international players and athletes are updated regularly on drugs and the consequences of their potential use, he's behaving like an innocent kid who does not a bit about anything.Today all sportspersons -- no matter where they come from and what sport they play -- are well aware of substances they can't use. Asif is telling us that he did not know the drug he was carrying on his person was a banned one! Unfortunately, such an irresponsible sort of excuse could only have come from a Pakistan cricketer. These players who are supposed to act as role models and set standards for others are turning out to be plain villains with utter disregard for moral values.It is most regrettable that the Pakistan Cricket Board spends millions of rupees on getting its players fit for international assignments, but when it's time to deliver these so-called stars just fail and come up with reasons that fall well short of making sense. The PCB took all pains to ensure Shoaib Akhtar does have a fruitful and lasting career, but the latter -- through his reckless and ill-timed actions -- have always brought embarrassment to his supporters. As if this was not enough we have Asif following in his footsteps though the two might not be on talking terms with each other.In spite of having a number of good fast and slow bowlers Pakistan is not able to groom them properly mainly because of the uncertainty surrounding the careers of the country's premier pacers. Shoaib and Asif's absence does make a difference, but Pakistan has won without these two in recent past, and can do it again.It's time the PCB gets a clear message across to the players that any action that puts the nation's integrity in question is not at all acceptable. The sad thing is that players hailing from other countries know it by default, but here we have to teach such things. Talent-wise Pakistan and Australian players are almost equal, but what makes the latter stand out is their scientific approach to the game and the pride they take in representing their homeland.Unless every player knows is his responsibilities to his country it will be difficult to turn things around. To make this happen the PCB will have to take steps it's afraid to take. This includes making a final decision on Shoaib and Asif. Pakistan is currently playing without them and won't do worse in any case. It's time to swallow the bitter pill if the PCB keeps the country's image anywhere close to its heart.Already there are reports of differences between the captain and selectors. Although the two parties have denied these one thing is quite clear that the current side could not be termed a balanced one. The opening dilemma continues to dog Pakistan, and short of options the skipper has been forced to open the innings -- something he has done previously without encouraging results.Malik is a very good all-round player, but expecting him to open in limited-over games with success is asking for too much indeed. By doing this we are only compounding issues. He already has too much on his plate. Currently he's struggling to establish a competitive squad, and by adding the task of opening to his existing workload the team management is only making his job more difficult.Shahid Afridi's batting spot remains a riddle. He is bowling very well and his fielding abilities can't be questioned, yet his batting certainly is not upto the mark. He usually bats at No 6 and 7, and when he comes in either there is no time to settle and build the innings. Or, in the worst scenario, his side are already in deep trouble looking to him to repair the damage.In the first case he's supposed to walk in and throw his bat around straightaway to accumulate runs no matter how they come as long they come. In such a case anything can happen as it's not easy to score quick runs without taking a few risks. In the second he's supposed to stay at the crease and do some grafting work which is again not his forte and a more difficult task for he does not like to get bogged down.Though he may not be a sensible bet against the Aussies and Proteas because of their methodical approach to the game and also because these two sides do have plans to counter all sorts of threats from the opposing players, against teams like India, England, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand Afridi will always have a better chance because once hit around their bowlers tend to lose way and that's where there can't be a better choice than Afridi.In short Pakistan needs to get its balance right. At the right time the right player must be used and that's what makes a coach and captain great. It's their ability to act quickly and act right that brings success. The Pakistan think-tank must sit down and come up with a plan that is flexible yet effective and where every player knows what role he's required to play. source: http://www.geosuper.tv/articles.asp?id=365

Pakistan thrash India

India's nemesis Younis Khan (123 not out) again rose to the occasion with a scintillating century as Pakistan chased down an intimidating target en route to an eight-wicket win against their lacklustre arch-rivals to stay afloat in the Asia Cup cricket tournament in Karachi on Wednesday.

With captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (76), Rohit Sharma (58) and Virender Sehwag (49) chipping in with the bat, India put 308 for seven on the board, batting first.

Their listless bowling colleagues, however, could not defend the total and Pakistan cruised to 309 for two wickets in 45.3 overs to make the chase look like a stroll in the park.

Chasing 309 to stay afloat in the tournament, Pakistan got off to a rollicking start with Nasir Jamshed (53) and Salman Butt (36) taking the Indian attack by the scruff of its neck.

And when Butt returned, following an almighty mix-up, and Jamshed retired hurt due to dehydration, Younis Khan once again emerged as India's bogeyman, while stand-in skipper Misbah-ul-Haq (70 not out off 62 balls) ensured it remains an all-round memorable outing for him.

Younis' unbeaten 117-ball knock was studded with 11 fours and a six.
A win on Wednesday night would have sent India to Sunday's summit showdown against Sri Lanka and Dhoni's men will now need to get past the islanders when they return to the National Stadium in less than 24 hours for their last super four stage match.

Pakistan meet Bangladesh day after and going by form, the hosts should not have much of a problem taming the minnows. In such a case, run rate might play a vital role in deciding who play the Lankans on Sunday.

Earlier opting to bat first, India rode on a breezy start and half centuries from Dhoni and Rohit to go past the 300-mark.

Dhoni walked out in the middle with India struggling on 91, having lost three quick wickets in 10 balls, and proceeded to play a sensible and patient knock of 76 before falling in the penultimate over.

A fifth wicket stand of 112 from 139 balls by Dhoni and Rohit kept India going after they had slumped to 129 for four despite a breezy opening stand of 88 between Gautam Gambhir (35) and Sehwag.

In the final overs, Irfan Pathan, playing his first game of the tournament, struck a breezy unbeaten 38 from 25 balls to push the total beyond 300.

Both the Indian openers were in terrific form, pouncing on the loose balls on the true National Stadium pitch as Pakistan without their regular captain Shoaib Malik, wilted a bit.
Gambhir went after hitting four boundaries when he drove hard at a full ball from Iftikhar and was caught by Shahid Afridi in the covers.

In the next over, Sehwag, who had batted beautifully for his 49 from 33 balls with six fours and two sixes, perished as keeper Sarfraz Ahmed took a fine low catch to give Rauf a well deserved wicket. Five balls later, in-form Suresh Raina (1) hooked Rauf straight to Salman Butt at deep square leg.

Yuvraj Singh (37) was his usual confident self, playing some stunning straight drives and swinging Tanvir to square leg for a six before he was out, leaving it to Dhoni and Rohit to steady the ship.

Asia Cup will be a close contest: Malik

New Delhi: Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik believes the forthcoming Asia Cup would be an open contest with Pakistan, India and Sri Lanka all having equal chances of winning the final.
"I wouldn't say any team is favourite. India is a strong and balanced side but we showed in the tri-series final they can be beaten. So in a way this Asia Cup I think is going to be the closest one in recent years," Malik told reporters at the national stadium on Friday.

Twenty Pakistani probables began their training in a conditioning camp for the continental tournament with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, the notable player, missing from action.
The national selectors dropped the experienced Akmal from the short list of players giving a proper chance to young Sarfraz Ahmed to prove himself.

Malik said Pakistan's only advantage in the coming tournament would be that it would be playing in home conditions.

"Other than that all three top teams are balanced and can win on their day. The pitches also don't make much of a difference as there is no dew problem in Karachi at this time of the year even at night time," he said.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/asia-cup-will-be-a-close-contest-malik/32264-13.html

Asif desperate to watch B'desh tri-series

Mumbai: Unable to play for Pakistan in the ongoing tri-series in Bangladesh due to detention for possession of drugs on June 1 in Dubai, pace ace Mohammad Asif said he was missing the action as he was not even unable to watch ODIs on television.

"No I have not been able to watch the Pakistan-India match," he said from his Dubai detention area on Tuesday night.

Asif's only interview an Indian journalist after his detention, carried in the Mid-Day newspaper, was made possible through the efforts of two airport police authorities.

They said that though Asif's cellphone had been confiscated, and there was no direct telephone line inside the 'jail', the bowler could contact the journalist by using a pay phone.

"What's the score? Is Pakistan winning", Asif had asked about the match in progress on Tuesday night.

"There are no TV sets here. Only news we get is from morning newspapers", he said. "The language is also a problem to deal with the authorities. They speak Arabic and don't understand what I say," he added.

"I have made few freinds over here. We chat most of the time. They also like my company," he added.

Few Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis are detained at the airport for various reasons.
Asif chatted for about five minutes, and didn't seem to be nervous in the jail. "I shall play football," he said jokingly when asked what would he do if banned by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

He evaded the question about the hakeem, who, Asif says, had supplied the drugs.

"Yes, I offer namaaz three-four times a day. There is a prayer room and Pakistani people don't miss namaaz at various time during day. Insh-Allah, I shall be free soon," he signed off.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/asif-desperate-to-watch-bdesh-triseries/32118-13.html

We want to beat India by 150 runs: Lawson

Dhaka: After crushing Bangladesh by 70 runs, Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson says his team would now look to extend its 12-match unbeaten run by routing arch-rivals India by a bigger margin.

An elated Lawson said Pakistan just had to play their natural game without allowing the pressure of the contest to get to their nerves.

"We do not want to treat the match as a must win one and put ourselves under pressure. We want to play our own game,"

Lawson said about the match, a win in which would assure Pakistan a place in the finals.
On what the team's strategy would be against India, obviously stronger opponents than Bangladesh, the Australian said it was not meant to be discussed in the media.

"I would prefer to discuss strategies against India with my players rather than telling the media. I would like to score a 150-run win over India on Tuesday," he said.

Lawson was all praise for his bowlers and said the team won because of a coordinated effort.
"We analysed our matches against Bangladesh so far in the recent past and decided on our strategies to success. Our batsmen, particularly the top order and the bowlers did a fantastic job. It was a total coordinated effort," Lawson said.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/we-want-to-beat-india-by-150-runs-lawson/32061-13.html

Dhoni's men hope to make it unlucky 13th

Dhaka: With the euphoria of Indian Premier League all but settled, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his team will have to quickly get back into the One-day mode to snap Pakistan's 12-match winning streak when the traditional rivals face off in the cricket tri-series here on Tuesday.

Pakistan routed Bangladesh by 70 runs in the tri-series opener on Sunday night to extend their unbeaten streak to 12 matches and it would be a tough task for Dhoni's young Indian side to halt the arch-rivals.

Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson has already sounded the war bugle when he said that his wards would look to thump India by a bigger margin to make it 13 wins in a row.

India, severely under-strength because of pre-tournament injury woes, would be in for further trouble as opener Virender Sehwag is a doubtful starter due to high fever. Besides, the team is still awaiting the arrival of pacer S Sreesanth's replacement Manpreet Singh Gony.

With seniors like Sachin Tendulkar, recovering from a groin injury, and Harbhajan Singh, serving a ban for slapping Sreesanth during the IPL, not in the ranks, it would be anything but easy for Dhoni's young brigade against Pakistan.

The team had a feel of the ground and the conditions on Sunday and put in three hours at the indoor nets after rain prevented any outdoor practice session.

The short tri-series, being seen as a warm-up for the Asia Cup late this month in Pakistan, is crucial for the Indians as it provides an opportunity for players like all-rounder Yusuf Pathan, spinner Piyush Chawla and Gony to show their worth in absence of the seniors.

With the pitch at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium likely to assist the batsmen, India's new-look bowling attack, to be spearheaded by Irfan Pathan and Ishant Sharma, will be severely tested.
No doubt, the Indian team has the batting strength to score heavily on a strip like this but it remains to be seen how their bowlers contain hard hitters like Salman Butt, Kamran Akmal, Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan and Muhammad Yousuf.

The much-anticipated contest meanwhile faces a major threat from the weather gods. The opener itself was truncated because of intermittent drizzle and this match too could see rain interruptions.

As for the Pakistani attack, the medium-pacers, particularly young talent Wahab Riaz, were impressive in last night's win over Bangladesh. But with Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif missing from the attack, it remains to be seen how Sohail Tanvir and his bowling colleagues fare against India's star-studded line-up.

In the batting department, though Butt, Yousuf and Misbah looked in good nick, Pakistan's line-up still sports a vulnerable look and even Bangladesh, with their limited options in the bowling department, shot them out in 39.3 overs.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/dhonis-men-hope-to-make-it-unlucky-13th/32060-13.html

Asif stays in detention, no decision on trial

Dubai/Karachi: Mohammad Asif continues to languish in detention with the Dubai Attorney General and Public Prosecutor's office on Monday not taking any decision on whether to trial the Pakistani pacer for alleged possession of contraband drugs or deport him.

The law firm hired by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to bail out Asif also declined to make any comments on the issue that has become an increasing source of embarrassment for Pakistan's cricket authorities.

Nadeem Akram, the senior PCB official in Dubai, said no decision had been taken on Asif's case and they were still awaiting a word from the Attorney General's office.

"All these rumors off him being charged are not true. I will not substantiate them. The position is that the AG has yet to decide on the report of the Prosecutor and until that is done Asif will remain in detention," Akram said.

No official was willing to give a deadline on when a decision from the authorities in Dubai can be expected, an indication that perhaps the pacer's ordeal is far from over.

Sources close to the case said that the board, despite its best efforts, was also still not sure if Asif would be released as there was now a 50-50 chance of the case going either way.

Senior board officials also said to have raised the Asif issue with Pakistan's top security official Rehman Malik in Islamabad on the sidelines of a meeting held to review security arrangements for the Asia Cup and the Champions Trophy.

The pacer on Sunday appeared before the prosecutors along with his lawyers following which the case was forwarded to the Attorney General of Dubai.

Asif remained detained since he was caught with contraband drugs at the Dubai airport on his arrival from Mumbai on June 1. Asif was going to Lahore after playing in the Indian Premium League for the Delhi Daredevils.

The fast-bowler would face a minimum of four years in prison if charged and found guilty.

Akram, meanwhile, told Khaleej Times that Asif's lawyers have sought a meeting with the Dubai Attorney General.

"Our lawyers have requested a meeting with the Dubai Attorney General but no time has been fixed as yet," Akram said.

Chief Prosecutor Mohammed Rustom told the daily that a decision was expected any time this week.

"If the case is referred to the court, what kind of charges will be pressed against him has still to be determined. We cannot anticipate the results of the ongoing investigation," Rustom said.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/asif-stays-in-detention-no-decision-on-trial/32066-13.html

'Transition to ODIs from T20 will be smooth'

Press Trust Of India
Posted on Jun 09, 2008 at 15:15 Updated Jun 09, 2008 at 20:35

Dhaka: India coach Gary Kirsten ruled out any Indian Premier League hangover on the team and asserted that the transition from Twenty20 to One-Day cricket would be smooth for his wards in their tri-series opener against arch-rivals Pakistan here on Tuesday.

Talking to reporters ahead of the match, Kirsten said the team think-tank have done enough to ensure that the players swiftly adjust into the One-Day mode.

"It is something we have given some considerations and thoughts too. We need to make sure that our game plan and strategies are designed for 50 overs cricket. It is different to what they did in IPL. So, we worked hard during the last two days to get things right," Kirsten said.

The Indian players just finished their assignment in the 44-day IPL and had hardly any breathing space as they flew in here for the tri-series.

Asked if they were made to play too many matches, Kirsten said, "That is the reason that the selectors have chosen a pretty young side for this tournament and the Asia Cup.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/transition-to-odis-from-t20-will-be-smooth/32062-13.html

India, Pakistan set to spice up dull series

Digvijay Singh Deo CNN-IBN

Dhaka: India versus Pakistan: a cricketing rivalry that sets pulses racing anywhere in the world at any time. And in Dhaka on Tuesday the two teams will face off in the shadow of the high of the IPL. But India's coaching staff is hopeful that the IPL hangover is well and truly over.

The mood in the Indian camp is relaxed yet gung-ho about a battle with old rivals Pakistan. The weather gods haven't been kind but the management hasn't allowed it to dampen the spirits.
"There is no issue of motivation about the intensity the guys are going to play with. They know they are representing their country, it's a big game," coach Gary Kirsten says, dispelling murmurs of lack of commitment.

Virender Sehwag missed the practice session due to a light fever but he is expected to be fit and available for selection. The lack of experience isn't worrying the team too much. This is a building block after what the young guns achieved in Australia.

"There are still some senior players who are available to play One-day cricket for India, and certainly they are going to be considered. I think every team in the world needs to go through this transition, repairing," Kirsten adds.

Pakistan didn't break any sweat in thrashing the hosts and opted to have a rest day. They are on a 12-match winning streak and a young team is ready for India.

"We have won 11 (now 12) in a row which is a record for Pakistan, but we would like to take that much further. And hopefully with a win in this tournament it would be the ideal start," says Pakistan coach Geoff Lawson.

The advantage of having a young side is that they are fearless and they don't care too much about the opposition. Pakistan are on a hot streak and come into this match after having registered 12 successive wins on the trot. But India are keyed up and the stage is set for a classic before the final.

Source: http://www.cricketnext.com/news/india-pakistan-set-to-spice-up-dull-series/32067-13.html