MEDIA

Lahore, Oct.30 (ANI): Worried by the widespread controversy that emanated following contradictory statements made by cricketers after the team’s defeat in the ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has re-imposed a media gag on the team.

The PCB has asked the newly appointed team manager for the UAE one-day series against New Zealand, Abdul Raquib to maintain a strict code of conduct during the series.

PCB insiders said board chairman Ijaz Butt was furious over the way captain Younis Khan, vice-captain Shahid Afridi and other senior players openly criticised the team management after the ICC Champions Trophy.

“He has told Raquib and Bari (Wasim Bari, PCB’s Chief Operating Officer) to make it clear to the players that no more violations of the code would be tolerated,” The Nation quoted sources, as saying.

Sources said Bari would brief the members of the national  squad asking them to adhere to the revised code of conduct before they leave for Abu Dhabi. (ANI)

NEWZ

MELBOURNE - Cricket Australia has reached an in-principle agreement to host the game’s biggest draw-card, India, in four out of six summers under the new Future Tours Program (2012-2017).

The new deal means that teams like the West Indies and Pakistan may not get the same public billing as world cricket’s other two heavyweights-South Africa and England.
Australia already visits India, the financial heartland of the modern game, for either Tests or one-day internationals every year, and commences a seven-game ODI series in Vadodara on Sunday.
Under the new arrangement, which is not yet set in stone but has the provisional backing of the International Cricket Council, India would come to Australia almost as often, visiting for Tests one summer and one-dayers the next, news.com reports.
“The objective has been to spread the quality of touring teams over the period so that we get better value for the fans. If we get it right, we could have India touring here in four out of six years during the next FTP period,” said Cricket Australia spokesman Peter Young.
There is an obvious benefit to hosting India more regularly - the value of television rights to CA when India’s stars are in town exceeds television revenue for an Ashes tour because of the huge, cricket-mad population on the subcontinent. (ANI)

Ramiz says retaining of Younis as captain has ended uncertainty in Pak cricket

Lahore, Oct.21: Former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja is pleased with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to retain Younis Khan as the captain of the national squad, saying the rejection of Khan’s resignation would improve the team’s performance.
“I am happy that the decision has been taken and a period of uncertainty in our cricket has been ended that started with Younis’ resignation,” Raja said.
“It was necessary to continue with Younis as captain to ensure the rebuilding process of the team was not derailed and we keep on improving as a team which has done well this year,” he added.
Raja also expressed happiness over the ending of the controversy, saying the incident was harming the image of the game.
“This controversy was bad for the image of Pakistan and that is why I am happy that it has ended and the board has also shown some strength,” The Daily Times quoted Raja, as saying.
He, also supported Khan over his reaction to the match fixing allegations, saying any person would have reacted in the same manner as he (Younis Khan) did.
“Any sane person would react in such a manner when such allegations are made against you despite giving your best for the team. The players now need to concentrate on the coming Test series in New Zealand and Australia, which are very important for us,” Raja added. (ANI)

JAMSHED DASTI

Karachi: Jamshed Dasti, the parliamentary sports committee chief who ignited a storm by hurling match-fixing charges at the Pakistan cricket team earlier this month, says that he wants to ensure that cricket is run in a professional manner in the country.

Dasti told reporters here on Tuesday that he believes that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is not functioning properly. He said the committee will try to bring administrative changes within the Board.

He claimed that the committee had complete support of President Asif Zardari, who is PCB's chief patron.

Dasti came under fire last week after Pakistan captain Younis Khanresigned because of the allegation of match-fixing against his team during the ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

Dasti took a swipe at the PCB, saying that the senior Board officials were trying to avoid an audit which he believed should be carried out soon.

"During the stint of the previous PCB chairman, there were huge financial scams. This board is also trying to avoid having an audit of its funds which is why its officials are raising hue and cry over the function of the sports committee."

Dasti said in a TV interview that he suspected Pakistan threw its matches against Australia and New Zealand and later summoned PCB chairman Ijaz Butt and Younis Khan for a meeting at the Parliament House in Islamabad.

Younis resolution likely by Monday

Little clarity has emerged from two key meetings within the Pakistan Cricket Board centering around the future of Younis Khan as captain of Pakistan.




Younis met Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, on Thursday in Lahore and Butt then presided over a meeting on Friday with the chairman of selectors, Iqbal Qasim, the coach Intikhab Alam, the team manager Yawar Saeed, associate manager Shafqat Rana, and the team's vice-captain Shahid Afridi. Younis had been invited, but had informed the chairman that he would not be able to make it.



The PCB was unwilling to make any official comment on the conclusions of either meeting, save to say that a final announcement will be made "in the next couple of days." That is likely to be on Monday, after Butt meets the PCB governing board and discusses the matter with them as well. "We will make an announcement soon," Butt told Cricinfo. "I will not comment on either meeting but will say only that today's meeting was a regular debriefing of the kind we hold after big series and tournaments. We wanted to address issues and concerns arising out of the Champions Trophy. Younis had told me he would not be able to attend so there is nothing in his absence."



At least one board official, closely monitoring the situation - which arose with Younis' resignation at a National Assembly hearing looking into match-fixing allegations earlier this week - is privately confident that Younis will return. "The meeting with the chairman went fairly well yesterday from what I know. Younis told him what he would like and they are fairly just requests, so I expect they will be accepted and he will return," the official told Cricinfo.



Reports in local media yesterday said that Younis had asked for a guarantee of his captaincy tenure till the 2011 World Cup, but both the official and sources close to Younis have denied such a demand was made. "He is realistic enough to know that such a long-term assurance is not possible in Pakistan," the official said. "But he does want the board to announce him captain for longer than just on a series-by-series basis. Maybe for the next six months or so, but more than a specific time he just wants some stability so he can plan how his team will be and how it should play."



The other matter supposedly discussed at Younis' meeting with Butt is possibly more telling. Younis, it is believed, wants to streamline the process of selecting the final XI; during the Champions Trophy, as many as five people were often involved in selection, including the captain, vice-captain, coach, manager and associate manager. Younis wants the panel to be reduced: captain, coach and a member of the selection committee at home and captain and coach on overseas tours.



Friday's meeting is believed to have discussed these conditions. Additionally, Qasim wants senior players in the team to have a meeting among themselves, to clear the air so to speak, over issues that have been floating around the team since Younis took over. Even though the board has denied it, speculation over the role of a lobby, led by Shoaib Malik, and Afridi's own desire to be captain, in trying to undermine Younis' authority is rife.



There are those close to Younis who believe, however, that the situation remains 50-50. "The conditions he has laid down at the meeting are things he has been requesting over the last 6-8 months. Not much has emerged about how the meeting with the chairman went but those two conditions were laid out. If the board doesn't agree to them, or compromises further on it, I can't see Younis changing his mind and coming back."

MEETING B/W YOUNUS N BUTT

Younis Khan and Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, have held a meeting in Lahore on Thursday to decide over the former's return as captain of Pakistan. The PCB released a short statement saying that a "detailed discussion was held" between the two, the details of which will be announced in the next few days.




Unconfirmed reports in the local media suggested that Younis presented to Butt a list of conditions under which he would reconsider taking up the lead role again. Chief among them was a required confirmation that he would remain ODI captain till the 2011 World Cup. There were also suggestions that Younis was unhappy with certain members of the team management and sought personnel changes.



Younis handed in his resignation as captain earlier this week, at a National Assembly committee hearing looking into allegations of match-fixing, after Pakistan's semi-final loss to New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy. Butt, however, refused to accept the resignation and has remained hopeful that he can get Younis to change his mind.

ALEEM DAR

Dismissing suggestions that umpiring in the ICC [ Images] Champions Trophy [ Images ] semi-final between Pakistan and New Zealand [ Images ] was biased, ICC elite panel umpire Aleem Dar said mistakes are bound to happen from match officials as they too are human beings.

The Pakistan umpire also came in support of his colleague Simon Taufel, who was openly criticised by a senior member of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and accused the Australian of favouring New Zealand in the vital match.

"Umpires are human beings and can make mistakes. I don't think Simon Taufel gave a wrong decision on purpose. Anyone can make mistakes, even I have made errors on the field," Dar told reporters at a function organised by the PCB to felicitate him for winning the ICC Umpire of the Year award.

Dar was presented with a cash award of half million rupees and a special souvenir by PCB chairman Ejaz Butt at the function held at the National Cricket Academy.

Dar also said he is in favour of utilising modern technology in cricket.

"In cricket the umpires will always be central figures but where modern technology is available for their assistance it should be used," he said.

Dar said he is proud to win the award for Pakistan and dedicated it to his father who had backed him a lot in his career.

YOUNUS DISSCUSSZ.....

LAHORE, Pakistan — Pakistan captain Younus Khan on Thursday met the country's cricket chief to discuss his future after submitting his resignation over match-fixing allegations.

The allegations were levelled by the chairman of the National Assembly sports committee following Pakistan's close one-wicket defeat against Australia in a group match and semi-final loss against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy held in South Africa in September-October.

Although the committee cleared the team of wrongdoing, Younus offered his resignation, saying he was offended by the accusations.

"I am hurt by the allegations of match fixing which forced me to resign. Now its up to the PCB to take a decision," Younus told AFP on Wednesday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, who has rejected the resignation despite Younus's insistence, said he would consider the matter.

"Chairman PCB met with Younus and a detailed discussion was held. Details of this meeting will be announced in (the) next few days," the PCB said in a statement.

The PCB chairman has also summoned team coach Intikhab Alam, manager Yawar Saeed, assistant manager Shafqat Rana and vice-captain Shahid Afridi to further discuss on Friday the team's performance during the Trophy.

Although the PCB gave no further details of the meeting, sources close to the PCB said Younus had requested that he be made captain until the 2011 World Cup to be held in the sub-continent.

"Younus has kept the option of taking the captaincy again but on certain conditions -- one of which is that he wants to remain in charge until the 2011 World Cup," a source told AFP.

The PCB chairman has promised to reply to Younus in the next few days.

Pakistan face New Zealand in a limited over series, three one-day internationals and two Twenty20 matches in the United Arab Emirates next month before touring New Zealand and Australia for Test series.

Experts believe because of the two tough tours, the PCB is unlikely to accept Younus's demands.

Younus's shock resignation offer is the latest twist in controversy-packed Pakistan cricket, rocked by fixing allegations, doping scandals, sackings of officials and incidents of player indiscipline.

TROUBLE

National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports puts Pakistan cricket in crisis

Disheartened and annoyed Younis quits captaincy

* PCB refuses to accept decision of star batsman, former Test cricketers blast politicians

By Muhammad Ali 

lahore: Pakistan cricket has plunged into fresh crisis as Younis Khan has resigned from captaincy. The drama took place in Islamabad on Tuesday during a National Assembly Standing Committee on Sports hearing that was held to discuss the performance of the national team in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa. Pakistan’s close one-wicket loss to Australia in a group match and their defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the semi-final by five wickets sparked allegations from a parliamentarian that the team threw the matches and under-performed deliberately.

This obtuse show started with a report in the Indian newspaper after Pakistan’s semi-final loss to the Black Caps and Younis’ crucial dropped catch off Grant Elliot. The bizarre Indian report hinted at match-fixing. The International Cricket Council (ICC) immediately cracked down on the report and though it was retracted the next day, but in Pakistan it was blown out of proportion in the following days without any sanity and logic.

Younis submitted his resignation during the hearing to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ijaz Butt, protesting the statement made by standing committee chairman Jamshed Dasti, who had made the allegations before retracting them and saying that he had been misunderstood. Dasti, however, summoned the team management including the captain and coach Intikhab Alam for the hearing to ‘clear the air’. To call the PCB officials and team skipper was perhaps the most illogical decision. Dasti’s allegations, retraction and the so-called hearing clearly showed that how much he loves to be in the limelight.

Younis refused to take back his resignation despite persuasion by Ijaz. Younis, who had taken strong exception to the allegations, had insisted that their last-ball win against Australia that closed the doors on India’s chances in the Champions Trophy was not fixed. He had also refuted claims that Pakistan had thrown away their semi-final game against New Zealand. Younis said he led the team with an injured finger and felt disappointed at being summoned for investigation. “I set an example and led the team from the front despite having my finger injured.” Intikhab, who was also present at the meeting, blamed the Indian media for raking up the controversy. “It was an emotional decision on the part of Younis to tender his resignation. It was a propaganda by Indians. We have rejected match-fixing allegations,” said Intikhab. The PCB chief said the 31-year-old captain’s resignation was rejected and the matter would be discussed later. “At this stage I can only say if he sticks to his decision then his resignation will be discussed by the Governing Council of the board at its next meeting on October 19,” Ijaz said.

The development has been criticised by former players, who blame it on political interference and called it a blow to the sport in the country. “Politicians have no need to interfere in cricket and they have not only snatched our captain but have damaged the game badly,” former captain Ramiz Raja said. “Our honourable captain was insulted by the investigation and we acted on baseless allegations.”

Another former captain Rashid Latif blamed the media and the PCB. “I think the media was irresponsible by relaying an inauthentic statement by someone and Younis, being an honourable man, resigned over that. I don’t see him taking his decision back,” he said. Former captain Aamir Sohail termed Younis’ decision ‘emotional’. “Younis has acted in haste and with emotion. The Pakistan team needs him and he shouldn’t have felt so strongly about the investigation. This is very common in Pakistan, so he should withdraw his resignation,” said Sohail.

Younis has a history with captaincy. He once stepped down from his role as stand-in skipper, days before the 2006 Champions Trophy, because he was unhappy with the board administration over a number of seemingly trivial issues. Once the administration changed, however, he took up the role again. A few months later, after the 2007 World Cup and Inzamamul Haq’s resignation, he turned down the captaincy claiming later that the environment and circumstances at the time were not right for him to take it up. He only took over as full-time captain in February this year, after Shoaib Malik was pushed aside.

There is no doubt that this entire exercise, without having substantial evidence, by the parliamentarians has not only demoralised the national team members but also ridiculed the country around the globe. After winning the Twenty20 World Cup in England this year, Pakistan cricket has seen a fairly upward trend in fortunes but the ‘circus’ like the one conducted by the standing committee has put the sport, considered a religion in this part of the world, in crisis. No one has ever seen lawmakers of other countries treading on this idiotic path: acting on speculations and maligning their sports stars without any credible proof. The honourable members of the National Assembly should concentrate more on solving problems of people of their constituencies, law-making and matters of national importance. They should stop playing with the integrity of national athletes who are always striving hard to put Pakistan’s flag on top of the world.

SHAHID AFRIDI

Shahid Afridi : straight drive	Shahid Afridi : Pakistan Leg spinner	Shahid Afridi's classical cover drive.	Shahid Afridi bowling action picture
Shahid Afrid : Man of series : World T20 2007	Shahid Afridi's best ODI bowling = 6/29.	Shahid Afridi : World Cup T20 2009.	Shahid Afridi : Fastest century record in ODI
Shahid Afridi : no defencive bone	Shahid Afridi's strong slog sweep.	Shahid Afridi's pull shot.	Shahid Afridi's square drive.
Shahid Afridi's strong appeal	Shahid Afridi : Pakistan's favorite cricketer.	Shahid Afridi celebrates a wicket.	Shahid Afridi : careless batsman

FANS, WIFES N GIRLFRIENDS

All images filed under 'Cricketer wife girlfriends' Perfect Indian cricket Bride and Groom. I love my wife Murali weds Madhi Cricketer with half naked fan Pakistani bride & groom Ricky with wife Rianna Mitchell Johnson with girlfriend Jessica Bratich Danish, his Wife & kid Andrew Symonds and his girlfriend Mr & Mrs Ricky Ponting Michael Clarke + Lara Bingle = picture perfect Sanath Jayasuriya and Family Mahela Jayawardene with Wife Nathan Bracken with Wife Srilankan cricketer Sangakkara with wife Yehali Mathew Hayden, wife and family at retirement Kallis GF Shamone Jardim + Steyn's GF Jeanne 2 England Cricketer Adam Hollioake + wife Sherryn Jaques Kallis with Miss South Africa Cindy Nell England Cricketer Andrew Flintoff + wife Rachel Graeme Smith + girlfriend Minki van der Westhuizen Australia cricketer Johnson + Jessica Bratich Kallis GF Shamone Jardim With Steyn's GF Jeanne Irfan Pathan with would be wife Shivangi Dev.

REPORT

Are you a cricket fan? Good, then following story would be interesting for you - what cricket (in which country) will be played by which country.. in short - International cricket schedule for year 2009.

The biggest cricketing extravaganza will be the second World Cup Twenty20 tournament which will be played in England in the month of June 2009, a year that starts with India vs Pakistan rivalry in the month of January. Personally, I enjoy watching West Indian fast bowlers bowl on aussie pitches and look forward to caribbean team's tour down under towards the end of this year.

Cricket fans must also note that there's a triseries in Srilanka (plus South Africa and India) which was washed out in 2007 and also the 7 one day International series (India vs Australia) to be played in the month of October. Pakistan's cricket schedule for year 2009 is probably the lowest along with West Indies and Srilanka but India, Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand play loads of cricket this year.

MUSHTAQ AHMAD

Karachi, Oct. 13 (ANI): Former Pakistani leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed has said the PCB should replace Pakistan captain Younis Khan with all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

“I think, it would be better if the PCB change the captain (Younus Khan) and give the responsibility to Afridi. As Younus himself has said it does not bother him if he is not the captain and he is willing to play as a senior member of the side,” The News quoted Mushtaq, as saying.

Mushtaq is leaving for South Africa this week to join England team as the bowling consultant.

Mushtaq’s comments  came a day after Afridi met with PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt to review the team’s performance in the Champions Trophy.

In November, Pakistan is scheduled to play a three-match one-day series against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi and two Twenty20 matches in Dubai.

captaincy.

“Afridi is one of those players, who, if given extra responsibility of captaincy will also raise his individual game. We saw that happen in the Champions Trophy tie against the West Indies when he put his head down and batted with responsibility,” Mushtaq said.

“The team needs to play more positively without fear and Afridi can bring that element to the team.

“Besides, as a senior player and vice-captain he is not bothered about seeking advice from other players. That is sign of a good captain,” he added. (ANI)

BREAK...

Sources close to Younus said a resignation letter indicated he wanted to take a break from cricket and would not be available for the upcoming series against New Zealand and Australia.

Cricket board chairman Ijaz Butt told reporters after the hearing he had asked the sportsman to withdraw his resignation.

"At this stage I can only say if he sticks to his decision then his resignation would be discussed by the governing council of the board at its next meeting on October 19," Butt said.

The uproar came during a meeting called to investigate the national team's defeats against Australia and New Zealand in the Champions Trophy this month.

Pakistan's had a close one-wicket loss to Australia in a group match.

They were also defeated at the hands of New Zealand in the semi-final.

Australia won the tournament, which was held in South Africa.

Jamshed Dasti, chairman of the political sports committee, alleged last week Pakistan deliberately lost the match against Australia, a result that threw arch-rivals India out of the Champions Trophy.

Dasti later withdrew his allegations, which the cricket board had already rejected.

YOUNUS KHAN QUITS

Pakistan cricket captain Younus Khan has offered his resignation after losses against Australia and New Zealand.

A politician alleged the Pakistani team deliberately lost the matches.

The 31-year-old said he was appalled and disappointed at being summoned by the Pakistan National Assembly's committee on sports.

"I tender my resignation and if captains are summoned like this, no one will be eager to lead the Pakistan team," Younus said at the start of the meeting.

"I have resigned as a captain," he later told reporters. "I won't say a word more."

PAK ACCUSED

ISLAMABAD — A Pakistani parliamentarian has accused the national cricket team of deliberately losing matches in this month's Champions Trophy tournament and has demanded an explanation from its coach, captain and chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

"We will be meeting with them on Oct. 13 as we feel the team deliberately lost the games against Australia and New Zealand," Jamshed Dasti, chairman of the Standing Committee on Sports in the Pakistan Lower House, told the Associated Press on Tuesday.

Pakistan was defeated by Australia in the last group match last week before losing to New Zealand in the semifinals.

"They lost to Australia just to keep India out of the tournament," Dasti said.

Australia might not have qualified for the semifinal had Pakistan won against the defending champion, and India could have advanced had they defeated West Indies by a big margin.

"There are lots of doubts on the performance of the team and we feel it has to be cleared by the PCB officials and the team management," Dasti said. "The way we lost in the semifinal, it has left the whole nation disappointed and the PCB has to give answers."

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam and captain Younis Khan returned home Monday, while PCB chairman Ijaz Butt remained in South Africa to attend International Cricket Council meetings.

It is not the first time that the parliamentary committee has summoned PCB officials, however the committee has only the power to give recommendations to the prime minister and the president.

"This time I can assure you that we will make sure our recommendations be given due considerations," Dasti said.

2009 T20 FINALZ