Claiming to have regained top fitness, pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar, named in the Federal Areas’ squad for the forthcoming Pentangular Cup one-day tournament, is eager to make the most of the chance in order to launch international comeback.
Shoaib is eyeing the Pentangular Cup limited-overs tournament, getting underway on April 17, as a stage to launch his bid to return to international cricket, from which he has been absent for nearly a year.
“I am thankful to the cricket board for giving me this opportunity to prove myself again and I want to give it my best effort,” cricket365 quoted Shoaib as saying.
Shoaib’s last appearance for Pakistan came last year in a Twenty20 International against Australia in Dubai, whereas he played his last Test back in December 2007.
Persistent fitness problems, emergence of Mohammad Aamir coupled with the return of fellow paceman Mohammad Asif, have pushed Shoaib further down the national selectors’ list.
“Now that the surgery has been done and the rehabilitation process has also gone well, I am back to my top fitness [level]. And the knee problem is no longer a hindrance for me to give my best on the field,” he added.
Having missed out on selection for Pakistan’s World Twenty20 squad, the enigmatic fast bowler is targeting the July series against Australia, to take place in England, for his comeback to the international fold.
“The England tour would be the perfect place for me to come back as it has good conditions for bowling and the best facilities for a bowler coming back from an injury,” said Shoaib
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
latest cricket news(questionmark on selection of umar gul in T-20 WC)
Pakistan Cricket Board on Tuesday constituted a medical panel to decide if pacer Umar Gul and all-rounder Yasir Arafat are fit to play in the Twenty20 World Cup.
The 25-year-old Gul sustained a shoulder injury while fielding at a training camp in the eastern city of Lahore last week, but managed to bowl with a short run-up on Tuesday.
All-rounder Yasir Arafat, 28, also injured his calf muscle and is awaiting a fitness test before the team departs on April 24.
Team manager Yawar Saeed said Gul felt no pain and is on the path to recovery.
“We had MRI scans on both Gul and Arafat and a radiologist also examined them. Gul bowled three overs in the nets with a short run-up and felt no pain, so we are hopeful and will take fitness test on Saturday,” Saeed told AFP.
Gul was also confident he will recover in time for the team’s departure.
“I bowled three overs in the camp off a short run,” he told AFP.
He said that there was no tear in his shoulder muscles and ligaments which meant it was not a serious injury.
“It’s not a serious injury and the pain has subsided in the last two days. I felt no pain today, so God willing I will start bowling with full run-up before Saturday.”
Gul is the most successful bowler in Twenty20 history with 43 wickets in 26 matches and also recorded best-ever figures in a Twenty20 match when he took 5-6 against New Zealand in the World Twenty20 in England last year.
He told cricket website Pakpassion.net that the injury came during fielding drills.
“I dived for the ball and landed awkwardly and jarred my shoulder. It was one of those things that can happen at the blink of an eye. It’s been painful and sore, but I’m thankful that the injury has improved greatly”.
Arafat has played just seven T20 matches, taking six wickets. He was replaced mid-way through last year’s World Twenty20 in England after sustaining an injury.
Saeed said there will be no compromise on fitness.
“We have already said no half-fit players will go for an important event like the World Twenty20, so we will examine both players extensively before taking a final decision,” he said.
PCB announced that the medical board would examine the two players and also review their MRI scan reports to decide if they can be available for the World Cup.
“The medical board basically will give us a clear picture of whether the two players can be fit for the World Cup. Although their injuries are of grade-one category (not serious) we don’t want to take any chance with the fitness of any player for such a major event,” sources quoted a board official as saying.
He said the team management and national selectors were firm that any player even if he was 90 per cent fit would not be going to the World Cup.
“That is why the medical board will give us a clear picture of whether these two players can go to the World Cup as their initial MRI scan reports were not very clear,” he said.
The four-man medical panel includes Dr Zia Farooqi, Dr Waqar Farooqi, Dr Sohail Saleem and team physiotherapist, Faisal Hayat.
The 25-year-old Gul sustained a shoulder injury while fielding at a training camp in the eastern city of Lahore last week, but managed to bowl with a short run-up on Tuesday.
All-rounder Yasir Arafat, 28, also injured his calf muscle and is awaiting a fitness test before the team departs on April 24.
Team manager Yawar Saeed said Gul felt no pain and is on the path to recovery.
“We had MRI scans on both Gul and Arafat and a radiologist also examined them. Gul bowled three overs in the nets with a short run-up and felt no pain, so we are hopeful and will take fitness test on Saturday,” Saeed told AFP.
Gul was also confident he will recover in time for the team’s departure.
“I bowled three overs in the camp off a short run,” he told AFP.
He said that there was no tear in his shoulder muscles and ligaments which meant it was not a serious injury.
“It’s not a serious injury and the pain has subsided in the last two days. I felt no pain today, so God willing I will start bowling with full run-up before Saturday.”
Gul is the most successful bowler in Twenty20 history with 43 wickets in 26 matches and also recorded best-ever figures in a Twenty20 match when he took 5-6 against New Zealand in the World Twenty20 in England last year.
He told cricket website Pakpassion.net that the injury came during fielding drills.
“I dived for the ball and landed awkwardly and jarred my shoulder. It was one of those things that can happen at the blink of an eye. It’s been painful and sore, but I’m thankful that the injury has improved greatly”.
Arafat has played just seven T20 matches, taking six wickets. He was replaced mid-way through last year’s World Twenty20 in England after sustaining an injury.
Saeed said there will be no compromise on fitness.
“We have already said no half-fit players will go for an important event like the World Twenty20, so we will examine both players extensively before taking a final decision,” he said.
PCB announced that the medical board would examine the two players and also review their MRI scan reports to decide if they can be available for the World Cup.
“The medical board basically will give us a clear picture of whether the two players can be fit for the World Cup. Although their injuries are of grade-one category (not serious) we don’t want to take any chance with the fitness of any player for such a major event,” sources quoted a board official as saying.
He said the team management and national selectors were firm that any player even if he was 90 per cent fit would not be going to the World Cup.
“That is why the medical board will give us a clear picture of whether these two players can go to the World Cup as their initial MRI scan reports were not very clear,” he said.
The four-man medical panel includes Dr Zia Farooqi, Dr Waqar Farooqi, Dr Sohail Saleem and team physiotherapist, Faisal Hayat.
latest news(imran khan to deliver lecture at MCC)
Former Test captain and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan will become the first Pakistani to deliver the MCC ‘Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture’ at Lord’s here on July 19.
Previous speakers are former England captain Geoffrey Boycott, South Africa’s Archbishop Demond Tutu and former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.
Imran’s address will take place two days after the conclusion of Pakistan-Australia Test match at Lord’s, owned by the MCC.
MCC President John Barclay, who played alongside Imran for Sussex County in the 1970s and 1980s, said: “Imran was an inspired cricketer. He was never short of opinions and rarely was he reluctant to hold back. We’ll be in a treat on July 19 when Imran displays the depth of his knowledge and breadth of his experience
Previous speakers are former England captain Geoffrey Boycott, South Africa’s Archbishop Demond Tutu and former Australian wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.
Imran’s address will take place two days after the conclusion of Pakistan-Australia Test match at Lord’s, owned by the MCC.
MCC President John Barclay, who played alongside Imran for Sussex County in the 1970s and 1980s, said: “Imran was an inspired cricketer. He was never short of opinions and rarely was he reluctant to hold back. We’ll be in a treat on July 19 when Imran displays the depth of his knowledge and breadth of his experience
latest cricket news(afridi & younis appeal sanctions)
Pakistan twenty20 captain Shahid Afridi and Younus Khan filed appeals on Tuesday after being disciplined by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said Afridi filed his appeal in person against a fine of three million rupees ($35,000) for ball tampering during the one-day international series against Australia in January.
Younus' lawyer, Mohammad Ahmed Qayyum, said he had faxed his client's appeal to the PCB and had also delivered a copy to PCB headquarters in Lahore.
Former captain Mohammad Yousuf and Younus were banned indefinitely reportedly due to infighting that affected the team in Australia.
''We have a strong case against this indefinite ban,'' Qayyum told The Associated Press. ''Younus was never heard during the inquiry committee meetings and his advice was only sought how to improve the performance of the national team.''
Qayyum said he wants the appeals to be heard in front of the media so that ''people should know the truth.''
The PCB formed an inquiry committee, headed by its chief executive officer Wasim Bari, after Pakistan lost the test series 3-0 to Australia and was routed 5-0 in the ODI series. It also lost the only twenty20 international.
Last month, the PCB implemented all the recommendations of the committee and imposed fines and or bans on seven players.
Afridi was captain in the fifth ODI at Perth when he was caught on camera biting the ball. Apart from the PCB fine, he was banned for two twenty20 internationals by the International Cricket Council.
Former captain Shoaib Malik was banned for one year and fined two million rupees ($23,500) for ill discipline. He and Yousuf are yet to file appeals.
Kamran and Umar Akmal were fined for ill discipline while Rana Naved was fined two million rupees and banned for one year for underperforming in the twenty20 game against Australia. All three players are appealing their punishments.
PCB legal adviser Taffazul Rizvi said Afridi filed his appeal in person against a fine of three million rupees ($35,000) for ball tampering during the one-day international series against Australia in January.
Younus' lawyer, Mohammad Ahmed Qayyum, said he had faxed his client's appeal to the PCB and had also delivered a copy to PCB headquarters in Lahore.
Former captain Mohammad Yousuf and Younus were banned indefinitely reportedly due to infighting that affected the team in Australia.
''We have a strong case against this indefinite ban,'' Qayyum told The Associated Press. ''Younus was never heard during the inquiry committee meetings and his advice was only sought how to improve the performance of the national team.''
Qayyum said he wants the appeals to be heard in front of the media so that ''people should know the truth.''
The PCB formed an inquiry committee, headed by its chief executive officer Wasim Bari, after Pakistan lost the test series 3-0 to Australia and was routed 5-0 in the ODI series. It also lost the only twenty20 international.
Last month, the PCB implemented all the recommendations of the committee and imposed fines and or bans on seven players.
Afridi was captain in the fifth ODI at Perth when he was caught on camera biting the ball. Apart from the PCB fine, he was banned for two twenty20 internationals by the International Cricket Council.
Former captain Shoaib Malik was banned for one year and fined two million rupees ($23,500) for ill discipline. He and Yousuf are yet to file appeals.
Kamran and Umar Akmal were fined for ill discipline while Rana Naved was fined two million rupees and banned for one year for underperforming in the twenty20 game against Australia. All three players are appealing their punishments.
latest cricket newS(smith declared fit)
Africa captain Graeme Smith was cleared to return to training on Monday after fracturing his finger playing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) last month.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) said its medical team was satisfied the opening batsman had made a “complete recovery.” He injured his finger taking a catch for the Rajasthan Royals on March 15.
Dr Mohammed Moosajee said Smith could resume training ahead of the ICC World Twenty20, which begins in just over two weeks’ time. South Africa play their first match against India on May 2.
Moosajee also said Smith picked up a “slight fever” last week but should be ready to start practising on Wednesday.
Fast bowler Wayne Parnell and all-rounder Justin Kemp have both missed out on South Africa’s 15-man squad for the 12-team World Twenty20 because of injury.
Bowler Juan Theron is the only uncapped member of the squad. Theron was the man-of-the-match on his debut for the Kings XI Punjab in this year’s IPL.
The Proteas will play Twenty20 warm-up matches at Barbados against Sri Lanka on April 27 and England on April 28.
South Africa also play two Twenty20 Internationals, five ODIs and three Tests against the West Indies after the World Twenty20 tournament.
Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Jacques Kallis (vice-captain), Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wicket-keeper), A.B. de Villiers, J.P. Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Juan Theron, Roelof van der Merwe.—
Cricket South Africa (CSA) said its medical team was satisfied the opening batsman had made a “complete recovery.” He injured his finger taking a catch for the Rajasthan Royals on March 15.
Dr Mohammed Moosajee said Smith could resume training ahead of the ICC World Twenty20, which begins in just over two weeks’ time. South Africa play their first match against India on May 2.
Moosajee also said Smith picked up a “slight fever” last week but should be ready to start practising on Wednesday.
Fast bowler Wayne Parnell and all-rounder Justin Kemp have both missed out on South Africa’s 15-man squad for the 12-team World Twenty20 because of injury.
Bowler Juan Theron is the only uncapped member of the squad. Theron was the man-of-the-match on his debut for the Kings XI Punjab in this year’s IPL.
The Proteas will play Twenty20 warm-up matches at Barbados against Sri Lanka on April 27 and England on April 28.
South Africa also play two Twenty20 Internationals, five ODIs and three Tests against the West Indies after the World Twenty20 tournament.
Squad: Graeme Smith (captain), Jacques Kallis (vice-captain), Loots Bosman, Johan Botha, Mark Boucher (wicket-keeper), A.B. de Villiers, J.P. Duminy, Herschelle Gibbs, Rory Kleinveldt, Charl Langeveldt, Albie Morkel, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Juan Theron, Roelof van der Merwe.—
latest cricket news(danish kaneria pleads not guilty, PCB says play on )
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicated Monday that Danish Kaneria would be spared disciplinary action unless and until corruption charges against the leg-spinner were proven.
Reports in the British media have alleged the 29-year-old is one of two players at English county side Essex being probed by English police investigating “match irregularities” - an accusation Kaneria himself told AFP last week was “baseless”.
And PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan, speaking at Lord's here on Monday, knocked back suggestions Kaneria might be suspended from international cricket while under investigation.
“I think it's very important that first these allegations are proven,” Zakir told reporters. “Then, of course, action will be taken.” Zakir was speaking at a Lord's press conference unveiling the sponsorship by the ground's owners, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), of the neutral Test and Twenty20 series between Pakistan and Australia in England in July.
“We wouldn't want to comment on some of the reports that have appeared in the press recently,” said MCC's Australian secretary Keith Bradshaw.
“Those matters are being investigated.” The allegations contained in Friday's edition of the London Daily Telegraph centre around 'spot-fixing', whereby players conspire to stage a betting coup on a minor aspect of the game rather than fix the result of the match itself.
“It's a serious issue,” Bradshaw said regarding 'spot-fixing' as a whole.
“I know the ICC (International Cricket Council) are putting a lot of their resources into it and that's probably all that needs to be said.”
Kaneria, speaking to AFP in Lahore last week, said: “The story in the newspaper is baseless. I have played my cricket for Pakistan as well as for Essex, with pride and honesty.
“For the last two years I have been Essex's best performer and have never done anything wrong.”He added: “No-one from Essex has contacted me, but I will be ready to undergo any investigation.
I will also take legal advice on such baseless reports.”Kaneria has taken 254 wickets in 58 Tests since making his debut against England in 2000
Reports in the British media have alleged the 29-year-old is one of two players at English county side Essex being probed by English police investigating “match irregularities” - an accusation Kaneria himself told AFP last week was “baseless”.
And PCB director of cricket operations Zakir Khan, speaking at Lord's here on Monday, knocked back suggestions Kaneria might be suspended from international cricket while under investigation.
“I think it's very important that first these allegations are proven,” Zakir told reporters. “Then, of course, action will be taken.” Zakir was speaking at a Lord's press conference unveiling the sponsorship by the ground's owners, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), of the neutral Test and Twenty20 series between Pakistan and Australia in England in July.
“We wouldn't want to comment on some of the reports that have appeared in the press recently,” said MCC's Australian secretary Keith Bradshaw.
“Those matters are being investigated.” The allegations contained in Friday's edition of the London Daily Telegraph centre around 'spot-fixing', whereby players conspire to stage a betting coup on a minor aspect of the game rather than fix the result of the match itself.
“It's a serious issue,” Bradshaw said regarding 'spot-fixing' as a whole.
“I know the ICC (International Cricket Council) are putting a lot of their resources into it and that's probably all that needs to be said.”
Kaneria, speaking to AFP in Lahore last week, said: “The story in the newspaper is baseless. I have played my cricket for Pakistan as well as for Essex, with pride and honesty.
“For the last two years I have been Essex's best performer and have never done anything wrong.”He added: “No-one from Essex has contacted me, but I will be ready to undergo any investigation.
I will also take legal advice on such baseless reports.”Kaneria has taken 254 wickets in 58 Tests since making his debut against England in 2000
latest Cricket News(Lord's would welcome India v Pakistan test )
Lord's chief executive Keith Bradshaw said on Monday he would welcome the opportunity to host a test between Asian powerhouses Pakistan and India at the headquarters of world cricket next year.
Pakistan, who are forced to play home matches on neutral territory because of security fears, start a two-test series against Australia at Lord's on July 13. The Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord's, is sponsoring the series.
“We have certainly thought about future matches but I can't say we have had any formal discussions,” MCC secretary and chief executive Bradshaw told Reuters.
“India are touring here next year so the prospect of an India-Pakistan neutral Test (at Lord's) is certainly an attractive one but it's not one we have had any official talks on to this point.
“It's probably not for the MCC to be involved in the negotiations, I guess they would be between India, Pakistan and the ECB (England's board), but I would say our doors are open and we would love to see that cricket come here.”
India were scheduled to tour Pakistan early last year but refused to travel because of security concerns. They were replaced by Sri Lanka who were victims of an armed attack in Lahore in which six of their players were wounded.
“The United Arab Emirates has been our only neutral venue to date but the Pakistan Cricket Board is looking for other venues,” Pakistan Cricket Board marketing manager Tariq Hakim told Reuters.
“This particular series in England is a test case as a neutral venue and the indications are that we have succeeded and that we will use England in future matches also because of the huge expatriate crowds.
“The early indications are that the two test matches and Twenty20 internationals (against Australia) are going to be jam-packed.”
Asked about a Pakistan-India series in England, Hakim replied: “The boards have to decide about that but, yes, there has been a willingness that they would love to see Pakistan play over here in England.”
Bradshaw said Lord's had bid “a high amount” to stage the test but added he did not expect to lose money.
“The MCC, we feel, has a global role and it's not just about the domestic game here in England,” he said. “I would like to think there would be more neutral tests played here in England and, of course, at the home of cricket at Lord's.
“We are always willing to open our doors to neutral tests and we looked at how we can help cricket in Pakistan in a more tangible way so the decision to sponsor the series was twofold.”
Pakistan, who are forced to play home matches on neutral territory because of security fears, start a two-test series against Australia at Lord's on July 13. The Marylebone Cricket Club, which owns Lord's, is sponsoring the series.
“We have certainly thought about future matches but I can't say we have had any formal discussions,” MCC secretary and chief executive Bradshaw told Reuters.
“India are touring here next year so the prospect of an India-Pakistan neutral Test (at Lord's) is certainly an attractive one but it's not one we have had any official talks on to this point.
“It's probably not for the MCC to be involved in the negotiations, I guess they would be between India, Pakistan and the ECB (England's board), but I would say our doors are open and we would love to see that cricket come here.”
India were scheduled to tour Pakistan early last year but refused to travel because of security concerns. They were replaced by Sri Lanka who were victims of an armed attack in Lahore in which six of their players were wounded.
“The United Arab Emirates has been our only neutral venue to date but the Pakistan Cricket Board is looking for other venues,” Pakistan Cricket Board marketing manager Tariq Hakim told Reuters.
“This particular series in England is a test case as a neutral venue and the indications are that we have succeeded and that we will use England in future matches also because of the huge expatriate crowds.
“The early indications are that the two test matches and Twenty20 internationals (against Australia) are going to be jam-packed.”
Asked about a Pakistan-India series in England, Hakim replied: “The boards have to decide about that but, yes, there has been a willingness that they would love to see Pakistan play over here in England.”
Bradshaw said Lord's had bid “a high amount” to stage the test but added he did not expect to lose money.
“The MCC, we feel, has a global role and it's not just about the domestic game here in England,” he said. “I would like to think there would be more neutral tests played here in England and, of course, at the home of cricket at Lord's.
“We are always willing to open our doors to neutral tests and we looked at how we can help cricket in Pakistan in a more tangible way so the decision to sponsor the series was twofold.”
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