How about a bit of support for Shoaib!

[Oxy]

Salaam....

Love him or loathe him, quite simply he IS our main strike bowler. He is the ONLY one who has any respect from the opposition batsman. He is the only Pak bowler that can strike FEAR into the hearts of the opposition.

Pak are not blessed with much depth. Look at England: Harmisson/Hoggard/Jones between them cleaned Saffies up. When one fails, another takes over the responsibility. What has Sami done when Shoaib has not fired???

If it wasnt for Shoaib, Pak would have capitulated into test defeat within 2 days!!!

I dont like the guys attitude sometimes; he doesnt always APPEAR to give his all to the team cause and his off-field antics worry me. My main concern is his lack of fitness and stamina. Englands fast bowlers were putting in spells of 11-12 overs when Harmisson/Anderson cried off and bowling 20-22 overs a day!!!

I'm getting peed off with our joke of a PCB calling an ENQUIRY after every series!

Sure Pak beat Aus without Shoaib, but we were battered by WIndies WITHOUT Shoaib!

If Pak do not select Shoaib Akhtar for the Indian tour, we might as well as forfeit the series right now, as the mighty Sami and Rao Iftikhar wont be striking any fear into Indian hearts.

Shoaib may be our Premier jerk/jester/joker/clown and all-round off-field disgrace BUT, he also happens to be our PREMIER and most successful FAST BOWLER.

I mean, I could post hundreds of pictures of Pak film stars/ drama actors & actresses and pop stars posing in various states of undress and laughably, that is called 'artistic expression'.

Genius is often flawed and needs guiding-perhaps we also need to cast doubt on the way he is being handled?

[Fessal]

The guy dosent deserve backing. All is explained on the other threads. The guy is mentally unstable and a disgrace.

Read these threads: http://pakpassion.net/ppforumlive//viewtopic.php?t=248

and

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforumlive/viewtopic.php?t=237

[Fessal]

I am sorry to say Oxy bhai, but only people worthy of support deserve backing and support. Shoaib dosent unless he gets a personality changeover and behaves. Doubt that can happen so easily as this man never learns.

[Oxy]

Well using that rationale, Imran Khan was a disgrace for his nightclubbing/drinking/womanising (then getting someone to write books on it!).

Pak team is not as good as you guys make out. They have a threadbare squad with some pretty pathetic bowlers as back up! Those dreaming of Umar Gul and Shabbir setting the world on fire (IF) they return need a reality check.

Shoaib is our ONLY hope in the bowling department. Any one who cannot see that is drinking the stuff that Shoaib was! He is not mentally unstable-he is just his own man, doing his own thing, in his own way.

How about the Captain/Management learn some man-management techniques to cope with the loose cannon in the side?

[the true passionist]

well i agree shoaib is our strike bowler...
but believe me if his attitude remains the same when Shabbir and Gul are fit he will be in trouble as is Lee...
Shabbir and Gul are ideal make of bowlers!!!tall high arm actions...just need some experience..they will deliver....

[Oxy]

I am afraid there is an element of double standards with us fans. Shoaib is labled a disgrace, yet Imran a legend (which he is!); Wasim and Waqar get arrrested for having got drunk on rum and 2 fine women on a Carrabean beach, then Waqar is CONVICTED of drink-driving....yet there were no over-reaction.

Like I said, Genius is Flawed. Needs guidance and nurturing.

I'm behind him (on the field) 100%, despite him being a total jerk off the field.

[Oxy]

STOP DREAMING OF UMAR GUL and SHABBIR!!!

If Umar Gul gets fit...if Shabbir gets a clean/legal action back again.........................................

There is nothing ACTUAL about those guys...only POTENTIAL...and potential doesnt win many matches in this fiercly competitive era of cricket.

[Fessal]

I still disagree bhai.

Yes, Imran did those things but it's not all about nightclubbing and stuff etc. With Shoaib it's everything added up, his attitude, commitment, mentality, communication with captain coach etc and refusing to listen, his 'I am god's gift attitude', his bullshite talk and much much more as well as his injuries.

At least Imran Khan who was the greatest Pakistani player of all time, did not let all his personal things like drinking and womanising affect his performances. Imran didnt let it and always made sur he tries and keeps cricket and off-field non cricket stuff separate. When Imran was on the field he always gave his 100% and looked after himself in terms of body and fitness. Offcourse Imran too made mistakes as he is human but not in the way as Showboy actor, *****, figjam, tw@t..call him what u like.

[Oxy]

Well we will never see the like of our great leader Imran Khan again.

Its a different generation; a different breed of cricketer. People are probably less shocked in Pak than they are in UK!!!

South Africa didnt approve of Herchelle Gibbs drinking during the night, so they fined him. Simple as that! Why do we have to drag this thing out for weeks and months, then get President Musharraf making comments on it?

For God sakes, PCB should fine him-tell him its unacceptable, and get on with the next game.

The ONLY that really concerns me is his appalling injury record recently and more alarmingly his total loss of stamina.

[Fessal]

I am afraid there is an element of double standards with us fans. Shoaib is labled a disgrace, yet Imran a legend (which he is!); Wasim and Waqar get arrrested for having got drunk on rum and 2 fine women on a Carrabean beach, then Waqar is CONVICTED of drink-driving....yet there were no over-reaction.



Bhai, I have always believed and thought quite a lot of actions and things Waqar, Wasim and even Imran did was a disgrace including those u mentioned. If u have access to old pp database u can see. Right now we are talking about Shoaib and I am afraid his disgracefulness is much much higher and in a new level compared to the others u mention etc.

Sure what wasim and co did at times was disgraceful but the thing is Wasim and Co did perform much much more regularly, they let cricket do most of the talking, werent talking rubbish to media etc and boasting 24/7 that they this and that and gonna do this and that..and didnt fail.

I did say even if Shoaib performs he should be dropped at least for his other behaviours, (as should have been Wasim, Waqar when they behaved like that), or anyone who behaves like that - dosent matter how big a star they are NOBODY is above the team and country.

[Fessal]

Well we will never see the like of our great leader Imran Khan again.

Its a different generation; a different breed of cricketer. People are probably less shocked in Pak than they are in UK!!!

South Africa didnt approve of Herchelle Gibbs drinking during the night, so they fined him. Simple as that! Why do we have to drag this thing out for weeks and months, then get President Musharraf making comments on it?

For God sakes, PCB should fine him-tell him its unacceptable, and get on with the next game.

The ONLY that really concerns me is his appalling injury record recently and more alarmingly his total loss of stamina.

Your right about Gibbs but then people like Gibbs learn and listen from their mistakes and accept them as mistakes. Unlike Shoiab who never does. It dosent matter how much u fine him he will still do the same and he will also go and talks cr@p about the situation to the media.

[Oxy]

I guess I am saying that that was a different era of the game (80'/90's).

Its all about 'celebrity and super-stardom' in Pakistan, whether its Pak sport, fashion or entertainment industry.

We have to accept that this is the way things are done in Pak. I mean, a few months back one of Pak's most famous pop stars was arrested in his flat with a female and male model in a drunken and lewd state' (interpret that as you want) but it didnt seem to bother Pak (I was there at the time).

Its now acceptable to be 'brash/arrogant/big headed etc'.

Sure I dont like it, but I know the state of play and just live with it.

The bottom line is that we BOTH disapprove of the antics of Shoaib, but are reacting in different ways to it.

[Fessal]

Fair enough if thats how u feel Oxy, but a lot of people like me can't accept it and believe it to be unacceptable.

My bro just returned from Pak yesterday and he says that there is a lot of disgust and anger about Shoaibs behaviour and all. This also being in the media that he should be dropped. So even people in Pak are fed up.

[Oxy]

Actually Gibbs doesnt learn. He has been in trouble at least 6 time in his career...but the SACB have learned to live with it.

[Oxy]

I agree. There will be anger from the media-it makes good copy for them. They didnt hesitate in splashing all the nightclub pics on their front page.

However, the elite/ruling classes that seem to run things in Pak will welcome him with open arms to their 'Baighairaty Club'...which is what he ultimately wants.

[Fessal]

OK... fair enough..Gibbs is another one like Actor but not as much in comparison to Actors antics. Actors antics seem to be much more wider and diverse(not just drinking) and he has been in trouble quite a few times too.

[Sage]

Anyone who has a problem with Shoaib's off-field activities but conveniently overlooks the activities of legends such as Imran, Akram, and Waqar is a hypocrite. At least Akhtar hasn't been caught (yet!) smoking dope. Like I said in a previous post, its only when these activities affect his on-field behavior or his activities are disruptive to the team.

Unfortunately, its very hard to gauge his affect on the team, especially due to the sensationalization of the media. I don't disapprove of his activites, because its his own personal choice and none of my business. Sure, fine him but it won't change his behavior. Only if you drop him, will he get back in shape and stop bragging to the media.

[Fessal]

Oxy I can see your angle and view point too..but believe in what I said much strongly. Your right about Paks ruling elite 'Baighairaty Club'.

[Oxy]

Fessal...remember, if we had a Hoggard or a Kasprowicz to take over from Shoaib, then I would be agreeing with you as he would not be guaranteed of a place in the starting XI, however, we have Sami who is the most overated Pak bowler ever; then we have Rao Iftikhar (less said the better) and 2 cripples (Gul/Shabbir) who may never bowl again!!!

[Fessal]

Who has overlooked wasim and imran etc's activities??? I ceartainly never have now or in the past so please stop making accusations. I have clarified all that in earlier post. Yes, there maybe many who do overlook it but not me.

[Muddaser]

Simple fact is, our attack is toothless at present without Shoaib.

Sami doesnt have the mental strength to lead our attack.

Shabbir is a chucker and injury prone.

So is Umar Gul and I doubt he will be the same after injury. A one match wonder if you ask me.

Kaneria only takes wickets when the batsmen are attacking to put Pakistan back in to bat.

He is one of only 2 world class test players we have at the moment.

The other being Inzamam.

[Oxy]

Basically gentleman....if Pak had any bowlers worthy of playing and having moderate success, we could drop Shaoib, and then guage how hungary he is for success.

Pak structure has let us down badly.

[Fessal]

I know what u r all saying, and I understand but for me there are much important things than winning a cricket match that can't be comprimised.

[Fessal]

Oxy,
do u think the 'middle class' and 'lower class' (not in the bhagairt club see Shoaib's activities as ok and normal?? do they just accept the night clubbing, womanising, drinking etc as normal?

[Oxy]

Baighairats prosper in Pak society. If Ican slightly go off topic, I live in the same street as the aunty of one of Pak's most famous models. The aunty teaches Quran, the niece (who is the model) strips and reveals a bit of **** and ****for a living....and back in Pak, this has given more status than she could ever have dreamed of.

The more shameess you are, the more $$$ you earn and the more doors that are opened in the 'Baigharait Club'.

So to answer your question...not only do they ACCEPT his behaviour, they ASPIRE to be like him.

[Fessal]

So u don't think something seriously wrong with Shoaiba nd he's not mentally stable with many comments and showering off praise to himself??? and stupid things he says as well such as "u knowwwwwa.....i laaav my eyes... i just stare at mirror for hours lookin at them..." lol
Lol.. if he does that he must be mental and nobody sane would talk like that.

Ok, he may not be completley mental but he's got a screw loose somwhere.

As for the PCB just telling him off and saying its not acceptable and moving onto next game: well didnt they do that before with him more than once??? after the india series etc. Thing is this man never learns and listens and thats why this time a firm stance should be taken.

[Fessal]

Well said Oxy bhai about the bhaighrat's in Pak society.

Anyway, well have to agree to disagree to extent on mr Actor. We'll just have to wait and see and Inshallah the best course will happen for the sake of Pak cricket and Pakistan.

[Oxy]

As I said earlier Fessal, Shoaib has been very badly handled over the last 2 years, and you have to blame Gentle Giant Inzi ; Rameez and his cronies for that.

I cannot see this guy ever getting better-only worse.

BUT our hands are tied as we have NO CREDIBLE alternatives. My 6 year old will take a wkt before Rao Iftikhar does!!!!!!!!!


All I can say is that we should be grateful to Rana Naved for his contributions since 2004. Otherwise, with Sami to rely on, we would be ranked 10 in both forms of the game.

[Grasshopper]

Yeah rite support him when hez partying with sluts ,support him when hez pretending to be unfit ,support him when he keeps bowling at 100m/h (tries) and gives myriad runs,support him when he does'nt obey the skipper,support him when he takes drugs knowingly they are banned and i wonder why he is not touted.A pragmatic paradigm of a great sportsmen for the young players ,follow it and get respect and admiration.

[Invictus]

Yeah rite support him when hez partying with sluts ,support him when hez pretending to be unfit ,support him when he keeps bowling at 100m/h (tries) and gives myriad runs,support him when he does'nt obey the skipper,support him when he takes drugs knowingly they are banned and i wonder why he is not touted.A pragmatic paradigm of a great sportsmen for the young players ,follow it and get respect and admiration.

I am sure he does not need or want your support in any of the above mentioned activities except for the bowling. He is a professional athlete. He is paid to play cricket, whatever he does off the field is his business. As long as he produces on the field, which he has been for the past year, it should be all good.
Unless you would like to be judged by the same yardstick. He is not a role model he never was and he never asks anyone to make him one. And dont give me the kids look upto him crap. If your kids are looking upto Shoaib for guidance then you are not doing a good job as a parent. He got famous at a young age. That comes with its own trappings. It easy for me and you to sit here and say well he could have just said no but if half of us are presented with the same opportunities we would do the same.

[safehands46]

lol

pakpassion is becoming so funny.

Classic comments. This what pakistan cricket does to the mind of fans.

The whole Imran - shoaib comparison.

Its gentlemen vs paindu debate.

sluts vs actress debates. Good times.

But if he is guilty he is guilty.

[pakistani pride]

i back him and most here on pakpassion do !

[sporticus]

I always thought he was a fantastic bowler who seems to save his best for England .I remember telling Australians on another forum that if he bowled at them like he did last year at England Pakistan would beat Aus .
Now though he has been found to have drugs in him so he should get a 2 years ban because no matter what the circumstances that is the rule for this type of drug in world sport

[Khalil]

I find it strange so many people hate Shoaib simply because he occasionally drinks. Even Jesus (Nabi Issa) drank. (Remember the last supper)

Our cricket is not much healthier than that of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe without Shoaib

[infamous9383]

Shoaib is wanted in the Pak team along with Asif. No doubt there.

[Jimmy two-times]

Shoaib is a legend without doubt no matter what the haters say.

I dont understand why people have to bring his private life into the debate without him are bowling attack would be no better than the likes of minnows like bangladesh and india.

Refresh your minds and watch this and you will be left in no doubt how much he has given to pakistan cricket over the years:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zq3NSAakoEg

[MIG]

I find it strange so many people hate Shoaib simply because he occasionally drinks. Even Jesus (Nabi Issa) drank. (Remember the last supper)

Our cricket is not much healthier than that of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe without Shoaib

Thats it - you have won the argument right there - well done Khalil. I will now support Akhtar until my NamazeJanaza....

[Grasshopper]

Shoaib has created a vaccum which can only be filled by breaking speedometer.On the contrary shoaib has given ample opportunities to other 100m/h "fait accompli" to bribe hair for breaking speedometer and his laws of partisanage.These words may sound paradoxical but it is manifest from the fact that shoaib is guilty just becoz he cant prove himself innocent.Why dont they arrest nandrolone.Where is she??

[Perth93]

i saw that colombo spell vs the ozzies live.
i saw that yorker to tendya.
i saw that bouncer to lara.
i may not see anything more ever after, but i then i have enough to tell my grandkids. shoaib makes you proud of being a cricketfan.

[Romali_rotti]

I find it strange so many people hate Shoaib simply because he occasionally drinks. Even Jesus (Nabi Issa) drank. (Remember the last supper)
Our cricket is not much healthier than that of Bangladesh and Zimbabwe without Shoaib

Dont you read your Quran, according to the Quran Jesus never had a last supper or was cruzified :15: ...

[Ilyas]

Let's see if Shoaib really has a fan base inside of Pakistan, who will go beserk during the upcoming Windies Series...If that happens, it will be good for Shoaib...

[Nauman]

Let's see if Shoaib really has a fan base inside of Pakistan, who will go beserk during the upcoming Windies Series...If that happens, it will be good for Shoaib...
Yes lets support him for taking drugs so that he can take more.

[floatingslip]

I hope he can sort himself out a bit. Don't know what the effects of having all these supplements will be on his body but can't be that good. I have more sympathy for him than anger.

[Nakhuda]

We'll miss Shoaib's aggression and wickets but lets also remember that he's also one of the world's most expensive bowlers partly due to his electric pace,batsmen just need to get some wood on it and it'll race away to the boundary!.I've no time for junkies besides you reap what you sew,he's made his bed to let him lie in it.I've always got the impression that he secretly wishes he were Indian,he's always visiting the place and telling us how many friends he's got there so perhaps he'd like to relocate and try his hand in a Bollywood movie or something!.On his day he can be explosive but such days are very few cos either he's injured or involved in some other controversy,eventually it all caught up with him.He's certainly our fastest and most threatening bowler when fully fit but no one is bigger then the game so in conclusion where as i'll miss him but a part of me is also glad that this crock and show-off has been put in his place!

[Inswinging Yorker]

Those who do drugs deserves every bit of punishment that comes their way :))

i will not support those people. :12:


they are adults who knows right from wrong :13:

[Oxy]

Disclaimer:

This thread was created by me in Feb 2005 when Shoaib was getting it from all quarters!

I would NEVER create such a thread to support anyone found guilty of steroid abuse!

That had to be said as many people are assuming this thread has been created today!

[nafajafam]

Pah!! not much, if at all.

[Poison]

Excellent thread Oxy, well timed. :akhtar

[Ali888]

Salaam....

Love him or loathe him, quite simply he IS our main strike bowler. He is the ONLY one who has any respect from the opposition batsman. He is the only Pak bowler that can strike FEAR into the hearts of the opposition.

Pak are not blessed with much depth. Look at England: Harmisson/Hoggard/Jones between them cleaned Saffies up. When one fails, another takes over the responsibility. What has Sami done when Shoaib has not fired???

If it wasnt for Shoaib, Pak would have capitulated into test defeat within 2 days!!!

I dont like the guys attitude sometimes; he doesnt always APPEAR to give his all to the team cause and his off-field antics worry me. My main concern is his lack of fitness and stamina. Englands fast bowlers were putting in spells of 11-12 overs when Harmisson/Anderson cried off and bowling 20-22 overs a day!!!

I'm getting peed off with our joke of a PCB calling an ENQUIRY after every series!

Sure Pak beat Aus without Shoaib, but we were battered by WIndies WITHOUT Shoaib!

If Pak do not select Shoaib Akhtar for the Indian tour, we might as well as forfeit the series right now, as the mighty Sami and Rao Iftikhar wont be striking any fear into Indian hearts.

Shoaib may be our Premier jerk/jester/joker/clown and all-round off-field disgrace BUT, he also happens to be our PREMIER and most successful FAST BOWLER.

I mean, I could post hundreds of pictures of Pak film stars/ drama actors & actresses and pop stars posing in various states of undress and laughably, that is called 'artistic expression'.

Genius is often flawed and needs guiding-perhaps we also need to cast doubt on the way he is being handled?

hear here

[Oxy]

Excellent thread Oxy, well timed. :akhtar

Why? What's happened?

Thread is 5 years old BTW - before someone thinks I posted it 5 mins ago....

[Easa]

Why? What's happened?

Thread is 5 years old BTW - before someone thinks I posted it 5 mins ago....
So, five years on, is Shoaib still worthy of support?

[Stewie]

Its kind of funny but in some ways he IS still the bowler in our team opposition will be most fearful of even after 5 years have passed.

[Poison]

Why? What's happened?

Thread is 5 years old BTW - before someone thinks I posted it 5 mins ago....

Sarcasm ... is lost.

[Paradox]

:)) This thread still makes sense.

The only bowler the opposition will actually 'fear' or have a 'fear' of losing their wickets against is this guy, and to an extent, Aamer.

[Awesome_Username]

:)) This thread still makes sense.

The only bowler the opposition will actually 'fear' or have a 'fear' of losing their wickets against is this guy, and to an extent, Aamer.

If there's a hint of movement in the wicket, :asif >> :akhtar + :aamir

[Poison]

If there's a hint of movement in the wicket, :asif >> :akhtar + :aamir

Maybe you do the forgettings, but Akhtar is undoubtedly the most intelligent fast bowler in our team. If there's a hint of movement in a wicket he's most likely to exploit it to the fullest [see multiple examples, South Africa 06 et al]

:misbah

[cricwiz]

Some threads never grow old

[mastermind_quad]

He already past his prime ..its not good to have so much of expectation from him coz if he fails ppl will start bashing him left n right.....and there is every chance he'll not come good...!!

[Paradox]

Maybe you do the forgettings, but Akhtar is undoubtedly the most intelligent fast bowler in our team. If there's a hint of movement in a wicket he's most likely to exploit it to the fullest [see multiple examples, South Africa 06 et al]

:misbah

This.

[Awesome_Username]

Maybe you do the forgettings, but Akhtar is undoubtedly the most intelligent fast bowler in our team. If there's a hint of movement in a wicket he's most likely to exploit it to the fullest [see multiple examples, South Africa 06 et al]

:misbah

Akhtar is very intelligent indeed (except for that short time that he was mindlessly pursuing the 100 mph mark in the early 2000's) and can swing the bowl at lethal pace occasionally, but off the wicket, in terms of movement, I don't think there's a better bowler in the world than Asif.

[Poison]

Akhtar is very intelligent indeed (except for that short time that he was mindlessly pursuing the 100 mph mark in the early 2000's) and can swing the bowl at lethal pace occasionally, but off the wicket, in terms of movement, I don't think there's a better bowler in the world than Asif.

Eh, in any case; they're both pretty g-r-e-a-t bowlers. :asif

[Paradox]

Asif on dead pitches usually doesn't work out well though, see the World Twenty20 (a month ago).

[Easa]

Are we playing a Test at Trent Bridge?

Asif with the new ball at the start of an overcast day at Trent Bridge might just make my summer.

[Poison]

Asif on dead pitches usually doesn't work out well though, see the World Twenty20 (a month ago).

See Karachi Test.

Asif is a Test match bowler.

[Awesome_Username]

Asif on dead pitches usually doesn't work out well though, see the World Twenty20 (a month ago).

Well yes. :asif on a completely dead pitch = :Sami on any pitch

[sully3]

will he do it all over again

is he going to prove us wrong.

i have my doubts tbh

[Usman]

5 years on, this thread doesn't really apply today. I disagree that Shoaib would be the one to instill fear into the opposition. Honestly speaking, I think Asif does that job. Running in and bowling 95 mph is not the be all and end all. Asif not dissimilar to Glen McGrath, is an incredibly intelligent bowler and I think will play a big part this summer.

[Stewie]

those who doubt Akhtar do so at their own peril. I think you can talk to any international batsman that has faced him and he will vouch for it that Shoaib is definitely a very smart and intelligent bowler.

His fitness and attitude problems are what end up disappointing him and his fans but lets not underestimate his intelligence and nous of fast bowling.

if he had the fitness of Imran or McGrath he would have taken 600 plus test wickets easily.

[Sledger]

I disagree that Shoaib would be the one to instill fear into the opposition. Honestly speaking, I think Asif does that job.
Not really in limited overs cricket. Just get through 2-3 overs of his and that's it a buffet of 8 after that. Akhtar's record speaks for itself and even if he's lost pace, which he will have, he's a very canny cricketer.

[Ali888]

Current rating of our bowlers in terms of class,form,fitness and fear engendered in opposition on ALL surfaces

Akhtar
Aamer
Asif

The key thing however is Akhtar has never bowled in recent times with such a complete 'attack' and the combination could bring out the best in all of them

[Stewie]

ali i dont know about fitness man.. i have major doubts about shoaib's fitness but he when fully fit he is probably the most complete fast bowler i have ever seen. pace, swing, bounce, seam, slower variations. the guy was a monster when in full flow.

[Ali888]

he bowled eight overs in a row in the heat and in a competitive match, i have never seen him bowl such a prolonged spell in my life

he looks in the best shape of his life right now

if he is used sparingly in a proper attack where the attack burden is not on him alone i reckon we could see the best of him

[jalex382]

he bowled eight overs in a row in the heat and in a competitive match, i have never seen him bowl such a prolonged spell in my life

he looks in the best shape of his life right now

if he is used sparingly in a proper attack where the attack burden is not on him alone i reckon we could see the best of him


Are you sure about this?

[Monsee]

Disclaimer:

This thread was created by me in Feb 2005 when Shoaib was getting it from all quarters!

I would NEVER create such a thread to support anyone found guilty of steroid abuse!

That had to be said as many people are assuming this thread has been created today!



This seemed to have escaped the 12 year old clan!

[Stewie]

he bowled eight overs in a row in the heat and in a competitive match, i have never seen him bowl such a prolonged spell in my life

he looks in the best shape of his life right now

if he is used sparingly in a proper attack where the attack burden is not on him alone i reckon we could see the best of him
lipu can do that to you? :)

[AtifUk]

Still, He has been selected and WILL be representing OUR country.

My 100% support is with Akhtar. (Long as he behaves)

[adnan yasin]

he is a gr8 fast bowler


but living an indiscipline life as a sportsman ... health and behavioral issues

I think too much of alcohol has ruined his body and thats the case with freddie as well..

BEER really makes u fat if its us in excessive quantity

hopefully he ll be fit from now on .. this is his last chance .. * I suppose*

[kkmix]

True, I was watching the 99 Culcutta test highlights, and was watching Akhtar bowl, and realiazed what we have been missing in last few years, we have lost such a world class bowler through mismanagement by PCB, Hopefully he comes back as strong as 99, and he is as fit as ever.

[pakcricketfan]

Good to see a thread supporting Shoaib Akhtar! ;-)

I hope he doesn't disappoint us this time around. If he does again, then good bye to him for ever.

[prune]

It might be more prudent to put that disclaimer into the very first post, rather than midway, even though whatever suggestion was being responded may have come later on.

You just know many people can and will easily miss that date.

[Usman]

Not really in limited overs cricket. Just get through 2-3 overs of his and that's it a buffet of 8 after that. Akhtar's record speaks for itself and even if he's lost pace, which he will have, he's a very canny cricketer.

And what makes you say that Asif serves up 8 overs of bad bowling in a odi match? It's just a silly statement plucked out of thin air. And in any case, I was talking about real cricket where the quality of a bowler is really tested, and that is test cricket.

Sledger, you like too many other Pakistani fans suffer from 'the grass is greener on the other side syndrome'. When we had Shoaib, and when he didn't perform, everyone wanted him out because of his 'attitude'. Despite the fact that we now are much better resourced than 5 years ago, with the emergence of Asif and Aamer, some fans, without watching a single ball from Akther in the last 3 years are immediately prepared to put him above Asif and Aamer.

Some people always have this irrational belief that whatever we don't have is bound to be better than what we do have.

All that I am saying is that at this moment in time, Asif, as a proved world class act in Australia, is the guy who will daunt the opposition. Fact. Now Akther, if he still has it in him and if he's changed his attitude could become an asset for the team. However, as it stands right now, there are a lot of ifs and buts with Akther, and it is up to him to prove the selectors right for selecting him this summer. But without even seeing him play for over 3 years, to then say he is better than the no. 4 (and rising) bowler in the world just doesn't make sense.

[Atif]

True, I was watching the 99 Culcutta test highlights, and was watching Akhtar bowl, and realiazed what we have been missing in last few years, we have lost such a world class bowler through mismanagement by PCB, Hopefully he comes back as strong as 99, and he is as fit as ever.

lol thats 10 years ago, i very doubt he is strong as 99, but he is still capable of producing those deliveries which are unplayable.

[AtifUk]

And what makes you say that Asif serves up 8 overs of bad bowling in a odi match? It's just a silly statement plucked out of thin air. And in any case, I was talking about real cricket where the quality of a bowler is really tested, and that is test cricket.

Sledger, you like too many other Pakistani fans suffer from 'the grass is greener on the other side syndrome'. When we had Shoaib, and when he didn't perform, everyone wanted him out because of his 'attitude'. Despite the fact that we now are much better resourced than 5 years ago, with the emergence of Asif and Aamer, some fans, without watching a single ball from Akther in the last 3 years are immediately prepared to put him above Asif and Aamer.

Some people always have this irrational belief that whatever we don't have is bound to be better than what we do have.

All that I am saying is that at this moment in time, Asif, as a proved world class act in Australia, is the guy who will daunt the opposition. Fact. Now Akther, if he still has it in him and if he's changed his attitude could become an asset for the team. However, as it stands right now, there are a lot of ifs and buts with Akther, and it is up to him to prove the selectors right for selecting him this summer. But without even seeing him play for over 3 years, to then say he is better than the no. 4 (and rising) bowler in the world just doesn't make sense.

Good post. :14:

[Sledger]

And what makes you say that Asif serves up 8 overs of bad bowling in a odi match? It's just a silly statement plucked out of thin air. And in any case, I was talking about real cricket where the quality of a bowler is really tested, and that is test cricket.
I was talking about ODI cricket. Err, yeah, it's called a generalisation. I think we all know Asif's effectivness goes down a few times over once the ball is older. Even then, unless the conditions are suiting, his new ball spell can be seen out comfortably by the better sides - there's not much of a fear factor if the wicket is a road. As for you talking about 'real cricket', I believe you've not understood the fact that Akhtar has been selected for an ODI series and that this thread is about him alone, not Pakistan's test bowling line. The referenced quote is as follows;
The only bowler the opposition will actually 'fear' or have a 'fear' of losing their wickets against is this guy, and to an extent, Aamer.
Obviously, this poster can clarify either way what he meant but I thought he was referring to ODIs in isolation as I don't see Shoaib lasting a test too often and Aamer isn't the quality of Asif in the longer form.
Sledger, you like too many other Pakistani fans suffer from 'the grass is greener on the other side syndrome'. When we had Shoaib, and when he didn't perform, everyone wanted him out because of his 'attitude'. Despite the fact that we now are much better resourced than 5 years ago, with the emergence of Asif and Aamer, some fans, without watching a single ball from Akther in the last 3 years are immediately prepared to put him above Asif and Aamer.Speaking of plucking stuff out of thin air. I've always said Asif is a mediocre ODI bowler and when he was gone, I didn't think he was a great loss in any form bar tests (where he was a huge loss). Similarly, I've always thought Akhtar has been a superb bowler in any form. For your info, I didn't actually want him in the ODI line up, I just wanted him to play T20s and if he showed enough fitness possibly give him a push to go the WC. Not sure why you're insisting on painting everyone with the same brush. With the exception of Asif being hit by the bat, I didn't want him out due to 'attitude' problems. Believe me, I haven't altered my views because he's coming back - I full well know he's made of glass and I'd still rather have him in the shortest form for now. Now that he's coming back though, I don't feel a reason to call him pre-schooler names like 'Mr. Fatness', I'd rather back him as a player for the country.
All that I am saying is that at this moment in time, Asif, as a proved world class act in Australia, is the guy who will daunt the opposition. Fact. Now Akther, if he still has it in him and if he's changed his attitude could become an asset for the team. However, as it stands right now, there are a lot of ifs and buts with Akther, and it is up to him to prove the selectors right for selecting him this summer. But without even seeing him play for over 3 years, to then say he is better than the no. 4 (and rising) bowler in the world just doesn't make sense.Agree with all of this but, again, I'm not talking about test match cricket so it's null and void in the context of this thread.

[Monsee]

That day is nigh when Mr. FAsT Bowler's 12 year old fans will be slitting their wrists and their hero will be walking on Pakistan again,...the higher you put him on the pedestal, bigger the blood shed.
As if he cared for anyone but MeeMeeMee!

[Monsee]

lol thats 10 years ago, i very doubt he is strong as 99, but he is still capable of producing those deliveries which are unplayable.


That was actually some 11+ years ago...and look at his physique then and now; current Shoaib can have a baby the size of Shoaib from back then :akhtar

[PB]

That was actually some 11+ years ago...and look at his physique then and now; current Shoaib can have a baby the size of Shoaib from back then :akhtar
Weren't you a Mod? :13:
__________________

Yes, go Akhtar, we needed him 5 years a go, and 5 years later, we still need him..

But we got Aamer now, then we had that guy named Khalil. :))