Saqlain for England!

[Billy]

http://www.sussexcricket.co.uk/news-events/news-desk/news-archive/?m_news_articlesID=261&b=100

Er...

This is new right?

[Luton Bad Boy]

Imagine Saqlain bowling for England and taking the wickets of Yousuf, Younis Khan and Afridi when they next play test match cricket.

Shows how poorly managed our cricketers are treated the list consists of:

Saqlain Mushtaq
Mushtaq Ahmed
Mohammad Akram
Azhar Mahmood

[Billy]

It won't ever happen.. unless every other spinner in England and Wales spontaneously combusts, but it's quite surprising that he's on the verge of qualifying for a British passport already.

I wonder if his knees will hold up ok.

[Uzzy]

I love the idea of Saqlain playing alongside Mushy and possibly Rana Naved for Sussex but, I'm not sure how i would feel if he played for England.

[UJ]

Good to see him getting back to playing some cricket. Dont think he will get the opportunity to play for England though.

[Luton Bad Boy]

or having Saqlain bowling in tandem with Monty, that would be better than the Kaneria and Hafeez combination we currently use any day of the week.

[Nauman]

Saqlain was pretty rubbish last time he played for Pakistan, I think we should just accept the fact that his fitness level is no longer what is required for international cricket besides last I saw him he didnt even spin the ball, kept on bowling doosras and that too on leg stump.

[isr]

Err .. just because he's applying for a British passport doesn't mean that he wants to play for England. He obviously sees his international career as over, so wants to prolong his time in county cricket - which is the last professional earning opportunity (in cricket) open to him.

I'm sure playing for England is the last thing on his mind. If Pakistan ever recalled him, he'd be there in a shot. BTW, even if he does have a British passport, can't he still represent Pakistan?

PS: remember, there were similar articles about Mushy a couple of years ago.

[SameerM]

I reckon he SHOULD play for England... it will show the PCB wat talen they HAD and abused!

[isr]

I reckon he SHOULD play for England... it will show the PCB wat talen they HAD and abused!

Sameer,

Screw the PCB, and go wash your mouth out with soap. No Pakistan player should EVER represent another country, in anything (cricket, hockey, tiddlywinks). If he does, he's a bloody disgrace, and should be kneecapped!!!!!

But I'm sure Saqi wouldn't even think of doing this ...
:25:

[Straight Bat]

Sameer,

Screw the PCB, and go wash your mouth out with soap. No Pakistan player should EVER represent another country, in anything (cricket, hockey, tiddlywinks). If he does, he's a bloody disgrace, and should be kneecapped!!!!But I'm sure Saqi wouldn't even think of doing this ...
:25:

Because his knees are already messed up mwahahaha

[Nauman]

I reckon he SHOULD play for England... it will show the PCB wat talen they HAD and abused!
It would only show beghairati on Saqlain's part more then anything else.

[SameerM]

why would it??

Sajid Mahmood, Amir Khan, Prince Naseem (yemenese) have represent England..no shame in that!!

U know u gonna get better treatment playing for England than u would pakistan

[SameerM]

IF u dont get picked for one country and another country wants u.. then wats the problem

[sameer]

in my view he have given up..he is getting british passport for a better and secure future(not in cricketing terms)and also his work for dawat and tableegh,i.e preaching islam in U.K

[Straight Bat]

It all depends on a matter of opinion, noone can justify what is wrong or right in this case.

[Billy]

I'm sure playing for England is the last thing on his mind. If Pakistan ever recalled him, he'd be there in a shot. BTW, even if he does have a British passport, can't he still represent Pakistan?


Yes, he can.

[SameerM]

I think to represent a country u need ur parents or grandparents to have been born in pakistan.. so u can 'officially' have roots there.

not sure 100% but its somthing like that...

[isr]

why would it??

Sajid Mahmood, Amir Khan, Prince Naseem (yemenese) have represent England..no shame in that!!

U know u gonna get better treatment playing for England than u would pakistan

Sajid and Aamir never represented Pakistan. They choose England. Their choice. No longer even 0.00001% Pakistani to me anymore. Period.

Saqi is Pakistani. Represented Pakistan. Played his heart out for Pakistan. Will never, and should never, even consider playing for another country.

A simple question of basic loyalty, and integrity.

[SameerM]

wot u mean no longer pakistani!!! of course they are

just because they LIVED in, bought up in and represent England dont mean their NOT Pakistani!
Gettin a bit BNP like Isr.. aint ya??

Thats ur opinion but its a bit ott aint it?

Isnt it more important being MUSLIM rather than being a Pakistani?
Also, being pakistani = ur indian.. since Pakistan was India about 40 odd years ago

[Nauman]

wot u mean no longer pakistani!!! of course they are

just because they LIVED in, bought up in and represent England dont mean their NOT Pakistani!
Gettin a bit BNP like Isr.. aint ya??

Thats ur opinion but its a bit ott aint it?

Isnt it more important being MUSLIM rather than being a Pakistani?
Also, being pakistani = ur indian.. since Pakistan was India about 40 odd years ago
Where the heck did being a muslim come into this? Dont make it a question of religion its a question of nationality. Sajid Mahmood and Amir Khan have been brought up in England, they were born in England, their parents lived in England and they are British nationals. How that doesnt make them Britishers is beyond me maybe you should explain that to me. Their case cannot be compared to that of Saqlain. If a Pakistani is willing to sell his identity for a few extra bucks then he doesnt even deserve to be called a Pakistani.

[Usman Chadda]

wot u mean no longer pakistani!!! of course they are

just because they LIVED in, bought up in and represent England dont mean their NOT Pakistani!
Gettin a bit BNP like Isr.. aint ya??

Thats ur opinion but its a bit ott aint it?

Isnt it more important being MUSLIM rather than being a Pakistani?
Also, being pakistani = ur indian.. since Pakistan was India about 40 odd years ago

Thats BS!

[SameerM]

"If a Pakistani is willing to sell his identity for a few extra bucks then he doesnt even deserve to be called a Pakistani."

come off it bro.. which pakistani wouldnt take an extra buck??????? ur speaking like all us pakis are saints!

I'm just sayingg that because it says they BRITISH on their passport dont mean they are not Pakistani..
Dual nationality aint it.. ok they not 100% pakistani, but they are OF pakistani roots

[Nauman]

There is no such thing as a dual nationality, your loyalty will always lie with one nation and thats where you belong to.

[Usman Chadda]

"If a Pakistani is willing to sell his identity for a few extra bucks then he doesnt even deserve to be called a Pakistani."

come off it bro.. which pakistani wouldnt take an extra buck??????? ur speaking like all us pakis are saints!

I'm just sayingg that because it says they BRITISH on their passport dont mean they are not Pakistani..
Dual nationality aint it.. ok they not 100% pakistani, but they are OF pakistani roots

Dual nationality is neither here nor there. You cannot be taken seriously in either country

[Oxy]

why would it??

Sajid Mahmood, Amir Khan, Prince Naseem (yemenese) have represent England..no shame in that!!



Thats not the issue - the people you mention have never represented Pakistan- only UK or Eng.

Once you have played for 1 country, that should be it.

[Oxy]

IF u dont get picked for one country and another country wants u.. then wats the problem

Because he's already played for 1 country.

[Genuine786]

No way Saqi will be chosen over Monty.

[Vegitto1]

Yeah..but PCB has been unfair to him..and he has been treated unfairly..therefore i wont have a problem if he decides to stick it to the PCB.

imagine Wasim being told that he will never be selected for Pak ever again (due to politics) at the age of 27..but he does have the option to play for england becoz he has a british Passport. do you think he would let all his talent go to waste just becoz some stupid sports body has a problem with him?

[Toony™®]

err..lets see...

saqlain has not played for Pak not because of he is unwanted by PCB..

but for 2 reasons which have happened together....

2 serious knee injuries and overbowling his doosra.

That Multan Test was a bit unfair although he went for runs .. mainly off Sehwag..there were catches dropped off him during that match and not every bowler were having a good time.

I think his priorities also changed. Which is detrimental in my opinion cos to remain at the highest level you need keep fit and keep practising.

When I saw him for Ireland last year he was overweight and unfit.

If he wants to maintain his form he should cut down his commitment to going on religious tours until offseason or after his career is over.

Saeed Anwar could of gone on(retired early imo)..but he realised the commitment you need play on at international level and he therefore decided his priority was on preaching.

[Toony™®]

As for playing for england...that will only happen if he taking wickets and if he does he will be back in Pakistan's fold.

[Billy]

As for playing for england...that will only happen if he taking wickets and if he does he will be back in Pakistan's fold.

Exactly.

[isr]

To clarify, as it seems I have been misunderstood above.

Yes, being a good Muslim is far far far far (etc) more important than being Pakistani. Not even comparable.

People of Pakistani descent, born in the UK, are fully entitled to call themselves Pakistani, British, or any combination of the above. Don't need my permission - and its all down to how they feel and see themselves.

As soon as you represent Britain AGAINST Pakistan, you don't get the right to call yourself Pakistani-ANYTHING. Done and dusted. You made your choice. Your entitled to it. Enjoy it. Live it. DON'T TRY TO PLAY BOTH SIDES. I care as much about Sajid as I do about Vaughan, as much as I did about Imran Sherwani (hockey) - which is - NOTHING.

If you are a Pakistani, who has represented Pakistan, and you then go on to represent another country against Pakistani, you have betrayed yourself and your people. You may be legally entitled to do so, but DO NOT expect anything but the utmost scorn from me (and many others).

(I will also admit to some double standards here, as I wouldn't feel the same outrage if a Pakistani player went on to represent another MUSLIM country. My justification to myself, in this instance, is that we Muslims are really one nation. Just being honest ...)

PS: I also feel we are all getting far ahead of ourselves here. I would be gobsmacked if, when given a choice between playing for England v Pakistan, and eating glass , if Saqi wouldn't choose to eat the glass and take his chances :)))

[Toony™®]

i dont knw what you mean - of course you are still pakistani if you represent Uk...


your parents are still pakistani.

[infamous9383]

good to see playing at least. I would highly doubt hell ever play for england

[salman24]

To be honest I really want him to play for Pakistan again but there has been so much injustice done to this guy that if there is no way he will get a chance to play for Pakistan and he has a chance play for england then he should go for it.

I hope PCB realises and lets him play for pakistan again

[Toony™®]

To be honest I really want him to play for Pakistan again but there has been so much injustice done to this guy that if there is no way he will get a chance to play for Pakistan and he has a chance play for england then he should go for it.

I hope PCB realises and lets him play for pakistan again


he doesnt deserve to wear the shirt until he PROVES his fitness and taking wickets.

[salman24]

he doesnt deserve to wear the shirt until he PROVES his fitness and taking wickets.

Fitness might be an issue. But if he is fit hes has to play.
You can't drop such a great player due to 1 or 2 bad
performances where there are catches dropped his bowling and the same batsmen can then take advantage of this against him. Also everyone got whacked in that multan test. Even though saqlain got whacked the most ,catches were dropped off his bowling and if those easy catches were taken sehwag would have never even cut loose and who knows what would've happened from there maybe saqi might have taken more wickets.

[shahzadddd]

why would it??

Sajid Mahmood, Amir Khan, Prince Naseem (yemenese) have represent England..no shame in that!!

U know u gonna get better treatment playing for England than u would pakistan
Their cases are different u Paindu!

They are brought up in England.

[salman24]

:)) Their cases are different u Paindu!

They are brought up in England.

Why are people getting so emotional over the whole thing

[reverse swing]

i met saqlain in person las august and according to him he would never be fit enough to play international cricket,.

[salman24]

i met saqlain in person las august and according to him he would never be fit enough to play international cricket,.

If that's true then its sad maybe he will change his mind. If he does well and gets selected.

[12thMan]

If Saqlain was still good enough, like he was 3-4 years ago, Surrey his old club or some other club would have recruited him a while ago. He is now coming in as a local player (not overseas) and also because Mushtaq and Rana are busy with the WC and perhaps Eng don't have better spinner available to they got him as cover and hoping that he will rediscover his bowling. I think he played for Ireland last year with Afridi.

Good luck to him.

[salman24]

If Saqlain was still good enough, like he was 3-4 years ago, Surrey his old club or some other club would have recruited him a while ago. He is now coming in as a local player (not overseas) and also because Mushtaq and Rana are busy with the WC and perhaps Eng don't have better spinner available to they got him as cover and hoping that he will rediscover his bowling. I think he played for Ireland last year with Afridi.

Good luck to him.

Yeah he did but I think he said he did that just to test his fitness and thats why he never signed for any major clubs but now that seems to have changed
IA he will be back in the PAK team

[Easa]

How does him getting a british passport mean he is going to play for England? It does not matter if he has a british passport, he can still play for Pakistan.

[salman24]

How does him getting a british passport mean he is going to play for England? It does not matter if he has a british passport, he can still play for Pakistan.

Correct. Even Mushy was aspiring to play for PAK.

[12thMan]

How does him getting a british passport mean he is going to play for England? It does not matter if he has a british passport, he can still play for Pakistan.
that is what news reports sometimes put in. all they said he will be eligible to play for England in 2008. now we will make stories about it ;-)

[FAQ]

"If a Pakistani is willing to sell his identity for a few extra bucks then he doesnt even deserve to be called a Pakistani."

come off it bro.. which pakistani wouldnt take an extra buck??????? ur speaking like all us pakis are saints!

I'm just sayingg that because it says they BRITISH on their passport dont mean they are not Pakistani..
Dual nationality aint it.. ok they not 100% pakistani, but they are OF pakistani roots
I dont think there is an issue if he plays for Enlgand, he played for Pakistan to earn his bread and butter, now if the authorities do not want him he can offer his services to anyone else.

Just think If someone is working in some Pakistani firm and after sometime they fire him! and if he gets an oppurtunity abroad wouldnt he take it???

Why do we treat everything emotionally?

[KA$H]

Because he's already played for 1 country.

Kepler Wessels

[salman24]

I dont think there is an issue if he plays for Enlgand, he played for Pakistan to earn his bread and butter, now if the authorities do not want him he can offer his services to anyone else.

Just think If someone is working in some Pakistani firm and after sometime they fire him! and if he gets an oppurtunity abroad wouldnt he take it???

Why do we treat everything emotionally?

I second that thought

[salman24]

Kepler Wessels
Wessels played for both AUS and SA

[reverse swing]

Yeah he did but I think he said he did that just to test his fitness and thats why he never signed for any major clubs but now that seems to have changed
IA he will be back in the PAK team

that,s exactly what he said to me in fact no world of a lie when i went to meet him ( in our local masjid) he had received a text from sussex who where offering him a month,s contract, he immediately refused for the reason you,ve mentioned above.

[Gunner786]

i dont think he wants to play for england
he probably only wants to qualify as an england based player so he doesnt have to play as an over seas player

i hope he comes back to the pakkstan fold soon
maybe the indian series

[Ilyas]

I would love to see Saqi play for England...

This is absolutely vital in todays' globalized world for someone from Pakistan, who had represented well his country and then went on to play for his adopted country...

Amazing times...

[Wazeeri]

There's a chance that he will play with Mushtaq Ahmad
Now I am going to watch that

Next match Kent Vs Sussex

[Oxy]

Kepler WesselsI didnt say it hadnt happened - I say it SHOULDNT.

How can you want to play for 2 countries ( I dont include those that have played for another country due to independence type issues)

[Nauman]

There is a difference between representing a firm and representing a country Fawad.

[sufyan786]

okkk

[swaziboy]

It won't ever happen.. unless every other spinner in England and Wales spontaneously combusts, but it's quite surprising that he's on the verge of qualifying for a British passport already.

I wonder if his knees will hold up ok.

Doesnt he already hold a b* passport that dodi failed to obtain??

anyway...yeah...i think he could be well on his way to donning that english shirt...
go saqi

[swaziboy]

I didnt say it hadnt happened - I say it SHOULDNT.

How can you want to play for 2 countries ( I dont include those that have played for another country due to independence type issues)

in the past quite a few players have played fo 2 countires...
most recent that comes to mind is Kepler Wessels who played a couple of tests for australia then went on to captain SA when SA came out of isolation.

[WasimG]

To clarify, as it seems I have been misunderstood above.

Yes, being a good Muslim is far far far far (etc) more important than being Pakistani. Not even comparable.

People of Pakistani descent, born in the UK, are fully entitled to call themselves Pakistani, British, or any combination of the above. Don't need my permission - and its all down to how they feel and see themselves.

As soon as you represent Britain AGAINST Pakistan, you don't get the right to call yourself Pakistani-ANYTHING. Done and dusted. You made your choice. Your entitled to it. Enjoy it. Live it. DON'T TRY TO PLAY BOTH SIDES. I care as much about Sajid as I do about Vaughan, as much as I did about Imran Sherwani (hockey) - which is - NOTHING.

If you are a Pakistani, who has represented Pakistan, and you then go on to represent another country against Pakistani, you have betrayed yourself and your people. You may be legally entitled to do so, but DO NOT expect anything but the utmost scorn from me (and many others).

(I will also admit to some double standards here, as I wouldn't feel the same outrage if a Pakistani player went on to represent another MUSLIM country. My justification to myself, in this instance, is that we Muslims are really one nation. Just being honest ...)

PS: I also feel we are all getting far ahead of ourselves here. I would be gobsmacked if, when given a choice between playing for England v Pakistan, and eating glass , if Saqi wouldn't choose to eat the glass and take his chances :)))
What a brainfart of a post. Its pretty racist of you to say the least.
No need to get emotional. Its not war, just a game. Its, however, the way of making a living for pro cricketers. Some of you need to be more open minded. Nobody protested over Kepler Wessels playing for another country. And religion should have nothing to do here in the first place, as apparently nobody has a problem with a chrisitan/hindu playing for Pak.

In any case, people comapring Saj Mehmood/Amir Khan to Saqi are not right in the head; Saj/Amir are born British.

being a good Muslim is far far far far (etc) more important than being Pakistani
You can change your religion anytime. You can never change your place of birth genius.

[Geordie Ahmed]

You can change your religion anytime. You can never change your place of birth genius.

Your place of birth wont get you into heaven BUT your religion can :19:

[Hash]

Good to see he is returning to cricket.

Hopefully he has a good season with Sussex and then we can think about recalling him. No point in discussing him playing for England since it aint gonna happen.

[WasimG]

Your place of birth wont get you into heaven BUT your religion can :19:
Geordie in practical world thats just a theory. 'Place of birth' is a fact. I'm willing to have religious discussions in time pass if you wish but this whole thing had nothing do with religion and I find comments like "If a Pakistani plays for another muslim country its ok but if for Eng etc. he's a traitor" etc. ridiculous and offensive.

[isr]

What a brainfart of a post. Its pretty racist of you to say the least.


You better be prepared to back that up, or withdraw it. NOW.


No need to get emotional. Its not war, just a game. Its, however, the way of making a living for pro cricketers.


Playing county cricket is. Playing for a country is NOT just a means of making a living.


Some of you need to be more open minded. Nobody protested over Kepler Wessels playing for another country.


Yes they did. Many Aussies did not feel happy taking in an SA merc to begin with. When he switched allegiance after SA were readmitted, many were outraged.

There were questions raised about the number of SAffers who were playing Test cricket for other countries (principally England). In all of those cases, they had (or eventually, through residence, created) links to England. They made their choice, played for England, and never turned back.

There have been a number of instances of Australian and England Test players switching allegiances, as far back as the 19th century.


And religion should have nothing to do here in the first place, as apparently nobody has a problem with a chrisitan/hindu playing for Pak.


What they hell does that have to do with this? I have no issues with any non-Muslim playing for Pakistan. Absolutely the OPPOSITE, and its DISHONEST of you to imply otherwise.

The only place where religon remotely impacts this debate, is in the instance of a Pakistani going on to represent another Muslim country. I said WHY I wouldn't feel so badly about that situation.


In any case, people comapring Saj Mehmood/Amir Khan to Saqi are not right in the head; Saj/Amir are born British.


I wasn't you twerp. Others did - and as I repeatedly said, its not a valid comparison.


You can change your religion anytime. You can never change your place of birth genius.

??? No idea where you're going with this.

Before you start throwing insults around, I suggest you make some attempt to UNDERSTAND the points you are attempting to refute. Or else you are just farting in the wind.

[sloveo]

people, Saqlain is already a British passport holder. BBC got their facts wrong. Cricinfo say hes british already. He married Sana, a british asian from Tooting South London, in 1998. Thats nine years ago. Hes got british passport yonks ago.

He would never play for pakistan again even if they asked him too cos if he did then he could only play county cricket as an overseas player despite being British or EU person etc. England is a real possibility. If he take 50 Championship wickets this year he will be in the thoughts of Selectors no question. He might even tour Pakistan next year for Champions Trophy !!!

[swaziboy]

Does anyone remember what caused Saqlain to be out of favour from the Pakistan team???? i remember him coming back to play one ODI vs SA in Pakistan in which Kallis pulverised him and Pakistan lost the match due to the one and only.

From what I heard that when Miandad was the coach, and the team was announced and his name wasnt in the squad and old saqi thought that Javed had something to do with it and then he phoned Javed up that night and swore the mother of all words....which made Javed very upset and informed the board which led to Saqi being out of favour for his behaviour and arrogance with the management...

Dont think I can blame the PCB....unless he apologised...but then saqi was from the wasim akram, moin khan camp...

[12thMan]

I once heard something similar and also heard that one series he wanted to play county instead somewhere around that time which maybe lead to his exclusion

[Nauman]

I have no idea how religion got mixed up into this as it is a question of England and Pakistan not Islam and Christianity.

[Ilyas]

I want Saqlain to bamboozle Pakistan Crikcet Team playing for England...

It will be good for Cricket and good for the image of Pakistan...

[Nauman]

Ilyas mian I will never understand you, your intellect level is way beyond my simpleton level of comprehension.

[SlowRightArm]

There is no such thing as a dual nationality, your loyalty will always lie with one nation and thats where you belong to.

Not os, I am half a New Zealander and half British, I have two passports, and if I was any good I would play for either, or both, sides. In theory, there's no reason why this shouldn't be the case for Saqlain, or anyone else..

[Daoud]

Not os, I am half a New Zealander and half British, I have two passports, and if I was any good I would play for either, or both, sides. In theory, there's no reason why this shouldn't be the case for Saqlain, or anyone else..
There is a difference cause you havent played for either. But say you were born in one country, played for that country for 7 or 8 years but later got a passport of another country, the case would be totally different

[waqar_ahmad]

I want Saqlain to bamboozle Pakistan Crikcet Team playing for England...

It will be good for Cricket and good for the image of Pakistan...

what logic, what philosophy, and what a wonderful idea.
i just hope u were being sarcastic

[waqar_ahmad]

Not os, I am half a New Zealander and half British, I have two passports, and if I was any good I would play for either, or both, sides. In theory, there's no reason why this shouldn't be the case for Saqlain, or anyone else..

thats a totally different case to saqlain's. the guy played for pakistan for a number of years and was one fo our best spinners. it is county cricket that destroyed him, not pakistan cricket. had he been sensible, stopped running after money, and wouldnt have bowled a million overs a week for his county, he would still be fit and playing in the pakistan team.

besides, getting a british passport (which he hasnt done yet) doesnt mean that he will play for england

[salman24]

All i can say is that pakistan should redeem themselves of the big mistake they made and bring saqi back as soon as he is fit. I mean our bowling needs a class spinner in Odi's.

He is only 30. He can make a comeback and play for a while.

[FAQ]

There is a difference between representing a firm and representing a country Fawad.
Nauman,

I dont think there is much difference !! When you are working for a foreign firm you are still representing your own country and it is called globalization.

Just tell me what is the bottom line when you are playing cricket or working in some company ???

[akpower]

I dont see a problem in playing for England. He probably will never be selected for Pak again. So why not play intl cricket for another team. And its not a few extra bucks, the difference in lifestyle as a result will be massive. More then anything else and gives the cricketer a chance to compete at the top most level again.

Do we feel the same way abt former domestic and seldom-used intl cricketers from Pak who went to UAE and played for their national team?

[inzidabest]

I hope he plays for England and destroys this Pakistan team. It will prove two things. This team is rubbish.
And
What a waste of talent has PCB(or who ever) made Saqlain.

Saqlain should also hit a century against this bowling attack of Pakistan. 6 sixes to Rana in an over. ha ha . what a sight.

[Nauman]

Why in the world are people blaming PCB for Saqlain's demise? He himself is to be blamed for lacking fitness and form required to be a world class bowler. Anyways currently he is not even good enough to be recognized as an overseas player for Surrey or any other county to sign him on let alone be good enough to be selected for England. The above post by inzidabest is as bad as it can get boderline trolling if you ask me.

[inzidabest]

Why in the world are people blaming PCB for Saqlain's demise? He himself is to be blamed for lacking fitness and form required to be a world class bowler. Anyways currently he is not even good enough to be recognized as an overseas player for Surrey or any other county to sign him on let alone be good enough to be selected for England. The above post by inzidabest is as bad as it can get boderline trolling if you ask me.

No it is not trolling. And you will realise what I mean when Saqlain actually starts playing for England. Does it not hurt when Sajid mahmood plays well against Pakistan. saqlain will hurt more.

[Daoud]

No it is not trolling. And you will realise what I mean when Saqlain actually starts playing for England. Does it not hurt when Sajid mahmood plays well against Pakistan. saqlain will hurt more.
Theres nothing wrong with Sajid Mahmood playing for England. However there is something fundamentally wrong with a someone playing 50 tests and over 150 ODIs then going on to play for another team. Not just for us, but the selection panel of the other side will too dismiss the idea. There is no way Saqlain will play for England so why even debate about it - its just not going to happen

[Nauman]

No it is not trolling. And you will realise what I mean when Saqlain actually starts playing for England. Does it not hurt when Sajid mahmood plays well against Pakistan. saqlain will hurt more.
You really think he will play for England? To be quite honest I dont even consider Sajid Mahmood a Pakistani to be hurt by him playing for England. As said before if Saqlain does well he will automatically be recalled for Pakistan side, I dont know what type of a person you are but you can never choose to support a country. If I had a choice I would not support Pakistan but I cant help it at the end of the day its my country and love for ones nation is as natural and unconditional as it can get. Maybe that principle doesnt apply to you but it sure does apply to 99 percent of the worlds population.

[inzidabest]

You really think he will play for England? To be quite honest I dont even consider Sajid Mahmood a Pakistani to be hurt by him playing for England. As said before if Saqlain does well he will automatically be recalled for Pakistan side, I dont know what type of a person you are but you can never choose to support a country. If I had a choice I would not support Pakistan but I cant help it at the end of the day its my country and love for ones nation is as natural and unconditional as it can get. Maybe that principle doesnt apply to you but it sure does apply to 99 percent of the worlds population.

you mean if I am from India, I should not support the Pakistan cricket team.
not the way I think. anyaways issue was saqlaing playing for england. I dont see PCB calling him back. ECB can still give a good look to him.

[Daoud]

And the deterioration of Saqlain as a bowler cannot be soley placed on the PCB. For all their flaws, they werent the one who told him to continuously bowl the doosra until it becomes a stock ball

[FAQ]

Why in the world are people blaming PCB for Saqlain's demise? He himself is to be blamed for lacking fitness and form required to be a world class bowler. Anyways currently he is not even good enough to be recognized as an overseas player for Surrey or any other county to sign him on let alone be good enough to be selected for England. The above post by inzidabest is as bad as it can get boderline trolling if you ask me.
Agreed !!

PCB has done nothing wrong with Saqlain. It was all his own fault.

But again there is no harm in him playing for England, which I doubt he will because I dont think Saqlain would ever be picked over Monty, and I dont think England will play two spinners even in India !!

[James]

I wouldn't want him in our team, he was quality in his day, but for now we can say that he wouldn't be able to dislodge Monty from the team because he is not good enough nor is he match fit. Plus it would feel wrong - it is different to us playing Sajid or Monty because they have only ever represented England and that is all they ever wanted to do in the first place.

That said, on our next tour to India, if Monty and Saqlain each took 10-fers to wrap up a test series whitewash in Mumbai I would not see much to moan about...

[FAQ]

You really think he will play for England? To be quite honest I dont even consider Sajid Mahmood a Pakistani to be hurt by him playing for England. As said before if Saqlain does well he will automatically be recalled for Pakistan side, I dont know what type of a person you are but you can never choose to support a country. If I had a choice I would not support Pakistan but I cant help it at the end of the day its my country and love for ones nation is as natural and unconditional as it can get. Maybe that principle doesnt apply to you but it sure does apply to 99 percent of the worlds population.
Nauman,

You are just being emotional here. I work for a US company that competes with local companies for getting projects. Does that mean I am a traitor?

Its the same case in cricket, I am competing with my own country men in a game, thats it !!

Remember cricket is not a war, you can call me a traitor if I support some other country during a situation of similar nature.

The only problem with us is that we consider cricket to be larger than life.

[FAQ]

At the end of the day, its only a game and its a way to bring good name for your country !!

[Daoud]

Nauman,

You are just being emotional here. I work for a US company that competes with local companies for getting projects. Does that mean I am a traitor?

Its the same case in cricket, I am competing with my own country men in a game, thats it !!

Remember cricket is not a war, you can call me a traitor if I support some other country during a situation of similar nature.

The only problem with us is that we consider cricket to be larger than life.
Its not the same. As an international sportsman you represent your country. Ordinary jobs are different. I suppose the only occupations that can be compared is possibly the military (although I am not likening sport to war, the only thing being you are representing your country in both cases). And while I wont say that a player who has represented a team with great distinction gets another passport and goes and plays for another team is a traitor, I would consider him a mercenary. And besides while there is no official ruling against players representing different teams at the highest level in cricket, there does seem to be an understanding of sorts. I can tell you however that even if Saqlain takes 100 wickets in each of the next two seasons, he wont get an England call up although he may still get a recall by the Pakistani selectors

[FAQ]

Its not the same. As an international sportsman you represent your country. Ordinary jobs are different. I suppose the only occupations that can be compared is possibly the military (although I am not likening sport to war, the only thing being you are representing your country in both cases). And while I wont say that a player who has represented a team with great distinction gets another passport and goes and plays for another team is a traitor, I would consider him a mercenary. And besides while there is no official ruling against players representing different teams at the highest level in cricket, there does seem to be an understanding of sorts. I can tell you however that even if Saqlain takes 100 wickets in each of the next two seasons, he wont get an England call up although he may still get a recall by the Pakistani selectors
I think the discussion is not going anywhere. I am sticking to my point and you are holding your fort !!

But let me clear, I havent said that he would be picked by England (see my earlier post), but if he is I dont see any harm in that because I take cricket as a game and enjoy it to the fullest.

Peace !!

P.S. Saqlain vs Afridi would be a great contest ;)

[Daoud]

I think the discussion is not going anywhere. I am sticking to my point and you are holding your fort !!

But let me clear, I havent said that he would be picked by England (see my earlier post), but if he is I dont see any harm in that because I take cricket as a game and enjoy it to the fullest.

Peace !!

P.S. Saqlain vs Afridi would be a great contest ;)
Fair enough. Maybe we should think about giving passports to Phil Jaques or Chris Rogers to solve our opening problems too :)

[inzidabest]

Fair enough. Maybe we should think about giving passports to Phil Jaques or Chris Rogers to solve our opening problems too :)

and give some foreign Visas to some of the current players.
A Rana Naved in every team will be so good for Pakistan. :)))

chill ;-)

[safehands46]

i sort of want saqlain to come back and play with the out casts. It will be hilarious to see pps reaction. the guy is old and finished.

[Oxy]

5 mins into any comeback, Pakpassion will be flooded with 'Why the hell are we picking a has-been past his use by date' etc etc

Bit like with Azhar Mahmood - "why isnt he being picked", is what 'we' all screamed.

Then he is picked - and then minutes into his run a ball inngs, "What is the point of Azhar Mahmood' etc etc

[volcyz]

5 mins into any comeback, Pakpassion will be flooded with 'Why the hell are we picking a has-been past his use by date' etc etc

Bit like with Azhar Mahmood - "why isnt he being picked", is what 'we' all screamed.

Then he is picked - and then minutes into his run a ball inngs, "What is the point of Azhar Mahmood' etc etc
Their just going with the latest up to the minute flow :)))

[zaminabs]

Because he's already played for 1 country.

Agree with your point. I think the rule in football is once you have played a competitive game for your country then you cannot represent another country.

I dont think he will play for England.

[KA$H]

I don't see being born in a different country and playing for a different country any different to playing for 2 countries.

if you qualify for citizenship for more than one country - and you're good enough there should be no barrier to who play for.

anything other than that is an infrigement on that persons right as a citizen of the said country.

If saqi is ever selected to play for england I'd have no problem with it because:
- he choose to naturalise here - this is where his home and family are
- England has had a long history of playing people with "loose" english heritage who werent born here.
- we live in a global village, country-centric barriers are eroding (or they need to be in any case)

[Easa]

I still do not understand how people can compare Sajid Mahmood's case to Saqlains. Saqi has already played A LOT of cricket for another country, Pakistan, therefore I would not feel right if he ended up playing for England. On the other hand, Sajid Mahmood is BRITISH. He is not Pakistani and has never played for Pakistan.

The two cases are completely DIFFERENT.

[Oxy]

Too many cross- arguments being confused and rolled up into one.. And lots of different examples in cricket.

I believe that if you have played SENIOR, COMPETITIVE, INTERNATIONAL sport for 1 country - then thats it! You shouldnt be able to play for another country - even if you qualify under residential/citizenship/naturalisation laws.

So, for me - Keppler Wessels should never have been allowed to play for South Africa - even though he was born there because he represented Australia at the TOP level for so many years.

Sure he was dual national - but he made his choice - and that was to go for Australia.

Look at Robin Smith and Allan Lamb - both played for England and had GREAT careers for them - both could have left at the end of their Eng careers and walked into the South African side - but they didnt.

Now the Saj Mahmood case is different. He is born in England so he is Eng qualified (like the majority of PP posters!). If he was good enough (and he could satisfy the Pak citizenship qualifying criteria), then he could play for Pak.

But he probably isnt good enough - and he doesnt want to play for Pak, because since he has been playing for Lancashire, he has made himself available to the ECB to be selected for England should he be required.

Easa - you say he is NOT Pakistani, but thats not the issue.

You have the example of Andrew Symmonds who was England qualified about 6-7 years ago - and was selected by Eng for one of their squads - and the last minute, he pulled out of the Eng squad and pledged his alliegence to Australia.

So, play for whichever team you want as your FIRST choice - but once you have represented that country - THATS IT! The rules are horribly exploited in Rugby, especially in Australia, New Zealand and the cluster of Islands that feed ex-internationals into the top nations.

I wouldnt want to see that in cricket.

[Easa]

Too many cross- arguments being confused and rolled up into one.. And lots of different examples in cricket.

I believe that if you have played SENIOR, COMPETITIVE, INTERNATIONAL sport for 1 country - then thats it! You shouldnt be able to play for another country - even if you qualify under residential/citizenship/naturalisation laws.

So, for me - Keppler Wessels should never have been allowed to play for South Africa - even though he was born there because he represented Australia at the TOP level for so many years.

Sure he was dual national - but he made his choice - and that was to go for Australia.

Look at Robin Smith and Allan Lamb - both played for England and had GREAT careers for them - both could have left at the end of their Eng careers and walked into the South African side - but they didnt.

Now the Saj Mahmood case is different. He is born in England so he is Eng qualified (like the majority of PP posters!). If he was good enough (and he could satisfy the Pak citizenship qualifying criteria), then he could play for Pak.

But he probably isnt good enough - and he doesnt want to play for Pak, because since he has been playing for Lancashire, he has made himself available to the ECB to be selected for England should he be required.

Easa - you say he is NOT Pakistani, but thats not the issue.

You have the example of Andrew Symmonds who was England qualified about 6-7 years ago - and was selected by Eng for one of their squads - and the last minute, he pulled out of the Eng squad and pledged his alliegence to Australia.

So, play for whichever team you want as your FIRST choice - but once you have represented that country - THATS IT! The rules are horribly exploited in Rugby, especially in Australia, New Zealand and the cluster of Islands that feed ex-internationals into the top nations.

I wouldnt want to see that in cricket.
Lock the thread now! :D Everything I wanted/meant to say is right here.

[Gunner786]

actually andrew symonds wasnt england qualified 6-7 years ago

he was born in england so he already had english citizenship from the time he was born
he moved to australia when he was 5-6 i think

[Oxy]

actually andrew symonds wasnt england qualified 6-7 years ago
he was born in england so he already had english citizenship from the time he was born
he moved to australia when he was 5-6 i think

But thats what I am saying - most people dont realise thatr he was available for Eng about 6 years ago!

My point was that 6-7 years ago - he was selected for England - obviously because he was Eng qualified, and he had signed the 'release form' when he was playing for Gloucestire to say 'I will play for Eng if selected'

It meant he wasnt classed as an overseas player for Glos - but when he pulled out of that Eng squad, and essentially said to Australia 'come & get me' he was declaring himself an overseas player - which messed up Gloucesters overseas player quota!

Looks like he made the right choice though.... :D

[Uzzy]

Why did he choose Australia anyway? Was his parents Aussies much like KPs mum being English which enabled him to become an overseas player?

[isr]

Why did he choose Australia anyway? Was his parents Aussies much like KPs mum being English which enabled him to become an overseas player?

He was born in Eng, then moved with his family to Aus at an early age.

[sloveo]

I met Saqlain on Brighton Pier this afternoon. He was with his Burqa clad wife and three kids. I asked him for a photo, which he politely refused saying that he didnt like having his picture taken now. it was about 2pm and nice and sunny. I congratulated him on signing for Sussex and he said he had just had a practise session with his new teamates. He was dressed in trainers and tracksuit trousers and a black coat. He was also wearing a namaz hat. He asked where i was from. Then I asked him about whether he would be playing for England soon and his reply was "dekhain....shayed...abhi koi pata nahi hai...inshalla betar hoga" (lets see....maybe.. i cant say whats gona happen...Whatever god wills). He was dead serious about playing for england.

He seems a great family man. he was waving at his kids as they went round and round on a carousel. Later I saw him on the tea cup ride.

I wish him well.

[TAK]

He was dressed in trainers and tracksuit trousers and a black coat.

a black coat - no s h i t

[crickter]

I think Pakistanis should get out of this shell of unecessary so called loyalty to Pakistan. I have a feeling that an individual who earns money from somewhere and send money back to Pakistan and improve country's economy is much more patriot than the one who is stuck in engulfing country's resources.

If Saqi does play for England and earns money there and send money to help Pakistan he will be more loyal to Pakistan than any cricketer in Pakistan. More and more Pakistanis should play for other countries to make money for themselves and for their countrymen.

[isr]

I think Pakistanis should get out of this shell of unecessary so called loyalty to Pakistan. I have a feeling that an individual who earns money from somewhere and send money back to Pakistan and improve country's economy is much more patriot than the one who is stuck in engulfing country's resources.

If Saqi does play for England and earns money there and send money to help Pakistan he will be more loyal to Pakistan than any cricketer in Pakistan. More and more Pakistanis should play for other countries to make money for themselves and for their countrymen.


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