Archives

How many genuine 'modern day' cricketers exist in Pakistani cricket?

How many players exist specifically in Pakistan that meet this poster's criteria of a 'modern' cricketer'?

Siddle v Anderson

When looked at from a purely statistical perspective, how does Siddle compare with James Anderson?

"Under 19 tours to Non Asian Countries can be very beneficial" : Sami Aslam

Speaking with PakPassion.net Pakistan captain Sami Aslam discussed the importance of the Tri-Nation tournament, how he and his team mates wanted to make the most of these matches ahead of next year’s Under 19 World Cup and how vital it is for young Pakistani cricketers to regularly tour outside of Asia.

Episode 11: "Specialist Third Umpires Needed To Implement DRS"

PakPassion is proud to present the 11th Episode of the exclusive cricket review show - View From The Pavilion!

Your hosts in this week's episode are Shayan & SpaceCat!

In this week's show, we take a brief look at the Ashes, discuss the caveats with the DRS and get a Kiwi's perspective on the Pakistan cricket team.

Click to Listen!

Should the toss alternate during a series?

Just wondering ...it happens many times that matches are decided by winning toss. For example

- Bowl first in a test match when the conditions are overcast and match is half yours.

- Make opposition bat last if the pitch is going to turn on last day and get 10 wickets on 5th day.

- In One day - Bowl first if its going to Rain later on in the day. Know exactly the D/L score required for every ball and if required clear the fence twice to win the game.

- Bowl first if there will be dew later on & so forth...

Hence I was thinking what if Toss could be eleminated?. Could it be possible for teams to choose if they want to bat or bowl in turns. e.x - in a 3 match test series the visiting captian get the first choice in the first match. In the second match the home captain decides and so forth.

This can be limited either to each tournment or can continue for every match played between two sides.

Discuss!

Amir's Comeback : Really as Rosy As It Sounds?

Much has been debated about in these forums, about how Amir should or should not be allowed to make a comeback into the team. There have been hordes of Pakistanis and non-Pakistanis who are in favor and just as many who are not in favor of this comeback...

I have a different opinion to some others and I will not make the comeback as the substance of my argument from an opinion based perspective. For opinions always differ and one can never say whose opinion has more credence than the others. To make a long and fruitless argument stating that Amir should not come back or should come back will again always find differing results.

My argument is focusing on other perspectives that we have blindly ignored or perhaps chose to ignore because a real talent might be able to come back soon...

My first argument is this...

1. If Amir is allowed to come back into the team and I am looking at the best rosy cased scenario here, what kind of message does that send to the rest of Pakistani players who have been working hard for 3 or 4 years to just get a chance in the team ?

That there are always extenuating circumstances for people who are special compared to those who are not?
That hard work can be substituted by selection committee in favor of those who are specially privileged or so-called talented?

2. Let's assume that some of you will say , Amir has to prove himself in domestic before he comes back ... What kind of influence will Amir's presence have on the domestic scene? Will he be respected by young and old players alike ? Will he be able to establish himself a niche in the domestic surroundings? Will he be able to perform at the full potential ?

3. Let's assume he overcomes all those scenarios and still manages to perform. What then? Do we select him ? If we select him , what kind of message are we sending to the world? That in Pakistan , it you do a mistake , it's okay, we forgive and let you come back ? It's okay if you cheat, you will still get a chance in the future after sending jail time?

4. Last of all ? What kind of psychological impact will Amir's presence will have in the team national colors? Will they treat him nicely ? Will he be able to accept the taint that stands on his name forever? Will he be able to adjust ? Will the other team members be able to adjust to Amir's presence?

The questions that I have put forward are not completely exhaustive but they are from a a neutral Pakistani perspective..

I for one do not think Amir will be fast-tracked into the side , as soon as his ban is over. There are many eventualities to consider and many technical details to iron out before he can be drafted in directly. Even then , If he is fast-tracked I would call this a dumb move on part of Pakistan Cricket Board ..

The people, the cricket community in general, and the players and spectators all deserve a clean mind from Amir, they need to be sure that he is ready to go and do things that wont be detrimental to the game again...

I fear for Amir. I think the road is long and arduous. It will take exceptional amount of training and will power to actually be able to face all those hurdles and come out unscathed and a winner....