Who would win between a team of all-time left-handers vs. all-time right-handers?

Discuss!

Every time before a big tournament or big matches come,all I hear and is Pakistan will do this and do that, they are better than anybody and everybody.

Before matches start, Pakistan is the best team.

When they come up short of their tall claims (this is happening more often), either it is full scale massacre from the media and fans.

Discuss!

India come into the tournament as world champions of the one-day game. Their win ratio since 2011 stands at an impressive 1.70.

Why does this term have such negative connotations?

Discuss

April and May has seen some pioneering initiatives launched by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Clearly focused on adding depth to Pakistan’s fast bowling reserves, both in the long-term and for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the PCB has embarked on a series of unique initiatives which have been hailed by players, management and coaches alike.

To me watching him live in Karachi (1978) bowling to Indian batsmen and his duel with Sunil Gavaskar!

What a joy he was to watch and what a complete cricketer. Sometimes, I wish he was playing today in this information age but all I have is memories and some youtube videos to remember him with.

Long may he live and serve Pakistan.

Discuss!

Warne was probably the greatest spinner of all time. Surprisingly though - left no legacy whatsoever. Steve Smith and Cam White are the closest that have come to replicating him for Aus. Quite tragic. Yes he was a genius and a freak. But still.

Mcgrath did a lot for Australia. But what sort of legacy did he leave behind? 

On the other hand - there are players who inspire generations. 

My three players that have left the biggest footprints on Cricket would be:

- Akram. Has inspired a generation of left armers in Pakistan and elsewhere as well. Continues to teach those who are willing to listen. Even those who aren't willing. 

- Viv. Inspired a generation of fearless batting. Attitude. Ego. Self respect for underdogs.

- Sachin. One only needs to look at batsmen in the Ranji trophy or IPL and you can see that 90% model their stance and style on Sachin. 

Honourable mention would be Gilchrist. Changed the game and inspired wicket keepers worldwide to lift their game.

Also - Saqlain. Made off spinning and attacking option again.

Discuss!

A concise 18 day format with the worlds best teams on display - why should it be scrapped?

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So what starting XI should Pakistan go for in the Champions Trophy 2013? Their are many problems, especially in the batting department.

First problem is, who'll bat at #3? Both - Asad Shafiq and Kamran Akmal are having/have had success at #3. Mohammad Hafeez struggles against the new ball, so having him at #3 would be a good option as well. He could bat at #4, but he prefers opening and if he HAS to bat anywhere else in the batting order other than opening, he prefers #3. Now all three of Shafiq, Hafeez, and Kamran can't bat at #3. So that's a problem the captain will need to address.

Another problem is the two spots in the batting order. Basically, Misbah, Asad, Malik, Kamran, and Hafeez are going to play all the games. That leaves two spots available for batsmen. That means two out of the trio of Umar Amin, Nasir Jamshed, and Imran Farhat will be played. Now if Nasir and Farhat open the innings, then where will Hafeez bat. If Hafeez bats at #3, where will Kamran bat?

Then there's a problem of the #7 batsman. Who'll bat at #7? Kamran Akmal can't buy a run at #7 nowadays, Amin is inexperienced at international level, and Shoaib Malik is a 'senior', so it doesn't seem he'll bat there.

Lastly, there's the (minor) problem of the fourth genuine bowler. Hafeez, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Irfan, and Junaid Khan are more than likely going to feature in the starting XI. But who'll be the last genuine bowler? Asad Ali, Ehsan Adil, Wahab Riaz, or Abdur Rehman? Realistically speaking, Malik's spot in the XI is confirmed too, so he can play the 6th bowler's role.

Discuss!

Many fans on PP, in comparison thread bring this debate of Pakistan bowlers were bowing on tougher condition for fast bowler as compared to what Donald and others had to bowl on . So why is there record not better outside Asia?

Imran Khan

• IN Asia averages- 20.28
• Outside Asia averages -26.55

Waqar Younis-

• In Asia averages -22.13
• Outside Asia averages - 29.15

Shoaib Akthar

• In Asia averages -25.32
• Outside Asia- 30.12

I thought that Pitches in Eng/SA/Aus/NZ were more supportive for fast bowlers compared to pitches in Asia but their record tells a completely different story.

Why is that?

Discuss!