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"I wasn't given a chance even in First-Class": Umer Khan In our latest exclusive interview, Umer Khan, the former ... |
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PakPassion.net in the News Media (2013 - Present)
March 2014
At 39 years of age, Azhar is a seasoned campaigner who has played alongside and against most of the world’s best cricketers and as he stated to PakPassion.net, he wishes to pass on his experience to his countrymen should the opportunity arise. He is particularly keen to offer his assistance as Pakistan prepare for the International Cricket Council‘s (ICC) premier ICC World T20 2014 in Bangladesh.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Mahmood is a seasoned campaigner who has played alongside and against most of the world's best cricketers and as he stated that he wishes to pass on his experience to his countrymen should the opportunity arise. Mahmood is particularly keen to offer his assistance as Pakistan prepare for the World T20, saying that he owes a debt of gratitude to his country and maintains he is a Pakistani first, adding that it would be an honour to give something back to Pakistan cricket.
"If you bat slowly than that has an impact on the whole innings and on your team mates. Both Hafeez and Misbah need to bat in a more positive manner," he told Pakpassion.net.
PakPassion.net caught up with him to discuss his venture into club cricket in England, the high points of his career, Pakistan’s chances at the upcoming World T20, his thoughts on domestic cricket in Pakistan, as well his own plans for the future.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Dav Whatmore discussed the highs and lows of his tenure as Pakistan coach, his relationship with Misbah-Ul-Haq, Mohammad Irfan’s injury problems and his takes on the condition of domestic cricket in Pakistan.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Whatmore believes Pakistani players need more support and less criticism, and called on them to adopt the mentality of looking after themselves as it is important for their survival given that certain cities are more interested in promoting their players rather than seeking an united national team.
February 2014
According to www.PakPassion.net, Misbah admitted that even though players gain extensive experience and increase their exposures among the international audience while playing in the IPL, he however, said that he is not worried even if his teammates does not have any opportunity to play in the event.
PakPassion.net caught up with the current UAE head coach about his approach to coaching, the current crop of Pakistani fast bowlers, Pakistan’s appointment of coaches and his thoughts on Pakistan’s chances in the upcoming ICC World T20 2014.
Modi spoke exclusively with PakPassion.net about the issue of corruption in the IPL, cricketing ties between India and Pakistan and the detrimental impact of the ‘Big Three’ on the governance of the sport.
Speaking with PakPassion.net, Pollard talked about his ongoing recovery from a knee injury, his experience of playing alongside Shahid Afridi at the Big Bash League, his record for the West Indies, the Caribban Premier League (CPL) and his hopes for the future.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, the Rawalpindi born all-rounder spoke of the frustrating injury at the Big Bash, his hope that he can return to play for Perth Scorchers in the future, his experience of playing cricket in international leagues around the world, his ambition to play for Pakistan in future and how the Pakistani domestic Twenty20 competition could be improved.
“The way he handles pressure, applies himself and sets an example is just exceptional,” Maqsood while talking to Pakpassion.net. Expressing views about the upcoming tournaments including Asia Cup and World T20, he said Pakistan was a strong contender in both the tournaments.
PakPassion.net caught up with the Pakistan Under-19s captain, ahead of their warm-up match against the United Arab Emirates Under-19s to discuss his career to date, future aspirations, as well preparations for the upcoming ICC Under-19 World Cup.
January 2014
“I’ve been fortunate that Northants have been fully behind me and encouraged me to go and play in the IPL”, Azharullah told PakPassion.com.
He told PakPassion.net "The IPL is the biggest domestic event in the cricket calendar as the cream of the crop goes to play there."
"The way he handles the pressure, applies himself and sets an example is just exceptional," Maqsood while talking to PakPassion.net.
"We played well in South Africa and against Sri Lanka also and the games we've lost recently, have been very close." he told PakPassion.net
PakPassion.net caught up with Jamal Anwar to talk about his form in domestic cricket, the challenges of wicketkeeping and his hopes of representing Pakistan in the future.
Former Test Cricketer Rana Naveed ul Hassan feels that Pakistan should adopt the same approach such as major teams like England and South Africa have done by keeping separate fielding, batting and bowling coaches. Rana said we have used local coaches such as Javed Miandad and Mohsin Khan as well as foreign ones like Dav Whatmore. “Whether the coach is local or foreign, he should be qualified and should have played cricket before. I feel that a coach can only explain something properly to a player if he himself has played cricket,” he told Pakpassion.net.
"Whether the coach is local or foreign, he should be qualified and should have played cricket before. I feel that a coach can only explain something properly to a player if he himself has played cricket," he told Pakpassion.net. Rana said we do need a specialist to help with batting. "In Pakistan we have Inzamam-ul-Haq, Javed Miandad and Zaheer Abbas who have played a lot of cricket, all of whom can be excellent batting coaches due to their experience.
Pace bowling coach Ian Pont looks at what went wrong for England as they suffered a whitewash in Australia. Pont analyses the squad selection, team selection, the tactics employed by the England think tank and also suggests what the fallout from such a thrashing could be.
Cricket is the most popular game in Pakistan and has the legacy of being the most innovative and creative cricketing nation. Whether it’s introducing the Doosra, the art of reverse swing or neutral umpires, Pakistan has truly been the soul of this game. However in the last ten years, Pakistani cricket has suffered major lows and the team has been labelled as being the most unpredictable outfit. The only consistency achieved is its inconsistency which often worries even the team’s most die-hard fans and followers.
Humayun Farhat, brother of Pakistan opener Imran Farhat spoke with PakPassion.net to discuss his brief international career, the standard of first-class cricket in Pakistan, the criticism of his brother, the effect of wicket-keeping on Umar Akmal’s batting and more.
December 2013
Talking to Pakpassion.net, the wicket-keeper batsman said Umar was the only middle-order batsman who has to bat at virtually every position but for whatever reason, isn’t being promoted up the order. “The captain did not move himself around in the batting order and was instead using Umar as a scapegoat,” he added.
Now rejuvenated and having recovered from the disc injury, Hasan spoke with PakPassion.net about his career so far, the frustration of suffering a serious injury, suggestions that he can only be successful in the twenty over format and his ambitions to play for Pakistan in all formats in future.
Pakistan need to improve upon their injury management of fast bowlers
One of the recent additions to the Pakistan squad has been Bilawal Bhatti who the writer has been very impressed with. The biggest positive about him is that he has pace. When a player bowls quick, often the other aspects of his game can fall into place at a later stage. At the moment, he still has to work on improving his bowling with both the new and old ball, but given some time, he will learn. Perhaps, nowadays, with there being two new balls from each end in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), there is less opportunity to bowl with an older ball, but if he is selected for Test cricket then he will need to demonstrate that he can bowl with the old ball. Even in the shorter forms of the game, where the ball doesn’t get really old, there is still a requirement to be able to bowl yorkers in the death overs, so this is something which Bilawal will need to practice.
In an exclusive interview with Pakpassion.net, Shah spoke on a variety of subjects including why he chose to become a leg-spinner, how the lack of international cricket in Pakistan is hurting the younger players, and his ambitions for a recall to the national side.
Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Wasim has said that he is proud that his childhood dream of representing the country`s cricket team is coming true but he is scared of the fact that someone who cheated with match fixing could replace him soon. In a blog written on PakPassion.net, Wasim said that even he could take shortcuts like some players have resorted to, to be able to earn money but he would not.
Despite leaving the role of coaching the team briefly in 2010, Kabir was given a three-year contract to coach Afghanistan in 2011 and following their most recent success of qualifying for the 2015 World Cup, he spoke to PakPassion about the success of the Afghanistan cricket team, their goals for the future, how cricket in Afghanistan can be developed and their recent defeat to Pakistan.
Talking to Pakpassion.net, he lauded the efforts of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in promoting Afghan cricket saying PCB had supported them from the very onset and was continuing the same.
PakPassion.net caught up with Rana Naved to speak about his current form, his international career to date and the Afridi ball-biting incident in Australia, a match in which he participated.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Shahzad spoke about his initial interest in cricket, the experience of becoming the first British Asian to play for Yorkshire, his move to Nottinghamshire and his plans for the future. 28-year-old fast bowler Ajmal Shahzad represented England on 15 occasions between February 2010 and March 2011, the report said.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Shahzad spoke about his initial interest in cricket, the experience of becoming the first British-Asian to play for Yorkshire, his move to Nottinghamshire and his plans for the future.
Young emerging fast bowler Usman Khan Shinwari has said he is ready to take on the challenge of international cricket despite the fact that he has played less domestic cricket. “Some will say that I need more first class matches before international selection but I know that even at this stage if I am picked for Pakistan I won’t let anyone down,” said Shinwari while talking to Pakpassion.net. He said, “Yes I am raw, but sometimes that can be a good thing as you just play your natural game
Pakistan’s rich pace bowling reserves are in safe hands for many years to come according to 17-year-old left arm pace bowler Mohammed Aftab. The Under-19 bowler who is part of Pakistan’s squad currently in the United Arab Emirates preparing for a tri-nation series against England and UAE spoke with PakPassion.net about the tour of England earlier this year as well as looking ahead to the upcoming tri-series and the Under 19 Asia Cup, both in UAE.
November 2013
According to www.PakPassion.net, Hassan said that he has played a lot of cricket with Gul in Peshawar and he was the captain of their team in club cricket, adding that Gul is a good friend of his and has been an inspiration for them all. Stating that Gul has always given him good advice, Hassan also said that it is always good to take advice from the senior players whether from Pakistan or any other team, and he also thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for giving them the chance to play and participate in domestic cricket in Pakistan in the past.
With the national selectors not shying away from selecting an all-left arm pace attack, Sadaf could well be the next pacer to debut for Pakistan. PakPassion caught up with Sadaf to talk about his experience of playing for KRL, his thoughts on how his career has progressed and his aspirations to play for Pakistan.
PakPassion.net spoke to Shahzaib Hasan about being part of the team that won the World T20 in 2009, subsequently being dropped by Pakistan, his desire to resume an international career and his thoughts on domestic cricket.
Former Pakistani batsman Mohsin Khan has said that he would be willing to take up the role of head coach of the national team if he is approached with the offer. In an interview with PakPassion,net, Khan pointed out that he had served his country as a player, also worked in various roles within Pakistan cricket, worked as regional manager of Sindh regional cricket, worked as a selector, then chief selector and then the coaching assignment of the senior Pakistan team was given to him on a temporary basis.
In an interview with PakPassion,net, Khan pointed out that he had served his country as a player, also worked in various roles within Pakistan cricket, worked as regional manager of Sindh regional cricket, worked as a selector, then chief selector and then the coaching assignment of the senior Pakistan team was given to him on a temporary basis.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Bishop speaks about his own career, talks about bowling with his cricketing heroes such as Malcolm Marshall and Courtney Walsh, provides his opinions on the Pakistani pace duo of Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan, suggests what Umar Akmal needs to do to establish himself as an international cricketer and also speaks about the importance of ensuring an even contest between bat and ball in one-day cricket.
Former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop has said Pakistani batsman Umar Akmal has a great deal of talent but he was let down by his shot selection. Ian Bishop, who took 161 wickets in 43 Test matches at a strike rate of 52.2, said Umar has played some key innings but he could have been a better player than what the statistics suggested right now. He had the full range of strokes, but the things that let him down were his shot selection and his batting discipline and his cricketing discipline, he told Pakpassion.net.
Cricket Country, November 3rd, 2013
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Alam spoke about his disappointment at being overlooked for international duty and his determination to make his way back on the basis of hard work at the domestic level.
October 2013
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Hafeez provided his thoughts on why he has struggled in Test cricket in 2013, responded to accusations of interference in selection matters and his being mentioned as a possible successor to Misbah-ul-Haq in the 50 over and five-day formats, and discussed a possible move down the batting order in Test cricket as well as his hopes for a return to the Pakistan Test side.
In an interview with Pakpassion.net, Hafeez, however, pointed out that Azhar Ali was an excellent batsman and ideal for the number three spot in Test cricket.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Hafeez pointed out that Misbah took over the captaincy at a very difficult and delicate time in Pakistani cricket and had done a fantastic job.
“The problems with the Pakistani batsmen barring Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq aren’t technical issues. It’s more to do with what’s between their ears. With some of them, there is nothing between the ears!" Boycott told Pakpassion.net in a interview.
Speaking with PakPassion.net, Boycott stated that an ageing South African batting line up could be exploited by Pakistan`s formidable spinners.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Boycott believes that Pakistani spinners can exploit the fact that a couple of South African players like Jacques Kallis has lost some of their former prowess given that they are nearing the end of his career, saying that Pakistan can also take advantage of the fact that Test skipper Graeme Smith`s injury doubts.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Boycott said that he would be very careful in believing a person like Modi as he has turned from a gamekeeper into a poacher, adding that he cannot understand why Modi has changed his mind about IPL harming international cricket as he himself was instrumental in making the tournament happen.
As is often the case with Pakistan cricket, it would be unwise to write off Sami's international career, and in an exclusive interview with Pakpassion.net the pace bowler talked about his most memorable moments in a Pakistan shirt, why his career has not lived up to expectations, as well as speaking about Pakistan's current stock of fast bowling resources.
Pakistan Champions Trophy batting Coach Trent Woodhill believes captain Misbah ul Haq is incredible saying if he was playing for India, Australia or South Africa, he would have been the best batsman in the world. In April 2013, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appointed Trent Woodhill as a temporary batting coach for Pakistan in what turned out to be a disastrous Champion’s Trophy campaign for the country. The Woodhill appointment surprised many as he was preferred over some of Pakistan’s top names such as Inzamam ul Haq, Salim Malik and Zaheer Abbas, all of whom had expressed an interest in the role. “Misbah just continues to deliver under pressure on away strips against all types of opposition and he bats according to his nature,” Trent Woodhill told Pakpassion.net in an interview.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Gatting called for the need to ensure the complete wipe-out of corruption from the game given that it is one of the major challenges facing cricket nowadays, adding that corruption aspects like fixing and gambling destroys the fabric of the term 'a gentleman's game'.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Gatting called for the need to ensure the complete wipe-out of corruption from the game given that it is one of the major challenges facing cricket nowadays, adding that corruption aspects like fixing and gambling destroys the fabric of the term ‘a gentleman’s game’.
September 2013
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Ashar speaks about his early career in Pakistan, his lack of chances in international cricket, factors behind his decision to move to England, his stint with Sussex and his hopes to tie up a County deal.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Zaidi believes that the current Pakistani batsmen need to get out of their mentality of just scoring 50-60 runs on a proper flat track, which does not have any grass on it, if they want to improve their performances on the international scene.
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Hammad explained what areas of his game he feels he needs to improve upon, his frustration at only playing 13 times for Pakistan, as well as how a lack of ‘A’ tours is hindering the progress of emerging Pakistani cricketers.
“A tours are probably the most important tours for a cricketer and such tours need to be organized,” he told in an interview to Pakpassion.net. Hammad, who made his international debut alongside Junaid Khan in a one day international against the West Indies in 2011, said to be put into international cricket on an overseas tour directly from domestic cricket is a huge task.
Legendary Pakistani cricket commentator and journalist Chishty Mujahid has said that Pakistan should not have underrated Zimbabwe during their recent tour, in which it lost a Test and an one-day international game. Widely regarded as the grand old voice of Pakistani cricket, Mujahid, whose name has become synonymous with Pakistani cricket''s best known triumphs, had covered Pakistan''s recent tour of Zimbabwe as a TV commentator, www.Pakpassion.net reports.
Former Pakistan captain Asif Iqbal has said that it is unacceptable to lose a Test match to Zimbabwe although it was still acceptable to lose to one of the minnows in a limited overs match, and it would take ten years for the team to become a major force in Test cricket again. In an interview with Pakpassion.net, Iqbal expressed that losing to the current Zimbabwe team in a Test match, after scraping a victory in the first Test of the series must rank amongst Pakistan's lowest points in it's cricketing history.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Babar spoke in detail about the late start to his international career, aspirations as well as the experience of playing in his first international game and Saeed Ajmal's gesture to give up his position to allow his debut.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Ehsan Mani shed light on his role in awarding TV broadcast rights and also answered queries regarding criticism leveled by certain quarters on perceived anomalies during this process.
August 2013
"After my last spell in county cricket, I received an international call-up and I'm hoping the same happens this time around. I'm hoping that the volume of wickets and runs catches the eye of the selectors back home in India," Chawla told Pakpassion. "I think it's vital to grab this opportunity, perform consistently, and ensure that I make the selectors sit up and take notice of my performances."
"West Indian head coach Otis Gibson on behalf of the West Indies Cricket Board had asked me to work with the West Indian spinners and I had no hesitation in saying yes," he told a Pakpassion.net. website on Tuesday.
With experience of that calibre to back his proven coaching skills, it is no surprise that Saqlain is in great demand throughout the world. Speaking to PakPassion.net, Saqlain confirmed that he is now set to provide his insights into the art of spin bowling in a training camp for West Indies players in Barbados.
With experience of that calibre to back his proven coaching skills, it is no surprise that Saqlain is in great demand throughout the world. Speaking to PakPassion.net, Saqlain confirmed that he is now set to provide his insights into the art of spin bowling in a training camp for West Indies players in Barbados.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Khan expressed that whoever has guided these players does not know the meaning of self-respect and does not respect the nation. Known for his frank and sometimes overly critical remarks about the state of affairs surrounding the Pakistan cricket team, Mohsin Khan to this day is one of the most sought after experts in his profession, the report said.
In the UK to promote his book Cricket Cauldron: The Turbulent Politics of Sport in Pakistan, the ex-chairman of the PCB, Shahryar Khan, spoke in detail to PakPassion.net about his recollections of his tenure at the PCB, issues with player power and the Oval-gate incident, as well as his thoughts on restoration of international cricket in Pakistan cricket.
Shaharyar, who is in London to promote his new book, also disclosed about how relations between Inzamam and late head coach of the Pakistan team, Bob Woolmer had started to go wrong on the England tour of 2005. "Things began to go wrong at the beginning of the tour of England at the time. I remember very clearly, because I was there. I saw that player power was taking over," Shaharyar told the Pakpassion.net website in an interview.
Former Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan has finally opened up on the Oval Gate scandal in 2005 and has blamed ex-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq for letting the PCB and Pakistan cricket down. Shaharyar, said: “Things began to go wrong at the beginning of the tour of England at the time. I remember very clearly, because I was there. I saw that player power was taking over,” said Shaharyar.
The forfeiture came after umpires Darrell Hair and Billy Doctrove penalised Pakistan for ball tampering which was openly challenged by Inzamam and led to the Test being forfeited despite Pakistan being in a winning position. Shaharyar, who is in London to promote his new book, also disclosed about how relations between Inzamam and late head coach of the Pakistan team, Bob Woolmer had started to go wrong on the England tour of 2005. "Things began to go wrong at the beginning of the tour of England at the time. I remember very clearly, because I was there. I saw that player power was taking over," Shaharyar told the Pakpassion.net website in an interview.
Speaking about the deteriorating relations between coach and Bob Woolmer and Inzamam, Shaharyar told Pakpassion.net, “Things began to go wrong at the beginning of the tour of England at the time. I remember very clearly, because I was there. I saw that player power was taking over."
Pakistan diplomat and former chairman of their cricket board, Shaharyar Khan’s book ‘Cricket Cauldron: The Turbulent Politics of Sport in Pakistan’ promises to create a buzz in the cricketing world. Shaharyar served as chairman of the Board from December 2003 to October 2006 and is credited for infusing stability to a much-maligned establishment. He accompanied the team on its historic tour of India in 1999 when India vs Pakistan Test ties resumed after 10 years. Shaharyar spoke to PakPassion.net in the United Kingdom:
Shahryar, who is in London to promote his new book, also disclosed how relations between Inzamam and late head coach of the Pakistan team, Bob Woolmer had started to go wrong on the England tour of 2005. "Things began to go wrong at the beginning of the tour of England at the time. I remember very clearly, because I was there. I saw that player power was taking over," Shahryar told the Pakpassion.net website in an interview.
Speaking exclusively to Saj Sadiq of PakPassion.net, Zia spoke about his impressions of bowling in England, the importance of overseas tours for young Pakistani cricketers, the experience of attending Wasim Akram's training camp and the pressure of being earmarked at a young age as one of Pakistan's brightest young fast bowling prospects.
Zia said working with Wasim at his training camp was a fantastic opportunity. "Wasim is idolized as a hero by many cricketers in Pakistan and to receive advice and guidance from him was brilliant," Zia told in an interview to Pakpassion.net.
Pakistan Under-19 bowler Ziaul Haq feels legend Wasim Akram is a cricketer who is looked upon as a hero by many cricketers in Pakistan and to get his guidance is brilliant. Zia said working with Wasim at his training camp was a fantastic opportunity. “Wasim is idolized as a hero by many cricketers in Pakistan and to receive advice and guidance from him was brilliant,” Zia told in an interview to Pakpassion. - See more at: http://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2013/08/17/news/sports/wasim-akram-a-hero-for-many-cricketers-ziaul-haq/#sthash.q3Ji1q3e.dpuf
In an interview with pakpassion.net, Azharullah said that he began playing in England as an overseas player but got married there in 2009 and settled in the UK permanently in 2010. However, the player said that playing cricket in England did not seem new to him as he had played Twenty20 cricket even in Pakistan and there were tough sportsmen in both the countries.
“I am from Burewala. Waqar, Nadeem Iqbal, Mohammad Zahid are all from an area where I come from, but Waqar will always be my ideal bowler. When I first started I completely copied Waqar’s action. Even now I try to bowl with the same aggression that he did,” he told in a interview to Pakpassion.net.
According to PakPassion.net, Sohail said DRS should instead be used just as help for umpires and it was man-made, at the end of the day. The former player said that the system should just be used as help for umpires instead of thinking that it is the be-all and end-all for decision making.
According to pakpassion.net, Sohail pointed out that Taufeeq and Hafeez had forged a good partnership and understanding at the top of the order, which had now been ended. Sohail said that Taufeeq's record in Zimbabwe was quite good and he was puzzled and shocked at the decision because it did not make sense. (ANI)
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Cozier said that the players needed someone not only to lead them in terms of scoring runs but someone to lead them in another way as well, someone who would get them together and ensure that each player would play to his best potential.
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.
In an interview with pakpassion.net, Aslam expressed that the lack of U19 tours was an issue and it would most certainly help with the development of cricketers in Pakistan, if more opportunities were given to tour the likes of Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England.
A household name in TV commentary and analysis these days, Wasim continues his association with the game by involving himself in shaping cricketers of tomorrow: his recent efforts to help young Pakistani bowling talent in Karachi has earned him further plaudits and in an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Wasim speaks in detail about issues such as the progress made by Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan, as well as his impressions on the form of Wahab Riaz and his expectations of Mohammad Aftab and much more.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Akram said that in comparison to other countries, Pakistan was playing a lot lesser number of Test matches and that was the reason why the side could not compete in Test cricket with nations who were playing much more Test cricket.
According to PakPassion.net, Akram said that the Indians had moved ahead of Pakistan as far as cricket was concerned and they were organising more tours around the world for all of their teams at all levels, adding that everyone wanted to play against India at home or in India.
In an interview with PakPassion.net, Akram said that in comparison to other countries, Pakistan was playing a lot lesser number of Test matches and that was the reason why the side could not compete in Test cricket with nations who were playing much more Test cricket.
"The Pakistan cricket team simply cannot compete in Test cricket with nations who are playing much more than they are. The more Test cricket the Pakistanis play, the better they will become," Wasim said in an interview to Pakpassion.net.
According to Pakpassion.net, the pacer's man of the match performance in the 4th ODI against Zimbabwe on his international debut consisted of the makings of a trademark and was good for the future of fast bowling in India.
July 2013
“I don’t know whether I should say this, as I’m being interviewed for a Pakistani cricket website, but here goes: my favourite cricketer is Sachin Tendulkar. He’s an all-time great, a wonderful cricketer,” Hamann, who represented Germany in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and has had nearly 200 appearances for EPL giant Liverpool told Pakpassion.net.
"I don't know whether I should say this or not as I'm being interviewed for a Pakistani cricket website but here goes my favourite cricketer is Sachin Tendulkar. He's an all time great, a wonderful cricketer," Hamann, who represented Germany in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and has had nearly 200 appearances for EPL giants Liverpool told Pakpassion.net.
Dietmar Hamann who represented Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, Liverpool, Manchester City and Germany, said it is great to see Afridi back in the Pakistan team. "I am pleased that Afridi did well in the recently concluded West Indies tour. Afridi is a tremendous cricketer," Dietmar Hamann said in an interview to Pakpassion.net.
"I don't know whether I should say this or not as I'm being interviewed for a Pakistani cricket website but here goes – my favourite cricketer is Sachin Tendulkar. He's an all time great, a wonderful cricketer," Hamman, who represented Germany in the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and has had nearly 200 appearances for EPL giants Liverpool said
Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Zahid has said that he believes that pacer Mohammad Aamir had learnt some important lessons in life and his return will be good for Pakistan cricket
Former speed demon M Zahid believes pacer M Aamir’s return will be good for Pakistan cricket saying he has learnt some important lessons in life.
In an interview with Pakpassion.net, Maharoof said that Sri Lanka produced more unorthodox cricketers such as Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga, than any other cricketing nation, because the system promoted pure talent.
Currently playing for Leicestershire in the Friends Life T20 competition, Saj Sadiq of PakPassion.net caught up with the 26-year-old all-rounder to speak about his career to date, Bangladesh's lack of progress in Test cricket, their Test status, captaincy and also about youngsters recently breaking into the Bangladesh national side.
Debuting in 2006, Al Hassan has established himself as a noted player for his team with his all-round ability with bat and ball and has played 30 Tests, taking 106 wickets, including a 96 not out and eight wickets in Bangladesh's first overseas Test victory against the West Indies, www.PakPassion.net report
Currently playing for Leicestershire in the Friends Life T20 competition, Al Hassan said that Bangladesh has not made the impact in Test cricket that they had had hoped for and still need a lot of effort to reach their true potential in Test cricket, even though he claimed that his team was competitive in the shorter formats against any opposition.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Nazar, who played 76 Tests and 122 ODIs for Pakistan between 1976 and 1989, scoring almost 7,000 runs and taking 175 wickets, said the World Cup is still a long way away even though Misbah has kept himself quite fit. Although Nazar praised Misbah for keeping a cool head and his influence over the team, he, however, said that the qualities are not enough to win a tournament in the stature of the World Cup, adding that it is necessary to be a bit aggressive and hot-headed to win the World Cup.
Mudassar, who had played 76 Tests and 122 ODIs for Pakistan between 1976 and 1989, said big Pakistani players like Zaheer Abbas and Inzamam ul haq had also applied for the job that time than how can the PCB ignore them and appoint Woodhill. "How can you compare Woodhill with Zaheer and Inzamam," Mudassar said in an interview to website Pakpassion.net.
In an exclusive conversation with PakPassion.net, Mudassar spoke about the progress of Dav Whatmore as coach, the role of Mohammad Hafeez and the need of a batting coach for Pakistan.
According to www.PakPassion.net, Nazar, who played 76 Tests and 122 ODIs for Pakistan between 1976 and 1989, scoring almost 7,000 runs and taking 175 wickets, said the World Cup is still a long way away even though Misbah has kept himself quite fit. Although Nazar praised Misbah for keeping a cool head and his influence over the team, he, however, said that the qualities are not enough to win a tournament in the stature of the World Cup, adding that it is necessary to be a bit aggressive and hot-headed to win the World Cup.
Pakistan’s Olympic swimmer and Tamgha-e-Imtiaz winner, Kiran Khan has said as the government officials does not know how to swim, they do nothing for the propmotion of the sports of swimming.
PakPassion.net caught up with the young batsmen to talk about his career to date, his hopes for selection for the upcoming Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup, domestic cricket and his thoughts on Pakistan-19s chances on their tour of England in August
Talking to private news channel, Umar akmal said that he took his exclusion from the side as a lesson and plans to make the necessary changes to cement his place in the team.
Umar was quoted in the Business Recorder as saying: "I think you'll see a more mature Umar Akmal at the crease on the tour of the Caribbean and in the future. I don't think there will be a total overhaul of my approach, style and shot selection, but there will be some changes."
Young cricketer and batsman wicket-keeper Umar Akmal hoped to ensure to become a permanent member in national team by performing impressively in the upcoming Caribbean tour. Talking to private news channel, Umar Akmal said that he took his exclusion from the side as a lesson and planned to make the necessary changes to cement his place in the team.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Akmal spoke about being dropped from the Champions Trophy squad, his approach to batting, his thoughts on what critics have to say about his shot selection, the pressures of being expected to keep wicket and how he aims to add maturity and consistency to his batting.
"It was very disappointing to miss out playing in such a prestigious tournament. I thought it was a strange and surprising decision and I wasn't really expecting it to happen. You never take your place for granted and I've never been complacent, but the way I was suddenly dropped without too much justification was very difficult to accept," Akmal told PakPassion.net.
"I've played a lot of cricket for Pakistan as a batsman and to be handed the responsibility of having to also keep wicket is a tough ask," Akmal said in an interview with PakPassion. "But sometimes you have to do things outside your comfort zone in sport and, if the selectors, captain and coach want me to keep wicket then I am prepared to do that and to give it my best shot."
The captain of the Pakistani women's cricket team, Sana Mir, has said their team has reached new heights. In an interview with PakPassion.net, Mir said that few years ago, they never even managed to get into winning positions against the top teams, but they have now improved to the point that they can set the challenge of managing the pressure situations.
June 2013
28 year old seam bowler Sohail Tanvir was one of the players who was overlooked by the selectors for the tournament in England and Wales and speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, Tanvir explained why he thought the Pakistani batsmen struggled for form at the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan’s horrendous performance at the ICC Champions Trophy 2013 wasn’t just a huge disappointment for their fans, but also for some of the players who narrowly missed out on selection for the tournament. Seam bowler Sohail Tanvir was one of the players who was overlooked by the selectors for the tournament in England and Wales and tells PakPassion.net in an exclusive interview why he thought the Pakistani batsmen struggled for form at the Champions Trophy.
Inzamam-ul-Haq denied the reports saying PCB hasn’t contacted him regarding his appointment as batting coach. He said, “Lots of people are asking me about this but I’ve had no contact from the PCB.”
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq has denied reports that he is in line to take over as the national team's batting coach after team's poor show in the recent Champions Trophy in England.
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has denied reports that he is in contention to take over as the national team's batting coach following the team's poor show in the recent concluded ICC Champions Trophy in England.
Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul Haq has denied reports that he is in contention to take over as the national team''s batting coach following the team''s poor show in the recent concluded ICC Champions Trophy in England.
With the World Cup not too far away, Pakistan’s selectors must start making tough calls quickly if they are to avoid a repeat of the Champions Trophy debacle in future, says Inzamam-ul-Haq. In this extensive chat, the former skipper throws light on the benefits of nurturing young batsmen, using the way he was handled by Imran Khan in his early days in international cricket as an example.
With the World Cup not too far away, Pakistan’s selectors must start making tough calls quickly if they are to avoid a repeat of the Champions Trophy debacle in future, says Inzamam-ul-Haq. In this extensive chat, the former skipper throws light on the benefits of nurturing young batsmen, using the way he was handled by Imran Khan in his early days in international cricket as an example.
Talking to a TV channel, Inzamam said with the 2015 World Cup not too far away, the selectors must start making tough calls quickly if they want Pakistan to avoid a the eight-nation Champions Trophy debacle — where Pakistan ended at the last spot — in future.
Raja's comments came in the aftermath of Pakistan's disappointing performance in the recently-concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2013, which drew much criticism from fans, the media and former players, www.PakPassion.net reports
Former Pakistan Test captain Ramiz Raja has said India is the fielding benchmark for all countries, adding that if they could improve their fielding standards so drastically then Pakistan too could.
Raja made the comments during an interview with www.PakPassion.com after Pakistan's poor performance at the recently-concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
PakPassion.net caught up with Raja to discuss Pakistan's early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, Pakistan's preparations and planning ahead of the 2015 World Cup, Misbah-ul-Haq's future as one-day captain and whether the time has come for a major overhaul of Pakistan's one-day side.
Former Pakistan Test captain Ramiz Raja has said India is the fielding benchmark for all countries, adding that if they could improve their fielding standards so drastically then Pakistan too could.
Raja made the comments during an interview with www.PakPassion.com after Pakistan's poor performance at the recently-concluded ICC Champions Trophy 2013.
Although the stop-start career of Arafat, who made his debut 13 years ago, may indicate an unfulfilled talent or a mismanaged job, he continues to make headlines in domestic tournaments around the world including Pakistan, New Zealand, England and Bangladesh, www.PakPassion.net reports.
Speaking with PakPassion.net, Arafat expressed his delight at being picked by one of the most well-known county sides in England. “I'm delighted to be given another opportunity in County cricket. Somerset are a fantastic team with some great players and they have a proven pedigree in 20-over cricket. I'm really looking forward to playing alongside the likes of Marcus Trescothick, Craig Kieswetter, Peter Trego and the rest of the boys,” he said.
Prominent Indian cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle has said that Pakistani left-arm bowler Junaid Khan had bowled like Indian batting star Virat Kohli performance with his bat.
Bhogle spoke to PakPassion.net about Pakistan's performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2013, the India-Pakistan group-stage match, India's chances of lifting the Champions Trophy, Pakistan's bowling attack and the change of mind set amongst India's leading cricketers.
"Now a well-known commentator who is part of the commentary team for the Champions Trophy, Arnold spoke with PakPassion.net about Sri Lanka's squad for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka's chances at the aforementioned event, Sri Lanka's ability to regularly produce world class and unorthodox cricketers and much more."
May 2013
"We have the psychological advantage having defeated India in their own backyard in the one-day series and I'm confident that we can defeat them in Birmingham," he said in an interview to the Pakpassion.net website
In an interview with PakPassion, Ajmal assured viewers that they will not be disappointed.
Claiming that both India and Pakistan were strong teams, whichever team was able to handle pressure better, would emerge victorious.
In an interview with the cricket website PakPassion.com, Ajmal spoke about Pakistan Cricket Board's recent focus on the players' waistline during a preparatory camp in Abbottabad for the Champions Trophy. "I was given a training and dietary plan by the PCB which I've had to follow. I had to stop the parathas and sweetmeats which was the toughest part of the routine. I love my parathas and sweetmeats. As a professional sportsman, you have to make some sacrifices sometimes," said the man with chubby cheeks and twinkling eyes.
While talking exclusively to Pakpassion, Ajmal, who is considered to be one of the finest spinners of the modern-day sport, said that it is wonderful to see Narine making progress in international cricket and feels that his strengths are variations and accuracy.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net Ajmal provides his opinion on the preparations for the Champions Trophy, the goals achieved during the camp in Abbottabad, speaks about Misbah-ul-Haq's captaincy, the IPL, provides an update on his academy in his home town Faisalabad and much more.
With Ireland due to face Pakistan in the upcoming two ODI series at home, PakPassion.net spoke to O'Brien about his thoughts on the matches, and his career to date.
“It’ll be a great chance for the team to show what we can do again,” O’Brien told Pakpassion.net. “It has been a while since we’ve played a Full Member team.”
Kevin O'Brien, the Ireland allrounder, has said the upcoming ODIs against Pakistan are a welcome chance for his team to match skills with a Full Member side. Ireland, who last played a top team during the 2012 World T20, are set to play Pakistan in two one-dayers in Dublin on May 23 and 26.
"It'll be a great chance for me personally and for the team to show what we can do again," O'Brien told Pakpassion.net. "It has been a while since we've played a Full Member."
Speaking to PakPassion.net, Ireland’s vice-captain said that he and his team mates were looking forward to the two One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Pakistan to prove their mettle.
PakPassion quoted Whatmore as saying that Misbah has inspired other batsmen with his efforts and performance, although rotation and change in the battiing order is always an open option.
Yet Amla, does not figure in the world’s biggest T20 league — the Indian Premier League. Amla tells PakPassion’s Saj Sadiq that’s because he uses the time to rest and spend time with family as the international cricket calendar is quite taxing on the players.
South African batsman Hashim Amla said that he is not surprised by the decision of Gary Kirsten to step down from the position of head coach of the team.
Amla, who is currently the premier batsmen in world cricket and is ranked number one in both one-day internationals and Test cricket, has won over fans and critics alike with his runs, languid style and professional attitude, www.PakPassion.net reports.
With a record delivery of 156.4 km/h in the 2003 World Cup, Bond said that he yearns to produce world-class fast bowlers as a bowling coach and has the ability to analyze the game, PakPassion reports.
Bond spoke exclusively to PakPassion.net about his playing career, his present role and his views on the New Zealand bowling attack and their expectations on the tour of England, as well as issues facing bowlers round the world.
In the interview with Pak Passion, Bond said he believes that he can be of much help to the players as he has gone through similar phases of anxiety, nervousness and playing experiences, adding that it is a challenge to work with players with whom he has played in his cricket career such as Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Doug Bracewell.
Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammed has supported the exclusion of all-rounder Shahid Afridi and batsman Umar Akmal from the ICC Champions Trophy squad, saying that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is completely justified in its action.
Speaking exclusively with PakPassion.net, former Pakistan captain Mushtaq Mohammed discussed the specifics behind the decision to ignore Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal as well the strengths of the squad chosen.
April 2013
In addition, the camp has invited some of the top performers in domestic circuit headlined by the prolific Asad Ali who in an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, spoke about his interaction with Wasim Akram, his experience of touring with the national side, playing domestically with Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) alongside Pakistan’s top international players and his hopes of being selected to play in the Champions Trophy in England this summer.
Sohaib Maqsood has been in scintillating form this season, a run which has seen him emerge as an outside contender for Pakistan’s Champions Trophy, despite not being named in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) original 30-man squad. Maqsood spoke to PakPassion.net about his season, hopes for the future and his development as a batsman.
Asif wanted the ICC ruling that imposed a seven-year ban, two years of which are suspended, on him to be overturned but the CAS did not find any evidence to support the pace bowler's claim, www.PakPassion.net reports.
Ali had coached the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) team, including players like Akmal and led by Pakistan's Test and ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq, which won the recently concluded President's Cup One Day tournament, www.PakPassion.net reports.
In an interview given to Pakpassion, Javed, who represented Pakistan in 22 Tests, said he was disappointed with Riaz's international career. Riaz, he said, had poor levels of concentration and was not able to cope with the pressures of international cricket.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net’s Saj Sadiq, Aaqib spoke about the state of Pakistan's current crop of fast bowlers as well as those to keep an eye on in the future.
"Wahab Riaz is Wasting his Talent" : Aaqib Javed
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Aaqib spoke about the state of Pakistan's current crop of fast bowlers as well as those to keep an eye on in the future.
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Ayub described his frustration at his lack of opportunities at Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), for whom he signed for straight after the Under-19 World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net’s Saj Sadiq, Qasim spoke about Pakistan’s performance in the recently-concluded tour of South Africa, looked ahead to the upcoming Champions Trophy in England. He also spoke about the future of Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Younis Khan as well as responding to criticism of the lack of opportunities for younger players in international cricket.
Big News Network, April 4tth, 2013
Stating that the focus of his selection committee is on the middle order, Qasim agreed that there is a problem with the batsmen in that order, particularly while chasing large totals and added that the board is looking to address the issue, www.PakPassion.net reports.
Box Score News, April 3rd, 2013
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net Qasim spoke about Pakistan’s performance in the recently concluded tour of South Africa, looked ahead to the upcoming Champions Trophy in England. He also spoke about the futures of Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq and Younus Khan as well as responding to criticism of the lack of opportunities for younger players in international cricket.
Cricket Country, April 4th, 2013
In an exclusive interview with Amir Husain of PakPassion, Mohsin Khan discussed in depth Pakistan’s performance in the recently-concluded tour of South Africa and also looked forward to the upcoming Champions Trophy in England.
March 2013
Box Score, March 2nd, 2013
Lawson who described his stint as Pakistan coach as enjoyable spoke to PakPassion about the recently-concluded Test series against South Africa
Cricket Country, March 3rd, 2013
Lawson who described his stint as Pakistan coach as enjoyable spoke to PakPassion’s Saj Sadiq about the recently-concluded Test series against South Africa and in particular about the lack of preparation ahead of the series, the subsequent criticism of coach Dav Whatmore from some former players, Umar
Gul's form in South Africa and the performance of the young Pakistani fast bowlers in the series.
Pakistan Today, March 6th, 2013
Lawson, who served as Pakistan’s coach between 2007 and 2008, while speaking to Pakpoassion, said that the Proteas are the best side of the globe at the present moment and competing against them at their own backyard was surely not a child’s play.
The former Australian fast bowler praised the past performances of the right-handed batsman, who played an influential role in pulling Pakistan out of the miseries of the spot-fixing scandal.
February 2013
Cricket Country, February 10th, 2013
Speaking with PakPassion.net, former PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt stated that ensuring participation of high profile cricketers from all over the world was the key to a successful tournament and this should be amongst the main priorities for those in charge of the PSL. Butt also feels that despite security concerns from some quarters, the tournament has to be held within Pakistan and not elsewhere, as some have suggested. Butt also urged the PCB to ensure collaboration with the ICC when looking to finalise the dates for the tournament.
January 2013
Cricket Country, January 30th, 2013
Aamir Sohail, former Pakistan captain and opening batsman, looks ahead to the challenges of the tour of South Africa for Misbah-ul-Haq and his team in unfamiliar conditions. Sohail also sheds light on what he believes should be the Pakistani tactics in South Africa, as well as outlining the roles of key bowlers such as Mohammad Irfan and Saeed Ajmal in a chat with Saj Sadiq of PakPassion.net
Cricket World, January 29th, 2013
Ahead of the first Test between South Africa and Pakistan, which gets underway on Friday (1st February) at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, former Pakistan coach Richard Pybus believes the Pakistan bowlers have what it takes to trouble the home side. Writing for www.pakpassion.net, he describes the attack that Misbah-ul-Haq has at his disposal 'mouth-watering'.
Cricket Country, January 29th, 2013
The Pakistan Super League (PSL), estimated to be in excess of $100 million, will see five city-based franchises in the fray. In this exclusive interview with PakPassion’s Saj Sadiq, PSL Managing Director Salman Sarwar Butt speaks about the interest levels of players and potential franchise, among other things. He also said that if the BCCI gives the necessary approval, Indian players are most welcome to take part in the championship.
Cricket Country, January 28th, 2013
Mohammad Zahid, a former fast bowler who played five Tests and 11 ODIs for Pakistan, analyses the upcoming Test series between South Africa and Pakistan.
Dawn, January 26th, 2013
In his latest column for Pakpassion.net, former Pakistan fast bowler, Mohammad Zahid analyses Pakistan’s prospects on the tour of South Africa and unlike coach Dav Whatmore, who advised his fast bowlers not to get hyped up, suggests that the trio of Umar Gul, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Irfan ‘get in the faces of Graeme Smith’s men.’
Cricket Country January 20th, 2013
Speaking to PakPassion.net, former Pakistan batsman Zaheer Abbas feels that whilst South Africa go into the Test series as firm favourites, Pakistan could surprise their hosts if they apply themselves during the Test series and cope with the pressure that Dale Steyn and his colleagues will be looking to put on them.
News Track India January 18th, 2013
In an interview with Pakpassion.net, O'Brien revealed that he has recently signed a three year deal with Leicestershire following three seasons at Kent and six years at Northamptonshire.
In an interview with Pakpassion.net, O'Brien revealed that he has recently signed a three year deal with Leicestershire following three seasons at Kent and six years at Northamptonshire.
Malaysian Sun January 16th, 2013
Ashraf said during an interview with Pakpassion.net: "Deadlines have come and gone. This isn't the first deadline that we have seen. We've also set deadlines in the past for the Bangladesh cricket team to tour Pakistan, which have come and gone."
Ashraf said during an interview with Pakpassion.net: "Deadlines have come and gone. This isn't the first deadline that we have seen. We've also set deadlines in the past for the Bangladesh cricket team to tour Pakistan, which have come and gone."