It's the 25th of March and the year is 1992. The Captain of a victorious Pakistani team is called upon to receive the World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. As Imran Khan lifts the prestigious trophy on that beautiful evening in Melbourne, millions of his countrymen around the world are standing up in unison – connected by the invisible bond of kinship. In the days, months and years to come, that moment captured by television images will be the source of inspiration for millions of Pakistanis, within them countless players who will quote that moment as the day they decided to take up the game of cricket and proudly serve their nation.
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.
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Asad Ali spoke about his interaction with Wasim Akram, his experience of touring with the national side, playing domestically with SNGPL alongside Pakistan’s top international players and his hopes of being selected to play in the Champions Trophy in England this summer.
Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, Basit Ali expressed his typically forthright views on a variety of topics including Misbah-ul-Haq’s role in the Pakistan team, the road ahead for Umar Akmal and Pakistan's squad for the Champions Trophy 2013. He also had some strong words for the ex Chairman of the PCB, Ijaz Butt.