The match was the first day/night Quaid E Azam Trophy fixture and jubilant Habib Bank Limited captain Hasan Raza speaking to PakPassion.net feels that the experiment to play Quaid E Azam Trophy cricket under floodlights and with a orange cricket ball should not be a one-off and should be persevered with for next season.

by Saj Sadiq

17 January 2011

Habib Bank saw off PIA by 5 wickets in the 5 day encounter at the National Stadium Karachi, to lift the 2011 Quaid E Azam Trophy, in a rather ill tempered match that ended up with three PIA players fined by the match referee.

The match was the first day/night Quaid E Azam Trophy fixture and jubilant Habib Bank Limited captain Hasan Raza speaking to PakPassion.net feels that the experiment to play Quaid E Azam Trophy cricket under floodlights and with a orange cricket ball should not be a one-off and should be persevered with for next season.

“It was a really good experience, all of the boys really enjoyed themselves and I hope that this is not a one-off. I really do hope that this idea is continued for next season and further into the future. We started practising with the orange ball and pink ball two days ahead of the match, so it gave us all an opportunity to adjust to the light and the colour of the ball. The PIA captain Kamran Sajid and I in discussion with our teams decided that the orange ball would be better and I really do hope that future matches in the Quaid E Azam Trophy are played under lights with the orange cricket ball.

Raza believes that day/night four day cricket is not only enjoyable for the players but also is a pleasant experience for the fans at the stadium.

“The fans seemed to be having a good time watching the game and got behind the teams. I think if you asked the supporters they would definitely say they prefer day/night cricket compared with day cricket.”

Raza was a relieved man at the end of the match as Habib Bank despite their previous star studded lineups, finally managed to lift the Quaid E Azam trophy, after a 33 year gap.
“Its been a long wait for Habib Bank. We’ve won the Quaid E Azam Trophy after 33 years. It’s been a painstaking wait for all the guys involved with Habib Bank and we are all delighted and very proud of our achievements this season. We’ve played consistently well throughout the season and have beaten some very good teams during the course of the season.”

Raza saw his team home with a captain’s knock of 54 not out however feels that the 2 Division format of departments and regional teams spread across both divisions should be changed from next season.

“Departments should play against departments and the regional sides should play amongst one another. The departmental sides play the most competitive cricket and generally produce the best players. I think it would benefit the national side also if the format was altered where department teams and regional teams are kept apart, as the most talented players but be visible in the first division and playing for the departmental sides.”

The match though was marred by shows of dissent from PIA players and allegations of ball tampering against PIA left arm medium fast bowler Najaf Shah. However Raza played down the incidents and put it down to being part of the game of cricket.

“Both umpires are experienced guys and decisions went for and against both teams. We got some poor decisions and also some in our favour. And you just have to accept them and get on with the game. There was a lot of sledging but it’s all part of the game and shouldn’t be taken personally. It was an intense match with a lot at stake and both sets of players were striving to win.”

Three PIA players, Najaf Shah, Fahad Iqbal and Kamran Sajid were fined by the match referee and Habib Bank were also fined for a slow over rate.

Raza made his test debut for Pakistan at the age of 14 and has recently passed 12,000 first class runs was widely predicted as an immense talent, but failed to meet the expectations, however he feels that Misbah ul Haq’s return to the test side can prove to be an example for him.

“I’m a much more responsible individual now and have had the responsibility of captaincy with me for the past few years. I’ve been a consistent performer in domestic cricket and I look at Misbah ul Haq’s example as someone who can make a strong comeback into test cricket. I have faith in my ability and know for sure that I can do a job for Pakistan.”