Indian captain MS Dhoni calls for changes in ODI playing conditions

Sydney, March 26 (IANS) Indian captain M.S. Dhoni on Thursday advocated changes in playing conditions governing one-day games, saying too many boundaries can cause boredom and the 50-over matches should not become like T20 outings.

“It’s my personal opinion, I would like them to change. In the history of cricket we have not seen 200s; in three years’ time you see three 200s being scored.”

“A lot of people will say there are a lot of dot balls that are getting bowled because of that extra fielders inside. I would say have the option of having them outside, you can keep all 11 inside to stop all the dot deliveries. We have to see,” he said referring to the existing powerplay rules.

“Let’s not make 50-over game like a T20 game because I feel even a lot of sixes and a lot of fours also make it very boring,” Dhoni said in the post-match media meet after his team went down to Australia by 95 runs in the World Cup semi-final.

The rules are slightly more harsh on the spinners: Dhoni

Dhoni said the real essence of ODI cricket lay in how a side batted in the middle overs.

“The main essence of ODI cricket is how you bat from the 15th over onwards until maybe the 35th over. The first ten and the last ten doesn’t matter, it’s more like a T20,” he said.

He contended the rules are harsh on the bowlers, particularly the spinners.

“You have to make sure that it’s still there present in the game, and I feel the rules are slightly harsh. Maybe slightly more harsh on the spinners who like to deceive the batsmen with their flight, like to challenge them.”

“Now you have these all batsmen playing sweeps, reverse sweeps and all these different shots, and they have an advantage,” emphasised Dhoni.

Brett Lee set to make full-fledged acting debut with ‘UnIndian’

Brett Lee set to make full-fledged acting debut with ‘UnIndian’: Former Australian Cricketer and fast bowler legend, Brett Lee is all set to make his debut as a full-time actor with an international film UnIndian.

‘UnIndian’ is the first production of the newly established Australia India Film Fund (AIFF). The cast includes Brett Lee (Will) and Tannishtha Chatterjee (Meera) in lead roles.

The film is directed by Sydney-based Indian director Anupam Sharma and also produced by Anupam Sharma, Lisa Duff, Devendra Gupta and Chandru Tolani. Cast in supporting roles include Supriya Pathak Kapur, Akash Khurana, John Howard, Arka Das, Sarah Roberts, Gulshan Grover, Pallavi Sharda & Maya Sathi.

‘UnIndian’ is said to be a cross-cultural romantic comedy. Lee’s character- Will falls for an Indian girl played by Meera. The cricketer will also be seen showing a few of his action skills in the movie. A romantic song was shot during the ICC World Cup which features lead actors of the film, Lee and Chatterjee.

Trade Analyst Taran Adarsh, who shared the picture from the film sets on Twitter said, “Cricketer Bret Lee turns actor. Here’s a glimpse of his first lead role in the film titled #unINDIAN…”

The director of the film Anupam Sharma stated, “We were all excited prepping up for this final number composed by Salim Sulaiman. Especially because the number has some interesting twists and turns, and Brett in a traditional Indian costume. Brett took time out from his World Cup commentary a week before the big India Australia match.”

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Sharma further added, “His love for India and the ease with which he takes on Indian customs is the reason why many call him a de facto Indian. To see if we managed to convince Brett to do a Bollywood Thumka his fans will have to wait and see the film.”

Founder and CEO of AIFF Devendra Gupta was quoted saying, “AIFF was formed with the vision of creating high quality cross cultural productions. ‘UnIndian’ is a very special film bringing Australian and Indian cultures together. We are proud to be producing our first film in our home city and supporting the local film industry.”

Shahid Afridi Bashes M.Yousaf in Live Show

Shahid Afridi Vs Muhammad Yousaf

 Shahid Afridi was invited in a “World Cup Campaign Show” on Ary News. He was asked regarding the critics from senior players especially Mohammad Yousaf. He gave a strong reply to Mohammad Yousaf criticism. Afridi said, “Mohammad Yousaf is representing a religious party he should respect what he is representing”. He future added “Yousaf ko Allah ne bowhat Izat di hai or muj se kai zyada di hai, per insaaan ko apni Izzat ka kyayaal rakhna chaiyay. Jis tarah ki wo Zabaan akay Media pe istamaaal kertay hain us se un ke khud ke personality ka pata lagta hai”. Watch out the entire video and find out what else Afridi has said in the live show.

دورہ بنگلہ دیش: عمر اکمل اور ناصر کی چھٹی یقینی

دورہ بنگلہ دیش: عمر اکمل اور ناصر کی چھٹی یقینی.

دورہ بنگلہ دیش: عمر اکمل اور ناصر کی چھٹی یقینی

لاہور(قدرت نیوز ) دورہ بنگلہ دیش کے لیے سلیکشن کمیٹی اور تینوں فارمیٹ کے کپتانوں کے درمیان مشاورت جاری ہے اور اسکواڈ سے ناصر جمشید اور عمر اکمل کو باہر کرنے کا فیصلہ کر لیا گیا ہے۔ بنگلہ دیش کیخلاف ٹیسٹ، ون ڈے اور ٹی ٹونٹی سیریز کے اسکواڈ کو حتمی شکل دینے کیلیے سلیکٹرز پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے تینوں فارمیٹ کے کپتانوں کے ساتھ لاہور میں میٹنگ میں مصروف ہیں ۔ سابق ٹیسٹ کرکٹر اور چیف سلیکٹر ہارون رشید کی سربراہی میں چار رکنی سلیکشن کمیٹی کی میٹنگز کا سلسلہ قذافی اسٹیڈیم لاہور میں دو روز سے جاری ہے اور سلیکٹرز رواں ماہ ہونے والے دورہ بنگلہ دیش کے لیےاسکواڈ کو حتمی شکل دینے کی کوششوں میں مصروف ہیں۔ ذرائع نے بتایا کہ اجلاس میں نئے سینٹرل کنٹریکٹس پر بھی مشاورت کی جائےگی۔ باخبر ذرائع کے مطابق سلیکشن کمیٹی نے نوجوان کھلاڑیوں کو بنگلہ دیش بھیجنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے اور ورلڈ کپ کے لیے منتخب ٹیم سے عمر اکمل اور ناصر جمشید کو باہر کرنے کا فیصلہ کر لیا گیا ہے۔ عمر اکمل نے ورلڈ کپ کے سات میچوں میں 164 رنز بنائے تھے جبکہ ناصر جمشید چار میچوں میں صرف پانچ رنز بنانے میں کامیاب رہے تھے۔ اسکواڈ میں فواد عالم کی شمولیت یقینی ہے جبکہ نوجوان اوپنر سمیع اسلم اور بابر اعظم کی شمولیت پر بھی غور وضوض جاری ہے، اس کے علاوہ انور علی کو بھی ایک روزہ اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی ٹیم کا حصہ بنانے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے۔ بنگلہ دیش کےخلاف سیریز کی تیاری کےلیے ٹیم کا تربیتی کیمپ چھ اپریل سے شروع ہونے کاامکان ہے۔ پاکستانی ٹیم دورہ بنگلہ دیش میں دوٹیسٹ، تین ون ڈے اورایک ٹی ٹوئینٹی میچ کھیلےگی۔

The Kevin Pietersen Conundrum – Why England need him

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The Kevin Pietersen Conundrum – Why England need him.

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دورہ بنگلہ دیش: عمر اکمل اور ناصر کی چھٹی یقینی

لاہور(قدرت نیوز ) دورہ بنگلہ دیش کے لیے سلیکشن کمیٹی اور تینوں فارمیٹ کے کپتانوں کے درمیان مشاورت جاری ہے اور اسکواڈ سے ناصر جمشید اور عمر اکمل کو باہر کرنے کا فیصلہ کر لیا گیا ہے۔ بنگلہ دیش کیخلاف ٹیسٹ، ون ڈے اور ٹی ٹونٹی سیریز کے اسکواڈ کو حتمی شکل دینے کیلیے سلیکٹرز پاکستان کرکٹ ٹیم کے تینوں فارمیٹ کے کپتانوں کے ساتھ لاہور میں میٹنگ میں مصروف ہیں ۔ سابق ٹیسٹ کرکٹر اور چیف سلیکٹر ہارون رشید کی سربراہی میں چار رکنی سلیکشن کمیٹی کی میٹنگز کا سلسلہ قذافی اسٹیڈیم لاہور میں دو روز سے جاری ہے اور سلیکٹرز رواں ماہ ہونے والے دورہ بنگلہ دیش کے لیےاسکواڈ کو حتمی شکل دینے کی کوششوں میں مصروف ہیں۔ ذرائع نے بتایا کہ اجلاس میں نئے سینٹرل کنٹریکٹس پر بھی مشاورت کی جائےگی۔ باخبر ذرائع کے مطابق سلیکشن کمیٹی نے نوجوان کھلاڑیوں کو بنگلہ دیش بھیجنے کا فیصلہ کیا ہے اور ورلڈ کپ کے لیے منتخب ٹیم سے عمر اکمل اور ناصر جمشید کو باہر کرنے کا فیصلہ کر لیا گیا ہے۔ عمر اکمل نے ورلڈ کپ کے سات میچوں میں 164 رنز بنائے تھے جبکہ ناصر جمشید چار میچوں میں صرف پانچ رنز بنانے میں کامیاب رہے تھے۔ اسکواڈ میں فواد عالم کی شمولیت یقینی ہے جبکہ نوجوان اوپنر سمیع اسلم اور بابر اعظم کی شمولیت پر بھی غور وضوض جاری ہے، اس کے علاوہ انور علی کو بھی ایک روزہ اور ٹی ٹوئنٹی ٹیم کا حصہ بنانے کا فیصلہ کیا گیا ہے۔ بنگلہ دیش کےخلاف سیریز کی تیاری کےلیے ٹیم کا تربیتی کیمپ چھ اپریل سے شروع ہونے کاامکان ہے۔ پاکستانی ٹیم دورہ بنگلہ دیش میں دوٹیسٹ، تین ون ڈے اورایک ٹی ٹوئینٹی میچ کھیلےگی۔

The Kevin Pietersen Conundrum – Why England need him

The Kevin Pietersen Conundrum – Why England need him.

The Kevin Pietersen Conundrum – Why England need him

England needs Kevin Pietersen

Creating controversy has always been Kevin Pietersen’s forte. In 2004, he rejected his native South Africa for England, a decision which sparked vitriolic furore amongst his former colleagues who considered it an act of betrayal. Eleven years on, youthful exuberance long departed – as has the lengthy hair laced with blonde streaks – the 34-year-old continues to polarise en masse.

Runs, centuries and enemies: Pietersen has accumulated all three during his international career. Now bereft of the luxury of choice, the current quandary is whether his adopted country should accept him, not the opposite. For the past year, England’s management have erred on the side of rejection, telling him he was no longer part of their plans following the humiliating 5-0 Ashes defeat to Australia in early 2014. But as the team’s torrid patch in all three formats stretches on – a group stage exit at the World Cup provided the latest embarrassment – it’s a stance which appears increasingly flimsy.

The comeback is on

While managing director of the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Paul Downton, seemed to close the door on any potential Pietersen comeback, incoming ECB chairman Colin Graves has suggested a recall is a possibility providing the batsman shows a willingness to commit to county cricket. With assurance therefore seemingly given, Pietersen has effectively ended his role as a Twenty20 mercenary – one he has operated in with varied success since his expulsion from the national side.

By pulling out of his IPL deal with Sunrisers Hyderabad (he remains available for the playoffs if required) in order to play for Surrey, he will make an April return to four-day competition in an effort to be recalled for the Ashes series starting in July. It’s a bold move, but one that speaks far more of his desire to compete internationally again than his Twitter ramblings – supported by journalist, and social media henchman, Piers Morgan – have done.

England’s significant woes have endured since the departure of Pietersen and Jonathan Trott, in the most recent Ashes, with just a 3-1 Test victory over a hapless India to their credit. The latter – now revived from the troubles of burnout – has been selected for their upcoming three-Test tour against the West Indies, a team in similar levels of strife, albeit for different reasons.

It’s a series that will not silence critics, but one nonetheless which affords an opportunity for the stragglers to reaffirm their credentials. Not least for captain Alastair Cook, whose Test hundred drought has extended to almost two years. For a player who has branded a Pietersen comeack as “very unlikely”, his judgment lacks authority. One wonders whether a more dynamic outfit, such as Sri Lanka, would have given KP a lifeline to impress in the Caribbean. With much greater ordeals awaiting England over the next 12 months, what happens on those islands will probably only be remembered in the record books. But alas, they have not.

Tougher challenges ahead

Those ordeals come in the form of New Zealand and Australia, before a trip to South Africa next winter – arguably the strongest trio at the moment in both red and white-ball cricket. England’s susceptibility to swing, highlighted in their defeat to the Kiwis at the World Cup, will be exploited once again by Tim Southee and Trent Boult in the bowler’s playground that is the early English season. The Aussies and the Saffers all-round supremacy would trump even a competent England batch. Failure to improve imminently and three bloodbaths are not improbable. Nor is the total disbanding of a squad already fracturing.

England are not just short on heroes, but of consistency from their most experienced campaigners. Weak showings from Cook, Ian Bell, and the absence of a genuine spinner, has heaped pressure on Joe Root, Gary Ballance and Moeen Ali – the young guns who have fought valiantly for little reward. In the bowling department, James Anderson, so long the spearhead looks a man battle-worn; he is far from the swinging master he once was. In fact, England are devoid of world-class fast-bowling options in general.

Age is not a factor

There is weight in the claim that picking Pietersen would not be forward-thinking, and that investment in youth would be a better long-term strategy. Indeed, at 34 his time as a cricketer is limited – in a parallel world, a home send-off at the 2019 World Cup would be a fitting place to call stumps. In theory, that gives England four more years of one of their most prolific batsmen ever. Moreover, their dedication to Trott, who turns 34 next month, indicates age is not a valid reason for exclusion. Right now, England require stability and a match-winner. In Trott and Pietersen they have both.

Trott’s comeback clearly indicates that age isn’t a factor to not select KP

Above all else, KP needs to score runs by the bucketload for Surrey, he must thrust himself into a situation where he is impossible to ignore – anything else and the comeback is a non-starter. Ideally, he would be plying his trade in Division One (there was chatter that Somerset had enquired to sign him) but location-wise, he will be happier at Surrey – his wanting to be closer to London led to him leaving Hampshire in 2010. But most importantly, he will be playing cricket. And if his form is good enough the selectors are set to be left with some uncomfortable headaches in the coming weeks.

Pietersen is a swashbuckler. He has never been an optimum fit for a country whose mantra remains conservatism in spite of the demand for attack modernity brings. He also has a personality matched only by Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff in the past three decades. Sidelining him isn’t a testing task for the ECB – although the text messages and his scathing new autobiography hasn’t helped his cause either. But while renewing their vows may be an inconvenience, for both parties concerned, remarriage is a necessity. Hence, if Kevin Pietersen racks up runs in the next few months, England must put personal differences aside, and select him

Who is Azhar Ali – Get to know the new Pakistan captain

As was widely expected, Azhar Ali was announced as the captain of Pakistan’s ODI team yesterday. He was also announced as the vice-vaptain of the Test team, which means that he is most likely to take over as captain once Misbah retires.

Though this is Pakistan and anything can happen, Azhar taking over Test captaincy from Misbah is the most likely scenario.

 

Azhar’s elevation to ODI captaincy has met with scathing criticism from the public. A large proportion of the public has been criticizing Azhar Ali’s strike-rate, which at 39.56 in Tests and 64.84 in ODIs makes for dismal reading. He averages 41 in both forms of the game, which means he can score, but the main problem seems to be with the way he scores. It is too slow for ODIs according to most people.

Azhar Ali himself knows that. He is not ignorant. In the press conference where PCB Chairman, Shaharyar Khan, announced Azhar Ali as ODI captain, Azhar was asked the question about his strike-rate. He responded by saying: “I am aware that my strike rate is not good. I have worked on this problem and have improved it in domestic cricket. Insha’Allah I will be able to do the same in international cricket and results will be for all to see.”

Now there is a trait of a captain. To take the answer head on and respond with the confidence that he did showed to me at least that he knew what he was talking about.

Coming back to why he was selected as ODI captain, Shaharyar Khan said: “I know he hasn’t played ODI cricket for 2 years. But in the Pentangular Cup that we conducted he was very impressive. His batting and captaincy were both impressive and we felt he was the best man for the job.”

Whether you agree with the choice or not you cannot take away the reasoning that has been provided by Shaharyar Khan. It is honest, according to him the right decision, and he made sure he let everyone know that. Rarely do we see such confidence and honesty in Pakistani press conferences.

Now let’s take a look at whether Azhar’s and Shaharyar Sb’s statements hold any weight or not.

Pentangular Cup

The tournament was held in January this year, and according to the PCB, at the time it was a trial period for all cricketers in preparation for the World Cup.

Azhar Ali captained Baluchistan Warriors in that tournament. Baluchistan reached the final of the Pentangular Cup, and even though they lost to KPK in the final, the fact that they reached there instead of the more fancied Sindh and Punjab means that Azhar did play some role. You can’t take that away from him.

With 302 runs in 5 innings at an average of 60.4 and a strike rate of 86.3, Azhar was also the leading run scorer of the Pentangular Cup.

No one should have any complaints with that strike-rate.

Following are Azhar’s 5 innings in the tournament:

• 17 off 42 vs KPK
• 117 off 133 vs Sindh
• 75 off 92 vs Federal United
• 72 off 56 vs Punjab
• 21 off 27 vs KPK

Besides that first game, his strike-rate was not an issue in any of the other matches. The innings of 72 off 56 deliveries came in a game where Baluchistan had to chase a target of 316 in 42 overs to qualify for the final, and Azhar led from the front with that knock against a bowling attack that included international players like Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Talha, and Raza Hasan.

President’s Gold One Day Cup

Following the Pentangular Cup, there was the President’s Gold One Day Cup where Azhar Ali represented his domestic department, Sui-Northern Gas.

Even in that tournament, Azhar was among the runs with 234 runs in 4 innings at an average of 58.5 and a strike rate of 87.0! Once again, no one can have any complaints with that strike-rate!

Following are Azhar’s 4 innings scores in the Gold One Day Cup:

• 0 off 7 vs Karachi Dolphins
• 40 off 63 vs Peshawar Panthers
• 57 off 81 vs National Bank of Pakistan
• 128 off 118 vs ZTBL

Not as impressive as in the Pentangular, but impressive enough.

Azhar said that he has been improving on the strike-rate aspect in domestic cricket, and his performance in Pakistan’s last two domestic tournaments pretty much prove that he has. Shaharyar Khan said that they were impressed with Azhar’s batting and captaincy in the Pentangular Cup, and the aforementioned numbers explain why.

Now the only question that remains is, will Azhar Ali be able to replicate the same form in international cricket? The answer to that is, we will just have to wait and see.

I will be the first to admit that I am not in favour of this decision. But I will also say that now that he is at the helm, we can only get behind him and support him.

And hope that he can live up to people’s expectations and bat at a better strike-rate, otherwise there will be a massive trolling campaign against him, which will hold him at the pedestal that was once only for Misbah