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BCCI’s absurdities deprive fans of quality cricket

The incorrigible officials of the Indian Cricket Board (BCCI) who never let go of any opportunity to politicise any sports event involving Pakistan, have yet again put their egos before the game of cricket to deprive billions of fans in both the neighboring countries as well as around the world from what would have been really exciting Asia Cup contests during the past few days. The ongoing Asia Cup had its share of controversies even before the tournament started, thanks to BCCI, whose ridiculously obstinate stance of not playing in Pakistan despite them being the host nation brought things to a head. All the hullaballoo made over the Cup’s venues and the schedule of the tournament, of course, left a bad taste in the mouth, both for the fans and critics alike. In a rare instance then, the Pakistan Cricket Board too decided to stick to to its guns and the ex-PCB Chairman Najam Sethi’s hybrid model was reluctantly accepted by BCCI Secretary Jay Shah & Company as well as by the other competing teams. The tournament finally got off on August 30 and it was believed that the exciting on-field action will soon put the distasteful saga that had preceded the start of the six-nation event as a thing of the past. However, it was not to be. Jay Shah obviously had an axe to grind with Pakistan and the PCB and quickly darted in to veto the shifting of matches to Hambantota after the rains had washed out the opening Pakistan-India match on September 2. The incumbent PCB chief Zaka Ashraf, miffed with the stubbornness of the BCCI officials, called for shifting of the remaining matches to Lahore but Shah never relented. As a result, even the Super 4 Pakistan-India match on Sunday is under a grave threat of getting washed out, despite the reserve day on Monday. To everyone’s surprise, the much-awaited fixture is being played to empty stands, an alien sight to the Pakistan-India games which are invariably packed to capacity contests. Such has been the negativity exuded by the BCCI officials. Like always, it has been the Indian cricket board (BCCI) that has proved to be the spoilsport once again, making an unnecessary issue of egos at every stage of this tournament whereas Pakistan, being the host nation, has shown a lot of flexibility, though in vain.   Former Pakistan captains Rashid Latif and Shahid Afridi have not minced any words in blaming the BCCI and its Secretary Jay Shah for once again being the spoilsport here, making a mockery of the Asia Cup, a tournament which is now proving to be largely a jinxed affair. Former PCB chief Sethi also described BCCI’s policies and Shah’scomments as “unilateral” on Twitter. In a separate statement, the PCB described it as, “without any thoughts towards their long-term consequences and implications”. Unfortunately, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), much like the ICC, has merely been a bystander in the entire saga. In fact, the  ACC have forever been sub-servient to the BCCI on key issues of the event’s hosting, schedules etc. The BCCI’s unfair, unlawful strong-arm tactics have been creating a lot of bad blood in international cricket for the past decade and a half and someone needs to put an end to those now, or the gentleman’s game will lose its sanctity for good.

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Filed Under: on Sunday 10 September 2023

Afghanistan tend to lose track in 50 over games

Inexperience and miscalculation cost Afghanistan their Super 4 qualification in the ongoing Asia Cup’s crucial match against Sri Lanka in Lahore on Tuesday. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, by virtue of their narrow two-run victory entered the Super 4 stage to join Pakistan, India and Bangladesh.  Though the Afghans came tantalizingly close to pulling off an improbable victory against the host team that would have put them in the Super 4 stage, last man FazalHaq Farooqi cosumed three dot balls at a crucial stage of the game rather than giving strike to veteran Rashid Khan and their team folded up for 289 while chasing 292.  The Afghans have blundered in this fashion quite a few times before as well, losing important international matches which at one stage looked in their grasp.   While they have made quite an impression at the T20 level in world cricket since their debut in the shorter format in 2010, the Afghans have not been impressive at the ODIs which they have been playing since 2009.  Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, who also remained Afghanistan’s coach in 2011, while speaking to The Express Tribune, said, “Between Ghulam Nabi, Rashid Khan and Najeeb Tarakai, they have good three bowlers who share 30 overs,” observed Latif. “But after that, they have only part time bowlers to complete the rest of the 20 overs and that is where they concede so many runs which pose a stiff challenge for their batsmen.” Latif, considered by many as the best cricketing brain in the country, further said that Afghanistan batsmen also get confused and lose wickets when asked to defend or rotate strike in the ODIs. “On Tuesday when they had to hit out to reach that 292-run target, they came good because it was T20 style cricket. But in 50-over matches they get dismissed quite often,” said the former wicketkeeper batsman. Veteran cricket writer and expert Sohaib Alvi also rued Afghanistan’s lackluster campaign in the Asia Cup so far. “Afghanistan last night lost the forest for the trees. But then they must ask themselves: Did they ask around enough for possible scenarios?" said Sohaib while talking to The Express Tribune.  “They seem to lose from winning positions. It's those last-minute brain fades or inability to take that final wicket.”  Recalling Afghanistan’s loss to Pakistan in the 2019 World Cup, Sohaib said: “That 2019 World Cup loss to Pakistan from a commanding position and then those two finishes by Naseem Shah, first in the Asia Cup in UAE and then in the bilateral series against Pakistan last month highlights their team’s emotional response in such situations that is letting them down.” “To be honest, they remind me of the Pakistan cricket side of the 1970s, who often lost the plot after writing the script themselves,” he said.

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Filed Under: on Wednesday 6 September 2023

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan set for Harvard

The number one ranked ODI batter in the world and captain of the Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, the vice-captain of the Pakistan Test team, have become the first cricketers ever to join the Harvard Business School's executive education programme, on The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), with Talha Rehmani, the Saya Corporation Founder and CEO, being their mentor.   According to the press release, this is the first time that professional cricketers have become a part of the aforementioned programme. The trio has been representing Pakistan and the cricket world among a myriad of global movers and shakers in sports, media, and entertainment.  Babar and Rizwan will be among the lengthy list of celebrities and top-tier sportspersons who have taken up the famous course, including football greats Kaka, Edwin van der Sar, Gerard Piqué, and Oliver Kahn, NFL’s Brandon Marshall, NBA stars Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, and Pau Gasol, Major League Baseball’s Alex Rodriguez, and Hollywood A-listers such as Channing Tatum and LL Cool J. The trio flew out from Karachi for the US on May 26 to participate in the programme that will be conducted from May 31 to June 3, at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts.  They will be engaging with various communities in the US after the programme till June 13.  "It is a huge honour to represent Pakistan on such a prestigious global stage. We are going to the BEMS program at Harvard to learn from the best of the best in the world – both in terms of faculty and program fellows – and at the same time to share our journey and learnings with everyone. I am certain that this will be an exciting journey, and I look forward to sharing our learning and experiences with the next superstars of the cricket world," said Rizwan, the number two men’s T20I batter of the world. Like Rizwan, Babar is also delighted at getting the chance to experience one of the best classrooms in the world with the top leaders in various industries coming from different countries.  “I am a lifelong learner and I have had detailed chats about this program with Prof Elberse and [Talha] Rehmani. My inspiration for joining this world-class program at Harvard is to connect, explore, listen, learn, grow, and give back to the community worldwide. I am sure there are scores of things to learn from the amazing athletes and top business executives from the entertainment, media, and sports industries who are coming from corners of the world," said Babar.    The programme chair is Professor Anita Elberse, one of the youngest women ever to earn tenure at Harvard Business School.  Prof Elberse is known worldwide for her work on digital media strategies. She has conducted case studies on dozens of personalities, entertainment companies, and other entities. Her work includes case studies on Jay-Z, Beyoncé, K-Pop band BTS, Walt Disney Studios, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, Sir Alex Ferguson, etc.   “I am delighted to be able to welcome Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan to the Harvard Business School and to the BEMS program,” said Elberse. “We think the other participants will benefit greatly from their experiences as world-class athletes with a strong interest in the business world.” “Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are global icons and bigger than what they do on the cricket field. Their participation in this program is also important for the representation of cricket as a global sport as billions of fans enjoy it globally,” said Talha, a Fulbright scholar. He attended Carnegie Mellon University for his Master’s degree in Robotics.  “As the US is investing increasingly in the cricket world, I am positive that this is only the beginning of a new historic chapter for cricket. We have worked extremely hard for this to happen and are grateful for the opportunity to gain experience and learn from the best minds in the world.”

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Filed Under: on Sunday 28 May 2023

Wasim Akram ventures into real estate realm

Agency21 International, Pakistan's biggest estate agency, has announced the launch of their first-ever franchise, with cricket legend Wasim Akram as its owner. An agreement was signed between Akram and Agency21 International.  Director Agency21 International Sharjeel A Ehmer and Akram expressed their delight and excitement for the new venture at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which took place at Marriott Hotel, Karachi. "I am honoured to be a part of this momentous occasion and to partner with Agency21. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the real estate sector in Pakistan and provide our clients with the best possible services,” said Akram, who is one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport. Chairperson IMARAT Group Shafiq Akbar and other notable celebrities including Moin khan, Shoaib Malik, and Asim Jofa were also present at the event. “We are proud to launch Akram’s franchise with Agency21. This partnership aims to bring the latest real estate technologies, services, and expertise to our clients in Pakistan,” said Akbar. Meanwhile, Ehmer added, “We are thrilled to have Akram on board as our partner in this new venture. His expertise and experience in the industry are unparalleled, and we believe this partnership will take us to new heights of success."

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Filed Under: on Wednesday 17 May 2023

Wasim Akram becomes franchise owner

Agency21 International, Pakistan's biggest estate agency, has announced the launch of its first-ever franchise, with cricket legend Wasim Akram as the first franchise owner.   An agreement was signed between Pakistan’s cricket legend and Agency21 International.   Director Agency21 International Sharjeel A Ehmer and Akram expressed their delight and excitement for the new venture at the ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Marriott Hotel, Karachi.   "I am honoured to be a part of this momentous occasion and to partner with Agency21. This is a great opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the real estate sector in Pakistan and provide our clients with the best possible services,” said Akram, who is one of the greatest fast bowlers in the history of the sport.   Chairperson IMARAT Group Shafiq Akbar and other notable celebrities including Moin khan, Shoaib Malik, and Asim Jofa were also present at the event.   “We are proud to launch Akram’s franchise with Agency21. This partnership aims to bring the latest real estate technologies, services, and expertise to our clients in Pakistan,” said Akbar.   Meanwhile, Ehmer added, “We are thrilled to have Akram on board as our partner in this new venture. His expertise and experience in the industry are unparalleled, and we believe this partnership will take us to new heights of success."   

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Pakistan street cricket comes to life after dark during Ramadan

After midnight during Ramadan, makeshift floodlights transform a central Karachi basketball court into an urban cricket arena, where dozens of young Pakistani men chase taped-up tennis balls zipping through the night air. Donkeys watch on from the outfield and goats rummage through nearby piles of rubbish, breaking occasionally for a pitch invasion. "After the Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayers), people crave entertainment so that is why many play cricket," batter Waqas Danish told AFP. "They play all night, because some people can't wake up for breakfast if they sleep." Tape-ball games are ubiquitous across Karachi's streets throughout the year, but Ramadan sees night tournaments pop up in most neighbourhoods. The uninitiated may struggle to unravel the mayhem of multiple overlapping matches in a cramped space, but for Karachi's street cricketers, there is method in the madness. The frenetic matches of between four and six overs per innings are concluded before sehri, the meal consumed ahead of daytime fasting. They range from pick-up games on improvised concrete pitches to professional competitions on dusty ovals. "The kids and youths can't afford kits and all the accessories for playing hard-ball cricket, but they can easily afford the tape ball," competition organiser Taqdeer Afridi told AFP in Karachi. Money is often involved -- even though gambling is illegal in Pakistan -- and big-hitting mercenaries are occasionally lured from surrounding neighbourhoods to play under lights that craftily tap into overhead power lines. A tennis ball is tightly bound with electrical tape, giving it extra weight so it swings much like a cricket ball, yet is less damaging if it hits a spectator, window -- or even a passing rickshaw. Matches played in the poorest neighbourhoods can draw hundreds of spectators, with many onlookers admitting that watching cricket all night helps with the day's fast. "All day they are sleeping. Maybe they go to their jobs for four or five hours," 19-year-old spectator Rahman Khan said. After Partition in 1947, cricket was considered the domain of the upper class, played at Karachi's posh clubs and elite schools. But as the population boomed through the 1960s, cricket adapted to the sprawling metropolis and tennis balls emerged as a substitute to the hard ball. The cheaper alternative -- which also removes the need for costly equipment like batting pads -- took on several experimental forms in the following decades, and is credited with bringing the sport to the everyday Pakistani. There is no consensus on when the first tape ball delivery was bowled or by who, but legends abound -- and the one thing historians and fans agree on is that it originated in Karachi. "The tennis ball without tape lacked speed," said veteran Nasir Ali, who recalls the 1980s as the formative years for the tape-ball game. "On an experimental basis we wrapped the ball with red tape and when it was bowled the speed was amazing," said the 64-year-old, who hosts an annual competition in his apartment block's courtyard. From legendary all-rounder Wasim Akram to modern-day pace star Shaheen Shah Afridi, many of Pakistan's top players credit street cricket as a positive influence on their techniques. "In cricket there is a saying: 'watch the ball' -- it doesn't matter if it is a tennis ball or a taped ball or a hard ball," Pakistan national youth coach Mohammad Masroor told AFP. "If a batsman can hit any ball, he can play cricket." Watching young cricketers at a street pitch wedged between an elevated expressway and an apartment block in central Karachi, Masroor said rules adapted to the urban landscape hone a batsman's skills. A hit back over the bowler's head and beyond the residential area on the full is six runs, but only one run if the ball rebounds off the apartment building. Players must also beware of the "grumpy uncle or aunty" who is unwilling to return a ball hit into their home. A shot like that can cost a batsman more than just his wicket: they need to go buy a new ball, too. "Nothing stops them," said Masroor, grinning

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Filed Under: on Wednesday 19 April 2023

HBL PSL8 Qualifier: Same characters, new story

The eighth edition of the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) will see Lahore Qalandars take on Multan Sultans in the qualifier, the winner of which will gain direct entry into the March 19, marquee final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The Express Tribune looks at all the things which will matter when the Shaheen Shah Afridi-led 2022 champions face the 2022 runners-up and 2021 HBL PSL champions, who are captained by keeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. History Lahore Qalandars started their HBL PSL journey without any real firepower in their system and ended on the last spots consecutively in the first two editions. However, their belief in their talent identification campaign, which ran throughout the year, helped them unearth future stars. Today, under Shaheen’s able leadership, Lahore are the team to beat when it comes to HBL PSL, and they bagged 14 points out of the 20 on offer to prove it, from the 10 league matches. Winning seven and losing three, two of them against arch-rivals Karachi Kings, has put Lahore on a patch to successfully defend their title this year, something no other team has been able to do. However, we’ve seen the mighty fall on many occasions during the playoffs, and Lahore have lost two out of their last three group matches, reeking of inconsistency as they go into the playoff stage. And the biggest hurdle in Lahore’s path to defend their crown was to be presented by the highly-consistent Multan Sultans. They made sure they ended on the second spot, collecting the chance to gain direct entry into the final and put Lahore on a longer path if they want to lift the revamped HBL PSL trophy for season eight. Multan are the newcomers in the HBL PSL as the league started with only five teams. They might not be able to match the experience of other franchises, but they’ve surpassed the success rate of any team by making it to the final in the last two editions. Led by Rizwan, Multan have bagged 12 points, same as Islamabad United but with a better run-rate, from the league phase campaign, winning six and losing four matches. Their experience of qualifying and then performing well in big matches will give them an advantage over Lahore when the day of the qualifier comes around. Head to head The simple fact is Multan have performed their worst against Lahore, as compared to other opponents in the HBL PSL. In their last five meetings, Multan have lost on four occasions, displaying their weakness against the flamboyant Lahore side. In the 2022 edition, Multan’s most successful campaign where they won nine out of their 10 matches in the group campaign, Rizwan and co faced Lahore thrice, lost to them twice. In the ongoing season, Multan also haven’t been able to surpass the Lahore challenge till now. But the playoffs offer a different setting and it may come down to who plays better cricket on the day. The toss Interestingly, in their last five encounters, the team defending a total has always won when Multan faced Lahore. In the first group match in 2022, Lahore won by 52 runs, while Multan won the next group match by 28 runs. The final of the 2022 edition saw Multan miss the mark by 42 runs, giving Lahore their first-ever HBL PSL champions title. This year too, Qalandars have beaten Multan twice by putting up a total and then defending it with their world-class bowling, which includes captain Shaheen, pacers Haris Rauf and Zaman Khan and ace Afghan spinner Rashid Khan. Considering the matches that have happened in Lahore during the league phase, the toss may once again play an important role in deciding which team will move to the final directly. Winner of the toss will be surely batting first and defending a target.  

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Filed Under: on Wednesday 15 March 2023
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