FIRST IT WAS SAID THAT CRICKET IS THE GAME OF ASHES BUT IT IS THE GAME OF GAMBLE AS WELL CRICKET PASSION "LOVE FOR CRICKET"
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
An off spinner who brought a magical change in spin department
When one thinks of Saqlain Mushtaq, the word ‘genius’ immediately comes to mind. A cricketing revolutionary, he changed the face of spin bowling once and for all. What was once regarded a defensive and restrictive discipline was magically transformed into an incisive and attacking manoeuvre by this champion offspinner.
Speaking Saqlain spoke of his wish to work for the betterment of Pakistani cricket and how his real joy these days is to see young cricketers that he has worked with, play for their respective countries.
With the Pakistan team in town for a long and arduous tour of England, it was time firstly to meet up with old friends and teammates at Leicester.’ It was great to meet up with my old friend Waqar Younis,’ said Saqlain. ‘We talked about both sets of opponents (England and Australia), and some of the tactical issues that Pakistan will face on this tough tour.’
Pakistan has the accomplished off spinner Saeed Ajmal amongst their ranks these days, and it was no surprise that Saqlain was ever willing to share his vast knowledge of the art with him. ’Recently I went to the Leicestershire versus Pakistan match and spent a couple of hours with Saeed Ajmal. We analyzed his bowling and looked at the seam position on release, as at times he is bowling with a scrambled seam. We talked about Saeed's grip of the ball and I mentioned a few things about his action that Saeed needs to look at. In addition I discussed the art of dip and how he can utilize his wrist more when he is bowling. As a professional sportsman, it's always important that you analyse your game, and there is always something that needs adjusting and working on. I appreciated Saeed coming to me for advice and it was a good couple of hours'.
Saqlain was working with the New Zealand cricket team's spinners last year during their home series against Pakistan, and he also took the opportunity to speak to the Pakistani spinners during that tour. ’ In the past I have worked with Pakistani cricketers when they have come for advice and help and in New Zealand it was no different. I spent a couple of hours with Danish Kaneria during Pakistan's tour. On the same tour I also spent some time with Shoaib Malik talking to him about some specific areas of his bowling.’
Not only have the New Zealand cricket administrators asked for Saqlain's help, but the England & Wales Cricket Board has also recently turned to Saqlain for his expertise. ‘I toured South Africa in March with the England academy team, and was working with Adil Rashid, James Tredwell, Wayne White and Rory Hamilton-Brown amongst others. In addition, I was working with the England Academy batsmen, advising them on how to play against spinners, explaining to them the psyche of spinners. I believe it takes a spinner to know the mindset of another spinner and the young batsmen appreciated the advice I gave them on how to play against spinners.'
The question on everybody’s minds is however if Saqlain would be willing to work on behalf of Pakistani cricket? ’If the Pakistan Cricket Board wanted to utilize my services at the NCA, I would be more than happy to work at grass roots level for Pakistan cricket,’ stated Saqlain. ‘All they have to do is to speak to me and I will make myself available, I would love to help Pakistani cricket and work with the players at any level. Above all I enjoy working with youngsters and seeing how they develop their talents and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing them develop and doing well in international cricket. Pakistan cricket has given me so much fame as well as adulation from the fans and I would love to give something back to my country. I would have no hesitation in helping develop young spinners that will hopefully go on and represent Pakistan with dignity.'
As for actively playing cricket, this seasoned veteran of 49 Tests and 169 ODIs is still in love with the game. ‘I am busy these days playing league cricket in the Leicester area, as well as doing some coaching for Middlesex. Also, I often get asked to speak at ECB Level 4 coaching seminars. I keep myself occupied and it's great to still be involved in cricket’ stated Saqlain.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has of course already employed three coaches on the tour of England, namely Waqar Younis, Ijaz Ahmed and Aaqib Javed. However the thought of Saqlain Mushtaq working with up and coming spinners at the National Cricket Academy, or the Pakistan Under 19s, or indeed the spinners of the senior team, must surely have the administrators licking their lips, and surely this opportunity should not be missed by the PCB.
Speaking Saqlain spoke of his wish to work for the betterment of Pakistani cricket and how his real joy these days is to see young cricketers that he has worked with, play for their respective countries.
With the Pakistan team in town for a long and arduous tour of England, it was time firstly to meet up with old friends and teammates at Leicester.’ It was great to meet up with my old friend Waqar Younis,’ said Saqlain. ‘We talked about both sets of opponents (England and Australia), and some of the tactical issues that Pakistan will face on this tough tour.’
Pakistan has the accomplished off spinner Saeed Ajmal amongst their ranks these days, and it was no surprise that Saqlain was ever willing to share his vast knowledge of the art with him. ’Recently I went to the Leicestershire versus Pakistan match and spent a couple of hours with Saeed Ajmal. We analyzed his bowling and looked at the seam position on release, as at times he is bowling with a scrambled seam. We talked about Saeed's grip of the ball and I mentioned a few things about his action that Saeed needs to look at. In addition I discussed the art of dip and how he can utilize his wrist more when he is bowling. As a professional sportsman, it's always important that you analyse your game, and there is always something that needs adjusting and working on. I appreciated Saeed coming to me for advice and it was a good couple of hours'.
Saqlain was working with the New Zealand cricket team's spinners last year during their home series against Pakistan, and he also took the opportunity to speak to the Pakistani spinners during that tour. ’ In the past I have worked with Pakistani cricketers when they have come for advice and help and in New Zealand it was no different. I spent a couple of hours with Danish Kaneria during Pakistan's tour. On the same tour I also spent some time with Shoaib Malik talking to him about some specific areas of his bowling.’
Not only have the New Zealand cricket administrators asked for Saqlain's help, but the England & Wales Cricket Board has also recently turned to Saqlain for his expertise. ‘I toured South Africa in March with the England academy team, and was working with Adil Rashid, James Tredwell, Wayne White and Rory Hamilton-Brown amongst others. In addition, I was working with the England Academy batsmen, advising them on how to play against spinners, explaining to them the psyche of spinners. I believe it takes a spinner to know the mindset of another spinner and the young batsmen appreciated the advice I gave them on how to play against spinners.'
The question on everybody’s minds is however if Saqlain would be willing to work on behalf of Pakistani cricket? ’If the Pakistan Cricket Board wanted to utilize my services at the NCA, I would be more than happy to work at grass roots level for Pakistan cricket,’ stated Saqlain. ‘All they have to do is to speak to me and I will make myself available, I would love to help Pakistani cricket and work with the players at any level. Above all I enjoy working with youngsters and seeing how they develop their talents and enjoying the satisfaction of seeing them develop and doing well in international cricket. Pakistan cricket has given me so much fame as well as adulation from the fans and I would love to give something back to my country. I would have no hesitation in helping develop young spinners that will hopefully go on and represent Pakistan with dignity.'
As for actively playing cricket, this seasoned veteran of 49 Tests and 169 ODIs is still in love with the game. ‘I am busy these days playing league cricket in the Leicester area, as well as doing some coaching for Middlesex. Also, I often get asked to speak at ECB Level 4 coaching seminars. I keep myself occupied and it's great to still be involved in cricket’ stated Saqlain.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has of course already employed three coaches on the tour of England, namely Waqar Younis, Ijaz Ahmed and Aaqib Javed. However the thought of Saqlain Mushtaq working with up and coming spinners at the National Cricket Academy, or the Pakistan Under 19s, or indeed the spinners of the senior team, must surely have the administrators licking their lips, and surely this opportunity should not be missed by the PCB.
After a very long time International cricket Back in Pakistan
the lights will switch on & camera's will turn on because international cricket back in Pakistan after 3 & half years
Pakistan is 'ready' for the return of international cricket to the country, after Bangladesh confirmedthey would tour for a short limited-overs series at the end of this month. Bangladesh will be the first Full Member of the ICC to tour Pakistan since March 2009.
The teams will play two matches, an ODI and a T20, both at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The ODI is scheduled for April 29 and the T20 for April 30
"We are ready to host them," Intikhab Alam, PCB's director for international operations told ESPNcricinfo. "We have world-class stadiums that are always ready to host cricket all year long. Everything is in place so there is no difficulty for us to host them at short notice."
There's been no international cricket in Pakistan since March 2009, after terrorists attacked the Sri Lanka team bus and a van carrying ICC officials to Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, on what would have been the third day of the second Test of that tour. Some members of the Sri Lanka contingent and reserve umpire Ahsan Raza sustained injuries, and six security personnel and two civilians were killed.
Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi said the security situation in the country had improved over the last three years.
"It's a major breakthrough and I am excited to see Bangladesh touring Pakistan," Afridi told ESPNcricinfo. "It is a much-needed development. Not only will it revive international cricket here, the people in the country will also be entertained.
"Obviously the incident in Lahore (terror attack) was unfortunate but Pakistan has learnt its lessons. I understand the security concerns are up on their minds but things have improved and everything will go well. I have always believed that cricket is a game which keeps a relationship cordial between two countries. All countries should support Pakistan in a time of difficulty."
The PCB, under the chairman Zaka Ashraf, has been keen to revive international cricket in Pakistan, using all its resources and engaging the government to provide full-fledged security to visiting teams. Pakistan have been playing their "home series" in off-shore venues like UAE, New Zealand and England. There's also a plan to "host" Australia in Sri Lanka later this year.
Saeed Ajmal, the offspinner, who turned down a county offer to remain home with his family, welcomed the fact that the team will not have to travel outside the country to play this series.
"Playing our home series in Pakistan is always helpful," Ajmal said. "Though we have been playing in similar conditions in UAE, there are so many factors involved that give you the advantage. The news about Bangladesh touring Pakistan is good for players and the country."
Pakistan's politicians also supported the development. The foreign minister, Hina Rabbani Khar, said: "PCB's efforts have finally borne fruit and Bangladesh team's visit will help bring international cricket back to Pakistan and will motivate more teams to come to our country."
The interior minister, Rehman Malik, said the best security would be in place. "We will leave no stone unturned and put in place the best possible security for the Bangladesh team as per our promise and make this tour an exemplary one so that other teams also tour us."
Rashid Latif, the former Pakistan wicketkeeper, stressed the need for the "best arrangements". "We must not leave any loopholes in security because we cannot afford a minor mistake or any lapse in arrangements."
2015 World Cup My target said BY Saeed Ajmal
Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistan offspinner, has said he will ensure that there are enough quality spinners to replace him in the national side when he retires. Ajmal, the top-ranked spinner in the ICC rankings in both Tests and ODIs, also said that he was optimistic of playing till the 2015 World Cup."I hope by the time I am ready to walk out, another Ajmal would be ready to take my place," Ajmal told ESPNcricinfo. "I will ensure this and it's my responsibility to do so. Pakistan has very talented players and there is no dearth of spin bowlers. There are a lot of good spinners. (Abdur) Rehman is playing and Raza Hasan is a talented boy heading in the right direction."
Ajmal, 34, made a late entry into international cricket at the age of 30 but has earned a reputation for being one of the best spinners in the world. Ajmal didn't play his first Test till he was almost 32 but has since picked up 107 wickets in 20 Tests. He said that he did not worry about having lost so much time before he got the chance to play international cricket.
"Age definitely plays a key role but I have no regret for being late into international cricket," Ajmal said. "Who knows if I had played earlier I might not have been the same Ajmal. What I am today is more important for me.
"I am currently 34 and I know my age won't let me play perhaps more than three years. But it's also a matter of fitness that can actually extend a player's life. I am optimistic that I can play at least till the 2015 World Cup before calling my time from the game."
Ajmal hoped that he had inspired enough young players to take up spin bowling. He is also planning to launch a cricket academy next year in his city Faisalabad. Ajmal recently wrecked England with his doosras and off-breaks and finished with 24 wickets in the three-Test series in the UAE.
"A lot of bowlers around the world are so much keen about the doosra and I love to help. Being a quality spin bowler is tough and it takes time to obtain results. You need to be very patient.
"A spin bowler normally does not inspire kids as compared to a fast bowler who creates an instant impact with the youngsters who want to play cricket. But I think I have inspired a lot of youngsters to play the game.
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