2031 replies to this topic

[Miroslav]

Dhoni unfazed by World Cup pressure

The India captain, has said performing under pressure has become India's strength and that will hold them in good stead for the World Cup where he admitted expectations will be high.

"What we have done in the last three years is that we have changed the meaning of pressure to responsibility and we take it as an added responsibility," Dhoni said. "Cricket is the biggest sport in India and it is widely followed. Everybody wants us to do well and we take that in a positive way. We just stick to the basics, prepare well for the game and at the end of the day we know we have got the potential to do well on the field."

One of the questions facing the India team, who play their first match on February 19 against Bangladesh, is how they will deal with the pressure of being tournament hosts along with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India have failed to get past the semi-final stage in previous World Cups played on home soil. But Dhoni said he was concentrating just on the preparation. "I am ready to prepare well for the World Cup and that is what is in my hands right now."

Dhoni dodged the question of whether India were favourites for the tournament by saying: "For a change we won't be considered underdogs." He stuck to what has become almost a mantra for him in his time as captain in saying "processes" would take precedence over results. "I never predict much when it comes to cricket. We believe in each of us, and the support staff members are also there to help us. We believe in doing the process, so I have no prediction about the World Cup and we will just give it our best shot."

A day after England batsman Kevin Pietersen termed his side's hectic schedule leading up to the World Cup as 'ridiculous', Dhoni admitted arriving at a balanced schedule was difficult. "The biggest thing in cricket is that we do criticise a lot. When we lose a game, even I have said in the past that we play too much cricket. To get the perfect balance is a very difficult task because there is a very thin line and it is not like technology where we can be close to perfection. It is an issue that will always be raised that either it will be a cramped schedule or there is too long a gap between games."

India have selected seven batsmen, four seamers, three spinners and just one wicketkeeper in their 15-man squad for the World Cup, and Dhoni said there were always players bound to miss out when you have to pick just 15 players. "We have tried to keep the best squad but you can't accommodate everyone. You can only select 15 players, so you may miss some players who are key in some areas like a left-arm spinner or maybe a legspinner. It will always be a point of discussion, but what is important is that the 15 players who are selected right now make an impact on the World Cup."

Dhoni said he wasn't thinking about the disappointing loss to Bangladesh - who are India's first opponents in the 2011 tournament - in the 2007 World Cup. "I am certainly thinking about the match [against Bangladesh] positively. We may have lost in 2007, but there are plenty of positives that we can look for like the 2003 World Cup and the entire tournament we played then.

"As far as the gaps between the games are concerned, we all know that it is there so what is best for us is to make a good plan to utilise it in the best possible manner. Of course, we play throughout the year, which means that in between these tense games the players will get time to relax themselves and at the same time if there are some niggles you can get over it.

"It is the biggest tournament and it is the biggest thing that happens in cricket, so it is very important that you play with the best XI that your team has. You don't want to miss many players because of injuries."

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_wo...ory/499077.html

[sobank]

Yaar I dont know why we have to make a match out of everything? I mean don't get me wrong I'm happy we won, but seriously a professional team would have finished off New Zealand for 200 or under. Why is it always against us that batsmen who have never scored a half century before score half centuries and centuries (Nathan McCullum, Stuard Broad, Darryl Tuffey etc.) And then 31 extras? jeez that was horrible.

And even when chasing, after the platform Younis and Misbah gave u we should have won comfortably by 4 or 5 wickets, not squeak by at the end in a nail biter. I guess winning is better than nothing and i am happy that we won but Pak team really needs to become more professional like Australia and SA if we want any kind of success in the world cup.

Well we could avoid nail bitters if we have better batsmen. Reality is that in every match we are relying on afridi and razzaq to do the magic. afridi fails often, razzaq does his job mostly. In the end there is a 50/50 chance.

Pakistani problem is the same as the last world cup i.e. our openers and one down are usually useless.

[touel]

Well we could avoid nail bitters if we have better batsmen. Reality is that in every match we are relying on afridi and razzaq to do the magic. afridi fails often, razzaq does his job mostly. In the end there is a 50/50 chance.

Pakistani problem is the same as the last world cup i.e. our openers and one down are usually useless.

+1

[seacad]

Alrighty, 5th ODI underway. However here are the facts:

SINCE 2001, EVERY TEAM that has batted first here has lost, and Pak are batting first

PAK has not won a single ODI series since the end of 2008, (that's over 2 yrs now!)

Can these facts change tonight!

[Aliph Ahmed]

Alrighty, 5th ODI underway. However here are the facts:

SINCE 2001, EVERY TEAM that has batted first here has lost, and Pak are batting first

PAK has not won a single ODI series since the end of 2008, (that's over 2 yrs now!)

Can these facts change tonight!

World cup started already ?  

[seacad]

World cup started already ?

??? Wat u talkin about?   I'm talking about the PAK-NZ series, 5th match underway rite now. A series win would be great encouragement for world cup that STARTS IN 3 WEEKS  

[seacad]

I can't understand why they send Kamran Akmal at one-down? One-down is the most important position in the batting line-up, Akmal can barely be relied on to fill that spot. His best stats are as an opener or at 5 or 6 down as a big hitter.

I remember when we made Shoaib Malik a one-down specialist in the 2004 Asia Cup and then the fantastic run he had as a number 3 batsman for the next 2 years. He was , HANDS DOWN, the best one down we ever had, then Younis Khan came with his nakhray that he wanted to be one down in both Tests AND One days and then our batting collapses returned. That was by far the one of the worst decisions made in Pak cricket history.

Younis khan had finally adjusted to his one-down position recently and now they've tinkered with it again by putting Akmal there, not a good decision

[sobank]

catch dropped............................ guess who was it?????????????????????????????? hint.......... this person has gloves made for catching.

[must7]

Well we could avoid nail bitters if we have better batsmen. Reality is that in every match we are relying on afridi and razzaq to do the magic. afridi fails often, razzaq does his job mostly. In the end there is a 50/50 chance.

Pakistani problem is the same as the last world cup i.e. our openers and one down are usually useless.

For me Razzak is the dark horse in the middle. One of the best players and not in the limelight !

Otherwise, cricket ... I am over it.

[MoThSmOkE]

Kamran dropped a catch today? Whose?

[Miroslav]

Afridi named World Cup captain - report

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content...ory/499498.html

Miro

[Shazman]

Looks like another nail in their coffin. The Crown Prosecution Service in the UK is also charging them. This is more serious since they could end up in prison if Pakistan extradites them.


BBC latest

Pakistan cricket trio face corruption charges Mohammad Amir (left), Salman Butt (right) and Mohammad Asif will face corruption charges Three Pakistan cricket team members and an agent will face corruption charges, the Crown Prosecution Service has said.

Mohammad Amir, Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif were accused of "spot-fixing" offences in the fourth Test against England at Lord's last August.

The players and their agent Mazhar Majeed will be charged with conspiracy to obtain and accept corrupt payments and also conspiracy to cheat.

They were suspended in September, accused of bowling deliberate no-balls.

The International Cricket Council, which conducted its own investigation, will present its findings on Saturday.

The players, who are all from Pakistan, and Mr Majeed, 35, of Oaks Road, Croydon, are due to appear at the City of Westminster Magistrates' Court on 17 March.

Click to play
Click to play

Crown Prosecution Service: "We are satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction"
Simon Clements, Head of the CPS Special Crime Division, said the charges "relate to allegations that Mr Majeed accepted money from a third party to arrange for the players to bowl no-balls on 26 and 27 August 2010, during Pakistan's fourth Test at Lord's Cricket Ground in London".

"We are satisfied there is sufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction and it is in the public interest to prosecute," he said.

Mr Butt, the former Pakistan captain, and both Mr Asif and Mr Amir were provisionally suspended after the allegations of corruption surfaced during last year's tour of England.

It was claimed Mr Asif and Mr Amir deliberately bowled no-balls at pre-arranged times during the Test, with Mr Butt also said to be involved, in return for money from a bookmaker's "middle man".

They denied manipulating parts of the game in this way, which is known as spot fixing.

The News of the World, which originally made the allegations against the players, said it would "continue to assist the police with their inquiries".

[1Pakistani]

^^^ Surprise Surprise.

I am still puzzled as to which nations prosecution takes months to decided whether or not to go ahead with the charges. Normally it is done within days after investigation.

What is even more amazing is the fact that after 5 days of hearing ICC could not find the players guilty especially Aamir and than it decides for some unknown reason to delay the decision until 5 Feb............

I guess they were hunting for more evidence to establish the case against the players and they certainly did not have enough evidence to find the players guilty.

Now surprise surprise again a day before the decision of ICC English prosecutors office decides to charge the players something that should have been done days after the investigation was over and not MONTHS.

I think there is obvious collusion between ICC investigation team and English prosecutors office.

[Shazman]

Salman Butt 10 years

Asif 7 years

Aamir 5 years

Fresh from ARY News

[haroons222]

Salman Butt 10 years

Asif 7 years

Aamir 5 years

Fresh from ARY News

that blows, i wasnt expecting it to be this harsh.Khair they wont be playing the WC but there is appeal for Amir.5 yrs means hes being pushed out of even the next WC.

[Shazman]

A bit harsh on Aamir but he can go to court of arbitration to get it reduced. It was two no balls and the punishment exceeds the crime in my view. ICC seems to have gone against some of its own codes on this one.

[Gallant]

Well guys if you think ICC has been harsh then IMO it is right. The crime committed is no less, brought embarrassment to our system and went against the spirit of cricket. Problem is that our small town often villager boys cannot handle the sudden fame and then take advantage of this to make quick n easy money overnight. This is not the first time
M Asif has did such harket. He was caught in a doping scandal in Dubai and that should have been a warning on him as ICC watched that closely also.

If we think ICC has been corrupt on this then who would you rather have this matter investigated by? PCB? or the Pakistani judiciary that can easily be bought? The same ICC also ruled in favor of Pakistan in 2006 Darrell Hair controversy of racist umpire. And had the umpire sacked.

About Aamir having his penalty reduced WHY? because is he a class player? Well so are dozens of players in all current teams. I would rather not have Aamir play in WC because he has been labeled guilty as a cheater and it will marr the reputation of our team which has become 'banday da puttar' only very recently.

Aamir and Asif can and will all be replaced. As there is no shortage of cricket talent in Pakistan. Just go to any match of quaid e azam trophy and you will see.

[sobank]

Ignore gallant's ballant ranting........... he tend to always bend backward to kiss his master's a$$.

Now lets talk fact.  Asif said he was told to deliver a no ball, aamir said the same thing. Butt, apparently, admitted that he had given orders to do so. So far, no money that asif and aamir had, is linked to bets.

I heard that that british police is investigating this. Without having a conviction from actual authority, throwing away these players in dungeon, is extremely ridiculous. On the other hand, a player who was seen socializing with the bookie and was the worst player in a game which was declared fixed by the the leading character, is still playing and will be playing the world cup. Now that is extremely suspicious.

Regardless of the unproven/proven crime of asif and aamir, the way ICC selectively handing over the punishments is ridiculously a suspect of having a hidden agenda. Three players, one of them has been leading nforce in losing matches, two of them has been the winning force. The losing force is let go but the winners are punished. Now I hate to call a foul but there is something really stinking here.

As much as I love to send the criminals to jail, I hate the idea restricting them from playing WC. If the official investigation can not convict Aamir and Asif, this will be handing punishment before proven guilty. Something that has not been done anywhere in the history. Perhaps Mr. Gallant forgot that little thing cause he couldnt hear the screams of his brain over the sound of kissing the a$$ so strongly.  Any ways when you are done smooching, you might want to think logically about it.

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I have one thing to say, if the charges are proven then I totally agree with the punishment. Trust me people, it is good for Pakistan. If one Aamir is gone then there are 10 more waiting in line. And dont forget that he will be back when he is 23 which is not exactly old also there are good chances that his punishment may decrease (or atleast he will be allowed to play local cricket).

[Gallant]

Ignore gallant's ballant ranting........... he tend to always bend backward to kiss his master's a$$.

My only master is Allah.  

^ Janaab there no need to talk such fozool language. Being a moderator you should be an example for other members.

Come on, just because I have an opinion differing to yours, you are verbally abusing me. When will this culture of intolerance end?

I am jsut as much Pakistani as you are. And look at all the newsrports, people throughtout Pakistan have a wide variety of opinion. From some condemning the punishment to some welcoming it.

WHat you have said above is clear example of 'blame the system'. Matlab apni koi islahaat nai karnay aur bus system ko bura-bhala kehtay jao.

Cricketers are ambassadors when they travel overseas. They represent us as a nation. Our image is in their hands. Do you think Asif and Butt are all Allah mian ki gaiye...or perhaps a bunch of Farishtay who can never be wrong...or some Naik Parveens?

[sobank]

My only master is Allah.  

^ Janaab there no need to talk such fozool language. Being a moderator you should be an example for other members.

Come on, just because I have an opinion differing to yours, you are verbally abusing me. When will this culture of intolerance end?

I am jsut as much Pakistani as you are. And look at all the newsrports, people throughtout Pakistan have a wide variety of opinion. From some condemning the punishment to some welcoming it.

WHat you have said above is clear example of 'blame the system'. Matlab apni koi islahaat nai karnay aur bus system ko bura-bhala kehtay jao.

Cricketers are ambassadors when they travel overseas. They represent us as a nation. Our image is in their hands. Do you think Asif and Butt are all Allah mian ki gaiye...or perhaps a bunch of Farishtay who can never be wrong...or some Naik Parveens?

read my post again.......... I am not against the punishment. I am against the handing in selective punishment and also I am against the system that would not deliver the punishment without due process.

But since you are so much for the system........... tell me, why the punishment is delivered without the proper investigation? If they are fixing the game, it is a criminal act. Why there are no proven charge sheet yet? Are you telling me that hanging a person for murder is ok without proving the murder. Do you think that morons in ICC are actual judges who would know the legal implication of there acts?

You can talk a lot. And yes this whole bs of "I have opinion" does allow lots of people to talk a lot but that doesnt mean that what they are saying is correct. Also, I have said that, I am for punishment only and if only the charges are proven in proper court of law. Not some monkeys sitting and deciding what is right and what is wrong. And we both know, at least I do, that no court in the world can ignore the shoaib statement that he ordered the players to ball going over the line. And if these players are involved and punished then how come kamran akmal is still free.............. the person who dropped 5 catches in a match which is alleged to be fixed and in which aamir was the star player by performance?

To be honest I am not that p}ssed about aamir getting convicted (oops sorry i forgot. He is not put on trial yet.), and kamran running free. Go ahead have your opinion but does your opinion is based on actual legal entity or the opinion of a ICC team of judges?

Plz. remind us all on whose opinion you based your opinion.

[MoThSmOkE]

Problem with Kamran's prosecution is that the evidence surfaced long time after the event took place. All the evidence could have been washed away by then. But I still hope Kamran is f-cked for the good of Pakistan.

Sad to see Aamir being banned for 5 years. Hope the arbitrators get it reduced to maybe 2-3. He bowled no balls, no 2 ways about it.

Where the f-ck is Zulqarnain?

[Shazman]

Even Amir said in his statement that the judges would have given a lesser sentence but the code states five years as the minimum hence this ban. They are looking at making this flexible so appropriate sentencing can be applied. I think of he goes to court of arbitration then he can get it reduced or sentenced. I personally think a heavy fine would have been enough for Amir but as sobank states there could be a hidden agenda, although I don't personally dig on conspiracy theories.

The main issue now is their possible extradition and court case against them here which could land them in jail so that will thier biggest worry now.

[Khalqat]

Ignore gallant's ballant ranting........... he tend to always bend backward to kiss his master's a$$.

Now lets talk fact.  Asif said he was told to deliver a no ball, aamir said the same thing. Butt, apparently, admitted that he had given orders to do so. So far, no money that asif and aamir had, is linked to bets.

I heard that that british police is investigating this. Without having a conviction from actual authority, throwing away these players in dungeon, is extremely ridiculous. On the other hand, a player who was seen socializing with the bookie and was the worst player in a game which was declared fixed by the the leading character, is still playing and will be playing the world cup. Now that is extremely suspicious.

Regardless of the unproven/proven crime of asif and aamir, the way ICC selectively handing over the punishments is ridiculously a suspect of having a hidden agenda. Three players, one of them has been leading nforce in losing matches, two of them has been the winning force. The losing force is let go but the winners are punished. Now I hate to call a foul but there is something really stinking here.

As much as I love to send the criminals to jail, I hate the idea restricting them from playing WC. If the official investigation can not convict Aamir and Asif, this will be handing punishment before proven guilty. Something that has not been done anywhere in the history. Perhaps Mr. Gallant forgot that little thing cause he couldnt hear the screams of his brain over the sound of kissing the a$$ so strongly.  Any ways when you are done smooching, you might want to think logically about it.

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I have one thing to say, if the charges are proven then I totally agree with the punishment. Trust me people, it is good for Pakistan. If one Aamir is gone then there are 10 more waiting in line. And dont forget that he will be back when he is 23 which is not exactly old also there are good chances that his punishment may decrease (or atleast he will be allowed to play local cricket).

I am thinking this has a lot to do with finding the actual money trail from all this satta bazi ending in the Indian Swiss bank accounts! Something indeed is very fishy. In my opinion, this World Cup should be cancelled even before it starts! The 'MORAL' ICC knows that the filthy head of all this fixing crap in centered in India.

Damn P I Gs.


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Govt. serves notice to 17 in black money trail
New Delhi, Sun, 06 Feb 2011NI Wire

Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Saturday once again refused to reveal the names of those who have stashed away money in tax heavens abroad but informed that government has already served notice to 17 individuals and trusts out of 18 account holders in foreign banks for preventing tax.

Out of 18, one person is dead, so no notice could be issued, added Mukherjee.

Informing to media persons in Kolkata, Pranab on February 05 stated that the government suo moto could not reveal the names because as per treaty it could only use the information for taxation purposes.


The names would only be revealed when the matter go to the open court for hearing, he added.


The German Government in March 2009 had handed over the list of 18 entities to Indian government whose accounts were in LGT Bank of Liechtenstein, an European country neighbouring Switzerland.


The German Government had purchased the stolen data of over 1,400 people with secret accounts in the LGT Bank.


Earlier, Finance Minister on January 25, speaking on this issue had said that government had nothing to hide but bound with legal provisions. Government had sent the seal packed name to Supreme Court in order to prosecuting.


A leading magazine has reportedly leaked the names of 15 entities including 12 individuals and three foundations.


It is estimated that according to Swiss bank, India has more black money than rest of the world combined and may be a whopping $462 billion to $1.4 trillion.


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[haroons222]

This is nonsense because when it comes to Pakistan, ICC becomes all tough and spirited. Gibbs was recorded talking to MATCH FIXERS(not spot fixers)---Cricket south africa not only helped him escape, but protected him as well. Where was ICC's high moral standards then. West Indian players have been approached and even some Indian players were involved. Point is, its one law when it comes to Pakistan and another for the rerst. The reason for this recent change is BCCI becoming prominent in the ICC. First they barred our players from all major events, lucrative events which satisfy the hunger for money, then cricket goes out of Pakistan due to their own planned attacks and now this. Pakistan should sway Bengladesh and give the majority back to the goras in cricketting matter(the asian block along with S.A. took it away to begin with).Id ratehr have racists leading the cricket world then an enemy.

[Khalqat]

This is nonsense because when it comes to Pakistan, ICC becomes all tough and spirited. Gibbs was recorded talking to MATCH FIXERS(not spot fixers)---Cricket south africa not only helped him escape, but protected him as well. Where was ICC's high moral standards then. West Indian players have been approached and even some Indian players were involved. Point is, its one law when it comes to Pakistan and another for the rerst. The reason for this recent change is BCCI becoming prominent in the ICC. First they barred our players from all major events, lucrative events which satisfy the hunger for money, then cricket goes out of Pakistan due to their own planned attacks and now this. Pakistan should sway Bengladesh and give the majority back to the goras in cricketting matter(the asian block along with S.A. took it away to begin with).Id ratehr have racists leading the cricket world then an enemy.

Oh , and did we just forget about Bob Woolmer's death in the last WC? Whatever happened to the book he was publishing?

[Dizasta]

In so far as cricket is concerned, my personal opinion is that Pakistan should boycott all ICC Matches, indefinitely. There is no sense in debating or battling with these biased, prejudice, racist people. The International Cricket Council's priorities are:

- Milk money in the cricket lunatic country, india.
- In order to milk india, disgrace Pakistan.
- Ignore cricket betting done by other cricketers.
- Highlight and focus on only Pakistani players.
- Permit india to win the world cup of 2011.
- Ignore the largest illegal-betting syndicate, bombay-india.

It is a well known fact that with over a billion in population, india represents a large chunk of money in revenue for the ICC. As such, it would be only fair to say that what india wouldn't like, would prove to the advantage of the ICC. Hence, even though Pakistan Cricket Team doesn't represent any significant threat to the other cricketing teams contesting in the World Cup. The ICC wouldn't want to take any chances with the Pakistanis as they're devastatingly unpredictable. As of 2010, the ICC (which has a strong indian/english representation and influence), are wary of Pakistan as the players who're being banned, know very well to screw ICC in the backside, if allowed to participate in the world cup, on full strength.

The idea is simple, the Pakistani players involved can easily destroy ICC's aim to have india win the world cup. Simply by playing against the bet, it would prove to be a debacle on a massive scale and alot would be riding on this world cup, as it is set to happen in the financially lucrative quarter of india-Bangladesh-Sri Lanka. And you ask why would the Pakistani players reverse their desire to earn tons of money through betting? Well the only reason can be because they know that players of other countries (especially Australia, England, South Africa & india) do it, past and present. Rendering an end to the career's of budding young Pakistani players accused of spot-betting, eliminates the possibility of any retaliation.

Rest assured, the Pakistani team being fielded in the world cup is nothing more than a performance for the sake of money making entertainment.

No one can deny the fact that Pakistani players do get involved in taking bribes for fixed-matches. But so do players of other countries!! But if Pakistanis love the game of cricket and they love their players and teams. Then this would be the right time to boycott the World Cup and pull out from the ICC permanently. Pakistan should ban all ICC matches shown on Cable Networks in Pakistan and Cut-Off all ties with the ICC. However, in its place, Pakistan Cricket Board should establish In-Country Cricket which would be aimed at competing teams with high performance, competitiveness and entertainment of the best quality. With established teams and leagues that would have unprecedented coverage, reviews, sponsorship, shows and stats.

Its time that Pakistanis stop following others, stop hosting stupid, idiotic thinking that the 'Grass is Greener on the Other Side' and become pioneers, lead their people as opposed to following others and being 'Wannabes'.

[Dizasta]

Lastly, just share with my fellow countrymen ................. I had stopped watching or following that clown show called ICC Cricket!! Its racists, biased, fixed and fake!! Stop watching and following $hitty entertainment which is produced by retarded j@©k@$$e$ (England & Australia), spot-fixed by gutter-rats (India) and filled in by Extras, like in movies, by other innocent yet ignorant nations!!

[Dizasta]

Lastly, just to share with my fellow countrymen ................. I had stopped watching or following that clown show called ICC Cricket!! Its racists, biased, fixed and fake!! Stop watching and following $hitty entertainment which is produced by retarded j@©k@$$e$ (England & Australia), spot-fixed by gutter-rats (India) and filled in by Extras, like in movies, by other innocent yet ignorant nations!!

[Shazman]

Muhammed Amir Interview in Doha, 24 hrs after ban announced.

Muhammed Amir BBC Interview

Amir faces up to a career in ruins
Post categories: Cricket

David Bond | 12:29 UK time, Monday, 7 February 2011

Mohammad Amir describes the last six months as the worst time in his life. At the tender age of 18 that is hardly surprising.

But whatever people think about what he has done, there has to be a measure of sympathy for the bowler who, until Saturday's decision by the ICC to ban him for five years, was Pakistan's great hope.

I interviewed him in his hotel room in Doha on Sunday, almost 24 hours after the anti-corruption tribunal had delivered its damning determination.

He had spent the whole day there, lying in bed, trying to come to terms with what had happened.

When we meet, the bed is still unmade and the clothes he wore to the Qatar Financial Centre court the day before are hanging over the back of a chair. He fiddles with a mobile phone while we set up. In every sense it is a typical teenager's scene.

Except this is no ordinary teenager. And as if to serve a reminder of that, on the desk, in a see through plastic bag, is a copy of the local Qatar newspaper. The headline on the story is: "ICC BANS Pakistan THREE" and there is Amir's face, staring out from the front page alongside his two team mates Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif.

For a fast bowler, he is not as tall as you might imagine and slightly built. In the flesh he looks so very young and vulnerable. And he looks shell shocked.

When we first meet and shake hands he doesn't get up to greet me. And as he moves from the bed to a chair for the interview he avoids all eye contact, just staring distantly into space.

He answers my questions in Urdu but it is obvious he speaks and understands English perfectly well. His lawyer Shahid Karim translates and for much of the interview he keeps his eyes down.

You can watch the full interview and judge for yourself by clicking the video above. But to me his devastation at the ban is clear. It may, of course, all be an act to try and win support and help his appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport but I am not convinced. And even now I doubt he truly understands what is happening to him.

He explains how cricket is his life and how he gave up his education to play the game. Without it he asks how will he support his family back in Pakistan. He insists, with the grace of God, he will be back but if his appeal fails, for a fast bowler five years out it will be hard to come back from. Like a bad spell he will simply have to work his way through it. Some bad spell.

His lawyer made it a clear condition of the interview that I was unable to ask any questions about the ICC decision or the separate criminal case in the UK. I was restricted to questions about his reaction to the decision and he becomes uncomfortable when I ask him about his relationship with Butt and Asif now.

"I don't want to talk about this," he says.

When we finish the interview he does seem to relax and manages a few smiles. I ask him about his family (he has six brothers) and when he is travelling home. He and his lawyer ask me about the ICC press conference earlier on Sunday.

He insists he will return to the UK on 17 March for a court hearing relating to his separate criminal case.

Many in the cricketing world believe Amir deserved more lenient treatment from the ICC because of his youth and inexperience and, perhaps, because of his rare cricketing talent. Tempting though it would be to do this, the tribunal could not consider favourable treatment just because he is the best bowler to come out of Pakistan for years.

They could only consider his age and give him the benefit of the doubt that he got himself caught up with people he shouldn't have done.

The less sympathetic will argue he deserves no leniency whatsoever and that the only way to stamp out corruption is to use Amir as the ultimate deterrent and sacrifice his talent on the altar of the game's greater good.

I am not sure about that. As I asked yesterday, is bowling two no balls really worth a lifetime ban? The tribunal clearly didn't think so.

[Gallant]

ICC has deliberately targeted Pakistani players on this matter. From their own sources I have found there is no law or legislation to date on 'spot-fixing'. It is a relatively new trend in cricket. So essentially you cannot punish any player for a crime that isnst even recognised yet. Definitely something very suspicious ICC is upto.

But in the past ICC has also favored Pakistan when 2006 England test Darrel Hair was investigated to be a racist umpire and then sacked. Also what about our childish players? They have their own share of shameful harkatein before we condemn ICC. Asif getting caught with drugs, Afridi biting the ball and damaging pitch, Yousaf & Younas at eachother's throat, Players VS Ijaz Butt drama, Zulqarnan Haider disappearing etc..I think some fault is with our boys for they may not be groomed well enough for international exposure and responsibilites you carry for your nation.

[seacad]

Sohail Tanvir out of world cup, replaced by Junaid Khan

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_wo...ory/500081.html

I think this is a good thing, Tanvir lost SERIOUS form during the NZ tour and Junaid Khan performed really well in the domestic first class matches last yr. However I dont know if he is that great in limited over matches, I think Asad Ali and Sadaf Hussain were better choices, but all in all Junaid Khan is a much better choice than Sohail Tanvir

[Shazman]

BBC Link

Salman Butt investigated before spot-fixing affair

Former Pakistan Test captain Salman Butt was investigated by the ICC's anti-corruption unit in connection with "suspicious" phone calls and texts from Mazhar Majeed during the World Twenty20 in the West Indies last May.

Although it has been reported before that Butt and team-mate Kamran Akmal were under investigation, the BBC has learned that the ICC anti-corruption tribunal's full judgment will include fascinating evidence showing the full extent of the contact between Butt and Majeed, the agent at the centre of the affair.

The full judgment is due to be published later on Wednesday.

The evidence was not used in the ICC's case against Butt and his team-mates Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, which resulted in them being banned by the ICC last weekend.

But the disclosure of the texts and phone calls will spark fresh fears that the links between the players and Majeed may have been much deeper than first suspected.

On their face the messages appear to reflect a pre-exisiting discussion about spot fixing

From the ICC anti-corruption tribunal's full judgment
The communications relate to 10 May, when Pakistan were in St Lucia, where they beat South Africa by 11 runs in a group match.

Previous suspicion surrounding the Pakistan team was focused on their semi-final against Australia where they lost in the final over thanks to Mike Hussey hitting three sixes in four balls.

But a source close to Salman Butt has told the BBC that the communications between Majeed and Butt in St Lucia were not evidence of any wrongdoing.

He said: "The only allegations that have been put to Mr Butt are in relation to the Tests in August and September. There is no other wrongdoing and the ICC has not charged him with anything in relation to this."

The judgment will reveal how Butt had been in receipt of what the three-man tribunal, headed by Michael Beloff QC, described as "suspicious" calls and texts from Majeed during that period.

The judgment says: "On their face the messages appear to reflect a pre-exisiting discussion about spot fixing."

The judgment goes on to say: "The episode in Spring in St Lucia appears to have been the overture to the main performance in England in the summer."

The judgment's disclosure of the details from the World Twenty20 will lead to fresh questions over Butt as he considers whether to appeal against his 10-year ban, which will be reduced to five if he avoids any repeat offence and takes part in anti-corruption educational programmes.

But they will also raise issues over the ICC's investigation into other claims of spot-fixing.


Butt faces a long wait before he can resume his cricketing career
The judgment, which runs to around 90 pages, also includes the tribunal's reasons for the length of bans handed to Butt, Amir and Asif last Saturday in Doha.

This part of the document, written by Justice Albie Sachs, an anti-apartheid freedom fighter who lost an arm during "the struggle", is considered more forgiving and sympathetic towards the three players than the determination.

In it, the tribunal explains how they were unable to give bans lower than the minimum of five years, as prescribed in the ICC anti-corruption code for the most serious offence, that of fixing the result of or part of a match.

But they add that they didn't go for life bans, the harshest penalty available to them for a number of reasons.

Firstly they believed The Oval and Lord's charges were part of a one off fix. The judgment says: "Fortunately for them an [un]promising career in spot fixing was nipped in the bud by the News of the World investigation…….it was a trial run. The purpose was not to influence any outcome or to serve as the basis for betting."

The tribunal's second reason was that they could not find any evidence that monies paid to the agent Majeed were paid to the players in return for their part in the fix.

The judgment states: "We are not satisfied the monies paid were for the fix."

The tribunal also argues that because spot-fixing is less serious than match-fixing then it would have been harder to give them longer bans - even though the judgment insists the penalties given out are harsh.

"A five-year penalty is far from being a light penalty, a mere slap on the wrist," the tribunal says.

Despite that Butt is given a tougher penalty of 10 years with five suspended because as captain he was in a position of authority. Elsewhere in the judgment he is described as "the ringmaster" and the leader of the team "for good or ill".

The judgment says: "Overall we conclude that Mr Butt's offences are more serious than that of his team-mates."

And yet, the tribunal argues that he should be given a second chance to use his leadership skills to teach younger players about the risks of corruption. Providing he takes part in such educational programmes then he may be able to reduce his ban.

As for Asif, the tribunal also offers him the chance to rehabilitate himself with a seven-year ban possibly reduced by two years, but again they find him guilty of a more serious offence because of his age and seniority in the team.

Despite Amir's talent - he is described as the "brightest star in the cricketing firmament" - the panel dismisses the suggestion that his potential as a Test player should be taken into consideration. But his youth and inexperience are taken into account in giving him the minimum ban of five years.

The men continue to maintain their innocence and are considering appealing against the decision.

[sobank]

I got the edited judgment.

case against aamir

- aamir has witness who gives reasons for no balls but this explains the no balls but  they do not explain why they are delivered at the exact moments as predicted.
- he called/text majeed at important moments when this whole thing was going down.
-  the night before no ball, text was send. It is speculated that it was sent to aamir. aamir says that he didnt receive it. Even if he did, he cannt read english so he would not know what was written in it.
- ICC do not believe that aamir cannot communicate in english. (their opinion------ so far no proof that is put in document yet)
- ICC refuses to accept the "coincident". They think that communication timings were not a coincidence.

some parts are black out in the whole document.

As far as I can say, perhaps because of some shortage of undeniable evidence, judges wanted to hand over a smaller sentence to aamir.

having read almost the whole document, so far, all i can say is................... they all look pretty guilty. And once criminal court declares them guilty, PCB should ban all of them for life, including Aamir.

[haroons222]

Amir is your typical jahil lanti....I saw pictures of him playing cricket in a backyard WITH BUTT, not two weeks ago...How can this idiot hang around with the same man who effed up his career....once a jahil always a jahil.

[Miroslav]

A small change in the Indian squad. Praveen Kumar is out (injury) Sreesanth is in.

So does English sqaud, Morgan out Bopara in.

So does Aussie squad, Mike Hussy and Hauritz are out. Ferguson and Kreza are in.

Miro

[Miroslav]

Tribunal judgement highlights weak defence

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content...ory/500189.html

Miro

[1Pakistani]

I got the edited judgment.

case against aamir

- aamir has witness who gives reasons for no balls but this explains the no balls but  they do not explain why they are delivered at the exact moments as predicted.
- he called/text majeed at important moments when this whole thing was going down.
-  the night before no ball, text was send. It is speculated that it was sent to aamir. aamir says that he didnt receive it. Even if he did, he cannt read english so he would not know what was written in it.
- ICC do not believe that aamir cannot communicate in english. (their opinion------ so far no proof that is put in document yet)
- ICC refuses to accept the "coincident". They think that communication timings were not a coincidence.

some parts are black out in the whole document.

As far as I can say, perhaps because of some shortage of undeniable evidence, judges wanted to hand over a smaller sentence to aamir.

having read almost the whole document, so far, all i can say is................... they all look pretty guilty. And once criminal court declares them guilty, PCB should ban all of them for life, including Aamir.

it seems me to be the case of being guilty and needing to prove yourself innocent. If above highlighted part is the major crunch against Aamir than rather sadly it is a pathetic decision that he was found Guilty.

It is for ICC to prove beyond reasonable doubt those things mentioned above and their mere opinion is very unfair and denial of justice. No wonder aamirs lawyers wanted to appeal straight way.

Hey what about the video no time stamp no date and how can you take that into evidence and suggest that video is correct, well that is the assumption of ICC decision.

[Miroslav]

A fan’s letter to Mohammad Amir

by Mehmudah Rehman on 02 9th, 2011

When the tribunal was deciding your fate in Doha, as a nation we were waiting with bated breath for the final decision. Some of us were so dismayed by your antics that we suggested you, along with your two cronies should be imprisoned, others insisted upon a life ban. Those on the other end of the spectrum vouched for your innocence.

You persistently spoke of your complete innocence and come on, Amir, a lot of us have a hard time believing your claims. Now I am not blessed with the knowledge of the unseen and I can in no way claim that you lie – only God and you know the complete truth. But the tribunal said you are guilty and it makes more sense to admit to a crime which it seems you did commit.

I mean, what’s so bad about saying you were lured by money and that you are sorry? Do you know that great men in the past have admitted to their mistakes and have gained so much respect in the world? Do you know you could suddenly win the sympathy of our countrymen who, you may not realize this, have the ability to forgive?

You captured hearts with your bowling, but then you broke them too. Now is the time to begin mending them and as an idol for young fans, you need to give us some answers. I realize you are only 18 years of age, and that’s why I believe this decision could be a blessing in disguise for you.

Ever thought about studying? Getting enrolled in a good school somewhere, getting a degree, and serving your ban like a true gentleman? Cricketers around the world have made strong comebacks after getting educated – Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq is a prime example. Your swing and seam will not desert you Amir, for you are prodigiously talented. You’ll be a qualified man with another profession to fall back on.

And then there’s the physique. You are thin and lanky and in the five years away from cricket, you could use the time to work on your body. Playing international cricket is a demanding profession and working on your fitness might help to minimize the chance of some career-threatening injury. Plus, the lads easier on the eye (and higher on the hotness quotient) are always more popular. I read somewhere that it looked as though you had been crying after the decision was announced, and you know what, it’s okay to cry. It’s okay to say you’re sorry, it’s okay to make mistakes – we all do. Just admit to them like a man.

And Amir, a word of advice before I sign off – please choose your friends wisely. For someone who carries the hope of a nation mired in strife and controversy, you need to make sure the guys you hang out with are not cheats, drug addicts and crooks. And please, PLEASE, stop wearing marijuana T-Shirts, okay?

Yours sincerely,

Mehmudah Rehman

The writer is a wannabe cricketer, and the minor fact that she has never picked up a wicket or hit a six fails to deter her. She blogs at Notes to Self.

http://blog.dawn.com/2011/02/09/a-fan%E2%8...-mohammad-amir/

[1Pakistani]

having read almost the whole document, so far, all i can say is................... they all look pretty guilty. And once criminal court declares them guilty, PCB should ban all of them for life, including Aamir.

I can expect more pathetic stuff to happen here. I have never seen a prosecutions office taking this long to decide on criminal charges and than those are half baked charges.

1. Was there any betting option available on the market which gave betting odds for no balls happening on those balls?

answer: NO

2. Was there any money placed on that??

Answer: NO


So how is it a conspiracy to defraud the bookmakers when there was no betting option available??? so where the charge comes from????? HOT AIR

Now presume there was option for such betting

than the JOURNALIST should also be charged for same thing as he was part of that very same conspiracy to defraud the bookmakers. He was the one who fixed it and paid 200,000 pounds for it.....

Why isnt he charged????????


It was all drama created by UK and their cricket board.

[Shazman]

Putting the pending criminal case to one side, what chances does anybody think Amir has in the Swiss Court of Sports Arbitration? Do you think his sentence can be reduced or suspended? Maybe they'll fine him heavily and put him in some kind of rehabilitation programme. Any thoughts on this for discussion. Does anybody know much about this court?