Articles by "Umar Akmal"
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Anonymous at October 19, 2013 0
The Pakistan Cricket Board has announced a 16-man squad for the upcoming one-day series against South Africa.

[caption id="attachment_2408" align="alignright" width="294"]The uncertainty looming over Umar Akmal’s career is now gone. (Photo: AFP) The uncertainty looming over Umar Akmal’s career is now gone. (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

The selectors have once again recalled Umar Akmal and Wahab Riaz, and now there are no doubts about Umar. He was sent back to Pakistan during a series against West Indies last month and there were reports that he was suffering from epilepsy.

However, his medical reports proved he doesn’t have the condition and he is declared clear. But he was not included for Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe which followed tour of West Indies.

Now, as test reports have declared him medically fit, he has been selected for the ODI series against South Africa.

Riaz, who was failed to perform in West Indies tour and was axed for Zimbabwe tour, has also been recalled for the upcoming ODI series.

His selection shows that selectors want to make Pakistan bowling attack more balanced as it is inclined towards spinners in the ongoing Tests series.

Moreover, Sohaib Maqsood, who belonged to Multan, has replaced Haris Sohail. Maqsood represented Pakistan in two Twenty20s during Zimbabwe tour.

Currently, Pakistan and South Africa are playing Test series. Pakistan clinched the first Test, played in Abu Dhabi. The second and the last Test will start from Oct 23 in Dubai, after which both teams will play five ODIs from Oct 30 to Nov 11.

ODI Squad:

Misbahul Haq (captain), Ahmed Shahzad, Asad Shafiq, Junaid Khan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shahid Afridi, Sohaib Maqsood, Abdur Rehman, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed and Wahab Riaz.
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Anonymous at August 18, 2013 0
Umar Akmal has been ruled out of Zimbabwe tour after reportedly suffering epileptic fit. The Pakistan Cricket Board has replaced him with Sarfaraz Ahmed, who will leave to Zimbabwe along with other players today (Sunday).

[caption id="attachment_2181" align="alignright" width="261"]Umar Akmal played some winning innings during recent West Indies tour (Photo: WICB) Umar Akmal played some winning innings during recent West Indies tour (Photo: WICB)[/caption]

The middle-order batsman, who has been in West Indies to play in the Caribbean Premier League, spent a night in hospital after he fainted from a seizure on a flight to Jamaica. It is highly likely that he suffered an epileptic fit as he has been called back urgently to consult a neurologist in Pakistan.

Click here for Pakistan squads and complete schedule of the tour

"PCB received the confirmation from the West Indies today about Umar not being medically fit. He has immediately been called back and will undergo complete medical examination to reassess the level of his fitness," a PCB statement said.

"Meanwhile national selection committee has proposed Sarfraz as his replacement for Pakistan one-day and T20 squads for the upcoming tour of Zimbabwe."

Pakistan are set to play two Tests, two Twenty20s and three ODIs in their Zimbabwe’s tour, starting from August 23 with a T20.
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Anonymous at July 29, 2013 0
Pakistan beat West Indies in the second Twenty20 to not only clinch the two-match series but also grabbed second position in T20 international rankings.

[caption id="attachment_1954" align="alignright" width="261"]Umar Akmal played another innings in crisis, which also earned him the player-of-the-match award (Photo: WICB) Umar Akmal played another innings in crisis, which also earned him the player-of-the-match award (Photo: WICB)[/caption]

Today’s win was completely because of bowlers, who, defending a target of just 136 runs, had ruined West Indies batting line-up at the very outset. The dismissals of Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels in the second, third and fourth overs broke the backbone of the hosts. Dwayne Bravo, along with Sunil Narine, tried to come back in the game, but Pakistani bowlers were overwhelming.

Sammy’s decision to send Narine before Kieron Pollard was a bit surprising, though the spinner made 28 off 16 to fend off possible criticism on the captain. There was only a single occasion, albeit quite brief, in the West Indies innings when they seemed to make a comeback in the match. It was when Pollard smashed two sixes and two fours to rookie Zulfiqar Babar in the 17th over. But the bowler perished Pollard on the fifth ball, and Bravo on the next ball to salvage the loss. Darren Sammy could also do nothing and the hosts managed to make 124 for 9 in 20 overs. So it was an 11-run victory for the tourists.

Sohail Tanvir, who was given chance in place of Mohammad Irfan, bowled well, claiming 2 wickets for 20 runs in 4 overs. Saeed Ajmal took 2 wickets in 4 overs and conceded 21 runs. Babar’s two wickets came in a single over in which he gave 20 runs. Captain Mohammad Hafeez gave just 9 runs in 4 overs and also took the biggest wicket of Gayle.

Pakistan’s innings was opened by Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shehzad as Nasir Jamshed had been ruled out in the match. Hafeez played the same shot to Samuel Badree which cost him his wicket in the first match. Skipper’s loss on 24 was followed by the dismissals of Umar Amin and Haris Sohail and Pakistan were 42 for 3 in 8 overs. Shehzad and Umar Akmal played their parts at the stage. Although Shehzad was dismissed in the 13th over and could not make his half-century, his share of 44 runs proved fruitful for the team in the low-scorer.

Umar helped Pakistan reach a defendable total of 135, although no batsman could stay with him at the crease. Shahid Afridi (6), Hammad Azam (1) and Sohail Tanvir (0) were dismissed in the space of just 13 runs, but Umar’s bat continued scoring runs. He remained unbeaten making 46 off 36. His innings included a six and three fours.

Sunil Narine took three wickets for 26 runs and Badree took two. Sammy and Pollard took once wicket apiece.

Umar Akmal was given the player-of-the-match award and Zulfiqar Babar was declared the player of the series for his five wickets and valuable runs in the first match.

Pakistan vs West Indies


2nd Twenty20 International


July 28, 2013


Venue: Arnos Vale Ground, Kingstown, St Vincent


Result: Pakistan won by 11 runs


Player of the match: Umar Akmal


Player of the series; Zulfiqar Babar









































































































پاکستانRunsBalls4s6s
Ahmed Shehzadc Simmons b Pollard444642
Mohammad Hafeezc Simmons b Badree10710
Umar Aminc & b Sammy7610
Haris Sohailc & b Badree1400
Umar Akmalnot out463631
Shahid Afridic Samuels b Narine61000
Hammad Azamst †Charles b Narine1200
Sohail Tanvirc Bravo b Narine0300
Zulfiqar Babarnot out11610
Extras(byes 2, leg-byes 4, wides 3)9
Total(7 wickets; 20 overs)135

 






















































West Indies (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Darren Sammy40201
Samuel Badree40162
Sunil Narine40263
Tino Best20160
Daren Bravo40350
Kieron Pollard20161

 






















































































































ویسٹ انڈیزtarget: 136 runsRunsBalls4s6s
Chris Gaylec Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir0900
Johnson Charlesc Shahid Afridi b Mohammad Hafeez1300
Marlon Samuelsc Umar Akmal b Sohail Tanvir1400
Lendl Simmonsb Shahid Afridi31600
Dwayne Bravoc Hammad Azam b Zulfiqar Babar354421
Sunil Narinec Umar Amin b Saeed Ajmal281631
Kieron Pollardc Haris Sohail b Zulfiqar Babar231022
Darren Sammyc Shahid Afridi b Saeed Ajmal1400
Christopher Barnwellrun out (Hammad Azam/Umar Akmal)10520
Tino Bestnot out17902
Samuel Badreenot out1100
Extraslb 1, w 2, nb 1)4
Total(9 wickets; 20 overs)124

 






















































Pakistan (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Mohammad Hafeez4091
Sohail Tanvir40202
Zulfiqar Babar40372
Shahid Afridi30291
Saeed Ajmal40212
Asad Ali1070
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Anonymous at July 25, 2013 0
Pakistan beat West Indies by four wickets after an exciting game, winning the five-match series 3-1. The most important aspect of the match was that Pakistan decided to bowl after winning the toss, and chased a target of 243 runs successfully. In the final moments, where on the one hand fours and sixes by Umar Akmal and Shahid Afridi made it easier for the team to head to victory, on the other, Misbah’s dismissal raised the chances of another tie. However, a missed throw by Kieron Pollard helped Pakistan take a run and win the match and the series as well.

[caption id="attachment_1932" align="alignright" width="260"]Winning captain, man of the match and man of the series. (Photo: WICB) Winning captain, man of the match and man of the series. (Photo: WICB)[/caption]

Ahmed Shehzad and Nasir Jamshed gave Pakistan an opening stand if 51 runs – first time Pakistani openers crossed 50 runs. Especially, Shehzad played well by scoring 64 runs. Although he took 100 balls to score that much, such innings was the need of the time.

When Haris Sohail was dismissed in the batting powerplay, Pakistan needed another 83 runs in 12 overs, with Umar and Misbah left at the crease. Both played responsibly and turned only those balls to boundaries that deserved to be hit. Umar started batting aggressively from the 41st over by hitting three fours to Jason Holder to lessen the required run rate.

As Pakistan were nearing the target, a moment came that was later regarded by West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo as decisive for he result of the match. A delivery by Tino Best seemed to have touched Misbah’s gloves was caught behind. But field umpire Paul Reiffel declared him not out. The host took the review, but with no Hot Spot available the decision went in favour of Misbah.

The decision helped Misbah complete his 29th ODI half-century. It was his fourth century in the five matches of the series. Presently, he is the top run scorer of 2013. It reflects his consistency as a batsman.

Pakistan run rate dropped after that until Umar hit a six to Dwayne Bravo and back-to-back six and four to Tino Best to make the matter easier for Pakistan. But Umar tired to hit yet another ball which cost him his wicket. As Umar’s shot landed safely in the hands Kemar Roach (substitute), rain started pouring in. Before the dismissal Pakistan was 10 runs ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis par score. Pakistan got tense for some moments, and rightly so. Because nobody knew the revised D/L par score. But after a brief pause, the scoreboard showed that the tourists were still 5 runs ahead of the target, means Pakistan were still the winners if the match had ended at the moment.

When the match resumed after 2o minutes, Misbah was accompanied with Shahid Afridi. West Indies set the same fielding for Afridi as they had done in the previous game, that is to lure Boom Boom to play a shot by offering him short ball so that he was caught near the boundary. But Afridi came prepared this time. He smashed a six to Dwayne Bravo on a similar delivery. He scored a four at the point in the same over to reduce the chase to just a few runs. But when the score levelled, Misbah lost his wicket in trying to play the winning shot. Saeed Ajmal, the next batsman in, only managed to take a risky single on the second last ball of the match after having missed two balls.

The builder of Pakistan’s victory, Misbah, scored 63 runs off 93 balls. He scored one six and five fours.

Tino Best was the top wicket-taker for West Indies with three wickets, while Jason Holder and Dasrren Sammy took one wicket apiece.

Earlier, West Indies made 242 runs after Pakistan put them into bat. Their innings was built up on the efforts of Johnson Charles, Marlon Samuels and captain Dwayne Bravo. The team’s strike rate remained low throughout the innings until Bravo and Sammy came and captivated the spectators by their stormy knocks. Bravo scored 48 off just 27 while Sammy made 29 off 18. The partnership between the duo was 53 off 27.

Junaid Khan took three wickets while Mohammad Irfan and Ajmal took two each.

After a poor performance in the Champions Trophy, the victory was a must for Pakistan, and this was a golden chance for the team. West Indies have never one an ODI series against since 1988 and Pakistan have been winning ODI series against them since 1993.

Now both teams are scheduled to play two Twenty20s. The first T20 will be played on July 27.

West Indies vs Pakistan


5th ODI


July 24, 2013


Venue: Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia


Result: Pakistan won by 4 wickets


Man of the match: Misbah-ul-Haq


Man of the series: Misbah-ul-Haq









































































































ویسٹ انڈیزRunsBalls4s6s
Johnson Charlesc Haris Sohail b Mohammad Irfan437140
Devon Smithc Mohammad Hafeez b Junaid Khan71401
Darren Bravoc †Umar Akmal b Junaid Khan92110
Marlon Samuelsc Shahid Afridi b Mohammad Irfan458921
Chris Gaylec †Umar Akmal b Junaid Khan213421
Lendl Simmonsc Mohammad Hafeez b Saeed Ajmal252612
Dwayne Bravoc Haris Sohail b Saeed Ajmal482753
Darren Sammynot out291821
Sunil Narinenot out0000
Extras(lb 6, w 9)15
Total(7 wickets; 50 overs)242

 






















































Pakistan (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Mohammad Hafeez62220
Mohammad Irfan101342
Junaid Khan101483
Asad Ali91450
Shahid Afridi50300
Saeed Ajmal102572

 






























































































پاکستانTarget: 243 runsRunsBalls4s6s
Nasir Jamshedrun out (Gayle)232521
Ahmed Shehzadc DJ Bravo b Best6410080
Mohammad Hafeezc Simmons b Sammy112210
Misbah-ul-Haqc DJ Bravo b Holder639351
Haris Sohailc Simmons b Best172220
Umar Akmalc sub (KAJ Roach) b Best372851
Shahid Afridinot out13611
Saeed Ajmalnot out1300
Extras(lb 5, w 9)14
Total(6 wickets; 49.5 overs)243

 






















































West Indies (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Jason Holder9.50471
Tino Best102483
Darren Sammy100351
Sunil Narine100420
Marlon Samuels50250
Dwayne Bravo50410
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Anonymous at July 23, 2013 0
Pakistan unexpectedly beat West Indies by 6 wickets to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The builders of the victory were Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal, who helped Pakistan chased a target after a long time.

[caption id="attachment_1917" align="alignright" width="300"]As the match resumed after rain, Mohammad Hafeez turned the tables (Photo: AFP) As the match resumed after rain, Mohammad Hafeez turned the tables (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

The 4th ODI in the St Lucia was a surprising match for Pakistan from every aspect. Having chosen to bowl after winning the toss, Pakistan were facing a big target as West Indian batsmen, especially Marlon Samuels, took their team by storm. Moreover, Pakistan’s sloppy fielding also made matter worse for the. But Pakistan managed to save the day, at last.

After the disappointing performance on the last ODI, when Pakistan started chasing the target of 262 runs, their chances of winning were scarce. As Pakistan lost both their openers on 60, the batsmen who were did not seem to make runs at the required run rate of more than 8.5. Rain ruined about an hour’s game after 17 overs. And when the match resumed, the revised target for Pakistan was 189 runs in 31 overs.

Hafeez’s inning of 59 off 62 made the chase easier. The way he scored 32 runs in two overs and hit two sixes to Jason Holder turned the tables on Wets Indies. Later Misbah’s 53 off 43 and Umar Akmal’s 19 off 18 led Pakistan to their destination. Umar’s three back-to-back fours to Dwayne Bravo in the 30th over ended the game an over before.

[caption id="attachment_1918" align="alignright" width="210"]Marlon Samuels’ outstanding century went in vain (Photo: AFP) Marlon Samuels’ outstanding century went in vain (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Pakistan’s bowling, however, was not up to the mark. Samuels’ hundred was a blow to the confidence of the tourist bowlers. His brilliant knock helped West Indies amass the biggest total of the series. The most disappointing thing for Pakistan was that they opted to bowl after winning the toss as it was equal to undermining the team’s confidence, particularly after the bowlers’ bad performance in the last match. Wahab Riaz was once again out of form and gave 42 run sin 6 overs, whereas Shahid Afridi gave 41 runs in as much overs. Samuels remained unbeaten after a smashing knock of 106 off 104 which included a six on the last ball of the innings.

It’s a fact that batting was the catalyst for Pakistan, because bowling and filed did enough to get the match off the tourists’ hands. As compared to the previous match, Pakistan today dropped a catch and missed a stump, too.

Although Pakistan weaknesses have been concealed beneath the thin layer of the victory, the team needs to win the series 3-1, and does not take it for granted to level the 2-2. The fifth and the last one-dayer will be played in the same ground on July 24.

West Indies vs Pakistan


4th ODI


July 21, 2013


Venue: Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia


Result: Pakistan won by 6 wickets (D/L method)


Man of the match: Marlon Samuels









































































































ویسٹ انڈیزRunsBalls4s6s
Devon Smithc Umar Akmal b Mohammad Irfan82210
Johnson Charleslbw b Junaid Khan324850
Darren Bravoc Saeed Ajmal b Wahab Riaz91810
Marlon Samuelsnot out10610494
Chris Gaylec sub (Umar Amin) b Shahid Afridi304631
Lendl Simmonsb Saeed Ajmal464451
Darren Sammyb Mohammad Irfan7901
Dwayne Bravorun out (Umar Akmal/Mohammad Irfan)6510
Kemar Roachnot out0000
Extras(leg-byes 6, wides 9, no-balls 2)17
Total(7 wickets; 49 overs)261

 






















































Pakistan (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Mohammad Irfan101602
Mohammad Hafeez81300
Junaid Khan92391
Wahab Riaz60421
Shahid Afridi60411
Saeed Ajmal100431

 














































































پاکستانTarget: 189 (31 overs)RunsBalls4s6s
Nasir Jamshedrun out (Charles/Narine)223710
Ahmed Shehzadlbw b Holder141420
Mohammad Hafeezc DM Bravo b Roach596252
Misbah-ul-Haqnot out534331
Shahid Afridic Simmons b DJ Bravo7710
Umar Akmalnot out291840
Extras(leg-bye 1, wides 3, no-balls 1)5
Total(4 wickets; 30 overs)189

 






















































West Indies (bowling)OversMaidensRunsWickets
Jason Holder50411
Kemar Roach61331
Sunil Narine70290
Darren Sammy30100
Dwayne Bravo60491
Marlon Samuels30260
Read more »

Anonymous at July 20, 2013 0
One, only one bad over deprived Pakistan of victory in a match that remained in their grasp for most of the time. The bowling of Wahab Riaz in the last over was reminiscent of Mohammad Sami’s as the last two batsmen of West Indies scored 14 runs in the over, tying the third ODI played in St Lucia. So the series is still 1-1.

[caption id="attachment_1907" align="alignright" width="300"]Even such a bowling couldn’t save the day for Pakistan (Photo: WICB) Even such a bowling couldn’t save the day for Pakistan (Photo: WICB)[/caption]

Chasing a 230-run target, Pakistan took a firm grip on the match from the beginning, taking three key wickets of Johnson Charles, Darren Bravo and Chris Gayle before 50 runs. Marlon Samuels and Lendl Simmons did nothing but saved the wicket in the next 22 overs, adding just 91 runs. Samuels was dismissed in the batting powerplay after scoring 46 runs on a hefty 106 balls. He was to blame had West Indies lost the match. After his departure, West Indies tried to come back in the game, thanks to Simmons. Pakistan would have lost the grasp on the match, had Saeed Ajmal not dismissed Simmons and aggressive Dwayne Bravo in a single over. Kieron Pollard and Darren Sammy gave away their wickets to Junaid Khan in the next over, and the game was almost slipped off the hands of the hosts as they need another 39 runs to win in three overs with two wickets remaining.

When Sunil Narine lost his wicket after hitting a six and two fours to Ajmal in the 48th over, West Indies were hinging on the last wicket. The last over stated with Kemar Roach and Jason Holder standing on the wicket and the hosts needing 15 runs to claim victory. The ball was given to Riaz and he did what Sami had done recently against Sri Lanka. Failing to deliver a single ball at the target, he was hit a six and a four and on the last ball, when three more runs were required to win, the batsmen scored two runs and the match ended in a draw.

Umar Akmal missed a chance to run out and the hosts succeeded to take a couple of runs. Although the match was a tie, it should be considered a defeat for the tourists as the West Indian themselves found it difficult to believe that they had restricted Pakistan from winning.

Holder scored 19 off just 9, hitting a six and a four. Simmons was the top-scorer for West Indies and also shared the man-of-the-match award. He faced 86 balls during his innings, which included two 6s and seven 4s.

Junaid and Ajmal took three wicket apiece, Mohammad Irfan took two, whereas Riaz took just one wicket and proved the most expensive with 63 runs in 10 overs.

Ironically, Pakistan were denied a run in the final moments of the first innings when Akmal played a shot and took a double. Umpire said it was short run and deducted one run. Replay, however, showed that it was not. So that “one run” snatched victory from Pakistan.

Earlier, the tourists put West Indies into bat after winning the toss. Pakistan had replaced Haris Sohail and Junaid Khan with Asad Shafique and Asad Ali. After a 39-run opening stand, both openers lost their wickets successively. Mohammad Hafeez and Misbah-ul-Haq added 53 runs on the third wicket but Hafeez’s dismissal lessened the team’s chances of making a big total. Debutant Sohail did his best and scored 26 runs in a 60-run partnership with Misbah.

Pakistan get a blow by the back-to-back dismissals of Misbah and Shahid Afridi. The captain was clean bowled by Dwayne Bravo after scoring 75 off 112. Shahid Afridi, who was back in his old form after his fireworks in the first ODI, lost his wicket on just 1 run.

[caption id="attachment_1908" align="alignright" width="294"]Umar Akmal remained the “side hero” of the match: heroic batting, short run and failing to run out on the last ball (Photo: AFP) Umar Akmal remained the “side hero” of the match: heroic batting, short run and failing to run out on the last ball (Photo: AFP)[/caption]

Umar and Riaz added 52 runs on just 25 balls in the end to help Pakistan amass a total of 229 runs. Umar scored 40 off 31.

However, the target was not enough on the wicket. It was Pakistani bowlers, except Riaz, who led the match to such a close position.

Holder and Dwayne Bravo took two wickets apiece, and each of Roach and Sammy took one. Misbah and Simmons shared the man-of-the-match award on scoring 75 runs each.

The fourth and important one-dayer is now played at the same venue in July 21. The team that wins will get an unassailable lead in the series.
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Anonymous at July 04, 2013 0
After Pakistan’s worst performance in the last month Champions Trophy, the demands of revolutionary changes in the teams were running high. The fact that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has now new faces at some of the key posts has furthered strengthened fans’ expectations that there would be a total revamp in the team. But such hopes faded away after the announcement of national team for the coming West Indies tour. Same old faces. Moreover, there seems to be the same lack of management which was there before the recent tournament.

[caption id="attachment_1817" align="alignright" width="300"]Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal and Umar Shehzad have been included in both ODI and T20 squads (Photo: Getty Images) Shahid Afridi, Umar Akmal and Umar Shehzad have been included in both ODI and T20 squads (Photo: Getty Images)[/caption]

Though the PCB has tried to make the team look new by axing a few players, the side has the same shortcoming it had before the Champions Trophy and the squad, in no way, looks like the one that would help Pakistan in 2014 World T20 and 2015 World Cup.

Pakistan need to undertake a few experiments, at least in the T20 format, just like other teams have been doing for quite a while. Be it England or Australia or South Africa or New Zealand, they all are treating the T20 format as nursery, where they are imbuing new players with international experience and then later utilising them. But in Pakistan, it seems that every player is a jack of all trades, that is, every one of them is fit for all formats. For instance, Pakistan need to use Mohammad Irfan with great care as his career has already began late. But he was part of the Test team in South Africa tour, the ODI team in the Champions Trophy and now the T20 team in the upcoming tour of Caribbean. Same goes with Junaid Khan and a possible injury could bar him from playing for a long period of time.

Anyhow, the important news of all is the return of Shahid Afridi, once again. He has replaced Shoaib Malik in both one-day and T20 formats. If the squad has been selected on performance, Afridi’s ainclusion is the most surprising because he has taken just 15 wickets at 57.13 in the last one and a half years and his batting average also remained 19.25. So including Afridi in place of Malik, who was performing the same way because of which he was axed from the side, is not good for the team. Though we hope – against hope – that Afridi would perform in the coming tour, the mere change of face is not likely to serve the team on the long-term.

The team was announced in a press conference in Lahore in which Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim, along with both formats’ captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, and head coach Dav Whatmore, were present. Defending Afridi’s return, Misbah said the wickets in West Indies are totally different to that of England’s and the all-rounder would be helpful in such conditions as he is a complete batsman on seventh position. However, Misbah made it clear that it is not necessary that Afridi would be part of the team at every cost and his inclusion would subject to the situation.

Mohammad Rizwan, who belongs to Peshawar, has replaced wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal. Rizwan, 21, has a remarkable average of more than 44 in 35 first-class matches and his number of stumps and catches behind the wicket amount to 122. Although the move is welcoming, the PCB’s tradition of calling a new wicket-keeper every time instead of Kamran is not good anyway. Mohammad Salman, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Adnan Akmal – the board should stick to one of them and then give him chances to perform, rather than calling Kamran back after a series.

The third player to be ruled out of team is Imran Farhat, who is possibly replaced by Ahmed Shehzad. Having scored 477 runs at more than 26 in 19 ODIs, he is undoubtedly the future of Pakistan, but his career has been plagued with ins and outs. Making his debut in April 2009, he has represented Pakistan in just 19 one-dayers and 11 T20s.

No major changes have been made in the bowling department. Umar Gul is not included as he is still recovering after a knee surgery. Apart from that, the remaining bowling line-up was almost the same, who, in the recent Champions Trophy, did not live up to the expectations but performed way better than the batsmen.

Another major inclusion in the team is of Umar Akmal, who was sorely missed in England. But at this time around, he has got an additional charge – he has been included in the squad as a wicket-keeper batsman and he would be seen in action behind the wickets if Rizwan was not given a chance.

Pakistan will play their first ODI off the tour on July 14. The fifth and the last one-day will be played on July 24, followed by two T20s on July 27 and 28.

Pakistan’s squads for both formats are given below:

ODI: Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Shafiq, Asad Ali, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi, Abdur Rehman, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed and Wahab Riaz.

T20: Mohammad Hafeez (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Asad Ali, Junaid Khan, Haris Sohail, Hammad Azam, Zulfiqar Babar, Saeed Ajmal, Sohail Tanvir, Shahid Afirid, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Mohamamd Irfan, Nasir Jamshed, Wahab Riaz.
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Anonymous at May 23, 2013 0
Pakistan’s decision to drop Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal from the 15-man squad announced for the upcoming Champions Trophy is being crticized by some experts. The analysts are going to blame the decision if Pakistan fail to perform in the biggest tournament of the year. However, the axing of the duo seems justifiable to an extent, given their performances, but the Pakistan Cricket Board has raised many eyebrows after denying the No Objection Certificate (NOC) to both the players for taking part in the Sharjah Sixes 2013.

[caption id="attachment_1067" align="alignright" width="300"]Action may be taken against Shahid Afridi for playing without an NOC (Photo: AP) Action may be taken against Shahid Afridi for playing without an NOC (Photo: AP)[/caption]

Earlier, a report said that Afirdi and Akmal would participate in Sharjah Sixes tournament. The tournament has started from May 20 and will continue till June 01. It has been confirmed that Afridi has reached the UAE but on the other hand PCB has said that players cannot take part in private tournaments. Afridi may get into hot water as he has played a match in the event without an NOC.

Cricnama has learnt that the Pakistani all-rounder has played in Ajman Cricket Tournament for Dubai Lions and scored 38 runs. Because Afridi did not have an NOC, he can be charged for violating the code of conduct. The PCB has not yet hinted for any action to be taken against him.

Afridi has been recently awarded ‘Category A’ in the central contract. The 'honour' seems quite surprising for a player representing the national team in only one format of the game.

Apart from Akmal and Afridi, Hammad Azam, Rana Naveed-ul-Hassan, Haris Sohail and other Pakistani players are participating in the tournament. The tournament is being held under the auspices of the Sharjah Cricket Council. Pakistan’s former captain and coach Waqar Younis is the tournament’s brand ambassador.
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Anonymous at May 11, 2013 4
Shahid Afridi and Umar Akmal will take part in Sharjah Sixes 2013 after they were ruled out of Pakistani’s 15-member squad announced for the next month’s Champions Trophy. The maiden Sharjah Sixes is set to start from May 20 and will be played among the best club teams.

[caption id="attachment_894" align="alignright" width="300"]Pakistan’s former captain Waqar Younis will be tournament’s brand ambassador (Photo: Sharjah Sixes) Pakistan’s former captain Waqar Younis will be tournament’s brand ambassador (Photo: Sharjah Sixes)[/caption]

The tournament is going to be held from May 20 to June 1 in the historic Sharjah stadium, which has the honour of hosting most ODIs. Forty-eight teams are participating in the 12-day tournament.

The event, to be held under the auspices of Sharjah Cricket Council, will be telecast on the famous TV channel Ten Sports. According to the tournament’s management, apart from the UAE, applications have been received from various clubs of Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and even of Afghanistan.

The event’s total value would be one lakh UAE dirhams (AED). The winning team will be awarded 40,000 AED, while the runner-up and the third-ranked teams will get 25,000 AED and 15,000 AED, respectively. At individual level, player of the match, the best batsman, the best bowler and the player hitting the longest six will receive 2,000 AED each.

The 48 teams will be divided into 16 groups of three teams that means every team will play at least three matches. According to the rules of sixes tournaments, every match is played between two teams, comprising six players each, and five overs of six deliveries will be bowled. The fielding team is allowed to include two extra fielders apart from their six, which will make the total number of fielders eight. But only those five bowlers are allowed to bowl who are part of the team. A batsman has to retire after scoring 31 runs.

Pakistan’s former captain and coach Waqar Younis will be tournament’s brand ambassador and Bishan Singh Bedi, Mushtaq Muhammad Venkatapathy Raju will participate as chief guests.

The tournament’s website can be accessed here.
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