Tag: ICC Test

Yasir Shah – the embodiment of Pakistan’s cricketing future

Leave a comment

Yasir Shah plopping onto the international cricketing scene is truly a sensation at the world stage. Often proclaimed by Shane Warne, Australian leg-spin legend, as the next big thing. In a post Saeed Ajmal era for Pakistan, the green team was in search for a strike spin bowling attach option and Yasir Shah delivered. His enthusiasm, charisma, and passion seems to bolster Pakistani spirits both in the stands and in the Pakistan dugout. His 10 wicket haul at Lords and being ranked as the World # 1 Test bowler demonstrates his accomplishments, especially in the five day format. Picking up 95 scalps in 16 test matches is a monumental feat in a short span by Shah.

Pakistan has had a rich culture of spin bowling in it’s contemporary cricketing history. Saqlain Mushtaq was the founder of the “doosra” and was at one time the quickest bowler to bag 100,150,200, and 250 ODI wickets. Shahid Afridi’s leg-spin bowling led to a colossal career total of 395 ODI wickets , making him the 5th highest wicket-taker in ODI History. With Saeed Ajmal sidelined due to his new action being in effective and Mohammad Hafeez being banned from bowling, Yasir Shah could not have appeared at a better time for Pakistan bowling. At one point, Pakistan’s spin attack of Hafeez, Ajmal, and Afridi was a stranglehold on world class teams. It is now time to watch Yasir Shah blossom into a leg spin giant for the green team.

 

 

Reflections on the inaugural launch of the Pakistan Super League

Leave a comment

Finally, after years of agonizing patience and coping with isolation from the international cricketing world, the PSL emerges to bat for Pakistan cricket. Seeing the reality of Pieterson, Watson, and Gayle boasting in Quetta, Islamabad, and Lahore kits is almost like a dream that seemed too distant to accomplish. Even though the inaugural event is taking place across the beaches of Karachi and beyond the Arabian Sea in the Emirates, the hearts of the Pakistani people are captivated by the quenching of thirst that has occurred by the PSL bursting onto the scene. The stadiums of Lahore and Karachi may be empty and even though the drought continues for the reemergence of international cricket in Pakistan, the PSL has sparked a positive light that has begun a new chapter for Pakistan cricket.

Majority of fans seemed to have fully supported the Peshawar Zalmi because of the city’s resiliency and courage in facing the challenges of war and conflict. In the aftermath of the Army Public School attacks in 2014, I think it was an amazing gesture by International T20 and Peshawar Zalmi Captain, Shahid Afridi, to sponsor youths of KP province to witness the inaugural and mega event in the UAE. The stadiums of Dubai and Sharjah have been the extended home grounds of Pakistan cricket and it was the right move by the PCB to launch this event in the UAE as opposed to Qatar. To see the involvement of legends like Vivian Richards, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram actively supporting the new clubs is a great motivation for Pakistan’s future cricket. Even the ability for players to sit in dugouts with the likes of Sangakarra, Tait, and Sammy provides the next generation of Pakistani cricketers with the opportunity to mingle with cricketing giants in order to attain inspiration.

Seeing the aggression of the cricketing clubs as they clash in the desert of the Emirates to win the first trophy has been a joy for cricketing fans across the world. Apart from witnessing sixes being smashed and stumps being rocked, the most important aspect of the PSL is it being a new era for Pakistani fans to have faith in their country’s cricket and future. Although, Islamabad United became champions, the real victor of the PSL was Pakistan itself.

Pakistan acquiring World # 1 Test Cricket Ranking for the first time

Leave a comment

It was quite amazing to witness Pakistan becoming the first ranked team in the world. According to the ICC Test Cricket ranking, Pakistan hold off India to lead the world’s cricketing giants in the oldest format of the game. The heavens opening up and causing a wash out of the final test between the West Indies and India in Trinidad and Tobago ultimately pushed Pakistan into first place in the aftermath of a 2-2 draw against England.

To attain a world #1 ranking without playing a single test match at home since 2009 has made this journey a unique one for Pakistan. Misbah ul Haq’s leadership and charisma ultimately inspired the green team to surpass all expectations and achieve top rank. The resiliency of the unit to overcome the spot fixing scandal in 2010 speaks volumes. Rather than having Pakistan crash further, Misbah, uplifted the spirits of the unit. With Yasir Shah commanding Pakistan’s bowling and Younis Khan taking care of the team’s batting stands, the cornered tigers were able to unleash their potential and attain the most prestigious honor of making Pakistan the King of Test Cricket.