One-year anniversary - A six which changed 2007

dhobi_bhai · Mar 18th, 2008, 05:32 AM

World Cup came. World Cup went. Countries battled. Exactly one year ago, the dream of looking at Ireland was a mere afterthought. It was defined as a team of part-time cricketers, professional group of people who played cricket in the evening as a hobby after coming home from work. When it came down to it, school teachers and businessmen outclassed the moral of people of Pakistan, much more than the team itself. The team selection begged questions; the end result confirmed the necessity of those questions. Azhar Mehmood's place in the team, the reluctance of trying out 'new' openers, Kamran Akmal had his own share of criticism and the worst case scenario, Mohammad Sami.

After a period of mourning, Abu Dhabi series was scheduled under Shoaib Malik. We saw the team play under the new leadership with a new sense of hope and determination of sorts. Rebuilding process looked like it had gotten a kick where it was needed. The structure was taking place, pillar after pillar. South Africa, India, both toured, perhaps the former formed more of an interest than the latter. The higher point of interest during India series was when Shoaib Malik was stamped until December 2008. Zimbabwe was walked upon.

Regardless of any end result, how have we fared in 2007, up until now? St. Patrick's Day - exactly one year after Pakistan parted with the dream of chasing the World Cup, amongst many others - how have we fared in this past year? Where are the things that went right and was acted as a good principle? What are some of the things that were still lacking the motivation behind their rationale?

From my point of view, the selection of new blood against Zimbabwe was a major one! It was absolutely needed and it happened at a good time. We have a bench strength capable of promoting itself. New set of openers, fast bowlers, the fielding circle, all departments are booming to a good start.

Take it away...

Simply Seema · Mar 18th, 2008, 07:58 PM

now I can finally hv a sukh ka saans n try 2 4get wat happened last yr na as finally my Direct TV contract ended

warna har maheenay pk cricket team kau galiyan daini parti thi

Faisal · Mar 19th, 2008, 06:18 PM

'07 was forgettable. '08 promises to be worse.

Faisal · Mar 19th, 2008, 06:19 PM

Whats with the "six" in the title? A barrage of sixes, I'd say, if you are talking about the disastrous World Cup campaign of the green-shirts.

saieen · Mar 19th, 2008, 07:12 PM

more good news about champions trophy to be hosted by pakistan in sep. so far NZ n AUS are the only teams with reservations about coming to pak to play. if they refused then mostly likely replacement is SL. thus another nail in the coffin of PCB.

paki boy · Mar 19th, 2008, 11:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Faisal

Whats with the "six" in the title? A barrage of sixes, I'd say, if you are talking about the disastrous World Cup campaign of the green-shirts.

I believe dhobi bhai is referring to the six that the Irish Captain hit to win the match against Pakistan.

GoldenAsif · Mar 20th, 2008, 12:21 PM

Pakistan will not improve until our players get to play a fair number of tests against better opposition. Our problem is that we don't play nearly as many test matches as an established test playing nation should do. With Australia, NZ, England and South Africa unlikely to come to Pakistan in the near future, we risk losing a lot of home tests. You just cannot improve by playing against weaker teams all the time. It's been a while since we last played a proper series against Australia at home (1995 to be precise). We have played less than half as many tests as India against Australia since 2001 and look where they are now. Playing against Australia so regularly in recent times has helped Indian cricket no end. Infact India has the best record against Australia in tests since 2001. They now regularly win tests (if not series) in Australia, England and South Africa.

mercenary2k · Mar 20th, 2008, 02:58 PM

^^ and who do u blame that on?

GoldenAsif · Mar 20th, 2008, 07:43 PM

^ in the prevailing security situation all these countries are justified in not wanting to come to Pakistan

When England toured Pakistan in 2005, though they were happy with the security arrangements, several of their players complained about boredom. Now it may just be sour grapes because they lost the test series 2-0 but it is also a fact that it is hard to relax if you have security men following you around everywhere. You may give these players every luxury they want inside their hotels but it's not the same as going out and enjoying yourselves. Then there are obvious cultural differences - no pubs, clubs, casinos etc. 6-8 weeks can seem like eternity to them in such a place.

Anil Khan · Mar 20th, 2008, 10:32 PM

shahid afridi NEEDS to be given a chance as captain before he retires.