MURALI SLAMS SL BOARD over its decision to recall players from the IPL

Sri Lanka great Muttiah Muralitharan has slammed the country's cricket board over its decision to recall players from the IPL to prepare for the tour to England.

Muralitharan, who retired from international cricket after the World Cup, said the player's had been given a No Objection Certificate to play in the IPL till May 20. Sri Lanka cricket has asked the players to return on May 5.

"I think the board has given them permission till May 20. I don't know what happened suddenly. The players were told to come on May 5. It is the fault of SLC because they signed the NOC till May 20 so if they change it to May 5 something must be wrong," Muralitharan, who quit international cricket after the World Cup final early this month, said.

"Players will get demoralised because if they go back on May 5 they play half of the IPL and they are going to miss a lot. SLC should have informed the players earlier, then the IPL franchises would understand and everyone would understand," he said.

Murali also said the friction that could arise from SLC's stance could have serious financial repercussions in the future.

"There'll be a little bit of friction between the board, the players and even the Indian Cricket Board. If the SLC is not going to support them, they are going to miss a lot from India, because when India tours Sri Lanka it is very important and if we are not playing in the Champions League Twenty20 we are going to lose some money. Friendship between India and Sri Lanka will be negative," he said.

"We have 25 million dollars of debt after the World Cup. You don't have to antagonise India because when India comes we make money and survive, so I don't know what's going to happen.

"It might get sorted. These things happen between countries but in the end financially we depend on India, whatever said and done. SLC will have to be careful," he told a television channel.

India vs Pakistan: Indo-Pak series possibility to be decided in June

The schedule of one day international series between two arch rivals India and Pakistan will be decided in June by the cricket boards of both countries.

This was revealed by Chairman Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ejaz Butt while talking to media. “We have got positive signals from across the border, which is a good sign for Indo-Pak cricket,” Butt said.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani had revealed that the cricket ties between the two countries will resume shortly. Indian foreign secretary Nirupama Rao also said that India is ready to send his cricket team to Pakistan despite of poor law and order situation in the country.

She commented in her interview on television that, ““In such situations, India was looking at promoting cricketing contacts with Pakistan. We are definitely open. Of course, this has to be discussed between the cricketing fraternities on both sides and taken forward.”

Ejaz Butt also revealed that “Prime Minister has directed that the series shouldn’t be played in any neutral venue and Indian team will visit Pakistan for the series.”

Ireland spinner Regan West retires

Ireland spinner Regan West has announced his retirement from international cricket after failing to overcome a shoulder injury.

The 31-year-old took 56 wickets in 38 appearances for the Irish and was part of the squad which reached the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 in June 2009, but has not played since facing England two months later.

Despite undergoing a number of operations on his shoulder, West has had to admit defeat in his battle to regain fitness.

"I'm pretty gutted with the outcome really," West said.

He continued: "At the beginning it wasn't a case of 'if I would bowl again', it was just 'how long it would take to recover'. My left shoulder is not in good shape, so the recommendation that I shouldn't bowl again didn't come as a surprise but it is still very disappointing.

"I had a brilliant time playing for Ireland and have gained a lot of very good memories. I feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to represent Ireland, and it is sad for me that it is now over."

Zulqarnain Haider withdraws asylum application

Zulqi phatoo

London: Pakistani cricketer Zulqarnain Haider on Friday withdrew his asylum application that he had filed in Britain’s Home Department after his dramatic disappearance from Dubai during a one-day series between Pakistan and South Africa in November last year.
Later he was found at London Airport, saying that he was receiving life threats form alleged bookies.
He had filed an application with the Britain Home Department, seeking political asylum on the grounds that he could not return to Pakistan due to life threats.
Inexperienced wicketkeeper this week met Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik during his visit to London.According to sources Malik assured Hader that ample security would be provided to him and his family.The sources said that Haider decided to withdraw his application after Malik’s assurances.
They said that Haider also contacted to PCB chairman Ejaz Butt before taking the decision.
Zulqarnain Haider had played a key role in his last one-day match against South Arica and  secured a victory for his team.

Michael Vaughan fears hectic schedule might make ECB lose coach Andy Flower

Former England captain Michael Vaughan fears that the extremely hectic international schedule may see England losing their coach, Andy Flower.
Vaughan himself retired from cricket after he used to remain away from home for long due to cricketing assignments.
England coach, Andy Flower, has also voiced similar concerns after they had to spend over three months Down Under.
Later many of the players headed to the Subcontinent for the ICC World Cup 2011. However, some of them returned home, as they had injuries and the rest of the team lost their momentum and returned back after their exit from the quarter-final of the tournament.
Flower has done wonders for the current England side. He helped them win two consecutive Ashes series, which included the 2010-11 one in Australia after 24 years. Flower also helped England break their ICC event jinx as he won the ICC Twenty20 championship with the side.
Former English skipper, Vaughan praised Flower for his non-stop efforts for the betterment of the team. He is of the view that Flower should be given rest and time as he could not spend time with his family due to the tight schedule of the England team.
He said that the coach of the team also works as hard as the players do, so he added that he is worried about Flower as he could not get time to rest.
Vaughan also said that it was important for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to keep Andy Flower fresh because he has been doing a great job with the team. He said that ECB could not afford to lose him to a hectic international schedule with the England team.
Commentator Vaughan also talked about Kevin Pietersen, who has been ruled out from the team due to hernia concerns. He said that the board should also give him one chance to return to his prolific form.
He stated, “He’s an amazing talent, but it’s clear that somewhere in the last year something hasn’t been right mentally with him – and he’s got some kind of distraction”.

New batting coach likely after West Indies tour

Batting legend Javed Miandad’s refusal to coach the national cricket team has forced the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to defer the appointment of batting coach till the conclusion of the West Indies tour. An official of the PCB has informed that the PCB has deferred the appointment of batting coach till the end of West Indies series as they are unable to find a suitable bating expert at the moment. Pakistan will play five-match ODI and two-match Test series in West Indies from April 23 to May 20.

“Actually nobody in the board was expecting that Miandad will refuse this offer and everybody was considering him as a batting consultant for the squad. However, his refusal stunned the management and they did not have sufficient time to look for a batting consultant before the West Indies tour,” he said. “Pakistan will spend one month in West Indies and it is improper to name a new batting coach at this moment. We believe that the board will be in better position to name someone for this slot towards the end of this tour,” the official said.

He added the board had already started looking for a batting consultant and the top management had some names under considerations. “We are unaware about the possible candidates but the top bosses surely have some names under discussion. Hopefully these names will be made public in next few days,” he added. The issue of appointment of a batting coach was raised by skipper Shahid Afridi and other members of team management after the Pakistan batsmen failed to perform in the World Cup that concluded earlier this month in India.

Indo-Pak cricket rivalry bigger than Ashes: Waqar

Karachi-Routers, Pakistan cricket coach Waqar Younis has called for the resumption of Indo-Pak cricket ties, saying that a contest between the archrivals is more significant than the Ashes.
"The most important thing for Pakistan is the revival of our contests with India, which is also beneficial for the entire cricketing world. The rivalry [between India and Pakistan] is more important than the Ashes," the Dawn quoted Waqar, as telling media persons.
Pakistan, considered underdogs before the start of the 2011 World Cup, made it to the last four stage of the tournament before their campaign ended in a 29-run defeat at the hands of India in the semi final clash at Mohali on March 30.
"Though Pakistan reached the World Cup semi-final, we have not been playing international matches at home [since March 2009], which is worrying for us. And [therefore] a bilateral series against India can revive international cricket in Pakistan," said Waqar.
Referring to Pakistan Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani's March 30 visit to India to watch the high voltage Indo-Pak encounter on the invitation of his Indian counterpart Dr Manmohan Singh, Waqar said that cricket had yet again worked as a bridge, bringing both countries closer during the World Cup.
"The prime ministers of the two countries met each other due to the Mohali semi-final," he said, adding, "More such activities between India and Pakistan can bring their people further closer to each other."
Waqar also noted that the Pakistan team getting welcomed on arriving home, despite losing the crucial World Cup semi-final match to India, was a new tradition.
"Though the people were disappointed after we lost the semi-final, they welcomed us because the team played good cricket in the group matches and the quarter-final," he said.

Kochi Tuskers Kerala beat Mumbai Indians by 8 wickets in IPL- Sony Max

Mumbai- Routers, Kochi Tuskers Kerala beat Mumbai Indians by 8 wickets in IPL match and did an upset in the tournament.Sachin Tendulkar who scores 100 for his team didn't make difference like always.
Jadeja hit consistent 2 six for winning his team.Jayawardene also play key role for Kochi Tuskers Kerala win over Mumbai Indians.

Want to win IPL for Ganguly: SRK - Zee News

Kolkata: Kolkata Knight Riders, who played their first match of the Indian Premier League season 4 at their home ground without city's favourite son Sourav Ganguly, witnessed their lowest ever turnout and that prompted team co-owner Shah Rukh Khan to get into the damage control mode.

Shah Rukh hoped that Sourav Ganguly would come and cheer Knight Riders in the upcoming six home matches. © AFP

Playing their first match at home without the 'Prince of Kolkata' Ganguly, who was shunned in the Indian Premier League auctions, the Eden Gardens witnessed empty seats with a turnout of just about 25,000 in 63,500-capacity stadium.
Gauging the situation, the Bollywood superstar was quick to dedicate their maiden victory over Deccan Chargers on Monday to their former iconic player Ganguly.
"I really want to do (win) this because I am not playing here. Ideally, I want to do this for Kolkata, I want to do this for Sourav Ganguly, I want to do this for IPL," Shah Rukh said after their nine-run win over the Hyderabad outfit.
Shah Rukh also said Ganguly might not be playing for the Knight Riders but the former Indian captain was is still a part of the team in soul and spirit.
"In the three years of depression, what has kept us going is that Kolkatans have stuck with us. Dada is part of our team always in soul and spirit."
"Whenever, I've come to the Eden I've only felt love. I never thought whether it's because of one player or any other reason. I'm just happy being here."
Shah Rukh hoped that Ganguly would come and cheer Knight Riders in the upcoming six home matches.
"We had, in fact, asked him to join us in watching the match (against Deccan Chargers last night) together, he could not make it due to some engagements. Hopefully, he will be with us for the rest of the matches."
At a briefing well past midnight at the team hotel, Shah Rukh also said they would slash the ticket prices, making his intention clear that he would like to see a packed Eden Gardens.
"Ticket prices are going to be lowered soon. There was a time in the first season too when crowd turnout was low. But I am sure if we play well, people will come to watch the matches."
"The team is playing well. I'm sure people will come to watch if they have to," he said.
Shah Rukh said he has full faith in the young turks of the team.
"Twenty20 is very very unpredictable. My faith, however, is in the youngsters in the side. The support staff have worked very hard on them. I'm sure it's the young boys who are going to take KKR forward."
In news for all the wrong reasons, Knight Riders have been associated with a lot of controversies in the past and Shah Rukh hoped they would manage to keep their focus only on winning matches.
"Hopefully, this is the start of a better season. Hope all youngsters in the side will get an opportunity and learn from seniors. We have had lots of controversies in the last three seasons, Hopefully this season will be controversy-free," he said.
"What has hurt me and disturbed me most is the fact that we have had a lot of controversies, unnecessary controversies from every corner. Again we start this year and the only thing that has kept me through this is the fans in Kolkata...actually the fans all over the country."
'Kuchh jeetne ke liye kuchh haar na parta hai... aur haar ke jeetne wale ko Baazigar kehte hain' ---- may be a superhit dialogue from his film 'Baazigar' but Shah Rukh said it does not please his ears anymore.
"The line from 'Baazigar' does not sound funny anymore. We have lost too many times. I've no qualms in admitting that we have not done too well in earlier seasons."
Shah Rukh further said his movie 'Chak de! India' was based on hockey so it was not the right movie for his team.
"I would not like the players to watch the wrong movie (Chak de! India). It was on hockey, not cricket. Moreover, since it was such a popular movie, I'm sure most of the players most have watched it."
The principal owner said he never goes inside the dressing room for pep-talk.
"I only give them love. They are all professional people and we have an amazing support staff for guidance and assistance."
"When they win I give them a hug and say 'well done'.When they lose I still give a hug and say: 'Don't worry, do better next time'."
On KKR's new music video featuring Shakira, Shah Rukh joked: "Yes, she's going to be our opening batsman next time."

Waqar Younis refuses to indulge in a war of words with Javed Miandad

Pakistan national cricket team head coach Waqar Younis, refused to get involved in a controversial war of words when media implored him for a reply to former captain Javed Miandad’s statement, regarding a poor bowling and fielding performance by the squad in the ICC World Cup 2011.
Waqar added that over the last year the cricket squad has relatively shown improvement, partly due to the hard work he has been putting in.
 “I don’t want to indulge in such things. I am doing my job on the field and during the last 12-14 months the team has shown improvement,” claimed Waqar.
Pakistan lost to India in the semi final clash by 29 runs, after scoring a tally of 231 runs against the target of 260 set by India at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, on March 30, 2011.
The bowling legend denied that the team lacks in the fielding department. However, Waqar pointed out the weaknesses of the batting line-up and suggested that the batsmen need to polish their skills with time.
“Our bowlers have been doing well and they did a nice job in the World Cup too. The question mark remains on our batting; after scoring 30-40 most of our batsmen throw away their wickets. And I think it is not due to any technical fault, rather they need some time to get matured in order to prolong their stay at the wicket,” he said.
Waqar Younis, who does not agree with the critics who are unhappy with the fielders, explained that the overall World Cup performance by the fielders was satisfactory, except for the semi final against India where they put up a shoddy show of dropping catches.
Citing the instance of the warm welcome the Pakistan team received on their arrival from the World Cup, Waqar said that the nation was satisfied by the squad’s performance despite their semi final defeat.
Regarding pace man Junaid Khan’s selection for the West Indies tour, the former captain hinted that the bowler may lead the pace attack in the upcoming series.  He said that Wahab Riaz usually is performs better with the old ball so he may be more suitable for the death overs.

Shahid Afridi does not accompany his team to West Indies

Pakistan’s limited overs skipper, Shahid Afridi, did not accompany his team on their flight to the West Indies on April 14, 2011.
His absence from the team raised a variety of speculations, that he forgot his passport in Karachi, or, he has requested the board to leave later because he wanted to visit his father in Karachi, who is not feeling well.
Apart from Afridi, the entire Pakistani squad set off from Lahore airport to Qatar, from where they will be leaving for West Indies, via London.
"Afridi will now join the team after leaving later on Thursday from Karachi", a board official said.
Not only this, the skipper also remained absent from the team’s last day in training camp, which also raised many questions. "Something may be wrong but no one is willing to speak about it", a source told media.
In the recently concluded International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2011, Afridi brilliantly led his team to the semi-final stage of the tournament. Under his captaincy Pakistan remained among the top performing teams of the tournament.
The skipper was the top performer of his team, claiming 21 wickets, which are highest in the tournament along with Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan, who reached the same figure after the final.
After Pakistan team’s ouster from the mega event by India in the semi-final at Mohali, the national selectors decided to introduce some new talent for the Caribbean tour.
Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, and, Umar Gul, who were part of the mega event campaign, were sidelined, and Afridi revealed that selectors will come up with a different combination for the tour of Zimbabwe.
Before the team departed, manager Intikhab Alam, expressed hope that they will perform well and will come back home with a win.
The West Indies tour includes one Twenty20, two Tests and five One-Days. The warm-ups will start on 18^th of April, while the tournament will start with the first Twenty20 on April, 21, 2011.
Pakistan will play Test matches under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq.

PCB postpones decision of appointing new batting coach

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has postponed the decision of appointing the new batting coach for the Pakistan cricket team till the end of the West Indies series. The board has delayed the appointment, after the former captain, Javed Miandad, refused the responsibility as a batting coach for the national team.
The national cricket team will be touring the Caribbean this month, for one T20, five One Day Internationals (ODIs) and two Test matches. The series will start on 23 April and end on 20 May.
The PCB official stated that the board was not expecting Miandad’s refusal for the post of the batting coach. This has created a little upheaval within the board’s governing body.
The official said, “Actually nobody in the board was expecting that Miandad will refuse this offer and everybody was considering him as a batting consultant for the squad. However, his refusal stunned the management and they did not have sufficient time to look for a batting consultant before the West Indies tour.”
The PCB official is of the view that as there is very less time left before the start of the West Indies series and it is not possible for the board to appoint a new batting coach for the team.
He said, “Pakistan will spend one month in West Indies and it is improper to name a new batting coach at this moment. We believe that the board will be in better position to name someone for this slot towards the end of this tour”
The board official also said that they are looking forward to appoint a suitable person for the batting coach post, but no names have been finalised yet. He added that the higher authorities are considering few former veterans, who will be finalized and announced in the near future.
However, the Pakistan cricket team captain, Shahid Afridi, initially raised the demand of a new batting coach, as his team failed to prove themselves as fighting campaigners in the ICC World Cup 2011 that ended with India’s victory as the World Cup champions.

Waqar Younis advocates India-Pakistan series

Pakistan national team head coach, Waqar Younis, has laid emphasis on the need for revival of India-Pakistan cricketing ties for the triumph of the sport.  He compelled the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take suitable measures in this regard. The cricket veteran claimed that the match between the two cricketing giants is greater in magnitude than the Ashes Series.
“The most important thing for Pakistan is the revival of our contests with India, which is also beneficial for the entire cricketing world. The rivalry [between India and Pakistan] is more important than the Ashes,” said Waqar Younis, stressing on the restoration of India-Pakistan cricket.
He appreciated the move by the India Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his Pakistan counterpart Yousuf Raza Gillani to watch the World Cup semi final match together at the Punjab Cricket Association stadium, in Mohali on March 30.
Similar gestures in the future can help bridge the void between the nationals of both the countries.
Speaking of Pakistan former cricket captain Javed Miandad’s refusal to act as the team’s batting coach, Waqar suggested PCB to consider other capable candidates instead of pushing Miandad to assume the role against his will.
In reference to the upcoming West Indies tour that starts on April 18, Waqar Younis promised the nation that the mistakes from the World Cup 2011 performances will not be repeated again. The squad is not taking the Caribbean side lightly and our considering them as tough contenders. This is suggested by the hard work and commitment shown by the Men in Green during their practice sessions.
The seasoned cricketer also said that the induction of the young blood in the team is a sign of hope for Pakistan cricket. Few of the promising youngsters on the squad include Junaid Khan, Sadaf Hussain, Usman Salahuddin and Mohammed Salman. He believes the West Indies tour to be a lucrative opportunity for the new entrants to flaunt their talent.
“After the World Cup it is a practice that every country inducts youngsters while targeting the next World Cup. And so we also included some new players for the West Indies series. And all of them will get chances,” stated Waqar.

Japan planning to bid for 2020 Olympics

Tokyo: Japan is planning to bid for the 2020 Olympics as part of its recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami which hit the country in March.
City governor Shintaro Ishihara made the declaration following his re-election for a fourth term.
“Although they [the 2020 Games] are nine years from now, we can start raising our hand,” he said.
“If we work hard with hope, it will be a big catalyst for our country’s reconstruction and revival.”
Large areas of Japan’s east coast were devastated by the 9.0-magnitude quake and resulting tsunami waves.
In 2009, Tokyo lost out to Rio de Janeiro in the race to host the 2016 Olympics.
Ishihara was criticised for spending in the region of 15 billion yen ($176m) on Tokyo’s failed bid which centred on staging a compact and eco-friendly games.
Candidates for 2020 must submit their bids to the International Olympic Committee by 1 September this year.
The host city will be chosen in Buenos Aires in September 2013.
Berlin, Busan, Cape Town, Doha, Rome and Istanbul are among the cities to have signalled an interest in bidding to stage the 2020 event.

SRK hopes KKR will emerge stronger in IPL

Mumbai: Bollywood actor and Indian Premier League (IPL) franchisee owner, Shahrukh Khan, has said that he is confident of his team emerging stronger in the upcoming matches of the tournament.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured their first victory over Deccan Chargers by nine runs on their home ground in Kolkata on late Monday evening.
Khan expressed confidence in the youngsters and said that the mixture of youth and experienced players in the team will help perform the team better.
“See T-20 is not something that I can be very confident of. I have always been confident and gone wrong. I think the team spirit is going to be made up of youngsters in the team, the local boys, the new boys, and the boys who perhaps have not played much at the international levels as others.
“These are the boys who have been playing together. I think the staff and the whole team have really-really worked very hard on that. They feel very united like a team. I have always said that if these youngsters can be good, all the major players, they will only add more strength to the team, so my belief is more on these youngsters,” Khan said.

‘Indian cricket team’s tour of Pakistan not likely in near future’

New Delhi: Indian Cricket team is not likely to visit Pakistan in the near future, said Rajiv Shukla, Vice President of Indian cricket board.
He was commenting on media reports claiming the prime ministers of the two countries had agreed to resume bilateral cricket relations, who met on the sidelines of the Pak-India world cup semi-final on March 30 in Mumbai.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had Invited his Pakistani counterpart to witness the match. The prime minister had agreed to repair the relations between the two countries.
Shukla told BBC that they had not received any word from the government on resumption of cricket ties.
Earlier on Wednesday, media repots had said that the Indian team would visit Pakistan first and than the Pakistani side would tour India.

Pakistan plan IPL equivalent- PPL (Pakistan Premier League)

Pakistan's players have not been a part of the IPL since its inaugural season, but the PCB has plans to launch their own equivalent of the Twenty20 tournament, though they have admitted it will not be possible to host it in Pakistan. Instead, they want to host the tournament in Dubai, where Pakistan have played one-day internationals against Australia and South Africa, and the latter in a Test match.The name of league may be PPL ( Pakistan Premier League).

Sultan Rana, the chief of PCB's domestic cricket department, told Pakpassion.net the plans had been in the pipeline for the last two years but the board had to delay it because of the attack on Sri Lanka's cricketers during their tour of Pakistan in March 2009.

"We first considered the idea a couple of years ago," he said. "The documents were complete and we were all set to go, but the attack on the Sri Lankan team meant that we had to shelve all of our plans at that time

"I recently went to Sri Lanka during the World Cup and spoke to many other countries' board representatives, but apart from Sri Lanka they are reluctant to send their players to Pakistan. So, that presents a problem for us. We simply cannot host the tournament in Pakistan if we want to attract the top players."

The IPL was also hosted abroad in its second season, when the tournament was shifted to South Africa after security concerns arising from the Mumbai attacks in December 2008 meant it could not be staged in India. Rana was confident Pakistan's board could do something similar.

"What we are trying to do is to organise a competition in Dubai. This idea was discussed in the past and has very much been in our plans and is still on the table. I'm sure we (PCB) can organise this tournament, which will run along the lines of the Indian Premier League."

Pak to groom youngsters in Windies

 LAHORE: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis said Wednesday he hoped to use the upcoming tour of the West Indies to bring on new cricketing talent for the years ahead.

The side fly out to the Caribbean on Thursday for a tour that will include one Twenty20 international, five one-dayers and two Tests.

With express paceman Shoaib Akhtar retired and fellow fast bowler Umar Gul rested, Pakistan have selected left-armers Junaid Khan and Sadaf Hussain -- both 21 -- and 20-year-old all-rounder Hammad Azam.

"We have selected some youngsters for the tour in the hope that they get groomed and serve the country in the future," Waqar said at the conclusion of a two-day training camp in the eastern city of Lahore.

Junaid has 167 wickets in 35 first-class matches while Hussain's tally in 18 domestic matches stands at 90.

Kamran Akmal, dropped after his sloppy wicket-keeping in last month's World Cup, made way for 29-year-old Salman Ahmed while veteran batsman Younis Khan, rested for the tour, was replaced by 20-year-old Usman Salahuddin.

Salahuddin, a right-handed batsman, has scored 1505 runs in 24 domestic matches.

"We are not taking the West Indies team lightly. We also have experience at our disposal and we hope to do well on the tour," said former captain and fast bowling legend Waqar, adding that he hoped to see an improvement in his side's batting.

"Whatever shortcomings we had during the World Cup, we want to overcome. The main thing is that I want the batsmen to show improvement."

Pakistan failed to persuade former great Javed Miandad to serve as batting coach and Waqar said the team should look elsewhere.

"I don't know why we go round and round and come back to Miandad again and again. If Miandad doesn't want to do the job then we must ask someone else for help because its not an issue of technique, its an issue of slight adjustment in batsmen's scoring runs," said Waqar. (AFP)

Cricketer Hashim Aamla pays 5 hundred Dollars fine for not wearing logo of wine Company on his shirt True Muslim

Hashim Amla vs Muslim Cricketers of IPL


All the Cricket fans must know Hashim Amla(South African Cricketer). Hashim is a devout Muslim and plays Cricket for South Africa. He objected to the advert for Castle Lager beer on the South African team kit and has been allowed to wear a shirt without the logo of Castle Lager(A alcohol/wine company).


Muslim Cricketers playing in IPL.

Two franchises of IPL are mainly sponsored by a liquor company Royal Challenge. Banglore's main sponsor is Royal Challenge, And all the players are subjected to put logos of Royal Challenge on front of their shirts while Rajhastan's team players are subjected to put logo of Royal Challenge on back of their shirt along with a small-logo of Kingfisher(Another liquor company) on shoulder of shirt.

I am hugely disappointed to see Muslim players playing in IPL and by not showing any resistance to not to promote alcohol companies. I remember Wasim Akram was highly criticized 4 or 5 years ago when he worked in ad of a alcohol company.

Muslim players who have put logos of alcohol product so far in IPL.

1. Wasim Jaffer: Played for Banglore
2. Muhammad Kaif: Played for Rajhastan
3. Yusuf Pathan(Son of Imam of Mosque and brother of Irfan Pathan): Played for Rajhastan.
4. Kamran Akmal: Played for Rajhastan

Other Muslim players who will join in league with-in few days.

1. Misbah-ul-Haq: In squad of Banglore(Which is named after a alcohol company and has main sponsor i.e Royal Challenge).
2. Younis Khan: In Squad of Rajhastan.
3. Sohail Tanvir: In Squad of Rajhastan.

Pakistan cricket team leaves for West Indies

LAHORE: Pakistan cricket team has left for West Indies from Lahore after completing the training camp.

Talking to media before departure at Allama Iqbal airport, team manager Intikhab Alam said, "I am hopeful with young cricketers, they will perform well and InshAllah would help to win the series against West Indies."


He said that young players have a golden chance to get experience and to show their performance.

National cricket team would play a T-20 and a series of one-day international matches under the captaincy of Shahid Afridi, while two test matches under the captaincy of Misbah-Ul-Haq.

National cricket team will start the tour of West Indies with a practice match. The practice match between Pakistan and West Indies teams will begin on 18 April.

Miandad refused batting coach role - Alam

Javed Miandad has turned down the role of Pakistan's batting coach due to personal reasons, the team manager Intikhab Alam has said. Miandad had said earlier that he would consider taking up the job after Pakistan's tour of West Indies, which begins on April 18.

"The Pakistan team surely needs a batting coach and the board approached Miandad, but he unfortunately declined the offer because of personal reasons," Alam said. "But I am sure that he will help the players in the near future."

Miandad was approached by Shahid Afridi and PCB chairman Ijaz Butt following a shaky performance in the World Cup, during which there was no Pakistan batsman in the top 20 run-scorers list. Miandad, who has had three stints as Pakistan's head coach and is a director with the PCB, had said in early April that he would not travel with the team to the West Indies, but would work with the batsmen before their departure, as he did for Pakistan's tour of New Zealand last year.

Reacting to Miandad refusing the post, Afridi said the board should look for "other batting greats" to take up the role. "If he [Miandad] is not available, then the board can hire other batting greats that this country has produced, or even look at a foreign batting coach," he said. "Pakistan cricket has to move on and it is not as if we have produced just one great batsman in the past."

Zaheer Khan is going to marry Isha Sharvani - Hindustan Times

Isha sharvani and Zaheer khan Marriage is currently a big news for Sporting world.Because Cricket is wedding Bollywood.
Mumbai- Routers , Indian Left Arm Fast bowler is going to marry his girl friend Isha Sharvani soon.
After his stupendous performance at the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Zaheer Khan’s parents are reportedly insisting him to tie the knot. News has it that he would marry his girlfriend and Bollywood actress Isha Sharvani this year. It seems the wedding day is not far off for the couple. “Ever since they gave their relationship a second shot, they have come even closer than before. Wedding bells are in the offing,” Mumbai Mirror quoted a source close to the actress as saying. Isha neither admitted nor denied the news by saying that she didn’t want to comment on it.

Zaheer Khan and Isha Sharvani in a car

It may be recalled that Zaheer and Isha felt a soft corner for each other in 2005 after meeting at various events and parties. However, they parted ways after seeing each other for two years. Their love story didn’t end there though. They rekindled their relationship last year, and now, we hear that they are set to walk down the aisle.
When will the couple announce their big day? Only Zaheer and Isha can tell this!

Shane Watson hit 15 six against Bangladesh and hold a world Record

Shane Watson hit a record 15 sixes to guide Australia to a series-clinching nine-wicket win over Bangladesh in Mirpur. The 29-year-old, who also hit 15 fours, ended on 185 not out after smashing the most sixes ever in a one-day international innings as the tourists moved into an unassailable 2-0 lead.
Watson’s knock – which came from just 96 balls as his side chased down their 230 victory target with 24 overs to spare – was the highest one-day innings ever made by an Australian. He had earlier also taken two catches and a wicket as the hosts made 229 for seven.
“That was probably the best innings I’ve ever seen,” the new Australian captain, Michael Clarke, said. “He hit the ball so cleanly from the first ball and what an amazing achievement. It was great to sit and watch that. The way he played, he managed to get the runs quite easily.”
Watson attributed luck – and the hot sub-continental conditions – to the way his innings played out. “[It was] just one of those days when everything you try comes off,” he said.
“You get a little bit of luck along the way which helps as well. I had no idea [about the record]. It was just that I was pretty tired and I didn’t want to run too much. It was just quite hot and humid so I thought I’d limit my running and hit a few boundaries and it worked out nicely.”
The Bangladesh captain, Shakib Al Hasan, added: “We thought we put on a good, reasonable total. We thought we could fight it out. But we didn’t put the ball in the right areas. And Watson batted really well. He took the game away from us and deserves all the credit.”

Indian player Yuvraj and Harbhajan slams Shahid Afridi Remarks- India Tv

NEW DELHI: Indian cricket stars Harbhajan Singh and Yuvraj Singh have hit out at Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi for his comments that Indians do not have "big clean hearts" like Pakistani Muslims.

Afridi also praised Pakistan's media for being "100 times better" than India's in a Pakistani TV show aired Sunday that has caused hurt and anger across the border in India.

"If Indians were not large-hearted, they would not have made so much of progress and delivered growth," Harbhajan was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.

"I think it's been an uncalled for reaction. It wouldn't help the love and respect with which he is treated in this country."

"Pakistanis indeed have very large hearts which is evident by their generous gesture of dropping so many catches against India during the semi-final clash," Yuvraj said.

"India would not have gone to the final had it not been for Pakistan's large-heartedness!"

Pakistan dropped four catches of Sachin Tendulkar who went on to make a vital 85 and fashion India's 29-run win over their rivals.

Afridi insisted later that his remarks had been taken out of context, although he stood by his comments about the Indian media.

His remarks shocked fans in India, who had greeted his efforts during the World Cup to promote harmony between the estranged neighbours whose diplomatic relations are fraught with tension. (AFP)

IPL (INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE) is going colourless without world class players

Mumbai (Routers) IPL (Indian Premier League) is going colourless without world class players from Australia, West Indies, Pakistan, England.IPL authorities didn't include Pakistani Players consistent 3rd time.So PCB set a game and they made West Indian team engage with them by playing series.On other hand England Cricket Board has not allowed their player for IPL.Australia is also engaged by Bangladesh board because Bangladeshi player was also ignored by IPL authorities.

Pakistan Skipper Shahid Khan Afridi said that he is not following IPL because of no Pakistani players.He said we will soon start PPL in Pakistan.

Indian Cricket Team's Official Facebook Page hacked and Deleted by Pakistani Hackers(Mujahids)-Routers

Islamabad-Routers, A Pakistani Hackers team named ''MUJAHIDS'' hacked and than deleted Indian Cricket Team's Official Facebook Page.It is noted that Indian page was in misused by both Indians and Pakistani facebook users , they were continuously misbehaving each other also insulting their religions.

So Pakistani hackers planned to delete this page which they successfully deleted.Indian facebook users are in trouble now because their team's official  page has been deleted which was also a plate form for chatting and also for celebrating their world cup winning.

Shoaib Akhtar wants to marry with his GirlFriend- India Tv

Shoaib Akhtar's ex-GirlFriend Diya

Mumbai-Routers, Pakistan Speed Star Shoaib Akhtar is interested in Indian model Kajal Agarwal.He wants to marry her.When we contacted Akhtar he said that I am going to marry this year and who will I marry I can't tell you.
On other hand Kajal said that I like Akhtar but rumors about our marriage is just bull shit.Our correspondent reported that Kajal is in fear about Shiv sena.Like Diya Mirza who was also in media about Akhtar scandal couples of months ago.This time who will be lucky one Diya or Kajal no one knows except Shoaib Akhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar girl friend Kajal

This time Diya Mirza didn't give any comments on this issue about Shoaib Akhtar marriage news.

Geo Super Transmission Banned by Pakistan Government (PEMRA)

Geo News

Geo Super Transmission Banned by Pakistan Government (PEMRA) today without telling any reason. Geo Super is the only sports channel of Pakistan and is very popular in Pakistan.
During cricket world cup 2011 cable operators asked geo super to give them share of their earnings but they refuse to do so. Now Geo super is having problem with Pakistani government media authority PEMRA.

It is noted that Geo super is going to broadcast IPL matches in Pakistan.Pakistan nation was very angry upon Geo's this action , they said that IPL has Insulted Pakistan players by not selecting them in tournament.We don't want IPL matches in Pakistan but GEO SUPER neglect this and said that we will telecast IPL matches in Pakistan.PEMRA who has also affected by Geo news when they file case against PEMRA in court so this time PEMRA with IPL issue has banned GEO SUPER in Pakistan.

GEO SUPER have no license and registeration for telecasting matches in Pakistan.So PEMRA has ordered GEO NEWS administration to shift GEO SUPER from Pakistan.

Miandad tipped for Pakistan batting coach

Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi Tuesday said batting legend Javed Miandad was expected to help the team's batsmen with their form after being persuaded by the country's cricket chief.

Pakistan’s faltering batsmen have been blamed for the team’s 29-run defeat against India in the World Cup semi-final at Mohali a week ago, leading to calls for Miandad to help them.
Pakistan’s fielding and batting sections have weakened the team’s performance at the international level and Miandad has been called on to help part-time recently.
“We are trying to persuade Miandad to help the batsmen,” Afridi told reporters. “PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) chairman Ijaz Butt has also talked to Miandad while I have also requested him to help.”
Miandad, one of Pakistan’s top batsmen, has been working as director general in the PCB but had several fall-outs with Butt, leading to his resignation and restoration twice.
The 53-year-old, who is still the highest run-getter for Pakistan with 8,832 runs in 124 Tests, helped the team in getting over their batting woes in 2009 and 2010.
However, he declined to tour with the team because of business commitments and said he does not want to interfere in head coach Waqar Younis’s job.
Afridi said the team needed Miandad’s help.
“We realise there are batting problems so we have told Miandad that the country needs him, so hopefully he will accept that role,” said Afridi.
Miandad said he was ready to help.
“I am ready to help the players whenever the need arises,” Miandad told a private television channel. “I thank PCB chairman and Afridi for calling me and requesting help.”
Pakistan is due to tour the West Indies to play a Twenty20 match, five one-dayers and two Tests later this month.
Pakistan will start the tour with a warm-up game on April 18. The Twenty20 match is scheduled for April 21 in St Lucia, followed by the one day internationals and Tests.
Afridi said two to three youngsters would be brought on the tour.
“The main aim is to groom two to three youngsters on the Caribbean tour but that doesn’t mean we want to discard the seniors, they will remain part of the team whenever required,” said Afridi, who will not be part of the Test team.
Afridi retired from Tests last year.

Indian Media dream to remove me from Captaincy will remain dream- Afridi

Karachi- Routers , Pakistan skipper Shahid Khan Afridi on his Facebook account updated status that Indian media's dream to remove me from Pakistan's Captaincy will remain dream.He updated this after Sangakara resigns from Sri lanka team captaincy after losing final against India.

It is also noted that one of Indian news channel has threaten Afridi that he could be 5th Captain who will lose his captaincy after losing semi final against Dhoni-11 before semi final.But now 5th captain comes in Sangakara resign.Afridi took this as a challenge and he said that I will not resign and will make Pakistan team strong side which will be Predictable and will defeat any team in future.He said if board will allow me to select players what I want than I will show positive results in Future.

Some of Afridi fans has commented on his status that Afridi will remove Dhoni from captaincy rather than Dhoni remove him.They said if Pakistan beat India in any future tour or in any ICC event like T20 CUP or Champions trophy , Indian media will rape Dhoni and Dhoni will definitely have to resign.They even didn't remember what Dhoni have done for India if Dhoni got defeat from Pakistan team.

Afridi says Indian media is very negative-Pakistan media & people are loving

Karachi- Shahid Khan Afridi says that Indian media is very negative.There is so much negativity in the Indian media. There is nothing positive to watch on the channels and we are just sticking together as a team and it is just the hotel and ground for us.
But his remarks on Indian media and people took hard in India.Indian media again starts negative propaganda against him.
It is noted that Indian media is continuously degrading Pakistan team and Players after Pakistan loss to India in semi final of World cup 2011.Pakistan nation welcomes Shahid Afridi with open arms which Indian media is not expecting from Pakistan nation.They even said in their report before semi final that Afridi should aware that Dhoni will defeat him and he will be 5 th captain who will took off and affect by Defeat from Dhoni.But Pakistan nation shows their loves towards their heroes so Indian media can't resist this.
They breaks Afridi bad remarks on their channels but they are not showing Afridi's good comments on India when he arrives home.

It is also noted that Afridi is angry because of behaviour of Indian media in India which called him ''A big Dis-honest man'', ''Cheater'' and even threaten him that he will lose his captaincy after losing from India and his pic will frame on wall at which captain like Shoaib Malik, Ponting, Petersen & Jayawardane has already hanged.But they didn't know Pakistan has defeated Aussies first in the group stage which is a very big defeat after which Aussies can't resist and also defeated from India.
In the end Indian media's cry over split milk is going on.They are now crying  on Fake trophy.Indian media is not enough educated that they even don't know that ICC does not give original World cup trophy to winning side.They present copy of this cup.But Indian media is saying that if we have gave full money to purchase cup after 28 years so we want Original cup.

Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar arrives Lahore

 LAHORE: Warm welcome was accorded by a big crowd to Pakistani umpire Aleem Dar, who gave cent percent performance in cricket World Cup 2011, after his arrival at Allama Iqbal International Airport in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Talking to media persons Dar said, "I am proud to represent Pakistan in the final of the cricket’s mega event was played between India and Sri Lanka.”

He thanked the Government of Pakistan and Government of Punjab for granting him Pride of Performance award.

Dar while praising Pakistani performance in the mega event said that overall performance in the world cup was satisfactory but they took two or three wrong decisions like power play were not taken on time.

He said defending champion Australia and hot favourite South Africa were failed to reach in the semi-final while Pakistan qualified but unfortunately was defeated by India.

It is worth mentioning here that not a single decision of Aleem Dar was withdrawn through UDRS, an umpire referral system.

Dar said UDRS is a good system and the systems would help to improve the performance of the umpires.

Tendulkar has no retirement plans

 NEW DELHI: Indian batting superstar Sachin Tendulkar said Monday he had no plans to retire after his World Cup triumph, but said the team would miss outgoing coach Gary Kirsten.

India regained the World Cup after 28 years with a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai on Saturday under former South African batsman Kirsten.

"Personally, I would say Gary (Kirsten) should continue but he has family commitments," Tendulkar told a local TV channel.

"I respect his decision. We will miss him a lot. It's been a pleasure to work with him. He's probably worked harder than anyone else."

India not only secured the number-one ranking in Tests and number two in one-day internationals under Kirsten, but also became a formidable force both at home and away.

Tendulkar, the world's leading run scorer in both Tests (14,692) and one-day internationals (18,111), became a World Cup winner for the first time on his sixth and probably last appearance in the tournament.

He said winning the World Cup was his biggest cricketing moment and wished he could have shared it with his father.

"I miss my father. He would be proud. My kids being there for the victory lap made it even more special," said Tendulkar, whose father died during the 1999 World Cup, adding that he had no plans to retire.

"I can't believe we're the world champions. I am enjoying cricket too much to retire from any form of the game," said Tendulkar, who will turn 38 this month.

The master batsman rated Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the "best captain" for leading the team shrewdly in the high-pressure tournament.

"He (Dhoni) reads the situation well, is open to ideas and above all he stays calm and doesn't show frustration," Tendulkar said.

It was the second major title India had won under Dhoni after the World Twenty20 Championships in South Africa in 2007.

Tendulkar said India had peaked at the right time.

"In the knockout stage, we peaked at the right time. We batted, fielded and bowled well. You see effort from all players. Performance no one can guarantee, but effort you can guarantee," said Tendulkar.

India beat defending champions Australia in the quarter-finals and Pakistan in the semi-final before prevailing over Sri Lanka.

Afridi says he is thankful to nation

 KARACHI: Skipper national cricket team Shahid Khan Afridi said that he was thankful to entire nation from the bottom of his heart upon the high support extended to team from nation, Geo News reported.

He vowed to display a good show on continuous basis on the condition of this support from nation which team is enjoying at this point of time.

“Players, hailing from all four provinces, were playing in the squad,” Afridi highlighted, detailing further that players’ goal was to play with unity and that, according to him, helped players reached semifinal of the mega event.

“We were the only team that forced India to get out at that low total,” Afridi mentioned lamenting that his side’s batting failed to click when needed the most.

He said that senior players should be dropped from West Indies tour to give them a rest.

“I have yet to decide on West Indies tour,” he added.

Indian Trophy is Fake, Original was bought by Shahid Khan Afridi -India Tv

Shahid Afridi showing Original trophy of World cup to nation

Mumbai  (Routers) Indian team World Cup trophy is Fake and Original World Cup trophy has been bought by Pakistan Captain Shahid Khan Afridi for his daughters.Shahid's daughters requested him to bring World Cup for them.It is noted that Afridi has achieved all targets which he aims before world cup and before any match in world cup.He said before world cup in a interview with Geo News that ''We should qualify for semi final and he did what he said.He said before India vs Pakistan Semi final 2011 that we will try to stop Sachin Tendulkar from his century and he did by caught sachin on 85.

Our sources stated that Afridi bought World cup trophy from his HBL card for 1 corore  Pakistan Rupees.ICC sold the Original copy of World Cup which had to be given to Indian team as Winner of World Championship but ICC give 3rd copy of trophy which was made of Plastic.They thinked that in Celeberations Winner of trophy team will not see the Fake trophy in happiness of winning but Indian media gave this issue a boom and show the world the insult of Indian nation.

Afridi's daughters are seems to happy after looking cup but they said that we want winning trophy so they are confident that Pakistan will win World cup 2015 and Pakistan will keep their consistent performance.

Geo Super We do not want IPL-Stop your fucking behaviour against Pakistan

INDIAN PROSTITUTES LEAGUE

Geo group is consistently involves in degrading Pakistan nation.IPL (INDIAN PREMIER LEAGUE) or INDIAN PROSTITUTES LEAGUE has insulted Pakistan by not selecting Pakistani Players but Geo Network is continuously broadcasting IPL matches in Pakistan and in all over the world.Pakistani Nation didn't want IPL matches but geo is playing with emotions of Pakistan Nation.WHY?? What benefit they are recieving  after telecasting matches.? If no one wants matches how sponsors giving them Ads.Is Indian Cricket Board giving him Dollars and advertisement!!.They all can explain by Geo Network administration.No one knows why Geo wants friendship with India also they are seeing behaviour of Indians with Pakistan.
Geo shows Indian Films ,Indian Dramas in their channel.They even advertise their films by including it in Bulletin.
If Geo has little bit love with Pakistan so they should start a league in Pakistan like IPL.And for this they should invite Indian players.I am 100% sure Indian Player will not took part in Pakistan League and than where will be ''AMAN KI ASHA'' of GEO NEWS.
GEO channel can took Green colour in their Logo and it should by included in Pakistani channel but they include BLUE colour which is Colour of ISRAEL flag and Indian sports team jersey colour.So how GEO can say them a Pakistani channel.Geo go to hell.

India becomes new World Champion of ODI Cricket 2011

Mumbai (Routers) India beat Srilanka in final of ICC WORLD CUP 2011 by 6 wickets and becomes New world champion 2011.Mahela Jayawardane 100 didn't make difference for Sri lanka in final.Yuvraj dedicated this cup to Sachin Tendulkar.Kumar Sangakara seems very upset because of losing final 2nd time consistent.
Dhoni is very happy after tooking back cup home after 28 years.
Shahid Khan Afridi calls Dhoni and congrats him for winning cup.It seems diwali in India and also it is Saturday night in India.

Sri lanka will be New World Cup 2011 Winner -ARY PURJOSH SHOW

Karachi (News Desk) Now a day famous program under hosting of Waseem Badami , HAR LAMHA PURJOSH SHOW, psychic in that program predicted that if their will be fair game Srilanka will be new world cup winner otherwise India will win the cup by fixing the match.Shah Sahib in his prediction said that Srilanka has strong luck to win the cup but if their will be match fixing India can be winner.

Shahzada Parrot also predicted Srilanka as winner in final of ICC World Cup 2011.

It is also noted that IPL is going to start next week.So it is hoping that match of India vs Srilanka will be fixed.Haroon Logart  is an Indian-African Cross so he can also help India to Win cup.

India Vs Srilanka final match of ICC World Cup 2011-Predictions

Mumbai (Indian Express) Astrologers , numerologist  and all psychic predicted that if match between India and Sri lanka final of World cup 2011 go fair than it is predicted that Srilanka will be winner and will be new World Champion 2011.

But some cricket pundits predicted that Haroon Logart (ICC Chief) is an South African born Indian will definitely help India to win cup.It will be totally match fixing in that game.Haroon Logart in his statement few weeks ago said that we choose Mumbai as World Cup final center because of Tendulkar's home crowd.Which is in being criticism by all world media.

Indian Bookies said that Srilanka is favorite in final and lot of betting has fixed on Sri lankan team so we want India to win the match for which we are in contact with some Sri lankan Players.Srilanka is only team who has won World cup title while hosting the title in 1996.He said if Srilanka win the World Cup we will came on road we have put all money on India because they are less favorite.Also sources from government officials indicating that India will definitely win world cup because nation is demanding World Cup as Indian team has won title very long time ago.
Indian Bookies warned Dhoni that if he will  lose match they will burn his House.

Pakistan team returns to warm welcome, Shahid Afridi critical of Rehman Malik

Notwithstanding the loss in the high-voltage World Cup semifinal encounter with India, the Pakistan cricket team today received a rousing welcome on its return home even as the country's media heaped praise on its remarkable performance despite "facing much hardship in recent times".
Skipper Shahid Afridi and his men, who were not among the favourites at the start of the Cup but managed to reach the semifinals, were cheered when they arrived in Karachi with die-hard fans greeting them at the airport.
After being mobbed at the Karachi airport, Afridi was accompanied by legions of fans to his home, some 10km from the terminal.
Afridi, who had inspired his men still recovering from the spot-fixing scandal in London last summer, was critical of interior minister Rehman Malik on his remarks warning them against match-fixing on the eve of the Mohali encounter.
"I think the statement made by (Interior Minister) Rehman Malik, I don't think the timing was right. He telephoned me three or four times and he tried to explain things but I could not understand what he was saying as I was busy with my work. I think he made a mistake and I hope such mistakes aren't made by anyone in future," Afridi said.
On the high-pressure match which Pakistan lost by 29 runs, Afridi said his fears of a batting collapse came true.
"I think the way we have been struggling with our batting, there should be a coach to work out with the batsmen," he said.
"I think I had a fear that our batting could collapse, our batting had been struggling from the first match to the last. I will give credit to the bowlers from the first match to the last," he added.
Afridi was also critical of pacer Shoaib Akhtar for announcing his retirement in the middle of the World Cup.
"His timing was not right and he should have properly consulted and spoken to us about his decision. He should have either announced his intention to retire before the start of the tournament or after it, it made no sense to announce his retirement in the middle of the World Cup," he said.
The players were showered with flowers and welcomed with banners and buntings. A similar welcome awaited them when many of them reached Lahore by another flight.
Politicians also joined fans in welcoming the team in Lahore. The ministers were led by chief minister of Punjab province, Shahbaz Sharif, at the Lahore airport.
"It is a historic moment in Pakistan cricket that the chief minister himself has taken the initiative to come and welcome our players," Pakistan cricket board chief Ijaz Butt said.
"You have done us proud by reaching the semi-finals after beating bigger teams. Victory and defeat is part and parcel of the game and we accept it," Shahbaz told reporters at the airport.
"The people appreciate your hard work and hope you will continue to perform and improve in the same manner," he said while announcing a grand reception for the players on April 5 in Lahore.
The Punjab CM has already announced cash prizes of Rs five lakh for each player and official for their performances.
The Pakistan squad reached Karachi from India via Dubai early this morning.
While Afridi, Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq left for their homes in Karachi, the rest of the players flew to Lahore.
The warm reception was a welcome aberration for thePakistan players, who had been been subjected to ridicule and abuse by angry fans on many occasions in the past.
Butt said he was happy to see the response of the people.
"I am happy to see the welcome given to the players because they need our support and encouragement to perform better in future," Butt said.
The media lavished praise on the team, saying that the side could hold its heads high.
"The Pakistan team will not be carrying a trophy as it arrives back home from its World Cup outing in India but the players should carry their heads high," The Express Tribune newspaper said in its editorial.
"Regardless of the semi-final loss to hosts India at Mohali, Pakistan has performed remarkably well for a team which has suffered so much hardship in recent times," it added.
"The Pakistan team has done its country proud and deserves to be treated as champions who have excelled both in their demonstration of spirit and of skill, and as ambassadors of peace. They deserve a round of standing applause," the daily said.
"Afridi spoke with maturity and good grace as he praised the Indian effort and apologised to his nation," The Express Tribune said in its editorial 'Stand up for the champions'.
The News, in its editorial, said Pakistan's "brave cricketing performance at the World Cup should make us all proud".
The Frontier Post's editorial lauded the Pakistan team for overcoming its reputation as underdogs going into the tournament following the banning of three top players -
Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer - for spot-fixing charges.
The newspaper also praised the team for defeating reigning champions Australia in the group stages.

Pakistan Vs India World Cup 2011 Semi Final was Fixed- Indian Bookies

Mohali (Routers) Pakistan vs India semi final was fixed said by Indian Bookie Sunil.He said that 4 days before this big clash , India was favourite to win the match.Rate of Indian Team was very high.But after 4 days when Dhoni said that we are in pressure than the rate gone down and Pakistan became favourite to win the match.When India was favourite that time under world wants to lose India because they played their bet on Pakistan which was not favourite that time.But when Pakistan becomes favourite the underworld comes into action and with the help of Indian government they urged Pakistan government to lose the match against India.So one of the Pakistani official from Pakistan threaten some main players of team for playing bad.Some denied this but the official threaten his family members in Pakistan to pressurize Pakistani player and in the end he accept the deal.

The bookie said that same type of deal was going to happen with Indian players if India was favourite.He said the statement of Imran Khan former Pakistani captain give boost to his team and demoralize Indian team and Indian nation got more pressure and Indian public got lose confident from their team.Also on the Paper Pakistan team was looking very strong as compare to Indian team.Pakistan team was having world class bowling line up, also they have strong batting line up.They contain Misbah and Younis who are world class batsmen.On the other hand Indian team have strong batting but not experience.

It is also noted that a sms was also in forwarding list of Pakistani mobile users which said that match was fixed on Presidential level and one minister has received money from Indian government.But people didn't consider much importance to this sms.In the end Pakistan Lose the match.Media also have not gave much importance to this SMS.

Bookie told us that Tendulkar dropping catch was also fixed.It was fancy fixing.People was betting that whether Tendulkar will made 100 or not and on 85 Shahid Afridi took his catch.He said that Tendulkar 100 was going to happen but Shahid Afridi took a catch which cause us a loss.

He said that ICC Chief Haroon Logart (a South African born Indian) was also involve in match fixing.Australia played their match fixed in the tournament.India will win the world cup and Indian Bookies will definitely help Team India to took cup back home after 28 years for this we are in touch with Srilankan President.Cricket is like a religion in India so we want look our Mad people happy.This is golden opportunity for us to took this cup at home.He said Indian agencies involves in Sri lankan team attack in Pakistan.If Pakistan hosted this World Cup than we can't be winner in Semi final.Because Pakistan play semi final in his country.We was also not hoping Pakistan in Semi final after tooking hosting of Tournament from them.We thinked that Pakistan will play Quarter final against South Africa and will knock out from the game but they defeated 1st Sri lanka and than Australia to top the Group and they played Quarter with weak team.India draw from England and than defeat from South Africa was also pre-planned to make South Africa top on the group and they will play with Pakistan.

In final it is hoping that Srilanka will win the toss and chose bat.They will score 265+ on the board.In reply India will lose its 2 wickets in starting 10 overs.But than they will become wall against Srilankan Bowlers.
Muralitharan will not take any wicket.Sangakara will help Indian Batsman to took single and double runs by setting Defensive fielding.India will chase this target before 1 over of the game.They will defeat Sri lanka by 5 to 6 wickets.Dhoni will be Man of the match.He will definitely score 50 to remove bad remarks on his captaincy.

Shoaib Akhtar will be trumph card in semi final against India in Mohali

Mohali (Routers) Pakistan Pacer Shoaib Akhtar will be Trump card for Indian batsman.Pakistan team management is making fool to Indian media and will definitely Include Akhtar in Place of Wahab Riaz.All team will remain same.Indian media is poking his nose in all matters , specially they are also poking their nose in Pakistan team personal matters.So Pakistan team complain this issue to ICC and ICC banned media to cover PCT practise session plus they will not allowed in stadium and hotel.

Indian media protested on this ban.They said we have rights to cover any thing in media.Shahid Afridi is not happy with the behaviour of Indian media.He said Indian media is psycho, they are doing racism.They didn't check the news completely and breaks it with no head & tail.

Foreign media is criticising Indian media for hiding parrot killing news in Banglore.

Our sources from Pakistan team indicated that Shoaib Akhtar will definitely play the semi final against India in Mohali on 30 March 2011.Shoaib Akhtar is looking 100% fit and wants to make his career's last game against India memorial.And it is also semi final so it is expected that Shoaib will blast Indian team with his fast bowling, he will not care what injury he will got after this match.He will provide full pace in bowling and specially quality bowling.

Shoaib Akhtar is also looking to took revenge from Sehwag.Sehwag has did some mouth firing against Akhtar in a program in India.In which he told a story ''BAAP BAAP HOTA HAI, AUR BETA BETA HOTA HAI''. So it will be hoping that Shoaib will answer his question in Mohali that who is Father and who is Son.

Cricket World Cup 2011: Peter the Octopus predicts Pakistan’s victory in semi-final against India

Peter the Octopus, who lately acquired the status of “the cocksure forecaster” by faultlessly predicting the outcome of all the matches of this year’s cricket world cup, has now predicted Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2^nd semi-final. The news of his prediction has sent ripples across the betting industry.
“The news has already influenced decisions of many betters” claimed a UAE-based bookie who requested anonymity. Other betting houses, especially in Europe have also confirmed the sudden shift. “Given its impeccable track record that the media is drumming up all across, the prediction will certainly waltz around betters’ minds while putting the money” added the bookie.
Peter the Octopus burst into media spotlight when a local newspaper reported its prediction of South Africa’s unexpected defeat against New Zealand in the quarter finals and a day later, India’s win over Australia.
Peter the octopus is a 2 year 7 month old Australian octopus, owned by a 78-year-old woman living in the city of Geraldton in Western Australia. When the Cricket World Cup 2011 commenced a number of teens from the neighbourhood began to toss in flags of various teams in its aquarium and Peter would wrap its tentacles around one of them and sit on it for the whole day. But things started to get interesting when his predictions turned to be impeccably accurate.
Peter is now considered a local hero; he is being kept in police custody primarily because of the sudden exponential number of people visiting him. A video clip of Peter the octopus is soon to be released, presenting the Australian octopus in action. The international media and the sports world are restlessly waiting for the launch of the video, as the new attraction that Peter represents has been of a great popularity.

Peter’s recent prediction on Pakistan’s victory over India’s cricket team in the Cricket World Cup 2011 has been commented by officials of both countries. Pakistan’s cricket team and officials have stated their trust in Peter’s prediction for their country; but the bookies in India have expressed its scepticism concerning the predicted results of the world cup game. However, the trends show that Peter’s predictions has been taken into consideration by the majority of cricket fans, as the general betting trend suddenly leaned towards the victory of Pakistan team.

Pakistan will beat India in 2nd Semi final of ICC World Cup 2011-Predictions

Karachi (Ary Purjosh) A well known Psychic now a day on Media named Shah Sahib has predicted that Shahid Khan Afridi will win the toss in Semi final against India in 2nd Semi final of World cup 2011 in Mohali.He predicted that Shoaib Akhtar will blast opening batting of India with his magical bowling.India will hardly score 200.In reply Pakistan will easily chase this target.

Asad Shafique, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi , Abdul Razzak, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal will be key players for Pakistan.

Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan, Kohli will be key players for India.

It is noted that Shah Sahab predicted 2 captains very lucky in the Tournament when it starts who was Sangakara and Afridi. Sangakara has qualified his team Srilanka to final.Now Afridi will be 2nd one if he wins today and qualified for final of world cup.

Shah Sahib has predicted all big games very much correct in the tournament in which a upset like Bangladesh wins against England and New zealand win over South Africa in quarter final was a very big prediction..

Pakistan cricket fans had bought crackers for fireworks after match celeberations.Demand of crackers like ''AAO PYAAR KARE'', ''PATI BOMB'', ''ANAAR'' has increased in the country.Their is huge celeberations expected at ''5 STAR CHOWRANGI KARACHI'' , ''SEA VIEW'', ''GULSHAN 13-D'' at Afridi's house.

Sri lanka Vs New Zealand 1st Semi final World Cup 2011 - Predictions

Colombo, Sri lanka have to face New Zealand in 1st Semi final on tuesday 29 March 2011.
Prediction about match is that New zealand will win the match.They will win the toss and bat first and will score 250 + on the board which will create problems for Srilanka team in chasing and they will can't chase it.

One of our psychic predicted that the team who will win toss will be winner on that game.They said that if Sri lanka batted first they will score 290+ and will beat New zealand comfortably.

Key players for Srlanka will be Malinga,Muralitharan, Sangakara & Jayawardane.

Key players for New zealand will be Ross Taylor , Jacob Oram, Brendon McCullum.