Friday, February 3, 2012

Pakistan bowled out for 99 in third Test

3:14 AM McGhori


5
DUBAI: Pakistan were bowled out for 99 on the opening day of the third and final Test against England at Dubai Stadium here on Friday.
Stuart Broad finished with 4-36 while James Anderson took three and spinner Monty Panesar grabbed two. Asad Shafiq topscored with 45.
Pakistan lead the three-Test series 2-0.
Read more »

Posted in:

Younis urges ICC to reduce Amir ban

3:13 AM McGhori


4
DUBAI: Former Pakistan captain and coach Waqar Younis on Friday urged the International Cricket Council to review its five-year ban on young paceman Mohammad Amir.
”If the ban reduction can be considered then they should do that, every law gives margin,” Younis told reporters.
Amir was released from jail on Wednesday because of good behavior after serving half his six-month sentence for spot-fixing during a test against England in August 2010.
But the ICC’s ban means Amir could not take part in any cricketing activity before Sept. 2015 —a career death sentence in Younis’ view.
”It’s difficult for a fast bowler to keep himself fit if he is not allowed to play even club cricket,” Younis said.
”We must have sympathy with him because he is so young. His talent will not only be missed by me but also by the Pakistan team.”
Younis said he has more sympathy with Amir because the fast bowler should be given a benefit of doubt due to his youth.
Another former Pakistan captain Imran Khan has said Amir is a better bowler than the great paceman Wasim Akram was in his early days.
”So there must be something in him (Amir) if he is praised by Imran,” Younis said.
Younis was not sure if the country’s fans would want Amir even if he can be reinstated to cricket.
”I don’t know whether he would be able to play or not, whether people of Pakistan will accept him or not,” he said. ”We accept that the incident happened and Pakistan’s name was stainted, but I think other players will also learn from this.”
Read more »

Posted in:

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Amir ‘to announce plans’ when returns home

3:24 AM McGhori


11
CHANGA BANGIAL: Disgraced Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir will announce his next move when he returns home later this month after his release from a British prison, his brother told AFP.
Mohammad Ijaz said the family was delighted that the 19-year-old had been freed after serving half a six-month sentence for spot-fixing in one of the biggest scandals to rock Pakistan cricket.
“We are all very happy, my parents especially are very happy,” Ijaz told AFP by telephone.
“He will be back home in the next two to three weeks. I talked to him yesterday. He was very happy and asked me to convey his best wishes to his parents and family members.”
“He will announce his future plans once he returns home. I don’t know when he will be able to play cricket again for Pakistan because of the five-year ban,” Ijaz added.
Amir is also serving a five-year ban imposed by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
His father suffers chronic stomach problems and is “desperate” to see his son back in the humble family village of Changa Bangial, Ijaz said.
The family house was closed on Thursday. Neighbours told reporters that they had gone to the eastern city of Lahore, but other relatives living in the community said they did not want to talk to media.
Read more »

Posted in: