KheloPakistan.com’s Syed Basir Raza recently met with Pakistan Cricket Board's former chairman Ijaz Butt. Appointed as Chairman in October 2008, Butt's tenure saw a lot of controversies and a little success for cricket in the country. During 3 years, Butt faced problems with many officials and players including Javed Miandad, Younis Khan, Shahid Afridi, the ECB, the cricket council of USA, the ICC and even the Senate. He sacked the national selection committee, the COO of the PCB and banned and fined seven Pakistani players in the after-math of their tour of Australia in the 2009-10 season. Butt also over-saw the board during the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan Cricket team in Lahore in 2009 (after which internation cricket was banned in Pakistan) and the spot-fixing saga in England in 2010.

On the plus side, Pakistan won their first ever ICC T20 World Cup in 2009, reached the semi-final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 and Misbah-ul-Haq was appointed as the team's Captain in tests, and later on in all formats. This is what happened when Basir spoke to the former chairman:

Amidst the Dhaka Gladiators media manager, Minhaz Uddin Khan making accusations of three Pakistan players taking call girls to their rooms after the match parties – KheloPakistan.com was contacted by cricket agent Umran Khan. The players who were named in the womanising accusations were former Pakistan captain, Shahid Afridi, Rana Naved ul Hasan and Ahmed Shehzad.

Mr Khan, who represents the players who have been accused, has spoken to all three players and they vigorously deny any wrong doing. "I have spoken to all three players over the past day and all three are shocked to see such ludicrous claims by Minhaz Uddin Khan, the Dhaka Gladiators media manager". said Mr Khan on behalf of the players.

He also said that all three players are on the verge of taking legal proceedings as the accusations could have an effect in their careers and private lives. He added, "All three players have given the go-ahead to proceed to taking Mr Khan to court in this regard. I will be going to Bangladesh in due course to take up this option. The players believe that such accusations could have a lasting effect on their images in the game".

The allegations by Mr Minhaz Uddin Khan were made by him to an undercover sting operation by India TV. They also alleged six umpires of doing match fixing - something that all officials have denied.

Today, an explosive spell of bowing by Pakistan left arm spinner, Abdur Rehman saw him acclaim his career best figures of 9-65. Bowling for Somerset against Worcestershire at Taunton, Rehman put in a spell 24 overs that showed why he's one of the most consistent performers on the world stage. Only Peter Trego picking up the eighth wicket of the innings, denied Rehman the chance to capture the perfect ten.

Speaking to KheloPakistan's Imran Asghar after the days play, Rehman was understandably pleased with his performance. "I am really happy that I performed for my team. I am bowling with good rhythm at the moment and hope to take this experience with me when I return to Pakistan". He added "Playing in these conditions will InshAllah help me in the future. If and when required and I play for Pakistan in these shores, I will have experience of these conditions".

Already having a Test fifty to his name, Rehman was adamant that not only his bowling but batting and fielding was coming on leaps and bounds. "After games and days off my time is spent in the nets. I am working really hard on my batting. I see batting as a important aspect to my game". Though Rehman primarily plays as a specialist bowler for Pakistan, he looks at it differently, "It is essential that I contribute with the bat when I play. It would be wrong for me to think that I have bowled and done my job. I genuinely believe I can became a good batsman". 
 

KheloPakistan.com got a chance to meet up with Pakistan Under-19s, Imam-ul-Haq. Sixteen year old Imam, born in Lahore made his Pakistan Under-19 debut against India in the Asia Cup. He made 88 at very good pace and followed that up by scoring 50 and 69 against Malaysia and Afghanistan respectively. Imam, then had a disappointing final against India as he only managed 10.

Nephew of Pakistani legend, Inzamam-ul-Haq, is highly thought of within Pakistani ranks. His rise to prominence has been quick, despite only playing Under-19 level this year. Playing at number 3, Imam started his World Cup with a disappointing 25; though he is confident that he can go on and achieve big.

Imran Asghar (IA): Salaam Imam, thanks for taking the time out to speak to us during such a prestigious time for you.

Imam-ul-Haq (IuH): No problems Imran bhai. It's my pleasure to be speaking to you.

IA: Tell us about your young but fledging career?

IuH: I started playing cricket and took great interest in the game. I kept playing cricket with passion and just concentrated on enjoying playing. Then this year I got a chance in PIA's Under-19 team and performed really well. My performances started to get noticed and people started to say I will get picked for the South Africa series. That never materialised, but Allah knows best for one and it might have been beneficial to my career in the end. I carried on my good form and then was selected for the Asia Cup. Then I debuted against India and scored 88. The next two games I also made half centuries. We have had 3 practise games recently and I performed too. I am now representing my country in the World Cup.

Imran Asghar of KheloPakistan had the opportunity to speak to Pakistan Under 19 star Mohammad Nawaz. The interview was arranged by a good friend of the website, Sunny Sheikh, who I would like to thank wholeheartedly. Mohammad Nawaz is an all-rounder that bats in the middle order as well as bowls left arm orthodox spin. Hailing from Rawalpindi, Nawaz seems destined for a long and illustrious career. This is what happened when Imran spoke to the upcoming star. 

On behalf of KheloPakistan.com, Imran Asghar met Netherlands all-rounder Mudassar Bukhari. Mudassar is 28 years of age and first represented the Dutch National side in July 2007. He has a fantastic record of never missing a single game for his team since his debut. Mudassar spoke about his love for the game, his experiences and what he wants to do in the future. 

 

KheloPakistan.com was introduced to Mudassar by Sunny Sheikh, who is a Holland based Pakistan cricket analyst; our heartfelt appreciation to him.

Posted on behalf of Farhan Nisar.

An exclusive interview of Former Pakistani captain and wicket keeper Rashid Latif conducted by Farhan Nisar for KheloPakistan in Lahore. Part one was posted a week ago .Rashid spoke openly about his career and all his experiences around cricket, including match-fixing. Here is Part two of the eagerly awaited converstaion.

Posted on behalf of Farhan Nisar.

Exclusive interview of Former Pakistani captain and wicket keeper Rashid Latif conducted by Farhan Nisar for KheloPakistan in Lahore. Rashid spoke openly about his career and all his experiences around cricket. Widely regarded as one of Pakistan's greatest keepers ever, Rashid played 37 Test matches for Pakistan which included 130 dismissals. Also a veteran of 166 ODI's, he helped himself to well over 200 dismissals in the 50 over format.

KheloPakistan.com’s Imran Asghar met up with Pakistan U-19 player and opening bowler Ehsan Adil. Ehsan is still 19 years of age and represented the youth team in South Africa recently. His performances were highly noticed and Ehsan won many plaudits. Hailing from Sheikhupura, Ehsan recently made his domestic cricket debut by representing Faislabad Wolves. 

Ehsan can be described as a confident young man that aspires to reach the very top. He hopes to emulate the long list of great Pakistani Fast bowlers and becoming a household name. In the meantime he is now preparing for the Junior Asia Cup after making the World Cup probable list.