Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema bans the Pakistani star all rounder from speaking to the media in Pakistan's on-going tour of Sri Lanka.

A wonderful all-round performance from Shahid Afridi saw Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 23 runs to level the two match series one a piece. Smashing an unbeaten 52 of a mere 33 balls; he coupled it with 2-17 from his four overs. Afridi smashed his score courtesy of five boundaries and a solidary six, as he propelled Pakistan in a must win game.

Defending a score of 122, Pakistan had their back against the walls. The dismissal of Kumar Sangakarra early, courtesy of some good bowling by Yasir Arafat calmed the jittering nerves. Arafat got his second wicket in quick time as he struck Kulasekra too. Pakistan were back in the game and had their tails up. The majestic Afridi struck twice as he got, first, Dilshan and then Kapugedra out. Pakistan were on top of the game for the first time.

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.

Chasing Sri Lanka’s average score of 132, Pakistan must have been quietly confident despite having an inexperienced batting line-up consisting of experienced playing coming off some indifferent form; coupled with a couple of players making recalls. Losing two wickets, captain Hafeez and then debutant Shakeel Ansar, in the first two balls to the combination of Kulasekara and Dilshan was not in the script. Both Hafeez and Ansar both played identical cut shots towards the point region.

Khalid Latif, not only did he look a person looking nervous as a result of a comeback but also looked a player that looked out of place in International cricket. His 3 runs from 12 balls was a painful watch; throughout the innings you got the feeling that him getting out was just a matter of time. If Latif’s stay at the crease was bad, Shoaib Malik came out with no purpose whatsoever. He hardly looked to rotate the strike and keep the scorecard ticking. His lack of show of intent was atrocious for a person that has played International cricket for over a decade.

With the team in trouble and severely needing a inspiration; Umar Akmal tried to provide that with his typical no hold barred aggression. The ‘Akmal Swagger’ didn’t last for too long as he got out trying to take the game towards the opposition. In came Shahid Afridi and on his second ball played a ridiculous heave that truly belongs to tape ball cricket in the local park. In amongst all these batsman coming and going in, what can only be described as a, bad rash; one man was standing tall and trying his upmost to rescue the game for Pakistan.

The BCCI have given the green light to a possiblity that a limited over India Pakistan series could be played at the end of the year. 

Pakistan will kick off their month long tour of Sri Lanka with two T20 encounters. Both the matches are of importance to both the teams, firstly because the both sides will be looking to gain early momentum before the ODI and Test matches leg of the series take place. Secondly, and more crucial is the fact that the T20 World Cup is just a few months away; thus both teams will be looking to make a statement before the tournament commences. Along with testing their T20 squads and giving them early preparation against top-quality sides, in the same conditions as the major event.

Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed the new skipper of Pakistan's T20 team, replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, and he will be looking to prove himself worthy of this responsibility. Always ready to share his ideas with captains on the field, discussing the match situations with them, it’s about time Hafeez does things on his own. He will require the support of senior players such as Shahid Afridi, who was also in contention to acquire leadership. This is the perfect opportunity for Mohammad Hafeez to show-case his captaincy skills and confirm himself as the team leader for the upcoming World Cup.

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.

With the Australian series still being discussed, the two T20 games against Sri Lanka are the only games that are 100% guaranteed for Pakistan to play in this format before the T20 World Championship. With that in context these are not now two ordinary games but a massive launchpad for new skipper, Mohammad Hafeez, to start his reign. 

In life in general, preparation and practise makes things perfect. Pakistan have the players within their armoury to emulate 2009 and win another major World competition. With Dav Whatmore and his team at the healm, one thing is for sure the team will have undergone a proper fitness regime and will be hungry for success. 

This brings me to my real concern and team composition. Getting the team balance correct is going to be the key in Sri Lanka. Pitches there are usually batsman friendly but have good assistance for spin bowling too. Making sure the batting line-up is strong and long enough, and also ensuring that the side has the right bowlers to win you the competition is the key. Though playing your best players in their best positions is the key, I sincerely believe that cometh the hour, cometh the man.

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.