Interviews - KheloPakistan

Time to move on from Afridi and Abdul Razzaq and focus on youngsters: Ijaz Butt

Syed Basir Raza — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 09:49:45 -0600

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:

Official press release: Allegations concerning three Pakistani players

Imran Asghar — Wed, 10 Oct 2012 07:20:24 -0500

After our exclusive yesterday of three Pakistani players refusing the allegations made by Dhaka Gladiators media manager of womanising - I have been forwarded the following email by cricket agent, Umran Khan. The email was forwarded by the man in question, Minhaz Uddin Khan.

A recent report broadcast on India TV alleging acts of corruption against some international umpires have caught my attention. Unfortunately the report has a portion where I have been shown to make 'objectionable' observations and remarks naming some Pakistani cricketers.

Though I have not been implicated in any degree of corruption, the report has made every effort to string together the casual remarks and project that as proof of wrongdoings of the cricketers.

I had visited India on invitation from the undercover reporters who had portrayed themselves as sports agents who wanted to offer endorsement, umpiring and playing opportunities for Bangladeshi players and officials in the Sri Lankan Premier League. Being a sports journalist myself and as an official of a Bangladesh Premier League team and someone with an interest in sports management, I decided to go to India after consulting some of my family members, colleagues and friends.

I met the reporters in Delhi in August this year. In one meeting the people who came in the guise of sports agents wanted to get information out of me which had no relevance to the purpose of my visit. I became suspicious straight away but played along and responded spontaneously to their queries as I did not know whether they were criminals or not and I feared for my safety as I was all alone there.

Once the meeting was over I immediately warned fellow Bangladeshis who have received similar approaches. I told them that I thought those people had dubious intentions and that they should not speak to them. They can testify to that.

Let me make this clear that the 'information' about the Pakistani cricketers that the Indian private channel is claiming that I had revealed has no relevance to reality. It was all bogus and part of an act which I considered necessary at that moment for ensuring my security.

I can say this with all honesty to the cricketers and their families that I never meant a word I said in relation to their conduct. I know most of these cricketers personally and maintain a healthy relationship with them. There is no way that these cricketers, some of whom are the heart of Pakistan cricket, can ever do things that tarnish the image of their country and family.

I am suffering also. By using my name deliberately to strike made up controversy the channel has done massive damage to my image and left my family embarrassed and shocked. I do now know whether I will ever manage to overcome the sadness and shock from this episode. If the reporters had even bothered to study my background a little then I am sure they would not have found it ethically and morally right to try and trap me.

I seek your understanding on this.

Minhaz Uddin Khan

Media Manager of

Bangladesh Premier League

Season- 2011/12

Exclusive: Afridi, Rana Naved and Shehzad deny womanising claims

Imran Asghar — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 12:27:16 -0500

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.

"Whenever I play, I am representing the Pakistani image" :Abdur Rehman

Imran Asghar — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 13:41:14 -0500

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".

We are here to win the World Cup and give Pakistan a gift: Imam-ul-Haq

Imran Asghar — Sun, 12 Aug 2012 08:10:38 -0500

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.

Personal goals are secondary to Pakistan winning the World Cup: Mohammad Nawaz

Imran Asghar — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 01:08:16 -0500

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.

KheloPakistan.com (KP): Tell us about your upbringing and how you started off in cricket?

Mohammad Nawaz (MN): I come from a simple upbringing. My parents were always very adamant that I concentrate on my studies. As you know every kid in Pakistan starts playing in the streets and I was no different. What started as a mere hobby, progressed further. I started to play for the school and started to take my game more seriously.

I Believe in my ability: Mudassar Bukhari

Imran Asghar — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 05:28:19 -0500

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.

Imran Asghar: First of all would like to thank you for your time, Mudassar. Where and where did your interest in cricket come from?

Mudassar Bukhari: I was born in Pakistan. Naturally every kid in Pakistan follows cricket and plays it in the streets. I used to play tape ball cricket back home in Pakistan.

IA: Who was your cricketing inspiration as a young person growing up?
MB: I was in Pakistan and when you play tape ball cricket you look to hit sixes. So when you talk of sixes it has to be Afridi.

IA: Is the standard of cricket within the non-Test playing nations improving?
MB: Yes definitely. The ICC is helping them a lot and have designed programs. These programs have helped the cricket in Netherlands very much. This has allowed us to play more cricket and also against better opposition. Right now playing the CB40 is helping, the quality and standard is good.

I was eyewitness to all foul-play: Rashid Latif

Imran Asghar — Fri, 25 May 2012 02:21:05 -0500

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.

FN: But what were the reasons that compelled you to sacrifice your career at 25, 26 years of age?

RL: I just told you cricket is my passion. If it was a profession for me I wouldn’t have taken the decision to retire. Cricket is a gentleman’s game, it shouldn’t be plagued with fixing but it is happening nowadays. Every team is doing it and nothing is being done to eradicate it. It is a very diverse topic and a lot can be discussed on this but now I have enough idea to tell by watching a cricket or a football match on TV if the match is fixed or not.

FN: You later agreed to play with the same batch of players who were present in the team when you took retirement? Why?

RL: Whenever I came back in the team, I had the cricket board’s backing. Those players shouldn’t have played with me. If I was wrong then they shouldn’t have played with me but all of them did. All those things had happened in front of my eyes since 1993 and that is why none of the players pointed a finger at me. They knew I had spoken the truth and that all of this had happened in front of my eyes.

Moin Khan was better than me: Rashid Latif

Imran Asghar — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:18:23 -0500

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.

Farhan Nisar (FN): Wicket-keeping is called a thankless job. Do you agree?

Rashid Latif (RL): I don’t agree to this because wicketkeeper acts as a team’s backbone. But it’s a fact that a wicketkeeper’s mistake gets caught too easily. On the other hand, if a keeper scores 40, 50 runs it causes considerable damage to the opposition.

FN: Why did you take up wicket-keeping specifically as a career?

RL: It wasn’t in my hands because I had been wicket-keeping since childhood and so had little choice. I just had to do wicket-keeping, Allah had gifted me with a talent and it was my wish to entertain people with it.

FN: Who was your wicket-keeping idol or inspiration?

RL: Wicket-keeping was my ultimate passion. Jeff Dujon was my wicket-keeping idol and I used to emulate him. Other than that I played alongside Saleem Yousaf for Customs and he helped me a lot too.

I want to become a Pakistani star: Ehsan Adil

Imran Asghar — Wed, 16 May 2012 12:14:33 -0500

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.

KheloPakistan.com (KP): Salaam Ehsan, Thank you for taking time out to talk to KheloPakistan.com. When did you start to get an interest in cricket?

Ehsan Adil (EA): W/Salaam, It’s my pleasure. I first took an interest in cricket at the age of four. Ever since then I always aspired to play cricket.

KP: How was your parental support? Traditionally Pakistani parents will push their child into education.

EA: My parents supported me fully. Though like any other parents they wanted me to study well, they also backed me to play cricket.

KP: What is your average bowling speed? And what is your main weapon as a bowler, Ehsan?
EA: I bowl consistently at around the 135 mark and the out –swinging ball is my best delivery.

KP: Recently you represented Faislabad Wolves in 50 over games. You played 5 games, how was the domestic experience?

EA: It was my first time to play with senior cricketers. It was an wonderful experience and thought me a lot. The fact that as a youngster I was playing with less pressure made it enjoyable. Though now obviously I want to play at that level on a regular basis.