As 2011 started all I had hoped for was a controversy free twelve months and I got them all-right. Along with being controversy free, Pakistan cricket also saw a sense of consistency as well. Winning more ODI's than any other side, 24 to be precise and jointly winning 6 Tests along with England. So what now for, 2012 and the twelve months ahead?

Pakistan start the year with England in late January. The world number one side will be a test but a Test that Pakistan will hopefully rise to. In all three formats Pakistan have a strong bowling line-up and that will be the key. Whether the batting lives up to the standard and can perform is another matter. Though I stand confident of a positive result.

Bangladesh will, depending on security, become the first team to tour Pakistan since 2009. International cricket returning to Pakistan is a relief, you can play in the UAE, England or anywhere else but home is home. I get shivers with the thought of the team in 'Green' walking out in Lahore or Karachi after so long; simply magical.

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International Hockey Federation's most esteemed annual event kicked off in Auckland today where eight teams are battling for the trophy. Pakistan started their campaign with a prominent track record of 8 wins in previous 14 challenges against GB in Champions Trophy.

The crowd wasn’t in great numbers and the atmosphere was quite dull which is surprising to see in such a big event. It wasn’t free flowing hockey from either side. Pak got their chance on 17^th minute but wasn’t able to convert into a goal scoring effort. Centre forward, Haseem Khan missed it by whisker. Both team tried hard but in 40^th minute, Green shirts good work paid off & penalty corner was awarded. Captain Muhammad Imran did not miss it. His drag flick was hard to stop for opponents. Shortly after goal, Great Britain missed their chance due to good defending skills of Pakistan team. Pakistan led by 1 – 0 till the end of 1^st half.

Second half started with GB had most of the possession. Attack was made on Pakistan’s Goal Post but Salman Akbar showed his heroics in early moments of 2^nd half and saved a certain goal. His Sharp reflexes worked for Pakistan and added disappointment to opponents. GB showed again their significant skills in 20^th minute of the second half when Mark Pearn scored his first Champions Trophy goal in 10 years.