eSports Log

At last Pak authority realized that due to political and security concern, it is not easy to host international cricket matches in the country. So, The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is going to confirm very soon neutral venues for both Test and one-day international series so that according to schedule all of the series will be played during the next year. On be half PCB, board chairman Ejaz Butt and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Saleem Altaf would contact some other countries’ board officials like the New Australian, Zealand, and English at the forthcoming ICC Executive Board meeting to finalize the venues. The meeting would be held in Dubai.

One of the PCB officials said, “It is more or less obvious that for next one year we would not be able to host teams at home. So, we have decided to select the best options as neutral venues.” Further he said “It is more or less decided we will play New Zealand in a one-day series in Abu Dhabi and Dubai after the Champions Trophy this year and host them for Tests in Ireland and Scotland.”

He also added some other countries like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ireland, England Scotland, and Malaysia are being considered, too as probable neutral cricket venues by the board. Some sources said Ireland and Scotland were very much desperate to host several Tests matches to push the claim for their Test status strongly before the ICC. In October-November 2009 PCB was planned to host New Zealand. However, the Kiwis refused the proposal and cancelled the tour.

Pakistan is one of the co-host for the World Cup Cricket 2011 as is scheduled to be held in the four sub-continent countries Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. However, the current political and security scenario in Pakistan raises a question is it possible to organize world cup match in Pakistan. Several teams are already expressing their worry over the current situation in Pakistan. Many think that Pakistan may not get to host any matches of the event. Eventuality if it is true the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would lose more than 12 million dollars.

One of the PCB official said: “Pakistan has been given 16 matches including one semi-final. This means the board will get a total of 12 million dollars for hosting the World Cup matches from the ICC.” He said that when he was talking to media personnel.
A number of teams have refused to tour Pakistan by reason of precarious security condition in the countryside. Moreover, the recent terror attack on the Lankan cricket team has made the matter worse for the PCB.

Earlier, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has scheduled 16 World Cup matches to Pakistan, whereas 22 matches allow for India. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have been awarded to host nine and seven matches respectively. If the scheduled matches would be not held in Pakistan then the match can be shifted in another host country.

Pakistani legend Wasim Akram has urged Pakistani women’s cricket team to perform to their potential in the upcoming ICC Women’s World Cup. The World Cup 2009 tournament will commence from March 7. India, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia and New Zealand are the other participating nations.

Former cricket captain Akram said “I want to see the Pakistan team go out there and give its best. It has nothing to lose as it is not amongst the top-ranked teams. This should lessen the pressure on the players and when you have nothing to lose and nothing to fear, you tend to give up your best.”

The legend said the team has the talent to match the best teams in the world when he expressing his gladness over the women’s team qualification for playing in the forthcoming World Cup. According to The Nation he said “It is great to know that Pakistan women’s cricket team has qualified for the World Cup. It clearly proves that the team has the talent that is required to line up with the best in women’s cricket.”

Left-arm spinner Abdur Razzak, Bangladeshi cricket player, who was suspended for his disputed bowling action now see the dream to back in national team though his come back fully depend on ICC technical committees. So, the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) is going to review the bowling action of Razzak before he faces an International Cricket Council’s (ICC) assessment. The BCB decide to send the video footage of Razzak’s action to experts in Australia very soon.

According to the Daily Times the BCB’s cricket operations committee chairman Enayet Hossain said “As per our bowling review committee’s observation his action has improved but we need to take suggestions from experts, which is why we sent the footage to Australia.”

Razzak was suspended from bowling in international match after on-field umpires Daryl Harper and Asoka de Silva reported his suspect bowling action during the home Test series against New Zealand played in October 2008. His elbow extension ranged between 22 to 28 degrees and on average 25 degrees. His quicker ball ranged from 22 to 28 degrees with an average of 24 degrees, whereas the ICC rules allow bending of the arm up to 15 degrees. But BCB hopes positively that Razzak will back soon with left-arm orthodox spin by overcoming the shortcoming according to ICC rules.