Interview with Hashim Amla

Interview with Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla is a top-order batsman for South Africa. He has represented his country in 80 international matches, and is renowned for his elegant strokeplay. He is the first South African of Indian descent to play for the national team, and is also a proud Muslim.

Question: How do the South African players view the Pakistani team after the recent controversies?

Hashim Amla: The players still respect the Pakistani team as they have some very good players. All the controversies do not change the fact that the tour will be a tough one.

Hashim Amla

Question: Given the current turmoil in Pakistani cricket and the loss of some key bowlers, who do you think will be the main challenge for South African batsmen in UAE? Which Pakistani bowler are you looking forward to facing in the upcoming series?

Hashim Amla: As I mentioned, there are some quality players. The likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Afridi, Gul etc are all highly experienced campaigners who have proven their worth for many years.


Question: What do you prefer: Test cricket, ODI or T20, and why?

Hashim Amla: I enjoy all formats as they test different skills. Test matches however have a special place.

Hashim Amla

Question: How has the presence of a practicing Muslim affected the South Africa's cricket team?

Hashim Amla: The South African team is very diverse and the multicultural nature is an advantage in many ways. It allows us all to develop our understanding and see the world in a broader light.


Question: Would you like to name any mentor(s) in particular that you have looked up to in developing your game, both as a child/teenager, and later on once you debuted?

Hashim Amla: There are many coaches that I have worked and continue to work with, mostly from my domestic setup. It is seldom one man's sole efforts that is the means of achieving things and I am truly grateful for all their efforts.

Question: What specific areas of your game did you work on after being dropped from the side in your initial years as an international cricketer?

Hashim Amla: Ups and downs are part of the sporting world. My coaches always reminded me to keep things simple and persevere as best I can.

Hashim Amla

Question: How is it that South Africa keeps producing brilliant fielders again and again? Is there a specific training regime you follow or does it come naturally?

Hashim Amla: The culture of the South African team has always been to pay attention to fielding. Maybe its because South Africans in the past may not always be the most talented as compared to other countries hence they figured that they could make up for that with commitment in the field.


Question: Who was your cricketing idol while growing up?

Hashim Amla: I never had any idols. I just enjoyed watching guys like Lara, Steve Waugh, Kallis and Tendulkar.


Question: Who is your favorite Pakistani cricketer? What are your views on Muhammad Yousuf, and how do you rate him?

Hashim Amla: I used to enjoy watching Wasim and Waqar bowl as they were so skillful in all conditions. Younis Khan is a superb player. Muhammed Yousuf has proven his class for a while and is key player for them in the middle order.

Hahim Amla

Question: What is your favorite cricket venue to play at, and why?

Hashim Amla: Perth, the place reminds me of Durban and more so because of the fond memories of chasing down 400 to win a test.


Question: Who're the best bowler and batsman you've played with and against?
Hashim Amla: Murali and Ponting.


Question: What is your most memorable moment(s) or knock(s)?

Hashim Amla: 176* against New Zealand. It came at a time when I was about to be dropped and also, the conditions were very difficult.


Question: Would you like to move up the order and open in the future or are you happy to play at No.3 throughout your career? What is your preferred batting position?

Hashim Amla: 4 is the preferred position however, 3 was the only position available at the time. Thankfully it has gone well so far. As long as the team wants me at 3 I have no issues about it.


Question: Do you have any advice for young cricketers, in particular for Muslim cricketers in South Africa?

Hashim Amla: The same advice I was given. Keep things simple and persevere during challenges


Question: What do you like to do in your spare time? Any favorite hobbies/activities?

Hashim Amla: I try and catch up with family and friends. I also like to read.


Question: And finally, what is your greatest ambition/aim as an international cricketer?

Hashim Amla: To be part of a winning team and leave a positive legacy for others to continue and improve upon.

Question: Thank you very much Hashim. It was a pleasure speaking to you and we wish you all the best for future.

Hashim Amla: Thank you very much.

Hashim Amla

Interview with Waseem Akram

Interview with Waseem Akram

Waseem Akram

Question:  Wasim how are you finding the T20 World Cup, entertaining?

Wasim Akram: Brilliant. I think it's fun, it's fast and I think that's why its been picked up worldwide. It's quick, in 3 hours the game is over and there's plenty of action. It's pure entertainment.


Question: Any regrets on T20 not being around when you were playing because I think you would've fetched a pretty decent price at the IPL.

Wasim Akram: No regrets whatsoever, I think I had my time. I played three T20 games for Hampshire in 2003 but I didn't enjoy it. That was at the end of my career, during my peak I would've loved it. Right now the Pakistan team playing in this tournament is looking good and I feel like I should be part of it.

Waseem Akrem

Question: When the tournament started I went to some of the warmup games and Pakistan were really struggling. Where do you think things have turned around, was it the introduction of Abdul Razzaq?

Wasim Akram: It's typical Pakistani cricket mentality. They start off slowly and lethargically but when the do or die situation comes they all come out guns blazing. The introduction of Razzaq has increased their confidence and strengthened the batting as well as the bowling. Razzaq is a plus for the Pakistan team, I hope they're peaking at the right time.


Question: How far do you think they can go? It looks like a difficult semi-final against the South Africans up at Nottingham.

Wasim Akram: On form you'd think South Africa but it's only a 3 hour game and if Pakistan can play well for 3 hours then they can beat any team in the world. They have the potential and the firepower in their side.

Waseem Akram

Question:  Looking at the makeup of the team there are a couple of young left handers in the squad, having been such a great left armer yourself you must be paying close attention to Aamer and Tanvir. What do you make of those two guys?

Wasim Akram: I'm the one who pinpointed them a year and a half to two years ago when I did a camp for Pakistan. Thank God the selectors picked them up, they're both very talented. Aamer is nippy and is only 17, he's only going to get quicker. Sohail has to improve, he's not looking good at all. He's not looking fit but the talent is very much there. He can swing the ball, big time. I think in general they're both good for Pakistan cricket. And for me Aamer could be the the bowler who could really save Pakistan's bowling with Umar Gul at the other end.

Waseem Akram

Question:  You mentioned about Sohail Tanvir not looking good, are there any specific areas you've pinpointed?

Wasim Akram: First of all I dont think he's 100% fit, something to do with his hip. If he's not fit then he shouldnt be on the tour, especially in T20 because there's no time to recover. There's a game very day. Secondly if he wants to be an all-rounder then he has to improve his batting, the talent is there but he needs to know how much hard work will go into that.


Question:  I was listening to your commentary and you mentioned that Aamer has a very good runup but that as he approaches the crease he moves away from the crease. Why arent these things being picked up by the bowling coaches and the academy coaches?

Wasim Akram: I think they have picked this up but will work on it after the tournament, it's very hard to have a bowler change anything whilst a tournament is going on. But eventually if he wants to take wickets then he will have to come closer to the stumps, I think he will. He's only 17 but he's a quick learner.

Waseem Akram

Question:  Aqib Javed is the current bowling coach but what everyone wants to know is have the PCB ever approached you to work as either a part-time or full-time bowling coach for them?

Wasim Akram: No they haven't approached me since I retired. The previous board chairman (Nasim Ashraf) invited me twice for a one week camp. In the first camp I pinpointed Aamer and Sohail and in the second camp I pinpointed a fast bowler called Mohammad Talha. He's played a test match and is quite nippy as well. I cant be a coach on a regular basis but I can help Pakistan cricket, I dont need to get paid by them. My services are there, if they want me I'm there but first of all they have to want me.


Question: So the ball is in the PCB's court to contact you and to come to some sort of agreement?

Wasim Akram: Yeah whenever I have time, I can give it to them. I can have a fast bowling camp going on and give the inner details about bowling, like how to bowl a yorkers and how to look after the ball and stuff like that. But I meet them regularly when I'm commentating on the Pakistani games, I give them tips when they come and see me.


Question: You mentioned about Mohammad Talha playing that one test match, we've had reports that Aamir Sohail is working on Talha with his runup and action. Were you surprised that a guy so raw was given an opportunity?

Wasim Akram: No I think this is the beauty of Pakistan cricket, we still give chances to player we think are good enough to play international cricket regardless if they're 17 or 18. Raw talent is the feature of Pakistan cricket, if they play at the age of 17 then by the time they're 23 they're experienced and they're still young so they can play longer for Pakistan.


Question: Are there any other fast bowlers that you've pinpointed for PAkistan. You've already mentioned Sohail Tanvir and Mohammad Aamer.

Wasim Akram: I dont know, for that the Pakistan board has to send us to smaller cities like Gujranwala, like interior Peshawar and Islamabad. In smaller cities and smaller areas, I think the talent will be there.

Question: Saeed Anwar recently said Pakistan is going through dark times as a cricketing nation, are things as bad as he thinks?

Wasim Akram: I think Saeed is talking about the possibility that no team will tour Pakistan for 2 or 3 years and yes that will affect our international cricket. To overcome that we need a plan B which allows us to play home games in places like Dubai, Abu Dhabi and even England. We need international cricket on a regular basis to be competitive.

Waseem Akram

Question: Imran has been a critic of the domestic system for many years saying we need fewer teams and that we should base our structure on AUstralia but when I interviewed Lawson a couple of days ago he disagreed saying Pakistan is a bigger country and needs more teams. What's your take on it?

Wasim Akram: Imran has his opinion but I'm happy with the structure as long as it's consistent. Each new board changed the structure of first class but I think the direction we're taking right now is the right one and that we should keep it for the next 2 or 3 years.


Question: You were always an aggressive captain, you set aggressive fields and didnt mind having an extra slip or a silly point in place. These days guys like Malik and Inzamam have been very negative in there field settings.

Wasim Akram: I think Younis Khan is very positive in his field settings, he takes chances and I think he's only going to get better. He needs to know how to communicate with the boys, communication is very important to the Pakistan team. Time teaches you and Younis is learning very quick.


Question: What did Imran Khan say to you during the 1992 tournament after the heavy defeats in the early games almost knocked you out of the cup, how did he turn it around?

Wasim Akram: We had lost a couple of games but Imran had a belief in himself and in his team, he just said keep on trying and working hard. He said if we won 1 game then we'd start winning more and thats what happened. It's about believing in yourself and in your teams ability.


Question: We've heard stories of the Pakistan dressing room before the 1999 World Cup final and how it was packed with people who were getting in the way of the players and the preparations, how true is that?

Wasim Akram: Yes, there were a lot of political people in the dressing room before the final but they all disappeared after we lost. It was a distraction but thank God the ICC have made a rule to stop anyone from going to the dressing room, however important he is. We did well in that world cup apart from in the final.


Question: The Nehru Cup is one tournament I always used to watch as a child. I remember when you came in to bat against the West Indies and hit that 6 off Viv Richards into the Kolkotta crowd. What was it like playing in front of 100,000 cheering Indians?

Wasim Akram: It's awesome playing in the subcontinent, they love their cricket and unlike England it's very noisy there. I think when England saw the way cricket was enjoyed in India and especially all the noise, they thought that that was how cricket should be played and now you find a lot of noise even in English grounds.


Question: Everyone I've spoken to said that whilst you and Waqar had natural ability the secret to your success was that you were the guys who were still doing extra laps round the pitch when everyone else had gone back in. You were the guys who were putting in extra hours in the nets and with the coaches. Do you think the hard work and commitment has gone from modern Pakistani players?

Wasim Akram: It's about what your aim is, these days players want to be good T20 players and earn lots of money. Our aim was to be the best bowler ever for Pakistan, today the aims and goals of players have changed. The PCB needs to tell their players that if they want to be recognized as great players then they need to perform at test level.


Question: Wasim do you have any message for the your fans out there, we haven't seen a lot of success recently. Have you got a personal message for Pakistan fans around the world?

Wasim Akram: This is the best country, England is where we have always got the best support internationally. These guys here have been watching us play since 1987, thrashing England in England. I want them to keep on supporting Pakistan cricket, the talent is there and with their support we can win against any team in the world.

Waseem Akran & Aqib Javeed

Interview with Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar

Interview with Sachin Tendulkar

There was a time when watching Sachin Tendulkar was exciting. Today it is a joy.

The free spirit is now the senior statesman in the team with new priorities and greater goals to achieve.

But that has not taken anything away from his batting prowess and his insurmountable achievements. His 141 in the second one-day game at Rawalpindi was one of the better one-day knocks witnessed in Pakistan.     

After returning to Pakistan, the country where he made his Test debut 15 years ago, it has been a dream come true for Tendulkar to be part of the first Indian team ever to win a cricket series in Pakistan in more than 50 years.

· Star-Sign: Taurus

· Team: India,Mumbai,Yorkshire,World XI,Rest of India

· First Class Debut: 1988

· Test Debut: 1989

· Most Remebering Day in Cricket : When 1st time seleted for the Indian Team,and when selected for the 1st test again Pakistan                    

· Worst Day in Cricket: Loosing the world cup semi final against Srilanka in 1996 

· Heroes in Cricket: Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Sandeep Patil, Viv Richards, Ian Botham

·  Whose impact on you : My Brothers Ajit and Nitin, My sister Savita, most Mother-Father, Wife Anjali,My coach, Uncle and aunt Suresh and Mangla Tendulkar

· Favorite player from Today's era : Brain Lara, Wasim Akram, Walsh, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble

· Players for Future: Rahul Dravid, Vikram Rathore, Amol Majumdaar  

· Your Aim in Cricket: To score lots of centuries and to play as many as test and one day    

· Favorite cricket Ground: Sydney Cricket Ground and Eden Gardens

· Least Favorite: None

· Complaints With Cricket: We should play more tests

· What should be done to improve cricket: Should be played in more countries and its popularity

· Most funny moment in Cricket: In 1990 when Narendra Hirwani came to bat at Old Trafford. Azhar gave him a new bat. The 1st ball he played with that bat was from Cris Lweis and the bat breaks into two pieces.

· Most Embracing Moment: Third match against Newzealand in 1994 at in Cricket Wellington.The situation was tense so I told  Ankola not to bowl any no balls or wide balls. I took a very good catch of Danny Morrisson and in excitement I threw the ball in air with. Batsmen still ran 2 runs- actullay the Umpire declared that ball as No-ball which I didn't heard

· Hobbies & Interests: Collecting Watches ,Perfumes, good clothes and CD's

· How you want to u spend your spare time: With my family

· Which Other Sports you like: Tennis

· Which Other sports personalities you like: Maradona and John McEnroe

· Favorite Actress /Actor: Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Demi Moore

· Favorite Serial: None

· Favorite Movie: God must be crazy

· Favorite Music: Michael Learns to Rock, Eagles and Michael Jackson

· What you hate? : Selfish and cunning people

· Cars: Mercedes Benz C-36, A.M.G Sports

· Favorite food: Anything made my mother

· Favorite drink: Cold Water

· Favorite place for holidays: Goa

· Favorite Hotel: Taj Hotel,Goa

· Favorite Restaurant. : Vintage and the Great Wall,Mumbai

· What type of cloth likes to wear: Jeans and T-Shirt & according to the occasion

· Newspaper: Mid-Day, Afternoon, Times Of India

· Favorite Author: I don't read much!!

· Favorite magazine: Sportstar

· After Cricket: Some business related to Cricket

· Motto of Life: Be true to yourself

Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar Recent Interview

'I knew all along that I'd get back with full force'

The unexpected shower hasn't helped. And that the rendezvous is not much of a landmark doesn't make things any easier. "It's the new MCA [Mumbai Cricket Association] stadium at Bandra Kurla," Sachin Tendulkar had explained. Now here, half soaked, at a stadium which is an oval patch of flaming green with labourers pottering around and a tin-roof shed, which I share with some masonry troupe, I am not sure this is what Sachin meant. After 15 minutes of worrying and then putting my mind to rest by another call to the Tendulkar home I see him kitbag and entourage in tow. Whew! "Should we get started?" he says, asking at the same time if I'd like water or tea...

You are in great form. The shoulder injury seems history. Nevertheless I am sure you realise that the time has come to make retirement plans.

The injury was blown out of proportion. It was less than five months that I hadn't played and people were writing my obituary. I knew all along that I'd get back with full force. And the reason behind my implicit faith is that I've never thought beyond cricket and playing for India. Yes, maybe retirement is round the corner but I just can't get myself to think or plan about it. It muddles me. Somehow I am programmed only to think cricket. Right up till the very last time I walk out on the pitch my focus will only be cricket. Once I retire I should be content. Not repentant that in those crucial final years my focus was elsewhere. I don't want to retire with the feeling that in wasting time planning life post-retirement I missed out on bigger cricketing achievements. Now in fact is the time for me to focus like never before. Also cricket is forever evolving so it's not that difficult. In '89 when I started out, cricket was different and I don't know what might change next - I cannot lose focus at all to keep in step with the game. Let my agents look after opportunities beyond cricketing years while I play.

Sachin Tendulkar

Are you saying that you don't spare a thought for your endorsement deals, your restaurants and probing other business propositions?

You may not believe me but the answer is no. Where Tendulkar's is concerned, yes, I was involved in the launch phase. But again the extent of my involvement was in ensuring the restaurant is a reflection of my tastes in food and d�cor. But beyond that no, not at all. I do go there when I have the time because it's my kind of place and I like it. But I will not get involved in the details. If it makes a profit I will not work on doubling the returns and if it makes a loss I will not sit with the management and work out a revival strategy. I won't. To do that I have hired agents, partnered with people proficient in these matters so that my focus is 100% cricket. Even in my endorsements - all preliminary work is done by my agents. I don't get involved at any stage and they only bring things up to me for the final call. I have to ensure my focus is uni-dimensional, and that is cricket

Surely at times you feel a sense of power beyond measure? Your endorsements are heftier than even Amitabh Bachchan's. Global icons like Michael Schumacher and Dire Straits are your admirers...

I have never been after power. It means nothing to me; being recognised, being paid handsomely... I don't allow things outside of cricket to affect my psyche. And that was ingrained in me right at the start. My family grounded me; they never allowed success to go to my head. If there was an achievement we would all be happy, there would be a small celebration but it would never be loud. It was like a lesson on how to dilute the heady feeling of success. The talk in the house, after the pat on the back, would immediately be of the next goal. My father would close the earlier chapter and look at the possibilities ahead. Similarly my brother, who saw the spark in me and merged his goals with mine, was a huge driving force. Whenever I scored it would be what's next, he wouldn't go gaga, and that set the boundaries for celebration. That helped me a lot, really. If I play well automatically my focus is on the next 20 overs, the way my father would want it to be. Half my life I have been playing for India (takes a few seconds to calculate) nearly 55% of my life. Things have not happened overnight, it has taken long... There's a saying, which probably explains me the best, 'even if you are on the right track, you've got to move on'. I might be on the right track at the right place but my endeavour is always to move forward.

Your dream was to play for India and you've more than lived that dream for over 17 years. What keeps you going now?

Yes, I have lived my dream, my dream to play for India. When I was in school and my brother would coach me I would ask him, "When will I get to play for India?" I was so young, I didn't understand what playing for India meant and it was more like a nursery kid saying he wants to be a doctor. But from the day I picked up my bat my target was to play for India. And there was a second goal, to play as long as I could. It's that second goal that keeps me going, and with it the benchmarks that keep changing. When we were in school the benchmark was [Sunil] Gavaskar, all good and bad was measured against him. From thereon it's been a wonderful journey... I crossed the 34 100s benchmark set by him. What also keeps me going are the people around me who're just as involved in my game. When I was yet learning the ropes there were days when I wouldn't show up for practise and Achrekar Sir would come all the way from Shivaji Park looking for me. He'd find me and then take me back on his scooter. Behind my achievements have been tremendous efforts by Sir. Similarly my family always prods me on such that I never lose focus. My father, despite being a professor, accepted my passing marks knowing my focus was cricket. He would also ensure the right environment for me to grow as a cricketer; so right from the start the talk at home would always be cricket. Even today we rarely discuss anything else...

Is Anjali okay with talking cricket 24/ 7? Does she understand that she comes second after cricket?

In 1990 we met for the first time and yes, then she didn't know A, B, C of cricket. But 17 years is a long time to learn. She understands the game completely now and is very involved. In fact, more than my skill being put to test when I bat it is her nerves that take the strain. She gets really tense and can't move; she doesn't even drink water or eat while I am batting. She has played a momentous role in my life and I can't imagine an existence without her. She is the only one who understands me, she knows when I am stressed, when I am happy or when I am disappointed and knows just what to do. I share all my thoughts with her since she is my support system. Coming second to cricket? I think she has tolerated it all. She is a gold medallist pediatrician but she's given up her career for me. It's not easy handling the pressure that comes from being my wife, handling the home front since I am always travelling, bringing up the kids... She has never complained.

I am sure your children are not as understanding...

I think I make an ok father, I am not strict at all and more like their friend. I try my best to spend as much time as I can with the two of them. I realise that it's important that I am a part of their childhood. But they know that my priority is cricket and I have to sacrifice their time for it, and they seem to understand. Sara will soon be nine and is quite mature, never complains. But Arjun is not yet seven and often gets upset. Each time I have to go away he becomes quiet, or doesn't talk to me normally. He tries to cope with life without me but not without putting up a fight. This time he told me that he is tired that I am always going away from him and he'll lock all the cricket stadiums so I stay home. I'll make up to him though...

Do you feel then that there's too much cricket these days? Giving players no time for family... And do you find the time to head to London as you generally do?

I have always said that the emphasis should be on quality and not quantity of cricket. There has to be enough time in between to recuperate such that players can perform to the best of their ability. Yes, for me that recuperation time is generally in London, we were there for six weeks this summer. I like going there since I am allowed to breathe. I mean, people do recognize you but they let you lead a normal life. And I need that.

The Indian team has time and again repeated that this is just another game of cricket for them, but do you feel that extra edge when playing Pakistan?

Of course, it is a little more than playing anyone else. You realise that this is special when the calls from friends and well wishers increase. It is no doubt more challenging and more of a pressure game than playing any other country.

But eventually it is a game of cricket. My point of view is that when I am playing cricket I cannot think that this game is less or more important. I want to give my six hours of serious cricket on the ground and then take whatever the result. There will
always be expectations, but then you can't do much about it. 

You had sleepless nights before the game against Pakistan in the World Cup. How many sleepless nights have you had here playing back to back matches against Pakistan in Pakistan?

It has been very good here, but the World Cup game was different. It had a different significance to it. It was a crunch game for us because before that we hadn't done well in the World Cup.

This is obviously a big tour for us and I am happy we have been well prepared for it. The Australian tour was good for us; it was ideal preparation for us. We spent four months together and that really helped. As a team we figured out our strengths and weaknesses. It has been a very exciting tour, there is pressure and there is the joy of victory. But this tour will not match the World Cup game. 

How has the experience been so far with regard to the cricket?

It has been great. It has been a collective performance from the team. And that is the reason why this victory is great, because different players have made contributions to the win. Someone scored a quick 10 runs, someone got a run-out and the team clicked as a whole unit.

Peshawar was a different track and the toss was crucial, but other than that the whole team played well.

How would you describe the catch you took to dismiss Inzamam-ul-Haq in the final game?              

It was a crucial catch. I had it at the back of my mind that he had played that shot before in the first one-dayer in Karachi and in the fourth one-dayer in Lahore. I was ready for that catch, hoping that Inzy would go for the shot again. Inzy is a great player who can just take the game away from you. His wicket was very important.

How is the Pakistan bowling attack as compared to the bowling attack you played 15 years ago?

This is a good bowling side with a good blend of youth and experience. Shoaib Akhtar has been playing for 5, 6 years and is an experienced bowler. Along with Mohammad Sami and Shabbir Ahmed they form a formidable team. Saqlain Mushtaq has done well against us.

But the attack in 1989 had Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis. That attack was more experienced. Imran Khan did not become Imran Khan overnight. He worked hard to become a legend. Wasim and Waqar were amazing bowlers. I would put them right up there with the best in the world.

Does the 136 you scored in Chennai play at the back of your mind on the eve of another Test series against Pakistan?

Before coming here I had a minor back problem and I thought whenever I play Pakistan I get a back problem. Why is that? But thankfully it has settled down now and I am fine. Even in South Africa during the World Cup when I played Pakistan I had a back problem and so also in Chennai.

But that defeat still is a huge disappointment for me. 

You have more runs than anyone else in international cricket. What is your ultimate goal?

There is no set goal. There is no target as such. I just keep it simple. Watch the ball and play it on merit.

I have played for 15 years and it has been a dream. I always had a dream to play for India but I never let it put pressure on me. I never let it affect me; instead I kept positive thoughts and made sure that I have something to show. I have never thought where I will go, or forced any targets on myself.

Sachin Tendulkar

Interview with Shahid Afridi

Interview with Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi

Question: What would Shahid Afridi be doing today if he had never become a cricketer?

Shahid Afridi: If I didn't play international cricket, I would have joined the Army.


Question: Did anyone coach your style of batting or is it completely natural?

Shahid Afridi: It's natural, I never had a coach teach me, my style of batting, nor do I believe in coaching at an international level.

Shahid Afridi

Question: Are you surprised that your 37 ball century record hasn’t been broken yet?

Shahid Afridi: Do you want someone to break it?


Question: Do you think you can break it again?

Shahid Afridi: No i don't think I could break it again but then records are there to be broken.


Question: Which other players do you think could break it?

Shahid Afridi: Who ever has a good game on their day could break it.


Question: Who were your cricketing heroes both Pakistani and non-Pakistani?

Shahid Afridi: Imran Khan was my ideal. Other than him I enjoyed watching Mark Waugh, Lara, Sachin & Inzi bhai.


Question: Have you ever been at the crease with a batsman, who was out-hitting, be it Ijaz, Imran Nazir, Razzaq, Azhar? Have you ever been challenged by another batsman to see who can score the fastest.

Shahid Afridi: Never, they don't want to try it.

Shahid Afridi

Question: You've already hit 303 International sixes; tell us about the most memorable sixes you've ever hit?

Shahid Afridi: I can remember about 3 or 4 years back during the VB series I hit some big sixes off McGrath and Lee's bowling, they're two of the best ODI bowlers in the world and I'd never thrashed their bowling before so that was some very memorable six hitting for me.


Question: What bowler have you most enjoyed hitting sixes against?

Shahid Afridi: It was during the same VB series and the bowlers were McGrath and Lee.


Question: What was your best performance with the ball in any form of cricket?

Shahid Afridi: It was under Inzi Bhai's captaincy during the Bangalore test match vs India, my 3 wickets in the 2nd innings broke the Indian middle order and I'll never forget the way we won that match.


Question: What has been your best performance with the bat in any form of cricket?

Shahid Afridi: The 141 runs in scored in Chennai vs India is an innings that I remember vividly to this day.

Shahid Afridi

Question: We've seen you bowl an 85 MPH spin delivery, why don't you bowl as quickie?

Shahid Afridi: Actually I started out as a fast bowler but people told me that I was chucking the ball, so I changed to spin.


Question: Did you ever consider becoming a fast bowler; you have the physique and power of a fast bowler so why did you choose to bowl spin?

Shahid Afridi: No, you see fast bowling is not an easy job. Especially if you are also a batsman as well as being a fast bowler, a fast bowler has to work harder than any other cricketer on his fitness.


Question: Do you still bowl fast in the nets?

Shahid Afridi: No I just stick to my leg spin.


Question: Your faster ball has enabled you to take many wickets. Why have you stopped bowling this type of delivery?

Shahid Afridi: The reason for that is that my faster delivery causes problems for the wicket keepers.


Question: Most cricketers want to make a name for themselves in Test cricket and they give more importance to their Test careers but you are more concerned about ODIs and dont seem to enjoy Test cricket even though you've been very successful when playing Test matches, why is that?

Shahid Afridi: (gets quite passionate about his answer) It's not that I don't like to play Test cricket, that's not the issue. They dont play me. There's no consistency in the way I'm picked to play Test cricket. Sometimes I'm playing and other times I dont even make the squad and it makes me think maybe its better that I just dont play any Test cricket at all. But as of now I really want to play Test cricket, I know that at this moment, the team needs me and I would do anything for the team.

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi

Question: Why did you retire from Test cricket and what made you change your mind and come back?

Shahid Afridi: It was a rash decision on my part; I didn’t think it through properly before making the announcement. My well wishers were very upset with me and they convinced me that I should reverse my decision so I came back.


Question: Do you find that the constant crowd anticipation for you to hit every ball for 6 affects the way you bat? How do you counter act this? Does crowd pressure make you try to hit sixes every ball?

Shahid Afridi: It's very difficult for me because the plans I have in my head before I go out to bat get forgotten, when I go out there it's like hitting a wall of sound and I forget whatever we had discussed minutes earlier in the dressing room.

Question: How do you cope with pressure like that?

Shahid Afridi: (switches to English) I'm not very strong mentally, I'm straight forward.

Question: If in a few years in the future you became captain of Pakistan, what changes would you make?

Shahid Afridi: If I am ever given the captaincy, I will be very tight on my players to keep them in line.


Question: Do you think the Pakistan team of the last few years has been aggressive enough?

Shahid Afridi: Not really, we havent been aggressive enough.


Question: Is there any truth to the rumors that there is tension between you and Malik because on the field you always seem very close and friendly with each other.

Shahid Afridi: We get along just fine. It is sad that some people in the media like to create stories to sell their media, without any real facts to back up their stories.

Question: You're known as "The Beast" because of the way you destroy bowling and attacks and bowlers on the pitch. Do you have any beastly messages or quotes for your huge fan base?

Shahid Afridi: The only thing I would say to my fans is always try to understand and educate yourselves on the reasons why Allah has given you life, do that part first then enjoy the rest of life and Chill out...

Shahid Afridi

Interview with Ricky Ponting

'When Australia play, there is very good cricket'

Ricky Ponting

The Australian captain gives India their due as No. 1, warns of a bouncer barrage for Sehwag, and is optimistic about catching up with Tendulkar's centuries

"I have been working really hard on getting the pull shot back to the way it was before"

Ricky, you're coming off a long break. You must be looking forward to some good, challenging cricket?
We are very excited. Looking forward to the challenge in the next few days of these Test matches. It's a very challenging place for all teams to play.

It was supposed to be a seven-match one-day series and then the BCCI requested two Test matches. You play a lot of one-day cricket but Test matches are everything for any cricketer...
It's always been my favorite format of the game. We've got the Ashes series just round the corner as well, and I'd rather be playing these two Test matches and three one-dayers, rather than the one-dayers that we were supposed to playing. It is a good opportunity for us to get back to playing Test match cricket.

Two Test matches is a tricky kind of a series. If you lose the first, you are chasing to get the series level. You think this could be a tricky one?
Yeah, I guess there's a chance for everyone. We've got a really short window. We're cramming everything in at the moment and then we get back to Australia and play three one-dayers against Sri Lanka. Hopefully we're the team that can take some initiative along the series and start the Test matches really well.

Ricky Ponting

In 2001, Australia came here as No. 1 and India were trying to challenge them. If you look at the history of India-Australia cricket, Australia has been dominant and India have tried to pose a challenge. This time it's the other way round.
Well, I think we've got three very strong rivals. India is obviously one, as we have had such intense tussles in the last five years. The Ashes series against England - that has a bit of an extra edge to it. But I think some of the challenges against South Africa have been pretty tough. If you look at those three series, there is not really much to differentiate between them, but there is probably just more of an edge [in those] than in any other game.

Ricky Ponting

There have been fears that Test cricket would die, but it seems to be in the pink of health. There seem to be five teams competing at more or less the same level.
Test cricket is really strong. You need all the countries that are playing to be strong. That's why Pakistan's situation is a shame.

We never thought about our team as No. 1 team or of our team as being better than anyone else, but when Australia play, there is very good cricket. We don't play draws, we always have results. Now it is time we start lifting ourselves back to the top. The best way for us is to come back to India and perform. We look forward to the summer and Ashes series. We have got seven Test matches up until the middle of January. We'll manage to come out on top.

Ricky Ponting

How much you believe in the rankings? Do you think India is a worthy No. 1?
Yes, of course.

Does it give the players an extra incentive? This is India, No. 1, let's go out and teach them a lesson?
It is a great challenge. We are not focused or sold on rankings. We plan to give it a good shot.

	"None of the other off spinners have their way around me as Harbhajan does. So I have to give it to him. He has bowled very well against me"

Ricky Ponting

Looking at the Indian side, what do you think of their team?
Their bowlers were a lot better than our bowlers last time. The spinners played really well last time, but we are very well prepared on those fronts this time.

When you look at someone like Sehwag, do you think he has been an impact player of the decade?
Indian players play their best in Test cricket. Sehwag's dangerous. Our bowlers will be bowling their fair share of short balls at him. Young bowlers like [Mitchell] Johnson are looking forward to unsettling him at the top of the order.

Sachin Tendulkar - people are falling in love with him all over again. You are about the same age. Is he an inspiration for you?
Over the last 12 months, Sachin's been playing exceptionally well. He seems to be the batsman everybody seems to be chasing. He is the key wicket - if we get him, there is a good chance to win the game.

There was a time when people used to think that Ponting would catch Sachin in terms of runs, but do you now think that he has widened that gap a bit?
He is in his 40s, I am on 39 [centuries]. I am in the best of shape. Honestly, it feels like some of my best batting is just round the corner.

I have worked really hard in the gym over the last four or five years to make sure of my fitness. One thing I have been working really hard on is to get that pull shot back on the way it was before.

Picky Ponting

Harbhajan Singh has taken your wicket a few times. Why do you think he has been able to do so often?
None of the other off spinners have their way around me as Harbhajan does. So I have to give it to him. He has bowled very well against me, and he has picked up my wickets seven times [10] in Test cricket and a couple of times [three] in one-dayers.

How much do you miss the early days of the India-Australia rivalry?
It was a great period to play and every player was a champion player. We had [Matthew] Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Jason Gillespie, [Glenn] McGrath. Those guys built their own reputation. You can't afford to miss those players. We might not be as dominant as we were four or five years ago but we will really be looking to get some good results.

Ricky Ponting

Interview with Glenn McGrath

I will miss `my hometown` Delhi: McGrath

McGrath

Australian pacer Glenn McGrath at the bowling end in his heydays meant batsmen had hardly a chance to free their arms, be it in ODIs or in Tests. A legendary bowler, who was famous for applying brain over brawn, McGrath earned most of his international wickets through impeccable line and length, which is quintessential in T20 cricket. His strength was for all to see when he played in the inaugural edition of IPL for Delhi Daredevils, where he proved to be one of the most economical bowlers.

But his life has changed a lot since. He lost his beloved wife Jane immediately after IPL. Initially apprehensive about coming back for the tournament, McGrath finally decided to fulfill his commitments to the Delhi team.

McGrath

Will you Miss Delhi this time since you were treated here like a son of the soil last year?

Last time I really enjoyed playing in Delhi. I got a huge support from the local crowd, which was fascinating for me. In that sense I will miss Delhi.

You have retired from international cricket almost two years back. Are you fit enough to play in the second season of IPL?

It’s true that I had quit international cricket a couple of years ago. But in the last one month I have been working really hard in the gym. I am okay with my fitness now and I will have no problem in adjusting to the demands of IPL.

MaGrath

What will be the difference in South Africa?

It will be a good contest between the bat and the ball in South Africa. The wicket will be good for the pacers too.

Why did you have apprehensions in playing for IPL this time?

It was a big decision to come back here. I have had some personal problems since I lost my wife Jane. I have two little children to look after. That’s why I had initially decided not to take part in IPL this time. But then I chose to fulfill my commitment to Daredevils at least for this season. My mother is taking care of my children.

McGrath

How difficult was it to handle the death of your wife Jane, who died of cancer?

It was really tough time for me and my family. But the support I got from everybody is awesome. I was moved to find the support for Jane McGrath Foundation during the Sydney Test. I am thankful to everybody, who helped me come out of that terrible phase of my life.

MaGrath

What’s your opinion about the Delhi Daredevils team this time?

We have a balanced team this time around. The induction of David Warner will add more firepower to batting.

Will you miss your opening bowling partner of last season, Mohd Asif?

The team has enough resources to replace anybody.

How do you rate Virender Sehwag as a captain?

Sehwag has a very astute cricketing sense. I really enjoyed playing under him last season.

MaGrath

What’s your opinion about Sehwag as a batsman?

He is a terrific batsman. I enjoyed bowling against him.

What are the attributes of a good captain?

A good captain is one who uses the experience of the senior players…one who listens to everybody, even to the junior members of the team.

MaGrath

Interview with Inzamam-ul-haq

Interview with Inzamam-ul-haq

Inzamam

Cricket: Inzamam-ul-Haq tells Donald McRae he is confident of repeating his success from last winter on his final tour of England.

"If you don't mind," Inzamam-ul-Haq says politely, "I think it is much better if we find a nice place to sit down. Somewhere in the shade where we can just relax." As we amble over to a tranquil spot under a leafy tree, the famously languid and comfortably proportioned Pakistan cricket captain casts a leisurely eye over his team-mates toiling away in the nets on a steamy afternoon.

Inzamam

"They work and we sit and talk nicely," Inzamam murmurs approvingly, as he settles down on a bench with the look of a man sinking into his favorite armchair. "I have done my work for the day," the 36-year-old says of a laid-back fielding session and a spell in the nets, where he spent as much time bowling innocuous spin as he did wielding a bat with the kind of indolent brilliance that has characterized a career spanning 109 Tests at an imposing average of 51.34.

Even at his most low-key and languorous, the brief sight of Inzamam practicing his batting is a rare treat for, with his remarkable eye and fluid technique, he appears to have a ridiculous amount of time to play each ball before swatting it away elegantly into the meshed fence.

Inzamam

"I only do it for a short time, nice and slow," Inzamam says sagely. "When we start the first Test against England [this Thursday at Lord's] I try for another long innings. Today it is more important to prepare quietly."

Out of that quietness, however, emerges an unusually expansive Inzamam, who was such a decisive performer when the two countries met last winter. In Pakistan's convincing 2-0 series victory, Inzamam scored 431 runs in five innings at an average of 107.75. His lowest score was 53 and he hit a century in each innings of the second Test - to equal and then break Javed Miandad's previous Pakistan record of 23 Test centuries.

Inzamam

"This was the sweet moment," he says with almost coltish enthusiasm. "Miandad is a big player and so for me it is wonderful. I would even say it is unreal - but thanks to Allah. To score two centuries in one match is something I had never done before. And each has something special. With the first I come up to Miandad's record and then in the second innings I go past to 24 centuries. I was so happy you would not believe it."

Inzamam has since scored his 25th century, against India. He also led Pakistan to series victories at home against the Indians and away in Sri Lanka. England, meanwhile, are in the midst of an injury-riddled slump. "This summer England has not had such good results," Inzamam agrees, "but Sri Lanka performed very well against them. England struggle because of injuries and they are definitely missing Michael Vaughan. The combination they had for the Ashes is broken. When they had Simon Jones and Vaughan in the side they had some good combinations in batting and bowling."

In an effort to avoid sounding excessively confident, particularly with Andrew Flintoff also absent this week, Inzamam opts for some dutiful diplomacy. "England is still a good side and, at home, they are difficult to beat. And Kevin Pietersen is a very dangerous player. When he is at the crease it is hard to stop him scoring quick runs. I also think they played some good cricket in Pakistan. In all the Tests they were good for maybe four days. It is just on the fifth day they crumble."

Inzamam highlights Islamic unity as a significant force in Pakistan's increased consistency under his captaincy (the Hindu leg-spinner Danish Kaneria is the only exception). "Like every Muslim we pray five times a day and this helps our spirit. If we have a problem we discuss it when we get together to pray."

But Bob Woolmer, as coach, surely also exerts a profound influence. In a similar way to his handling of a South Africa side crammed with born-again Christians in the 1990s, Woolmer brings a light touch to such earnest faith. "Bob has come from the outside, but he is very good for us. My personal opinion is that the relationship between a coach and his team should be relaxed and friendly. This is important, because if a player is feeling uncomfortable, then it will be easy for him to go talk personally to the coach and be open. Bob feels the same, and so the boys are very comfortable."

Inzamam

Inzamam laughs when reminded of Woolmer's revelation that, after he had discovered to his horror that Pakistan were by far the most unfit team he had coached, his burly skipper suggested a new work ethic should only be implemented gradually. "Let's do everything slowly," Inzamam pleaded.

"I don't mean to tell Bob what to do," he says now, "but he takes it well, because he's a very good human being. He understands us and so he does not try to change us in one day. He also makes us think about our diet, even though we all love Pakistani food - especially the curries. We now know that during a series we cannot eat any curry. We have to go for pasta and light food, because if you eat heavy curries it's not so easy to perform."

And yet it is reassuring to hear that Inzamam is not about to resume the misguided diet which almost ruined his career in 2003. "I never do that again," he promises while patting his stomach gently. "Just before the World Cup I work harder than I ever did. I lose a lot of weight - 17 kilograms!" He shudders. "Can you believe it? It was too much. I didn't score any runs without those 17 kilograms. And that's when I got dropped from the Test team. It hurt me so much that I say I'm not willing to play again. But after three months I realize that I'm only 33 and have many years ahead of me. So I decide to come back.

"Then we play Bangladesh in Multan Inzamam's home town and we are in big trouble. Everybody is praying when I get to the crease. The pressure on me is really hot. But I always do quite well when the pressure is big and I play one of my greatest innings. It's not like my 329 against New Zealand, it's only 138, but those runs are maybe the most important of my career."

Inzamam

Beneath the surface of this story, a more tangled pain lurks. For years Inzamam brooded while his weight and apparent lethargy were ridiculed. In 1997, in a match against India in Toronto, he even attacked a spectator who called him a mota aaloo (fat potato). If it has long been a delight to hail Inzi as the perfectly rounded riposte to the grinding professionalism of modern sport, his comic image as the slowest runner between wickets in Test cricket has unsettled a shy man whose talent is as subtle as it is sumptuous. "Those jokes hurt me - especially in the past. It is not easy when people laugh at you. I don't mind positive criticism, but when it is negative and personal it is quite hard. But I feel more relaxed now."

Inzamam has also discovered a kind of serenity in captaincy - even if the task of leading Pakistan is one of the toughest in world cricket.

"It is difficult because we have 150 million critics in Pakistan and whenever we play a series there are maybe five TV channels that cover the cricket. And each channel has five big experts telling us where we are going wrong. I try to ignore them, because I know that if you are winning then you enjoy the captaincy. And that's what happening, thanks to Allah. I get more confidence and happiness leading this team."

Fourteen summers ago, in 1992, at a time when he never even dreamed of captaining his country, Inzamam made his Test debut in England. "It was at Edgbaston and I was very nervous. I was only 22 and now I'm the old man. So it's very special to be back in England because everything start for me here. In between a lot of good things have happened, with some big scores and tremendous matches. I feel it a lot now, because I am sure this will be my last tour of England. I thought about it for two months before we come here. Even when I was playing in the back garden with Ibtisam [his seven-year-old son] I was looking forward to England."

Inzamam, a father of three with a four-year-old daughter and another son aged one, rocks with laughter when asked to relive those sunlit afternoons. Did he have to pretend to be Freddie Flintoff while Ibtisam crafted an imaginary match-winning innings for Pakistan?

"We played lots of matches. He loves batting and I did a lot of bowling. He is very good and the first thing you notice is that he bats left-handed. I bat right-handed but bowl left-handed. So he scores many runs against me."

And what happened when Inzy himself was given a chance at the crease? "I score a few," he grins, "but sometimes he gets me out."

That feat proved to be desperately difficult for England in Pakistan. With the big man in such a jocular mood, and watched by his family on tour, England may be subject to more hefty pain in the coming weeks. The giant shadow of Inzamam should stretch "nice and slow" across the rest of a fading English summer.

Inzamam