Sport-fixing verdict ruins Pakistan cricket’s image, says former team manager Yawar Saeed

The former Pakistan team manager, Yawar Saeed, has admitted that the Spot-fixing verdict against Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt has exacerbated Pakistan cricket’s image in the world.

Yawar was the manager of the crew during the England tour last year, when the Spot-fixing scam was uncovered by ‘News of the World’. He expressed grief over the ruling by the London court and termed it as one of the sad days for Pakistan cricket.

“It's a sad day for all of us and I'm very sad that this beautiful game of cricket has had to see this day," Saeed told AFP.

At Southwark Crown Court in London, the jury declared Butt and Asif as culprits for accepting black money from the fixer, Mazhar Majeed. Another Pakistani cricketer, Mohammad Amir, has already conceded bowling no-balls deliberately during the Lord’s Test.

The Judge will announce punishment within a few coming days and it is likely that the trio will be sent to jail for some time.

Lamenting over the Spot-fixing case, Yawar said that he tried his best to keep cricketers away from such elements during his stint as the manager of the team. The former manager, who stepped down from his position after the fateful England tour, also revealed that he had warned Butt and Asif but the players kept on committing mistakes.

"I feel very sad because I tried my level best to tell them to keep away from notorious people. They should have understood that and they committed a blunder, and when you commit a blunder, you are punished. I'm also sad because the country's name has been dragged into this entire controversy. Pakistan is known for its talented players but this case has stained the country's image badly," added the former cricketer who played first-class cricket in Pakistan from 1953 to 1959.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has already barred three players and the decision will not make any impact on their ban. The Court has also asked Amir and the agent Majeed to appear before the court and ordered all players not to leave the city before the verdict, expected to be announced within this week.

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PAKISTAN POLICE ARRESTS BOOKIES BEHIND THREATS TO ZULQARNAIN HAIDER

Pakistan police has arrested eight bookies, who were believed to be behind death threats to wicketkeeper-batsman Zulqarnain Haider. The bookmakers were taken in custody from Sialkot and four of them have also been presented before a local judge for initial investigations.

A police official, Nasir Qureshi, stated, “We have arrested eight bookies and some of them have revealed they were behind threats to Haider. We have confiscated their data which has a number of international contacts and the investigation is still on.”

Qureshi further added, “We have found a number of satellite telephones and diaries which have international contacts and we hope to get further details in the next 24 hours.”

Haider had fled to London during Pakistan’s series against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The keeper-batsman had claimed that his life was in danger and had to leave the team immediately. He was due to represent his team in the final One Day International (ODI) of the five-match series, but escaped without informing any teammates or officials.

There was a lot of uncertainty in the Pakistan dressing room, as no one was aware of Haider’s whereabouts. However, the 25-year-old appeared before the media after landing in London, where he claimed asylum. He revealed the situation to the press and said that his family was also in danger in Pakistan.

The Pakistan government took notice of the situation and assured complete security to Haider and his family. This was satisfactory for the troubled keeper, as he decided to return to his country on Monday, April 25, 2011. He had announced retirement from international cricket, but claimed to resume talks with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over his future.

After his return to Pakistan, Haider revealed that he received fresh life threats. He also accused fellow teammate, Kamran Akmal’s father-in-law of being involved in the entire situation, which sparked more controversy.

This allegation was a shock for Akmal and his family and the veteran keeper demanded thorough investigation into the matter. He expressed his displeasure over the scenario and threatened to take legal action against Haider, who apparently had no proof of what he said

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ZULQARNAIN HAIDER EAGER TO GET BACK IN INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

Former Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman, Zulqarnain Haider, has admitted missing international cricket. He announced retirement from the sport after receiving life threats from unknown people in Pakistan. However, he has shown intentions of making a comeback to the national side after Pakistan police arrested eight bookies from Sialkot, allegedly behind the threat calls to Haider.

The troubled keeper stated, “My cricket has already suffered a lot and I miss playing. I had worked very hard to get into the national side and I don’t know why I was targeted by the bookmakers. But I think the stance I took against corruption is equally important as playing for Pakistan.”

Commenting on his hardships, Haider added, “I started playing cricket in a shadow of crisis. Aged 13, I lost my mother but still managed to continue playing cricket. I never knew that things would turn out this way. I hope that with serious steps, a time will come when our cricket will become clean”

Haider was ready to clear things with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He was well aware about his bad image in the board and country, but wanted to speak to everyone for normalising things.

Although the keeper batsman made his intentions clear to everyone, Chief Selector of PCB, Mohsin Hasan Khan revealed that Haider would only be considered for selection once cleared by the board.

The Pakistan cricket team has suffered a lot in the recent past and 2010 was a year of controversies for the Men in Green. Three top players, Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir were suspended from any form of cricket following spot-fixing allegations. The trio was later found guilty and banned from playing.

Just when things looked to be heading towards a right direction, Haider fled to London, claiming his life was under threat. Pakistan were left without any wicket-keeper for the final game of the five-match One Day International (ODI) series in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The youngster then claimed asylum in UK, as he didn’t feel safe back home. He also wanted his family to be with him, as they were also receiving threat calls. However, the government of Pakistan guaranteed security to Haider and brought him back to Pakistan.

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Zulqarnain Haider considering postponing return

Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider is giving second thoughts to his decision of returning to Pakistan after he received two threat calls from unknown people in England.

According to details, the former Pakistan player who is currently living in London has filed a report in a local police station against the perpetrators of the call. According to Haider, the callers threatened to kill him on his return to Pakistan

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The former wicketkeeper claimed that the calls came from Pakistan. It is expected that he will now postpone his return. Earlier 24 April, 2011 was the presumed date for his return to Pakistan.

Haider hit the news recently when he announced that he would be returning to Pakistan in the coming days. He made the revelation after meeting Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik in London. According to reports, Malik assured Haider of complete cooperation from the government regarding his security.

Later, Haider ceased seeking asylum in United Kingdom and claimed that there was no need for him to live in England when the top minister had promised him security of the highest level in Pakistan.

Haider had become a matter of embarrassment for the Pakistan Cricket Board when he deserted his national side which was playing against South Africa in the United Arab Emirates in November 2010.

After resurfacing in England, Haider claimed that he had received threats from a bookie who wanted him to lose the fourth and fifth One Day Internationals against the Proteas. He said after refusing to adhere to the threats, there was no other option for him but to run for his life.

In his first press conference after finding refuge in the United Kingdom, Haider announced his retirement from international cricket and insisted that he wanted to live in England away from all the controversies.

Nonetheless, after just two weeks he announced that he will unmask the individuals within the PCB involved in match/spot-fixing. Soon after, his family in Pakistan started receiving threat calls which consequently pushed him to retract his statement.

Haider’s central contract was terminated by the PCB and he was banned for life from playing cricket because of violating the Board’s rules and regulations regarding discipline. The cricket board made it very clear that he will have to face an inquiry committee on his return which will determine the next course of action for him.

It remains unclear what will be his next step after receiving the latest threats from people who according to him are after his life.

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Middlesex defeat Essex in a one-sided affair

Middlesex cruised to an eight wicket win in a match of the County Championship Division Two against Essex, at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in England. The hosts were given a target of 54 runs, which they achieved easily for the loss of just two wickets. Middlesex scored 277 and 54 for two (end of match) whereas Essex managed 115 and 215 in the match.

James Foster elected to field first after winning the toss for Essex, but his decision proved to be a wrong one. The wicket had some assistance for the bowlers, but the hosts batted well for their 277 runs in their first innings.

Middlesex’s openers, Scott Newman and Chris Rogers, got off to a very good start, scoring 65 runs for the first wicket. They got out after getting starts of 38 and 25 runs respectively. Wickets started to tumble after the openers got out and the home team was struggling at 115 for five at one stage.

However, wicket-keeper batsman, John Simpson, and middle-order batsman, Gareth Berg, batted sensibly for a 66 run partnership. They scored 32 and 34 runs respectively, but failed to carry onto the start they got to their innings.

Lower-order batsmen, Ollie Rayner and Steven Finn, did a good job for their team, scoring 32 runs each. There was no half-century scored in the Middlesex innings, but they still managed to score close to 300 in the first innings.

Reece Topley was phenomenal with the ball in his hand, as he took five wickets for the visitors.

Essex batsmen were unable to post a threat to their opponents, as only five players reached double figures. Tom Westley was the top scorer with 36 runs whereas star opener, Alastair Cook, was the second highest scorer with 19 runs.

Middlesex’s attack bowler, Tim Murtagh, gave away a few runs, but he took four wickets in the innings. The visitors had to come out to bat once again, as the home team captain, Neil Dexter, imposed the follow on.

The second innings for the visitors was better compared to their first outing, but they were not able to post a serious threat to Middlesex. Westley was yet again the leading run scorer for his team, collecting 59 runs. Apart from him, Jaik Mickleburgh looked good for his 41 runs.

The South African born, Gareth Berg, was the pick of the bowlers for his team in the second innings, claiming four wickets. Middlesex required only 54 runs for victory after some good performances by their bowlers.

Although the hosts lost two quick wickets in their run chase, opener Newman guided his team to victory with an unbeaten 38 runs off 31 balls. Dawid Malan was the other not out batsmen, scoring 12 runs.

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ZULQARNAIN HAIDER TO FACE THE MUSIC ON HIS RETURN SAYS PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD

In a latest development regarding the runaway wicketkeeper, Zulqarnain Haider, it has been learned that he might return to Pakistan on April 24^th 2011. According to reports, Haider will be facing the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) disciplinary committee who will then decide his fate.

Haider has however, clarified that his passport is with the British authorities and until the travelling documents are returned, moving back to his country will not be possible.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the former player met up with the interior minister of Pakistan, Rehman Malik at the latter’s house in London, where he expressed the desire to return to the country and resume his cricket career. Haider also requested Malik to provide security to him and his family. It is believed that after the meeting with Malik, Haider finally made a decision to go back to Pakistan.

However, the lanky wicketkeeper has violated rules and regulations of the PCB and getting off the hook will not be an easy task. According to insiders, Haider will be up against PCB’s disciplinary and inquiry committee before getting clearance to resume his career.

The wicketkeeper, who has applied for asylum in the United Kingdom and is currently living there on a temporary residence permit, has not responded to the show-cause notice that was slapped by the PCB for his actions.

Haider in November 2010 became a matter of embarrassment for the PCB when he deserted his national team, which was in the United Arab Emirates playing a five-match One Day series against South Africa. Haider disappeared right before the fifth and final match of the tournament. The team management was clueless about his whereabouts, and it was only after the match that the UAE authorities informed that Pakistan’s wicketkeeper had boarded a United Kingdom bound flight.

After landing in London, Haider disclosed that he had received life threats from an unknown suspected bookmaker, who wanted him to lose the fourth and fifth match against the Proteas. Haider refused to comply and instead to opted to run for his life. Without revealing any names, he accused certain players within the team of having links with bookies. In his first press conference he announced his retirement from international cricket and expressed the wish to live peacefully in England.

However, later through his Facebook profile, the rogue cricketer pledged to announce the names of the individuals in the PCB that were involved in match-fixing. Nonetheless, he retracted his statement soon after fearing for his family’s security in Pakistan.

The PCB also terminated his central contract and has not cleared the money that the board owes him for representing Pakistan in the matches he played. Haider, threatened to sue the PCB for holding his payment, however, he never pursued a case against the country’s cricket board.

What made Haider finally decide to return home is still unclear, but now it seems as if within the coming days, the Haider saga will finally come to its conclusion - that is if he does indeed return to Pakistan

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Shahid Afridi does not accompany his team to West Indies

Pakistan’s limited overs skipper, Shahid Afridi, did not accompany his team on their flight to the West Indies on April 14, 2011.
His absence from the team raised a variety of speculations, that he forgot his passport in Karachi, or, he has requested the board to leave later because he wanted to visit his father in Karachi, who is not feeling well.
Apart from Afridi, the entire Pakistani squad set off from Lahore airport to Qatar, from where they will be leaving for West Indies, via London.
"Afridi will now join the team after leaving later on Thursday from Karachi", a board official said.
Not only this, the skipper also remained absent from the team’s last day in training camp, which also raised many questions. "Something may be wrong but no one is willing to speak about it", a source told media.
In the recently concluded International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cup 2011, Afridi brilliantly led his team to the semi-final stage of the tournament. Under his captaincy Pakistan remained among the top performing teams of the tournament.
The skipper was the top performer of his team, claiming 21 wickets, which are highest in the tournament along with Indian pacer, Zaheer Khan, who reached the same figure after the final.
After Pakistan team’s ouster from the mega event by India in the semi-final at Mohali, the national selectors decided to introduce some new talent for the Caribbean tour.
Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, and, Umar Gul, who were part of the mega event campaign, were sidelined, and Afridi revealed that selectors will come up with a different combination for the tour of Zimbabwe.
Before the team departed, manager Intikhab Alam, expressed hope that they will perform well and will come back home with a win.
The West Indies tour includes one Twenty20, two Tests and five One-Days. The warm-ups will start on 18^th of April, while the tournament will start with the first Twenty20 on April, 21, 2011.
Pakistan will play Test matches under the captaincy of Misbah-ul-Haq.

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Zulqarnain Haider wants to return to Pakistan

Pakistan’s runaway wicketkeeper, Zulqarnain Haider, has once again expressed desire to return to Pakistan and resume his cricketing career.

In the latest development regarding the former cricketer, who is seeking asylum in the United Kingdom, it has been learnt that he met Pakistan’s interior minister Rehman Malik in London.

According to details, Zulqarnain has requested the minister to provide him security once he returns back to Pakistan. The 24 year old Haider informed the minister that he wanted to resume playing cricket for his country but that would not be possible if he was not provided security by the government of Pakistan as he believes that there exist serious threats to his life by the people, who want to hurt him for not cooperating with them.

No official response has been recorded by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) or the Government of Pakistan regarding Haider’s request.

Two months back, Haider’s family was taken off a London bound flight by Pakistani security, as they were requested by the PCB not to let Haider’s family leave the country. However, later their passports were handed back to them.

Last year, Haider toured with the national team in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a series against South Africa as a replacement for regular wicketkeeper, Kamran Akmal.

However, he abandoned his team after the fourth One Day International (ODI) and fled to England without informing anyone. He later revealed upon reaching England, that he had been receiving life threats from an unknown individual, who he believed was a bookmaker.

According to the runaway wicketkeeper the bookie wanted him to lose the fourth and fifth ODI against the Proteas but Haider refused and instead fled to another country.

This caused an international embarrassment for Pakistan and the PCB because the country was already entangled in a spot-fixing fiasco and another controversy was the last thing the country wanted at that time.

After his desertion, Haider announced retirement from international cricket and pledged to live a peaceful life in the UK. But later he announced that he would be disclosing the names of the people in the PCB having links with match-fixers.

However, after posting this statement on his facebook page, he never mentioned the names of the culprits. Later he clarified that as long as his family was living in Pakistan, he was not in a position to unmask the black sheep within Pakistani cricket.

His family also complained of receiving threatening calls from an unknown number. The family requested the government to provide them security.

The PCB formulated a committee to look into the Haider saga, which concluded that the player carried a complicated personality and was easily made to believe things.

According to interviews with other teammates, who were close to him, it was revealed that the player was looking to settle in UK when he was with the team during Pakistan’s tour of England.

Haider then threatened to sue the PCB for leaking a false report regarding his personality. However, he did not start a legal battle with the country’s cricket board.

It is not clear what made him change his mind now, but it will be difficult for him to make a comeback in the national side after he accused many fellow players of being involved in match/spot-fixing. 

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