Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Yesterday, there was a quiet protest in Karachi against PCB and selectors. Then there was news that PCB might submit a case (request) for the inclusion of Inzy. Though SY Khan denied that just a day before, but I guess PCB will favor public and Inzy will get what he deserves.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Pakistan think they have been treated unjustly...if anything the Sri Lankans have been treated ridiculously...they are one of the most talented teams in the World...to only have Muralitheran in both squads is ludicrous...im going to run out of superlatives soon...
Sangakkara is far and above the best wicket keeper batsmen besides Gilchrist...he has a fantastic test average...has star quality...will sledge those Aussie batsmen and is a top keeper...McCullum and Boucher are not in his class...he is a worse one day player than at test level so why he has only been picked for the one day side confuses me...
Afridi has been picked because he will bring in crowds...hes not the best opener but is no doubt the most exciting player in the world on his day...only sehwag and jayasuriya can match him in that department...so its strange that Jayasuriya hasnt made the squad considering the fact that commercially he is a good signing...but alas no Sanath...
And then the most atrocious decision of them all...no Chaminda Vaas...he is undoubtly the best left armer in World cricket and would have been a perfect partner for our Shoaib who i have no qualms about...Vaas is the best bowler in Asia at the moment and deserves a 1st spot...so to leave him out of the squad is a mystery...for those who criticise Shoaib...when he is fit you can guarantee wickets...and the Africa tour showed signs that he is a match winning bowler...
So if anyones had a tough deal...it is the Sri Lankans...they are not just Murli anymore...they have shown that they are a top team without him but unfortunately these dumb selectors havent realised that...
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Lets not over react, fine Inzi should have been selected but he wasn't. That doesn't change his stature in the game, everyone knows Inzi is class.
Move on, there are more things to worry about, like beating England!
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
There has been a huge fuss made regarding Inzamam's non inclusion in the World XI squad.
I am great follower and a fan of Pakistan team and to be honest with you his non selection DOES NOT surprise me. You can't please everyone and I have to admitt that some of the selections made were very surprsing i.e. Graham Smith getting captaincy and Shaun Pollock etc.
What we must try to understand is that Inzmam in tests bats around 4/5. For this position he is in competiton with likes of Dravid, Lara and Tendulkar etc. who are much better players than Inzmam and have better averages against Australia.
The English fans have not made any fuss regarding Muchael Vaughn not getting selected. After all he has much and I stress much much better record against Australia and has a very good record as a captain.
So can we please try to understand that the fact despite Inzman being Pakistan premier batsman doesn't necessarily gurantee a automatic selection after all there are better players than him in the world.
Protest over Inzamam’s exclusion
KARACHI: A group of zealous cricket fans staged a demonstration in front of the Karachi Press Club (KPC) here, protesting against the surprising-cum-shocking omission of Pakistan and Asian XI captain Inzamam-ul-Haq from the World XI Test and one-day squads announced recently.
Right-handed middle-order batsman Inzamam, who led Asian XI in a three-match one-day series against an African XI side, was not picked by the International Cricket Council (ICC) selection panel, headed by former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, for the World XI team that will feature in Super Series against Australia at Melbourne and Sydney in October.
Gulfraz Khan described the ouster of Inzamam as a ‘murder of cricket’. The Karachi City Cricket Association (KCCA) Secretary Prof. Siraj-ul-Islam Bukhari, who took part in the demonstration along with the officials of various KCCA zones, expressed his surprise over the exclusion of in-form Inzamam from World XI. "It’s a great injustice with the cricket as the World XI is incomplete without Inzamam. It is a blow for cricket," he expressed.
The demonstration was organised by the Sports Welfare Association and the KCCA with several first-class cricketers, a Test cricketer and several other international sportsmen taking part in the demonstration.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Where is Inzi?
By Amir Ahmad
Amir, like many PPers wonders why Inzi has been overlooked by the ICC for its matches against Australia....
Earlier this year the ICC announced the mouthwatering prospect of World XI vs. Australians. One can not imagine how absorbing these clashes will be, with the world’s finest squad against the world’s finest men brought together from all over the world. However, for those who have such a thought, would be deeply mistaken as many puzzling inclusions and exclusions have the fans screaming for justice. There were many notable inclusions such as Kevin Pietersen, Herschelle Gibbs, and Daniel Vettori amongst many others. Many notable omissions were India’s match winner Anil Kumble, Sri Lanka’s precision expert Chaminda Vaas, and Pakistan’s run machine Inzamam-ul-Haq. The most baffling exclusion out of those three has to be Inzamam, a man that has an average over 50 with bat as captain and is in astounding form, yet did not make the cut in either team.
Inzamam’s exclusion from the one day side was absolute shocking to say the least. Since January 2004, Inzamam averages a staggering 46.38, and mind you this is all during he is captain for Pakistan. During a phase, which many pundits deem that quality of a batsman goes down due to the inheritance of much more responsibility. However this is not the case for Inzi as his average shoots up an astounding 6.93 points from his career average of 39.90. Not too forget, Inzamam was the second man in history to score 10000 ODI runs, after India’s Sachin Tendulkar.
Even more shocking were the men that beat Inzamam for the position: Gibbs, Pietersen and Sehwag. No doubt all three are very talented in their own respect, however none of them warrant a place over the gentle giant. Gibbs ODI record since January 2004 is a decent 35.17. Certainly with that average, he warrants a spot in the South African team, however not with the worlds greatest. I believe you need an outstanding record for the World XI, and Gibbs does not make that cut. Also not too forget the average is a bit inflated, due to the fact he clobbered a struggling English attack at home and a West Indies team in disarray. His record against more quality opposition outside of home is nothing to gloat about as he was horribly exposed in Sri Lanka (Number 2 in the official one day rankings) and New Zealand (Number 4). Some may argue that the one day squad needs a opener, however one must realize Gibbs bats at number four now and is competing for a middle order slot just like Inzamam, which the stats clearly show Inzi is way ahead of Gibbs in that race.
Virender Sehwag can turn the game on its head in a blink of an eye. Arguably, one of the most destructive batsmen in the game today, his form has been alarming since January 2004. Since then, Sehwag has averaged a very dismal 27.35. Even Shahid Afridi, who many deem as a play and miss character, averages higher than Sehwag in this period. With a record like that, he may struggle to find a spot in the Indian side soon, let alone how on earth he was picked for the World XI. Sehwag’s terrible run of form continued at the start of this season. With a dull record in the Indian Oil Cup, it continued to the Afro-Asia cup, where he looked out of all sorts playing the moving ball as he scored single digits in two of the three games. Sehwag can be destructive on his day, however the inconsistency he has shown in the past year suggests that may only occur once in a blue moon.
Kevin Pietersen has had an astonishing start to his one day career, and probably provides the strongest case against Inzamam. It is the strongest case, however not strong enough. One cannot deny the talent or pizzazz Pietersen possess, however it is early days to deem him a better batsman than a quality batsman in form like Inzi. Pietersen’s one day record of 87.33 is out of this world. He already has three one day hundreds recorded to his name, and one would think he should be an automatic selection within the World XI. However, one must remember, all three of those hundreds came against South Africa. For those who did not know, Pietersen was born and raised in South Africa. He grew up playing his cricket there till he was 20 years old. Therefore, he was fairly accustomed to the pitches and conditions, and he also grew up playing against many in the South African side, such as Andre Nel. Many will raise the question between Pieterson’s and Inzi’s record against the Australians. Due to the fact Inzamam has been playing longer than Pietersen, it is unfair to judge him on his past record (which is not being evaluated by the selectors) but rather we will look at Inzi’s recent record. In 7 matches, all at home, Pietersen only managed to score two fifties against a struggling Australian bowling attack desperately searching for form. While in the recent VB one-day series held in Australia, in only 5 matches, Inzi scored three fifties(not including West Indies), and not too forget he scored a fourth fifty against them 4 months prior to that tournament at Lords. It is still very much early days for Pietersen, and no doubt he possesses much talent, however we are speaking of the present and as of the present Inzi’s one day form and legacy rules out Pietersen’s future potential.
That was only the one day team that was assessed. In tests matches, Inzi may not provide a case as strong as the one above, however still holds one in its own respect. Since January 2004, Inzi has averaged a staggering 58.75, all the while he was captain. Once again, stressing the fact that this is a period in which most batsmen tend to perform below par. During this period, current World XI test captain, Graeme Smith averaged a healthy 54.82. One must also realize many of these matches were played at home and against a struggling West Indies (which Inzi only played one test against them). One cannot say Smith does not deserve to be in the team, however if Inzi averages higher than Smith, and both are captains, why was Inzi left out? Some may argue, that the World XI needed an opener, however if you have seven world class batsmen, is their any real need for a specialist opener? When you can promote any one man to open, such as Dravid or Tendulkar, both whom have experience? After all it is only for one measly test, not for the rest of their career. Some may speak of Inzi’s record against the Australians, however if you bring his record into play, you must bring Kallis’s record too. Kallis averages 32.62 against Australia in his whole career, while Inzi averages a slightly better 34.09. Some may argue, Kallis’s outstanding record of late, while one could do the same for Inzi. The man scored a match winning one hundred in West Indies, saved Pakistan numerous occasions in India, and hit a another match winning hundred against Sri Lanka. With so much batting talent in today’s test cricket, it may be difficult for Inzi to find him a spot in the playing eleven; however a man of such class and in such form should be in the squad of 14 at bare minimum.
Esteemed Pakistani writer Osman Samiuddin, brought up a interesting point of view in his recent article, that Inzi may not possess the certain star quality that other players have. Inzi is not as gifted as other players when it comes to speaking English, therefore many do not see his name appear in the media too often. However, one does not know, Inzi is a very vocal character and always voices his opinion in the media, the Pakistani media that is. One will rarely, see Inzi being quoted on CricInfo or BBC, however if one reads Pakistani newspaper and media giant, The Source News, one will always see Inzi voicing his opinion here and there. Inzi may not dye his hair, come from a late night on the town, or will make any comments about other players in the media; however what he does possess is sheer class and entertainment value. He has shown he has the ability to build an innings (21 test hundreds) or just be a pure brasher of the ball (His performance in the 92 World Cup semi final, to go along with his 81 ODI fifties). If you compared Kallis or Dravd to Inzi on sheer entertainment value, and you asked any non-bias fan, one would pick Inzi over the two any day, due to Kallis and Dravid’s more technical approach to the game. Therefore, to pick Inzi because he lacks star quality is wrong because the man possess too much class to be left out.
Arguably it may be too late to get Inzi into the squad now, barring an injury and even then he may still struggle to find a spot, but the ICC can take steps in the future to make sure such injustice does not occur. Despite the selection committee being made of past legends, one cannot help but overcome personal bias at times. No matter whom one is personal favourites will always play on one’s mind when deciding the team. To avoid such controversy in the future, the ICC should have one respected selector from each test nation (including Zimbabwe and Bangladesh). Thus, one cannot say, “the selectors were playing on personal bias.” The second step ICC can take is to let the fans decide the playing eleven, or at least take the fans votes into account, after all this series is for them. This is a similar system which the American sports use, and rarely are the fans disappointed in not seeing their favourites. A recent poll was done on CricInfo, where over 16000 fans around the world voted. Inzamam was amongst the top 10 in both teams, nominated as the one day captain, and one cannot say he is not a fan favourite, if the fans themselves happen to vote him in! In conclusion, to avoid such injustice in the future, the ICC needs to appoint a selector from each country, and let the fans have some say because who better to ask, when the series is made just for them.
inzamam average in 2005 is 90+ (both in TEST & ODI)
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
^ Akhter will probably be there against England with our team (that is improving and improving) and that is enough to give England a tough time. They have just seen Bret Lee and they don't know what REAL fast bowlers are all about.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
This is the worst team selection. Selectors must be on pot & it is shame that PCB is not making big issue out of it. They should. There is no need to play nice.
Inzi atleast should have been in ODI squad. I wont push a lot for his Test team slection ( though on current form he deserves a place) is because he always struggled in test matches in AUS and selecters can have a ground there. But ODI exclusion is just ridiculous considering that Sehwag & Gibbs are in ODI team. I dont know what Sehwag,Sachin and Gibbs has done to warrant a place in ICC ODI XI. Sehwag doesnt even deserve a place in Indian ODI XI.
How come Nitini , Shoib & Pollock are better rated than Vass in ODI. For me Vass is the best new ball bolwler in ODI today.
How come Gayle doesnt get a look and Sehwag and Gibbs does. How come Vettori is better player in test matches than Kumble. ODI I agree.
This is disgusting and idiotic... !!!
My team would be :
World XI Test: squad
Michal Vaughan(C), Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid (vc), Sachin, Brian Lara, Jacques Kallis,
Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock, Kumar Sangakarra, Steve Harmison, Shoaib Akhtar, Muttiah Muralitharan,
Anil Kumble
World XI ODI squad :C
Chris Gayle,Kumar Sangakkara, Sachin Tendulkar (vc), Brian Lara(VC),Inzimam,Jacques Kallis, Kevin Pietersen,
Inzimam(C), Andrew Flintoff, Shaun Pollock (capt), Shahid Afridi,
Shoaib Akhtar,Chaminda Vaas, Muttiah Muralitharan, Daniel vettori
PS: I couldnot stop myself from posting because of this stupid team selection. had to.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
F & B, kis ne roka haa hay yaar? baar baar karo post … :k:
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
where’s inzi?im boycotting this stupid series 
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
if aus cannot win oval test...
so for what will be super series???
(aus has not lost series from 2001 when they were last beaten by
india in india 2-1)
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
It doesn’t matter what will be the result of the Ashes. World XI are suppose to face the team which topped the ICC test championships table on April 1st of this year.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Tendi was not fit to play the Videocon tri series and now has announced that he won't be playing the forthcoming series against zimbabwe.
We know that the decision of omitting inzi from supereries and including tendi into it was a crappy decision but now it appears more ridiculous considering the fitness of tendi.
Indian squad for triseries was announced before the squad for super series was announced. Did the super series selection panel even bother to ask tendi or his physio about his fitness status. Now it has become even more comical that on one hand they have excluded an inform inzi unfairly and on the other hand an out of form player who is constantly declaring himself unfit before every series has been included.
Regardless of tendi's past performance, what justification the selection panel has now for still keeping tendi in the squad. I think its about time that some one should think straight and end this comedy by including inzi in the squad and kicking tendi out on fitness grounds. This is the best possible way of ending this controversy in an uncontroversial manner.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
without tenda ICC won't be able to profit much from india. that is why he is in the squads otherwise his recent performace won't help him to make even indian XI let alone WXI.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
Just read on Cricinfo that tendi might be unavailable for Super series.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
They are also saying that Inzi and Vaughan have been named stand bys in case tendi is unable to take part. Now ideally they should pick inzi considering his current form and plus the protest shown on behalf of him. On the other hand if England clinch the Ashes, Vaughan will be a strong contender for the spot. But overall I would say inzi has more chances specially the selection panel will be knowing that they have already messed up once and they don’t want to mess it up again.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
^ Vaughan is a poor ODI player to say the least. Even for tests, I would bet that Inzi has the higher average given the past year.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
What a moronic statement!
Lee is equally fast and more intelligent bowler. Plus he can bowl all five days 
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
I agree. I guess if tendi doesn’t play, than to balance out, they will include inzi in the ODI squad and Vaughan in the test squad. Although I will love to see inzi in both the squads. However one of the concerns the selection panel showed was his fitness for a six day game, and by including him in the test squad, they will be self contradicting themselves.
P.S. please don’t start a new debate on the fitness of inzi for test match. It was one of the baseless point raised by the seelction panel.
Re: ICC Super series. Rest of the world Squads named
http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=189700 (Title tells the story)
