From the Editor :
We're not sadists or anything of that ill nature, but we thought an image of Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf during happier times would suit proceedings just perfectly in the wake of their respective bans. Huge fines, lifelong banishment and overall humiliation - have the Pakistan Cricket Board finally lost the plot? It has been a long time coming, it must be said.
On a less comical note, England and Bangladesh are good to go for their Test series opener. While Raqibul Hasan's shock retirement takes a back seat to the ongoing injury woe of Graham Onions and Stuart Broad, we're really hoping Stephen Finn gets a go come Friday's clash. All six foot, seven inches of him.
Fisticuffs with Lara Bingle's former boyfriend avoided, Michael Clarke will make his return to the Aussie set-up in the Test series against the Kiwis. For now though, he must watch from Down Under as his team-mates attempt Chappell-Hadlee Trophy glory. While we'd back Clarke in a punch-up with Brendan Fevola any day, we can't see the Black Caps going on to cause an upset at Eden Park and beyond.
Meanwhile, the long, ugly third edition of the Indian Premier League nears. A recent C365 poll - asking if you a) can't wait for the IPL, b) are sort of looking forward to the IPL or c) are certainly not looking forward to the IPL - weighed heavily to the latter. We couldn't agree more. Sixes buy the bucketload from awfully contrived, cosmopolitan teams is not our idea of enjoyment.
Those be the talking points, with no shortage of measure for you to discuss 'em. Send an e-mail to: cricket_editorial@teamtalkmedia.co.za, have a go on the Forum or just stick with the trusted Your Say.
Yours in cricket,
The C365 Team
Just a few days/weeks ago a story broke about the ICC handing over match fixing evidence to the PCB, which was quickly swept under the rug. The timing seems to coincide quite perfectly with these bans. I don't buy these non-performance/disciplinary reasons for a second.
Oh come on you lot! Anyone who saw the Sydney test must surely admit the tactics used by Pakistan (Yousef) towards the end of the match were nothing short of bizarre. Setting a one day field on one of the days when they were in control stands out for me,
Just when you thought things couldn't get much worse in Pakistan cricket. Once again the PCB punishes players for its own shortcomings...to me that's a lot better than a slap on the wrist that CA gave to Shane Warne & Mark Waugh for hobnobbing wih the bookies...most of the times i agree to what you say ArrogantOz but perhaps sometimes it's better to take a honest look into your/CA's own mirror??
This is so stupid ... IJAZ BUTT is a questionable what crime did Yousuf and Younis do that got them a life ban.... and y is rana naved banned for a year. this is just a plot for pakistan to lose the t20 world cup in May. stupid PCB. The senior board members carried out these bans and fines in order to save their own jobs!!
@Sreeks, it might well be so. I suspect the issue might be much bigger than non-performance or lack of discipline. I guess we'll never know. Whatever it is, It might not be something that the PCB would publicly admit to. 51, the PCB's press release did mention non-performance as being the primary reason. In a swift back-flip, the life-ban has since been withdrawn.
Imagine the decimation in international cricket ranks if all boards had chosen the path pakistan has after their teams were put to the sword by Australia.
I am surprised to see people banging on about the two Pakistani lads getting banned for performance issues. From what I am reading on the C365 they appear to have been banned for disciplinary issues that helped Pakistan perform badly?...Although I do not know what these alleged disciplinary issues are the question is how could they suddenly single out their behaviour as contributing to the teams poor performance when the team has consistently performed badly over numerous years...Something else will come out of the woodwork. Perhaps it is another Hansie issue they are trying to cover up whilst taking action at the same time.
Just when you thought things couldn't get much worse in Pakistan cricket. Once again the PCB punishes players for its own shortcomings. If there's a more dysfunctional administration in world cricket it could only be that gang of racist thugs in Zimbabwe. When is the PCB going to take an honest look in the mirror and address the obvious cause of the indiscipline, factionalism and rampant egotism in the team? The self denial of the PCB is absolutely stunning. Slapping arbitrary bans and fines on players will achieve nothing - Pakistan cricket needs a major institutional overhaul.
Handing life bans to your two best batsmen seems a great way to ensure that performances will improve in future! Albie's gone very quiet, hasn't he?
@beecher and Prophet . I dont think the ban is on basis of non performance . The PCB have admitted before about some alleged max fixing and all !! I dont know whether thats the reason, but something is fuming out there for sure and the non performance is definitely not the main issue . Anyway its too sad for cricket and I definitely feel for the poor Pakistani cricket fans who cant get any justice after their land is full of explosions.
I would assume that Pakistan law follows international employment law ; in that case, it all depends on the type of "punishments" put forward. If they are deemed to be disciplinary measures, the players have a right to defend their case. I think this is the case for Afridi and the Akmal brothers, who can't have much cause for complaint. Malik is a bit harder to pin down, and he probably has the best chance at a favourable ruling at the CAS. I do believe that Younis and Yousuf are not "banned", they just won't be picked again.
Posted 10/03/2010 @ 20:41
"if you are not a pakistani supporter your opinion is unappreciated"
Make sure you re-read that before flapping your big mouth and giving your 'unappreciated opinion' about other teams players then Albie...