Breaking/Brief news
July 19, 2007
An Indo-Pak Twenty20 game for Bob Woolmer?
This is totally beyond my understanding. The late Bob Woolmer's widow, Gill, wants India and Pakistan to play a Twenty20 game as a fund-raiser for his cricket academy in South Africa.
I know he was born in India. But, in my opinion, the countries that should do the fund-raising are South Africa, Pakistan and England. The academy is in South Africa, he coached South Africa and the Woolmers lived there. He last coached Pakistan and he played for England.
This is a blatant abuse of the drawing power of India's cricketers and sponsors. Although Niranjan Shah, the BCCI secretary, says time has to be found, time will be found. The Twenty20 World Cup is to be held in South Africa in September 2007. I'm sure India and Pakistan will play a game prior to that tournament. That'll mean South African spectators come in to watch these two teams in action. Since it'd be tied in with the Twenty20 World Cup, that guarantees a TV audience too!
Disgusting, but a win-win situation for everyone but India's and Pakistan's players.
Labels: bob woolmer
Thus spake Jagadish @ 2:44 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 29, 2007
Bob Woolmer: Not murdered?
Either Mark Shileds has no where close to finding Woolmer's murderer (if there is such a thing) or he's has a tendency to be oft misquoted. The Cricinfo report here says quite clearly that the police has ruled out the Pakistani players as suspects and were now treating them as witnesses.
Turns out the next day Shields is being quoted by Guardian as saying this is not the case, in facts he describes PJ Mir's "claims" to that effect as being "inaccurate", repeating that "nobody could be ruled out".
Well Shields, if that is the case, why did you say only 24 hours earlier that "It's fair to say they are now being treated as witnesses". Does the 'they' in that statement not refer to the same Pakistani players?
Also, several news agencies have reported the results of the first autopsy were not accurate, but Guardian added that he might not have been murdered at all. In that same Guardian report linked to earlier, an unnamed PCB official is quoted as implying that the Jamaican police had acted 'hastily' by declaring Woolmer's death as murder:
Meanwhile, back home, our players have returned, half of them in Karachi, half in Lahore, and obviously, they weren't exactly welcomed back with open arms. But still, the way its been reported in the media has disappointed me (Cricinfo say the ones at Karachi were "heckled by a crowd of around 100 people" some of which chanted stuff like "go to hell").
In Lahore things were calmer, but only because the players were let out secretly through the cargo section. One waiting fan there, reportedly said, "We didn't want to hurt them, we just wanted to vent our frustration". Yeah right, venting out your frustrating by shouting out stuff like "go to hell"? How civil is that?
Sad to see that even the tragic events of last three weeks has brought back very little perspective into the psyche of the obsessive cricket fan here. Very, sad indeed.
Turns out the next day Shields is being quoted by Guardian as saying this is not the case, in facts he describes PJ Mir's "claims" to that effect as being "inaccurate", repeating that "nobody could be ruled out".
Well Shields, if that is the case, why did you say only 24 hours earlier that "It's fair to say they are now being treated as witnesses". Does the 'they' in that statement not refer to the same Pakistani players?
Also, several news agencies have reported the results of the first autopsy were not accurate, but Guardian added that he might not have been murdered at all. In that same Guardian report linked to earlier, an unnamed PCB official is quoted as implying that the Jamaican police had acted 'hastily' by declaring Woolmer's death as murder:
"We believe that the autopsy by the pathologist may have had error counts and [the police] are now considering having a second autopsy to confirm the cause of death," said the official. "The feedback we have got is there are some contradictions in the version of events after Woolmer was found unconscious. But we will get a clearer picture after our manager briefs the board on what took place there"This has now forced Shileds and co. to order a second autopsy, though he maintained, that the police was confident they first one was accurate and he in particular was 'sure' that Woolmer was murdered. He conceded, nevertheless, that it was an issue that might be brought up by the defense after they make arrests and trial is held.
Meanwhile, back home, our players have returned, half of them in Karachi, half in Lahore, and obviously, they weren't exactly welcomed back with open arms. But still, the way its been reported in the media has disappointed me (Cricinfo say the ones at Karachi were "heckled by a crowd of around 100 people" some of which chanted stuff like "go to hell").
In Lahore things were calmer, but only because the players were let out secretly through the cargo section. One waiting fan there, reportedly said, "We didn't want to hurt them, we just wanted to vent our frustration". Yeah right, venting out your frustrating by shouting out stuff like "go to hell"? How civil is that?
Sad to see that even the tragic events of last three weeks has brought back very little perspective into the psyche of the obsessive cricket fan here. Very, sad indeed.
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, muder, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Unknown @ 3:21 am | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 26, 2007
Match-fixing in cricket: Separating the facts from the myths
Now I have to make an admission first, given there is still no concrete evidence what so ever of match fixing having anything to do with the murder of Bob Woolmer, I find the constant speculation in this regard increasingly annoying.
Labels: bob woolmer, death, match fixing, moin khan, rashid latif, sarfaraz nawaz, shehreyar khan, vaughan
Thus spake Unknown @ 5:21 pm | Sledge/Read 6 sledge(s)
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March 23, 2007
Bob Woolmer was murdered
After much speculation through out the week, the police have now confirmed that our former coach Bob Woolmer was strangled to death and hence murdered. The full press release form the corps can be read here, but one doesn't really need to read any special statements to know just how devastating this bit of news is.
You could take your pick from the conspiracy theories galore about the killer (or killers') possible motivation for killing Bob. The most popular one is that it may have been a maniac 'fan' who vented out his anger for the loss against Ireland, but people (including the media) have also been saying an involvement of bookies cannot be ruled out, given his forthcoming book was expected to reveal a lot of information on match fixing.
Others have done their calculations and suggested that President Musharraf him self may be involved (to divert attention from a growing political and judicial turmoil at home in Pakistan they allege), further more suggestion point fingers at no less then the Taliban or Jaamat-e-Islami it self.
Some of my friends were of the opinion it could well be just some ordinary drunk, mob or burglar who tried to rob Woolmer, but when he probably found nothing in his possession worth stealing, he got outraged and killed him.
But that's unlikely, given newspaper reports have confirmed the police did not find any evidence of the door lock at Bob's hotel was tampered with, giving rise to the conclusion that he probably knew the killer, and so let him in without any confrontation.
Another theory, hence, could also be that it may be some one who had nothing to do with cricket at all, some one who perhaps had a personal grievance against him. I don't know if I subscribe to any of these theories really, I'm just shocked and struggling to come to terms with how some one may be driven to take some one else's life in such a sickening, horrible manner. It just shocks me, more then anything.
Our players were questioned as a standard part of the investigation yesterday, and their fingers prints were taken as well, and there were reports that some players weren't happy about this, because it made them feel like they were being treated as suspects. I can understand where the players are coming from, a lot of them have come out spoken and about how Bob was like a father to them, and most of them will have been personally affected by his death.
In such circumstances it may be uncomfortable for them to be part of the investigation into Bob's murder, but this is standard procedure, and more then that, any information from any one which might lead to finding the killer must be explored. Whoever it was, whatever his, her or their motive was, I just hope he is brought to task.
You could take your pick from the conspiracy theories galore about the killer (or killers') possible motivation for killing Bob. The most popular one is that it may have been a maniac 'fan' who vented out his anger for the loss against Ireland, but people (including the media) have also been saying an involvement of bookies cannot be ruled out, given his forthcoming book was expected to reveal a lot of information on match fixing.
Others have done their calculations and suggested that President Musharraf him self may be involved (to divert attention from a growing political and judicial turmoil at home in Pakistan they allege), further more suggestion point fingers at no less then the Taliban or Jaamat-e-Islami it self.
Some of my friends were of the opinion it could well be just some ordinary drunk, mob or burglar who tried to rob Woolmer, but when he probably found nothing in his possession worth stealing, he got outraged and killed him.
But that's unlikely, given newspaper reports have confirmed the police did not find any evidence of the door lock at Bob's hotel was tampered with, giving rise to the conclusion that he probably knew the killer, and so let him in without any confrontation.
Another theory, hence, could also be that it may be some one who had nothing to do with cricket at all, some one who perhaps had a personal grievance against him. I don't know if I subscribe to any of these theories really, I'm just shocked and struggling to come to terms with how some one may be driven to take some one else's life in such a sickening, horrible manner. It just shocks me, more then anything.
Our players were questioned as a standard part of the investigation yesterday, and their fingers prints were taken as well, and there were reports that some players weren't happy about this, because it made them feel like they were being treated as suspects. I can understand where the players are coming from, a lot of them have come out spoken and about how Bob was like a father to them, and most of them will have been personally affected by his death.
In such circumstances it may be uncomfortable for them to be part of the investigation into Bob's murder, but this is standard procedure, and more then that, any information from any one which might lead to finding the killer must be explored. Whoever it was, whatever his, her or their motive was, I just hope he is brought to task.
Labels: bob woolmer, death, murder
Thus spake Unknown @ 2:25 pm | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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Last Hope For This World Cup?
As I was preparing this post, I thought of pointing out that these two games on Friday - West Indies versus Ireland in Jamaica and India versus Sri Lanka in Trinidad, were key to the success of the World Cup. As news broke of Bob Woolmer's death being a murder, it now seems regardless of what happens on the cricket field, this World Cup will be forever remembered for Woolmer's murder. If there is any hope left of this World Cup being remembered positively, that now hangs on the outcome of these two matches.
If the West Indies lose their game against Ireland, they will enter the Super Eights without a single point. Worse yet, the teams from the other groups will have the advantage of having Ireland to play, while the Windies will have no such luxury. The West Indies will find it difficult to make the semi finals and the interest of the local fans will wane significantly. A good showing by the home team is important in any World Cup, but more so for this edition, given the vast numbers of empty seat that are on show accross the Caribbean. The only group matches that have drawn anywhere near a capacity crowd have been the Windies games.
If the Indians lose their game, they will be out of the tournament (assuming that Bangladesh will beat Bermuda), and the interest level of the approximately 1 billion Indian fans would have dissipated. The tournament would then be a major disappointment for tournament sponsors who would undoubtedly lose millions of dollars from advertisement that was aimed at large Indian television audiences. This potential financial calamity for the sponsors would in all likelihood make any future World Cups in the West Indies a remote possibility.
Give a cheer Friday for the West Indies and for India. After Woolmer's murder, what's left of this World Cup may just be riding on the fortunes of these two teams.
(Cross posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, india, west indies, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 10:47 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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Woolmer Strangled
Today, Jamaican local press pre-empted official police reports by announcing to the world that Bob Woolmer had been strangled. The shocking headlines that had followed days of wild speculation were confirmed late today by local police.
According to Mark Shields, Jamaica's deputy commissioner of police, the police have no suspects at this time. Prior to the official statement by the Jamaican police, there has been speculation that Woolmer was killed by an angry fan or by Pakistani bookies who wanted to keep Woolmer from making revelations about match fixing in Pakistan in an upcoming book. Regardless of whoever killed Bob Woolmer, this murder revelation has cast a horrible shadow over the remainder of this World Cup. The game of love and unity suddenly doesn't feel so important anymore.
Despite opinions that the World Cup should not continue in the wake of Woolmer's murder, ICC Chief Executive Officer, Malcolm Speed today confirmed at the press conference that the World Cup would go on. Chris Dehring, the CEO of World Cup 2007 also expressed confidence in the security arrangements in place for the rest of the World Cup. That claim must ring a little hollow.
That Woolmer was murdered for cricket related reasons is the obvious motive right now. There are no reports of items missing from his hotel room. There are no signs of forced entry. Woolmer either let his murderer into his 12th floor room at the Jamaica Pegasus or he left the door ajar. It would be an incredible coincidence if Woolmer happened to have been murdered immediately after one of Pakistan's most dismal days on the cricket pitch for an unrelated reason. The fact that there were no signs of forced entry will undoubtedly fuel speculation that the murder may have been committed by a person or persons familiar to Woolmer. The Jamaican police are seemingly convinced that members of the Pakistani entourage have information that can aid their investigation. Here is an extract from Jamaican Police Commissioner Lucius Thomas' statement:
"It is our belief that those associated with or having access to Mr Woolmer may have vital information that would assist this inquiry. We appeal to these individuals to come forward now to assist us with our investigation."
There has long been a seedy under belly to international cricket. Rumours of match fixing abound in the subcontinent. In fact three former captains, Mohammad Azharuddin of India, Hansie Cronje of South Africa and Salim Malik of Pakistan have all received life bans for match-fixing. In the subcontinent, effigies are burnt, houses and people attacked whenever the subcontinent teams do badly as evidenced when Pakistan and India were upset at this World Cup. The game of cricket has very much lost its soul , and Woolmer's murder is now the latest and most stunning incarnation of this fact.
(Cross posted from Rain, No Play)
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, match fixing, world cup
Thus spake Sean @ 5:44 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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March 22, 2007
Bob Woolmer's Death : The Investigation & Speculations Continue
Its being reported now that the Pakistani players are now being questioned too in association with the investigation into Bob's death. Cricinfo's The Surfer has a media round up of all the speculation that has arisen since the inconclusive findings of the autopsy yesterday, but you'd be well advised to hear this audio link from the BBC. Its a mini interview of Bob's wife, Gill, in which she refutes speculation that her husband may have taken his own life following Pakistan's exit from the World Cup, in addition to slamming some of the other media speculation surrounding the reason's of Woolmer's death.
I hope the media show some respect for the family's sentiments and not make a complete drama out of this, certain people have been linking all sorts of stuff to his death. GEO news yesterday I saw did an extended report full of rubbish about how his forthcoming book in which there were revelations about match fixing could have been a cause for him to be murdered. Other hyperbole creators have also been spreading rumors about how Islamic groups, or tableeghi jamaats as they're called, may have part. All hogwash of the highest order. These people should realise how some of this speculation will make his grieving family feel. Just leave this matter alone I say, and let the investigation take its course.
I hope the media show some respect for the family's sentiments and not make a complete drama out of this, certain people have been linking all sorts of stuff to his death. GEO news yesterday I saw did an extended report full of rubbish about how his forthcoming book in which there were revelations about match fixing could have been a cause for him to be murdered. Other hyperbole creators have also been spreading rumors about how Islamic groups, or tableeghi jamaats as they're called, may have part. All hogwash of the highest order. These people should realise how some of this speculation will make his grieving family feel. Just leave this matter alone I say, and let the investigation take its course.
Cross posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Labels: bob woolmer, death
Thus spake Unknown @ 4:21 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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Goodbye Woolmer, Goodbye Inzi, Hello Brand New Hope
Sometimes a picture says a thousand words, yesterday's match between Pakistan and Zimbabwe (which I sadly watched very little of because of a social commitment) is one such occasion. No detailed analysis for my readers this time, just these pictures.
(© AFP)
The match started with a minute of silence in Bob's memory, when really any number of minutes of silence wouldn't have done justice...
© AFP
Imran Nazir put up a bit of show, the rest came and went, but it always all really going to be about one man - Inzi. In his last innings at the international stage, here he is, playing that masterful cut shut again.
(© AFP)
And there's the famous pull shot, how many of those did he play in his glorious career? Look at the poor fielder in the background, doesn't he look petrified by Inzi's mere presence, even though the ball is going no where near him? Imran doesn't call him the world's best batsman against pace bowlers for nothing.
© AFP
But then he played one too many, and held out add mid on, looking on as a fielder gets him out for one final time in Pakistan's one-day colours, and who knows, may be even in test colours...
(© AFP)
Then there's the usual slow walk back to the pavilion. Inzi's never been famous for going back quickly, but yesterday, with all the Zimbabwean players coming to shake hands and the necessary acknowledge of the meager crowd that had come into watch, meant the walk this time was that much more longer.
(© Getty Images)
And then finally, as he's taking his final steps across the field, the emotional, sensitive Inzi can't help come out from the calm, unflappable exterior we have seen all these years. The big man's crying....
(© AFP)
And holding back those tears, with all that has happened off late, isn't proving to be easy. Its only dawns on at the very last moment, reality, doesn't it? We take so many things for granted, and then suddenly you realise, oh no, its all going...
(© AFP)
And then as Pakistan, for once last time under Inzi's leadership took the field to take a consolation victory against Zimbabwe, for their retiring captain and deceased coach, the rain came pouring down. Perhaps it was meant to be reminiscent
(© Getty Images)
Perhaps that was what made Inzi smile at the end, that things really couldn't get any worse from here on it, they could only get better. Good bye Inzi, goodbye Woolmer, hello brand new hope.
Cross posted on Sundries
Cross posted on Sundries
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, imran nazir, inzamam, pakistan, world cup, zimbabwe
Thus spake Unknown @ 4:14 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 21, 2007
Woolmer's death 'suspicious'
The speculation yesterday that Bob Woolmer might have died due to drug and alcohol abuse may still proved to be incorrect, but police officials have nevertheless termed the results of Woolmer's autopsy inconclusive, and hence his sudden death 'suspicious'.
Further tests to determine the cause of death have now been requested, and everyone awaits their results. The Jamaica deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said they treated any sudden death as suspicious and that the pathologists just wanted to be absolutely sure, but with rumors of "marks" being found around the neck of the dead body also around, its not hard to see why they went in for more tests.
That Woolmer might have been murdered is another devastating bit of news for the Pakistan players, whose state of mind ahead of our final game against Zimbabwe would have been bad as it following the news of Woolmer's death and Inzi's one-day retirement.
I'm not surprised Cricinfo reported that the players were "reluctant" to play, but reportedly Naseem Ashraf (who has already resigned) asked them to play on. Mushtaq Ahmed, the assistant coach, led the charge in our practice session ahead of the match, and later spoke to press about the mood in the Pakistani camp and how much the players have been affected; Dileep Premachandran has the quotes in a poignant preview the match for Cricinfo here.
PJ Mir, the media manager, has also confirmed the players will be taking part in a small remembrance ceremony after the game, but as Dileep says in the preview also, the best tribute we can hope to give Woolmer, in the circumstances, is by winning.
Cross-posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Further tests to determine the cause of death have now been requested, and everyone awaits their results. The Jamaica deputy police commissioner Mark Shields said they treated any sudden death as suspicious and that the pathologists just wanted to be absolutely sure, but with rumors of "marks" being found around the neck of the dead body also around, its not hard to see why they went in for more tests.
That Woolmer might have been murdered is another devastating bit of news for the Pakistan players, whose state of mind ahead of our final game against Zimbabwe would have been bad as it following the news of Woolmer's death and Inzi's one-day retirement.
I'm not surprised Cricinfo reported that the players were "reluctant" to play, but reportedly Naseem Ashraf (who has already resigned) asked them to play on. Mushtaq Ahmed, the assistant coach, led the charge in our practice session ahead of the match, and later spoke to press about the mood in the Pakistani camp and how much the players have been affected; Dileep Premachandran has the quotes in a poignant preview the match for Cricinfo here.
PJ Mir, the media manager, has also confirmed the players will be taking part in a small remembrance ceremony after the game, but as Dileep says in the preview also, the best tribute we can hope to give Woolmer, in the circumstances, is by winning.
Cross-posted on Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan and Sundries
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, pakistan, world cup, zimbabwe
Thus spake Unknown @ 12:57 pm | Sledge/Read 0 sledge(s)
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March 19, 2007
In the memory of Robert Andrew Woolmer
Ah, when to the heart of manWas it ever less than a treason
To go with the drift of things,
To yield with a grace to reason,
And bow and accept the end
Of a love or a season?
~ Robert Frost
Bob Woolmer, 1948-2007
Image: Copyright Martin Williamson, from Cricinfo
Life is strange. A day after what was perhaps Pakistan's worst performance in our entire cricket history, Bob Woolmer, our coach, passed away, due to what might have been a heart attack at round about 4 PM Pakistani time, after being found unconscious in his hotel room earlier in the day. Around the same time I was writing a detailed post on my own blog about both his achievements and short comings as the coach of Pakistan. A few hours later, as the news of his death broke, a deep sense of sorrow and reflection on whether I was perhaps a bit too judgmental and a bit too hasty in my reactions, ensued within me, and can now be seen across the Pakistani and indeed global blogosphere, as more people react to the sad news.
I think it’s important to understand that the over reaction from some people aside, the majority of Pakistan’s fan had nothing personal against the man. In any professional field, when you do a job and the stakes are high, and your results aren’t good, there is some criticism. And Bob him self was a very broad-minded man when it came to taking criticism, I remember that in the early part of his coaching stint he replied to each and every single email he received from countless Pakistani fans flocking at his website, responding to everything, from praise, to criticism to just suggestions.
Of course he couldn’t keep up this regime as the number of emails and his own work assignments kept growing and growing, but it showed, that initial phase, of how eager and keen he was about his assignment with the Pakistan team. Through out his stint he spoke of his time with Pakistan as an ongoing challenge, off late, especially since August last year, he had increasingly spoken of the mental strains of the job, admitting that he’d considered resigning at one point after the Oval fiasco, and saying as late as yesterday, in the immediate aftermath of our loss against Ireland, that things “take toll on you”.
May be Bob was just tired, or may be couldn’t bear the result yesterday, it’s very tough, and unfair even, to speculate now, but either way, his sudden death, certainly puts things in perspective. Sport is after all, just sport, and nothing is bigger then life it self. Perhaps we over rate winning and losing, and the joy and sorrow we derive from each. Bob Woolmer may not have achieved all that Pakistani fans would have hoped he would achieve for Pakistan Cricket, but we, and I really hope I am speaking on behalf of all of fans of the game here in this country, do have a lot of respect for you Bob, as a human being, if nothing, for the mere fact that you put up with us, and our judgmental analysis of you for three years, we’re so sorry; may your soul rest in peace.
I think it’s important to understand that the over reaction from some people aside, the majority of Pakistan’s fan had nothing personal against the man. In any professional field, when you do a job and the stakes are high, and your results aren’t good, there is some criticism. And Bob him self was a very broad-minded man when it came to taking criticism, I remember that in the early part of his coaching stint he replied to each and every single email he received from countless Pakistani fans flocking at his website, responding to everything, from praise, to criticism to just suggestions.
Of course he couldn’t keep up this regime as the number of emails and his own work assignments kept growing and growing, but it showed, that initial phase, of how eager and keen he was about his assignment with the Pakistan team. Through out his stint he spoke of his time with Pakistan as an ongoing challenge, off late, especially since August last year, he had increasingly spoken of the mental strains of the job, admitting that he’d considered resigning at one point after the Oval fiasco, and saying as late as yesterday, in the immediate aftermath of our loss against Ireland, that things “take toll on you”.
May be Bob was just tired, or may be couldn’t bear the result yesterday, it’s very tough, and unfair even, to speculate now, but either way, his sudden death, certainly puts things in perspective. Sport is after all, just sport, and nothing is bigger then life it self. Perhaps we over rate winning and losing, and the joy and sorrow we derive from each. Bob Woolmer may not have achieved all that Pakistani fans would have hoped he would achieve for Pakistan Cricket, but we, and I really hope I am speaking on behalf of all of fans of the game here in this country, do have a lot of respect for you Bob, as a human being, if nothing, for the mere fact that you put up with us, and our judgmental analysis of you for three years, we’re so sorry; may your soul rest in peace.
See also: Cricinfo recalls his cricket playing and coaching career, the rest of the cricket world pay their respects and journalists Kamran Abbasi, Osman Samiuddin and Dileep Premachandran, react to the sad news as well.
Cross posted on Sundries and Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan
Labels: 2007 world cup, bob woolmer, death, pakistan, world cup
Thus spake Unknown @ 3:17 am | Sledge/Read 1 sledge(s)
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January 29, 2007
Shut up, Bob
After Pakistan lost the test series against South Africa, Bob Woolmer's been whining about how the ridiculous cricket calendar has meant that Pakistan is unable to call upon the services of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Shabbir Ahmed.
I have some news for you, Bob.
Firstly, the schedule has been known to you for a while. Did you approach the PCB about it? Did you chaps have to play two back-to-back series against West Indies and South Africa? Did the PCB tell you that their hands were tied? Would it have been tough to reschedule either of those series for an alternative time period? Would you have whined about the schedule if Pakistan had won, rather than lost?
Secondly, Akhtar, Gul and Shabbir weren't all missing because of injury caused by being made to bowl continuously. Shoaib was on the way back into the side after being reprieved by the PCB's appeals committee. He played one first-class game and a couple of Twenty20 games before he was rushed to South Africa. He hadn't been picked because he was apparently not fit. Then he was roped in because Umar Gul was unfit. Now, this Gul chap, he's competing with Shane Bond for the Rudyard Kipling award (If - geddit?!). Until he injured his ankle, he managed to string together 9 tests in a row! Now we get to Shabbir. Shabbir has missed international cricket for a year now after being banned in December 2005. He was cleared last month. He didn't turn up in South Africa because he "had a knee problem" and didn't clear a fitness test.
So let's analyze the three - Shoaib was clearly undercooked when he went to South Africa. So it'd have been tough for him to get away with being out of action for a long time. Gul has been injury-prone throughout his career. So we actually ought to be surprised if he plays! Shabbir, in my opinion, didn't tour South Africa because the PCB didn't want to risk him being called for chucking again.
There goes your bubble, Bob! POP!
Labels: bob woolmer, chucking, fitness, gul, pakistan, scheduling, shabbir, shoaib, shoaib akhtar
Thus spake Jagadish @ 7:09 pm | Sledge/Read 4 sledge(s)
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