South Africa Tours Pakistan 2007-08 ODI Test Series! All news Here! Official Thread!

[PanjabiSher]

[vish111]

i guess users arent allowed to make threads like this? so can you make a thread for india vs australia as well.....

[Cyborg]

Originally Posted by vish111

i guess users arent allowed to make threads like this? so can you make a thread for india vs australia as well.....

u can make it urself just make sure u add all news here, if u wana make one by al means go ahead.

[vish111]

Originally Posted by Cyborg

u can make it urself just make sure u add all news here, if u wana make one by al means go ahead.

damn it....ps already made it..lol...

[vish111]

merge taqueer's thread with this...he also made one saying south africa vs pak or something

[tauqeer007]

South Africa in Pakistan, 2007-08
Shoaib unlikely for South Africa Tests - Ashraf
Cricinfo staff
September 21, 2007

Shoaib Akhtar's dressing-room brawl could cost him the Test series as well © AFP

Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, has said that Shoaib Akhtar is unlikely to be selected for the Tests against South Africa owing to the disciplinary hearing scheduled for next week. Shoaib was sent home from the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa following a dressing-room incident involving Mohammad Asif and before the tournament began.
"We will not interfere in the working of the disciplinary committee or the selectors," Ashraf told a press conference in Karachi. "This is a serious issue and will be investigated fully."
Ashraf said the three-member committee will question the other team members and also investigate how news of the incident was leaked to the media. The PCB had earlier gagged its players on speaking out on the issue and instructed them to concentrate on the tournament.
Ashraf was also hopeful of Mohammad Yousuf's return to the Test side, despite him having joined the ICL. Yousuf and three others - Imran Farhat, Abdul Razzaq and Inzamam-ul-Haq - signed up for the ICL after they were omitted from the ICC World Twenty20 and the board was particularly keen on bringing Yousuf back in the fold. He won the Test Player of the Year award in the ICC Awards in Johannesburg.
"He is a gentleman and I am confident we can convince him to withdraw from the contract and play for Pakistan," said Ashraf. "The selectors should prepare for the Tests with him in mind."
The first Test begins in Karachi on October 1.

http://content-eap.cricinfo.com/pakv...ry/311948.html

Source please! done for now!

[tauqeer007]

South Africa's tour of Pakistan, 2007-08
Pakistan promise high security to South Africa
Cricinfo staff
September 16, 2007
The two-man official team from South Africa visiting Pakistan to assess the level of security ahead of the Test and ODI series next month was promised full and foolproof security for the visiting team.
Goolam Raja and Sean Gallaher, the two officials, were at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Friday and visited National Stadium in Karachi on Saturday as part of their two-day trip, which was termed routine by both sets of officials. They were briefed by the home secretary of Sind province on the security situation in provincial capital Karachi.
"I have no doubts that Pakistan will provide us with the needed security and, God willing, everything will be alright," Raja said. "It is difficult to say about our final assessments now but we will submit a report to Cricket South Africa and hope everything will be in place for the tour."
Zakir Khan, the Pakistan board's director of cricket operations, said he was confident that the current situation will not affect the forthcoming tour. "A professional security plan has been put in place for the South Africans and they were briefed. We hope everything will take place accordingly and we hope to have a good cricket series."
The South Africans play a warm-up match in Karachi from September 27 while the first Test starts on October 1 in the same city.

http://content-eap.cricinfo.com/pakv...ry/311219.html

Link please! done for now!

[tauqeer007]

'The guys will have to adapt to the lifestyle changes'
South Africa resigned to being hotel-bound
Ken Borland
September 25, 2007

Graeme Smith: 'I've heard something like 6000 troops are on standby for us and I think we're going to be pretty much confined to our hotels' © Getty Images

The South African cricket team left for Pakistan on Tuesday night with an air of resignation that the next month will be spent chained to their hotels due to security concerns.
"Playing a subcontinental team on their home grounds is always a massive challenge," captain Graeme Smith said shortly before their departure. "Your patience levels have to be very high and the guys will have to adapt to the lifestyle changes and the amount of security that will be around us. I've heard something like 6000 troops are on standby for us and I think we're going to be pretty much confined to our hotels.

"It's a big challenge being stuck in a hotel all the time because you have nothing to take your mind off the cricket and the training, and it's easy to slip into boredom, get lackadaisical and lose that drive."

The four-week tour of Pakistan, comprising two Tests, five one-day internationals and two practice matches, kicks off a string of major tours South Africa will undertake in the next 18 months.

"In the next year-and-a-half, we have some wonderful tours coming up, going to Pakistan, India, Australia and the UK," Smith said. "We want to win away from home and we haven't won on the subcontinent for a while. I would love to win in Pakistan as much as in England or Australia."

Twenty-two-year-old fast bowler Morne Morkel, the best of South Africa's attack during their doomed ICC World Twenty20 campaign, has earned a berth on the tour and Smith said he was excited about having him in the squad. "Morne's done incredibly well since coming into the side and he's proven he can cope with performing under pressure. He's an awesome prospect, but it will be a challenge knowing how to introduce him and use him.

"We will be introducing some new players on this tour because we don't know what the future of the senior players is, Shaun Pollock might retire soon. So we need to work out the succession and the process and the planning of that is important."

Jacques Kallis is one of those senior players, and his immediate future looks secure after he was controversially omitted from South Africa's squad for the ICC World Twenty20 and resigned as vice-captain in response.

He doesn't have any issue with the team, I think his issues are with those above us Graeme Smith on Jacques Kallis

"Jacques and I talk a lot and he is a true professional," Smith said. "He doesn't have any issue with the team, I think his issues are with those above us. Representing his country is very important to him, but is he getting the credit he deserves for his performances?"
Smith added he was uncertain of what the Pakistan team held in store for South Africa after the Indian Cricket League had cut some experienced stars from their ranks. "No one knows what's happening with Mohammad Yousuf, and with Abdul Razzaq gone, will they play the extra allrounder? Maybe there'll be one or two guys we don't know."
The Pakistanis themselves won't know a couple of the fringe players South Africa are bringing with them, such as stylish left-hand batsman JP Duminy, left-arm spinner Paul Harris and fast bowler Dale Steyn.

But Pollock, who led the attack the last time South Africa were in Pakistan four years ago, is back as he looks to vault ever higher up the all-time list of Test wicket-takers (he is seventh at the moment). It will be a challenging tour for Pollock, who is now 34, and for Smith, whose troublesome knees will get a thorough workout in the heat and dust of Pakistan.

http://content-eap.cricinfo.com/pakv...ry/312563.html

Tauqeer please provide the source, i have done it for now!

[PanjabiSher]

any news on Pak squad for this series anyone?

[tauqeer007]

Batsman agrees to cancel ICL contract and will play for Pakistan I am willing to do anything for Pakistan - Yousuf Cricinfo staff September 27, 2007 Mohammad Yousuf and Nasim Ashraf address the assembled media © AFP Mohammad Yousuf has agreed to cancel his contract with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) and opted instead to represent Pakistan after talks with Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board. "I had a fruitful meeting with Yousuf today and he has signed a central contract with the PCB after agreeing not to play in the ICL," Ashraf said. "He is now available to represent Pakistan. He is the backbone of Pakistan's batting and we are happy that he is back." Yousuf, together with Inzamam-ul-Haq, Imran Farhat and Abdul Razzaq, signed on with the league over a month ago. Though it wasn't said at the time, the decision was thought to be a result of his axing from Pakistan's squad for the ICC World Twenty20. Razzaq, who was also axed, announced his retirement from international cricket, a decision he has yet to take back. "Whatever I have achieved is because of my country and I am willing to do anything for Pakistan," Yousuf told Cricinfo. "I didn't know this clause in the ICL contract that priority had to be given to the league instead of Pakistan when international matches are happening simultaneously." Yousuf was unwilling to say what the legal repercussions might be of opting out of the ICL contract, saying the board would handle all such issues. However, the executive president of the ICL, Ashish Kaul, clarified to Cricinfo that the ICL would not object to Yousuf playing for Pakistan if matches clash. "We will not object. Our contract with Yousuf does not stop him from playing for Pakistan." Kaul also said that the ICL has not received any intimation from Yousuf about cancellation of the contract. "As per the contract between Mohammad Yousuf and ICL, he will play for ICL as per mutually agreed terms and conditions. We have no information that states otherwise. As far as ICL is concerned, Yousuf is playing for ICL." Though no similar moves have been made for the other three, the development represents a considerable coup for the Pakistan board, who have made no secret of their desire to lure Yousuf back. With the first Test against South Africa to begin on Monday, it means he is at least available to shore up a thin-looking middle order, which already has to fill the considerable gap left by Inzamam. Yousuf was recently selected ICC's Test player of the year for an outstanding 2006, in which he scored a world record 1788 Test runs with nine hundreds. © Cricinfo

http://content-usa.cricinfo.com/paki...ry/312737.html

[PanjabiSher]

Afridi pulls out of South Africa Tests


Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder, has opted out of the Test series against South Africa, indicating he did not want to play while fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.

"I asked the Pakistan board to allow me to skip the two Tests against South Africa because it would be difficult to fast and play in Ramadan," Afridi told AFP. The PCB is said to have accepted Afridi's request.

Afridi dismissed suggestions that he had withdrawn because of his poor show in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 against India. "We lost the final due to poor batting and I apologised to the fans for not doing my part in the final but that did not influence my decision of not playing Tests."

Afridi was named Player of the Tournament in South Africa with 91 runs at a strike rate of 197.82 and 12 wickets at an economy rate of 6.71.
Pakistan's squad for the first Test against South Africa is scheduled to be announced on Friday.

Cricinfo

[TahaBaba]

Shaun Pollock: "I am surprised to have been eliminated already".
Source: Cricinfo
September 28, 2007

Shaun Pollock: "I am surprised to have been eliminated already. When I was chosen for the squad, I thought I had a good chance to play."

Shaun Pollock has been dropped from South Africa's squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Karachi, three days before the match is due to begin. South Africa feel Pollock may not be as effective on pitches in the subcontinent as he once was and are keen to try out younger, quicker bowlers such as Morne Morkel and Dale Steyn.

This is the first time in his 107-Test career that Pollock has been dropped for any reason other than injury and unsurprisingly, he admitted to being both surprised and disappointed.

"Obviously Mickey [Arthur, coach] had a discussion with me yesterday. We were looking to play 13 players in this warm-up match, and then were told 12 were allowed. Mickey told me I am not playing in this match because I am not playing the first Test as we are going with different options.

"I am surprised to have been eliminated already. When I was chosen for the squad, I thought I had a good chance to play."

As recently as the turn of the year, Pollock won a man-of-the-series award against India and in his last five Tests has taken 21 wickets. But he revealed that Arthur had spoken to him a few months ago about the shape of his future role on subcontinent tours; with South Africa due to tour Bangladesh and India in March next year as well, this could be a harbinger of things to come.

"Mickey feels I have a role to play especially in South Africa where pitches are more conducive," Pollock said. "But I don't think my job on flat subcontinent wickets is over. I know I can perform. Then it's up to selectors to take me for tours ahead.

"I have a good record in Pakistan and if the opportunity arises for the second Test, I will take it. It's disappointing, but you have to move on."


Pollock's record in the subcontinent is impressive. In 17 Tests in the subcontinent, he has taken 60 wickets. In Pakistan, he has taken 18 wickets in five Tests and helped script a memorable win in Faisalabad in 1997-98. If not on the field, then Pollock will at least be happy to play a role off it.
"For sure I have a role with the younger pace bowlers. I have experience in these conditions and even if I am not part of the team, it doesn't mean I can't be helpful for others with my experience. Any tips I might have I will pass on," Pollock said.

Pollock was also quick to reject the notion that he might be nearing the end of his career, or looking to switch to the Indian Cricket League. The ICL had made him an offer five months ago: "Am I taking Mohammad Yousuf's contract?" he joked. "They approached me and I was not interested then and am not interested now.

"I will take it season by season now as far as my career goes. I never look too far ahead. I've done well in recent series against India and Pakistan and feel I can contribute more to South Africa."

Source: Cricinfo

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Last edited by TahaBaba; 09-28-2007 at 02:55 PM.

[TahaBaba]

Misbah recalled but no place for Shoaib
Source: Cricinfo
September 28, 2007

Misbah in full flow during last week's World Twenty20.

Misbah-ul-Haq's impressive performances in the World Twenty20 have earned him a recall to Pakistan's squad for the first Test against South Africa in Karachi on Monday. But there was no place in the 15-man lineup for either Inzamam-ul-Haq, the former captain, or Shoaib Akhtar.

Misbah was the third-highest run-scorer in South Africa, helping Pakistan reach the final and was also the highest run-scorer in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier first-class tournament. He played the last of his five Tests four years ago against Bangladesh. Joining him in the middle order is Mohammad Yousuf, who yesterday agreed to represent Pakistan, after having initially signed up for the Indian Cricket League (ICL).

But there was no place in the squad for Inzamam, another ICL signatory. Inzamam has retired from ODIs, though insists he wants to play Test cricket. Salahuddin Ahmed, Pakistan's chief selector, said that Inzamam had been considered for the squad but had declared himself unavailable for the first Test.

"I spoke to Inzamam and though he didn't specify the reasons, he said he was unavailable for the first Test," said Salahuddin. "If he is available for the second Test [in Lahore], he will be considered."

Shoaib's exclusion was also expected, as he is currently the subject of a disciplinary inquiry into his altercation with Mohammad Asif in South Africa. "Shoaib's is a policy decision," said Salahuddin. "The disciplinary inquiry is ongoing and only when their decision has come will we take a decision."

Rao Iftikhar Anjum took the third fast bowler's spot, edging out Sohail Tanvir, the left-arm, wrong-foot bowler who did so well in the Twenty20 World Cup. "Sohail is a very talented all-rounder but we feel he still has some time before he is ready for the longer version of the game," added Salahuddin.

Pakistan will field yet another new opening pair when the first Test begins from October 1. One of Taufeeq Umar, who averages 74 in four Tests against South Africa, or Mohammad Hafeez will partner Salman Butt, the vice-captain.

Pakistan squad: Shoaib Malik (capt), Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Kamran Akmal (wk), Mohammad Asif, Umar Gul, Rao Iftikhar Anjum, Danish Kaneria, Faisal Iqbal, Yasir Hameed, Taufeeq Umar, Abdur Rehman

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Last edited by TahaBaba; 09-28-2007 at 02:52 PM.

[krazy]

Sohail Tanvir not selected? What's wrong with the selectors!??

[sports_champ]

Inzamam, Akhtar out of first South Africa Test



Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq ruled himself out of the first Test against South Africa, while paceman Shoaib Akhtar was not selected for disciplinary reasons, selectors said.
"Inzamam told us that he would not be available for the first Test starting here from Monday but he did not give any reasons for that," chief selector Salahuddin Ahmed told reporters.
The 37-year-old Inzamam announced his retirement from one-day internationals and resigned the Test and one-day captaincy following Pakistan's humiliating first-round exit from the World Cup in the West Indies in March.
However, Inzamam vowed to continue playing Tests and featured in several matches for Yorkshire in England to prove his fitness and form.
Inzamam, who has scored 8,813 runs in 119 Tests, needs another 20 to beat Javed Miandad's Pakistan Test record of 8,832 runs.
Ahmed said if available Inzamam would be considered for selection in the second Test to be played in Lahore from October 8.
Pakistan received a boost on Thursday when ace batsman Mohammad Yousuf said he would cancel a contract with the breakaway Indian Cricket League and made himself available for Pakistan.
Middle-order batsman Misbah-ul Haq and opener Taufiq Umar meanwhile earned recalls in the team.
Misbah played the last of his five Tests against Bangladesh in Karachi in 2003. He won another chance after finishing as Pakistan's best batsman in their runners-up finish at the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa.
Ahmed said paceman Akhtar was not considered for selection as he faces a disciplinary hearing in the next couple of days.
"As per the policy of the Pakistan Cricket Board a decision against Akhtar is lying with the disciplinary committee so Akhtar was not considered," said Ahmed.
Akhtar was sent home from South Africa four days before the start of the Twenty20 World Cup, after he hit teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat in a row during a practice session.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said a disciplinary committee would decide on penalties against Akhtar by October 8 -- the day the second Test starts in Lahore -- which effectively rules him out of the two-match series.
The selectors also allowed all-rounder Shahid Afridi to rest after he said that he did not want to be considered during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
Uncapped left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman will assist leg-spinner Danish Kaneria in the spin department. Allrounder Shoaib Malik will lead the team.



source: cricket-yahoo! india