Visit our other dedicated websites
Asha Bhonsle Geeta Dutt Hamara Forums Hamara Photos Kishore Kumar Mohd Rafi Nice Songs Shreya Ghoshal
Hamara Forums

Welcome Guest ( Log In | Register )

Shoaib Akhtar - End Of The Road?

 
 
Reply to this topicStart new topic
> Shoaib Akhtar - End Of The Road?
noorie
post Sep 17 2007, 01:57 AM
Post #1


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



Quite obviously, being convicted of ball tampering, taking performance enhancing drugs and being the thorn in the side of any decent soul who has ever tried to do any good for Pakistan cricket isn't enough. Shoaib Akhtar decided he needed to bash one of his team mates - with a bat, no less - to prove his point.

LINK

The point is, nobody seems to quite understand what Akhtar's point actually was.

A typically Shoaib Akhtar-esque situation has resulted in more questions than answers. Why did the fight start? Who were the protagonists? Was Shahid Afridi the peacemaker, or was it Mohammad Asif? Which company sponsored the bat that Akthar used to strike Asif? Will the said company use Akhtar and that darned bat in an advertising campaign? mellow.gif

On a more serious note, we have been fed absolutely conflicting versions of the events that led to Pakistan's most potent immature fast bowler of the modern generation being sent home for the second time within 12 months from an ICC event. It seems clear that Akhtar has taken a few liberties with the truth in an attempt to weasel his way out of an extremely tight spot.

It's surprising that there hasn't been an unanimous call for a permanent ban to be handed down to Akhtar. Instead, some people are wondering whether this is the end of the road for the rogue paceman.

Your views?

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 17 2007, 02:02 AM
Post #2


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



'I'm human, I made a mistake' - Shoaib
Cricinfo staff

Shoaib Akthar said he made a mistake 'in the heat of the moment" when he hit Mohammad Asif and has apologised to him and his Pakistan team-mates for the dressing-room scuffle that saw him being sent home from South Africa. He vowed to make a comeback and said he was hopeful of playing in next month's home series against South Africa.

"I'm human and made a mistake in the heat of the moment," Shoaib told NDTV, an Indian news channel. "Asif said something to me that made me lose my temper. I apologised to him, but I was very upset."

He asked the media not to paint him as a villain and said, "I'm feeling bad that two minutes of temper have ruined my comeback. Sometime you do things in a fit of temper. I will explain the situation to everyone and apologise. I will address a press conference and apologise for my actions. I will try and make it back for the series against South Africa next month."

He likened the incident to the headbutt by the French footballer, Zinedine Zidane, in the final of the World Cup in Germany last year and said what happened was not intentional.

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 17 2007, 02:05 AM
Post #3


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



Another twist to the latest Shoaib Akhtar saga

Attack not accidental - Asif
Cricinfo staff

Shoaib faces more questions after his claims were dismissed by Asif © AFP

Shoaib Akhtar seems to have slipped into further trouble with the Pakistan Cricket Board after Mohammad Asif, who was injured in a dressing-room altercation involving Shoaib, rejected his version of the story about the event being accidental. Shoaib, who was sent back from South Africa following the spat which left Asif with an injured thigh, had accused Shahid Afridi for provoking him.

"Afridi had nothing to do with the fight. The fact is that Shoaib did strike me with the bat over a little issue and got enraged for no valid reason," Asif told the Express, an Urdu daily. "He [Shoaib] has not apologised to me. In fact he should apologise first to the entire nation for what he has done."

Narrating his version of the events, Asif said: "Afridi was trying to make Shoaib understand that he needs to change his attitude towards junior players and communicate more with them. He told Shoaib that juniors were wary of him. At this point I also came out of the washroom and Shahid asked to me to tell Shoaib what the junior players feel about him. I just smiled and he then hit me with the bat. It was Shahid who intervened and separated us."

Shoaib, in a press conference organised after his arrival in Lahore, had apologised for his actions after claiming that Afridi's use of foul language against his family had led to him hitting Asif by accident. Afridi had denied Shoaib's claims.

The PCB, in its initial inquiry, held Shoaib responsible and decided to send him back to Pakistan as well as placing an indefinite ban on him until the team returned from South Africa and a proper inquiry took place.

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 17 2007, 02:07 AM
Post #4


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



Afridi denies provocation

It should have stayed in the dressing room - Shoaib
Cricinfo staff

Shoaib Akhtar has blamed Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi for the spat that led to him hitting fast bowler Mohammad Asif with a bat during Pakistan's build-up to the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa. On his return home today after being thrown out of the squad, Shoaib apologised for his actions and said the matter should have stayed in the dressing room.

Shoaib, who has been handed an indefinite ban for the scuffle two days ago, said he didn't mean to hit Asif, whom he described as a younger brother. "I apologised to Asif and he forgave me but another team-mate, Afridi, took the matter further and it forced the management to send me back," Shoaib said.

"The incident began with a verbal spat between me and Afridi, who used foul language," Shoaib said, "and Asif intervened and in anger I hit Asif with a bat."

"Afridi said things about my family which I could not tolerate. He made comments that cannot be called jokes. I am sorry for what happened and it should not have happened. I request the authorities not to ban me for a lengthy period. I want to play for my country and talk of a life ban or lengthy ban is worrying."

Afridi, however, denied that he had provoked Shoaib and was surprised at the accusations.

"I can't say much because I am bound by the central contract," Afridi told PTI. "But it is fact that Shoaib has been facing one problem or the other in the last two years and he is frustrated. I have had a good relationship with him so I don't know why he has targeted me. But he is lying and it would be better if everyone asked Asif what happened. I know Asif could have suffered more injuries if I had not stepped in."

Shoaib also criticised the media for blowing the incident out of proportion and making him a "villain". "The matter got blown up. The media has contributed to the whole controversy. There is a lobby which has always been trying to malign me by selling negative news about me. I request you all to stop doing that. Stop spreading false propaganda against me, stop selling my name in the name of news."

The main theme, though, was contrition. "If Pakistan lose [in the ICC World Twenty20] because of bowling, I will never be able to forgive myself." Shoaib also reiterated his commitment for the Pakistan team and said, "I have played with passion for Pakistan. It means something to me. I have turned down a lucrative contract with the ICL [Indian Cricket League]."

However, Pakistan board official Shafqat Naghmi said Shoaib would face a disciplinary committee hearing very soon. "Akhtar is suspended indefinitely until a disciplinary committee meeting. He is also issued a notice to explain his comments against a doping tribunal."

Pakistan's president, General Pervez Musharraf, who is also the PCB's patron-in-chief, reportedly directed the board to take strict action against Shoaib. "President Musharraf directed PCB chairman Nasim Ashraf to take strict action against Akhtar as the quarrel between him and Asif gave a bad name to Pakistan," private channel Geo reported.



IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 17 2007, 02:15 AM
Post #5


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



A tale of intrigue, injuries and incidents
Osman Samiuddin

If you wanted to write about Shoaib Akhtar, going by his figures would be among the worst ways to do it. Nine years, 43 Tests, 169 wickets, 133 ODIs, 208 wickets; it's not even a tenth of the story. A few seasons on from his finest performance over a full series, his knees and one ankle were crocked, chit-chat about his action continued, he faced a two-year lay-off after failing a random drugs test (he was later acquitted) but missed the Champions Trophy in 2006 and the World Cup in 2007.
Cricinfo casts a glance at the troubles, travails, intrigues, injuries, incidents, controversies and scandals of the Rawalpindi Express

Attached Image
A career constantly under the spotlight

1996 Dropped from the Pakistan squad for the Sahara Cup against India on grounds of indiscipline and poor attitude. His international debut is thus delayed by over a year.

1997 Tours England with Pakistan `A' and makes an impact on and off the field; is cited for indiscipline by the Pakistan manager in the end of tour report. Finally makes his international debut in November in the second Test against West Indies in Rawalpindi.

1998 February brings his first major impact; 5 for 43 in Pakistan's first Test win in South Africa.

1999 The breakthrough year; starts with those two balls in Kolkata and continues through the World Cup, where he ends not only as one of the leading wicket-takers, but also its leading star. Soon after, he signs a contract to play for Nottinghamshire. He ends the year by being called for the first time in his career in Australia by umpires Peter Willey and Darrell Hair and John Reid, the match referee; a pattern for highs followed inevitably and immediately by lows is set.

2000 Bowling action is cleared early in the year but a rib injury forces him to miss the start of the county season. A side strain then forces him out for the rest of the season and then a shoulder injury rules him out of England's visit to Pakistan in the winter. Knee and ankle injuries are also added to the catalogue before the year is out.

2001 Returns in March for his first international outing in ten months against New Zealand. Five wickets suggests he is back but breaks down with a hamstring injury nine balls into the next game...and is called again by umpires Steve Dunne and Doug Cowie. A report from the University of Western Australia concludes his action is the result of "unique physical characteristics." Pakistani officials say the report `clears him'. Misses much of England summer tour due to injury and poor health and is called again in November in Sharjah. Again, he is `cleared' by the University in December.

2002 Hit by a brick from the Dhaka crowd in January, forcing him to miss end of tour. Recovers to destroy New Zealand twice at home, in the process bowling the first-ever 100 mph delivery. Blitzes Australia twice later in the year but is banned for an ODI after throwing a bottle into the crowds in Zimbabwe. Caught ball tampering in first Test, though he escapes punishment. A knee injury rules him out of the Test series against South Africa.

2003 Axed from Pakistan team after a poor World Cup and told by PCB chief Tauqir Zia to clean up his act or be removed from team forever. Recalled in May for a triangular in Sri Lanka and promptly becomes the second player ever to be banned for ball tampering. Appointed vice-captain for Test against South Africa and is served up a lawsuit by a Pakistani citizen for attending a fashion show on a night of religious significance. Banned for one Test and two ODIs for abusing Paul Adams in the first Test. Misses Test in New Zealand with calf and groin injuries but is photographed one day before enjoying a jet-ski ride, much to his management's chagrin. Typically, returns for second Test, helps Pakistan win with a stupendous seven-wicket burst (11 in the match) and gets injured again in the ODI series.

2004 A disappointing series against India ends with a back injury in the final Test. Unable to bowl for the rest of the match, he comes out to bat later, freely smacking boundaries in a 14-ball 28. Inzamam publicly questions the authenticity of the injury. Amid disquiet over his commitment and attitude, Shoaib is called before a medical inquiry which eventually finds his injury to be a genuine one. Returns to the squad where on the tour to Australia at the year's end his true Jekyll and Hyde nature comes out. He fights a lone battle against Australian batsmen in the first two Tests, but in the process is disciplined by match referees (for sending Matthew Hayden on his way) and injures his shoulder at Perth. By the time of the last Test in Sydney, looks physically spent and rumours of disciplinary breaches and problems with the team management emerge.

2005 Starts the year with a hamstring injury and misses most of the VB Series. Hamstring keeps him out of the India tour and fitness problems preclude his inclusion for the tour to the Carribean. On the bright side, he is offered a Bollywood role. Relationship with both Inzamam and Bob Woolmer erodes steadily and his stock is at its lowest ebb when he is verbally maligned by Worcestershire chairman John Elliott for being a disruptive influence. Comes back for the series against England after proving his fitness in a training camp, finishes with 17 wickets, and silences any number of critics with a rehabilitated performance. Ankle injury surfaces in the last Test at Lahore.

2006 Questions are raised about his action again, this time, by Greg Chappell after the Faisalabad Test against India. Ankle injury becomes a stress fracture and rules him out of the ODI series. All the while rumours fly about ICC concern over his action although no official action is taken or statement made. Injury forces him to miss the Sri Lanka tour and doctors discover soon after a degenerative knee condition which threatens to end his career. Is due to undergo surgery, the results of which will determine whether or not he can continue playing but speculation about whether it is his action or his injury which have forced him out intensifies.

2006 Banned for two years after testing positive for the banned substance Nandrolone, Shoaib was sent back to Pakistan and missed the Champions Trophy. The verdict, however, was overturned by a three-man tribunal a month later.

2007 Things look bright for the bowler as he is named in a 30-man squad for the World Cup. After not initially being picked for fitness reasons, the selectors have a change of heart and recall him. He makes a successful return against South Africa in the second Test, taking four wickets in the first innings. But a hamstring injury forces him to miss not only the second innings, but also the rest of the tour. A televised spat with Bob Woolmer results in Shoaib being fined by the board. Later, after much deliberation, Shoaib is declared unfit to take part in the World Cup due to injury at the very last minute. Speculation has it that his exclusion was from fear of being dope-tested by the ICC, and that traces of Nandrolone were still present in his body.

2007 A fit-again Shoaib is named in the Asia XI squad to take on an Africa XI but is withdrawn by the Pakistan board after declaring himself unavailable for Pakistan's tour of Abu Dhabi. Shoaib is included in the squad for Scotland and later named in the team for the inaugural ICC World Twenty20. He leaves a training camp in Karachi without permission and is fined at a disciplinary hearing. On appeal, a second hearing suspends the fine and charges and puts Shoaib on a six-week probationary period.
A dressing room spat with Mohammad Asif in South Africa results in Shoaib being sent back home prior to the event.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Nidhi
post Sep 20 2007, 11:53 AM
Post #6


Member
Group Icon

Group: Members
Posts: 174
Joined: 20-June 06
Member No.: 6496



It is difficult to comprehend how a sports team & the nation can tolerate such an individual for such a long time. Mr. Shoaib Akhtar should have been thrown out a long time back. Total lack of discipline, doping & now manhandling his team mate. This is apart from the numerous times he was hauled up for chucking. An individual who does not understand that he is an ambassador for his nation when he steps on the field. His approach to the game is a sore sight. Whatever his talents, such an ill mannered, ill tempered individual is more suitable in the bull ring, than on the cricket field. He is all brawns & no brains.

QUOTE
It's surprising that there hasn't been a unanimous call for a permanent ban to be handed down to Akhtar.


You missed Asif Iqbal's statement. Here it is

Hindustan Times
Press Trust Of India
Karachi, September 10, 2007
First Published: 12:55 IST(10/9/2007)
Last Updated: 13:16 IST(10/9/2007)
Asif Iqbal demands life ban for Shoaib Akhtar

Former captain Asif Iqbal demanded a life ban for the erratic speedster following the Johannesburg brawl that tarnished the country's image.

A furious Asif said Shoaib has done enough damage and should be permanently dumped with a life ban for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat in Johannesburg.

"The line has to be drawn somewhere and if it is not drawn here, the question has to be asked are we waiting till he commits mass murder?" a livid Asif wrote in his column for "The News".

Shoaib, part of Pakistan's Twenty20 World Cup squad, had a spat during the nets in Johannesburg during which he hit pace colleague Mohammad Asif with a bat that left the youngster with a bruised thigh.

The team management promptly sent Shoaib back and on his return, the temperamental pacer claimed he was provoked by Shahid Afridi and apologised for the episode. The PCB has formed a three-member panel to probe the issue.

Shoaib's word of apology, however, could not douse Asif's anger and the former captain advocated a "no mercy" policy while dealing the issue.

"This, of course, is not the first time that a Pakistani cricketer has disgraced himself, his team and his country by resorting to physical violence and unless very stern action is taken, it will not be the last either," he said.

Asif went on to add that this kind of incidents have ramifications that spill well over the boundary of cricket.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Pr...9a-91ecc4991571
© Copyright 2007 Hindustan Times

"Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.The voice of the majority is no proof of justice."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
suhana_safar
post Sep 20 2007, 12:23 PM
Post #7


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Members
Posts: 2181
Joined: 21-August 06
Member No.: 6838



Pakistan produces more raw talent than any other country. Over the years and even now we see amazing talent come in the game.

I agree with Nidhi that why are they tolerating a spolit brat like Shoaib who has become synonomous with contreverarsies and lack of discipline.

With a rare talent like Mohd Asif, why should someone care about Shoaib.


PLAYBACK SINGING STARTS AND ENDS WITH RAFISAAB. IN TERMS OF QUALITY, CONSISTENCY & VERSATILITY, RAFISAAB IS INFINITE LIGHT YEARS AHEAD OF ALL SINGERS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER HIM.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
AzgarKhan
post Sep 20 2007, 12:29 PM
Post #8


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Members
Posts: 4425
Joined: 23-January 04
From: New York (USA) / Hyderabad (India)
Member No.: 205



QUOTE(Nidhi @ Sep 20 2007, 11:53 AM) *
An individual who does not understand that he is an ambassador for his nation when he steps on the field.


True!

_______________________________________________________________________________
My Youtube Videos
Palestine belongs to the Arabs in the same sense that England belongs to the English or France to the French.
It is wrong and inhuman to impose the Jews on the Arabs. - Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Aurous
post Sep 20 2007, 04:13 PM
Post #9


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Members
Posts: 1821
Joined: 30-November 06
From: Just Turn Around
Member No.: 7761



Shoaib Akhtar should realise he's not going anywhere with his off-field antics and such erratic behaviour. Cricket is a gentleman's game and there's no room for indiscipline. PCB should, once & for all, take the harsh step of banning him. Such kind of misconduct cannot be tolerated.
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 20 2007, 08:00 PM
Post #10


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



QUOTE(Nidhi @ Sep 20 2007, 11:53 AM) *

It is difficult to comprehend how a sports team & the nation can tolerate such an individual for such a long time. Mr. Shoaib Akhtar should have been thrown out a long time back. Total lack of discipline, doping & now manhandling his team mate. This is apart from the numerous times he was hauled up for chucking. An individual who does not understand that he is an ambassador for his nation when he steps on the field. His approach to the game is a sore sight. Whatever his talents, such an ill mannered, ill tempered individual is more suitable in the bull ring, than on the cricket field. He is all brawns & no brains.

QUOTE
It's surprising that there hasn't been an unanimous call for a permanent ban to be handed down to Akhtar.


You missed Asif Iqbal's statement. Here it is

Hindustan Times
Press Trust Of India
Karachi, September 10, 2007
First Published: 12:55 IST(10/9/2007)
Last Updated: 13:16 IST(10/9/2007)
Asif Iqbal demands life ban for Shoaib Akhtar

Former captain Asif Iqbal demanded a life ban for the erratic speedster following the Johannesburg brawl that tarnished the country's image.

A furious Asif said Shoaib has done enough damage and should be permanently dumped with a life ban for hitting teammate Mohammad Asif with a bat in Johannesburg.

"The line has to be drawn somewhere and if it is not drawn here, the question has to be asked are we waiting till he commits mass murder?" a livid Asif wrote in his column for "The News".

Shoaib, part of Pakistan's Twenty20 World Cup squad, had a spat during the nets in Johannesburg during which he hit pace colleague Mohammad Asif with a bat that left the youngster with a bruised thigh.

The team management promptly sent Shoaib back and on his return, the temperamental pacer claimed he was provoked by Shahid Afridi and apologised for the episode. The PCB has formed a three-member panel to probe the issue.

Shoaib's word of apology, however, could not douse Asif's anger and the former captain advocated a "no mercy" policy while dealing the issue.

"This, of course, is not the first time that a Pakistani cricketer has disgraced himself, his team and his country by resorting to physical violence and unless very stern action is taken, it will not be the last either," he said.

Asif went on to add that this kind of incidents have ramifications that spill well over the boundary of cricket.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/Pr...9a-91ecc4991571
© Copyright 2007 Hindustan Times


Just the opinion of a former Pak captain Asif Iqbal cannot be considered the "unanimous" opinion of the entire cricket loving public as well as the official cricket administration. But thanks anyway 4 adding that article.

I agree with you and the others that Shoaib Akhtar deserves a life-ban from playing international cricket.

Noorie

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
Nidhi
post Sep 20 2007, 09:03 PM
Post #11


Member
Group Icon

Group: Members
Posts: 174
Joined: 20-June 06
Member No.: 6496



The agreement and consent of all. A bit far fetched. You could wait for a lifetime for that. Still, it may not come about, there would be some dissensions.

"Truth does not change because it is, or is not, believed by a majority of the people.The voice of the majority is no proof of justice."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 20 2007, 10:23 PM
Post #12


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



QUOTE(Nidhi @ Sep 20 2007, 09:03 PM) *

The agreement and consent of all. A bit far fetched. You could wait for a lifetime for that.
Still, it may not come about, there would be some dissensions.


That's so very true.

You must have the last word, don't you? Attached Image

Noorie

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post
noorie
post Sep 24 2007, 09:20 AM
Post #13


Dedicated Member
Group Icon

Group: Away
Posts: 3219
Joined: 21-June 06
Member No.: 6518



QUOTE(Nidhi @ Sep 20 2007, 09:03 PM) *

there would be some dissensions.


tongue1.gif

Unfair to keep Akhtar out, says Akram
September 23rd, 2007

Wasim Akram wants to see Shoaib Akhtar back in the national team. "Look, such fights take place in any team. When I was the player and captain, I had a couple of fights and arguments," Akram said. "I don't think it would be fair to keep Shoaib out in the coming series."

IPB Image

"During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act"

"You have enemies? Good! It means that you stood up for something, sometime in your life."
User is offlineProfile CardPM
Go to the top of the page
+Quote Post

Reply to this topicStart new topic
2 User(s) are reading this topic (2 Guests and 0 Anonymous Users)
0 Members:


 



- Lo-Fi Version | Disclaimer | HF Guidelines | Be An Angel Time is now: 29th March 2024 - 04:32 AM