News and Views

1. Akram vows to break Walsh's record.

Courtney Walsh's creation of New World record of maximum wickets in test cricket has given new impetus to Wasim Akram to pick up his form and fitness to follow Wash's trail with full vigor.

Wasim Akram, one of the World's finest all-rounder, also set aside the speculations of his bowling out early from the international arena. Lashing out at some of the former Pakistan cricketers who advised him to retire gracefully, he said, "I have enough strength inside me to play and perform for Pakistan. I see no reason to quit at the moment. I am just 33 years old. If Courteny Walsh can play at the age of 38. Way should not I? "

Talking about the World record Wasim Akram who has taken an unprecedented 424 wickets in one day games and is just 17 shy of the 400 mark in Test Cricket said "Attempting the 435 wicket mark or the milestone set by Courteny Walsh is a big motivation for me at the moment and I am sure the day is not far of when I will be the highest wicket taker in the World." One another occasion he remarked, "I must admit that seeing the record breaking moment by Courteny on TV left me terribly motivated."

All Pakistanis wish Wasim Akram the best of luck in his endeavours to create a landmark in test cricket similar to the one he has set in one-day games. The Pakistan Cricket Board is prepared to give him the full chance to achieve the target. The success will, however, depend on certain factors. Courtney Walsh is likely to raise the present target of 435 wickets to a higher figure, may be around 450. Curtly Ambrose and Shane Warne, the two great bowlers closely following Wasim have a much higher wicket-taking ratio per test than him. How quick they close up with him in the race, the time will tell. Wasim Akram is certainly a man of courage and determination. Achieving the fabulous figure will mainly depend on his form and fitness.

2. Grooming of under-15 Players

With a view to improve cricket at the grass roots level, the Pakistan Cricket Board will be sending under-15 Cricket team to Malaysia and England. The team will participate in Asia under-15 championship being held in Malaysia in June followed by Cost Cutter Under-15 World Championship in England in July 2000.

To pick up the best available talent, open trials are planned to be held at major cricket centres in the country. While all regional cricket associations have been asked to assist and take part in organization of trials at the nearest cricket Centre. Former test cricketer's Ehtesham ud Din, assisted by a group of senior players from different provinces is conducting the trials.

Under-15 is a very useful step in the ladder of junior Cricket. This is the age group, which provides suitable material for the national under-19 team. At this age many boys played test cricket and turned into stars. Holding international tournaments at this level a wonderful step for the promotion of cricket.

3. India's No to Under-17 Asia Cup

India has turned down an invitation to send its team to participate in the Asia Junior Cricket Cup for under-17 players, scheduled to be played at Karachi from 15-30 July 2000.

The tournament is being staged by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as a part of the ICC's Development Programme for Asia. Nine countries have confirmed their participation in the event including Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Singapore. India was supposed to be the 10th participant, but they have informed the ICC Development Officer for Asia that they Would be unable to send a team, although the tournament is being staged at a time when summer vacations are at their peak.

In the meantime, the PCB has constituted a three man technical committee comprising former test cricketers, Haroon Rashid and Iqbal Qasim and test umpire Riaz ud Din to make preparations for the tournament.

4. Intikhab named Match Referee

Intikhab Alam, a former Pakistan captain and till recently Coach of the national team, has been appointed as the ICC match referee for the English summer.

The season will start with a two test series between England and Zimbabwe, followed by triangular one-day series. In the second half, West Indies will play five tests against England. The international matches start on July 3 and conclude on September 4th.

It may be recalled that Intikhab Alam was nominated for the assignment about a year ago when Mr. Khalid Mahmud was Chairman of the PCB. Since Intikhab Alam took over as Coach of the Pakistan team, his appointment as Match Referee remained Suspended.

5. Former Senator Flays PCB

Talking to the newsmen at Lahore, Mr. Iqbal Haider, a former Senator and member of the Senate's sports Committee criticized Lt. Gen. Tauqir Zia chairman, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ad-hoc Committee, for working on the same lines as were adopted by the previous set ups. He said that the President of Pakistan who is also Chief Patron of the PCB appointed Gen. Tauqir to solve the problems of the PCB but instead of improving the Board's image is on the decline, "There is no check and balance in the Board and each and every person tries to take the advantage of his position" he added.

PCB being one of the richest institutions in Pakistan, he accused the cricket body of not getting its accounts audited since 1996.