Pakistan team remains star attraction for mediamen

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), Jan 29: The Pakistan cricket team remains the star attraction for mediamen here though Canada, England and New Zealand have also arrived to participate in the 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup starting from February 8.

The newspapers have discussed Pakistan's strengths, weakness and have also compared them with the other participating teams. Some of the newspapers have gone to an extent where they have discussed the glamour of the players.

And the unanimous view is that Pakistan remains a very dangerous side and one of the favourites for the World Cup even though they had a disasterous tour to South Africa late last year.

The leading The Star newspaper had an interesting view about the Pakistan team.

"When it comes to glamour in world cricket, few teams encapsulate the term better than the Pakistanis. Designer shades, elegantly styled hair and, for some, Hollywood good looks," wrote The Star.

It continued: "For those not interested in the sex appeal of international cricketers, they're a fairly exciting side when in the mood - as indicated by the fact that four of their pool matches are already sold out.

"But those who saw the Pakistanis here a mere three weeks ago a still wondering just which side will pitch up on the field for that potentially mouth-watering opening tie at the Wanderers against Australia on February 11.

"If it's the same Pakistan side that was so emphatically defeated at Lord's four years ago, then punters may want to look elsewhere to put their money. If it's the Pakistan team that so enthralled the world in the later stages of the World Cup in 1992, then no one need look further for the 2003 champions."

The paper added: "It has become a cliche to describe Pakistan as unpredictable, but it is that very nature which makes them such a dangerous side for the eighth edition of the World Cup."

The newspaper opined that when Pakistan toured South Africa for five one-dayers and two Tests, bowling was the weaker link. "Not so for the World Cup, with one-day cricket's leading wicket-taker Wasim Akram returning for the final hooray and one of the fastest bowlers in the world, Shoaib Akhtar, ready for action."

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Team
January 29, 2003