Interview with Salman Butt

Salman Butt

Question: How did you get into the Pakistan team?

Salman Butt: It was a step by step process for me, I'm a product of the Pakistani junior cricket development system. I played for the Pakistan u17 and u19 teams before I moved on to play for the Pakistan academy as well as playing games at the first class level. It was only then that I got my break playing for the Pakistan team.


Question: You are one of Pakistan's youngest debutants in Test cricket, is there a special story behind how you got into the playing XI? Wasim was dicovered by Miandad, Waqar and Inzi were discovered by Imran Khan and Razzaq got a push from Haroon Rashid and Khalid Mahmood. Were you spotted in a similar way?

Salman Butt: No as I mentioned earlier I came into the Pakistan side through the youth and academy teams. Along the way I received a lot of help from a lot of coaches many of whom still help me today. They were all responsible for helping me and so I feel it would be unfair to single out one or two names.

Salman Butt

Question: When you're batting you always seem to be saying something to yourself before each shot, what exactly are you saying?

Salman Butt: I say Bismillah (In the name of God) before playing each ball


Question: Do you only say Bismillah or is there a specific dua (prayer) like the Durood Shareef (a prayer) that you recite to yourself?

Salman Butt: Well before the game I do read the Durood Shareef and I remember Allah(swt) but whilst batting I'm only saying Bismillah before each ball.


Question: Following your Test debut vs Bangladesh in 2003, your next Test series was a debut of fire against Australia in Australia in 2005. You were one of Pakistan's best batsmen on that tour, you were even standing outside your crease to Brett Lee which is an indication of lightning fast reflexes. However your form dropped for the next couple of years after that, what would you attribute that to?

Salman Butt: I agree with you that I didnt have a very good CB series but if you look at the next tour it was against India in India. I only got to play one Test match but during the ODI series I was one of the top run scorers from both teams and that was a series that Pakistan won. The series after that was against the West Indies where I only played 1 test and 2 ODIs and I scored in one of the ODIs. I'm not claiming that I was scoring centuries or big runs but I was scoring runs, unfortunately I didn't get a consistent run in the team at that time. Sometimes they would play me in the Test series but I'd miss most of the ODI series or they'd play me in most of the ODI series but I'd miss most of the Test series. The problem is that they seem to pick your for an ODI series based on your Test form and drop you from the Test side based on your ODI form and vice versa, I don't think that's right. But I would contend with you that there hasn't been a series where I've played most of the games and not had at least one good score. The exception would be the T20 World Cup where my performances werent good enough but other than that whenever I've played a full series I've usually put in some performances too.

Salman Butt

Question: You just mentioned your poor run of form in the T20 World Cup. Did it have anything to do with you being made the Vice Captain? Did being the VC help or hinder your game and what effect did it have on your confidence?

Salman Butt: It was a great honour to be made Vice Captain of Pakistan, so obviously my confidence was really high at that time. In the games leading up to the T20 WC I scored well against Sri Lanka and in Kenya but for some reason I was unable to score the runs that were expected of me during the T20 World Cup itself.


Question: You came in for a lot of criticism during the T20 World Cup, the general feeling was that if you weren't the Vice Captain of the team you would have been dropped. How did you cope with all that criticism and pressure?

Salman Butt: If you're not playing well then people will criticise you and rightly so. If the criticism is constructive then I don't mind taking it because when I play well it's those same people who praise me and so it's only fair that they get to criticise me when I'm not doing well. They have their opinions about the way I'm playing and they have the right to express those opinions both when I'm scoring runs and when I'm not. An Insaan (human being) is there to learn and you learn more when you're struggling and going through difficulties than you learn when you're doing really well and everyone is praising you. It doesn't matter what job you do, if you aren't performing at your job you will get criticised so I accept that as a cricketer if I'm not doing my job of scoring runs then criticism will come my way. In the long run I think it makes you a stronger and better person. But there are also those people who support me even during my difficult times and I want them to know that I'll never forget their support because it's very important to me.

Salman Butt

Question: You've scored a lot of runs on flat subcontinental pitches but you havent been as prolific outside the subcontinent, eg during the England tour...

Salman Butt: (interrupts) ...Do you know how many matches I played in England? Do you know how many runs I scored in the side games against the county teams and England A?


Question: Actually, no I don't.

Salman Butt: I think I played 4 innings in the side games and I scored 60s and 80s with two not outs. I only played two Test matches during that tour, I was run out with Younis Khan on 20 and I don't think it's fair to say that getting run out is a sign of a technical fault in my batting. I was out lbw at Headingley and I was caught in the slips once off Hoggards bowling. I dont think that based on two Test matches you can come to the conclusion that I dont have the technique to play on those pitches. In South Africa I played a game for the World XI at Cape Town where I scored a century under lights, no-one can say it's easy to score on a Cape Town pitch under lights. During the tour to Australia I scored a century in Sydney, In Melbourne on Boxing Day I was run out on 70, I got 60-odd in Hobart and I scored a century at Perth in a side game. Looking at my stats I dont think that it's fair to say that I can't bat outside the subcontinent.

Salman Butt

Question: I saw the way you batted on the tour to Australia and I remember thinking at the time that if you can score on those pitches against that bowling attack then you can score anywhere in the world. These questions are being asked on behalf of members of our website, on this occasion I agree with you that it's unfair to be judging your ability to play outside the subcontinent on such a small sample.

Salman Butt: I want to clear this up if I can. I'd like to ask those people who say these things to have a look at my stats and tell me how many games I've played in Australia and other countries outside the subcontinent. I haven't been selected for many games outside Asia, I can only play in those games that I've been selected for. I can't go by myself and start playing in games against South Africa and Australia, I can only try and take advantage of the opportunities that come my way.


Question: There seems to be a perception that you have a weakness against swing bowlers, eg Pathan and Hoggard. Do you agree and are you working on it?

Salman Butt: Every batsman struggles when the ball is swinging, I don't know any batsman who hasn't struggled against a swinging ball. It's true that sometimes I've struggled when the ball is swinging but at other times I've scored runs against a swinging ball, perhaps those who say I can't play swing bowling havent seen those games or perhaps they've chosen to discount those games. It's their opinion and they have the right to have that opinion so I cant say much about that. As for me I can only try and practise more and try to get better which I'm doing.

Salman Butt

Question: You've had a lot of different opening partners over the years, is there one in particular that you feel more comfortable opening with?

Salman Butt: The opening combination has been through so much chopping and changing and I've had so many different opening partners that it's hard for me to say that I prefer batting with any specific person. You can't really tell who would make a good pairing with you until that person gets a consistent chance alongside you, I believe that whoever shows the required aptitude for opening should be given a proper run in the team. It's only when an opening pair gets consistent and frequent chances to open together that you can tell if they will be any good.


Question: You've opened with Nasir Jamshed a few times now, what are your impressions of him?

Salman Butt: During the 4 or 5 games we've played together he's played well, we've gelled well together and I wish him luck for the future. He's a very good player and I believe that if we both get a consistent run together then it'll be good for both of us and hopefully the country as well. He's a very good player.


Question: Watching two left-handed batsmen opening the innings for Pakistan in an aggressive fashion (for th last few games) has reminded some of our website members of Aamir Sohail and Saeed Anwar.

Salman Butt: (genuinely pleased) That's a huge compliment

Salman Butt

Question: After Inzamam Ul Haq and Mohammad Yousuf, you're fast gaining a reputation as Pakistan's next run out King. Why do you think that you've been run out so many times?

Salman Butt: Yes this is something that has stuck to me, I dont think the problem is with fast or slow running. I believe it's the calling that's to blame. Still it's unfair to compare me with those two because unlike them I'm always batting with a different person, I dont think they've had as many different running partners as I've had. When you're batting with someone then there needs to be a certain amount of trust and understanding between you, that's not something that happens overnight. It takes a lot of time to develop that trust, it's not possible to do that when your batting partners keep changing every match or every series.


Question: That's a good point about your opening partners but Younis Khan at 3 and Mohammad Yousuf at 4 hasn't really changed for several years now and you've been run out with those two as well. Are you working on your running and calling between the wickets?


Salman Butt: Yes, definitely, I'm working very hard on it. The last few times I've been run out has been with Nasir Jamshed, I dont think I've been run out with the players you've named at all this year. In fact they've both been wonderful, they're beside me every step of the way helping and guiding me.


Question: During a recent post-match interview you mentioned how Younis Khan guided you through your innings and you were thanking him for his support. You seem to bat very well with Younis Khan, what's it like batting with him and what advice does he give you?

Salman Butt: It's really helpful to be batting with someone who has such a wealth of experience, he's constantly talking to me and reminding me about what I should be doing. If I hit a boundary he comes up to me to say well done but then he reminds that I should now be looking for singles and that I shouldnt be taking any more chances in that over. Things like that help a lot. When a player of his calibre comes up to you to give you advice and to guide you on how to play a long innings it gives you a lot of confidence in your own ability too.

Salman Butt

Question: Younis Khan often comes in to bat within the first or second over so you could argue he's basically been opening for Pakistan...

Salman Butt: (interrupts) No, I dont agree with that. If you look at the last few series the opening has been doing really well. I dont think it's fair to say that he is always coming in during the first few overs.


Question: Ever since you scored that 290 vs Federal Areas during the Pentangular Cup your batting seems to have become more flowing and confident than it was before. What's changed in the recent past for us to see this new calmer and more assured Salman Butt?

Salman Butt: First of all I'd like to say, thank God that it's happened! I think it's the result of all the accumulated experience that I've been getting playing for Pakistan over the last few years. I'm also lucky that I'm playing with some great and experienced batsmen, I've been sititng with them to listen and learn from their vast experience. Talking to them about batting and discussing my weaknesses with them has really been working for me. Hopefully this can continue and we can carry on supporting each other and hopefully that will reflect in our future results as a team.


Question: You seem to find it easier to hit a boundary than you do take a single, I think it's because you hit the ball too well and it travels to the fielder too fast. What are you doing to convert those dot balls into singles?

Salman Butt: The nature of the pitches in Asian countries means that the ball comes on to the bat very nicely, if you're in good form you tend to hit the ball a lot harder and because the outfields are so fast the ball does travel very quickly. The ball doesnt come up much unless it's spinning or there is some grass on the pitch.

Salman Butt

Question: But more experienced players like Younis and Yousuf are very good at dropping the ball at their feet, finding the gaps and even trickling the ball down to third man in order to steal cheeky singles. Is this something that you're working on?

Salman Butt: Yes I'm trying to work these things into my game as well. You have to remember that these players have been around for 10 or 12 years now and these things have only really come into the game over the last 3 or 4 years. Before that they were similar to where we younger players are now. Yousuf Bhai and Younis Bhai tell us this themselves, they say that nothing is going to change overnight. We need to learn step by step and keep working hard and eventually we will be rewarded.


Question: Before you joined the Pakistan team you used to be a batting all-rounder, you used to bowl as well as bat. What happened? Why don't you bowl anymore?

Salman Butt: If you think back to when I joined the team you'll remember that at that time we had 6 or 7 good bowlers in the side and so I was never asked to bowl. But now over the last year or so we are struggling with our bowling options and I've started bowling in the nets again so that i'm ready for whenever the captain needs me.


Question: How confident are you in your bowling?

Salman Butt: You can only be as confident as the results that you produce, once I get the chance to bowl in some games and I know that I'll be getting the ball regularly then my confidence will continue to grow as I bowl more regularly.

Salman Butt

Interview With Rashid Latif

Rashid Latif

We are proud to present an Exclusive interview with the former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper Rashid Latif. He was best known for his electric wicketkeeping but with a test batting average of 28.77 he was also quite the all-rounder! Rashid Latif has kindly agreed to answer questions posed to him about his career and Pakistani cricket. We hope that you will all enjoy the interview.
 

Question: Who does he think are the top bowlers in domestic cricket in Pakistan with the ability to succeed at test level?
Rashid Latif: It has to be Fazl-e-Akber and Abdul Rauf.

Question: Whom does he think are the top three batsmen in domestic cricket in Pakistan with the ability to succeed at test level?
Rashid Latif: Misbah ul Haq, Hassan Raza and Faisal Ather

Question: What about the top three all-rounders for the future?
Rashid Latif: Tahir Mughal, Yasir Arafat and Kamran Hussain

Question: What changes would you make to Pakistani domestic cricket?
Rashid Latif: I believe the problems are down to a lack of funding, the entire setup needs more money.
 

Question: Are there any uncapped players in particular whom you feel have a test future?
Rashid Latif: Pakistan fans should watch out for Shahzad Malik, Shahid Yousuf and Khalid Latif

Question: Should Hasan Raza be groomed into the Pakistan team sooner rather than later and does he struggle against pace or is that just a rumour?
Rashid Latif: This is the right time for him to return since he will be playing on Pakistani pitches and yes he does have a little problem in playing short deliveries.

Question: Have you heard of any of the following bowlers? Naved Arif from Sialkot, Sajid Ali from Lahore and Nasir Khan from Karachi.
Rashid Latif: I know Nasir Khan from Peshawar and Pak PWD personally.
 

Question: What was the main reason for you stepping down from the captaincy after? only 6 months?
Rashid Latif: Too much politics at the time.

Question: Rashid, you are 12th on the all-time list of 100 dismissals and 1000 runs in ODI cricket, and 23rd in that same list for tests, why? Do you think it's because in some of those tests you had to fulfill the captain's role as well? (Most of the 'keepers above you on that test list, had seldom or never had to captain their team).
Rashid Latif: You have to keep in mind that they all played over 50 test matches. I only played 37 tests in my 11 year long cricket career. I have no regrets and I feel proud about what I did for cricket. It's a long answer but I can't explain it here.

Rashid Latif

Question: Did you ever wish that you could do just the one. 'Keeping, that is, instead of having the extra burden of captaining? Or did you enjoy the challenge?
Rashid Latif: I like challenges and enjoyed the challenge of captaincy in the crucial stages of a match. During my captaincy period I feel that I performed below the standards I set for myself but a lot of that was down to the external pressure I was under at that time because I'm not a 'yes sir' type of man.
 

Question: What do you think of the current/future crop of wicketkeepers coming through? What are your opinions on Kamran Akmal, Humayun Farhat, Mohammad Salman, Zulqarnain Haider, Adnan Akmal and Amin-ur-Rehman?
Rashid Latif: Kamran Akmal was one of my students and he is doing very well nowadays. Mohammad Salman has played with me for two years in Allied Bank and Humayun Farhat has also played under me for Allied Bank over two years. My personal opinion is that Mohammad Salman has the best wicketkeeping technique in Pakistan and Amin Ur Rehman is a very agile and talented new keeper with a great future ahead of him.

Question: Who was the hardest bowler to wicketkeep to?
Rashid Latif: When you're going through bad wicket keeping form then every bowler looks difficult, perhaps Aamir Sohail.

Rashid Latif

Question: Humayun Farhat doesnt look as if he will play again for the national side. What are your opinions of him and Zulqarnain Haider?
Rashid Latif: Zulqarnain is a good young batsmen wicket keeper but I think Amin Ur Rehman is better than all of the rest

Question: Who is the future keeper of Pakistan along with Kamran that you think can represent Pakistan??
Rashid Latif: Mohammad Salman and Amin Ur Rehman

Question: What is the most important skill to have as a wicketkeeper, and is it something that can be taught?
Rashid Latif: You need foot work, a good eye, to be flexible, use soft hands, be mentally strong and think positive

Question: What suggestions/advice would you have for a young keeper?
Rashid Latif: You need to work hard in the right direction. Believe in yourself and dont rely on others.

Question: You share some good wicket-keeper/bowler combination records with Wasim and Waqar, in ODI's. Please give me some ideas on who could break those records (not the 'keeper, because I hope they stick with Kamran for a good while) And would you mind very much if those records get broken What advice do you have for some of our younger guys such as Akmal or Zulqarnain?
Rashid Latif: I consider myself the luckiest wicketkeeper on Earth because I had the privilege of keeping to Wasim and Waqar during their peak. I dont believe in records, I believe the support of the fans and the public is far more important than any records. For me the most important thing is to play well in front of thousands of people.
 

Rashid Latif

Question: What is the best way to manage/motivate shoaib akhtar because when you were in charge of the Pakistani team shoaib played well under you
Rashid Latif: Shoaib Akhtar is a great fast bowler, the fastest bowler on this planet. He's a great human being as well, I didnt have any problems with him at all during my captaincy. He only wants love and care.
 

Question: I am a big fan of yours and appreciate your talent and your services for Pakistan, what were you thinking when you picked the ball after it popped out of your hand...did you really think at that moment that you had possession of the ball long enough to claim a catch?
Rashid Latif: That was just an accident

Question: The match referee said, "You had picked the ball from the ground, after it popped out of your hand, and claimed a false catch" Didn't you try to explain to them your side of the story?
Rashid Latif: I explained it to the match referee but a five-match ban was very harsh.

Question: I have the clip of that catch; when you picked the ball from the ground, after it popped out of your hands, you were facing the batsman, most of the close-in fielders and the leg umpire too...how is it that they said that you tried to cheat? I am still baffled when I see that clip?
Rashid Latif: At the time I was unsure and I told my fellow players 'I think this is not out' but some players told me this is out
 

Rashid Latif

Question: You are a NED graduate right? Which batch and dept? I also did my Engineering from NED batch 97-98 computer systems.
Rashid Latif: 1987 batch in civil

Question: Can you tell us a little bit about Malir Gymkhana and your association with the club? Many of us do not know much about the club but it has given us quite a few stars such as yourself and Younis Khan. Can you also name some other stars that have played for the club?
Rashid Latif: Malir Gymkhana was established in 1963 by Agha Shelly. Malir Gymkhana has produced some great international and domestic players like the 1st wicket partnership record holder Waheed Mirza, also Saeed Anwer, Younus Khan, Asim Kamal, Farhan Adil, Zafar Iqbal, Saeed Azad, Aamir Hanif who all played for Pakistan. Then there are players like Khalid Latif, Fawad Alam, Fahad Iqbal, Azam Hussain and Khurram Manzoor whom have represented Pakistan under 19's. Malir Gymkhana one of the best clubs in Pakistan.

Question: Rashid bhai, your brilliant catch as a substitute at Lords in 1992 started it all for us fans, followed by that 50 on debut in the final test. We've been hooked ever since! How did it feel to be a part of the Pakistan team for the first time?
Rashid Latif: It just felt normal, I really worked hard for this honour and I feel I deserved for play for my country

Question: Rashid, whats the story about your bet with Geoff Boycott, that you would score a 50 on your test debut, and how much did you win off him?
Rashid Latif: Geoffry met me during the last practice session before the 5th test and he asked me 'are u playing tomorrow?' I replied 'Yes I am playing tomorrow' Then he told me u cant make more then 35 runs, if u cross 35 runs then I will give u 5 pounds.
 

Rashid Latif

Question: In your opinion what are the most important things Pakistan need to do to become World Champions in 2007?
Rashid Latif: Always looking ahead to the World Cup is not the right criteria to analyse a team's performance, you should play good cricket throughout the year. Pakistani cricket's future is very bright because our young generation are only concentrating on one thing and that is cricket. That’s why our future is very bright.
 

Question: The greatest innings and bowling spell you ever saw Test and ODI?
Rashid Latif:Well it has to be..

* Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis in New Zealand & England
* Shoaib Akhter in Colombo
* Mushi in Australia and england

Question: Salam Rashid Bhai its Ghafoor (Alconbury-Peterborough): What has been the most memorable match you have been involved in?
Rashid Latif: Hi Gafoor I met u in Lashings match last year! My most memorable match was the 1996 ODI v England at Notts

Rashid Latif

Question: What has been the most spectacular dismissal that you remember?
Rashid Latif: Well for me it's...

* Andy Flower C Rashid b Waqar 0 Pindi 1993
* Jayasuria c Rashid b Wasim 4 colombo 1994
* Shahzad Malik c Rashid b Khalid Latif 2004 domestic

Question: What has been the worst match you have been involved in?
Rashid Latif: It was V sri lanka in 2002

Question: Rashid Bhai what are your opinions on the following players? Mohammed Wasim, Ali Naqvi, Zahid Fazal, Basit Ali, Salman Butt, Farhan Adil, Khaled Latif and Yasir Ali.
Rashid Latif: Well...

* Mohammed Wasim (A good player but Pakistan's bad luck)
* Ali Naqvi (A good player but needs a more positive attitude)
* Zahid Fazal (Not playing nowadays but a good player)
* Basit Ali (Good against average bowling, great against good bowling and a genius under pressure)
* Salman Butt (Great attitude)
* Farhan Adil (God gifted player, it's lovely to watch him when he plays)
* Khaled Latif (Good young and promising player along with shahid yousaf)
* Yasir Ali (Good tall bowler but needs more fitness)

Question: You Kept for Waqar Younis in early 90's and then Shoaib in 2001-2003, if u have to pick one then who would u pick as ur main Right Arm Fast Bowler in your team (If given a choice and why?)
Rashid Latif: Waqar Younis, he was simply the best. There is no need to describe why I am picking him.

Question: How high do u rate Aamir Sohail as a selector and how do u rate Wasim Bari as a selector?
Rashid Latif:Bari is very bad and Sohail is a little less bad than Bari. lol
 

Rashid Latif

Question: You've been working very hard with your academy and we've already seen a number of good players polishing their skills there and representing Pakistan at various levels. What do you think are the requirements for an academy in Pakistan that will genuinely benefit those that attend? What plans
do you have to expand your academy in the future?
Rashid Latif:Number one, true we have worked really hard at our academy and we have the biggest practice area in Pakistan almost 15 practice pitches. We also have more than 200 young players in our academy. Number two, the thing we lack in Pakistan is fair selection at every level. Most are not sincere with our country. We are not charging any money from the players that are at the academy and we are very serious on our committment. We are trying to find players from the street for high level… example Khalid Latif, Mohammad Sami and Younus Khan ..look there are so many Waqar Younis,Wasim Akram and Aamir Sohail's playing in the street but no one is trying to find them.. all willing to work in PCB Gaddafi stadium but no one is willing to find players from street …Pakistan trade mark in world cricket in (Street crickets)

Question: Now that a number of former players have started their own academies, do u think that these private academies should play a significant role or do you think that the PCB should invest its efforts in establishing their academies all around the country and provide sufficient facilities and support?
Rashid Latif:I dont agree with the academies working style here in Pakistan private or PCB academy doest matter …Private academies are taking money from the players, all know good players belong to lower middle class family they cannot afford money for cricket coaching and cricket gear. They (Academy) all make money from cricket coaching. Private academies are busy with posh family kids coaching at ground or at home. This is a waste of time. Pakistan Academy is doing work for 2-3 months period this is not good enough for one player…academy should be working around the year.

Question: Would you take a coaching job for Pakistan? After all the water under the bridge, do you think you'd take such a job, even if offered? (having first-hand experience of internal politics and all) Will you put yourself through that grind again?
Rashid Latif:I do not think I would accept that job because the Pakistan team are the most talented side in the world they don’t need a coach…all depends how good is your captain. I think Inzi is doing well as captain and coach. I am working at grass roots level, all our coaches are looking for PCB jobs, as coach of region team or under 15, 17 & 19 level. I am happy with my academy.. I love my players they love me too. They need me as well that is why I cannot accept any job from authority.

Question: Do you have any ambitions for holding any positions at the PCB? And what steps would you take to make the PCB a better organization?
Rashid Latif:I cant work under bureaucracy… I cant change the system and cant break this system but I can make my own system….

Question: What motivates you, now that you are not part of Pak squad ? Mashallah, you have had a good career and you are well respected - what more would you like to do ?
Are you hopeful of a comeback ?
Rashid Latif:I played my last match October 2003,, no I am not trying to play again for Pakistan.. time for fresh legs in the team Akmal is doing well behind and in front of the stumps, but I'll keep sending more Rashid Latif's in Pakistan team from my academy.

Rashid Latif

Interview With Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: You're returning to Sussex this season. Does it feel like your returning home?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I'm really happy to be back at Sussex. Two years ago, I played for Yorkshire and then came back to Sussex last year. I consider Sussex to be my second home because of all the love I get from here. I enjoy my time here because the atmosphere is very much like home. These guys are like my family and treat me like a brother.


Question: You'll only be playing half the county season this year. Why are you playing until only June?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I have played a lot of cricket over the past couple of years. I have had the chance to play in England, Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan so it all adds up. It's very difficult for a fast bowler to make it through an entire season, especially having played so much in a short span. I don't want to be a burden on the team during the second half of the season. There are sixteen four-day games in total and playing four-day cricket for an entire season takes it toll on you. One day and T20 matches are manageable but not four-day matches. So as of now I'm only going to be here for the first half of the season. I did the same last year as well. If I'm doing well physically and holding up at the half-way point then I will consider staying for a longer period. I might even stay with Sussex for the entire season if I'm feeling well. Otherwise, it will only be half the season.


Question: You have been playing county cricket for a long time and have a great amount of experience here. What are the positives and negatives of the English county cricket?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I don't think there are any negatives. It can be a very positive experience for any up and coming cricketer from Pakistan. You get a chance to learn a lot by playing county cricket because you go up against very good batsmen and bowlers from all parts of the world. It's a very good opportunity for young bowlers and batsmen irrespective of whether they are from Pakistan or from any other country.


Question: You're saying that county cricket is a very positive experience for players. But lately, very few Pakistani cricketers are playing county cricket in England. Fast bowlers in particular are not being allowed to play country cricket. There are exceptions like yourself and Yasir Arafat but most fast bowlers like Umar Gul have been prohibited from playing county cricket by the PCB. Do you think that the PCB is making a mistake by blocking players from county cricket?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: As far as Umar Gul is concerned, it was a good decision by the PCB to stop him from playing county cricket. He has been playing a lot of cricket for Pakistan. So for him to come and play a full season of county cricket would not be very good for him. But upcoming players like Wahab Riaz and Azhar Ali should definitely spend a couple of seasons playing county cricket. It will help them become more mature cricketers. It's very good for young players who have not played a lot of cricket. But players like Umar Gul don't need to play county cricket. He's a permanent member of the Pakistani team and has played so much over the years. If he wants to come and play here, then he should limit it to one day and T20 cricket only. Being a fast bowler, it would be very hard for him to play four-day matches.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: You have had the chance to play in a lot of countries around the world. Where did you enjoy playing the most?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I have enjoyed the most in England because I have been playing county cricket here for 6-7 years and have had success every year. I started with league cricket in England about 10-12 years ago. So I guess I enjoy playing in England the most.


Question: You played a lot of club cricket early on in England. How beneficial is club cricket for those cricketers who don't get a chance to play county cricket?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: There's a tremendous amount of talent in Pakistan. We are lucky to get an opportunity to play county cricket in England because a lot of players from Pakistan don't get this opportunity. But you cannot get a chance to play county cricket unless you have played for Pakistan team - that is one of the requirements. That's why a lot of cricketers end up playing league cricket. The standard of league cricket in England is also very high so it is beneficial for young players. The more cricket you play, the better you get.


Question: You have worked very hard on your fielding over the past few years. During the World Cup, we saw that the fielding standards of Pakistan are very low when compared to some other teams. Why do you think we can't seem to improve our fielding?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I have noticed that most of the fielding coaches for Pakistan have been former bowlers. A few series' ago, Ijaz Ahmed was appointed as the fielding coach and there was an improvement in the team's fielding. Now, Aqib Javed is in charge of the fielding. I don't think any other team has a bowling coach acting as a fielding coach. This is the main reason for our team's poor fielding.

Another major reason is that most Pakistani cricket grounds have hard surfaces. It is very difficult to dive on such surfaces. Changes have been made and the upcoming players from the U-19 level have had a chance to play on better grounds. That's why the younger players are better fielders. They are being taught how to dive as all the facilities are present at the Academy. We didn't have such facilities during our time. Players from South Africa, Australia, and England are very good fielders because they are used to diving around as they have been practising on excellent grounds.

Another reason for our poor fielding is the way we train. We haven't changed and improved our system over the years. I have played in various countries, including Australia and England - they all have advanced training methods and fielding drills. Everyone else has developed their cricket but we are stuck in the same place.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: After the World Cup, a lot of people were calling for Javed Miandad to be named the batting coach. As of now, both the coaches with the team are former bowlers. Do you think that a batting coach is necessary?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: Definitely. If you take a look at the English cricket team you'll see that they have 3-4 coaches with the team. They have Mushtaq Ahmed as a spin bowling coach and various others for the other aspects of the game. South Africa and New Zealand also have different coaches for different aspects of the game. Our batting has been inconsistent over the past few years. A lot of our young players are a bit immature. They don't know how to build their innings. So Javed Miandad or any other great batsman would really help the young players. All our present coaches are former fast bowlers. Our bowling has always been great. We need to improve our batting and fielding and for that we need good fielding and batting coaches.


Question: You've been playing cricket for a long time in various parts of the world. In doing so, you have had a chance to play under many captains. Who is the most impressive captain you have played under in any form of the game?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I think Inzamam was a good captain. He was the captain when I made it to the Pakistani side. He was very supportive and was able to utilise all the players very well. I really enjoyed playing under him. If you are enjoying your cricket then you will perform well. You can say that I consider Inzamam to be a role model. I gave it my all because I knew he would support me at all times. A good captain is one who knows how to get the best out of his players and I think Inzamam was the best captain I have played under.


Question: Who was the best coach you played under?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: Bob Woolmer was a very good coach. Everybody in the team respected him and we miss him now. I got the chance to be with him for 2-3 years and learned a great deal from him. I performed very well and won a couple of Man of the Series Awards during that period. That was a golden period for Pakistan team. We had a great atmosphere within the team and we were like a family. Bob had learned how to deal with us Pakistanis and we learned a lot from him. Unfortunately, he passed away during the World Cup. We miss him and always will. I still consider him to be the greatest coach I ever played under.


Question: One thing that stands out in your career statistics is that you only played nine Test matches for Pakistan. It must be very disappointing because you performed well but managed to play only nine matches.

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I'm not really disappointed because I always preferred one day cricket. I was given the role of being a one day bowler. I have only played nine Tests and I was never fully prepared for these matches! I would come in during the morning of the match and would be told that I was going to play because Shoaib Akhtar or Sami are injured. That is probably why I wasn't too focused on Test matches and hence, was not able to perform too well. But I'm not going to blame anyone because a lot of it comes down to the individual. There were only about two matches that I knew I would be playing in a couple of days before the match. Otherwise, I was always informed of my inclusion in the playing XI at the last minute - and in such case, it is very difficult for a player to prepare himself. But still, I'm not going blame anyone because my performance in Test cricket wasn't as good as my ODI record.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: You are now 32 years old. Do you think you have any chance of returning to international cricket?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: Absolutely. I never think negatively. I was with the team during the ODI series in Australia and was satisfied with my performance. But after returning from Australia, I was banned from international cricket but I did not give up. I played domestic cricket and performed very well. I went on to play in Australia and now I am playing in England. So I think I can make a comeback if I continue to stay fit and perform well.


Question: You were banned after the Australian tour due to alleged under-performance. I know that you were trying to arrange a meeting with the PCB to clear your name but were unable to do so. How frustrating was that episode?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: After the Australian tour, we were called to meet with some members of the PCB. About 6-7 of us were called one by one to state why we had a poor tour and what was happening within the team. I told them the truth and I guess that was a mistake. As they say, the truth is bitter and is difficult for some to swallow. Mohammad Yousuf was the captain at that time and he did not want to see me in the team. But because Abdul Razzaq was injured, I was recalled by the board as I was already playing cricket in Australia. Mohammad Yousuf did not accept me when I came and he did not utilise me properly. There was no unity within the team - there were about 8 captains within the squad. Then Shahid Afridi was made captain all of a sudden during that series. It's very difficult for any team to perform well against a top-ranked side in such circumstances. There were so many controversies and fighting within the team.

After that some players like myself, Yousuf, Malik, and Younis were banned while some others were fined. I had done well in the one day series. During the T20s, I was hit with a ball by Johnson and that affected my hitting towards the end. I had told the physio that I was not fully fit. I told the tribunal the truth that I was injured and could not hit and we ended up losing the match. I told them to call the physio into the meeting if they did not believe me. They asked me why I did not go back to the pavilion if I was injured. I said that I was playing for my country and wanted to give it my all. I tried to win the match but was unsuccessful. I told them that I had given it my all but if they wanted to ban me for losing that match then it was their call. I was assured that nothing of that sort will happen but when I got home, I found out that I had been banned. That was a very tough time for me because my family members and friends would ask me what I had done to be punished so severely. I tried to explain the situation to them but it was very difficult.

I have always given it my all when playing for Pakistan. In 2004, I was with the team in Australia when my father passed away. Younis Khan's father also passed away at that time and he returned home but I stayed with the team. My mother told me that it would be too late anyway so I decided to stay with the team. I've done a lot for Pakistan and I don't think I've been rewarded for it. My family and I were extremely hurt when I was banned. My father always told me to give it my all for Pakistan and I can say that I've always given everything I have got for the team. I've never done anything to bring shame to my country. The ban was eventually overturned and I came back to domestic cricket and performed well. I was named in the 30-member squad for the World Cup but missed out on the final 15. I still prayed for the team to do well. My prayers are always with the team.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: You've had the opportunity to lead your team in domestic cricket. Did you ever get the thought of captaining the Pakistani team?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I have never really thought about that. We already had so many captains in the side that I stopped thinking about it. Everyone was competing for the captaincy. But I only wanted to concentrate on my cricket. Whenever I will get a chance to play, I will play for myself and for my country.
Being the captain of the Pakistani team is undoubtedly a great honour but getting the chance to play for Pakistan is also an honour. That's how I look at it.


Question: You mentioned that captaining your country in Test cricket or one-day cricket is a great honour. What are your thoughts on Shahid Afridi's decision to retire from Test cricket after just one match as captain?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: It's because he is a one day specialist and his style of cricket is better suited for the shorter formats of the game. I believe he made the correct decision to retire from Test cricket given his current age. However, I feel he can play ODI and T20s for at least another two to three years.


Question: You have been playing domestic cricket for quite some time now. You've seen a lot of changes during this time, some good changes, some not so good, different chairmen, different boards and different people making important decisions for Pakistan cricket. In your view, what changes need to be brought about in domestic cricket to improve Pakistan cricket?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: The reason our domestic cricket isn't improving is because we don't have the facilities. We play four-day matches with a one or two day break between matches. For example, last year we played a match in Rawalpindi and had to leave for Karachi the very next day as our next scheduled match was in Karachi. Whilst a few can afford to travel by air, most players take the train. Our team took the train from Rawalpindi to Karachi but on the way, it broke down and we ended up having to wait two days. As a result, our match which was starting the next day had to be cancelled! In the presence of such factors, how can we expect to improve our cricket?

I believe that the PCB is because of the players and not the other way around. If we want to produce quality cricketers and improve the domestic circuit, then we need to learn from the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Bangladeshi domestic cricket. Those countries have improved their domestic cricket tremendously over the years and therefore are producing quality players. The PCB needs to focus on providing as many facilities as possible for the players.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Question: There are several Twenty20 tournaments that are being organized by different cricketing nations - the IPL, the Sri Lankan Premier League (SLPL), the English domestic T20 league, etc. Should Pakistan develop their own Twenty20 tournament whereby they invite foreign players as well?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: Yes, we definitely should. However, security is a big issue. Ever since the attack on the Sri Lankan team, no team is ready to play in Pakistan. However, the situation has improved now. Once we successfully host a few tours with teams such as Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, then the PCB should look to organise a tournament similar to IPL where we have foreign players participating. This will be a step towards restoring international cricket in Pakistan and also help improve our cricket.


Question: The squad for the West Indies has been announced. A few youngsters and upcoming players have been selected - Junaid Khan, Sadaf Hussain, Aizaz Cheema (who was later declared unfit). Are there are any young fast bowlers in the domestic circuit who have impressed you?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: Yes, there are a few have impressed me. Hammad Azam is a talented all-rounder who I have played with. I think it will take one or two seasons for him to mature, but he is a very exciting prospect. Azhar Attari from WAPDA and Junaid Khan have been very impressive as well. We have a couple of youngsters who I feel can play for Pakistan in the near future provided they continue to work hard.


Question:Thank you for your time. It's always a pleasure speaking to you. Any message to your fans on?

Rana Naved-ul-Hasan: I want to request all my fans to pray for the success of all the players in the Pakistan Team and please remember me in your prayers as well.

Rana Naveed-Ul-Hassan

Interview With Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal

We presents an exclusive interview with Saeed Ajmal. Saeed Ajmal is an excellent off-spinner who has represented Pakistan in 8 Tests, 32 ODIs, and 24 T20Is. Hailing from the city of Faisalabad in Punjab, Saeed made his debut for Pakistan in 2008 at the relatively older age of 30. Saeed answers the fans questions and tells us how he finally made it to the national team. Saeed also reveals exclusively that he's working on a new delivery. We thank Saeed for his time and wish him good luck in the upcoming series. 

Question: Saeed, we'll start off by discussing the upcoming series against South Africa. The South African team is a strong one and has always given Pakistan some trouble. What planning has been done for the South African series?

Saeed Ajmal: Our bowling has been our strength and we'll continue to rely upon the bowlers. The bowlers did very well in all three formats in England. Our batting was a bit troublesome during the England series, and could also trouble us against South Africa. Inshallah, the batting will also be sorted soon.


Question: Mohammad Aamer and Mohammad Asif will not be with the team during the upcoming series. Don't you think the bowling will not be as good as it was in England?

Saeed Ajmal: Aamer and Asif are our strike bowlers and we'll obviously miss them. Asif wouldn’t have been part of the team any way due to the restrictions against him. But we'll definitely miss Aamer and Asif as they are world class bowlers.


Question: People often say that the South Africans don't play spin very well. Let's talk a bit about you. What are your goals for the upcoming series? Which South African batsman will be the greatest threat for the Pakistani bowlers?

Saeed Ajmal: The South Africans have some good players. Jacques Kallis and Hashim Amla are very good Test batsman. The rest aren't extraordinary and I think we can get them. I want to be the top wicket taker in the series.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: Inshallah, we also hope that you'll be the top wicket taker. Which South African player will you target during the upcoming series? Who is their main player that you would like to get out?

Saeed Ajmal: I've gotten Kallis out a few times in the past and I'd like to get him out again. He plays his cricket in a very mature fashion, so I'll target him. Hashim Amla also plays very well and I'd like to get him as well. I'll target them all because what I really want is to get all of them out by myself.


Question: The UAE wickets will obviously assist the spin bowlers. Do you think a spin combination of you with either Danish Kaneria or Abdur Rehman can be very useful there?

Saeed Ajmal: Whatever the combination is we'll do well. We'll win these matches with our bowling, regardless of the combination.


Question: Let's talk a bit about how you got into the game of cricket. Who was the cricketer that you followed the most when you became interested in the game of cricket?

Saeed Ajmal: I got into cricket in 1990. I played school cricket at that time, but I really became interested in 1992, the year in which Pakistan won the World Cup. After Pakistan won the World Cup my interest in the game grew even more. That was the time when I decided I should leave tennis ball cricket and start playing with the hard ball. In 1992 I attended an Under-16 camp which was supervised by Imran Khan. At that time I got an opportunity to meet Imran Khan and even had a picture taken with him. I really wanted to be like Imran Khan as he was very famous and a World Cup winner. So I have to say that I'm playing cricket right now because of that. I've also been inspired a lot by Saqlain Mushtaq, so I've followed those two the most.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: Did you learn the doosra from Saqlain Mushtaq or did you learn it by yourself?

Saeed Ajmal: I've learned the doosra by myself. Obviously you pick up tips from other bowlers, but I learned the doosra by myself by watching videos of Saqlain Mushtaq's bowling.


Question: While you were in England you had an opportunity to meet with Saqlain. What tips did he offer you at that time?

Saeed Ajmal: One thing I wanted to learn was how to get more turn. So that was one thing we talked about. Another thing he told me was that my doosra is very good and I should never abandon it. He also told me that I should bowl my over with plenty of variation and let the batsmen know that I can bowl a variety of deliveries at any given time.


Question: Let's now talk about the domestic cricket in Pakistan. Do you think it's competitive or are there too many teams at the domestic level?

Saeed Ajmal: Departmental cricket is very important in Pakistan because the departments give salaries to cricketers all year long, as well as the match fee for playing. If you only play cricket three months a year then it's hard to survive based solely on the match fees. The salary by the departments makes it possible for the cricketers to continue their cricket and improve. Regional cricket is also good but it lacks when it comes to money. The more money there is the better chance there is for better cricketers to play. If the money isn't there then the families of young players won't let them get into cricket.


Question: What you have said is absolutely correct, but are you satisfied with the domestic structure in terms of the competition? There are about 21-22 teams during the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, do you think that the competition in the domestic circuit is diluted? 

Saeed Ajmal: If we cut down the number of teams then there are many Pakistani cricketers that won't have the chance to play. The players that will be left out of the team will at some point just give up on the game so cutting down the number of teams won't help.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: You came into the Pakistani team at a relatively older age. You were 30 years old when you made your debut, why did it take you so long to get a chance to play for Pakistan?

Saeed Ajmal: I was ready to play for Pakistan earlier than that but there just wasn't a place in the side for me. Up until 2003-2004 Saqlain was still part of the team. Then after that Shoaib Malik and Shahid Afridi were the main spinners in the team. So there just wasn't an opportunity for me to play at an earlier time.


Question: When you made your debut for Pakistan, there were many reports out there that Misbah-ul-Haq had a significant role in your selection to the national side. Is that true?

Saeed Ajmal: That is true. I played under Misbah's captaincy in domestic cricket so he knew me. He had asked the board to give me a chance a few times before as well but like I said, there just wasn't a spot in the side for me. So when Misbah became the vice-captain he was able to convince the selectors to give me a chance and get me in the side.



Question: You've played a lot of cricket since making your debut. At this point, what do you think is your greatest moment or the best wicket that you have taken? What is you greatest achievement in international cricket at this point?

Saeed Ajmal: I think that moment came in the 2009 T20 World Cup. It was the wicket of Jacques Kallis in the semi-final. Getting him out at that point was very important because he was in good touch and we knew that if we got Kallis out then we would have won the match. Getting him out at that point was the peak of my happiness. That was the turning point of the match. My performance in that world cup was very good. I did well in the last World Cup as well but there was that shock that came in the semi-final against Australia.

Question: Since you brought it up, let's talk about the shock from that semi-final. If you had to do that over again and had the chance to bowl at Hussey once more in the last over, would you do something different?[/B]

Saeed Ajmal: Since that match I've had the chance to bowl to Hussey in two T20s and he hasn't been able to hit a single boundary off me. If you make a mistake once then you shouldn't repeat it again.



Question: Do you think the results would have been different had you bowled outside the off-stump?

Saeed Ajmal: At that time he was in great touch. He was hitting the ball everywhere so he would have done the same no matter where I bowled to him. There comes a time when you feel almost helpless.


Question: Is there anything that you would like to change about your career so far?

Saeed Ajmal: One thing that I'd like to do is to add more variety to my bowling. With more variation I'll become an even better bowler.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: Can you give some information on what sort of variety you are looking to add to your arsenal? Any specific delivery?

Saeed Ajmal: I can't tell you anything about it right now. Once I've gotten it fully under control and bowl it in a match, I'll speak more about it.



Question: So how long will it take before we can see you bowl that delivery?

Saeed Ajmal: Inshallah you'll see me bowling it at the World Cup. I'm really working hard on it right now there still is some work left to be done. Inshallah it'll be done by that time.


Question: Let's talk about the differences in the white and red ball used for Tests and ODIs. In your opinion, which ball is better for an off-spinner?

Saeed Ajmal: The red ball gives you a greater chance of turning the ball but you need to be very patient. It requires long spells and your stamina needs to be very good. You need to bowl at a good line and length. Patience is the key when bowling with the red ball because you have a lot of time to set up the batsman. The white ball requires a lot of variation to be successful. The white ball gets harder as the match goes on, so variation is the key.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: Saqlain Mushtaq or Muralitharan, who was the better bowler?

Saeed Ajmal: Saqlain Mushtaq is our legend and I'd have to pick him over Muralitharan. Muralitharan is a great bowler, but Saqlain is the one who came up with this variety. People always talk about the doosra and it was Saqlain who introduced us to the doosra in the first place.


Question: During the recent series against England, the doosra was a popular topic amongst the commentators. Bob Willis, one of the commentators, said that no bowler can bowl the doosra with a legal action. How do you respond?

Saeed Ajmal: If no English cricketer can bowl the doosra then does that mean that no other bowler can do it with a legal action? If an English bowler was bowling the doosra then it would be considered a world class delivery. The same things were said about reverse swing. Reverse swing was introduced by Pakistani bowlers, the googly was introduced by Abdul Qadir, and the doosra was introduced by Saqlain Mushtaq. They will never accept it unless an English bowler can bowl it. The English have been playing cricket for more than a 100 years, why can't they come up with such variation? Our country is small but we've been blessed with great talent. We don't have the resources that other countries have but we make up for it with talent and hard work.


Question: Why do you hold the bowl at a cross-seam position when you bowl the doosra?

Saeed Ajmal: I do it sometimes to add more variation and to confuse the batsman. Sometimes I bowl my conventional off-spinner from a cross-seam position as well so the batsman can't tell if I'm bowling the doosraor the off-spin. During the tour of Australia, the Aussie batsmen thought I bowled the doosra with my thumb up so now I don't even point the thump up when I bowl. It just adds to the variation and confusion.


Question: Which captain have you felt the most comfortable with since starting you international career?

Saeed Ajmal: That's a very leading question!

Saeed Ajmal

Question: Alright, then we'll leave it at that. Which opposing captain do you think is the best?

Saeed Ajmal: Ricky Ponting. He never accepts losing and he's able to motivate his players to do the same. They'll play just as hard for the last run as they do for the first ball of the match. That all comes down to the captain. That's the difference between us and the Aussies. We start thinking that we've won or lost the match when there are still 10 overs left in the game. That's the mistake that we make.

Question: Every cricketer comes to a point when they aren't in great form. Who do you go to for advice when there is something that is bothering you or if you aren't bowling as well as you would like?

Saeed Ajmal: You can get advice from a lot of people. The national team coaches, the captain, and even the wicket-keeper can give you advice. But one of the coaches I turn to is Waqar Ahmed Khan, he's the coach of my cricket club. Whenever I am having any issues with my bowling I turn to him for tips and he gives me very good advice.



Question: Which international batsman is the best at reading your variation?

Saeed Ajmal: I'd have to say that it's Michael Clarke. He is a very talented batsman. Clarke has very good footwork and he keeps his eyes on the ball. He gets out of his crease but doesn't always go for the big shot. He can pick up the variation very well.


Question: Do you plan out your bowling before the match or do you just bowl based on the match situation?

Saeed Ajmal: Usually we have a plan for each batsman that we are going to be facing. We work on the batsman's weaknesses and set up a plan according to that. But sometimes we have to alter our plans based on the match situation. At that time the senior players get together and decide on what changes need to be made.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: It seems that your off-break does not turn very much. If you were able to turn it a bit more then it will also improve your doosra. Do you agree?

Saeed Ajmal: Yes. I'm working right now on trying to get the off-break to turn a little more. I have a front arm bowling action so that's why it doesn't turn as much. I'm working on adjusting my wrist position so I can get more turn on my off-break.



Question: You usually bowl from around the wicket to right-handed batsmen and we've seen Muralitharan do the same. What's the reason behind this?

Saeed Ajmal: Bowling from around the wicket is very beneficial, especially for bowlers that can bowl thedoosra. By bowling from around the wicket I'm able to pitch the ball around middle stump. This helps thedoosra and also brings LBW into play. I learned this from Muralitharan. He gave me a few tips and said I should try bowling from around the wicket. It's been very helpful.


Question: So have you had a chance to seek more advice from him?

Saeed Ajmal: Yes. Muralitharan is a very nice person. He's a world-class bowler but he's an even better person. He speaks very sweetly and is always very helpful. A very down to earth person.


Question: How would you compare your bowling with the English off-spinner Graeme Swann?

Saeed Ajmal: Swann has a lot of variation but his best delivery is his off-break. I rely on the doosra but he usually bowls the off-break. Another difference between us is the drift with which he bowls. I really don't drift the ball when I'm bowling. Swann is a very mature bowler. He gets more turn because of the drift but I get more bounce which helps the doosra.


Question: Danish Kaneria didn't have a good series against England. His performance was very poor. Why do you think this happened?

Saeed Ajmal: Every cricketer goes through rough patches in their career. Bowlers go through their bad times as well. Danish is one of our great bowlers. He has over 250 Tests wickets, which is the mark of a great bowler. He was lacking form and bowled some poor deliveries.


Question: We've noticed that even though he has taken a lot of wickets he has a habit of giving up a lot of runs. Do you think he gives up too many runs for a good bowler?

Saeed Ajmal: He bowls with a lot of variation so the runs do come for the batsmen. But sometimes you have to have to give up runs in order to pick up wickets. He's a very good bowler.


Question: Let's talk a bit about players that haven't played for Pakistan yet. The first cricketer I'd like to ask you about is the young left-arm spinner Raza Hasan. How do you rate him?

Saeed Ajmal: He is a very good bowler. He just needs time to mature but I think he will be a very good bowler for using the future. I expect a long career for him.



Question: Do you think he has the variety to be successful?

Saeed Ajmal: He has the variety and the talent to succeed. I expect him to play for Pakistan for a long time.


Question: The next cricketer I'd like to ask about is Usman Qadir. He's the young leg-spinner, the son of Abdul Qadir. How do you rate him?

Saeed Ajmal: I've seen him bowl a few times and I think he's a good bowler. He's very young, but has the talent. Usman needs time to mature and he's getting better with experience. It'll take another 2-3 years before he's ready.


Question: You have been playing domestic cricket for a long time and must have seen some good players. Which young batsmen do you think can help the national team in the near future?

Saeed Ajmal: Young players like Azhar Ali and Umar Amin have done well at the domestic level and were able to get a chance to play for Pakistan. I think they are good enough to play for Pakistan. Khalid Latif is also a good player and could help the team in the future as well.

Saeed Ajmal

Question: How would you rate Naved Yasin, the left-handed batsman from Multan? Is he technically correct?

Saeed Ajmal: He's very good. He's a good technically capable batsman. He reminds me a lot of the young Asad Shafiq. Both of them are very similar.


Question: Speaking of Asad Shafiq, we've noticed that he's very comfortable against spinners. He's able to get out of the crease and play really well. He has good footwork and plays the ball very late. Does he remind you a bit of Michael Clarke? 

Saeed Ajmal: He has the ability to play the ball late. He's similar to Mohammad Yousuf and a few other batsmen. He's got a wide range of shots and the most important thing is that he's very confident. Confidence is the key at the big stage. If you can handle the big crowds and pressure then you will enjoy your cricket. Asad Shafiq is a very confident young player.


Question: There are two more players that I would like to ask you about. Shehryar Ghani of Karachi and Aamer Sajjad of Lahore. How do you rate them?

Saeed Ajmal: Aamer Sajjad is a very mature and a very good batsman - he definitely needs to be given a chance. Shehryar is also a good batsman. We need to prepare these batsmen to be able to step in and play at the international level. The problem is that most of our young players don't have the confidence to play at this stage.


Question: Our bowlers have done well over the past few series by taking early wickets. The bowlers pick up 3-4 early wickets, but then we start becoming defensive. The field is spread out and the pressure on the batsmen is reduced. As a bowler, do you try to change the captain's mind and be more aggressive?


Saeed Ajmal: I try and convince the captain to set a more aggressive field. I ask for a leg-slip or have the fielders come closer in the circle but you have to listen to the captain. The captain sets the field.


Question: But a bowlers is a very important figure in the middle. Don't you have a say when it comes to field settings?

Saeed Ajmal: You can ask the captain for a specific filed settings but then you have to be very careful with your bowling. If you ask for a certain fielding placement then you have to bowl to it. If you don't bowl to that setting then the captain will not trust you. I try and get the job done for the team regardless of the field settings. The priority is to pick up wickets but if that doesn't happen then I focus on restricting the runs.


Question: We wish you all the best for the upcoming series against South Africa. Hopefully you guys will be victorious and will bring a smile to the faces of the Pakistani public. Good luck and thank you for your time.

Saeed Ajmal: You're welcome. Inshallah we will win.

Saeed Ajmal