test2wa

Airtel CL T20

From the glitz and glamour of Bollywood to the slam-bang excitement of T20 cricket, it’s been a great weekend for me.

By Wasim Akram

Cricket lovers are soaking up the magic of T20 cricket in Lahore and some of our "big" boys are living up to their reputation.

In recent times, Shahid Afridi has been in the news for the wrong reasons, but Karachi Dolphins are riding on the all-round ability of one of Pakistan's most explosive players in the domestic T20 championship. Afridi was instrumental in Dolphins' eight-run win against Faisalabad Wolves, this Sunday. He slammed a 12-ball 28 and then took 2 for 16 to swing the game Karachi's way. Misbah-ul-Haq's unbeaten 48 went in vain for Faisalabad.

I have read a report that one of my ex-teammates is backing Afridi to take over the Pakistan captaincy. It's a ridiculous suggestion. Just on the basis of a couple of performances, that too in T20, can one become a Pakistan captain? Afridi can at best be a T20 or ODI captain. He doesn't have the consistency to lead in Tests. And more, important, Pakistan can't afford to have two captains like India.

While on captaincy, Shoaib Malik will always be under pressure. It's changing times in Pakistan cricket. With the sports ministry playing an active role in PCB affairs, anything can happen. Malik will have no control over external factors. His only job will be to perform on the field. On Saturday, Malik played a cameo (39 off 28 balls, with 4 fours and a six) as Sialkot Stallions defeated Faisal Iqbal-led Karachi Zebras by 32 runs.

Rawalpindi Rams are on a high as well. Two of our young talents, Sohail Tanvir and Yasir Arafat, came good as Rawalpindi defeated Quetta Bears by 75 runs. Batting at No. 3, Tanvir scored 21 off 22 balls and Arafat fired a 26-ball 35. The duo then took 3 wickets each to fashion a comprehensive win. Tanvir has been impressive. He is a good thinking all-rounder in the making. I have worked on his swing and now will coach him on batting as well. It is heartening to see such intense competition from all the teams which augurs well for the future as the winner of this event will have to carry the hopes of a million Pakistani fans in the Champions League later this year. The prospect, after seeing the Afridi magic last Sunday, seems truly mouth-watering!

The silver lining of this tournament has been the sponsorship from an international bank. Two banks have been active in Pakistan cricket in recent times and that's a very encouraging sign. We just have to get the international sides coming over now.