The Cricketer with Mansoor Ahmed
A virtual unknown speedster, who made his debut only 2 months ago, has created a new record in Pakistan First Class cricket by taking an astonishing 16 wickets in one match.
Not even the greats like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis have ever achieved such a feat. His tally of 65 wickets in only 9 matches so far this season has got cricket fans scampering to see him.
Sohail Khan, 23 and well built, made his debut in October this year for Sui Southern and picked up 10 wickets in his first match. He has already taken 5 wickets in an innings an amazing 8 times, twice taking 10 in a match. Little is known about him but he was born in Malakand but based in Karachi. Nobody knows where he has been up until now ! Hopefully, we’ll know all about him soon. Let’s hope Pakistan selectors have the courage to drop donkeys like Sami and Shoaib Akhtar and make place for this prodigy in the series against Zimbabwe next month.
Pakistan’s next major series against Australia appears to be in some doubt due to political instability at home. Apparently, a lot of Aussie players are concerned about touring Pakistan, even though series against South Africa was competed without any incidents. However Pakistan Cricket Board have made it clear that under no circumstances will they allow the series to be shifted to a neutral venue. Pakistan fans are keen to see the world champions in Pakistan. According to the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tour Programme (FTP), Pakistan are to pay a return visit to Australia starting next December. That tour may be jeopardised if the Australians refused to visit Pakistan.
Much touted ICL Twenty20 league ended with Chennai Superstars becoming the champions of inaugural tournament. With many big names missing, the league still had many superstars on display, including Inzamam, Abdul Razzak, Brian Lara, and Chris Cairns. Pakistan’s Shabbir Ahmed, whose international career with Pakistan came to a halt due to his dodgy action, was the man of the match in the final with a hat trick. The tournament was well organised with good TV coverage by Zee, headed by top commentators. Lots of money splashed around, winners walked away with half a million pounds. Some were only interested in watching the dancers.
