"Amir knew about life, unfair to say we were responsible for him getting into spot fixing" : M Asif

[Abdullah719]

"Amir knew about life, unfair to say we were responsible for him getting into spot fixing" : M Asif

Pakistan's tainted pace bowler Mohammad Asif has described former India stars Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman as technically the best batsmen he bowled to in his roller-coaster career.

Asif's career hit rock bottom in 2010 when he was banned for five years from the sport, and subsequently jailed, for spot-fixing.

"Dravid and Laxman were technically very good and could whip the ball from the off-stump to the onside flawlessly. It was a challenge bowling to them," Asif said in an interview.

Asif, who picked up 106 wickets in 23 Tests and was rated as one of the best new ball operators at the time, said current Indian batting mainstay Virat Kohli reminded him of Dravid and Laxman.

"Virat is also technically very strong and that always makes it a difficult job for the bowler," he said.

Asif, who is now playing domestic cricket and striving to make a comeback to the national team, recalled that his career had taken off with his spell against a strong Indian batting line-up at Karachi in the 2006 Test series.

He disclosed that it was during that Test that he first learnt to bowl the incutter and inswinger.

"Before that I never knew when I bowled the ball that came in. But in that Test I gained control over it and mastered both the outgoing and incoming deliveries. I remember I bowled Virender Sehwag with an inswinger and it set my career rocking."

Asif said Sehwag was a dangerous batsman and he always knew that if you gave him space to free his arms he would whack you.

"The secret was to keep him tied up in his crease. Because he was a powerful stroke player once he got a chance to open his arms."

Asif rubbished arguments that he and former captain Salman Butt had coaxed young Mohammad Aamir into spot-fixing in 2010 in England.

"That is totally wrong. It is double standards to me. If three people have committed a crime you say two are guilty one is innocent. How can that be possible."

"Mohammad Aamir had come from the grass root level to the top level and he knew everything about life. It is unfair to say we were responsible for him getting into the spot."

Asif lamented that the authorities were employing double standards for him and Aamir when it came to getting a chance to play international cricket again.

"Look I know what we did was wrong and a crime and we regret it and we have apologised for what we did. We have served our time. The ICC has said it has no problems with us playing international cricket so what is the problem?"

The pacer also made it clear he considered himself one of the best new ball bowlers in the country at the moment.

"I will be going to the national cricket academy after the domestic season ends next month and I will be working on my fitness with the trainers and coaches there. So there will be no more problems with my fitness."

Asif said he was targetting Pakistan's Test tour of the West Indies to make a comeback.

The pacer said that every bowler had to work on his bowling and bring about improvements himself.

"I always relished the challenge of bowling to the best and my motto was always to make the openers play every ball with the new ball and try to get wickets. That is the job of the new ball bowlers which our bowlers at present are not doing in Australia."

He also backed Aamir to regain his bowling form of 2010 but said the young pacer needs to overcome just one small flaw.

"He is bowling too wide from the stumps, whereas previously, he used to bowl close to the stumps. This minor thing changes the angle of the ball significantly. If he overcomes this problem he can be effective once again.

http://www.business-standard.com/ar...-batsmen-i-bowled-to-asif-116122801100_1.html

Amir needs to fix minor glitch to become best again: Mohammad Asif

KARACHI: Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Asif backs Mohammad Amir to regain his bowling form of 2010 but says the young pacer needs to overcome just one flaw before he does that.

Asif, who along with Amir and former captain Salman Butt was banned from cricket following the infamous spot-fixing scandal, feels his former opening pace attack partner needs to fix a minor glitch.

“Amir is still the best pacer in the current bowling line-up in the national team but he is committing a small mistake,” said the fast bowler during a television show.

“Amir is bowling too wide from the stumps, whereas previously, he used to bowl close to the stumps. This minor thing changes the angle of the ball significantly.

“By overcoming that glitch, he can be useful as he was in the past.

“His current sytle is affecting his performance and I am sure this is the reason why he is missing the spark of his past exploits with the ball.”

The 34-year-old also questioned the team management for not picking up Amir’s flaw.

“It surprises me why the team management did not figure out this flaw yet,” he said. “But I believe he can be as effective as he was.”

Meanwhile, Asif, who has represented Pakistan in 23 Tests, 38 ODIs and 11 T20Is, still rates himself as the best new-ball bowler in the country.

“I think I am still the best,” said Asif. “I am bowling lethal spells [in domestic] cricket but I know consistency is missing, which happens if you bowl in competitive cricket after a long time.

“I am doing all the hard work I can and I am confident I will get back to my former self soon.”

The Sheikhupura-born pacer further added that he is eyeing a return to the national side in Pakistan’s tour to the West Indies next year.

“By then, I will complete a full domestic season and hopefully the selectors would be impressed with my performance.”

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1277625/amir-needs-fix-minor-glitch-become-best-mohammad-asif/

 

[Junaids]

And the final throwaway comment about Amir's technique is the key one.

Asif is a better analyst of fast bowling than any other Pakistani.

I'd love to see Ghulam Mudassar, Amad Butt and Ehsan Adil in a squad with him. And Amir.

Get the next generation thinking.

 

[Mamoon]

He is right. Amir is completely responsible for what he did. Completely.

 

[Zohaib Shah]

Absolute legend. Deserves a chance to repersent our country for another 10 years. As age is no barrier as Misbah displayed.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

desi kids tend to be naive. to manipulate an 18 yr old is pretty shocking.

 

[Gilly]

So now that Asif has pointed out that Amir is not as innocent as he makes out. Put that on top of his comments about the other bowlers not being good enough it should make for good team harmony to select him now.

 

[Abdul]

Asif is absolutely correct. Agree with him there.

 

[AlphaFighter]

The longer these guys i.e. Butt and Asif remain out of favor with the selectors, the more nasty things will become off field and these guys are going to lash out at Amir, take their frustrations out on him and even go medieval in the media that Amir was not as innocent as the media portrayed him to be.

First time offenders, youthful offenders will get some leniency in law. Asif was a repeat offender while Butt was not only captain but also stubbornly maintained his innocence in the media during that time period, naturally people have less sympathy for them.

 

[AlphaFighter]

desi kids tend to be naive. to manipulate an 18 yr old is pretty shocking.

Nah, Amir knew what he was doing, he probably thought bowling a few no balls for some bucks while not being asked to deliberately throw a match was no big deal and that the punishment, out cry wouldn't be harsh

 

[MMHS]

Excellent words. Also, he has targeted WI tour, which is perfect. I also don't think he was fit for ANZ tour. Indirectly, he agreed that -

"I will be going to the national cricket academy after the domestic season ends next month and I will be working on my fitness with the trainers and coaches there. So there will be no more problems with my fitness."

A fit Asif can be asset for every team, Particularly PAK, whose new ball bowling stock, barring Amir is poor. I hope a fit Asif will end the torture of the new ball from Wahab & Rahat.

Regarding Amir, again he is spot on - both on spot fixing & his bowling. Amir himself was responsible for that fixing - he was grown up enough to know what's wrong & right. He was equal criminal & biggest idiot of the lot - at 20, cricket world was at his feet, out side IND, he could have been one of highest earning cricketer in world for best part of 50 years career on & off the field; almost spoiled every thing for few bucks more.

 

[AlphaFighter]

Excellent words. Also, he has targeted WI tour, which is perfect. I also don't think he was fit for ANZ tour. Indirectly, he agreed that -

"I will be going to the national cricket academy after the domestic season ends next month and I will be working on my fitness with the trainers and coaches there. So there will be no more problems with my fitness."

A fit Asif can be asset for every team, Particularly PAK, whose new ball bowling stock, barring Amir is poor. I hope a fit Asif will end the torture of the new ball from Wahab & Rahat.

Regarding Amir, again he is spot on - both on spot fixing & his bowling. Amir himself was responsible for that fixing - he was grown up enough to know what's wrong & right. He was equal criminal & biggest idiot of the lot - at 20, cricket world was at his feet, out side IND, he could have been one of highest earning cricketer in world for best part of 50 years career on & off the field; almost spoiled every thing for few bucks more.

Or Amir could have ended up like Junaid right now. I personally think Amir is not as good as people think he is.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Bring him back

 

[DRsohail]

Excellent words. Also, he has targeted WI tour, which is perfect. I also don't think he was fit for ANZ tour. Indirectly, he agreed that -

"I will be going to the national cricket academy after the domestic season ends next month and I will be working on my fitness with the trainers and coaches there. So there will be no more problems with my fitness."

A fit Asif can be asset for every team, Particularly PAK, whose new ball bowling stock, barring Amir is poor. I hope a fit Asif will end the torture of the new ball from Wahab & Rahat.

Regarding Amir, again he is spot on - both on spot fixing & his bowling. Amir himself was responsible for that fixing - he was grown up enough to know what's wrong & right. He was equal criminal & biggest idiot of the lot - at 20, cricket world was at his feet, out side IND, he could have been one of highest earning cricketer in world for best part of 50 years career on & off the field; almost spoiled every thing for few bucks more.

plz ur need honest comments....what will be the use of asif for relatively easy tours of wi bangla and sri where we can try new and young lads,,2,,he was needed for nz and aus tour which are gone and we are not touring that much in next 4 years after that he may not b there,,3 and what about the fuss thta he will bring into this somewhat disciplined and stable team4 do u think he can be the bowler he was previously he was with that or 80% of the fitness level if he can acheive that level in next 4 months..

 

[Xoib]

Or Amir could have ended up like Junaid right now. I personally think Amir is not as good as people think he is.

Young amir was once a generation talent those 5 years out have damaged him greatly his bowling was not because of green tracks only otherwise he would run through in new zeland aswell this series.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Any official of Wapda Sports department here ?

Will asif play the final if Wapa win last match convincingly ?

Final will be televised live. (most probably)

 

[Balthazar]

What a yobo. At least take some responsibility for luring an 18 year old kid into fixing.

 

[JaDed]

Looks like Pakistan will finally win in Windies.

 

[FlickedOffHips]

Nah, Amir knew what he was doing, he probably thought bowling a few no balls for some bucks while not being asked to deliberately throw a match was no big deal and that the punishment, out cry wouldn't be harsh

to say that because an 18 year old kid from a village managed to come into the international set " he knew everything about life", is a very silly argument.

his true intentions are not clear, but he was defenitely manipulated into it by his captain, someone much older than him. yielding to hierarchical seniors is not something only Amir is guilty of. It goes on in all of South Asia.

And he was not deemed innocent. he served time in prison, and was suspended for five years.

 

[Ashraful_Rox]

He is right Amir's Iman wasn't strong enough.

 

[AlphaFighter]

to say that because an 18 year old kid from a village managed to come into the international set " he knew everything about life", is a very silly argument.

his true intentions are not clear, but he was defenitely manipulated into it by his captain, someone much older than him. yielding to hierarchical seniors is not something only Amir is guilty of. It goes on in all of South Asia.

And he was not deemed innocent. he served time in prison, and was suspended for five years.

He was not manipulated in any way, he knew he was doing something out of the ordinary for money. He probably thought it is just a no ball for some big money, no big deal but he wasn't manipulated in any shape or form, he went along with it assuming it was no big deal and then raised the innocent bacha card when he realized how deep in **** he was.

 

[MMHS]

Or Amir could have ended up like Junaid right now. I personally think Amir is not as good as people think he is.

I think, he was extremely talented both with bat & ball. Ball obviously was seen, but even few innings he played under pressure were proper innings - the Leeds chase, 100+ partnership with Ajmal, those were technically better innings than say yesterday's Sohail's innings. At that age (I think he was around 20 in UK tour), he was bowling at 140K+, with effort ball touching 150K; could swing the ball both ways & used the old ball better than anyone among ENG, AUS & PAK pacers in that summer. I think, talent was there - what he could have done is 3/4 season between 2011 to 2015 playing in Counties under professional system which would have helped developing his fitness, his batting & his intelligence to set up the batsmen. He took about 50 wickets in those 12 Tests in NZ, AUS & ENG purely from bowling skills - he yet wasn't the complete bowler, who would work out on batsmen's weakness. Instead of developing his game in Counties, he spent 5 years practicing in back yard ..... There are not many cricketers in history with so much potential at 20 (none, if I take his official age of 18 - he won 2 Tests against AUS & ENG at 18 years & 3 months almost alone, for a weak & inexperienced PAK side, in UK).

Today, what we are watching is just a fade copy of a brilliant, brilliant potential career - even Wasim didn't have that level of control on swing at 18 (his age is not genuine either) & both were at similar level with bat. Then, Wasim was lucky to have someone Imran & Javed by his side - later Amir had Asif & Butt...........

 

[MMHS]

plz ur need honest comments....what will be the use of asif for relatively easy tours of wi bangla and sri where we can try new and young lads,,2,,he was needed for nz and aus tour which are gone and we are not touring that much in next 4 years after that he may not b there,,3 and what about the fuss thta he will bring into this somewhat disciplined and stable team4 do u think he can be the bowler he was previously he was with that or 80% of the fitness level if he can acheive that level in next 4 months..

First - never think that away tours in WI, BD & SRL is easy for Pakistan - never. PAK will need their best efforts/teams to beat WI with 2 Test margin & just to win a series in BD & SRL. Last time, PAK won in SRL for an epic innings from a man who now watches 2 balls (& picks the wrong one on forward defense). The spin play I am watching from Babar, Sami, Asad & even Azhar - on turners, don't back PAK much against SRL & BD without YK & Misbah.

Now, an unfit pacer won't come to much use even in Ireland, if he needs 6 weeks rest after bowling in 2 FC matches. Inzi, just for a chance, had picked Asif, it would have been bigger disaster - he won't have survived 3 days. That Gabba D/N Test wasn't played on green tops to be honest & I back Asif to reach hundred almost as fast as Warner on this MCG track - with ball. He is one of my favorites, but I don't watch cricket in Hollywood movies.

For the 3 Series you mentioned - PROVIDED that he is fit & has the right attitude, he can serve 3 purpose -

1. To help PAK winning those Series. At this moment Wahab, Sohail, Rahat & Imran are at best average, and they will be 6 months to 1 years older in to their 30s by next tours. It's not that Asif was holding back youngsters' career - if you ask me, in their next birthday - Wahab will be 36/37, Imran 35/36, Rahat 33/34 & Sohail 38/39 - be Asif or not, PAK has to replace them. Misbah cost Sohail, Pasha & few others' career - at least Hamza, & those 4/5 U23 pacers bowling really well this season needs to be brought into the team ASAP. With this pace attack, PAK won't win all 3 Series for sure, might not even a single one.

2. To mentor the young pacers the art of new ball bowling, which at present is at Afghanistan level to be honest. In fact, if their County players return, Ireland & Scotland probably will outsmart PAK in new ball bowling department on green tops. Imagine what G'homme/Southee did & barring Amir, what other 3/4 PAK pacers did on that same track. Fast bowling is learned through mentoring - PAK doesn't have anyone even for FC level.

3. To bring balance in the attack, which is single dimensional. If he is fit, he can be trusted for 25 overs/day; which is essential for 4 bowler strategy. Only a dumb board like PCB will select 3 left-arm pacers & a leggi, baked by another part-time leggi & that squad had couple of left-arm spinners.

You want to have a laugh - look at the PAK squad for last NZ, this NZ/AUS tour. I was almost certain, beyond incompetence, there must be some other reasons to play that attack in 3rd ODI against NZ last year - and now their 3 options for AUS ODI are Irfan, Tanvir & JK. It can't be incompetence only.

 

[Syed1]

Asif claims he bowled 17 straight overs in a spell at Sialkot in the recently concluded QeA Trophy. Surely he has good enough fitness to play a test match.

The return of the maestro is inevitable, buhat karliya bardasht mediocrity ko..

 

[Prince of Pakistan]

Wow ...


Shows Asif had a big hand in Amir's success in 2010. He might not be the brightest in Pakistan but he truly understands fast bowling. Just amazing how he always has the best tips instead of bashing the bowler only.

 

[Speedster777]

Our bowling is toothless without Asif. We need him desperately.

 

[Mamoon]

Hilarious how he deflected the question regarding his late confession.

 

[Barragan]

“Amir is bowling too wide from the stumps, whereas previously, he used to bowl close to the stumps. This minor thing changes the angle of the ball significantly.

Great, someone relay the message to Amir.

Also, weren't they working on that during the Eng tour?

I remember, the commies were talking about it and that the management were working on it, so what happened?

Seems like they gave up or something.

 

[SARJ_BD]

If a National Team captain comes to an 18 year old and tells him to do sth, an 18 year old kid will definately be nervous enough and may get involved. Plus Mr Ali was a figure invented by the fixers to trick Amir to get involved. All such illusions made an immature kid to get involved. Needless to mention, Amir confessed just after one year, which shows his purity.

However same doesnot apply for Asif who had the maturity to understand that whatever my captain says, it doesnot matter, i should not involve to fixing.

I am not sayung Amir is not guilty and shall not be punished. All I am saying is Amir's guilt is not as same as Asif's or Salman's.

 

[SARJ_BD]

He is right. Amir is completely responsible for what he did. Completely.

If a National Team captain comes to an 18 year old and tells him to do sth, an 18 year old kid will definately be nervous enough and may get involved. Plus Mr Ali was a figure invented by the fixers to trick Amir to get involved. All such illusions made an immature kid to get involved. Needless to mention, Amir confessed just after one year, which shows his purity. However same doesnot apply for Asif who had the maturity to understand that whatever my captain says, it doesnot matter, i should not involve to fixing. I am not sayung Amir is not guilty and shall not be punished. All I am saying is Amir's guilt is not as same as Asif's or Salman's.

 

[proud_pakistani]

I always thought either you give a life ban to all of them or let all 3 play. With how the current test vs Australia has panned out we really could have used Asif's services. Not just as a bowler but his presence will help get the best out of the other bowlers.

 

[Slog]

Having watched the interview dunno why it seems Asif doesn't care much about his return and has the attitude of 'hona hoga tu hojaye ga'

 

[AlphaFighter]

If a National Team captain comes to an 18 year old and tells him to do sth, an 18 year old kid will definately be nervous enough and may get involved. Plus Mr Ali was a figure invented by the fixers to trick Amir to get involved. All such illusions made an immature kid to get involved. Needless to mention, Amir confessed just after one year, which shows his purity. However same doesnot apply for Asif who had the maturity to understand that whatever my captain says, it doesnot matter, i should not involve to fixing. I am not sayung Amir is not guilty and shall not be punished. All I am saying is Amir's guilt is not as same as Asif's or Salman's.

Amir did confess way earlier than the others, but let us not kid ourselves, he obviously realized that the public was more sympathetic towards him, he had the young village kid factor going in his favor and he confessed at the time when he realized it would be the best thing for him to do.

But regardless, it is all in the past now.

The longer Asif and Butt get kept out of the Pakistani team, the more nastier this whole thing is going to become and the likes of Asif and Butt both will try to take their frustrations out on Amir and will go public about "He is not the innocent bacha that everyone felt he was". Human nature. People will drag others down to save their sorry *****.

 

[Vivek_86]

If a National Team captain comes to an 18 year old and tells him to do sth, an 18 year old kid will definately be nervous enough and may get involved. Plus Mr Ali was a figure invented by the fixers to trick Amir to get involved. All such illusions made an immature kid to get involved. Needless to mention, Amir confessed just after one year, which shows his purity. However same doesnot apply for Asif who had the maturity to understand that whatever my captain says, it doesnot matter, i should not involve to fixing. I am not sayung Amir is not guilty and shall not be punished. All I am saying is Amir's guilt is not as same as Asif's or Salman's.

He had other seniors to report to or take advise. Its not that he was threatened by all seniors or management

 

[Statsman]

Didn't the investigation team find certain text conversations in the young lad's phone which happened much before the NOTW sting?

 

[JibranAnsari]

I hope he keeps away from the team and pcb are doing the right thing by ignoring him.

 

[rollingstoned]

Great, someone relay the message to Amir.

Also, weren't they working on that during the Eng tour?

I remember, the commies were talking about it and that the management were working on it, so what happened?

Seems like they gave up or something.

They were repeatedly getting onto the danger area in the middle of the pitch that's why. Rahat got warned a few times I remember. From the angle they ended up bowling it's very difficult to get LBWs to RHBs.

 

[Indiafan]

I hope he keeps away from the team and pcb are doing the right thing by ignoring him.

Yep, I can guarantee he will bring some sort of infighting in the team. He has spoken bad about lots of bowlers in the team recently and then he expects to play with the same bowlers and share a dressing room? He is a small minded person only focused on his immediate needs. Thats the reason he erred so much in the past and when the opportunity comes he is likely to err again

 

[Asim2Good]

this guy hasen't learnt anything
interview after interview and too in negative ones against players who might b might b his team mates in near future, is not gonna help Asif anyway.
He is not coming back with this attitude.

 

[yasir]

Having watched the interview dunno why it seems Asif doesn't care much about his return and has the attitude of 'hona hoga tu hojaye ga'

This interview shows his personality a whole lot more. He is not just introvert but an extreme one. This was his fundamental problem all his life, it's not like he was most corrupt person to ever play cricket for Pakistan, but very careless about everything except whatever he liked to do. I don't think he cared much about making money either, he was way too easy to manipulate.

He remind me of introvert genius, who are extremely talented and focused on what they like but don't like to deal with people or simple things, in corporate culture those people are considered value able assert and buffered from others with great care. In sports it's hard, specially Pakistan, where there is no management structure to manage people with different personalities. He still has tendency to bowl up in that culture.

Fans like to see genius on the field, but he will not make it, on the field is the best part of his life. He will be as tough to manage off field as before, I don't think he can change his personality, it's impossible. Introvert does not convert to extrovert, specially extreme cases. He would have lot of problems dealing with team mates, Pakistan team culture is not designed to deal with extreme personalities. We have lost many geniuses due to personalities in past, I don't know a single case of success.

 

[Junaids]

Hilarious how he deflected the question regarding his late confession.

All three - Amir, Asif and Butt - pleaded Not Guilty to the ICC and maintained their innocence until they were found Guilty and Banned for 5 years.

Amir only pleaded Guilty at the criminal trial. But Asif had strong reason to think that he might not be found Guilty in criminal terms and his conviction is actually under formal review - not appeal, but review.

 

[Junaids]

this guy hasen't learnt anything
interview after interview and too in negative ones against players who might b might b his team mates in near future, is not gonna help Asif anyway.
He is not coming back with this attitude.

Yeah, don't upset the feelings of Sohail Khan or Rahat Ali - you might make people who bowl 20-5-110-1 a bit sad.

That would never do.

 

[Junaids]

Didn't the investigation team find certain text conversations in the young lad's phone which happened much before the NOTW sting?

Yes they did.

Mohammad Amir wasn't in Mazhar Majeed's fixing group but had multiple phone and SMS exchanges with known fixers over a several week period and was also found to have fixed in the Oval as well as the Lords Test. But neither the ICC not the English DPP saw any point in adding additional charges for those fixes.
[MENTION=138974]FlickedOffHips[/MENTION] seems unaware that Mazhar Majeed corrupted Mohammad Amir - not Salman Butt.

 

[Asim2Good]

Yeah, don't upset the feelings of Sohail Khan or Rahat Ali - you might make people who bowl 20-5-110-1 a bit sad.

That would never do.

still way better than selling ur country

 

[Snow]

I wanted to see how Kohli, Smith, KW and Root would have performed against in form Asif. Oh well, we will never see. He was miles better than Amir when they were all banned.

 

[Junaids]

still way better than selling ur country

It is OFFICIAL from the ICC that Asif was not paid or otherwise rewarded and that his guilt was less than Amir or Butt.

How can you "sell" your country if you aren't paid or rewarded?

 

[Speedster777]

Kohli, Smith and Root would never have been able to make tons if there were more bowlers like Asif and McGrath around. These batsmen are lucky to be born in an era where there's dearth of intelligent and wicket taking bowlers.

 

[Syed1]

I wanted to see how Kohli, Smith, KW and Root would have performed against in form Asif. Oh well, we will never see. He was miles better than Amir when they were all banned.

KW and Root may have handled him better than Smith and Kohli both of whom try to impose themselves on the bowler and take the attack to him. Asif especially thrived against such batsmen (KP/Sehwag for example). However, it is all speculation at this point and unlikely to happen.

Even if it does happen Asif would be way way past his best and I would expect all four of them to have better of him, or see him off with relative ease.

 

[Pakistanian]

Kohli, Smith and Root would never have been able to make tons if there were more bowlers like Asif and McGrath around. These batsmen are lucky to be born in an era where there's dearth of intelligent and wicket taking bowlers.

Pak doesn't play many games bruh, the establishment is holding us down.

 

[Asim2Good]

It is OFFICIAL from the ICC that Asif was not paid or otherwise rewarded and that his guilt was less than Amir or Butt.

How can you "sell" your country if you aren't paid or rewarded?

clever enough to hide all evidence
but stupid enough to still be charged

 

[Speedster777]

Watch the full interview of Asif, it was great. He knows more about bowling than Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib and the so called coaches in our team. Another quote that is missing in opening post:

"For me bowling is either do or die. I want the batsman to play the new ball and make sure he doesn't see it off. Either he will hit three fours on or I'll take his wicket. But I won't let him see off the ball, I'll bowl at the stumps." - Asif

Of course his comments on Amir's bowling (complete quote is missing in the opening post) showed how little Azhar mahmood and Waqar worked on Amir's technical issues. If Amir or any other bowler played with Asif, they would have improved just by learning from Asif.

 

[Pakistanian]

Too bad Asif couldn't be on the tours of Aus, Nz and England but we should keep him part of plans for the 2019 world cup and the tour of SA.

 

[Asim2Good]

Watch the full interview of Asif, it was great. He knows more about bowling than Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib and the so called coaches in our team. Another quote that is missing in opening post:

"For me bowling is either do or die. I want the batsman to play the new ball and make sure he doesn't see it off. Either he will hit three fours on or I'll take his wicket. But I won't let him see off the ball, I'll bowl at the stumps." - Asif

Of course his comments on Amir's bowling (complete quote is missing in the opening post) showed how little Azhar mahmood and Waqar worked on Amir's technical issues. If Amir or any other bowler played with Asif, they would have improved just by learning from Asif.

and he chosen death of his careeer

 

[Syed1]

Watch the full interview of Asif, it was great. He knows more about bowling than Wasim, Waqar, Shoaib and the so called coaches in our team. Another quote that is missing in opening post:

"For me bowling is either do or die. I want the batsman to play the new ball and make sure he doesn't see it off. Either he will hit three fours on or I'll take his wicket. But I won't let him see off the ball, I'll bowl at the stumps." - Asif

Of course his comments on Amir's bowling (complete quote is missing in the opening post) showed how little Azhar mahmood and Waqar worked on Amir's technical issues. If Amir or any other bowler played with Asif, they would have improved just by learning from Asif.

Asif is a maestro of fast bowling, you can tell just by hearing him talk that this guy knows the art of bowling. Folks like Akhtar and Waqar always appear a bit brash and for a lack of a better word "paindoo" if you ask me. They have provided any insight for fast bowling like Asif did in that one interview. Akram I wouldn't put in the same league, since he knows what he is talking about and can talk at length on pace bowling.


And isn't it funny that a guy who has only watched Amir bowl on television can pin point his technical deficiency but our highly over-paid bowling coaches are unable to do so.

 

[Indiafan]

It is OFFICIAL from the ICC that Asif was not paid or otherwise rewarded and that his guilt was less than Amir or Butt.

How can you "sell" your country if you aren't paid or rewarded?

You are still bowling an intentional no-ball so you know on this one ball the batsman is not going to get out thereby not doing the best for your country

Was he also "accidentally" injected with nandrolone twice and just walked "accidentally" into a Dubai jail thinking it was a shopping mall? Because you know, this is not his only offence unlike Amir or Butt. How can a repeat offender's guilt be less than a first time offenders in any rule of court or law?

 

[Junaids]

You are still bowling an intentional no-ball so you know on this one ball the batsman is not going to get out thereby not doing the best for your country

Was he also "accidentally" injected with nandrolone twice and just walked "accidentally" into a Dubai jail thinking it was a shopping mall? Because you know, this is not his only offence unlike Amir or Butt. How can a repeat offender's guilt be less than a first time offenders in any rule of court or law?

The comment was "selling his country", which the ICC found he did not do.

And you know as well as I do, the PCB at the very least made the drug offences disappear, so that the ICC Tribunal explicitly observed that he had no prior convictions.

We have discussed before why the IPL ban could neither be recognised nor applied outside the IPL due to the IPL's own non-compliance with WADA drug rules.

 

[Asim2Good]

The comment was "selling his country", which the ICC found he did not do.

And you know as well as I do, the PCB at the very least made the drug offences disappear, so that the ICC Tribunal explicitly observed that he had no prior convictions.

We have discussed before why the IPL ban could neither be recognised nor applied outside the IPL due to the IPL's own non-compliance with WADA drug rules.

doesn't mean u have to get paid to sell your country

you are helping outsider on back of ur team mates. .
a act could loose a match for your team which your team mates are working hard to win.
ur nation is supporting you to win match and you are helping others to cost match to country. that is selling your country too

 

[Slog]

Yeah, don't upset the feelings of Sohail Khan or Rahat Ali - you might make people who bowl 20-5-110-1 a bit sad.

That would never do.

Well those were Asif's figures in the second innings of the QeA final where he flopped when it mattered

 

[street cricketer]

Honestly Asif would've been tonked around on the roads of Australia. It's not like he had a great record in Australia barring that 5fer on the green wicket in Sydney.

No bowler can bowl on the highways of Australia. Maybe MJ and Harris would've done better.

 

[Mamoon]

If a National Team captain comes to an 18 year old and tells him to do sth, an 18 year old kid will definately be nervous enough and may get involved. Plus Mr Ali was a figure invented by the fixers to trick Amir to get involved. All such illusions made an immature kid to get involved. Needless to mention, Amir confessed just after one year, which shows his purity. However same doesnot apply for Asif who had the maturity to understand that whatever my captain says, it doesnot matter, i should not involve to fixing. I am not sayung Amir is not guilty and shall not be punished. All I am saying is Amir's guilt is not as same as Asif's or Salman's.

Amir only confessed when he realized that he was not going to get away with his lies.

He was not an immature kid - don't go by his cricketing age. He is not 24 now and wasn't 18 at that time. You can add 2-3 years.

Even if we go by his fake cricketing age, he was 18 at that time and in most countries as well as Pakistan (which is the only country that matters in this context), he was a full adult who could legally do anything that a 40 or a 50 year old can.

He knew what he was doing - you are not a fool or an immature when you get tempted by money.

If someone comes up to you and you are told that he is a fool, tempt him with money - it will reveal if he is really a fool or is just pretending to be.

Amir knew what he was doing and made the choice. Like others before him, he thought he would get away with it but he didn't, and deserved everything that he has gone through.

Delegating all the blame to Butt and Asif will not work. Amir is responsible for his own actions, and he is guilty.

 

[Indiafan]

The comment was "selling his country", which the ICC found he did not do.

And you know as well as I do, the PCB at the very least made the drug offences disappear, so that the ICC Tribunal explicitly observed that he had no prior convictions.

We have discussed before why the IPL ban could neither be recognised nor applied outside the IPL due to the IPL's own non-compliance with WADA drug rules.

That's completely up to PCB isn't it? They may have tactically helped him in the past because he was skilled and thought he would be an investment. That doesn't mean they have to support him now after he let them down again. PCB has always supported Asif, they also defended Asif over the more veteran Akhtar. Akhtar was treated much more harshly by PCB and Asif was always protected

ICC does not need to interfere in these things, they will always leave it up to the board. The board can decide never to pick Asif again without making anything official. We are not even talking about rules and laws here. Sreesanth was given a life ban just because the board felt like it, no rules covered it. Its completely up to PCB to select Asif or not

Personally I dont see Asif and Amir or Amir and Butt getting along playing in the same XI. There are bound to be problems

 

[Asim2Good]

That's completely up to PCB isn't it? They may have tactically helped him in the past because he was skilled and thought he would be an investment. That doesn't mean they have to support him now after he let them down again. PCB has always supported Asif, they also defended Asif over the more veteran Akhtar. Akhtar was treated much more harshly by PCB and Asif was always protected

ICC does not need to interfere in these things, they will always leave it up to the board. The board can decide never to pick Asif again without making anything official. We are not even talking about rules and laws here. Sreesanth was given a life ban just because the board felt like it, no rules covered it. Its completely up to PCB to select Asif or not

Personally I dont see Asif and Amir or Amir and Butt getting along playing in the same XI. There are bound to be problems

and he ruined that investment for 2 World Cups in a row
2007 - coz of drugs he * Shoaib took which were still in their bodies.
2011 - again one year before WC, got into fixing

 

[Indiafan]

and he ruined that investment for 2 World Cups in a row
2007 - coz of drugs he * Shoaib took which were still in their bodies.
2011 - again one year before WC, got into fixing

Thats what I meant. People here are too forgiving and blame PCB. PCB has supported Asif much more than they even supported Amir. They constantly shielded him, helped him whenever he was in trouble. They invested a lot in Asif and chose him over Akhtar. Every time Asif let them down. The spot fixing row might have been the last straw.

If you look at his test stats, he has played just 23 matches and taken only 106 wickets in 12 years. That is one scandal every 26 wickets. How people still believe in him and want to back him is beyond me. Sunk cost fallacy I suppose. At some point you have to admit a bad investment is a bad investment

But knowing PCB Asif might soon make a comeback

 

[Indiafan]

Thats what I meant. People here are too forgiving and blame PCB. PCB has supported Asif much more than they even supported Amir. They constantly shielded him, helped him whenever he was in trouble. They invested a lot in Asif and chose him over Akhtar. Every time Asif let them down. The spot fixing row might have been the last straw.

If you look at his test stats, he has played just 23 matches and taken only 106 wickets in 12 years. That is one scandal every 26 wickets. How people still believe in him and want to back him is beyond me. Sunk cost fallacy I suppose. At some point you have to admit a bad investment is a bad investment

But knowing PCB Asif might soon make a comeback

One scandal every 6th test he has played for his country. Unbelievable that people still support him and expect him to come good.

 

[DRsohail]

First - never think that away tours in WI, BD & SRL is easy for Pakistan - never. PAK will need their best efforts/teams to beat WI with 2 Test margin & just to win a series in BD & SRL. Last time, PAK won in SRL for an epic innings from a man who now watches 2 balls (& picks the wrong one on forward defense). The spin play I am watching from Babar, Sami, Asad & even Azhar - on turners, don't back PAK much against SRL & BD without YK & Misbah.

Now, an unfit pacer won't come to much use even in Ireland, if he needs 6 weeks rest after bowling in 2 FC matches. Inzi, just for a chance, had picked Asif, it would have been bigger disaster - he won't have survived 3 days. That Gabba D/N Test wasn't played on green tops to be honest & I back Asif to reach hundred almost as fast as Warner on this MCG track - with ball. He is one of my favorites, but I don't watch cricket in Hollywood movies.

For the 3 Series you mentioned - PROVIDED that he is fit & has the right attitude, he can serve 3 purpose -

1. To help PAK winning those Series. At this moment Wahab, Sohail, Rahat & Imran are at best average, and they will be 6 months to 1 years older in to their 30s by next tours. It's not that Asif was holding back youngsters' career - if you ask me, in their next birthday - Wahab will be 36/37, Imran 35/36, Rahat 33/34 & Sohail 38/39 - be Asif or not, PAK has to replace them. Misbah cost Sohail, Pasha & few others' career - at least Hamza, & those 4/5 U23 pacers bowling really well this season needs to be brought into the team ASAP. With this pace attack, PAK won't win all 3 Series for sure, might not even a single one.

2. To mentor the young pacers the art of new ball bowling, which at present is at Afghanistan level to be honest. In fact, if their County players return, Ireland & Scotland probably will outsmart PAK in new ball bowling department on green tops. Imagine what G'homme/Southee did & barring Amir, what other 3/4 PAK pacers did on that same track. Fast bowling is learned through mentoring - PAK doesn't have anyone even for FC level.

3. To bring balance in the attack, which is single dimensional. If he is fit, he can be trusted for 25 overs/day; which is essential for 4 bowler strategy. Only a dumb board like PCB will select 3 left-arm pacers & a leggi, baked by another part-time leggi & that squad had couple of left-arm spinners.

You want to have a laugh - look at the PAK squad for last NZ, this NZ/AUS tour. I was almost certain, beyond incompetence, there must be some other reasons to play that attack in 3rd ODI against NZ last year - and now their 3 options for AUS ODI are Irfan, Tanvir & JK. It can't be incompetence only.

agree...and i am extremely disappppointed by the inzi choices for junaid irfan and the other guy who is even not fit for t20....pathetic........cricket will soon die in this part of the world if the same attitude continues..

 

[kingusama92]

He's right, Amir knew what he was doing.

The only way Amir could have been deemed "innocent" was if he hadn't cemented his spot. You could get away with stating Salman Butt forced him to fix so he'd get selected.

However, that doesn't fit Amir either since he was perhaps more established than Butt himself!

Still, he was much younger than them and accepted responsibility well before they did. That's the reason he was let off "easier."

 

[Aman]

I wanted to see how Kohli, Smith, KW and Root would have performed against in form Asif. Oh well, we will never see. He was miles better than Amir when they were all banned.

I think Kohli, Smith and Root would have gone well against Asif.

 

[Junaids]

and he ruined that investment for 2 World Cups in a row
2007 - coz of drugs he * Shoaib took which were still in their bodies.
2011 - again one year before WC, got into fixing

With respect, you and [MENTION=3327]Indiafan[/MENTION] seem not to grasp what none of us dare say.

I will write this in such a way as not to be moderated.

Are you familiar with the Russian Olympic doping scandal?

There are basically three possible explanations for why Shoaib and Asif both tested positive for steroids in 2006-07 and the PCB whitewashed it after Asif was initially banned for half as long as Shoaib.

Option 1 is that each player separately sourced the drugs from a non-PCB source and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 2 is that both players got the drugs from the same non-PCB source, and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 3 is that both players were doped by a PCB employee, and that the PCB made it go away for obvious reasons.

Have you seriously never wondered where they got the drugs and why the PCB withdrew the charges?

And try to remember the course of Asif's career when the scandals occurred. The coach - who had been Hansie Cronje's coach - died in suspicious and never explained circumstances.

Half the team went to the ICL which we all know was a fixing-fest.

The team has hardly any cricket for two years and when it returned there were widespread claims of fixing in Sri Lanka, Sydney, the West Indies and England.

I believe that in that period 2006-2010, nothing has a simple explanation.

And I am aware of - but cannot publish - allegations against much bigger names than Asif, in Pakistan and elsewhere.

 

[Asim2Good]

With respect, you and [MENTION=3327]Indiafan[/MENTION] seem not to grasp what none of us dare say.

I will write this in such a way as not to be moderated.

Are you familiar with the Russian Olympic doping scandal?

There are basically three possible explanations for why Shoaib and Asif both tested positive for steroids in 2006-07 and the PCB whitewashed it after Asif was initially banned for half as long as Shoaib.

Option 1 is that each player separately sourced the drugs from a non-PCB source and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 2 is that both players got the drugs from the same non-PCB source, and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 3 is that both players were doped by a PCB employee, and that the PCB made it go away for obvious reasons.

Have you seriously never wondered where they got the drugs and why the PCB withdrew the charges?

And try to remember the course of Asif's career when the scandals occurred. The coach - who had been Hansie Cronje's coach - died in suspicious and never explained circumstances.

Half the team went to the ICL which we all know was a fixing-fest.

The team has hardly any cricket for two years and when it returned there were widespread claims of fixing in Sri Lanka, Sydney, the West Indies and England.

I believe that in that period 2006-2010, nothing has a simple explanation.

And I am aware of - but cannot publish - allegations against much bigger names than Asif, in Pakistan and elsewhere.

All things doesn't matter now
What I stated is a FACT
U can twist words which ever way u want.

I say Salamn is handling the situation way better (so far) as compared to Asif by staying away from media.

 

[New Yorker]

He's right, Amir knew what he was doing.

The only way Amir could have been deemed "innocent" was if he hadn't cemented his spot. You could get away with stating Salman Butt forced him to fix so he'd get selected.

However, that doesn't fit Amir either since he was perhaps more established than Butt himself!

Still, he was much younger than them and accepted responsibility well before they did. That's the reason he was let off "easier."

Amir was entirely responsible for what he did. As was Asif. But lets then be clear on what they actually did.

Butt not only participated in this he engineered it. Asif refused at first but was pressured by his captain and coach.

 

[The_KING]

Of course Amir was responsible for what he did. Obviously his delusional fans will say that Amir was a new born baby who was forced by Asif and Butt but the reality is that Amir isn't as innocent as some of his fans like to believe. He was greedy for money and he knew what he was doing. Amir is responsible for him own actions just like Butt and Asif are responsible for their's.

 

[Indiafan]

With respect, you and [MENTION=3327]Indiafan[/MENTION] seem not to grasp what none of us dare say.

I will write this in such a way as not to be moderated.

Are you familiar with the Russian Olympic doping scandal?

There are basically three possible explanations for why Shoaib and Asif both tested positive for steroids in 2006-07 and the PCB whitewashed it after Asif was initially banned for half as long as Shoaib.

Option 1 is that each player separately sourced the drugs from a non-PCB source and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 2 is that both players got the drugs from the same non-PCB source, and the PCB made it go away for unexplained reasons.

Option 3 is that both players were doped by a PCB employee, and that the PCB made it go away for obvious reasons.

Have you seriously never wondered where they got the drugs and why the PCB withdrew the charges?

And try to remember the course of Asif's career when the scandals occurred. The coach - who had been Hansie Cronje's coach - died in suspicious and never explained circumstances.

Half the team went to the ICL which we all know was a fixing-fest.

The team has hardly any cricket for two years and when it returned there were widespread claims of fixing in Sri Lanka, Sydney, the West Indies and England.

I believe that in that period 2006-2010, nothing has a simple explanation.

And I am aware of - but cannot publish - allegations against much bigger names than Asif, in Pakistan and elsewhere.

Are you trying to imply PCB gave dope to the Pakistani bowlers? And then again gave Asif dope to him before IPL? I could have bought it if it was one time thing you know, but not when the same bowler is caught doping again.

What has ICL to do with this? Or Cronje? What has spot fixing in England got to do with fixing in ICL or Cronje?

 

[Amir]

Amir was guilty. No one said he wasn't.

Ignore that Amir is 18. Fact is, Amir confessed. Showed remorse. And worked with the system after his guilt. Western societies do not kill criminals for this reason. As they believe in second chances and reformation (after remorse).

Asif and Butt though fought till the end. Only confessed once they figured out they had no chance in dodging their crime. Asif too is a serial offender. Someone should ask him who told him to take steroids or carry hash at the UAE airport?

Butt deserves the most punishment and should never play for Pakistan again. You cannot compare him and Amir. Butt was the leader. The mob boss. The mob boss always gets the most time because he is the one who orders the crime, just like a captain who is match fixing. If it were up to me, I would ban Butt from domestic cricket too and tell him to find a career outside of cricket (maybe at a ice cream parlour? Has a few of those).

 

[world cup captain]

You buddy, are a repeat offender unlike Amir and Butt. If anything, you should have gotten a longer ban.

 

[Barragan]

They were repeatedly getting onto the danger area in the middle of the pitch that's why. Rahat got warned a few times I remember. From the angle they ended up bowling it's very difficult to get LBWs to RHBs.

But that was primarily rahat (as you mentioned) and Wahab, but not Amir.

Also, he didn't have that problem before either, hence Asif wants him to get closer to the stumps again.

They should have carried on training with Amir and him getting closer to the stumps.

 

[Abdullah719]

But that was primarily rahat (as you mentioned) and Wahab, but not Amir.

Also, he didn't have that problem before either, hence Asif wants him to get closer to the stumps again.

They should have carried on training with Amir and him getting closer to the stumps.

I am not sure about this but I think Amir tends to bowl from wider of the stumps when there isn't much swing available.

The ball was swinging during the warm-up match at Cairns and he was bowling from very close to the stumps to take advantage of that.

There hasn't been much swing on offer throughout the Australian innings - it was mainly during Pakistan's innings that there was a fair bit of cloud cover.

 

[Barragan]

I am not sure about this but I think Amir tends to bowl from wider of the stumps when there isn't much swing available.

The ball was swinging during the warm-up match at Cairns and he was bowling from very close to the stumps to take advantage of that.

There hasn't been much swing on offer throughout the Australian innings - it was mainly during Pakistan's innings that there was a fair bit of cloud cover.

Shouldn't he do the opposite?

If it is swinging, then going wide of the crease will fool the batsmen into thinking it is going straight on with the angle, but only for the ball to swing in or away late.

Maybe that is the reason why he isn't picking up the wickets?

 

[Idrees1990]

this guy hasen't learnt anything
interview after interview and too in negative ones against players who might b might b his team mates in near future, is not gonna help Asif anyway.
He is not coming back with this attitude.

What did he say so negative? He was spot on that amir knew what he was doing and no one pointed gun to his face. He is spot on about the other bowlers. Wahab is a joke of a bowler. Just hype, nothing else. Sohail has fitness issues. Rahat has been poor.

if anything, he actually gave them tips to improve.

 

[Asim2Good]

What did he say so negative? He was spot on that amir knew what he was doing and no one pointed gun to his face. He is spot on about the other bowlers. Wahab is a joke of a bowler. Just hype, nothing else. Sohail has fitness issues. Rahat has been poor.

if anything, he actually gave them tips to improve.

there is thing called "silence" in these kind of situations when he its getting tough for him to get elected.
when you are trying to get confidence back, you don't criticize everyone with whom you are gonna share dressing room IF you are selected.
these poor,joke, hyped bowlers were toiling hard on dead pitches of UAE and always playing away from home when Mr Asif was enjoying his ban.

and 34 yr old Asif who hasn't played international cricket for 6 years, will not make any difference.

 

[New Yorker]

Amir was guilty. No one said he wasn't.

Ignore that Amir is 18. Fact is, Amir confessed. Showed remorse. And worked with the system after his guilt. Western societies do not kill criminals for this reason. As they believe in second chances and reformation (after remorse).

Asif and Butt though fought till the end. Only confessed once they figured out they had no chance in dodging their crime. Asif too is a serial offender. Someone should ask him who told him to take steroids or carry hash at the UAE airport?

Butt deserves the most punishment and should never play for Pakistan again. You cannot compare him and Amir. Butt was the leader. The mob boss. The mob boss always gets the most time because he is the one who orders the crime, just like a captain who is match fixing. If it were up to me, I would ban Butt from domestic cricket too and tell him to find a career outside of cricket (maybe at a ice cream parlour? Has a few of those).

Eh No. No no no.

Some Western societies do kill criminals.

Most don't. The argument is most always that killing is inherently wrong.

Whether its done by persons or the state.

It would be deeply distressing, to say the least, if European governments
began intimating that an 'unreformed' criminal might as well be executed.

As for this Amir Asif comparison, just come off it. He was up to his neck in
calls to bookies. He took money. Neither is true for Asif if the evidence is
anything to go by.

 

[Junaids]

there is thing called "silence" in these kind of situations when he its getting tough for him to get elected.
when you are trying to get confidence back, you don't criticize everyone with whom you are gonna share dressing room IF you are selected.
these poor,joke, hyped bowlers were toiling hard on dead pitches of UAE and always playing away from home when Mr Asif was enjoying his ban.

and 34 yr old Asif who hasn't played international cricket for 6 years, will not make any difference.

Let me be totally honest.

1) I do support an Asif recall, but at his age I wish I didn't. I only do because the other right-arm options are so bad. I have a stronger "replace veterans" agenda than desire for Asif and Butt to be recalled.

2) I do think that Asif has been excessively punished for 2010. The ICC explicitly found him to be LESS guilty than Amir and Butt, yet he has been punished more, on the basis of prior drug stuff that a) Shoaib did too and b) the PCB was complicit in at the very least.

3) Asif's previous three interviews this year made me think "for goodness sake, shut up will you?"

4) I think this interview is absolutely fine. For once I don't see any dumb Asif comments.