"If things don't improve for me in Pakistan, I'll have to look to settle in England" : Sadaf Hussain

[Saj]

"If things don't improve for me in Pakistan, I'll have to look to settle in England" : Sadaf Hussain

If there is a story of great talent but unfulfilled dreams in Pakistan cricket, it must start and end with one name Sadaf Hussain. The twenty-six year old fast-bowler from Chakwal has been a member of the 'knocking on the door of selection for Pakistan team' for a good number of seasons with no success to show for his efforts. With 283 First-Class and 77 List A wickets, Sadaf's plight seems to have gone unnoticed by a procession of selection committees, leaving most neutral observers dumb-founded as to why he cannot become part of the Pakistan team or be picked regularly in domestic competitions.

In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, the clearly disappointed pacer spoke about his exasperation with the powers that be and wondered whether a move away from Pakistan would finally provide the impetus that his career so badly needs.

Whilst Sadaf in a sad way may have gotten used to being ignored by Pakistan selectors for international assignments, it would appear that the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back would be his inexplicable absence from the list of players in the recently concluded high profile tournaments, namely the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Pakistan Cup. "It's been really frustrating missing out on recent high profile domestic competitions like the Pakistan Super League and also the Pakistan Cup, especially as I have been one of Pakistan domestic cricket's most consistent performers" stated Sadaf. To him the reasons for being consistently sidelined in major domestic competitions are beyond his understanding.

"My domestic statistics and record matches any current Pakistani pace bowler and I find it really mystifying as to why I keep getting ignored again and again for domestic tournaments. Nobody has explained to me why I keep getting ignored. If someone would explain to me why I get overlooked and what I am doing wrong then that would help, but it's just been total silence and that is very disappointing. I keep taking wickets and performing whenever I am picked but when it comes to televised tournaments my name is always missing from the list. I looked at the list of players at the Pakistan Super League and the Pakistan Cup and with all due respect I thought I have been bowling better and have been more consistent than some of the bowlers that were included" added Sadaf.

Clearly at a loss to understand this strange behavior from the selectors, the fast-bowler is now considering options to prolong or even enhance his wilting career. Like all other cricketers from Pakistan, Sadaf would have loved to have represented the country of his birth and must have dreamed of putting in performances which would have made his countrymen proud. Instead, he is now confronted with a sad yet only pragmatic choice of pursuing his career in a country where his skills would be appreciated and rewarded as he remarked, "it's reached a point where I feel that I may be appreciated more outside Pakistan than within my homeland and for this reason I am seriously thinking about leaving Pakistan and settling down and playing cricket in England."

Whilst this may shock some of his compatriots, the fact as he explains, remains that he can have better hopes of being given chances in England where his hard-work and skills will be noticed in a system driven only by merit.

"If only I was given a proper chance I could show people what I am capable of. Last year I was in Birmingham and England were practising in the nets at the Edgbaston indoor cricket centre. I was asked to bowl at some of the England players and it went really well. Afterwards Alastair Cook came up to me and asked me where I was from and who I played for and he was very complimentary about my bowling and wished me well for the future."

Sadaf Hussain is not demanding anything more than a fair go at selection for the national team and a chance to play in major domestic tournaments based upon solid domestic performances, but if that is not forthcoming from the selectors, he is clear about his future course of action as he says "I just want justice and a fair chance like other cricketers are getting. At the moment I'm preparing for club cricket in England and will be heading there soon, but if things don't improve for me in Pakistan then I will have to look to settle in England."

 

[AFM]

"If only I was given a proper chance I could show people what I am capable of. Last year I was in Birmingham and England were practising in the nets at the Edgbaston indoor cricket centre. I was asked to bowl at some of the England players and it went really well. Afterwards Alastair Cook came up to me and asked me where I was from and who I played for and he was very complimentary about my bowling and wished me well for the future."

This is the standout paragraph for me. We all know of his stats and his continued rejection from the selectors. The only plausible explanation was that his numbers were a misnomer and watching him bowl would show that he would not be up to international standard. Which is something I thought would certainly be plausible - considering he was selected for Pak in 2011 when Junaid made his debut but did not make the final XI.

But for the best modern Test opener to attest to his talent has blown the only argument for his non selection out the water.

 

[o_ahsan99]

Feel sorry for the guy.

There have been numerous players in the past that never got selected for Pakistan or were not given enough opportunities, even though they deserved to, Fawad Alam being one of then. But Sadaf's case is worst as he does not even get selected for domestic tournaments like PSL or Pakistan Cup. I can understand the selection committee or the board chairman not liking him, but even the PSL francshise owners and captains picking teams through drafts ignored him.

@ Saj - have you ever spoken to any selector or senior member of Pakistan domestic/international cricket and inquired about Sadaf. Maybe there is something else - like a terrible attitude or injury or something. Can you try to find out any behind the scene info that we do t know of.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

Feel sorry for the guy.

There have been numerous players in the past that never got selected for Pakistan or were not given enough opportunities, even though they deserved to, Fawad Alam being one of then. But Sadaf's case is worst as he does not even get selected for domestic tournaments like PSL or Pakistan Cup. I can understand the selection committee or the board chairman not liking him, but even the PSL francshise owners and captains picking teams through drafts ignored him.

@ Saj - have you ever spoken to any selector or senior member of Pakistan domestic/international cricket and inquired about Sadaf. Maybe there is something else - like a terrible attitude or injury or something. Can you try to find out any behind the scene info that we do t know of.

Or maybe Shakeel Sheikh doesn't like him.

 

[Belawal2014]

Well, I can't say I blame him. All the best to him, and hopefully he gets a chance with the Peshawar Zalmis.

 

[mmasood2]

[MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] u can ask inzy or any other selectors about this

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

In this system of elitism, it's hard for a common man to contact these selectors, there should be a way other than protests. There are no means for the people to contact these selectors, PCB has provided no means, which is disgusting.

 

[Slog]

In this system of elitism, it's hard for a common man to contact these selectors, there should be a way other than protests. There are no means for the people to contact these selectors, PCB has provided no means, which is disgusting.

In Australia all first class cricketers have an app on their phones where they can log in and put questions forward to coaches and selectors and arrange meetings with them on how they can improve their game or chances to be in the side

 

[Saj]

Or maybe Shakeel Sheikh doesn't like him.

I asked him about that as there were some rumours about it.

Sadaf said that there are no problems between Shaikh and Sadaf or his family.

 

[Sarfarazian92]

I asked him about that as there were some rumours about it.

Sadaf said that there are no problems between Shaikh and Sadaf or his family.

Wow. Then either there's someone else in the PCB who doesn't like him or the selectors don't rate him at all.

 

[Abid Z]

He was in the warm up matches in 2011 and 2012. Safe to say that management had a good look then and weren't satisfied. But that was four years ago. Just highlights how bad PCB ARE AT KEEPING UP WITH AND POLISHING off players.

So many talented players have been prematurely discarded. Yasir Arafat , Imran Tahir, Fawad, Asim kamal and now sadaf

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Key for me is Alaister Cook's part.


Thank you once again [MENTION=9]Saj[/MENTION] bhaee.

Much appreciated.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

The cook part should remove the myth that he is an average bowler despite his domestic stats. He deserves a run more than any bowler based on merit and I really hope he gets selected for PSL next year and even Pakistan A.

 

[zahirnaqvi]

i saw him bowling in Peshawar. He has very good action. He is tall and it was a joy to watch him bowling. He is clearly a left arm version of Muhammad Asif. I rate him higher than junaid, irfan, rahat, wahab and sohail khan.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

good for him if he moves, atleast will be able to play competitive cricket in england than in pakistan.. If PCB doesnt support him, will not do it now... thought with INZI it would change but not selected even for a boot camp is unacceptable..

 

[The Last Of The Stars]

In Australia all first class cricketers have an app on their phones where they can log in and put questions forward to coaches and selectors and arrange meetings with them on how they can improve their game or chances to be in the side

That's very good. But I want such means for people as well, in order to interact with the selectors, and give them feedback.

 

[AamirWarraich]

Don't know if he's as good as the numbers suggest but the fact that he keeps getting ignored is definitely annoying.

 

[Saj]

A lack of international selection has bothered him, but at the moment what's hurting him more is being ignored for several domestic tournaments, particularly ones that are televised.

 

[cricketbadshah]

Pak Board is master in destroying their own talent. nothing new for me in this case poor sadaf is also the another name in the list who treated badly by pcb.There are many players like him who was destroy by pcb:
1.Asim Kamal
2.Yasir Hameed
3.Yasir Arafat
4.Hammad Azam
5.Zulfiqar babar(came into pak side after he passed his prime in my opinion)
6.Imran Tahir
7.Fawad Alam
8.Imran Nazir

 

[Amjid Javed]

Best thing for Sadaf to do is move to england and try and start a career there, sadly selection in pakistan is rarely on merit and Sadaf will be one of those players who suffers from that policy! huge shame for the player.

 

[the Great Khan]

better off away from here. Maybe if he gets some kind of county stint and takes some wickets people in pakistan will notice. Either way he could have a much better career playing abroad and making money for his family. He should be in our major domestic tournaments but instead we get moatay uncles with receding hairlines...

 

[KyoOne]

I hope he sticks around. One odd year and he might find himself in the reckoning, at least the current set-up of selectors doesnt seem to be a sell-out.

It would be great if he contacts Inzi directly, Inzi is the kind of guy always willing to meet up people and give advice. Or someone can forward his case to the chief selector?

After being snubbed from Pakistan Cup, it is quite clear he is being sidelined by someone big in PCB. Lets see if Inzi can thump his authority, which he will if he's convinced about the individual

 

[Mainul]

He is not unlucky, he is devoid of justice.Very very unfair. At the end of the day Pakistan is deprived of a very good bowler.Pakistan's pace bowling is slightly better than average, their bowling will be exposed in England and Australia this year.

 

[KhanNn]

I thought Javed Afridi was going to give him a chance in next psl?

 

[liaqat]

Can we not message the likes of Afridi or Ajmal etc via twitter to ask Inzi about Sadaf's case?

Surely us Pakistani people can contact some tv channel geo sports or ptv sports and forward Sadaf's case.

 

[MenInG]

I thought Javed Afridi was going to give him a chance in next psl?

think he would like to play for the national side.

 

[Monsee]

Like I said in another Sadaf Hussain thread: Best thing for him is to join a county and be firing on all cylinders when Pak visits there...our bowlers have a tendency of breaking down on away tours; in such a situation, if he is present, available, and performing well, he could get a call up rather than having a bowler being flown away from Pakistan!

Also, he must ensure he is in top shape and try to find which county will be playing a game against Pakistan, join that one if possible, next thing you know he might take a few wickets against Pak (Pak batsmen always gift wickets to newer bowlers they have not played before), rest as they say could be a very good history

 

[Spookiewookie]

it is a shame that talent like this is being overlooked - i hasten to say due to favouritism and hence corruption.

If I was in his position I would certainly knock on other doors, be it England, Australia or even India......the latter is just down the hallway and they could do with some decent bowlers

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">4-31 in his first match of the season for Sadaf Hussain for Bagnall Norton CC in the North Staffordshire & South Cheshire League <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/737711637373816832">May 31, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[CRIC3T]

Seriously he's playing club cricket??

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

 

[Saj]

Seriously he's playing club cricket??

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

In the Staffordshire League again.

 

[Abid Z]

Like I said in another Sadaf Hussain thread: Best thing for him is to join a county and be firing on all cylinders when Pak visits there...our bowlers have a tendency of breaking down on away tours; in such a situation, if he is present, available, and performing well, he could get a call up rather than having a bowler being flown away from Pakistan!

Also, he must ensure he is in top shape and try to find which county will be playing a game against Pakistan, join that one if possible, next thing you know he might take a few wickets against Pak (Pak batsmen always gift wickets to newer bowlers they have not played before), rest as they say could be a very good history

Yes but the north Staffordshire league is well below county level. If he was that good he could have been picked by a county team as he is right under their noses but he is constantly ignored.

 

[HitWicket]

Like I said in another Sadaf Hussain thread: Best thing for him is to join a county and be firing on all cylinders when Pak visits there...our bowlers have a tendency of breaking down on away tours; in such a situation, if he is present, available, and performing well, he could get a call up rather than having a bowler being flown away from Pakistan!

Also, he must ensure he is in top shape and try to find which county will be playing a game against Pakistan, join that one if possible, next thing you know he might take a few wickets against Pak (Pak batsmen always gift wickets to newer bowlers they have not played before), rest as they say could be a very good history

Is he locally qualified in some way then?

 

[Hasan123]

Good luck in England it seems

 

[London_Lahori]

Seriously he's playing club cricket??

Sent from my HTC One_M8 using Tapatalk

What's wrong with it? It's a good way to earn a living whilst he's being ignored for domestic tournament.

 

[shah_1]

Is Sadaf Hussain that bad?

That he is no better than lullos like Hasan Ali,Gul and Bilwal Bhatti. I have seen really trash fast bowlers play for Pakistan recently.

His stats are so exaggerated that he can't even get into training camp or Pakistan cup team and likes of Gul are playing for Pakistan.

 

[PTI]

I guess Sadaf is out of team because of non cricketing reasons.Atleast he deserves a look considering the stats he poses.

 

[*syed59*]

Another deserving player vicitim of PCB siyasat, neoptism and lack of foresight.

 

[shah_1]

His stats are so freakish.

I'm not saying that draft him straight him into the side but he is not given a chance at all like not get a call for training camp, Pakistan cup team and Pakistan A squad. This is so unfair

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

He has clocked these Speeds in NCA in last haazri there.


134, 136, 136, 135, 136, 134



At height of 6'4 these speeds have almost fast medium like efficacy because of bounce.



But dissapointed that he does not improve his built and has grown a belly aswell otherwise He can still increase his pace by 5 to 8 kph like Chris Woakes has done at similar age.



Sadaf must follow Shehzad Azam Rana in fitness. The fittest fast bowlers built in Pakistan Cricket. But He works very very hard on his diet and fitness. Only Majid & Wahab have more strength but builtwise Shehzad Azam is the best.


# Sadaf bhee Ziddi hai

 

[ask_analyse_act]

That he is no better than lullos like Hasan Ali,Gul and Bilwal Bhatti. I have seen really trash fast bowlers play for Pakistan recently.

His stats are so exaggerated that he can't even get into training camp or Pakistan cup team and likes of Gul are playing for Pakistan.

another lulloo in ammad butt on the way for T20s

 

[New Yorker]

That he is no better than lullos like Hasan Ali,Gul and Bilwal Bhatti. I have seen really trash fast bowlers play for Pakistan recently.

His stats are so exaggerated that he can't even get into training camp or Pakistan cup team and likes of Gul are playing for Pakistan.

Why select the best bowlers you have when you can keep going back to Gul, Irfan (who to be fair is decent, just broken more often than not), Wahab. Rahat and Junaid are next I am sure, because the PCB simply has no imagination.

It's not a problem only with Sadaf. As per the last national tourney the best domestic LOI bowlers are Sadaf and Sohail. Neither of them are even on the bench for the ODI team.

 

[New Yorker]

He has clocked these Speeds in NCA in last haazri there.


134, 136, 136, 135, 136, 134



At height of 6'4 these speeds have almost fast medium like efficacy because of bounce.



But dissapointed that he does not improve his built and has grown a belly aswell otherwise He can still increase his pace by 5 to 8 kph like Chris Woakes has done at similar age.



Sadaf must follow Shehzad Azam Rana in fitness. The fittest fast bowlers built in Pakistan Cricket. But He works very very hard on his diet and fitness. Only Majid & Wahab have more strength but builtwise Shehzad Azam is the best.


# Sadaf bhee Ziddi hai

He bats at 6 for his club side now

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

He bats at 6 for his club side now

He is a terrible terrible batsman.


But i won't mind him batting at number 11 if he can score 0 to 5 runs its enough


Has he got McGrath's fitness ? No.

Can He improve his fitness ? Yes.

Has he improved his fitness in last 4 years ? Yes alittle last season.

 

[New Yorker]

He is a terrible terrible batsman.


But i won't mind him batting at number 11 if he can score 0 to 5 runs its enough


Has he got McGrath's fitness ? No.

Can He improve his fitness ? Yes.

Has he improved his fitness in last 4 years ? Yes alittle last season.

He takes wickets, thats what I like about him

 

[KyoOne]

Wasnt he the reserve bowler for tests?

I believe he might be in the reckoning for the Windies tour, would be great especially in the pink ball first test.

 

[sarmadsl]

Who is Majid ?

 

[Hamza_]

You need pace in International Cricket. Should be able to clock at 135-145 Mark to make strong impact. Sadaf should be selected for A tours though.

 

[boomboom6]

Sadaf and Fawad, 2 players who have been the biggest victims of injustice from our corrupt cricketing set up.

If indeed these two are not selected going forward under Inzi's tenure as chief selector for the right formats (read Test matches) then it would be utterly tragic.

 

[Kitchlew]

Who is Sadaf Hussain? And why have i never seen him bowling ?

Whenever a squad is announced, i see few people saying why sadaf hussain was not picked? But I have never ever seen him bowling. And believe me when i say that i follow domestic cricket.

 

[Commander]

Whenever a squad is announced, i see few people saying why sadaf hussain was not picked? But I have never ever seen him bowling. And believe me when i say that i follow domestic cricket.

I also don't know why there is so much hype around him on this forum. It is like Umar Amin being hyped as the next Bradman but in fact he is a very poor batsman/bowler.

 

[New Yorker]

I also don't know why there is so much hype around him on this forum. It is like Umar Amin being hyped as the next Bradman but in fact he is a very poor batsman/bowler.

It's like Umar Amin in what way? Sadaf is actually a crappy bowler?

 

[Ellipsism]

It's like Umar Amin in what way? Sadaf is actually a crappy bowler?

Sadaf is a poor mans Ehsan Adil.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I think there must be a REASON Sadaf isn't selected, or maybe he doesn't try hard enough to get selected. I mean, another similar case was Tabish Khan who maintained to be the top wicket taker every domestic season (in fact, doing pretty well right now too). Anyway so, because of consistent TV programs and Facebook rants, he was able to get himself a couple of A tours. - when there is a will, there is a way.

 

[sarmad1983]

300 first class wickets now in 64 matches at a better SR and AVG than amir, wahab, junaid, sohail khan, etc.

not saying hes the next best thing but definitely deserves a chance to prove himself...

 

[New Yorker]

I think there must be a REASON Sadaf isn't selected, or maybe he doesn't try hard enough to get selected. I mean, another similar case was Tabish Khan who maintained to be the top wicket taker every domestic season (in fact, doing pretty well right now too). Anyway so, because of consistent TV programs and Facebook rants, he was able to get himself a couple of A tours. - when there is a will, there is a way.

Sadaf did get A tours and he excelled in them.

But more to the point. What world do you live in? Millions of people living in poverty because they just don't "want it bad enough" is that what you think? The truth is that the world is full of injustice and has always been thus. Sometimes the injustice is overcome, sometimes it is not. There will always be iniquities we can't do much about, but we can at least have the decency and self regard not to kick those who have been dealt poor hands, to assume that whoever has not succeeded in this world never deserved it in the first place.

 

[New Yorker]

300 first class wickets now in 64 matches at a better SR and AVG than amir, wahab, junaid, sohail khan, etc.

not saying hes the next best thing but definitely deserves a chance to prove himself...

Having a very average season so far. I feel for the man, but would be happy frankly if just anyone
among those who are performing to this kind of standard actually get a chance. The selectors are
literally spitting on their own system.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Really dont understand why anyone in PCB wont give this lad a chance to show his worth at A-team level or even full international level.. just shows how corrupt selection policies in pakistan cricket.. hope he does well while playing cricket in the uk

 

[New Yorker]

Really dont understand why anyone in PCB wont give this lad a chance to show his worth at A-team level or even full international level.. just shows how corrupt selection policies in pakistan cricket.. hope he does well while playing cricket in the uk

There is something perversely fascinating about the kind of fantasies that come to circulate around Sadaf's case, on account of well wishers and snide snipers alike.

He has been selected for A tours, on which he was named player of the series twice, I believe. And he has been selected for the national ODI team. Presumably by selectors who rated him. It is just that he was not given a chance to play, likely on account of coach Waqar who in his infinite wisdom instead chose to back Rahat for the ODI side long after he proved a dud. After this selection Sadaf was two years running the lead wicket taker by some distance in the national ODI tournament, which is played with a Kookaburra ball, maintaining an average in LOIs of 18 something, which is simply off the charts in this format even in Pakistan. At a time when Pakistan is near the bottom rung in the international ODI rankings. But by now he has in PCB circles become, like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, The One Who Should Not Be Named. And we learn from Cricinfo no less that a powerful figure in the PCB has it in for him.

At this time, as if none of this information was not a matter of public record, PPers begin speculating that there must be some REASON that he is not selected, that PCB selectors should be trusted on their judgement in NOT selecting him now. The same selectors who had selected him earlier. As if they were, infallible, never made bad calls, and were immune to political pressure. Apparently. if the world is unjust we must contrive some fantasy that allows us to believe that it is not. We might even construct a narrative about how it is Sadaf's own fault. For instance because he made a bad choice of domestic team, did not navigate smartly enough the politics of domestic cricket. Which may all be true, but still does not excuse the PCBs incompetence. It is a bowlers job to take wickets, and he has done that. Period.

I think people should be reminded that it is precisely on account of such reasoning, that corruption and nepotism thrives, that someone like Sadaf can be tossed to the wayside, and someone like Shan Masood can always get a second chance. Did Masood deserve selection on the basis of his domestic performance? Hardly, but once he was selected we started to hear about how he had done not so much worse than X or Y. How he spoke good English and had a good attitude. We constructed REASONS after the fact for why he had been selected. And of course he did perform a bit. Which is the insidious thing about nepotism. People who benefit from it are rarely completely incompetent - they do alright, they may even be quite good. After all they have gone to the best schools. But they are very often not the BEST choice. And for some, who also benefit from this system of elite privilege, picking the BEST is not always the biggest concern. The important thing is that the people who get the chances are the people with the right kind of social background. Who speak English well, like Azhar Ali, or Shan Masood.

Thing is as long as we continue to believe that we should defer to that kind authority, to those who make the calls, instead of insisting on meritocracy and systematicity, we have no right to complain that the system remains corrupt.

 

[Rana]

Very sad indeed.

 

[Abid Z]

There is something perversely fascinating about the kind of fantasies that come to circulate around Sadaf's case, on account of well wishers and snide snipers alike.

He has been selected for A tours, on which he was named player of the series twice, I believe. And he has been selected for the national ODI team. Presumably by selectors who rated him. It is just that he was not given a chance to play, likely on account of coach Waqar who in his infinite wisdom instead chose to back Rahat for the ODI side long after he proved a dud. After this selection Sadaf was two years running the lead wicket taker by some distance in the national ODI tournament, which is played with a Kookaburra ball, maintaining an average in LOIs of 18 something, which is simply off the charts in this format even in Pakistan. At a time when Pakistan is near the bottom rung in the international ODI rankings. But by now he has in PCB circles become, like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, The One Who Should Not Be Named. And we learn from Cricinfo no less that a powerful figure in the PCB has it in for him.

At this time, as if none of this information was not a matter of public record, PPers begin speculating that there must be some REASON that he is not selected, that PCB selectors should be trusted on their judgement in NOT selecting him now. The same selectors who had selected him earlier. As if they were, infallible, never made bad calls, and were immune to political pressure. Apparently. if the world is unjust we must contrive some fantasy that allows us to believe that it is not. We might even construct a narrative about how it is Sadaf's own fault. For instance because he made a bad choice of domestic team, did not navigate smartly enough the politics of domestic cricket. Which may all be true, but still does not excuse the PCBs incompetence. It is a bowlers job to take wickets, and he has done that. Period.

I think people should be reminded that it is precisely on account of such reasoning, that corruption and nepotism thrives, that someone like Sadaf can be tossed to the wayside, and someone like Shan Masood can always get a second chance. Did Masood deserve selection on the basis of his domestic performance? Hardly, but once he was selected we started to hear about how he had done not so much worse than X or Y. How he spoke good English and had a good attitude. We constructed REASONS after the fact for why he had been selected. And of course he did perform a bit. Which is the insidious thing about nepotism. People who benefit from it are rarely completely incompetent - they do alright, they may even be quite good. After all they have gone to the best schools. But they are very often not the BEST choice. And for some, who also benefit from this system of elite privilege, picking the BEST is not always the biggest concern. The important thing is that the people who get the chances are the people with the right kind of social background. Who speak English well, like Azhar Ali, or Shan Masood.

Thing is as long as we continue to believe that we should defer to that kind authority, to those who make the calls, instead of insisting on meritocracy and systematicity, we have no right to complain that the system remains corrupt.

You know this is a really good essay and an interesting read. But those that follow pak domestic tournaments perhaps can enlighten us how he is doing in the current tournament. I believe the quaid e azam cup is being played and he seems to be taking bag loads of wickets but it'll be more useful to provide some figures on how he is ranking in the wicket taking column, or his economy or how he is getting good batsmen out on slow wickets etc etc. From what little info we have he appears to have feasted on easy grounds against limited batsmen but our knowledge is lacking on domestic tournaments.

So you see now he is getting a chance to perform it's just his bad luck that he's arrived on the scene and competing with wahab, Rahat, amir, junaid and irfan, let alone right handers and spinners. Back in 2012 he had a chance and got a mention in the Guardian in Uk but since then the team has been marching onwards with a few minor blips in tests. Anybody that can stop the rot in LOI DESERVES a chance but another left armer is not necessarily the first problem. A good opener and all rounder is.

Completely agree re nepotism but ......

 

[angrypathan]

There is something perversely fascinating about the kind of fantasies that come to circulate around Sadaf's case, on account of well wishers and snide snipers alike.

He has been selected for A tours, on which he was named player of the series twice, I believe. And he has been selected for the national ODI team. Presumably by selectors who rated him. It is just that he was not given a chance to play, likely on account of coach Waqar who in his infinite wisdom instead chose to back Rahat for the ODI side long after he proved a dud. After this selection Sadaf was two years running the lead wicket taker by some distance in the national ODI tournament, which is played with a Kookaburra ball, maintaining an average in LOIs of 18 something, which is simply off the charts in this format even in Pakistan. At a time when Pakistan is near the bottom rung in the international ODI rankings. But by now he has in PCB circles become, like Lord Voldemort in Harry Potter, The One Who Should Not Be Named. And we learn from Cricinfo no less that a powerful figure in the PCB has it in for him.

At this time, as if none of this information was not a matter of public record, PPers begin speculating that there must be some REASON that he is not selected, that PCB selectors should be trusted on their judgement in NOT selecting him now. The same selectors who had selected him earlier. As if they were, infallible, never made bad calls, and were immune to political pressure. Apparently. if the world is unjust we must contrive some fantasy that allows us to believe that it is not. We might even construct a narrative about how it is Sadaf's own fault. For instance because he made a bad choice of domestic team, did not navigate smartly enough the politics of domestic cricket. Which may all be true, but still does not excuse the PCBs incompetence. It is a bowlers job to take wickets, and he has done that. Period.

I think people should be reminded that it is precisely on account of such reasoning, that corruption and nepotism thrives, that someone like Sadaf can be tossed to the wayside, and someone like Shan Masood can always get a second chance. Did Masood deserve selection on the basis of his domestic performance? Hardly, but once he was selected we started to hear about how he had done not so much worse than X or Y. How he spoke good English and had a good attitude. We constructed REASONS after the fact for why he had been selected. And of course he did perform a bit. Which is the insidious thing about nepotism. People who benefit from it are rarely completely incompetent - they do alright, they may even be quite good. After all they have gone to the best schools. But they are very often not the BEST choice. And for some, who also benefit from this system of elite privilege, picking the BEST is not always the biggest concern. The important thing is that the people who get the chances are the people with the right kind of social background. Who speak English well, like Azhar Ali, or Shan Masood.

Thing is as long as we continue to believe that we should defer to that kind authority, to those who make the calls, instead of insisting on meritocracy and systematicity, we have no right to complain that the system remains corrupt.

Great post, POTW imo

 

[Abdullah719]

Sadaf isn't playing in the ongoing match of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

He says that his performances weren't up to the mark and the ball was not swinging well for him, so his captain suggested he sit out for a match or two and practice in the nets. He's hopeful he'll play in the next match.

 

[Abid Z]

^^ So if he was in the national team playing at UAE and the ball didn't swing or seam would he just be a spare wheel? Toiling in domestic cricket is about learning how to take wickets even when the conditions don't suit.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

Him and Junaid would be automatic picks for England

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Let's see whether he can bounce back in next matches or not.

When you lose your swing it usually takes a long time getting it back.

 

[Saj]

Sadaf Hussain so far in the One-Day Cup:
10-2-41-3
7.4-0-39-3

 

[Bewal Express]

Him and Junaid would be automatic picks for England

No they won't. County cricket is littered with 82mph swing/seam bowlers.

 

[New Yorker]

No they won't. County cricket is littered with 82mph swing/seam bowlers.

Indeed, and the batting circuit with fellas swinging these wooden thingys around.

A mere description tells you little about a player.

 

[New Yorker]

Sadaf Hussain so far in the One-Day Cup:
10-2-41-3
7.4-0-39-3

He will be the best pace bowler for the third year running and it will not make a difference.

Shakeel Sheikh will have his way.

Good to see Kamran Ghulam doing well though. Looked an impressive allround prospect in the U 19s.

 

[HussainRx8]

At least his omission is now being discussed on our media.

 

[Abdullah719]

Oswestry snap up Pakistan pace ace

Oswestry Cricket Club have landed a top-class Pakistani fast bowler – and now face a race against time to get him into the country before the first game of the season on April 29.

Sadaf Hussain, a 27-year-old left-armer who stands 6ft 5in, has signed a contract with the Morda Road club and will play a major role in Oswestry’s bid to regain their place in Division One of the Birmingham League.

Hussain has taken 311 First Class wickets at an average of 18.18, with five wickets in an innings 22 times and 10 wickets in a match on five occasions.

He has also dismissed 99 batsmen in one-day cricket.

He plays for Rawalpindi – the same club as 100mph bowler Shoaib Akhtar – and his best analysis is the 9-35 he took against HBK in 2011.

Footage of his bowling in that game can be found on YouTube.

He has played for Pakistan A and has been on the verge of selection for the full Test team on several occasions.

He toured the West Indies with the Pakistan one-day international and T20 squad in 2011.

In the past two English seasons Hussain has played in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League, where he has taken 143 wickets at an average of 10.36.

“It’s a great coup for the club to land a player of Sadaf’s First Class experience,” said Oswestry skipper Robbie Clarke.

“Not only is he a fine bowler, he is a Level 2 coach, and he will be coaching the First XI as well as our ever-growing junior section.

“All we’ve got to worry about now is getting him into the country.

“There’s a lot of red tape involved these days in bringing in a player from overseas, and the regulations have been tightened up this year.

“But if everything goes to plan he’ll be here in time to play in our opening game at C and R Hawks on the last Saturday on April.”

Hussain is the fourth major signing for Oswestry during the close season, following batsman Chris Woodcock and teenage quickie Roman Walker from Marchwiel and Wrexham, and the return of wicketkeeper Dean Suter from Shelton.

“Once Sadaf gets here, we’ll feel we’re well-equipped for the new season,” said Clarke, whose youngest brother Xavie flew out to Sri Lanka last week as a member of the England Under-16s squad.

http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/sport/174249/oswestry-snap-up-pakistan-pace-ace.aspx

 

[shaz619]

Oswestry Cricket Club have landed a top-class Pakistani fast bowler – and now face a race against time to get him into the country before the first game of the season on April 29.

Sadaf Hussain, a 27-year-old left-armer who stands 6ft 5in, has signed a contract with the Morda Road club and will play a major role in Oswestry’s bid to regain their place in Division One of the Birmingham League.

Hussain has taken 311 First Class wickets at an average of 18.18, with five wickets in an innings 22 times and 10 wickets in a match on five occasions.

He has also dismissed 99 batsmen in one-day cricket.

He plays for Rawalpindi – the same club as 100mph bowler Shoaib Akhtar – and his best analysis is the 9-35 he took against HBK in 2011.

Footage of his bowling in that game can be found on YouTube.

He has played for Pakistan A and has been on the verge of selection for the full Test team on several occasions.

He toured the West Indies with the Pakistan one-day international and T20 squad in 2011.

In the past two English seasons Hussain has played in the North Staffs and South Cheshire League, where he has taken 143 wickets at an average of 10.36.

“It’s a great coup for the club to land a player of Sadaf’s First Class experience,” said Oswestry skipper Robbie Clarke.

“Not only is he a fine bowler, he is a Level 2 coach, and he will be coaching the First XI as well as our ever-growing junior section.

“All we’ve got to worry about now is getting him into the country.

“There’s a lot of red tape involved these days in bringing in a player from overseas, and the regulations have been tightened up this year.

“But if everything goes to plan he’ll be here in time to play in our opening game at C and R Hawks on the last Saturday on April.”

Hussain is the fourth major signing for Oswestry during the close season, following batsman Chris Woodcock and teenage quickie Roman Walker from Marchwiel and Wrexham, and the return of wicketkeeper Dean Suter from Shelton.

“Once Sadaf gets here, we’ll feel we’re well-equipped for the new season,” said Clarke, whose youngest brother Xavie flew out to Sri Lanka last week as a member of the England Under-16s squad.

http://www.bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk/sport/174249/oswestry-snap-up-pakistan-pace-ace.aspx

Good for him, he's not getting any younger; he'll make more money even playing club games in England then what he makes in the Pakistan FC set up. Can see a county signing him eventually.

 

[HitWicket]

Good for him, he's not getting any younger; he'll make more money even playing club games in England then what he makes in the Pakistan FC set up. Can see a county signing him eventually.

He wouldn't qualify for a county as an overseas due to his lack of overseas games, unaware of him having anything to help him qualify as a local?

 

[shaz619]

He wouldn't qualify for a county as an overseas due to his lack of overseas games, unaware of him having anything to help him qualify as a local?

He has played games at the FC level in Pakistan so technically he's an overseas player? can't see him qualifying as a local unless he was a British Citizen and say he did marry someone from the UK it's not as easy as it was in the past to become a long term resident

 

[Amirforpresident]

Really happy for him. Hope goes on to play for a county, gets the British nationality as soon as possible, plays for England against Pakistan and takes a 10-fer so Shakeel Sheikh gets a slap in his face.

Sorry couldn't control my self.

 

[HitWicket]

He has played games at the FC level in Pakistan so technically he's an overseas player? can't see him qualifying as a local unless he was a British Citizen and say he did marry someone from the UK it's not as easy as it was in the past to become a long term resident

He's got to have played an international game (along with a couple of other criteria) to play as an overseas.

 

[bleaf27]

Give this lad a game !

 

[shaz619]

He's got to have played an international game (along with a couple of other criteria) to play as an overseas.

It's a good question , they'd have to meet somewhere in the middle; there's a possibility he plays without the "overseas" status. Otherwise his best bet is to marry someone from the UK and hope she's on the designated wage to bring him over and then in the coming years he'd have to pass various citizenship tests.

 

[shaz619]

Anyway [MENTION=139981]HitWicket[/MENTION] before he even gets to that stage he'd need to perform really well in the Brum PL league which is the most prestigious in the country as far as club cricket is concerned, he has the performances to back him up in Pak but will need to do so in England in order to catch the eye of counties and maybe a good word or two from former players in pak would help him get signed and then the rest can get sorted hopefully, 27 years old man he's so old now for a fast bowler on the fringes