[Report] Sohail Khan dropped after argument with Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood

[MenInG]

Karachi: Pakistan‘s speedster Sohail Khan has been dropped for all formats for the tour to the West Indies because of his spat with team’s bowling coach, Azhar Mahmood. Although chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq and the national team head coach Mickey Arthur have claim that Sohail has been dropped for the West Indies tour because of fitness issues, but a newspaper reported on Monday that the pacer had been dropped on disciplinary grounds. The newspaper reported that the argument took place during the Pakistan Super League when Sohail played for Karachi Kings franchise which also had Arthur and Azhar as the franchise’s head coach and bowling coach.

“Sohail at one point during the playoff against Peshawar Zalmi flatly refused to listen to what advice the bowling coach gave him. He also accused Azhar of always favoring and being soft on his two favorite bowlers, Wahab Riaz and Muhammad Aamir,” the report said. “Sohail told Azhar that he [Azhar] was always targeting him for criticism in the Pakistan team as well and that he couldn’t tolerate this any longer.” The report said that Azhar a former Pakistan allrounder was extremely upset after the outburst by Sohail and reported the matter to Arthur and also gave Sohail a piece of his mind in the Karachi Kings dressing room in Dubai.

Apparently the matter was then brought to the notice of the chief selector but he insists that Sohail s ouster for the West Indies tour was mainly because of his fitness and fielding issues. But the newspaper claimed that it was the alteration with Azhar and his attitude which eventually led to his ouster from the Pakistan team as Sohail’s fitness is better than some other players. Hasan Ali’s 3-29 allows PAK to register 100-run win over WI in 2nd ODI

The selectors and Arthur have copped a lot of criticism for dropping Sohail who was declared the best bowler of the PSL in March. The criticism came after one particular incident in the PSL when during a time out Karachi Kings head coach, Arthur was seen giving Sohail a verbal lashing live on air something which rankled many former players.

One of them former test captain, Ramiz Raja noted at that time that such incidents used to take place in the dressing room and now they were happening out in the open which was not good for Pakistan cricket. Arthur also faced a backlash when last year on the tour to Australia he gave a radio interview in which he gave a dressing down to Sohail and termed him not up to the mark. The outspoken pacer has impressed with his performances and has taken 27 wickets in 9 Tests and 19 in 13 ODIs and also played a couple of good innings lower down the order.

http://www.cricketcountry.com/news/...tan-bowling-coach-azhar-mahmood-report-594186

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan right-arm pacer Sohail Khan on Monday dismissed all the rumours that head coach Mickey Arthur has ‘any personal issues’ with him.

Arthur had told ABC radio before the Brisbane Test in the December series against Australia that he had doubts about Sohail’s endurance levels.

“Sohail Khan comes in and swings it right arm, but I’ve got a doubt about Sohail’s comeback ability,” Arthur had said at the time. “If he has got to bowl, his first spell’s very good, his second spell’s okay, his third spell is tough and then you just don’t get anything more. That puts a lot of pressure on our other units.”

Inzamam clears the air over Sohail’s non-selection

However, Pakistan went on to select him for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG and Arthur had a completely different view of the bowler.

“He has bowled beautifully,” Arthur said. “He has trained exceptionally, that’s all I can say. I don’t know if you’ve seen him lately, he has lost seven-eight kilos, he’s the first guy in the gym at six in the morning.”

Different statements on different occasions and then the outburst during the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) second edition where Sohail seemed liked the centre of Arthur’s rage against Karachi Kings players fuelled the fire further.

Sohail Khan — the resilient fast-bowler inside a body-builder’s body

However, Sohail tweeted out a statement to clear the air about the matter. “I strongly deny the rumours that Arthur and I have any personal issues or friction,” read the statement. “Our relationship is quite professional and I have great respect for him.”

‘No issues with Inzamam’

Sohail Khan was dropped from the limited-overs squad for the tour of West Indies even after bagging the best bowler of PSL2 award. His non-selection gave birth to many claims, one of which said that he was not happy with the selectors.

However, the 33-year-old’s also clarified that he has no issues with any selector, including national selection committee head Inzamamul Haq. “I also do not have any issues with the living legend Inzamam bhai or any other selectors.”

This reporter thinks Sohail Khan should work on his English, not cricket

Sohail added that he is happy with his current form. “My job is to work hard and put up a better show for Pakistan and I work on that all the time,” he said. “Also, with my current form with both bat and ball, please know that I am having the time of my life.”

Arthur’s rage against Karachi Kings’ players

During the PSL2, a video went viral on social media where Arthur was seen giving the hairdryer treatment to the Karachi Kings players, especially Sohail. The Karachi pacer, when asked about it, revealed what was happening.

“There was no fight between me and Arthur,” Sohail clarified to The Express Tribune when he was called for confirmation over the statement. “He was pointing out everyone’s mistakes. He wasn’t targeting me individually. When a coach tells something to players, be it aggressively or normally, it is a player’s duty to listen to him and implement his ideas.”

https://tribune.com.pk/story/1379658/sohail-opens-relation-arthur/

 

[ExpressPacer]

Whatever be the reason, I would much rather have a bad Junaid Khan than this guy. He's gotta be 38 and starts huffing and puffing after bowling 2 overs. A real liability. Also pathetic in the field. Can't carry on such mediocrity.

 

[DRsohail]

Whatever be the reason, I would much rather have a bad Junaid Khan than this guy. He's gotta be 38 and starts huffing and puffing after bowling 2 overs. A real liability. Also pathetic in the field. Can't carry on such mediocrity.

he deserved t20 if not odi..if kami his fitness level can make then y not sohail..

 

[Major]

I dont blame sohail khan.

This is pcbs fault.

When you bring an uneducated villiager to a new place, you dont just throw him out there. You have to groom him properly.

Problem is our institutions dont bother to groom these guys into proper gentlemen before allowing them to represent us.
When an army personal or a css beuracate gets selected, he is first groomed before he goes on to represent the country, but same is not done with sportsman.

What happens in crixket is that a random villiager could be plucked out and asked to represent pakistan, and then after that what he does then allah khair karay.

Pakistan will face similar problems when they select the recent pakistan u19 players for national team one day.

Sports boards need to also groom these guys aswell

 

[Syed1]

I dont blame sohail khan.

This is pcbs fault.

When you bring an uneducated villiager to a new place, you dont just throw him out there. You have to groom him properly.

Problem is our institutions dont bother to groom these guys into proper gentlemen before allowing them to represent us.
When an army personal or a css beuracate gets selected, he is first groomed before he goes on to represent the country, but same is not done with sportsman.

What happens in crixket is that a random villiager could be plucked out and asked to represent pakistan, and then after that what he does then allah khair karay.

Pakistan will face similar problems when they select the recent pakistan u19 players for national team one day.

Sports boards need to also groom these guys aswell

Only that the village he played most of his cricket in is called Karachi and is the biggest city in the country.

 

[s.h.a.k]

Whatever be the reason, I would much rather have a bad Junaid Khan than this guy. He's gotta be 38 and starts huffing and puffing after bowling 2 overs. A real liability. Also pathetic in the field. Can't carry on such mediocrity.

Really. He was the best bowler in the PSL. And has bowled well when ever he has played for Pakistan and out bowled the likes of Amir and Wahab.
Agree he has fitness issues but he is more then fit enough to play limited overs.

 

[phoenix363]

Should have been in all our squads. Very good bowler who we should utilise as he nears the end of his career. His only issue is the decrease in pace after the first spell but that is less of a worry in limited overs cricket.

Easily better in batting and bowling than Tanvir, Wahab, Rumman and, on current form, Amir.

 

[Major]

Only that the village he played most of his cricket in is called Karachi and is the biggest city in the country.

Bro. Every person who loves in the city isnt educated. Plus all these guys belong from villiages from behind.

I know mates who live in the cities but act like villiagers.

I know people who have done grade 12 and yet act like creeps.

There is a need for grooming of an individual before you allow them to represent the whole nation

 

[phoenix363]

Should have been in all our squads. Very good bowler who we should utilise as he nears the end of his career. His only issue is the decrease in pace after the first spell but that is less of a worry in limited overs cricket.

Easily better in batting and bowling than Tanvir, Wahab, Rumman and, on current form, Amir.

Could have been the perfect '20 from 10' batsman we have needed lower down the order.

 

[Rafay Shafiq]

One liner: better wicket taker than Amir and Wahab.

 

[MMHS]

He should never be considered in future. It's not because he is too old, but this is the same mindset of PAK cricket - what I know is correct & final.

Education doesn't have anything in this, even coming from a village - it's an issue of attitude & approach to coaching. Many of the African players playing in EURO league are born without a legal father (no offence), no family, no schooling & no basic education of day to day life style. Many of these kids are abandoned in hospital bed at birth & their child/boy hood passed in UN camps, or POW slumps. These people are some of the best skilled professionals in European football leagues with best discipline & fitness records. Even top, top coaches with lots of ego & attitude like Mou, Pep, Ancelotti, Klopp, Hiddinks or Wenger were/are extremely satisfied with their African players. There had been more disciplinary issues with European or Latin players than Africans.

I do realize what can be the aftermath if a pro coach starts to work with someone thinking "Ghar Ka Kohli".

 

[fasihulhaq94]

best bowler of the last year and gets dropped

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

But but but a better wicket taker than rubbish Wahab and living in the past Amir .

 

[AamirWarraich]

To be honest he should be in the squad for ODIs and T20s. Tests are too difficult for him. But he can bowl 10 overs effectively. Not the smartest guy but a much smarter bowler than people give him credit for. The best new ball bowler we have. Much better than Wahab Riaz. And an excellent death bowler too. If only he had received proper fitness and bowling training back when he was young.

I don't mind him being dropped because he has no real long term future. However it is really unfair when guys like Wahab are given a free ride.

 

[AamirWarraich]

I think he can improve his fitness enough to be an effective bowler for us in limited overs formats until 2019-20. Should quit Tests. Can contribute with the bat too. Wahab has to be dropped asap. I have a feeling Arthur will keep him until the Champion's Trophy. If he doesn't perform then, then he will be dropped permanently.

 

[nitrous]

Only that the village he played most of his cricket in is called Karachi and is the biggest city in the country.

So? His upcoming and culture could be that of a villager

 

[Monsee]

"his attitude which eventually led to his ouster from the Pakistan team as Sohail’s fitness is better than some other players."

Besides the usal suspects like Akmal Junior and TurkeyGuy, whom are they referring to who start huffing and puffing after the first few hours in the field?

BS reporting, trying hard to create an issue where there is none and slighltly trying the regional angle as well, albeit not openly!

 

[hitthestump]

You're all talking about the guy who's only ever useful for 1 day of a test match? I mean i found it practically insulting that he was huffing and puffing in England, and you thought ok maybe he's raw, but 5 months later in Australia he was still struggling! That reeks of a poor and lazy attitude.

 

[waleed88]

The guy huffs and puffs but still picks up 5'fers for fun...

Kinda makes you think what the other 'fitter' guys are doing on the same pitch

 

[big_gamer007]

Hasn't he been your best bowler in last few series? The report says he was best bowler in PSL as well.. Why drop him for an issue which happened in PSL(a private league)?

 

[Gr8Gaur]

The guy huffs and puffs but still picks up 5'fers for fun...

Kinda makes you think what the other 'fitter' guys are doing on the same pitch

He averages 31 in ODIs and more than 40 in tests, total of 3 5wkts haul. Atleast numbers don't suggest he's better than Amir, Wahab or Ali.

As for fitness, I read an article about him where they said he swam across rivers and climbed mountains to improve his fitness. I guess neither he is fit nor as pacy as above trio I mentioned. Batting seems to be the only advantage but that too doesn't seem like that of a genuine all rounder.

 

[waleed88]

He averages 31 in ODIs and more than 40 in tests, total of 3 5wkts haul. Atleast numbers don't suggest he's better than Amir, Wahab or Ali.

As for fitness, I read an article about him where they said he swam across rivers and climbed mountains to improve his fitness. I guess neither he is fit nor as pacy as above trio I mentioned. Batting seems to be the only advantage but that too doesn't seem like that of a genuine all rounder.

You have probably not seen cricket for the past year to be saying such things... if you watch those matches you will know this guy has been head and shoulders above the rest in Eng and NZ vs the others

His stats are distorted because of outliers in his first test match against Srilanka on dead pitches of Karachi... remove his debut from 2008 and look at his stats again

 

[super hitter]

He averages 31 in ODIs and more than 40 in tests, total of 3 5wkts haul. Atleast numbers don't suggest he's better than Amir, Wahab or Ali.

As for fitness, I read an article about him where they said he swam across rivers and climbed mountains to improve his fitness. I guess neither he is fit nor as pacy as above trio I mentioned. Batting seems to be the only advantage but that too doesn't seem like that of a genuine all rounder.

Whatever be the reason, I would much rather have a bad Junaid Khan than this guy. He's gotta be 38 and starts huffing and puffing after bowling 2 overs. A real liability. Also pathetic in the field. Can't carry on such mediocrity.

Embarrassing, totally embarrassing!

Fitness, fitness and fitness.

So you guys actually mean that you'll take Sohaib Maqsood over Sachin tendulkar.\

Performance is what matters at the end of the day.

 

[Mamoon]

He has been mistreated. He might be available for one innings only, but that is generally enough to produce a more impactful performance than Amir.

 

[dildildalwalla]

There are absolutely no sources for this tabloid rubbish.

Having said that, Arthur's interviews are a sick joke and he doesn't have a clue how to manage teams .

 

[phoenix363]

Amir is a big part of this thread and the alleged news. Next time, read the OP instead of looking for my name.

Please do explain how Amir is a 'big part of this thread'. I did read the OP which mentions Wahab too, and earlier commented how I would rather see Sohail over many of our bowlers, including Amir.

But you seemed to have singled Amir out. Again.

 

[JaDed]

Ghar ka Sohail ab ghar par hi khelega.

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

I hope these issues can be resolved because we could use sohail in limited overs, even his slogging would be a useful

 

[Rana]

This guy is just hillarious. He should simply be in the team for the bants!

 

[Mamoon]

Please do explain how Amir is a 'big part of this thread'. I did read the OP which mentions Wahab too, and earlier commented how I would rather see Sohail over many of our bowlers, including Amir.

But you seemed to have singled Amir out. Again.

I don't think I can make it any clearer. Sohail allegedly named Amir and Wahab as the ones who are getting the longer end of the stick, which is why I decided to single out Amir. The reason why I ignored Wahab is because in spite of his erratic bowling, he has actually made more of an impact compared to Amir, especially in Tests.

Amir got fast-tracked into the team because of potential and has survived 1 year because of his potential. However, at some point, he will have to translate that potential into success, which doesn't seem to be the case. He was among the wickets today, but generally speaking, taking wickets has been as hard for him as licking his elbow.

Sohail though, has been dealt with harshly. Yes he has fitness issues & is not a long-term investment, but he has done more than decently in the sporadic chances that he has been given. His 5-fers in England was a major reason why we didn't lose that series. He is out of steam after the first innings, but he tends to do more than what the others do over the course of the whole match.

 

[New Yorker]

Bro. Every person who loves in the city isnt educated. Plus all these guys belong from villiages from behind.

I know mates who live in the cities but act like villiagers.

I know people who have done grade 12 and yet act like creeps.

There is a need for grooming of an individual before you allow them to represent the whole nation

This is ignorant, elitist rubbish. Plenty of swearing and all around self humiliation going around at Oxford when I was there. Pride and differences of opinion are not the preserve of country folk.

As for the Sohail Mahmood spat, a preponderance of evidence suggests. a Sohail would still be better than Junaid, Amir or Wahab in LOIs, b. Mahmood has been a mediocre coach.

 

[phoenix363]

I don't think I can make it any clearer. Sohail allegedly named Amir and Wahab as the ones who are getting the longer end of the stick, which is why I decided to single out Amir. The reason why I ignored Wahab is because in spite of his erratic bowling, he has actually made more of an impact compared to Amir, especially in Tests.

Amir got fast-tracked into the team because of potential and has survived 1 year because of his potential. However, at some point, he will have to translate that potential into success, which doesn't seem to be the case. He was among the wickets today, but generally speaking, taking wickets has been as hard for him as licking his elbow.

Sohail though, has been dealt with harshly. Yes he has fitness issues & is not a long-term investment, but he has done more than decently in the sporadic chances that he has been given. His 5-fers in England was a major reason why we didn't lose that series. He is out of steam after the first innings, but he tends to do more than what the others do over the course of the whole match.

We will just have to disagree about the impact. Wahab has had a couple of very good spells, but that is over a much longer time period and with a larger sample size. On the whole he has been mediocre and should not be playing for pakistan kn any format. Amir too has seemingly gotten worse over the past year, but by virtue of being younger, more consistent, more skillful and with more potential is rated higher. Although by now, most people including me, believe he needs to be dropped to work on his game as that skill and potential is not being shown.

However he has not been terrible by any stretch of the imagination and far better than Wahab.

There is nothing to discuss on Sohail then. I believe he should be the first fast bowler for every format and have him slightly ahead of Hasan Ali who is rising very quickly.

 

[CricketAnalyst]

Bro. Every person who loves in the city isnt educated. Plus all these guys belong from villiages from behind.

I know mates who live in the cities but act like villiagers.

I know people who have done grade 12 and yet act like creeps.

There is a need for grooming of an individual before you allow them to represent the whole nation

In this regard education has nothing to do with character. At best it will teach people how to get away being a creep or an abusive person. And even villagers are not savages or animals that they don't have basic decency, it's down to the specifics of the person. Even very educated people have done outrageous things.

 

[Nado_]

We need sohail khan to partner the opening bowling with amir for the c.t

 

[JibranAnsari]

Even half fit sohail khan is better than all the pakistani phaast bowlers... it would be shame to see junaid khan once again in test team.