Sami Aslam to leave Pakistan and head for USA

[Shafi]

Was it the 2 Test series against Sri Lanka in UAE 2017? Your own judgement should convince you that if both play together over 2-3 series against different opponents, Sami will do better.

He is quite clearly a better player with a higher ceiling but Masood has been given preferential treatment for obvious reasons. Sami was made the sacrificial lamb between the two and we know why.

I agree he must have had reassurances for moving to USA. It is a great decision for his future generations even if he doesn’t make it as a cricketer there.

1. This guy needs more than a day to score 100 means it's highly unlikely he can can survive whole day to score 90 odd runs.
2. You criticise Azhar being timid player where as Sami Aslam is even more timid and slower than Azhar.
3. The guy has already developed manipulation and victim card techniques to be selected in the team from our former players. He is no younis, Miandad to get away with that.
4. Players like his category should play in weaker association teams (USA/Canada... not Ireland/Holland) where there is no high expectation from players and no such pressure to perform in difficult situation against better team. Participation in a game should be taken as granted.
5. He has a lazy attitude to be a successful batsman. Shan may be an average player (Still better than Sami for sure) but has more impact than Sami for the team.

 

[Last Monetarist]

I feel sorry for Sami Aslam, he's been treated badly by the board. I expect this decision to up sticks and leave the country is indicative of deeper problems that he's probably facing. Anyone criticizing him too harshly is probably a tad naïve.

 

[Mamoon]

1. This guy needs more than a day to score 100 means it's highly unlikely he can can survive whole day to score 90 odd runs.
2. You criticise Azhar being timid player where as Sami Aslam is even more timid and slower than Azhar.
3. The guy has already developed manipulation and victim card techniques to be selected in the team from our former players. He is no younis, Miandad to get away with that.
4. Players like his category should play in weaker association teams (USA/Canada... not Ireland/Holland) where there is no high expectation from players and no such pressure to perform in difficult situation against better team. Participation in a game should be taken as granted.
5. He has a lazy attitude to be a successful batsman. Shan may be an average player (Still better than Sami for sure) but has more impact than Sami for the team.

The problem with comparing him to Azhar is that Sami played all his 13 Test matches when he was around 21-22 (officially). On the other hand, Azhar has had a free run for 10 years and he still has no conviction and is extremely timid.

You can accuse him of playing the victim card all you want, but if you put yourself in his shoes you will learn think from his perspective.

5 of his 13 Tests were in England and Australia and he only got 2 full series in the UAE.

During these limited chances, his performance in Edgbaston at a tender (official age) of 21 ranks among the greatest innings by a Pakistani opener in England in many years, and unlike Masood’s fluke hundred last summer, it was virtually a chance-less innings.

Whether anyone likes him or not, no one can argue with a straight face that he didn’t get treated way too harshly compared to Masood and Imam.

Anyone in his place would be bitter.

 

[Mamoon]

I realized about half an hour ago that he is still officially 24. I thought he would be around 27-28 now.

This makes his treatment even more moronic.

 

[Mamoon]

Misbah was captain 4 years ago when Sami replaced Hafeez after the Old Trafford Test and put Pakistan in pole position to seal the series 3-1.

It took him one innings to do what the hard working and dedicated and super fit Masood couldn’t in four innings - cross the fifty mark.

You would think that after Misbah assumed responsibility as selector, he would give Sami his due chance. If he doesn’t think that Sami is a better long-term option than Masood, he doesn’t understand cricket.

Or perhaps he is taking orders from upstairs which is probably more likely.

 

[zain7077]

Misbah was captain 4 years ago when Sami replaced Hafeez after the Old Trafford Test and put Pakistan in pole position to seal the series 3-1.

It took him one innings to do what the hard working and dedicated and super fit Masood couldn’t in four innings - cross the fifty mark.

You would think that after Misbah assumed responsibility as selector, he would give Sami his due chance. If he doesn’t think that Sami is a better long-term option than Masood, he doesn’t understand cricket.

Or perhaps he is taking orders from upstairs which is probably more likely.

Who is above Misbah? Can’t see any reason why someone like Imran would advocate a place for Shan in the test team. Not Mani. If it’s Shan’s dad I’d understand but I highly doubt it.

 

[MHN1293]

The pakistan selectors and coaches are truly clueless. Someone who deserves selection on merit is being left out so 35 year olds like abid can live of 100s against a weak srilanka bowling attack. After the england series it should have been obvious abid was not the choice after he failed against swing.

 

[Usman]

I agree, not sure he’ll make it, but seems it’s a combination of two things.

First, it is clear that he thinks US national team is better than being a domestic cricketer for the rest of his life (which I suspect he thinks as well, does not believe he has the ability) and he also has a horrid mentality (I suspect) which tells him that everyone is the reason for his problems except him. He was fourth highest run scorer last year behind Imran Butt, Kamran Akmal, and Salman Butt. Imran Butt was selected. On recent form, Hussain Talat has much better form than Sami. So Hussain was selected. There is no jury out to get him - he needs to realize he needs to become number 1. If he has already realized this, which he should if he is decently smart enough, his decision to move to the USA indicates a lack of faith in himself to come back harder and knock the door down.

Second, he probably thinks if it doesn’t work out in the US, the commotion he is creating can get him media attention and build up a narrative on talk shows that apply pressure on the management to bring him in. Essentially he is smart and sees how media pressure works in tandem with selection in this country - if this is the case, then I tip my hat to him as it is a genius move.

If he really believes that being a US national team player is better than being a well paid domestic cricketer in England or Australia, he needs help. I agree that the throwing your toys out the pram approach only works if you're the number 1 performer, which he currently is not, and I agree he should focus on getting to number 1 rather than sulking that he's not been selected.

If he really is thinking that going to the US is going to generate enough media attention to get him back in the team, then I think he's mistaken. Once he's gone, the story will be forgotten. Usman Qadir had the advantage of the Qadir name, which gave him a profile. Sami Aslam doesn't have that.

Even Imran Tahir, a brillant leggie, was forgotten soon after he left Pakistan.

Whatever Sami's thinking here, it is deeply flawed.

 

[MHN1293]

And the reason he is not in that great form right now might because of his confidence getting hurt. When someone like asad shafiq and shan masood deserve such a long run then he sould also be invest in for atleast 10 more tests.

 

[topspin]

I feel for him. It must be incredibly frustrating for him sit in the sidelines because of an inferior opener like Masood.

You pair Masood and Sami in Test cricket and Sami will outperform him in a series 9/10 times.

PCB dropped the ball with him way to quickly. The way he played in England in 2016 was outstanding for a Pakistani opener.

His discipline, technique, and particularly his awareness of the off-stump were remarkable.

Unfortunately, Josh Hazlewood got hold of him in Australia and it hurt his confidence. PCB dropped him for good while continuing to give other under-performers a long rope.

Ultimately it is Pakistan’s loss. A mid-table team like Pakistan have discarded one of its better opening prospects as if we have a dozen Cooks and Warners waiting in the pipeline.

An Absolute garbage post.

Please remind us of how Sami Aslam fared in comparison to Shan Masood in Australia?

Shan has averaged 35+ in last tours of Australia, South Africa and most recently in England. I doubt Sami Aslam could manage that.

In regard to the England tour, Sami Aslam's runs all came in that Edgbaston test, where there was nothing for the bowlers. It was a slow wicket offering no seam or swing.

 

[KoyoAli]

Fair treatment or Harsh, You cant convince me that he left solely because he was so heartbroken at not being selected for the NZ tour. He is 24 and was the 3rd Highest run scorer in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy last year. The highest scorer Imran Butt is on the plane to NZ. Doesn't mean that the selection process isn't flawed, however Sami's reaction comes as an over-reaction. What I feel is that Sami had made up his mind about leaving before the start of the season, considering how he made himself unavailable for National t20. He probably had a Lucrative and future proof deal from the US, otherwise none of this makes any sense.

 

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Fair treatment or Harsh, You cant convince me that he left solely because he was so heartbroken at not being selected for the NZ tour. He is 24 and was the 3rd Highest run scorer in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy last year. The highest scorer Imran Butt is on the plane to NZ. Doesn't mean that the selection process isn't flawed, however Sami's reaction comes as an over-reaction. What I feel is that Sami had made up his mind about leaving before the start of the season, considering how he made himself unavailable for National t20. He probably had a Lucrative and future proof deal from the US, otherwise none of this makes any sense.

Sami is the real thing. Classic case of discarding someone good after a few ordinary performances. When he opened in England, suddnely Pakistan became a different team.

I am not convinced on Shan Masood at all. He is one disastrous series away from being found out.

 

[Ucdkee]

Oh no ! Who will score 5 off 40 on Day 1 of a Test for us now ?!

That was brutal

The guy is still very young. As pointed by someone above, this looks more like a family decision rather than a career decision. Sad though, at one point in time I was very excited to see him play as he was regarded as one of the best upcoming talents of Pakistan along side Babar. He was also one of the key players in one edition of U-19 CWC.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Sami Aslam was above Imam al Haq in the U-19 inform batsmen, he was definetly one of the better prospects. He still has time tho.

 

[RyanRyan10]

Few months back, most fans wanted him in the XI.

Now most are celebrating.

Misbah ended another potentially great test career.

 

[IMMY69]

If a relatively young player is not willing to knuckle down in the new first class structure and claim their place through sheer weight of runs then I think they are probably better off going to the States or elsewhere...

 

[samiakh]

Any time you get talent drain from Pak its sad. I remember watching this guy in the UAE in the Under-19 WC when he was capt and we lost to SaF in the final. I thought he would make it, I do feel he is throwing in the towel a bit too soon though.

 

[KoyoAli]

Sami is the real thing. Classic case of discarding someone good after a few ordinary performances. When he opened in England, suddnely Pakistan became a different team.

I am not convinced on Shan Masood at all. He is one disastrous series away from being found out.

Thing is People only remember his debut innings and that's it, If you remember correctly however, he was found out even during the course of that innings. Bowling round the wicket to him and bringing the ball into his pads got him out. After that innings he failed in the rest of the series and failed even more miserably in Aus. And adding salt to injury he couldn't even accumulate some decent scores in UAE.
He was dropped rightly since not only he was getting out, he also had a very limited scoring ability, no strokes. Shan is a player in a very similar mold except he never gave up and kept improving. There is no reason why Sami couldn't have done the same. He didn't make it to NZ tour but the player that beat him to it was Imran Butt who outperformed him in both QeA 19 and now QeA 20. There was no injustice done to Sami. The player who is actually facing injustice is Saud Shakil but you wont see him utter a word.

 

[MMHS]

Was it the 2 Test series against Sri Lanka in UAE 2017? Your own judgement should convince you that if both play together over 2-3 series against different opponents, Sami will do better.

He is quite clearly a better player with a higher ceiling but Masood has been given preferential treatment for obvious reasons. Sami was made the sacrificial lamb between the two and we know why.

I agree he must have had reassurances for moving to USA. It is a great decision for his future generations even if he doesn’t make it as a cricketer there.

I don’t know, but one thing for sure he sucks every life out of an innings. Was debuted in ODI as well over five years back against us on Mirpur belters - equally hopeless. I don’t think he can say that he wasn’t given opportunities. For a country of the size of PAK’s population, you won’t get too many chances and he got his fair share.

Contrary, Shan can also say that he was absolute beast in List A cricket for two years - took his overall List A average to 60 (which at one point was historically highest), he didn’t get a single chance even then - not even against ZIM reserves or when PCB experimented against Australia reserves in UAE and PAK team sunk to like 20 losses in 25 or so.

Shan might be very ordinary but he is not a quitter - he debuted with a very good 75 against Styen/Phi, played a very good hand in Srilanka in that chase of 378 (125?) still got dropped. He worked on his game and genuinely he was PAK’s second best batsman in SAF, AUS and UK. You have to appreciate his work ethics, commitment and hunger.

Sami actually replaced Shan in PAK Test team, and played at least 12 Tests before being dropped, then Shan came back and grabbed his opportunities. Having an influential dad can be negative as well - you have to carry that baggage and constantly have to prove yourself. Shan Masood 2.0 is doing that to be honest.

 

[Shafi]

Sami Aslam was above Imam al Haq in the U-19 inform batsmen, he was definetly one of the better prospects. He still has time tho.

Are you sure? Sami Aslam score 45 of 50 against BD's 2nd string bowling attack. Comparing him with Imam is totally unfair.
https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...stan-3rd-odi-pakistan-tour-of-bangladesh-2015

 

[Bullet Drive]

I feel for him. It must be incredibly frustrating for him sit in the sidelines because of an inferior opener like Masood.

You pair Masood and Sami in Test cricket and Sami will outperform him in a series 9/10 times.

PCB dropped the ball with him way to quickly. The way he played in England in 2016 was outstanding for a Pakistani opener.

His discipline, technique, and particularly his awareness of the off-stump were remarkable.

Unfortunately, Josh Hazlewood got hold of him in Australia and it hurt his confidence. PCB dropped him for good while continuing to give other under-performers a long rope.

Ultimately it is Pakistan’s loss. A mid-table team like Pakistan have discarded one of its better opening prospects as if we have a dozen Cooks and Warners waiting in the pipeline.

Abdullah Shafique >>>>>>>>>>>>>> Sami Aslam.

 

[topspin]

Oh no ! Who will score 5 off 40 on Day 1 of a Test for us now ?!

Gold

In all seriousness, his strike rate of 39 after 12 tests says it all really.

 

[shah_1]

He would eye the green card as well

Good for him

 

[sabre1486]

I don’t know, but one thing for sure he sucks every life out of an innings. Was debuted in ODI as well over five years back against us on Mirpur belters - equally hopeless. I don’t think he can say that he wasn’t given opportunities. For a country of the size of PAK’s population, you won’t get too many chances and he got his fair share.

Contrary, Shan can also say that he was absolute beast in List A cricket for two years - took his overall List A average to 60 (which at one point was historically highest), he didn’t get a single chance even then - not even against ZIM reserves or when PCB experimented against Australia reserves in UAE and PAK team sunk to like 20 losses in 25 or so.

Shan might be very ordinary but he is not a quitter - he debuted with a very good 75 against Styen/Phi, played a very good hand in Srilanka in that chase of 378 (125?) still got dropped. He worked on his game and genuinely he was PAK’s second best batsman in SAF, AUS and UK. You have to appreciate his work ethics, commitment and hunger.

Sami actually replaced Shan in PAK Test team, and played at least 12 Tests before being dropped, then Shan came back and grabbed his opportunities. Having an influential dad can be negative as well - you have to carry that baggage and constantly have to prove yourself. Shan Masood 2.0 is doing that to be honest.

This....but the problem is that the gentleman you are replying to is well known as a contrarian. You could point out that the sky is blue and the response would be that it is green.
Fawad alam had been putting up mountains of runs and was ignored but kept fighting. Shan's progress you have described as well....Sami Aslam has a sense of entitlement - that does not make for a good team player.
Also this move of going to the US does not make sense - sure you will play T20 , maybe even ODI/List A, but isnt his strongest suit test/FC ....how does being in the US get him that.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

Everyone has a right to pursue happiness and work towards their future and their dreams.

If he thinks he will have a better chance at having a better life, then so be it. I support him to move to USA and knock at different doors, and test different waters.

At least he will have a better chance to find a local job or go to school and follow a good future, if he fails in cricket adventures.

Life is usually quite tough in Pakistan for those who don't succeed in cricket. They usually don't have any education or any other skill to earn a decent living. In USA, he will have a better chance at that.

All the best!

 

[shah_1]

Everyone has a right to pursue happiness and work towards their future and their dreams.

If he thinks he will have a better chance at having a better life, then so be it. I support him to move to USA and knock at different doors, and test different waters.

At least he will have a better chance to find a local job or go to school and follow a good future, if he fails in cricket adventures.

Life is usually quite tough in Pakistan for those who don't succeed in cricket. They usually don't have any education or any other skill to earn a decent living. In USA, he will have a better chance at that.

All the best!

This

Couldn't have said it better. Unskilled workers are treated like trash in a Pakistani society

 

[Cric_lover4487]

Sami Aslam is competing with Imam ul Haq and Shan Masood for the opener slot in tests. Both his competitors are well connected to PCB (parchi). He has realized he has no future with Pak test team. I don't blame him. I am also bit surprised. He should have tried UK domestic cricket. He would have made more money. I don't know if USA can pay cricketers well.

 

[aloo paratha]

How was he hard done by? He's gotten 13 test matches and only managed to average 31, even though 6 of them were against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Windies. He did well last season all though pitches were very flat. This season he was a complete disappointment. And one thing is clear, a player with his attitude would not make it far in international cricket.

 

[aloo paratha]

Sami Aslam is competing with Imam ul Haq and Shan Masood for the opener slot in tests. Both his competitors are well connected to PCB (parchi). He has realized he has no future with Pak test team. I don't blame him. I am also bit surprised. He should have tried UK domestic cricket. He would have made more money. I don't know if USA can pay cricketers well.

His best bet was Ireland. He would've gone right into the first XI as soon as he qualified and he'd still be a test cricketer.

 

[Cric_lover4487]

His best bet was Ireland. He would've gone right into the first XI as soon as he qualified and he'd still be a test cricketer.

I don’t think Ireland believes in hiring cricketers from outside Ireland. They are only minnow team who don’t have any desi players. Otherwise, its sad to see teams filled with Ind/ Pak players. I hope Nepal cricket become better.

 

[Abdullah719]

So basically after one good season, he decided that he must be selected, otherwise he will give up?

 

[cricketAXEpert]

He is a superior Batsman to Shan Masood. But then Shan Masood is the favored boy. So tough luck for Sami.
Not everyone is as patient as Fawad Alam ( who was ignored because of Asad Sobers Shafiq).

 

[Saj]

Well all will be revealed in a few days regarding why he's going to America.

I just hope he's making the right decision. He's a nice lad who is just feeling betrayed by the selectors.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

So basically after one good season, he decided that he must be selected, otherwise he will give up?

Very astonishing, Also note how his average dips dramatically in years with more balance between bat and ball.

Otherwise 4 consecutive tournaments here averaging 32-34.

 

[Anis Shivani]

For once I agree with everything Mamoon wrote. I thought Sami Aslam did outstandingly well in 2016 and was a good long-term prospect. Far better than Imam and Masood and the others being given a long rope. Masood especially, he has no business being a test opener. Sami Aslam, paired with an aggressive opener, was the future in test cricket. He's been very unfarily done by, and his frustration is showing. Who can blame him? Look at his replacements in test cricket since 2016. He just needed to learn to pick up his pace a little bit.

I feel for him. It must be incredibly frustrating for him sit in the sidelines because of an inferior opener like Masood.

You pair Masood and Sami in Test cricket and Sami will outperform him in a series 9/10 times.

PCB dropped the ball with him way to quickly. The way he played in England in 2016 was outstanding for a Pakistani opener.

His discipline, technique, and particularly his awareness of the off-stump were remarkable.

Unfortunately, Josh Hazlewood got hold of him in Australia and it hurt his confidence. PCB dropped him for good while continuing to give other under-performers a long rope.

Ultimately it is Pakistan’s loss. A mid-table team like Pakistan have discarded one of its better opening prospects as if we have a dozen Cooks and Warners waiting in the pipeline.

 

[MMHS]

This....but the problem is that the gentleman you are replying to is well known as a contrarian. You could point out that the sky is blue and the response would be that it is green.
Fawad alam had been putting up mountains of runs and was ignored but kept fighting. Shan's progress you have described as well....Sami Aslam has a sense of entitlement - that does not make for a good team player.
Also this move of going to the US does not make sense - sure you will play T20 , maybe even ODI/List A, but isnt his strongest suit test/FC ....how does being in the US get him that.

USA is probably in grade III in ICC hierarchy in ODI - he’ll be damn good for that level. I think, Ryan Ten Doeste had a career ODI batting average of 66+, playing mostly a tier above than USA while Rashid Khan had Syd Barnes like figures. And, ICC has made about 100 T20I eligible team.

But, I don’t think he is going for a cricket career - though in North America now there is good money in club cricket. In Toronto, top amateur players earn over $3/4 thousand for a season - in Houston or LA, this amount should be significantly higher & he was a PAK international in his late 20s + other jobs are there. I believe, cricket is secondary for him - PAK cap gave him a back door to land in USA.

Also, I think guy has a decent savings, he is playing cricket for 10-12 years now - he’ll go to USA, play club cricket and may be, buy couple of taxis (it’s damn cheap here if you can pay some amount upfront on lease). If you are driving yourself & can speak working English, you can earn more than a white collar job and you don’t pay much for tax, if it’s in cash payment. Our South Asia isn’t that poor actually, compared to the lower tier poverty level of USA - if he can launder say $170k (3 crore PKR) from PAK selling some property & his savings - straightway he can take a mortgage for a 3 bed house for around $125K & couple of taxi for $20K. Rent the basement to the Mexicans or Haitians, better if Deshi tenant is available (they are least troublemakers) and just from Uber driving he can live a decent life here. In USA, wealth is polarised - if you have $150k cash, unless you blow it on casino, drugs & Russian girls, you can live a decent life if you are willing to work.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Rashid Latif: “I spoke to Sami Aslam on the phone yesterday, he’s not going anywhere. He said he’s not going. He’s been directly approached by the American cricket association but plans to play the rest of the season before deciding.”

This quote is from yesterday - today, Sami has dropped out of the Balochistan squad “citing personal reasons”.

Seems he’s not being honest with folks in the hierarchy who are looking out for him.

 

[Shafi]

Rashid Latif: “I spoke to Sami Aslam on the phone yesterday, he’s not going anywhere. He said he’s not going. He’s been directly approached by the American cricket association but plans to play the rest of the season before deciding.”

This quote is from yesterday - today, Sami has dropped out of the Balochistan squad “citing personal reasons”.

Seems he’s not being honest with folks in the hierarchy who are looking out for him.

Its better we don't have players like this attitude in our team. This guy is already trying to manipulate the system rather than his performance with the bat. 1 good season and he thinks some sort of Bradman.Last time he was also supporting another average player Irfan Khan jr. to leave Pakistan for different country and mocking PCB.
Fact is he is not that good to begin with. His batting is even worse than Wasti but at least Wasti can score 100 where Sami's range around 60-90 with some luck but it will cost almost a day. A total impactless player for the team.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Its better we don't have players like this attitude in our team. This guy is already trying to manipulate the system rather than his performance with the bat. 1 good season and he thinks some sort of Bradman.Last time he was also supporting another average player Irfan Khan jr. to leave Pakistan for different country and mocking PCB.
Fact is he is not that good to begin with. His batting is even worse than Wasti but at least Wasti can score 100 where Sami's range around 60-90 with some luck but it will cost almost a day. A total impactless player for the team.

I actually thought he was a good prospect (though not ready to be selected automatically just yet). After his antics these last three months, I am absolutely certain that he has a toxic cut-throat mentality which is bad for the team and potentially an inferiority complex that is bad for himself.

 

[Kaddy]

So basically after one good season, he decided that he must be selected, otherwise he will give up?

He is playing domestic cricket since long time and he is still 24 years old.

Good job Sami

 

[Bullet Drive]

I don’t know, but one thing for sure he sucks every life out of an innings. Was debuted in ODI as well over five years back against us on Mirpur belters - equally hopeless. I don’t think he can say that he wasn’t given opportunities. For a country of the size of PAK’s population, you won’t get too many chances and he got his fair share.

Contrary, Shan can also say that he was absolute beast in List A cricket for two years - took his overall List A average to 60 (which at one point was historically highest), he didn’t get a single chance even then - not even against ZIM reserves or when PCB experimented against Australia reserves in UAE and PAK team sunk to like 20 losses in 25 or so.

Shan might be very ordinary but he is not a quitter - he debuted with a very good 75 against Styen/Phi, played a very good hand in Srilanka in that chase of 378 (125?) still got dropped. He worked on his game and genuinely he was PAK’s second best batsman in SAF, AUS and UK. You have to appreciate his work ethics, commitment and hunger.

Sami actually replaced Shan in PAK Test team, and played at least 12 Tests before being dropped, then Shan came back and grabbed his opportunities. Having an influential dad can be negative as well - you have to carry that baggage and constantly have to prove yourself. Shan Masood 2.0 is doing that to be honest.

Sami scored 45 on his ODI debut in Bangladesh. It was an amazing innings.

Shan played against Australia in UAE. All 4 games.

 

[Bullet Drive]

Both have played together two Tests - Sami has scored 93 at 23.25; Masood 103 at 25.75 .... May be both can go to USA ..

I think, he has got some assurance there - either job, or may be playing in league cricket, eventually qualifying for USA. USA will form a decent cricket team this decade with the number of deshi people and interest in cricket is increasing there.

USA are pumping BIG money into cricket. Heard they're giving $100,000 contracts to the players. Every year.

 

[MMHS]

Sami scored 45 on his ODI debut in Bangladesh. It was an amazing innings.

Shan played against Australia in UAE. All 4 games.

I have noticed now. Neither has brightened batting in ODI and rightly dumped. After 45 (50) at debut Sami ended ODI career with average of 19 & SR of 66 in four games - guess what he did in his last three games....

 

[zn426]

Firstly, to the person who thinks Canada will crush US in cricket every time...we hold the Auty cup and have done so for a couple of years now. Let me know when you win it back from us.

If Sami Aslam decides to work out his issues in Pakistan-good for him. I hope he does it. That said, if he comes to the US, he will probably be good enough to take us to the top of the associate ladder if we get some quality players around him. With good players USA can be a PNG/UAE level team, although with no depth. They are, to my understanding, paying US$60,000 minimum a year to US players so it's not impossible-Aslam could make a good living playing cricket in the USA and playing CPL and maybe every year (unless he gets an IPL invite, which seems unlikely). His caliber is likely sufficient to get him to 90k a year which is the top salary played to US players. I know you all are wondering how an associate team can afford such salaries, but it's mainly because the ICC is bankrolling this. There is some international level talent with Ali Khan and maybe Steven Taylor already there.

 

[Saj]

Rashid Latif: “I spoke to Sami Aslam on the phone yesterday, he’s not going anywhere. He said he’s not going. He’s been directly approached by the American cricket association but plans to play the rest of the season before deciding.”

This quote is from yesterday - today, Sami has dropped out of the Balochistan squad “citing personal reasons”.

Seems he’s not being honest with folks in the hierarchy who are looking out for him.

Or that Latif is talking rubbish.

 

[sabre1486]

USA is probably in grade III in ICC hierarchy in ODI - he’ll be damn good for that level. I think, Ryan Ten Doeste had a career ODI batting average of 66+, playing mostly a tier above than USA while Rashid Khan had Syd Barnes like figures. And, ICC has made about 100 T20I eligible team.

But, I don’t think he is going for a cricket career - though in North America now there is good money in club cricket. In Toronto, top amateur players earn over $3/4 thousand for a season - in Houston or LA, this amount should be significantly higher & he was a PAK international in his late 20s + other jobs are there. I believe, cricket is secondary for him - PAK cap gave him a back door to land in USA.

Also, I think guy has a decent savings, he is playing cricket for 10-12 years now - he’ll go to USA, play club cricket and may be, buy couple of taxis (it’s damn cheap here if you can pay some amount upfront on lease). If you are driving yourself & can speak working English, you can earn more than a white collar job and you don’t pay much for tax, if it’s in cash payment. Our South Asia isn’t that poor actually, compared to the lower tier poverty level of USA - if he can launder say $170k (3 crore PKR) from PAK selling some property & his savings - straightway he can take a mortgage for a 3 bed house for around $125K & couple of taxi for $20K. Rent the basement to the Mexicans or Haitians, better if Deshi tenant is available (they are least troublemakers) and just from Uber driving he can live a decent life here. In USA, wealth is polarised - if you have $150k cash, unless you blow it on casino, drugs & Russian girls, you can live a decent life if you are willing to work.

what you do say makes sense...but I think he is thinking very small....he is a decent player, he could make more lucrative deals playing through clubs in england etc, even south africa i would think.

 

[MMHS]

what you do say makes sense...but I think he is thinking very small....he is a decent player, he could make more lucrative deals playing through clubs in england etc, even south africa i would think.

That's for 6/7 .. may be 10 years. What's next, if he lives till late 70s? I am sure, if he is moving to USA it's for a purpose with duel motive - I won't blame him for that. USA is so, so, so big compared to any other country that options are unlimited there ..... he can always play Club cricket in UK or AUS/SAF/South Asia being an US National/Citizen ..... but other way isn't true.

 

[Savak]

Good riddance, the new system is working. Its filtering out players with an entitlement culture. Apparently the reason why Sami Aslam fell out of favour under Mickey Arthur's regime was because he was caught cheating on the team's diet plans several times in his room.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sami Aslam has accepted an offer with America's Major League Cricket T20. He will move to America and hopes to play for USA once he is eligible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1330099195475337218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Shafi]

In case if he change his mind hopefully no team will take him.Very untrustworthy person. Leaving is team in the middle of the season.

 

[Saj]

He's heading to USA in a few days time.

He's signed a contract with the USA Cricket Board and believes he will be eligible to play for USA in 3 years time.

His major gripe is the selection policy which he feels is tilted towards performing in the PSL and those players who aren't playing in the PSL are not getting fair treatment.

 

[Rana]

Best of luck to him and his move. I feel for the mental well being of this man. I hope he finds a better life and a more fruitful life in the States

 

[Thunderbolt14]

He's heading to USA in a few days time.

He's signed a contract with the USA Cricket Board and believes he will be eligible to play for USA in 3 years time.

His major gripe is the selection policy which he feels is tilted towards performing in the PSL and those players who aren't playing in the PSL are not getting fair treatment.

Explains why his First Class specialist opening partner at Balochistan is on his way to New Zealand.

Does not explain why he refused to play T20 cricket, ironically, if he thought it’s that important.

 

[shah_1]

He's heading to USA in a few days time.

He's signed a contract with the USA Cricket Board and believes he will be eligible to play for USA in 3 years time.

His major gripe is the selection policy which he feels is tilted towards performing in the PSL and those players who aren't playing in the PSL are not getting fair treatment.

Abid Ali, Fawad Alam, Zafar Gohar, and Shan Masood

 

[Khan12]

Thought was was a good test prospect but with this attitude. I say thanks for getting lost. Pathetic attitude.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Abid Ali, Fawad Alam, Zafar Gohar, and Shan Masood

Hussain Talat, Imran Butt

 

[angrypathan]

One less entitled idiot in Pakistan cricket. See ya champ.

 

[Firebat]

He's been dropped for 3 years, not 10!

At a time when our test batting is old, far from settled, and are about to embark on a difficult away tour, it's a perfect time to put your head down and pile up big big runs to force your name into the mix. Instead, he's going off to play bottom-level cricket for the mighty USA, where he won't be valid to play for another 3 years anyway. Clearly got a lot of cricketing ambition )

What a way to throw your career away at 24 years old. Good riddance.

 

[OmarKhan99]

I feel for him. It must be incredibly frustrating for him sit in the sidelines because of an inferior opener like Masood.

You pair Masood and Sami in Test cricket and Sami will outperform him in a series 9/10 times.

PCB dropped the ball with him way to quickly. The way he played in England in 2016 was outstanding for a Pakistani opener.

His discipline, technique, and particularly his awareness of the off-stump were remarkable.

Unfortunately, Josh Hazlewood got hold of him in Australia and it hurt his confidence. PCB dropped him for good while continuing to give other under-performers a long rope.

Ultimately it is Pakistan’s loss. A mid-table team like Pakistan have discarded one of its better opening prospects as if we have a dozen Cooks and Warners waiting in the pipeline.

Absolutely agree with this.

I understand why people may label him as a player with a poor attitude, but I really think this guy was the real deal.

Masood had a poor series vs ENG in UAE in 2015, and still opened in the 2016 away series. The Hafeez-Masood combo performed as expected. Neither knew how to actually leave the ball.

Sami Aslam walks in as a 20-year old, and plays an absolute masterclass on debut. Ridiculously aware of his off-stump and knows how to put the bad ball away. IIRC, he was well on his way to becoming the youngest overseas batsman/opener to hit a century on debut in the UK. Was unlucky to get run out on 80-odd by a Azhar Ali mishap. He then followed it up by top scoring in the second innings in a tough chase.

Was casted away way too prematurely. I like Shan and his determination to improve (and Imam's as well), but Sami was/is the better prospect.

I really think this management, and the last's, affinity to completely discard players is very off-putting and too rushed. Sometimes you need to put your arm around a struggling player and be the bigger person.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Absolutely agree with this.

I understand why people may label him as a player with a poor attitude, but I really think this guy was the real deal.

Masood had a poor series vs ENG in UAE in 2015, and still opened in the 2016 away series. The Hafeez-Masood combo performed as expected. Neither knew how to actually leave the ball.

Sami Aslam walks in as a 20-year old, and plays an absolute masterclass on debut. Ridiculously aware of his off-stump and knows how to put the bad ball away. IIRC, he was well on his way to becoming the youngest overseas batsman/opener to hit a century on debut in the UK. Was unlucky to get run out on 80-odd by a Azhar Ali mishap. He then followed it up by top scoring in the second innings in a tough chase.

Was casted away way too prematurely. I like Shan and his determination to improve (and Imam's as well), but Sami was/is the better prospect.

I really think this management, and the last's, affinity to completely discard players is very off-putting and too rushed. Sometimes you need to put your hands around a struggling player and be the bigger person.

I rated him enough that he would be in my predicted 2025 Pakistan Test Team, conditioned on him improving his attitude and strike rate. What this saga tells me is he never believed in improvement and assumed he was the real deal from the start.

Look at the shambolic statements made by the likes of Fakhar, who said he doesn’t need to change anything and is now struggling, meanwhile look at someone like Shan who was discarded like Sami but came back with twice the intent (whether or not you think Shan is average, bad, or good).

Compare it to Babar who keeps learning, and compare it to Babar’s cousins who chose not to.

For all intents and purposes, Sami might have been mishandled or not, that is up to debate, but these new insights on his attitude that we’ve seen, they tell me that we’ve dodged a bullet with him.

 

[aloo paratha]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sami Aslam has accepted an offer with America's Major League Cricket T20. He will move to America and hopes to play for USA once he is eligible <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1330099195475337218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Wonder how much money they're offering him.

 

[MenInG]

Wonder how much money they're offering him.

Its the usual - money and a chance to make a life in the US - many would jump for it.

 

[King_Kohli]

Its the usual - money and a chance to make a life in the US - many would jump for it.

I have a doubt
How US cricket making money? How they are paying big amount?
Cricket is not a big game in US, no viewership and no craze but still buying OS players.

 

[Slog]

He's been dropped for 3 years, not 10!

At a time when our test batting is old, far from settled, and are about to embark on a difficult away tour, it's a perfect time to put your head down and pile up big big runs to force your name into the mix. Instead, he's going off to play bottom-level cricket for the mighty USA, where he won't be valid to play for another 3 years anyway. Clearly got a lot of cricketing ambition )

What a way to throw your career away at 24 years old. Good riddance.

Lol yea I was thinking the same thing. In the other hand we had Fawad who was dropped for 10 years but kept his head down and tipped the batting charts most seasons. Sami’s domesric perfotmances haven’t even been that great tbh

 

[CleverSir]

Best of luck to him. From the outside it looks like a 24 year old is throwing away a potentially long and lucrative career. I'm sure he has some internal gripes and I hope he's able to put them to rest. The USA talked about in social circles is very different from the lived reality. You get pulled in with the lure of high hopes and dreams and chewed and spit out quickly if you can't put in the time and effort. Time and effort he wasn't willing to put into his game in Pakistan which is slightly more forgiving.

I'm not quite sure why people seem so upset about losing him as a Pakistan prospect either. He's never introduced himself as a generational talent when playing. Just a handy player. Pakistan cricket will not miss him. Haider Ali has introduced himself as a generational talent, Abdullah Shafique and Khushdil Shah have shown themselves to have a brighter future. The new QeA system is starting to chew up some old timers and spit them out. We'll start to see some young talent emerge in the next 2-3 years. Best of luck to Sami but no one misses players once they step out of contention and 24 in my opinion is too young to give up if you have any passion for something.

 

[OmarKhan99]

I rated him enough that he would be in my predicted 2025 Pakistan Test Team, conditioned on him improving his attitude and strike rate. What this saga tells me is he never believed in improvement and assumed he was the real deal from the start.

Look at the shambolic statements made by the likes of Fakhar, who said he doesn’t need to change anything and is now struggling, meanwhile look at someone like Shan who was discarded like Sami but came back with twice the intent (whether or not you think Shan is average, bad, or good).

Compare it to Babar who keeps learning, and compare it to Babar’s cousins who chose not to.

For all intents and purposes, Sami might have been mishandled or not, that is up to debate, but these new insights on his attitude that we’ve seen, they tell me that we’ve dodged a bullet with him.

I definitely agree with the Shan bit. I have always liked his attitude. Even in some of the interviews he did on those fiery shows with masalaydaar questions during the time he was out of the team, he always responded with decency. Extremely happy to see that he has developed into a very good player.

Players say loads of stuff in the heat of the moment. If anything, it shows that he needs to develop his maturity, doesn't show malice. I don't think everyone can take non-selection like Fawad, or even Saud recently. I'm sure Sami feels sour over the continued persistence with Imam, especially since he had superior stats, has performed in England and New Zealand (scored a 91 in the same match Babar scored a 90), and Imam also has the same SR issue. Sami has 7 50s in 25 innings, and Imam 3 in 21. Sami even with his dropped average still has a higher average than Imam's current avg.

I like Imam and his hard work, but it's quite obvious why Sami feels hard done by, and as should Saud.

Funny thing about Babar. Back at the beginning of 2018, when Babar was having a bit of bad run in NZ, there were many quick to point that he has a poor attitude with fans post-match, doesn't like signing autographs, etc. etc. People laughably said that he wasn't willing to improve and that hype got to his head. I remember when arguing Babar's lack of runs is just a combination of temporary bad form and a bit of bad luck, some posters explicitly said that they wished Babar had the improvement mindset of Hasan Ali and Shadab Khan (who were having a good series). I absolutely like all the players mentioned and have supported them in the past and will do in future, however, players do and say things depending on how they perform. The same Hasan, Fakhar, and Shadab who were upbeat at the beginning of 2018, and had the fans raving of their match-winning ability and captaincy potential, were really down and out by the end of it. That's also when Hasan let out a few idiotic statements.

A good, encouraging talk from Misbah could have prevented Sami from spiralling down into making a rash and unnecessary decision.

 

[sabre1486]

I have spent over a decade in north america from a relatively young age - america is not where you make a cricket career and you really have to work hard even for careers that are lucrative here. If he thinks it will be easy for him to actually make money through cricket here he is living in la la land.

Let us just hope he doesnt have to turn tail and come back in five years to play domestic cricket.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Its the usual - money and a chance to make a life in the US - many would jump for it.

Is anyone able to shed light on how he has been able to get a T20 cricket contract that too in the USA when he doesn't even feature for his domestic team in T20?

Also, why specifically him when there are many players who possess a better skillset than him in T20 cricket in the Pakistani cricket circuit and have no chance to represent Pakistan?

Is there an inside story that we aren't aware of?

 

[JattMaula]

I have a doubt
How US cricket making money? How they are paying big amount?
Cricket is not a big game in US, no viewership and no craze but still buying OS players.

ICC development funds to associate members. Only good thing ICC does.

 

[Aami]

He is a Pakistani cricket player alright...victim mentality.

Perhaps he is better than Imam, Masood and Abid Ali and even Fakhar...so what?

Make the runs and be counted.

No one is entitled to a spot in Pakistan Cricket team.

If you think others are not deserving, then do what you have to do to get in...if you cant play the game, like they do, then..."jao ja ker raeheri laga lo kahin"...!

 

[ads101]

I don't think it's fair to compare Shan and Sami. Shan has a wealthier upbringing most likely. His initial selection was very strange, it screamed of nepotism, his stats were awful. He's gone back and improved with good performances to earn back his place, but you do wonder if it were someone else, not sure he would have got his initial call up in the first place.

It's also easier to focus on just cricket, if that's all you have to worry about. Also the fact he has connections means he's more likely to make the squad if he performs in domestic. This isn't the case for Sami, he doesn't have that. Moving to US might be more financially secure for him and his family, if he ends up not making the national team. Sami isn't even picked for PSL which would secure him some sort of financial security.

 

[Saj]

Well USA cricket are keen to invest in the sport.

Let's see who they can attract.

I'm sure Sami has stuff that he wants to get off his chest soon.

 

[shah_1]

It is a concern for PCB that USA cricket is giving more lucrative offers.

The domestic financial packages are not just good enough

 

[aloo paratha]

It is a concern for PCB that USA cricket is giving more lucrative offers.

The domestic financial packages are not just good enough

How do you know what USA cricket is paying him?

 

[Abdullah719]

Absolutely agree with this.

I understand why people may label him as a player with a poor attitude, but I really think this guy was the real deal.

Masood had a poor series vs ENG in UAE in 2015, and still opened in the 2016 away series. The Hafeez-Masood combo performed as expected. Neither knew how to actually leave the ball.

Sami Aslam walks in as a 20-year old, and plays an absolute masterclass on debut. Ridiculously aware of his off-stump and knows how to put the bad ball away. IIRC, he was well on his way to becoming the youngest overseas batsman/opener to hit a century on debut in the UK. Was unlucky to get run out on 80-odd by a Azhar Ali mishap. He then followed it up by top scoring in the second innings in a tough chase.

Was casted away way too prematurely. I like Shan and his determination to improve (and Imam’s as well), but Sami was/is the better prospect.

I really think this management, and the last’s, affinity to completely discard players is very off-putting and too rushed. Sometimes you need to put your arm around a struggling player and be the bigger person.

Sami can feel that he’s been hard done by but he can’t average in the 30s season after season, then suddenly after one good season demand to be selected otherwise he will quit.

I feel a little sorry for him because his attitude is a big strange. He keeps posting emotive tweets after squad announcements. Most players aren’t like this.

However, this is a big decision and I’m sure it’s not a spur of the moment thing, he must have discussed it with his family. If he feels it’s the best thing for him then all the best to him.

 

[Abdullah719]

Honestly, one more good season where he topped the charts would have probably led to his selection. Just like Abid Ali got selected after consistent performances.

 

[topspin]

Good riddance and please don't come back. We don't need another drama queen like Usman Qadir.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

I have a doubt
How US cricket making money? How they are paying big amount?
Cricket is not a big game in US, no viewership and no craze but still buying OS players.

Willow TV founders created a new entity called American Cricket Enterprises (ACE) and have promised to pour in $1 billion dollars to jumpstart American cricket. I have no idea where they’re getting the money from, but I can see a T20 league based here taking off, lots of America-based desis will love it.

For example, even Canada GT20 gets viewership in Pak. All USA cricket has to do is get Afridi or Yuvraj.

 

[Thunderbolt14]

Is anyone able to shed light on how he has been able to get a T20 cricket contract that too in the USA when he doesn't even feature for his domestic team in T20?

Also, why specifically him when there are many players who possess a better skillset than him in T20 cricket in the Pakistani cricket circuit and have no chance to represent Pakistan?

Is there an inside story that we aren't aware of?

From what I’ve read, USA cricket wants to improve its ODI standard as well. So they need some proper players too, not just T20 hacks. To that extent, if I were to guess, their strategy seems to be to steal players from other countries when and where they can.

From a strategic point of view, if I were in their position, the first few countries I would look at in chronological order are these:

1. India
2. Australia
3. England
4. Pakistan

Now, SENA domestic players will be insanely hard to lure given their already high standards of living, and relatively good salaries. Why uproot their entire lives and earn less in the US? I suspect with modern day salaries, the same applies to Ranji and IPL cricketers in India.

So actually, though they may not be able to lure people who are contenders for India A, Australia A, England A, they can definitely lure people who are contenders for Pakistan A as we are the ones with much lower pay contracts on top of an impoverished country and poor standard of living.

To that end, from all the people in that “Pakistan A tier”, Sami Aslam was the most disillusioned and easiest to convince. I am sure they must have put out offers to other cricketers in Pakistan too, and they will also be trying in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh for the same reason.

Just a guess.

 

[choudhary6964]

How's he different from other people who go from their country to these countries for better living.It's his life he can do whatever he wants.i hope he will be successful there