"Why (do they think) I can't play? Are my legs broken?" : Saeed Ajmal

[MenInG]

KARACHI: Pakistani off-spinner Saeed Ajmal lost his cool at being not included in the draft for the Pakistan Cup and said that he was ready to quit cricket tomorrow if he was told to, on Tuesday.

Speaking to media personnel, Ajmal stated that if the main objective was to promote cricket in Pakistan, then senior players should be selected with junior player.

"If the PCB won't include me in matches, then how will improvement come about?" he asked. "You should include young players gradually."

Ajmal said that it was due to these reasons that Pakistan was dropping in international rankings. He wished the national cricket team would improve in rankings. He also voiced his opinion that those players found guilty in spot-fixing should be punished severely.

He disclosed that he had spoken to Chief Selector Inzamam-ul-Haq at the time of the draft.

"I spoke to Inzamam at the time of the draft and informed him that my name had not been included in it," he said.

He said that if it were the case then the board should send him a letter stating that they do not want him to play cricket.

He also said "Why (do they think) I can't play? Are my legs broken?"

 

[Citizen4]

well well, I'm not surprised he thinks like that. A 40+ year old guy still thinks he can play for the national for an extended period, only in Pakistan that happens where TTFs who are not in form are loved by selectors more than the youngsters who are performing.

 

[kingusama92]

Board doesn't have to state anything. Read between the lines.

It's over.

 

[Rayyman]

Chucker has humiliated the nation before and now he continues to humiliate himself. Should just go to leagues like HK T20. That is his level btw.

 

[Citizen4]

Chucker has humiliated the nation before and now he continues to humiliate himself. Should just go to leagues like HK T20. That is his level btw.

he failed in Psl, brought back Gayle in form by serving him pies.
Islu should drop him on merit and buy youngsters and play them regularly. But unfortunately in Islu it is a far cry.

 

[cricketAXEpert]

Board doesn't have to state anything. Read between the lines.

It's over.

What No Farewell Match Again?? Afridi, Azhar Ali , Now Ajmal... They each deserve their own separate Farewell Match...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

he failed in Psl, brought back Gayle in form by serving him pies.
Islu should drop him on merit and buy youngsters and play them regularly. But unfortunately in Islu it is a far cry.

they should do it, drop MISBAH, AJMAL, KHALID, SAMI, IRFAN, RIFFAT and ASIF ALI... send the misbahi brigade packing, buy young players for less money and they will win u the cup... less in investment more in fame, name and profit if they win.. there are many players who can they invest in like RCB did with kohli, MANU did with Rooney etc...

 

[Slog]

Purely on form he doesn't deserve any recall

 

[Citizen4]

they should do it, drop MISBAH, AJMAL, KHALID, SAMI, IRFAN, RIFFAT and ASIF ALI... send the misbahi brigade packing, buy young players for less money and they will win u the cup... less in investment more in fame, name and profit if they win.. there are many players who can they invest in like RCB did with kohli, MANU did with Rooney etc...

here's my replacement for them
Misbah = Saad Ali
Ajmal = Zafar Gohar
Khalid = Khushdil
Irfan = Sameen Gul
Riffat = Hasan Mohsin
Asif Ali = Agha Salman
Sami is the exception because he has performed in both seasons, so as long he plays well he can stay for another season.

 

[Adil_94]

We have plenty of young up and coming spinners why would we go back to someone who is turning 40 this year. Its bad enough you are taking up a PSL slot from a potential youngster but now you want to do it in domestic too. Please retire with some grace then again you are a Pakistani cricketer.

 

[ask_analyse_act]

We have plenty of young up and coming spinners why would we go back to someone who is turning 40 this year. Its bad enough you are taking up a PSL slot from a potential youngster but now you want to do it in domestic too. Please retire with some grace then again you are a Pakistani cricketer.

now the retirement age has peaked from 36-37 to 43-44 ... MISBAH bhai the trendsetter...the mentality has been changed so that they call in Asif Zakir to the ODI squad when there are other young players waiting to step in with much higher avg...

 

[PakLFC]

He has never been the same bowler after his action was amended. Saeed's career is over, move on.

 

[Pete Rose]

I am trying to learn how to show compassion while disagreeing.
It's unfortunate that his skills are superfluous for pakistan circket, hopefully he thinks about coaching

 

[Syed1]

A champion bowler on his day, who was cleared twice by the ICC prior to being banned for those who are oblivious by choice or purpose.

Ajmal has won more games for Pakistan than some of our "legends". On his day he looked miles better than Bradman of bowling Ashwin.



Alas that a promising career came to such an end. Ajmal is also not acting how a player of his stature should. He should hang up his boots and concentrate on his academy (another thing that he has accomplished that plenty of Pakistani "legends" haven't)


You can't blame Ajmal for wanting to continue though, he has a couple of prime examples of players who are continuing to play well into their 40s but with zero performance.

 

[Sachin136]

All cheaters should be treated in the same way IMO, whether they are chuckers or fixers.

 

[aloo paratha]

Maybe not your legs, but your bowling is broken.

 

[Bilal7]

A champion bowler on his day, who was cleared twice by the ICC prior to being banned for those who are oblivious by choice or purpose.

Ajmal has won more games for Pakistan than some of our "legends". On his day he looked miles better than Bradman of bowling Ashwin.



Alas that a promising career came to such an end. Ajmal is also not acting how a player of his stature should. He should hang up his boots and concentrate on his academy (another thing that he has accomplished that plenty of Pakistani "legends" haven't)


You can't blame Ajmal for wanting to continue though, he has a couple of prime examples of players who are continuing to play well into their 40s but with zero performance.

He was our last superstar and an absolutely legendary ODI bowler. Destroyed teams in their own backyards, whether that be South Africa or India. Also put Sachin out of commission.

I applaud his absolute single-minded goal of getting back into the national team, on merit, but sadly, he is too old for a successful comeback. Nothing wrong with him playing at the domestic level for as long as he wants however, he's probably still one of the top three off-spinners in the whole country.

 

[Bilal7]

Purely on form he doesn't deserve any recall

How has his T20 form been? Heard he did well in a couple of domestic T20 competitions.

 

[Rayyman]

How has his T20 form been? Heard he did well in a couple of domestic T20 competitions.

Flopped in PSL.

But he did well at HK T20 Blitz. That is level, btw.

 

[Hasan123]

You aren't good enough when bowling with a legal action that's why.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

You are 38. Retire.

 

[msb314]

Great bowler in his prime but past it now - should retire ASAP.

Those who argue that Misbah and YK are still playing - they are both past their expiry dates too. YK can still conjure up some big scores time to time but he is past his best.

 

[volcyz]

This just has become a farce and travesty.

 

[Adil_94]

well you did claim your elbow was irrepairably damaged in a car accident so thats why you bowled with your bent arm chucking action but then once you were finally banned you managed to change your action to comply with the new rules within 12 months. Frauds like you should be happy you still are allowed anywhere near Pakistan cricket.

 

[shaz619]

A champion bowler on his day, who was cleared twice by the ICC prior to being banned for those who are oblivious by choice or purpose.

Ajmal has won more games for Pakistan than some of our "legends". On his day he looked miles better than Bradman of bowling Ashwin.



Alas that a promising career came to such an end. Ajmal is also not acting how a player of his stature should. He should hang up his boots and concentrate on his academy (another thing that he has accomplished that plenty of Pakistani "legends" haven't)


You can't blame Ajmal for wanting to continue though, he has a couple of prime examples of players who are continuing to play well into their 40s but with zero performance.

I was just about to point that out, this is the precedent we've set when oldies are invested in.

 

[shaz619]

well you did claim your elbow was irrepairably damaged in a car accident so thats why you bowled with your bent arm chucking action but then once you were finally banned you managed to change your action to comply with the new rules within 12 months. Frauds like you should be happy you still are allowed anywhere near Pakistan cricket.

At one point he had cleared the ICC test and was bending his elbow within the specified limit so his career should not be derailed in terms of what he achieved for Pakistan e.g World T20 win and the purple patch in Test cricket; his action deteriorated when he was over bowled although it has to be said that the car accident fiasco is dubious and damages his reputation to an extent but am not going to define him by that because partly due to his legal efforts we won our only ICC trophy in the 2000's and was one of the root causes for our undefeated streak in the UAE with a couple of decent match winning performances away as well in England and South Africa. It's weird but Ajmal in fact became more ineffective when he actually began to chuck according to the laws.

 

[Speedster777]

Wrong precedent set by Misbah and Younis and inept PCB who've no discipline whatsoever. They should have fired these guys.

 

[thelandofthebravepeople]

Is it just me or he is just talking about a domestic cup and not national team. He is upset about not getting selected for domestic team.

I think he deserve to be part of domestic cricket.

 

[Rayyman]

People are saying that Ajmal was actually cleared once by the ICC. That doesn't matter because he still went on to chuck later. Just by chucking one ball, you should be considered a disgrace to the sport of cricket.

 

[MMHS]

Once PAK team was youngest in world & I have seen players retiring by 35. During Imran's time, it was unofficial that pacers retire by 32; batsmen may be 35/36. He dropped Majid, Zaheer, Wasim Raja at similar age, Mudassar younger & these players were his long term team-mates. He himself retired 33 weeks before 35 & he was genuine 35.

Now, it has come to a level that players are made vice Captain at 32 ............. No fault of Ajmal to be honest - he won more matches than entire others in PAK team did in his best 3/4 years - now he is asking for his pension. And, I would have been upset in his position - players even more ordinary performance are called back in T20 & ODI side at similar age while he had been left-back even from a domestic tournament that's missing 2 dozens of 1st choice players.

I don't think, at this age Ajmal has anything to achieve & he knows that. May be he is hinting something for PCB - his legs are not broken, hence he can walk in a cricket field, something should be enough; because PAK's Test Captain has done more or less only walking for toss in last few months (& in next few weeks).

 

[Hawkeye]

Start performing and you'll be back. And don't chuck.

If you can outbowl the likes of Asghar, Shadab, Yasir (pathetic in LOIs), etc., should be considered for selection.

 

[cricketInsight]

Your services are not needed at the internation level any more epsecially when they have lost effectiveness.

 

[Varun]

Is it just me or he is just talking about a domestic cup and not national team. He is upset about not getting selected for domestic team.

I think he deserve to be part of domestic cricket.

Fair enough if this is the case.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

As you failed to perform in the recent PSL.

 

[badsha001]

He should have retired right away when he was called for bowling test but to prolong his career, it costed him the future and lost the possble coach gig.

 

[Adil_94]

[MENTION=46929]shaz619[/MENTION] if he never said the car accident thing id have no issue with him. But that leaves kind of a sour taste in my mouth. Wont forget the great memories he gave me as a Pakistan fan but personally dont have any affinity or love for the guy anymore.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saeed Ajmal has stated that anyone involved in spot-fixing should be immediately banned from cricket for life <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/844538719470342144">March 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We seem to have found 4 5 new cases (fixing) and we have allowed this before but now we should have a life ban on this straightaway and also the government can introduce punishments also" : Saeed Ajmal

 

[Citizen4]

everyone is saying give the fixers a life ban, so their should only news when someone is contradicting and not going with the flow

 

[ayemgilani86]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Saeed Ajmal has stated that anyone involved in spot-fixing should be immediately banned from cricket for life <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/844538719470342144">March 22, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"We seem to have found 4 5 new cases (fixing) and we have allowed this before but now we should have a life ban on this straightaway and also the government can introduce punishments also" : Saeed Ajmal

hes become so whiny just gracefully retire, play t20 leagues, he can still make money

 

[Rayyman]

"We seem to have found 4 5 new cases (fixing) and we have allowed this before but now we should have a life ban on this straightaway and also the government can introduce punishments also" : Saeed Ajmal

Just looks like Ajmal is wanting praise from others by making these statements.

 

[Arham_PakFan]

No,they don't pick you because you are simply not good enough,anymore.

 

[Bilal7]

How can you not agree. Have you got a time machine to go back and change the ICCs original ruling? I doubt it.

He doesnt deserve a pick these days not because of some sily idea that he was a cheat but because he is in poor form and is likely finished as a top level cricketer. Thats sad but true.

In his prime, the best offy I've seen outside of Saqqy and Murali.

Agreed. In ODIs especially, he was a truly fantastic spinner.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Agreed. In ODIs especially, he was a truly fantastic spinner.

At his peak he was the worlds best spinner. Still remember his 5fer in Aane Do series.but too old now needs to retire.

 

[MRSN]

Vow he is still eyeing on a recall..amazing!!

 

[shariqnoor]

If we are going to go the route of blaming Younis and Misbah for anybody who's over 35 and wants to play cricket, then we should start with lying the blame at the mighty Imran Khan who played till he was 40. He was followed by Javed Miandad who also played till 40. Miandad had absolutely filthy performances in his last 3 years. Imran was absolute rubbish as a bowler in his last 3 years.

At least Younis and Misbah have respectable records in their last 3 years. They have had some quiet series recently but overall they have contributed immensely to Pakistan cricket in recent times. So if Saeed Ajmal wants to make a comeback to the team, he has all the right to. Let's not make age an issue. However he's not justified in demanding a place in the team (domestic or international) just because of his past achievements.

 

[MMHS]

If we are going to go the route of blaming Younis and Misbah for anybody who's over 35 and wants to play cricket, then we should start with lying the blame at the mighty Imran Khan who played till he was 40. He was followed by Javed Miandad who also played till 40. Miandad had absolutely filthy performances in his last 3 years. Imran was absolute rubbish as a bowler in his last 3 years.

At least Younis and Misbah have respectable records in their last 3 years. They have had some quiet series recently but overall they have contributed immensely to Pakistan cricket in recent times. So if Saeed Ajmal wants to make a comeback to the team, he has all the right to. Let's not make age an issue. However he's not justified in demanding a place in the team (domestic or international) just because of his past achievements.

Imran retired before 35 & he was genuine 35 - at current standard, he retired at around 32-33. He retired as Worlds No. 1 all-rounder & among top 3/4 bowlers, who batted at 5 in India & England, within previous 9 months of retirement. He came back only after PAK President personally requested him & 1st match on return his match figure was 11/125 or so against that WI side. Even after 3 years of 1st retirement, he was MoM at Nehru Cup Final. Once he returned, it was given that he'll take PAK to WC, but he got injured before the WC, yet decided not to leave the team at last moment, rather found a way to serve the team (batted at 3).

This current trend is only because of the culture that Misbah established in last few years - seniority, friendship, continuity & hang on to own spot by hook or by crook.

 

[zulfiqar]

It's sad that Ajmal was given this kind of exit, and at the end of the day it was the management's fault as much as it was Ajmal's that his action went so wayward that he had to be banned for it. If he was younger he would've been given different treatment, but the world of professional sport is cruel in that way! There's no room for Ajmal in any format in international cricket.

 

[Mamoon]

[MENTION=143163]dildildalwalla[/MENTION]

The ICC ruling did not change the day Ajmal got reported by the Umpires, so it is obvious that there was a period during which he chucked, i.e. the time between the ruling was changed and he was reported. Secondly, the ICC was too lax in dealing with chuckers. The best thing that came out of the Big 3 takeover was that the ICC finally woke up on this issue. He should have been dealt with long ago because his extension gave him too much control on his deliveries, unlike other off-spinners of his time.

It is not surprising that as soon as he was forced to bowl with a regular action, he proved to be completely rubbish. That is his true worth as a bowler and he is not good enough for international cricket. Never was without resorting to throwing the ball.

More importantly, and why I have lost respect for him at a personal level, is his blatant lie. You may not be aware of it, but he claimed many times that he has a natural bend in his elbow because of an accident, and which is why he cannot bowl without straightening beyond 15 degrees. However, when he got suspended, he started bowling within the limits (he still chucks though when he is desperate). So, what happened to that deformity? He didn't have any surgical procedure, and magic does not exist.

He is a rubbish 'bowler' and a cheat. No two ways about it.

 

[Ph_11]

Mr. Ajmal - you do not get the extra spin if you dont bend your arms. No need for his skills.

 

[shariqnoor]

Imran retired before 35 & he was genuine 35 - at current standard, he retired at around 32-33. He retired as Worlds No. 1 all-rounder & among top 3/4 bowlers, who batted at 5 in India & England, within previous 9 months of retirement. He came back only after PAK President personally requested him & 1st match on return his match figure was 11/125 or so against that WI side. Even after 3 years of 1st retirement, he was MoM at Nehru Cup Final. Once he returned, it was given that he'll take PAK to WC, but he got injured before the WC, yet decided not to leave the team at last moment, rather found a way to serve the team (batted at 3).

This current trend is only because of the culture that Misbah established in last few years - seniority, friendship, continuity & hang on to own spot by hook or by crook.

It's difficult to argue with someone who will applaud someone who decided not to leave the team despite being injured but will take someone to the cleaners who also decided not to leave the team when the team required him.

In his period from 88-92 (after 1st retirement) Imran was absolutely rubbish as a bowler. His saving grace was his captaincy and his batting. Yes Imran retired at 35 but he took back his retirement too which makes his 1st retirement null and void. So he retired when he was 40 and he was rubbish by then. You are only cherry picking one or two performances after his 1st retirement to tell me that he was this great all rounder. His batting was marvelous no doubt but his bowling - lets just leave that.

Misbah also was retiring after the England series in the UAE and was asked to not retire and lead the team to England and Australia. So I don't know why you are making Imran's coming back to the team as somehow a bigger sacrifice and achievement. Both Imran and Misbah were requested to continue. It's a testament to how great they both are.

Misbah is not the trendsetter of being in the team till 40. Imran did it before him, followed by Miandad and their performances didn't merit their selection at that time. Maybe Imran's did because he became this reliable batsman but Miandad was very poor post 36 years of age.

 

[MMHS]

It's difficult to argue with someone who will applaud someone who decided not to leave the team despite being injured but will take someone to the cleaners who also decided not to leave the team when the team required him.

In his period from 88-92 (after 1st retirement) Imran was absolutely rubbish as a bowler. His saving grace was his captaincy and his batting. Yes Imran retired at 35 but he took back his retirement too which makes his 1st retirement null and void. So he retired when he was 40 and he was rubbish by then. You are only cherry picking one or two performances after his 1st retirement to tell me that he was this great all rounder. His batting was marvelous no doubt but his bowling - lets just leave that.

Misbah also was retiring after the England series in the UAE and was asked to not retire and lead the team to England and Australia. So I don't know why you are making Imran's coming back to the team as somehow a bigger sacrifice and achievement. Both Imran and Misbah were requested to continue. It's a testament to how great they both are.

Misbah is not the trendsetter of being in the team till 40. Imran did it before him, followed by Miandad and their performances didn't merit their selection at that time. Maybe Imran's did because he became this reliable batsman but Miandad was very poor post 36 years of age.

You missed the whole argument - let's make it short. For the sake of argument, lets say Imran was rubbish bowler in 1990 - critical point is, could have make the team as a specialist batsman? Or other way, was he good enough among top 6 batsmen in PAK, without considering his Captaincy. Answer is yes.

Regarding his bowling, I am not sure whom are you trying to fool, when a simple click in Statguru can give you actual data.

For the bold part, I can tell that you are trying to fool yourself.

 

[shariqnoor]

You missed the whole argument - let's make it short. For the sake of argument, lets say Imran was rubbish bowler in 1990 - critical point is, could have make the team as a specialist batsman? Or other way, was he good enough among top 6 batsmen in PAK, without considering his Captaincy. Answer is yes.

Regarding his bowling, I am not sure whom are you trying to fool, when a simple click in Statguru can give you actual data.

For the bold part, I can tell that you are trying to fool yourself.

And you are fooling yourself if you think Misbah hasn't been one of our best Test bat since 2010. Quite laughable to degrade one of our best batsman during the past 6 years. He has had a rough two series but its only 2 series. I hate people who forget his 6 glorious years to the team and would just focus on his last 10 innings to make their point.

Imran's bowling in his last 3 years in Test cricket:

Played: 15
Wickets: 28
Average: 33.53
Five wicket hauls: 0

Imran's bowling in his last 3 years in ODIs:

Played: 64
Wickets: 53
Average: 35.71


And just to please you, even if I ignore his last 3 years and go back to from his time when he came back from his retirement:

Imran after 05 Nov 1987 to 02 Jan 1992 in Tests

Played: 18
Wickets: 51
Average: 26.56

Not even 3 wickets a match.

In ODIs during the same period:

Played: 73
Wickets: 65
Average: 35.41

So please go click StatsGuru yourself before cherry picking 1 performance and thrusting your point!!!

For the record, I have never questioned Imran's inclusion in the team. He deserved to be in the team because as rubbish a bowler he was, he was a terrific batsman and a great captain. He is one of our legends. But so is Misbah. And you cannot dismiss and ridicule Misbah just because he's 42 years old (which is what this argument all started from) while the greatest cricketer of our country also played till he was 40. Imran was a trendsetter of playing till 40, not Misbah!!!

 

[MMHS]

And you are fooling yourself if you think Misbah hasn't been one of our best Test bat since 2010. Quite laughable to degrade one of our best batsman during the past 6 years. He has had a rough two series but its only 2 series. I hate people who forget his 6 glorious years to the team and would just focus on his last 10 innings to make their point.

Imran's bowling in his last 3 years in Test cricket:

Played: 15
Wickets: 28
Average: 33.53
Five wicket hauls: 0

Imran's bowling in his last 3 years in ODIs:

Played: 64
Wickets: 53
Average: 35.71


And just to please you, even if I ignore his last 3 years and go back to from his time when he came back from his retirement:

Imran after 05 Nov 1987 to 02 Jan 1992 in Tests

Played: 18
Wickets: 51
Average: 26.56

Not even 3 wickets a match.

In ODIs during the same period:

Played: 73
Wickets: 65
Average: 35.41

So please go click StatsGuru yourself before cherry picking 1 performance and thrusting your point!!!

For the record, I have never questioned Imran's inclusion in the team. He deserved to be in the team because as rubbish a bowler he was, he was a terrific batsman and a great captain. He is one of our legends. But so is Misbah. And you cannot dismiss and ridicule Misbah just because he's 42 years old (which is what this argument all started from) while the greatest cricketer of our country also played till he was 40. Imran was a trendsetter of playing till 40, not Misbah!!!

As expected, didn't look into details - that Test stats has 3 washed out Tests & 4 Tests, where he didn't bowl. It's actually 51 wickets in 14 Tests he bowled & in 13 Tests had had at least half a bowling innings. Never thought I'll hear complains for a bowling figure that states wickets at 26 average & 60 Strike Rate; but don't expect everyone to understand the relationship between average & strike rate - up to Wicket/Test is manageable. That ODI average is at 4.3 economy for a 4th pacer of the team, who happens to bat at 5 with an average close to 40 ...

Imran retired when everyone was asking why, at 39 & Misbah is trying to fight a lone battle to justify "why not", at an age of 43 - yes both official age. Imran was trendsetter for many other things - like bringing young players, not backing friends & family, leading from the front ..... but indeed his biggest credit has to be trend setting to play till 40s, after retiring at 39 years & 4 months of age - at the point of lifting World Cup & scoring a 72 in WC Final.

I never ever thought, I'll ever have to write those. Still in this world people believe Misbah was going to retire after England Series in UAE, when he didn't even after the series in England & haven't done after those famous series down under.

Not sure now who is more deluded - Misbah fans or Afridi fans.

 

[shariqnoor]

As expected, didn't look into details - that Test stats has 3 washed out Tests & 4 Tests, where he didn't bowl. It's actually 51 wickets in 14 Tests he bowled & in 13 Tests had had at least half a bowling innings. Never thought I'll hear complains for a bowling figure that states wickets at 26 average & 60 Strike Rate; but don't expect everyone to understand the relationship between average & strike rate - up to Wicket/Test is manageable. That ODI average is at 4.3 economy for a 4th pacer of the team, who happens to bat at 5 with an average close to 40 ...

Imran retired when everyone was asking why, at 39 & Misbah is trying to fight a lone battle to justify "why not", at an age of 43 - yes both official age. Imran was trendsetter for many other things - like bringing young players, not backing friends & family, leading from the front ..... but indeed his biggest credit has to be trend setting to play till 40s, after retiring at 39 years & 4 months of age - at the point of lifting World Cup & scoring a 72 in WC Final.

I never ever thought, I'll ever have to write those. Still in this world people believe Misbah was going to retire after England Series in UAE, when he didn't even after the series in England & haven't done after those famous series down under.

Not sure now who is more deluded - Misbah fans or Afridi fans.

Imran's bowling average is 26 because he was phenomenal in 1 series and that was the WI in 1988 where he took 23 wickets. You remove that series and his average goes to 34 at a SR of 83. So yes Imran was indeed rubbish in his last 3 years as a bowler. Like I said you cherry pick 1 performance (WI in 1988) and start shoving your point. And you're going to bring an economy rate into your argument? Seriously? That too at a point in time when 220 in ODIs was a winning score. Please stop making a fool of yourself.

And you should stop making accusations at players without any proof. From which authentic source do you claim that Misbah backs his friends and family in the team? That is a serious accusation on someone. You do realize you are accusing Misbah of nepotism? Also Misbah not backing youngsters is a myth that has been shattered on this forum many times. Do you even know how many people have debuted under Misbah under the age of 25?

I don't know if Misbah was going to retire after the England series in the UAE or not. But what I'm not going to do is speculate and make accusations. If Misbah says, he was retiring but the board requested him to delay his retirement till the Australia tour, I'm going to believe him. That's it. Do I agree with him not retiring? No I do not. Also just to make my point clear AGAIN, I am not against Imran playing till 40 because he deserved to based on his batting and captaincy and by the same token I'm not against any cricketer playing till he's 50 even as long as he can justify his place in the team.

I'm done. No more comments on this subject from my side.

 

[MMHS]

Imran's bowling average is 26 because he was phenomenal in 1 series and that was the WI in 1988 where he took 23 wickets. You remove that series and his average goes to 34 at a SR of 83. So yes Imran was indeed rubbish in his last 3 years as a bowler. Like I said you cherry pick 1 performance (WI in 1988) and start shoving your point. And you're going to bring an economy rate into your argument? Seriously? That too at a point in time when 220 in ODIs was a winning score. Please stop making a fool of yourself.

And you should stop making accusations at players without any proof. From which authentic source do you claim that Misbah backs his friends and family in the team? That is a serious accusation on someone. You do realize you are accusing Misbah of nepotism? Also Misbah not backing youngsters is a myth that has been shattered on this forum many times. Do you even know how many people have debuted under Misbah under the age of 25?

I don't know if Misbah was going to retire after the England series in the UAE or not. But what I'm not going to do is speculate and make accusations. If Misbah says, he was retiring but the board requested him to delay his retirement till the Australia tour, I'm going to believe him. That's it. Do I agree with him not retiring? No I do not. Also just to make my point clear AGAIN, I am not against Imran playing till 40 because he deserved to based on his batting and captaincy and by the same token I'm not against any cricketer playing till he's 50 even as long as he can justify his place in the team.

I'm done. No more comments on this subject from my side.

He was in his late 30s, therefore was bound to decline with age. BUT, he didn't cost the team & never play as a specialist Captain (which he could have been). That bowling stats is mediocre compared to a bowler who averaged 21 @ 3/5 economy in first 100 or so ODI; but he still was the MVP of the team as an overall package & his batting allowed PAK to play 4, even 5 specialist bowlers. Your initial post covers the period of post retirement- 88 to 92, hence the overall figure comes. AFter that '88 series, he didn't play much (2 Tests before Nov 1989), by the time he was almost 38 & played as a batsman who bowled. Only 4 series he played since that WI tour & these are his batting averages
NZL (A) 140.00
IND (H) 87.33
AUS (A) 69.75
WIN (H) 50.33
SRL (H) 57.50 ................

For your 2nd para - why are you bringing Misbah here? I never said what he did, rather my only praise for Imran was he picked at least a dozen players in their teens in exchange of fading seniors, half of those went on to become PAK greats, few ATGs. He dropped his mentor & 1st cousin Mazid, another PAK legend, because he was expired; he played in WC with injury & pain not to leave the side at middle. Why did you think that I am accusing Misbah for backing his friends and family?

For the record, ONCE MORE, Imarn retired at 39 years & 4 months - AND he was genuine 39 then. Instead of FEB-MAR, Had the WC been at the start of the winter season (or in UK like the 1st 3), Imran would have retired at 38. If you read Gavarskar (Idols), he wrote that one difference with Imran of 1971 & 1974 was that he was couple of inch taller by then - which doesn't happen, if a 21 years old, fakes 3 years to play at 18. By PAK standard, Imran actually retired at 35/36. Regarding Misbah's retirement, everything could have been swept under carpet at the expense of Shahriar (Let's accept, Misbah carried on till SCG, only because Chairman PCB wanted him to do so) - but after his batting & Captaincy down under, still he is going to WI ...........

I also, don't think there is any reason to comment on this.

 

[Cryin Out Loud]

"Why (do they think) I can't play? Are my legs broken?" : Saeed Ajmal

No, because your elbow isn't.

 

[Rana]

I respect this guy for making a comeback even after all he has been through. However, this is becoming painful not just for him but all those people who loved him when he was winning games for Pakistan. He should retire gracefully, he has done well for himself in the short time he played. He still has a decent future out of Intl cricket and is quite a character, will get lots of job offers as an urdu analyst.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

If we apply his logic then Saqi and Arshad Khan deserves to play for Pakistan before him because they too can walk properly and their legs are fine.