Is anyone planning on going to cheer the boys on in the Caribbean? :banana: :banana: :banana:

Also, does anyone know what the official Pakistan team shirt will be and whether its available anywhere yet for purchase?

Is anyone planning on going along to cheer the boys on in the Caribbean? :banana: :banana: :banana:

Also, does anyone know what the official Pakistan team shirt will be and whether its available anywhere yet for purchase?

Its in the carribean and I'm in the US, so I'm not to far away. However I have heard that it is very hard to find good accomodation in the carribean at the time of worldcup. I heard that they might hold a game in florida due to its close proximity to the carribean and also because theres a large westindian population there. They should hold an India Pakistan match in Shea stadium here in Jersey! ITS GONNA BE PACKED if they do! Probably record attendance!

no matches in us. all matches and venues were decided 6 months back. have got my match tickets, accomodation and flight tickets already. watching 3 matches, including india-pak. should be awesome

Theres a Pakistan VS India match coming up at the Rogers Centre (SkyDome) here in Toronto ..

no matches in us. all matches and venues were decided 6 months back. have got my match tickets, accomodation and flight tickets already. watching 3 matches, including india-pak. should be awesome

Damn you forward-thinkers! Planning everything months in advance :mad2:

j/k

Theres a Pakistan VS India match coming up at the Rogers Centre (SkyDome) here in Toronto ..

Damn you canadians! :lol:

Damn you forward-thinkers! Planning everything months in advance :mad2:

j/k

:D

haha, sometimes it pays not to think desi. if the world cup was in south asia i am sure even the organising committee wouldnt know where the first match is going to be held till a week before

:D

haha, sometimes it pays not to think desi. if the world cup was in south asia i am sure even the organising committee wouldnt know where the first match is going to be held till a week before

I can imagine Naseem Ashraf (PCB Chairman) asking Inzimam on the morning of the first match "O' Pahjee! Match kitthay hoga?" :lol:

Inzimams answer would be "First of aal, thanx to Allah......." :rofl:

Also, does anyone know what the official Pakistan team shirt will be and whether its available anywhere yet for purchase?

I think it's available at CricInfo's eShop.

You can always get shirts after a game that Pakistan loses, alot of people take off those shirts and rip them apart, although you may have to get them stitched.

Theres a Pakistan VS India match coming up at the Rogers Centre (SkyDome) here in Toronto ..

WTF!!!!!
Details!!! Details!!! Details!!!........PLEASE!!!
(I can beg some more):nuts:

Not too sure, I was passing through the Gardiner and I saw it on their big screen, you might wanna get some more info from their site I guess ..

I can imagine Naseem Ashraf (PCB Chairman) asking Inzimam on the morning of the first match "O' Pahjee! Match kitthay hoga?" :lol:

Inzimams answer would be "First of aal, thanx to Allah......." :rofl:

Touche!! :lol:

Not too sure, I was passing through the Gardiner and I saw it on their big screen, you might wanna get some more info from their site I guess ..

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10003D44BC1A766C?artistid=1079690&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=205

I can imagine Naseem Ashraf (PCB Chairman) asking Inzimam on the morning of the first match "O' Pahjee! Match kitthay hoga?" :lol:

Inzimams answer would be "First of aal, thanx to Allah......." :rofl:

hehe, scary part is it might just turn out to be like that

http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10003D44BC1A766C?artistid=1079690&majorcatid=10004&minorcatid=205

legends of cricket. probably some old-timers trying to relive their glory years

Ok, here's wht my crystal ball tells me:

1. West Indies
2. Australia
3. Pakistan -semis
4. South Africa -semis
5. India - quarters
6. Sri Lanka - quarters
7. New Zealand - quarters
8. England - quarters

The reason for the West Indies being the ultimate victors (in spite of no host nation having ever historically won the world cup) is that they are a maturing team with a good run of recent one day games behind them. Like Germany in the recent soccer world cup, I think having home advantge will give them a massive filip and boost.

(in spite of no host nation having ever historically won the world cup)

sl won as co-hosts in 96

http://www.dawn.com/2007/02/14/images/spt01.jpg

LAHORE, Feb 13: With big question marks pertaining to fitness-doping against their names, pacers Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Mohammad Asif were on Tuesday named in Pakistan’s 15-member squad for the World Cup which commences in the Caribbean Islands from March 13.

The dope-tainted pace duo of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif along with Umar Gul, who is currently on the injuries list, finally received the nod from selectors who said the fast bowlers would only travel to the West Indies "subject to passing their fitness tests to be conducted later.”

Shoaib, who is presently in England to have a second opinion on his aching knee, was a doubtful starter for the World Cup this week but the selectors sprung a surprise by naming the express pacer in Tuesday’s squad.

His selection, along with fellow pacer Mohammad Asif, was also under a cloud owing to the risk they face in getting a ‘life ban’ in case they test positive again for the banned sunbstance, nandrolone ahead of the World Cup.

But with selectors facing an uphill task of announcing the World Cup 15 before the Feb 13 ICC deadline, they had little choice but to name the best possible squad despite the risks attached to some of the players over their fitness, form and doping status.

Pakistan Cricket Board’s Director Operations, Saleem Altaf said Pakistan had already received the permission from the ICC to replace injured players prior to the start of the World Cup in case they fail the fitness test.

"Their injuries will be assessed in due course of time," Saleem told reporters. “We have an option of replacing the injured players from the ICC.”

Saleem, however, did not say how long the PCB would wait for the fitness of the three fast bowlers.

"Shoaib is in England for reassessment on his knee," he said. "If he says he is unfit he will be replaced." Umar Gul's MRI scan, according to the senior PCB official, has shown progress but the final decision on the players' fitness will be taken by the PCB's medical team.

As for the doping problem, Saleem had a simple answer to offer: "Screening of the players will be done in dope tests but it's our secret procedure," he said. "If anyone tests positive we will deal with it accordingly. In short, we will cross the bridge when it comes."

According to experts, Pakistan can afford to take the field without Shoaib and Asif during the first round matches in World Cup against the West Indies, Ireland and Zimbabwe and is likely to qualify for the Super Eight stage without them from Group-D.

It is the Super Eight stage, which begins from March 27, that will require their skills and the selectors believe they would have had ample time to recover from their problems by then.

If reports from the team management in South Africa are to be believed, Asif has apparently been suffering from an elbow problem since the Cape Town game. The management claims that Asif played after taking pain-killing injections in the fourth ODI and is likely to be rested on Wednesday at Johannesburg.

The only surpises in the squad are leg-spinner Danish Kaneria and paceman Rao Iftikhar. Both the players have been ignored for the on-going one-day series in South Africa and though Iftikhar was sent as late replacement of injured Shabbir Ahmed, he is yet to play a game in South Africa.

With Pakistan batting not really coming off on the current tour, the selectors faced a huge challenge in striking the right balance for the challenging event in the Caribbeans. Apart from Mohammad Yousuf’s prolific batting and occasional brilliance of Younis Khan, most of the top order players including captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (four matches, 74 runs, average 24.66), Imran Nazir (three matches, 70 runs, average 23.33), Mohammad Hafeez (one match, 21 runs), Kamran Akmal (four matches, 22 runs, average 5.50) have struggled in the current series.Even the all-rounders, barring the tenacious, Shoaib Malik have failed to deliver with Shahid Afridi, Abdul Razzaq, and Rana Naved not really finding their feet on the tour. Afridi also stands to miss the first two matches of the World Cup due to the four-match ban imposed by the ICC recently.

There were, however, no surprises in the squad as far as batting is concerned. The selectors also kept faith with wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal despite his chequered recent form with the gloves and bat.

Squad: Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Younis Khan (vice-captain), Imran Nazir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Yousuf, Shoaib Malik, Abdul Razzaq, Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal (wicket-keeper), Umar Gul, Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Danish Kaneria, Rao Iftikhar.

Dawn’s predictions spot on!

Although Pakistan’s World Cup squad was revealed only on Tuesday afternoon, predictions made by Dawn in its edition the same morning on the selections were spot on.

Dawn’s Sports Reporter Khalid H. Khan had tipped Rao Iftikhar, considered an unlikely selection, to make the squad along with Test leg-spinner Danish Kaneria, who seldom plays in One-day Internationals.

http://www.dawn.com/2007/02/14/spt1.htm

Ok so we've picked a squad with half the team injured, and whats even better is that the replacements such as sami and shabbir are injured too and rana naved is hopelessly out of form. So all that long term planning for this world cup that started after the 2003 debacle is gone out of the wondow now.

Well to be honest im used to this by now, and so im not going to complain about it anymore i'll still be supporting pakistan like a mad man!

It would have been better if we would have stuck our head on the players that deserved it, we kept putting that no good Faisal Iqbal or whatever his name is instead of players who really deserved to be in the squad.

The cricket team is like a pack of half eaten chocolates, theyve tried each and every flavor but their still not satisfied.

Two big fat asse$, woolMER & inzi-hamam. No chance for the world cup .

5 PAKISTANI PLAYERS TO WATCH

Pakistan - Captain Fantastic
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557355_inzamam_416.jpg
Age 37
ODI debut: v West Indies, November 1991

Inspirational Inzamam-ul-Haq presides over his Pakistan team like an emperor.

He has spent more than a year of his life playing ODIs, and whilst his movement may be limited - often out of choice - he can still swoop for the occasional run-out, and more significantly, to punch the ball to the boundary in a perfectly-paced innings.

Was suspended for the Champions Trophy, but will be keen to play a pivotal role in his fourth World Cup.

Pakistan - Master Blaster
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557365_afridi_416.jpg
Age 27
ODI debut: v Kenya, October 1996

Shahid Afridi is part of cricket's elite band of box office superstars, but has had to contend with some recent low scores and is suspended for the opening two matches.

His cavalier approach to batting has made him an icon.

One innings that stands out is the 102 from 46 balls against India in 2005, when he fired 10 fours and nine sixes. He is also an awkward leg-spin and googly bowler and has taken close to 200 ODI wickets.

Pakistan - Pace Ace
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557371_asif_416.jpg
Age 24
ODI debut: v England, December 2005

Pakistan will happy to welcome back paceman Mohammad Asif after he was reprieved from a 12-month doping ban.

A willowy, athletic fast bowler, he dismissed Marcus Trescothick with his third ball in international cricket and in his next match ousted Virender Sehwag with his first delivery against India.

Claimed eight wickets in the one-day series in England last summer and Inzamam will relish having a dangerous exponent of the new ball at his disposal.

Pakistan - Young Pretender
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42571000/jpg/_42571339_nazir416.jpg
Age: 25
ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, 1999

Imran Nazir is a batsman of genuine promise who loves nothing more than smashing shots through the covers off the back foot.

He is an aggressive batsman and as such has been labelled as a one-day specialist.

Still only in his mid 20s, he made his ODI debut when he was 19 against Sri Lanka when he made just two runs.

Has scored a one-day century and is one of Pakistan's best fielders.

Pakistan - Dark Horse
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557375_naved_416.jpg
Age 29
ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, April 2003

Although perhaps less charismatic than the faster pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is a wily seamer and prolific wicket-taker.

He swings the ball prodigiously in the air and has a well disguised slower ball, qualities that have seen him capture 89 County Championship wickets in two seasons for Sussex.

Injuries hampered his progress for both county and country in 2006 but he returned to claim 4-43 in the recent home series against the West Indies.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/6247883.stm

"Pakistan are possibly the side that threaten Australia the most. With exceptional players popping up every year, this side has great bench strength and are expected to do well"

WC played = 8
WC Won = 1
In 2003 = 1st Round

Bottom of page, click on Group D (http://cricketworldcup.indya.com/index.htm)

So be positive guys!

"Pakistan are possibly the side that threaten Australia the most. With exceptional players popping up every year, this side has great bench strength and are expected to do well"

WC played = 8
WC Won = 1
In 2003 = 1st Round

Bottom of page, click on Group D (http://cricketworldcup.indya.com/index.htm)

So be positive guys!

yeah thats why we lost against southafrica 3-1:banana:

5 PAKISTANI PLAYERS TO WATCH

Pakistan - Captain Fantastic
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557355_inzamam_416.jpg
Age 37
ODI debut: v West Indies, November 1991

Inspirational Inzamam-ul-Haq presides over his Pakistan team like an emperor.

He has spent more than a year of his life playing ODIs, and whilst his movement may be limited - often out of choice - he can still swoop for the occasional run-out, and more significantly, to punch the ball to the boundary in a perfectly-paced innings.

Was suspended for the Champions Trophy, but will be keen to play a pivotal role in his fourth World Cup.

Pakistan - Master Blaster
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557365_afridi_416.jpg
Age 27
ODI debut: v Kenya, October 1996

Shahid Afridi is part of cricket's elite band of box office superstars, but has had to contend with some recent low scores and is suspended for the opening two matches.

His cavalier approach to batting has made him an icon.

One innings that stands out is the 102 from 46 balls against India in 2005, when he fired 10 fours and nine sixes. He is also an awkward leg-spin and googly bowler and has taken close to 200 ODI wickets.

Pakistan - Pace Ace
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557371_asif_416.jpg
Age 24
ODI debut: v England, December 2005

Pakistan will happy to welcome back paceman Mohammad Asif after he was reprieved from a 12-month doping ban.

A willowy, athletic fast bowler, he dismissed Marcus Trescothick with his third ball in international cricket and in his next match ousted Virender Sehwag with his first delivery against India.

Claimed eight wickets in the one-day series in England last summer and Inzamam will relish having a dangerous exponent of the new ball at his disposal.

Pakistan - Young Pretender
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42571000/jpg/_42571339_nazir416.jpg
Age: 25
ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, 1999

Imran Nazir is a batsman of genuine promise who loves nothing more than smashing shots through the covers off the back foot.

He is an aggressive batsman and as such has been labelled as a one-day specialist.

Still only in his mid 20s, he made his ODI debut when he was 19 against Sri Lanka when he made just two runs.

Has scored a one-day century and is one of Pakistan's best fielders.

Pakistan - Dark Horse
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42557000/jpg/_42557375_naved_416.jpg
Age 29
ODI debut: v Sri Lanka, April 2003

Although perhaps less charismatic than the faster pacemen Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan is a wily seamer and prolific wicket-taker.

He swings the ball prodigiously in the air and has a well disguised slower ball, qualities that have seen him capture 89 County Championship wickets in two seasons for Sussex.

Injuries hampered his progress for both county and country in 2006 but he returned to claim 4-43 in the recent home series against the West Indies.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/other_international/pakistan/6247883.stm

what about younis khan and mohammed yousuf who had been in great form ,
i dont think rana naved and imran nazir fits into the list.

^^ Hey, don't blame me I ain't the one who came up with the list.

^^ Hey, don't blame me I ain't the one who came up with the list.

you and your stupid articles:lol:
no one is blaming you yaar relax

look things are bad for us now....even im in a very pessimistic mood about the world cup, but take a look at england...they were being raped all over the place (theres no better way to say it) and then suddenly they came up with a bit of fighting spirit and beat australia 3 times in a row to win the one day series IN australia.

So anything is possible...

^^ Its possible for every team except Pakistan.

Unfortunately when we loose we are always told the "boys" got under pressured.

if everyone is fit in our team than we will definitely win the worldcup Inshallah

Can someone post pictures of Pakistan's WC Kit?

Here it is, the pakistan shirt for the world cup

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Pakistan_ODI1.jpg

Its basically the new slazenger design, just like the aussies have the new adidas design.

Ok, here's wht my crystal ball tells me:

1. West Indies
2. Australia
3. Pakistan -semis
4. South Africa -semis
5. India - quarters
6. Sri Lanka - quarters
7. New Zealand - quarters
8. England - quarters

The reason for the West Indies being the ultimate victors (in spite of no host nation having ever historically won the world cup) is that they are a maturing team with a good run of recent one day games behind them. Like Germany in the recent soccer world cup, I think having home advantge will give them a massive filip and boost.

interesting prediction.. Somehow I don't see the Windies winning it. This is one team that doesn't do wel lat home ( especially in one dayers ). England and Australia have traditionally performed well ni the Carebean, and the Asian teams not that well.

So I reckon a England/Australia vs South Africa/New Zealand finals. Not that I like this prospect. Wish an Asian team lifts the trophy.

..the Pak cricket jersey looks cool btw :okay:

I sometimes feel sorry for NZ and South Africa. Both of these teams have fantastic players, its a shame that these teams haven't won a single WC. These two are the only WC deserving teams who haven't won a WC....yet.

I sometimes feel sorry for NZ and South Africa. Both of these teams have fantastic players, its a shame that these teams haven't won a single WC. These two are the only WC deserving teams who haven't won a WC....yet.

no england deserves more cuz they were in the worldcup final 3 times and both NZ and SA have never passed the semis

no england deserves more cuz they were in the worldcup final 3 times and both NZ and SA have never passed the semis

At the moment, the Kiwis rock!!!

no england deserves more cuz they were in the worldcup final 3 times and both NZ and SA have never passed the semis

No England does not!! Coz hardly anyone in England watches cricket, ppl cudn't give a shit if England won! Where as cricket is really popular in NZ and even though it faces tough competition with rugby in South Africa, cricket is still way more popular in SA than in Eng. Out of all the 'proper' cricket playing nations of Aus, NZ, Pak, Ind, Sri, SA, WI and Eng..cricket is tha least popular in Eng so Eng definitely doesn't deserve to win the Cricket WC...football yea coz the English love it but they don't deserve to win the cricket WC. Thats why I didin't include England's name in my previous post.

Here it is, the pakistan shirt for the world cup

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Pakistan_ODI1.jpg

Its basically the new slazenger design, just like the aussies have the new adidas design.

a good design compared to some other teams.

At the moment, the Kiwis rock!!!

ya agree, the team which beat aussies 3-0 is surelya great contender for wining the world cup. At this time i think they r the favourite.::cheers:

At the moment, the Kiwis rock!!!

i think your memory is very short England won the CB and NZ was also in that series:bash:

ya agree, the team which beat aussies 3-0 is surelya great contender for wining the world cup. At this time i think they r the favourite.::cheers:

ok, why is everyone forgetting that although NZ beat australia 3-0 it was an understrength aussie side...they did not have ricky ponting, gilchrist or brett lee, it is still a great achievement for NZ, but England beat a FULL STRENGTH australian side 3 times in a row also, including twice in the finals, whilst NZ did not even make the finals in that series as they were beaten by England aswell.

either ways.....the aussies are going doooowwwwwn..............!!!!!!!!!!

World Cup form guide - Pakistan

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42601000/jpg/_42601549_pakistan3.jpg

Seeded: 4 World ranking: 3
Captain: Inzamam-ul-Haq

Pakistan are suffering a slump in form having won just two of their last five one-day internationals.

Inzamam-ul-Haq's side lost the recent series 3-1 in South Africa and will have to look back to the 3-1 home victory over West Indies at the end of 2006 for inspiration.

And the 1992 world champions could be further hampered if pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar fails to recover from a knee injury which is threatening to rule him out of the start of the World Cup.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/6375625.stm

World Cup Kits Released so far:

England
Brand: Admiral

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Admiral_EngRepl.jpg

West Indies
Brand: Slazenger

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/WestIndies_ODI2.jpg

South Africa
Brand: Hummel

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/RSA_ODI.jpg

Pakistan
Brand: Slazenger

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Pakistan_ODI1.jpg

Canada
Brand: Slazenger

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Canada_ODI2.jpg

Bermuda
Brand: Slazenger

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/Berm_ODI1.jpg

Australia
Brand: Adidas

http://www.cricshop.net/catalogue/images/5433.jpg

Indias new kit was also released recently however they will not be allowed to wear the kit by the ICC, so there is some confusion regarding them.

All WC kits should look similar IMHO like they had in WC'92 and '96!
and I'm glad they rejected India's kit - they looked pretty bad. IMO, India should go for a bit darker blue - the one they wore in WC'03 was a lot better.

the new india kit is crap. a street kid could have made a better design. i hope the factory making it burns down

All WC kits should look similar IMHO like they had in WC'92 and '96!
and I'm glad they rejected India's kit - they looked pretty bad. IMO, India should go for a bit darker blue - the one they wore in WC'03 was a lot better.

the one they wore in '03 was the best....but i am all for a uniform code as far as the kit is concerned.......with the only difference being the color and maybe the chief sponsors.....

it looks like they have some standard design for all team.
australia shrit looks cool, but i dont get why they keep on changing it from series to series.

Nah, the shirts or not standard....its more like football where the design depends on the brand, for example in football the germany, denmark and japan shirts will be very similar because they are all made by adidas. In this world cup a lot of teams appear to have gone for slazenger, hence the similarity in certain designs.

As for australia...they are with adidas, and they have a different kit for 20/20 matches which is silver and yellow, their home kit for ODIs is dark green and their away kit for ODIs is yellow. Hence the changing kits.

The Australian Kits look pathetic, its like they were taken from some 1980s World Cup!

the first non-white kits world cup was 1992 :D

:lol:

I take that back, but they do look ancient dont they?

Injured Razzaq ruled out, Azhar called for WC

LAHORE: The World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team’s problems have aggravated further after all-rounder Abdul Razzaq’s knee injury. According to initial reports, Abdul Razzaq has been advised rest for three weeks.

Abdul Razzaq did not take part in the two-day training camp as he was suffering from fever. On the third and the last day of the camp, he was injured. It was learnt that his left knee was fractured and he cannot play cricket for three weeks.

Azhar Mahmood, one of the reserves, has been given the green signal for going with the team to the West Indies.

Pakistan cricket team media manager, P.J. Mir told Geo News that Abdul Razzaq’s test has been taken and the nature of his injury will be known after the reports are received.

www.geo.tv

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72200/72232.jpg

Inzamam-ul-Haq prepares to fly to Karachi to join his Pakistan team-mates ahead of their journey to the Caribbean, Lahore, February 28, 2007

a huge blow with razzaq out..our chances of winniing the world cup jus went lower but

JAZBA JUNOON, HIMMAT NA HAAR

Inzamam looks real scary. Like a hitman or worse...one of those people you may be nervous to fly with.

Why can't these guys tone down their appearance a little bit?

So Shoaib and Asif are out of the WC Squad..

Shoaib, Asif to miss World Cup

KARACHI: Pakistan pace pair Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were Thursday ruled out of the World Cup in the Caribbean due to injury, chief selector Wasim Bari said.

"Akhtar and Asif are both out due to injury and we have decided to replace them with Yasir Arafat and Mohammad Sami," Bari said.

"Their injuries will take another two weeks to heal so after consultation with (captain) Inzamam-ul-Haq we have taken the final decision," he added.

"The Pakistan team is capable enough to deal with this critical situation."

Akhtar and Asif had both been having injuries reassessed in England. Akhtar is battling a knee and hamstring injury, while Asif has a recurrence of an elbow injury sustained last year.
There had also been uncertainty over whether they would take a mandatory drugs test ahead of the World Cup.

"It is a huge blow," coach Bob Woolmer said. "But their injuries would have taken more time and we couldn't wait any more," he added.

"We now know where we stand. It is true that our chances have been hit badly by the absence of these two key bowlers but we will have to show the kind of spirit and team unity which can win us a big event like the World Cup."

"This is not an ideal situation for us. We are leaving for the West Indies under tremendous pressure," Inzamam said.

"But we have shown in the past that through team spirit we can overcome any crisis situation. Mohammad Sami and Arafat may not be as good as Akhtar and Asif but they'll try their level best to make up for the loss."

He added: "We could not take the risk on Shoaib and Asif as the deadline was approaching. We had to take a decision.

"It's up to the available players now to show their mettle so that we can achieve the best possible results in the World Cup."

www.geo.tv

:ohno:

yeah thats right, cricinfo have just realeased this....im posting it cos osman puts in some interesting opinions not mentioned in the Geo article.

Injuries finally force fast bowlers out

Shoaib and Asif out of the World Cup

Osman Samiuddin

March 1, 2007


Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif will be missing in action for the second time in a major tournament, having missed the Champions Trophy last year © AFP



As had been expected for some time now, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were finally ruled out of Pakistan's World Cup squad, though the decision, farcically, came minutes before the team's departure to the Caribbean. Asif is down with an elbow injury while Shoaib is nursing a crocked knee.

"We have received their medical assessments and the players are physically unfit. Therefore we felt we shouldn't take them for such a big tournament," PJ Mir, the team spokesman told Cricinfo. "Their injuries will take time to heal so after selectors consulted Inzamam-ul-Haq the decision has been taken to not take them."

The pair will be replaced by fast bowler Mohammad Sami and allrounder Yasir Arafat. "Sami and Arafat will join the team in the Caribbean in a few days but we have to get clearance for them from the ICC's technical committee. Their names were decided by the captain and the selection committee together," Mir added, mindful perhaps of reports today speculating that the decision to name Azhar Mahmood as a replacement for Abdul Razzaq overlooked the selection committee altogether.

Though injuries remain the official reasons for their withdrawal it is understood that continuing doping-related concerns clinched the issue. The pair tested positive last year for Nandrolone in internal dope tests conducted just before the Champions Trophy got underway, but their bans were eventually overturned, much to the chagrin of the global cricket community.

Fears that traces of Nandrolone remained at unacceptably high levels in their bodies were enhanced as the pair, for varying reasons, avoided undergoing another PCB-conducted dope test, held last week for all members of Pakistan's World Cup squad. Only last week, an official close to the team had told Cricinfo that neither of the injuries were serious enough and if the pair didn't go, it would only be "over concerns with the doping issue", a thought confirmed once again today by an official. There was a threat that if the two tested positive again, either in internal tests or those conducted by the ICC, they would face stringent bans.

Shortly before the pair were ruled out, the ICC confirmed they would be target-testing players at the World Cup and Malcolm Speed made specific reference to Shoaib and Asif. "Both Shoaib Ahktar and Mohammed Asif have played for Pakistan over the past few months despite testing positive for prohibited substances last year," he said.

"That is a fact neither player has disputed and it is also a fact that has caused the game a high level of embarrassment as a result. We want to make absolutely sure that all players who take part in the World Cup do so on the basis that they are free from banned substances.

"From an ICC perspective, having the option to target test as well as the already-scheduled tests in place means that if a player does have anything in his system then there is a very strong possibility he will be caught out.

Whatever the reasons for their exclusion, the impact of their absence cannot be underestimated; Asif is one of cricket's most exciting young bowlers and Shoaib one of the game's fastest. Inzamam acknowledged to reporters that losing the two, and the uncertainty surrounding them, was not the best way of preparing for the tournament. "It is not an ideal situation for us. We are going there under intense pressure. But in the past we have played in such situations with tremendous team spirit and we can achieve best results even without our key players."

Bob Woolmer, the Pakistan coach, preferred to draw strength from good results achieved over the last two years without the two bowlers. "It is a big blow and I feel sorry for both these players. They are missing a mega event.

"But last year we did well without Shoaib in Sri Lanka and the year before in India without either of the two bowlers," he added. "I want to remind the players of those two series and of playing with the same unity and spirit we showed on those tours. If we can replicate that, we can still do well. We also now know at least where we stand and exactly what players we have available."

It now means that Pakistan go into cricket's premier event without three key components of their team, after Razzaq was also ruled out of the tournament this week with a serious knee injury. Additionally, they will be without allrounder Shahid Afridi - owing to a four-match ban imposed by the ICC for misconduct in South Africa - for their first two games, including a tough opening game on March 13 against the hosts. Preparations for big series or tournaments in Pakistan are often blighted but few in recent memory have been as ravaged by injuries, controversies and scandals as this.

What can i say, this is terrible...our team is in a huge mess, but at least we know who the 15 players are now and we can forget about everything else and concentrate on getting it right for the world cup now.

I suppose im going to have to agree with what zeeshanney said at the end of his post aswell..!!

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72200/72246.jpg

Danish Kaneria with his wife and daughter at the Karachi airport ahead of Pakistan's departure for the West Indies, Karachi, March 1, 2007

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42632000/jpg/_42632907_inzi_ap.jpg

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq signs autographs for fans at Karachi airport before his team heads out to the West Indies

Too bad we lost Akhtar and Asif.. but hey.. we are still good and we are Pakistan.. and we can do pretty good in this world cup.

Inzi calls for fighting spirit

http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Cricket/Pakistan/inzamam_green_aug'06.jpg

Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq wants his beleaguered squad to summon up the same spirit that led the country to World Cup glory back in 1992.

Pakistan have had a woeful build-up to the tournament, with Abdur Razzaq, Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif all ruled out through injury.

Experienced all-rounder Razzaq picked up a serious injury in training and had to be replaced in the squad by Azar Mahmood.

Troubled strike bowlers Asif and Shoaib was also ruled out of the tournament through injury, but there are still lingering doubts over whether they would have passed doping tests introduced by Pakistan after the pair were initially thrown out of the Champions Trophy.

With so much disappointment just as they fly out to the Caribbean, Inzamam is trying to lift his side's spirits already.

The 36-year-old knows his men are under severe pressure heading into the World Cup, but wants them to show the same spirit Imran Khan's side did when they won the tournament in Australia 15 years ago.

"We are under pressure, but I have great faith in this team because it has shown fighting qualities in the past," Inzamam told Reuters.

"We have been doing well over the last two years in one day cricket despite injury issues and the players who stepped in have performed very well for us.

"We fought like cornered tigers in 1992 and won that tournament. We have to retain that sort of faith in ourselves this time."

Inzamam has the experience to lead his side as it is his fifth World Cup and played in that victorious side who beat England in the final in Melbourne.

Despite their bowling problems, the skipper believes they can make up for the losses on the slow Caribbean wickets.

"We have couple of very good spinners in the side and they have experience of bowling in Caribbean conditions," he said.

"They can make up for the loss of Shoaib and Asif, although how we bowl in the powerplay overs will be crucial."

Despite his experience and obvious ability, Inzamam had a nightmare in the last World Cup in South Africa, scoring just 19 runs as Pakistan were dumped out in the first round.

"The last time was a nightmare for me and the team also performed badly," he added. "I am keen to make this World Cup a successful one.

"I know that I have to score runs to pick up the team spirit."

Although they have struggled of late, Inzamam still believes that reigning champions Australia will be the team everyone has to beat.

"They might have lost some recent matches but they are still a very good side and not easy to beat when on a roll.

"Consistency is the key to success."

Pakistan open the World Cup with their game against hosts West Indies on March 13, while they also face Ireland and Zimbabwe in Group D.

http://home.skysports.com/cwc/article.aspx?hlid=451505&clid=&lid=7201&nav=

Willis' World Cup Guide - Pakistan

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES

What is their watch word? Expect the unexpected!

They are extremely talented individually but their problem, both in Test match and one-day cricket, has been the team ethic and playing for one another.

They have injury problems too as Abdul Razzaq is out with a cracked knee, replaced by Azhar Mahmood, and now Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif have been withdrawn. Fully fit and firing, they would have a very potent bowling attack, but Shoaib and Asif are hard acts to replace.

There is plenty of talent in the batting department but as an all-round team in the heat of the battle, when the pressure is on, I just think that they will crumble.

KEY MAN: YOUNIS KHAN

http://images.skysports.com/images/playerpics06_07/Cricket/Pakistan/Thumbs/younis_face.jpg
Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq tend to get all of the plaudits as batsmen but I think Younis Khan has a sound head on his shoulders and, like Ponting for Australia, can either build the platform or accelerate later on

PROSPECTS: SUPER EIGHT

They have the talent to win it, when everyone is fit, but the temperament and team spirit lets them down and I don't think they will make it out of the Super Eight.

http://home.skysports.com/cwc/article.aspx?hlid=451754&CPID=491&clid=1214&lid=&title=Willis'+World+Cup+Guide+-+Pakistan

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72300/72353.jpg

Kamran Akmal does some leg crunches, Port of Spain

http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/42638000/jpg/_42638587_pakistan.jpg

Pakistan stars Younis Khan (bottom) and Danish Kaneria take to the gym with just over a week before their opening match

^^ hitting the gym in slippers? :lol:

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72400/72422.jpg

Umar Gul preparing to bowl in the nets


I quite like Pakistans new training shirt there!!

Ok, here's wht my crystal ball tells me:

1. West Indies
2. Australia
3. Pakistan -semis
4. South Africa -semis
5. India - quarters
6. Sri Lanka - quarters
7. New Zealand - quarters
8. England - quarters

The reason for the West Indies being the ultimate victors (in spite of no host nation having ever historically won the world cup) is that they are a maturing team with a good run of recent one day games behind them. Like Germany in the recent soccer world cup, I think having home advantge will give them a massive filip and boost.



I see pakistan going out in first round....all good players are out.....
about Sri Lanka i think they will mak to the semi's

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72400/72471.jpg
Younis Khan takes a single, Pakistan v Canada, warm-up match, 2007 World Cup, Port-of-Spain, March 6, 2007

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72400/72470.jpg
Imran Nazir hits a boundary off Anderson Cummins, Pakistan v Canada,UWI Stadium, Port of Spain, March 6, 2007



Well it appears the kit they posted on cricinfo for pakistan was wrong. The colours have been inversed basically, in any case Pakistan were playing Canada today in a warm up match and the lates is that Pakistan scored 273-8 in 48 overs.

Pakistan and South Africa in hotel fire scare

Cricinfo staff

March 7, 2007

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/inline/content/current/image/284344.jpg?alt=1

Inzamam-ul-Haq: unfazed © Getty Images


Pakistan and South African players have been evacuated from their hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad, following what is believed to be a gas leak. Mohammad Sami, the Pakistan fast bowler, told how he ran down a corridor to escape from the building after saying he saw smoke in the hallway. At first it was thought there was a fire scare, but later reports suggested the problem was gas.

Four fire engines were at the scene but the hotel management later released a statement denying it had been a fire: "It wasn't a fire. Government agencies are investigating the incident and they will make an official announcement. The hotel is fully operational. Three staff members were taken to the hospital due to a burning sensation and they are back now."

Sami recalled: "I was on the sixth floor when a security man came to my room and asked me to vacate the hotel. I saw a lot of smoke coming out from the corridor so I ran down."

The two teams were among 150 people who had to file out of their Hilton hotel as they were having breakfast. Two more of the World Cup teams are staying at the hotel, Ireland and Canada, but the squads had left earlier for practice.

Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq was unfazed by the evacuation, saying he had been told that the team had had to leave the hotel "as a precautionary measure".

The evacuees were all moved away to a safer location, but their plans to head to the beach were disrupted, as Shahid Afridi, the Pakistan allrounder revealed: "We were planning to go to the beach but we left our shorts in the room." Pakistan's media manager Pervez Mir confirmed: "The boys had a day off so they wanted to go to the beach, but this incident has altered their program." They were unable to make it in the end.

Afridi added: "I have no idea what happened. I had just woken up when the security man knocked on the door and said 'get out of the room'. But I went back to sleep. Then he knocked again, and said 'get out of the room'. Then I did and went downstairs."

I have a sneaky suspicion that Sri Lanka will do well in this tournament and will get to the semi's at least. I think the slow West Indian wickets will suit their bowlers.

I would love for one of the small countries to win the odd match as well.

I would love Pakistan to do well but with the loss of three of their best players sadly I can't see it, they will score lots of runs though.

http://content-uk.cricinfo.com/inline/content/current/image/284344.jpg?alt=1

:D

are those inzi's priorities written in descending order on his t-shirt?

LOL

PORT-OF-SPAIN, March 9: Pakistan's cricketers will address media conferences during the World Cup in their national language Urdu, and not in English, coach Bob Woolmer said here on Friday.

“The Pakistani players feel comfortable in their national language,” the coach said.

“They can express themselves freely in Urdu and they are proud of their language and their country. Our media manager Pervez Mir will act as interpreter during the press conferences.” Pervez Mir, a former international player who represented Pakistan in the inaugural World Cup in England in 1975, said players had the right to choose their language.

“It happens everywhere in the world. Football players speak in French, Latin and various other languages as they feel comfortable talking to the media in their mother tongue,” said Pervez.

Pakistan Cricket Board conducted an English course for their players two years ago, but had to abandon it as hectic schedules did not allow them to learn the language.

“We don't see it as a problem for international media as what the players say would exactly be translated into English,” said Pervez.—AFP


http://www.dawn.com/2007/03/10/spt3.htm

Younis eases Pakistan past South Africa

Cricinfo staff

March 9, 2007

Pakistan 200 for 3 (Younis Khan 79) beat South Africa 199 (Bosman 53) by 7 wickets

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72641.jpg

Younis Khan acknowledges the cheers after his half-century, Port of Spain, World Cup warm-up, March 9, 2007

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72642.jpg

Cricket fans watch Pakistan batting during a warm-up match, Port of Spain, World Cup warm-up, March 9, 2007

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72621.jpg

Younis Khan sweeps Pakistan towards victory, Port of Spain, World Cup warm-up, March 9, 2007

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72618.jpg

Graeme Smith is cleaned bowled by Umar Gul, Pakistan v South Africa, Port of Spain, World Cup warm-up, March 9, 2007 (Note the off stump flying in the right of the picture!!)

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72605.jpg

Herschelle Gibbs is dismissed by Mohammad Sami, Pakistan v South Africa, World Cup warm-up, St Augustine, March 9, 2007

http://www.cricinfo.com/db/PICTURES/CMS/72600/72608.jpg

Danish Kaneria and Younis Khan celebrate the wicket of Jacques Kallis, South Africa v Pakistan, World Cup warm-ups, Trinidad, 9 March, 2007

Good start by Pakistan, Shahid Afridi will not be playing next 2-matches due to ban.

Well, well, well, the first loss for an Asian team in the wc. Who is to blame? the players missing? the players themselves? coaching staff?

I think it is a combination of all 3. selections were limited due to events the world is aware of, but the players on he field did not do justice to the confidence installed upon them by the coaching staff...

miserable really, all bowled out for 187! couldnt even reach 200 wow

West Indies 241/9 (50 ov)
Pakistan 187 (47.2 ov)

Few things..

Dispose Rana and Kaneria for the next world cup games. What a waste of 2 spots in the squad. And so much for Kaneria playing ODIs. Not much on a pitch that suited him.

Bring Malik at 3 and Younis somewhere else.

Use Akmal as an opener instead of Nazir and dispose Nazir as well. He is a mini version of Afridi except that when Afridi fails, he can make it up with bowling while Nazir cant. We have to play Akmal anyway, so just play him at the opening where he has been most successful.

Shoaib Malik was the only one who batted well under pressure. Younis Khan didin't have to give away his wicket, he could have left the ball alone and Nazir is an idiot.

http://ramandeep911.**********/Cbn.html


nice quality.

I think Malik at number 6 is good. He did his job, just he did not have any support from his top 5. I think the opening pair is the most vulnerable of the line-up. Compare it to other countries, and it does not match up. I agree with cricket_fan with the bowling options, but who else to come in. the squad is already short in quality bowlers...

didi any one watch the match between ireland and zimbabwe, wow it was a stunner, i could have never beleaved that it would be a tie.
ireland lokks pretty good team

Few things..

Dispose Rana and Kaneria for the next world cup games. What a waste of 2 spots in the squad. And so much for Kaneria playing ODIs. Not much on a pitch that suited him.

Bring Malik at 3 and Younis somewhere else.

Use Akmal as an opener instead of Nazir and dispose Nazir as well. He is a mini version of Afridi except that when Afridi fails, he can make it up with bowling while Nazir cant. We have to play Akmal anyway, so just play him at the opening where he has been most successful.

yes & when all the shuffling and fucking line up is complete, shoot the bastards one by one :nuts:

Thats it Pakistan is out of the effing WC. We can't even beat effing Ireland, how pathetic is that. So I got flippin Sky Sports for no reason.

This was the end of Inzi, or at least I hope. I hope that fat aloo never comes near the Pakistan team anymore. Also Imran Nazir should never be allowed back in and also something has to done about Bari for choosing player based on one knock.

brilliant performance by pakistan loved it last time i saw such an excellent performance was aginst bangladesh in 99 world cup

Hey guys, I haven't been keeping up with the cricket.. Just a few questions:

Where is Afridi, Shoaib Akhter, and Asif? & why the heck did we just get murdered by Ireland?

Thats it Pakistan is out of the effing WC. We can't even beat effing Ireland, how pathetic is that. So I got flippin Sky Sports for no reason.

$200!!!!!!! I spent two bloody hundred for it!

I hope Inzamam Dies............. I just wish him death........... slow and painful.......... yeah thats all I want.

I think this pretty much is the end of the current team, I really hope the PCB does something serious this time for the team and the next world cup.

We are pretty much even at a lower level then the previous world cup, the last time we atleast WON a match, this time we played two matches and lost two! and not even against the strongest teams of the world!

Pathetic performance, a real shame indeed!

:hilarious

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e78/Fahadzkhan/22-2.jpg

Change that to;

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e78/Fahadzkhan/22-e.jpg

:lol:

^^
:lol:..nice one

I think the team might end up getting Asylum in England rather then risking coming back to Pakistan :lol:

Polls up there, no Pakistan since its already out ..

Some of the players will have the windshields of their cars smashed pretty soon.

not trying to rub it on (India lost to a minnow too) , but its interesting to note that extras was the top-scorer for pakistani innings today (23 wides , 3 lb , 3 nb)

Pakistan team returns home:

http://karachi.metblogs.com/archives/images/2007/03/march/mb/pak_team_back.jpg

http://karachi.metblogs.com/archives/2007/03/relax_the_god_w_1.phtml

Everyone's underestimating New Zealand. They're really good this year.

Just wanted to take the 100th post to my credit... Goodluck Team Pakistan!

Damn. What a shocking news. Bob woolmer is no more.

He must be really deeply disappointed by the loss.

May his soul rest in peace.

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Pakistan cricket coach Bob Woolmer has died nearly an hour after he was found unconscious in his hotel room.

Earleir, the deceased was rushed to hospital in the emergency ward when he found unconscious in his hotel room.

http://geo.tv/geonews/details.asp?id=3582&param=1

wtf

Bob Wolmer was for sure a fine man. Pakistani team and politics have to be blamed for team's extravagant failure. PCB chair should resign and we should make a new start. We do not need players who are even not educated, we need people who can also represent the country.

any idea who is going to be the new coach

any idea who is going to be the new coach

Not sure how many people would be thinking about taking up the job, bearing in mind that the last coach died while he was in charge.

Cricinfo staff
March 18, 2007

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's shattered captain, has announced his retirement from one-day cricket. The match against Zimbabwe, Pakistan's last of this World Cup, following their shock defeat against Ireland on Saturday, will be his valedictory appearance in that form of the game.


The announcement was made on the same day that Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's coach, tragically collapsed and died at the team hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.


More to follow

© Cricinfo

Cricinfo staff
March 18, 2007

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's shattered captain, has announced his retirement from one-day cricket. The match against Zimbabwe, Pakistan's last of this World Cup, following their shock defeat against Ireland on Saturday, will be his valedictory appearance in that form of the game.


The announcement was made on the same day that Bob Woolmer, Pakistan's coach, tragically collapsed and died at the team hotel in Kingston, Jamaica.


More to follow

© Cricinfo

hmmm?

Some comments don't really fit in.:lol:

Maybe inzi will be the new coach?

Maybe inzi will be the new coach?

Dont make me slap you.

:jk:

well...pakistan is already out of the tournament...

Pakistan team returns home:

http://karachi.metblogs.com/archives/images/2007/03/march/mb/pak_team_back.jpg

http://karachi.metblogs.com/archives/2007/03/relax_the_god_w_1.phtml
lmao thats some real funny shit

I would love to see the reaction back home. After we cudn't reach the semi-final in the 96 WC, ppl were burning effigies of the players and some ppl even kidnaped Wasim Akram's dad. Let's see what's instored for the team this time! This has to be our worst WC ever! This is the 3rd time that we've failed to progress beyond the first round.

if iam not wrong its the second time not the third time.^^^

^^ 1975, 2003 and now 2007!

I read somewhere that effigies of players were burnt in Pakitsan. Anyone got any pics? or news?

Effigies of players are always burnt in the sub-continent after a loss. Should do something original, like applaud the team at the airport. Do you know how confusing that is for the team management?:)

Meanwhile, NZ top Group C

Just one last game to go, heres how the points table might look like since I'm sure Bangladesh would end up beating Bermuda;

Group A

Australia
South Africa

Group B
Sri Lanka
Bangladesh

Group C

New Zealand
England

Group D
West Indies
Ireland

incredible, india and pakistan both out...who wouldve thought that...

^ India aren't exactly out yet!
If Ireland can beat Pakistan then Bermuda too has a chance against Bangladesh.

^ India aren't exactly out yet!
If Ireland can beat Pakistan then Bermuda too has a chance against Bangladesh.

the odds of that happening are bleak...........

Bangladesh is in!

a slap in the face for cricket in the sub continent really. we've been acting like bullies on the ICC board due to the fact we have the biggest fanbase and the most amount of money in cricket. This is a wake up call however our teams just dont cut it right now and drastic changes are needed.

Im only talking about India and Pakistan of course, Bangladesh deserve a lot of praise for developing their team and the Sri lankans are looking like a world class unit.

oops wrong thread :D

SA beat SL by 1-wicket in a thriller. Mallinga did a hat-trick... actually he took 4 wickets in a row! South African's were looking like stupids in front of Mallinga :lol:

I think SA was very very lucky or may be Mallinga.

england beat ireland buy i think 50 runs

Man! I wanted Ireland to win!

Hoping for Sri Lanka or even Bangladesh to win.

Lets hope to keep it in south asia.:righton:

bangladesh annihilated............

West Indies out?

Or can they still get into the semis?

^^ they are out 110%. One more team out (except Ireland&Bangladesh) & we'll have semfinalists!

West Indies out?

Or can they still get into the semis?

actually there is still a permutation that allows the west indies to go through, but that is a very unlikely one apparently.

04.04.07

thenews.com.pk

28 Indian villages ban cricket (http://thenews.com.pk/updates.asp#20463)


NEW DELHI: Sick of the hullabaloo over India's dismal performance at the cricket World Cup, a string of villages in the north of the country have banned the game.

Elders from 28 villages in Jind district of Haryana state decided enough was enough, an Indian newspaper reported Wednesday.

They met at Uchana, north of New Delhi, on Tuesday as the media ripped into the failed players and coaching staff and unanimously declared cricket a "meaningless game," the daily said.

Cricket, a national obsession in the subcontinent, was "no different from alcoholism or the DJs (disc jockeys) who dish out noisy and senseless Bollywood songs and western music," the panchayat or council said.

It went on to decree, "nobody would be permitted to either play cricket or even watch matches on TV," in the area

"Any villager who opposes the ban will be ostracised," the council said, warning that cricket had led youngsters into gambling rather than instilling a sense of sportsmanship.

Council said cricket was a foreign sport imported by the English and had lingered too long in India.
India, one of the pre-tournament favourites, were upset by Bangladesh in the first match and knocked out in the preliminary stage last month after a second loss to Sri Lanka.

:lol: :lol:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/urdu/specials/images/1926_sa_vs_bangla_aw/6195035_rasel_wicket.jpg