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“They are the best opening bowling pair in the world. We need to know about their future because if these two bowlers play, it gives Pakistan a good chance at the World Cup.” -Photo by reuters
NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s chances at the cricket World Cup will depend on the verdict reached against bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer in the match-fixing inquiry, former captain Imran Khan said on Thursday.
“We must wait for the verdict on Aamer and Asif,” Pakistan’s World Cup-winning skipper responded when asked by reporters how his nation will fare in the showpiece event next year.
“They are the best opening bowling pair in the world. We need to know about their future because if these two bowlers play, it gives Pakistan a good chance at the World Cup.
“Aamer is the best young bowling talent in the world. I have seen him closely and I can say he is streets ahead of Wasim Akram.
“Without these two bowlers, our attack is not potent.”
Aamer and Asif, along with former Test captain Salman Butt, face serious charges of spot-fixing during a tour of England in August.
An International Cricket Council tribunal is due to hear the case in the Qatari capital of Doha from January 6-11.
Imran, in New Delhi to promote the World Cup, backed Pakistan’s one-day skipper Shahid Afridi to imbue the team with confidence.
“Pakistan are a very unpredictable side,” he said. “They will have to play out of the ordinary to make a mark at the World Cup.
“Afridi is the only player who can pull the team together. If he has a purple patch, he can carry the team with him.”
Imran, who led Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup in Australia, said a team could succeed with only two star performers, provided the other players rallied around them.
Imran, regarded as one of cricket’s finest all-rounders, picked India and Sri Lanka as the pre-tournament favourites but warned teams to guard against the pressure and expectations from fans.
“In 1983, the West Indies were by far the best team, but they came under pressure from India in the final and lost the Cup.”
The World Cup is to be co-hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February 17-April 2 next year.
Imran Khan is required by the country to be its Premiere. He is the only hope for Pakistan. He can take Pakistan to its right direction. To me he is the only sincere politician among the whole corrupted and selfish lot.
If they play … the whole team will always have to prove to the world that it was played fair and not really fixed…..cannot believe that there are no other bowlers of the same class.
My prayers with all three stars who are facing charges against spot fixing.
They will play for pakistan inshallah.
Please get this message to my favourite SIR Imran Khan that I agree that Amir is the best bowler in the world but PLEASE dont put our other legends like SIR Wasim Akram down by saying Amir is streets ahead of Wasim Akram. You could always compare him with other countries bowlers ( eg Australia.) Remember we need to respect our hero's for others to respect them. Many Thanks
My pray from Allah is that Muhammad Aamir and Muhammad Asif both play in the cricket world cup 2011.(AMIN)
Imran is right about Aamer. I do not like Asif though, but he is better than umer gul and we donot have any other option. Charges should be dropped agains Aamer. He is the great bowler and sometimes he is an awesome hitter also. He should be back in team for the world cup. Lets face it, we will not win the world cup but atleast with aamer there can be a hope.
It must be brought to mainstream attention that if Aamer & Asif receive life-bans – then all records of Shane Warne, Mark Waugh and Herschelle Gibbs must also be nullified.
Why does not Imran take dicipline course for the Pakistan team at least for a while in a month. He still enjoys as hero of many young cricketeers. Pakistani team is lacking direction and it could achieve by involving the former heroes like Imran, Miandad and others