Author Archives: Hassan Cheema
3rd April, 2013
Wahab Riaz: Pakistan’s Mitchell Johnson?
Wahab may pass the eye test – he is quick, athletic and a workhorse – but that seems to be the only test he is succeeding in right now.
Wahab may pass the eye test – he is quick, athletic and a workhorse – but that seems to be the only test he is succeeding in right now.
18th March, 2013
Three of the best
In Pakistan, occasional brilliance always trumps sustained competence; Shahid Afridi always trumps Misbah-ul-Haq.
In Pakistan, occasional brilliance always trumps sustained competence; Shahid Afridi always trumps Misbah-ul-Haq.
16th March, 2013
Mohammad Irfan’s alter ego
Coaches have helped Irfan develop an alter ego on the field - that of a typical ‘fast’ bowler.
Coaches have helped Irfan develop an alter ego on the field - that of a typical ‘fast’ bowler.
14th March, 2013
Fielding: Pakistan are 20 years behind South Africa
The gap is put into the starkest of contrasts when the practice sessions of the two sides are seen back-to-back.
The gap is put into the starkest of contrasts when the practice sessions of the two sides are seen back-to-back.
10th March, 2013
Rotation – once Pakistan’s hallmark, now forgotten
Pakistan need to realize what it takes to bat in the 21st century, while not forgetting the lessons of times past.
Pakistan need to realize what it takes to bat in the 21st century, while not forgetting the lessons of times past.
9th March, 2013
Pakistan must find right lineup to break South African stranglehold
Pakistan must find the right mix and not compromise on batting depth or bowling strength.
Pakistan must find the right mix and not compromise on batting depth or bowling strength.
28th February, 2013
Happily hunting Misbah
In the aftermath of Pakistan’s loss to South Africa, the favourite topic of a certain section of the Pakistani ‘fans’ has been on the cards once again: how to blame Misbah-ul-Haq for all the evils in the world.
In the aftermath of Pakistan’s loss to South Africa, the favourite topic of a certain section of the Pakistani ‘fans’ has been on the cards once again: how to blame Misbah-ul-Haq for all the evils in the world.
24th February, 2013
Night-watchmen as openers?
In Pakistan it seems suitable to send two night-watchmen as openers, whose only role is to see of the new ball.
In Pakistan it seems suitable to send two night-watchmen as openers, whose only role is to see of the new ball.
24th February, 2013
Making dead rubbers count
Pakistan has not had a dead rubber Test match since the infamous tour to Australia in 2009/10.
Pakistan has not had a dead rubber Test match since the infamous tour to Australia in 2009/10.
21st February, 2013
Questioning the PCB’s scheduling policy
The system, because of which Pakistan have to fight back every time they play outside Asia, has to be questioned.
The system, because of which Pakistan have to fight back every time they play outside Asia, has to be questioned.
16th February, 2013
Ajmal vs Amla – now that’s cricket!
Ajmal's duel with Amla showed why the Pakistani spinner was later described by Robin Peterson as a ‘genius’.
Ajmal's duel with Amla showed why the Pakistani spinner was later described by Robin Peterson as a ‘genius’.
15th February, 2013
The extraordinary Mr Khan
Younis' greatest attributes are somewhat incalculable. It is what American sportswriters refer to as ‘the intangibles’.
Younis' greatest attributes are somewhat incalculable. It is what American sportswriters refer to as ‘the intangibles’.
12th February, 2013
Pakistan gain little from Cape Cobras win
The conclusions from Pakistan’s side match with the Emerging Cape Cobras were unsurprising.
The conclusions from Pakistan’s side match with the Emerging Cape Cobras were unsurprising.
31st January, 2013
South Africa – Pakistan’s real nemesis
They were the nemesis to what Pakistan stood for – they were consistent, overachieving, and they won.
They were the nemesis to what Pakistan stood for – they were consistent, overachieving, and they won.
BLOG |
19th October, 2012
Why Afridi continues to play
Pakistan’s inability to rotate has led to a culture where there are untouchables within the playing XI.
Pakistan’s inability to rotate has led to a culture where there are untouchables within the playing XI.
BLOG |
17th July, 2012
A few positives from the lost series
From the emergence of Junaid Khan to the continued significance of Azhar Ali, there was much to cheer for Pakistan despite the loss.
From the emergence of Junaid Khan to the continued significance of Azhar Ali, there was much to cheer for Pakistan despite the loss.
BLOG |
28th June, 2012
Italy, the logical choice for Pakistani fans
Surely if anyone can have sympathy and fraternity with the Italians, it has to be the Pakistani cricket fan.
Surely if anyone can have sympathy and fraternity with the Italians, it has to be the Pakistani cricket fan.
BLOG |
19th June, 2012
We want success and we want it yesterday
What the Pakistani cricket fans want is a complete overhaul of the team; what we want are 10 nineteen-year olds who are good enough now.
What the Pakistani cricket fans want is a complete overhaul of the team; what we want are 10 nineteen-year olds who are good enough now.
15th June, 2012
For club and country
Recently, there has been a clear strategy of trying to create the spine of the national team from a single club.
Recently, there has been a clear strategy of trying to create the spine of the national team from a single club.
8th June, 2012
A preview to the last great tournament
It makes sense to cherish Polkraine because Euro 2016 will go the way of the World Cup.
It makes sense to cherish Polkraine because Euro 2016 will go the way of the World Cup.
