Stop running after BCCI: Shoaib Akhtar to PCB

Karachi: Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar says instead of running after the BCCI for normalising cricket ties, the Pakistan Cricket Board should focus on converting the national team into a world class side.

The Indian government has rejected visa applications of the players of Pakistani side Faisalabad Wolves, which was to play in the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

"I am not surprised that the Indians have not issued visas to the Faisalabad Wolves team for the Champions League. The fact is that until and unless we have normal and friendly relations at the government to government level why do we expect the Indian cricket board to be supportive.

"I have always said that we don`t need to run after India all the time and we need to stop begging on different issues whether it is resumption of bilateral cricket ties, allowing our players for the IPL or our team for the Champions League," Akhtar said.

The outspoken fast bowler said that BCCI simply followed the policy of its government when it came to Pakistan.

"We should have never expected them to issue visas for the Faisalabad team. When they first invited us we should have taken a bold stance and said `thank you`. When will we as a nation or board show some self respect and pride in our stance towards India," he told a TV channel.

Arjun Tendulkar, Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Like his illustrious father, Arjun Tendulkar has also set out to seek a career in cricket. Although these are still very early days in Arjun’s career, it goes without saying that he will have to deal with the pressure of excess expectations. Even though Tendulkar himself may have appealed for the media leave his son alone and let him concentrate on his cricket, it is an almost impossible demand. The ruthless media in our country will chase him everywhere he goes and try to get in as much of Arjun as they can. In short, Tendulkar junior faces a massive test even before his cricketing journey has actually kicked off.
Another big challenge for him to deal with will be the pressure of comparisons. It can be said numerous times that Arjun should not be compared with his legendary dad, and that Tendulkar’s records are almost impossible to be broken. But that isn’t going to happen, at least in a cricket-mad country like India. Comparisons would always be there, and this is where Arjun will have to handle himself very carefully. The best he can do is concentrate on his individual game keeping aside all the comparisons being made with his father. It is easier said than done, but Arjun will have to find a way to do the same if he wants to excel in the sport.

A better player is one who responds to situations: MSD

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni believes that a better player is the one who responds a particular situation well and cricket is more than just talent and technique.

"A lot of people talk about technique but what is important for me is that a better player is one who responds to the situation. Credit to Rohit and Shikhar as they have batted well at the top and as far as our fielding is concerned, there has been a cultural change," Dhoni said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

"I am the oldest in this team and during our younger days we used to roll over while the youngsters now dive and slide due to lush green outfields."

For someone, who has won all the ICC events, when Nasser Hussain asked that what else is left to achieve, he could only offer a smile that defined containment. "What matters is the next game. We are going to West Indies now. Winning is important for the team. I am happy my players are playing well when it matters."

About the new bunch that has adapted so well in international cricket, Dhoni said that playing in front of big crowds in the IPL has certainly helped. "Some of our players are experienced in international cricket. New players have played IPL matches in front of thousands."

Dhoni also gave credit to his batsmen for scoring 130 on a sluggish pitch where batting looked difficult due to rain interruptions.

Shikhar Dhawan, who had a fantastic tournament said that the pace and bounce of the wicket did suit his style of play. "I love bouncy tracks as it suits my game. I practice hard in the nets and I am loving every moment of it. It's doubly special as I was out for two years. I always knew I had the talent but I wasn't scoring that many runs."