Despite the fact, that the main Aussie pillars, namely Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Mitchell Johnson are not taking part in the upcoming cricket series in Dubai, the Pakistan side is not under rating its opponent’s strength. While the captain lays emphasis on performance, the coach thinks it is the pitch that can make the miracle. Large part of Pakistan’s coach Intikhab Alam’s game plan involves the preparation for the right pitch. The well known international cricket veteran insists on the playing on a homely pitch. However, the skipper Younis Khan holds that pitch will never be a deciding factor for match winning.

Irrespective of what the skipper thinks, the coach has taken great care to prepare the pitch in a way so that the Pakistan side retains some kind of home advantage. “The wickets in Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been prepared keeping in mind our own strengths,” Alam was quoted by Pakistan Cricket news media. Special soils have been sent from Nandipur to help prepare the pitches both at Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “I am sure the pitches at both venues will produce high quality cricket as they are good for one-day matches. We expect them to be batting wickets but sporting ones,” assured the Pakistan Cricket coach. However, the captain is not ready to put any extra premium on a doctored pitch and the so called home-like environment of Dubai. “....it is how you play the match that matters the most and to beat the Australians we have to be play at a higher level then our normal levels,” Younis said.

While Pakistan side celebrates the return of Rawalpindi Express, Shoaib Akhtar in their team, other pace bowler Mohammad Asif’s return is still doubtful. But the pacer is sure to escape without any severe penalties. On his way from India, he was detained by the Dubai authorities on charge of carrying opium in his wallet. Asif however claimed that he was unaware of the substance’s being opium. He informed the authorities that it was given to him by a local Hakeem as a remedy for his elbow injury. He was however released by Dubai authorities after 19 days without being charged. Following the incident, PCB set up a three-man inquiry committee to find out whether the fast bowler had committed any major violation of his contract with the board during his detention in Dubai. The player is presently under ban for testing positive during a dope test in the inaugural Indian Premier League edition. The inquiry committee had asked Asif, to submit certified documents from the Dubai authorities confirming he was not deported from Dubai and he can travel to the emirates city. With Asif submitting the required documents there will be no severe penalties against the fast bowler whose ban ends in September, sources confirmed.

Asif might be taking sigh of relief, but the trio, Rana Naved, Abdul Razzaq and opener Imran Nazir’s fight is still on. After including their names in the list of T-20 world championship probables, PCB removed their names in less than twenty four hours. At his wit’s end, Naved is ready to snap his ties with India’s rebel cricket league. But before that he wants the PCB to enter into a central contract so that he does not end into a no man’s land after tearing off the contract with ICL.

“I am not asking them for guarantees to play me in the national team. That is for the selectors to decide and it also depends on my form and fitness. But I want some financial protection and that can come in the form of a central contract,” Naved told the Lahore cricket news media. At present some 28 players have signed central contract with PCB. It ensures a fixed monthly income for the contracted players divided in three categories. Naved, who is a professional cricketer, says Central Contract is essential for securing the future for himself and his family.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."

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