Sink or Swim

Pakistan's ODI squad has not done much better than the test one; their ranking is the same in either format though the gap between number seven and number four in ODIs is minuscule. The question is whether the rot that is well set in the test side will make its way to LO cricket squads or not. Anything less than at least a win while the ODI series is alive or a Twenty20 win would confirm the rot.

Will the return of Afridi and Younis and the change of format make a difference? Younis has not done much since his break but Afridi has been in good touch and in touch with Australian cricket. The strange thing is that as uncontrolled as Afridi's head has been during his career he may be the pillar to rally around. But these are strange days and must account for strange saviors. At this stage the team needs to get rid of the timorous soul that possesses it and for that Afridi may be the exorciser.

Pakistani players can come out with an attitude of a point to prove after their exclusion from IPL or they could let it get to them. It will be a test of their character. They could concentrate their minds on the only job they have at hand or lose all perspective. They should be clear in their minds what they have. They are cornered as never before.

Shahid Afridi Sings

(If you can't sign you can at least sing)

IPL say nikala gaya
Boli day kay mara gaya

Ishq IPL say kia to soach lay
Tu to bay moat mara gaya

Mujh ko khazanay ka day kar faraib
Moat kay ghat utara gaya

Moat say bhi jo na mar saka
Lalit ki nazaron say mara gaya

Main nay mur kar bhi na daikha kabhi
Nam lay kay pukara gaya

The Original:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTKCOGQnumI

For Sale

(Lalit Modi at the bidding box)

One player for sale!
One player for sale!
One trying and skillful player for sale!
I'm really not kidding,
So who'll start the bidding?
Do I hear a dollar?
A nickel?
A penny?
Oh, isn't there, isn't there, isn't there any
One who will buy this fantastic player for sale,
This champion and master young player for sale?


With apologies to Shel Silverstein.