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PCB’s chairman Zaka Ashraf.—File photo
DUBAI: Pakistan cricket chief Zaka Ashraf said Saturday that his side's recent resurgence in form had left arch-rivals India afraid to take them on.
The neighbours have not played a Test series since 2007, with sporting ties frozen after the terrorist attacks on Mumbai in November 2008.
There were hopes of a thaw after the sides met in the World Cup semi-final last March and they are slated to play each other under the International Cricket Council's Future Tours Programme this year.
But they have struggled to find a slot because of India's hectic schedule, prompting Ashraf, who took over as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman in October last year, to accuse India of running scared.
“Maybe the way our team is performing and the way their team is performing in Australia, they look like afraid, for them losing to Australia is not that much emotional, but its more emotional losing to Pakistan,” Ashraf told reporters.
India were routed 4-0 in their Test series in Australia last month —to record eight consecutive defeats away from home after their whitewash in England by the same margin last year.
In contrast, Pakistan under Misbah-ul Haq are on a roll, having not lost a series since August 2010 and enjoy an unassailable 2-0 lead over world number one England in their three-Test series in the United Arab Emirates.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has said it needs government approval to revive the ties, but Ashraf said they were worried about how supporters would react to being beaten by Pakistan.
“Indian cricket fans will get after their cricket board, so I think the way we are performing they are afraid,” said Ashraf, whose request to meet his BCCI counterpart Narayan Srinivasan in December last year was also turned down.
Ashraf said all PCB's requests to revive cricket relations had been unsuccessful. “I don't know what's in their heart, but we have requested them a lot of times,” he said.
He said both the Indian and Pakistani prime ministers —who attended the World Cup semifinal together —had asked for a resumption of games between the two countries, but nothing had happened.
“We are ready to play any time against them. If they say yes today we can play against them here in UAE after the England series... but the ball is in their court whether they want to play,” Ashraf said.
“When their prime minister is saying, when Srinivasan is saying he also wants to see India Pakistan play, maybe their selectors and those working in their team management are afraid of our team's morale and preparation.”
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Comments (65) Closed
Feb 04, 2012 01:50pm
How cheap of him. He shouldnt be passing such low value comments especially when both countries and trying to make amends and play cricket again.
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Feb 04, 2012 01:52pm
Talking childish! Does he not already know how much BCCI earns from every India-Pak match? BCCI doesn't care if India wins or loses.. Grow up Zaka!
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Feb 04, 2012 02:06pm
Mr Ashraf, don't get too much carried away by the success of pakistan team and probably by the performance of indian team...if that was the case than indian cricket board would have organized the indo-pak series when india were no 1 test team only few months ago, one needs to remember here that pakistan are playing in spin friendly pitches and world knows England team's skills against the spinners are ordinary ...that too when Pakistan has one of the best spinner in their lineups...i'm not discounting swan ...though ...I'm an indian... very disappointed by the performance of our cricket team ...but here lies the fact about the suncontinent teams's weekness against pace and swing and as a avid cricket fan I had great respect for talent exist in the Pakistan team...I wish your team all the success.
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Feb 04, 2012 02:24pm
He is not being childish he is daring.
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Feb 04, 2012 02:46pm
Time to join politics
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Feb 04, 2012 02:44pm
This is nothing more then publicity.
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Feb 04, 2012 02:55pm
his not being childish it's called politics he made these commments to get a reaction from India hoping it would lead to bcci pulling there fingers out of there ..... And setting up a date for a series... Yes bcci is only intrested in money that's why the quality Of Indian cricket is going down...
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Feb 04, 2012 02:59pm
Bold move on his part. More then a way to skin a cat I guess
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Feb 04, 2012 03:13pm
India and Pakistan should play against each other as often as possible to be the best teams in the world without fussing about fear and favour.
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Feb 04, 2012 03:19pm
If we take last matches i think india has won almost every match.....so who should be affraid ....zaka should understand it
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Feb 04, 2012 03:30pm
D. Goel Pkl India afternoon 4pm ,February ,2012.
What Mr Zaka,chairman ofPakistan Cricket Board asserts that indians are avoiding meeting Pakistani Cricket Victorious Team ,lest they may Lose , and that would shame them in Public Eye worse than when they have lost to England and ,now ,to Australia . Cricket in India after last year's World Cup has taken a very steep fall, and, it would be sometime before it returns to playing Good Cricket.D. Goel
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Feb 04, 2012 03:47pm
He is not childish , he is very clever , he knows that the bankrupt PCB will get a revival after indo-pak match , and he is trying every means to get it done whether wrong or right.
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Feb 04, 2012 03:55pm
LOLZZ
BOTH TEAMS HAVE GOOD PLAYERS NOBODY AFRAIDS OF EITHER
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Feb 04, 2012 04:03pm
Zaka is talking of present scenario and not of the past scenarios so you should understand zaka's statement and not he.
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Feb 04, 2012 04:37pm
We can kiss away any chance of India-Pak cricket now. BCCI is making a pact with ECB, AC, SAC. This will further prevent India-Pak cricket. Zaka should know this statement has a huge potential to backfire. Knowing BCCI, they will not react. " Not taking a decision, is also a decision - Late PM - P.V Narshima Rao".
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Feb 04, 2012 04:48pm
Every cricket playing nation knows the current status of PCB and how it's officials are continuously trying to persuade BCCI for cricket revival, not for anybody else but only to help their own board. Moreover, India stopped playing Pakistan since 2008 so the question of India being "afraid" of playing Pakistan is quite childish and is being made after total frustration. So the actual Dare for PCB is to tell BCCI that they won't be playing with India, if India doesn't want it, rather than keep requesting for a bi-lateral again and again and again.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:03pm
India's team is still a premium team, and playing with it is an attraction. On the contrary, Pakistan has a different image, and will need some makeover and time! Zaka, in spite of these winnings, Pakistan's ranking is well below par. Right!
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Feb 04, 2012 07:08pm
Even then india was worried. I think you didn't see overall record yet between the two countries? I think it is not your board but the government who doesn't want to takr chance.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:15pm
Will love to see cricket series between india and pakistan.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:30pm
Khalid.... If you know India is weaker team than yours than why people like you and Zaka wants to play against it?
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Feb 04, 2012 07:30pm
With his comments Zaka has put paid to any chance of an India - Pak series. Let's face it, PCB needs a series against India to buttress its finances. BCCI is under no such pressure.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:35pm
India's time of bullying smaller cricketing nations is about to be over.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:44pm
@Ejaz .. Daring!! Are you sure? Are you sure such statements will help in reviving Indo-Pak cricket? This sound more of a war mongering than cricket. It is a game yaar and we should not infuse unecessary feelings by such irresponsible statements.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:48pm
and how did you assume PCB is bankrupt? It is certainly not as rich as BCCI, but it has substantial cash available and is very much in black. Of course BCCI is more of a business entity that looks towards making money from every possible venture, whether it's IPL or sponsorship.
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Feb 04, 2012 07:53pm
Yes, we are 'scared' since the day of attacks in Mumbai we are 'scared', we have beaten them in almost every match since then and we are 'scared', we have beaten them in the world cup and we are 'scared', they have just won a couple of matches and we lost a few and we are 'scared', Mr. Zaka the decision to not play Pakistan is for last 4 years not since you just won a couple of matches against Bangladesh and England.We could have played against a bunch of these teams when u were at your weakest point (match fixing controversy, winless tour of Aus. etc) and could have beaten you as many times as we wanted but we chose not to do so until your government doesnt bring justice to the innocent lives lost in Mumbai attacks. Your comments are the result of your 'frustation' and 'anxiety' to save PCB and Pak cricket. And finally, till the day you will not bring to justice the conspirators of attacks on Mumbai/India we will remain 'scared'!!!
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Feb 04, 2012 07:51pm
and how did you assume PCB is bankrupt? It is certainly not as rich as BCCI, but it has substantial cash available and is very much in black. Of course BCCI is more of a business entity that looks towards making money from every possible venture, whether it's IPL or sponsorship. PCB on the other side, actually focuses on the sport itself, which is something i can't say for BCCI
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Feb 04, 2012 08:04pm
@Karan .... True Very True....Though we have not forgotten Mumbai attacks but at the same time trying to move on. But people like Mr Zaka with their irresponsible statements seems to have learned nothing from past. Does he really think such statements will revive the cricket ties?
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Feb 04, 2012 08:34pm
A very naive and irresponsible statement by Mr. Zaka Ashraf, considering he is heading the PCB. However, Indian fans need not react like this, us Pakistanis are up for a challenge regardless of what we've been through inside our country. Please get over the Mumbai attacks and keep it separate from cricket. It will be the most civilized thing to do for a sporting fan. Thanks!
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Feb 04, 2012 08:29pm
As a fan love to watch great talent the comes from these two countries and specially seeing them play on Asian field. Bottom line here is that we need to get Goverment involvement and politics out of cricket in both India and Pakistan.
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Feb 04, 2012 09:06pm
Indian team have known about their greatNess in Austria . World no 1 , just in papers.
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Feb 04, 2012 09:13pm
Well done Zaka ! they will never play Pakistan with their current form..First they have to invite Bangladesh B team to allow Sachin's his 100th hundred !
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Feb 04, 2012 09:41pm
You cannot generate revenues by playing against team like Zimbabwae, Kenya and India....so come out of ...rather come out of your country....Mumbai attacks were in Mumbai not outside Mumbai ..so show some gut...or as per Zaka the result will be 12-0 (4-England, 4 Australia and 4-Pakistan)
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Feb 04, 2012 09:43pm
Premium only for IPL.....just concentrate on IPL
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Feb 04, 2012 09:51pm
” Not taking a decision, is also a decision[which always backfire] – Late PM – P.V Narshima Rao”.This is what Mr. Rao follows through out his premiership.
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Feb 04, 2012 09:59pm
Well i did find it a very mature statement by Zaka.. May be trying to be a politician!!!
But what can i see the frustrated Indians trying to prove themselves better. Well its not hidden any more about your wins outside India. Your legends could not make run over 15.. Well there are stats if you wanna compare yourself with Pakistan.. Well I accept India is better team but on subcontinent pitches!!
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Feb 04, 2012 10:07pm
Haha - looks like Indian crowd is hurting alot after the 8-nil bashing... Ashraf is just playing mind games and Karan and friends have taken the bait! Hilarious.
On a serious note, it is always a pleasure to see india vs pak games.
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Feb 04, 2012 10:10pm
True, PCB may never be an absolutely bankrupt entity for it has the Presidential support! But PCB for sure looks for sources to fill its coffers, and the biggest catch for it is not England, Australia or South Africa but India, and India only. For Zaka having failed on other previous counts, it waa indeed a poor advert for a senior official.
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Feb 04, 2012 11:51pm
I think Zaka Ashraf is demonstrating two things; he truly does not understand the nature of sport, particularly cricket and the great rivalry between the two countries. Second, he does not fully understand the leadership imperative that in his position, his words carry meaning and have substance. Rather than shooting off his mouth and speculating about India's motives, he should engage with the BCCI at an institutional level and rebuild the relationship. He demonstrates immaturity beyond belief.
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Feb 04, 2012 11:55pm
To all Indian fans jumping the gun: There is merit in his comments. What he means is that BCCI will be doing a favor to Pakistan Cricket by playing with them. But it may not be doing a favor to itself given Pakistan form at this point. The form of the two teams is a disincentive for BCCI, that's a common human failing and not India versus Pakistan. He is right to be frustrated 'cause he sees his team at the peak and a real good chance of making money. BCCI is standing in the way.
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Feb 04, 2012 11:59pm
Karan-- You have given a logical response and a good one. But, my friend we have to move on. How long are we going to cry about Mumbai attacks? If Mumbai attacks are an issue then why are you trying to sign business deals with Pakistan and happy to get a vote of most favourite country. There are many other fields that we are cooperating and it seems unfair to apply Mumbai attacks for cricket alone. Zaka's comments cannot be appreciated, but cricket should not be related with Mumbai attacks.
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Feb 05, 2012 12:07am
Dear cricket fans
Of course Mumbai incidnet no body can forget. I think Pak-India cricket series should go...win or lose, it is a different case. The entire cricket world enjoys our matches. Though, I am from Pakistan but I love to watch India-Pakistan games.
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Feb 05, 2012 12:08am
Amit..the reason why Zaka and the rest of the pakistanis want to play india is to bring back the lost vigor and excitement which only an india-pakistan game brings to the table. Money is not the only issue..sure the ind0-pak series is lucrative for india and pakistan but both teams have plenty of series lined up and clearly nether are hurting for money. The point is that India needs to get past the whole 26/11 fiasco. It was very tragic and unfortunate but please understand that it was the work of a handful of terrorists who are more severely condemned by Pakistanis. Its time the Indians moved forward and worked towards building a healthy relationship with Pakistan then to remain pissed at the entire nation. Pakistan has had 10 times as many terror attacks done on its soil in the past 2 years. Its as much a victim of terror as India. So please just move forward and look towards building a healthy cricketing relationship with Pakistan. I am sure this is not too much to ask!
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Feb 05, 2012 12:16am
Just piece of advise for Indian team supporters,be graceful in accepting that Indian team has been thrashed 4-0 by England and 4-0 by Australia.If you are losing 4-0 twice then accept it gracefully that team has been thrased completely.Now please stop comparing with Pakistan who has been playing all its home matches away from Pakistan.I am Indian team supporter but have accepted the weakness of Indian team gracefully that they are poor loser.There is no comparison between Pakistan and Indian team.BCCI has done enough to destroy the basic structure of Indian test cricket.Please accept it that Indian team is loser,results say it all.
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Feb 05, 2012 01:42am
All I have to say is India and Pakistan are two great cricketing nations.....let's not mix sports with politics....
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Feb 05, 2012 03:14am
@Zaka, don't be so daring. Just beg like Butt and may be BCCI will reconsider. How about begging for an appointment with BCCI first? Why are you so desperate to play with us though? You know no shame, it looks like...:-)
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Feb 05, 2012 04:47am
i dont understand why there are so many negative comments by indians on this post. if pak cricket chief wanted to meet with the indian cricket chief they should have met. there is no harm in meeting and no harm in playing. this will be good for both countries and teams. i think indians should not harbor such anti-pakistani feelins. we should live live good neighbors.
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Feb 05, 2012 04:54am
i dont understand why there are so many negative comments by indians on this post. if pak cricket chief wanted to meet with the indian cricket chief they should have met. there is no harm in meeting and no harm in playing. this will be good for both countries and teams. i think indians should not harbor such anti-pakistani feelings. we should live live good neighbors.
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Feb 05, 2012 04:55am
Its the rivalry that makes the cricket between Pakistan and India more appealing. If there was no rivalry, we would never be asking you guys repeatedly regarding a bilateral series. Your government keeps on using excuse after excuse, someone tell them to stop being childish and act a little mature.
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Feb 05, 2012 05:41am
Zaka is a tool .Just another tool from a long list of politicians who are here to raid the coffers of BCCP. His position is alright as long as he is warming the palms of his cronies i-e the PM and President.Childish bravado means nothing.Yes,Pakistan is playing ok and India not so, but to say one is avoiding others because they are scared is soooooo 3rd grade elementary school stuff.
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Feb 05, 2012 05:47am
I don't know why Pakistan is begging India to play cricket, India looks good on paper only, what happened to them in England and Australia, Indian cricket team is not as interesting as it was few years ago because this Indian team consists of some very old and redundant horses whereas, Pakistan keeps on drafting new talent of high quality and as such is a quality team. Pakistan should focus on playing cricket with quality teams only.
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Feb 05, 2012 05:49am
PCB is desperate to get other countries to play with them. Feel sad for Pakistan. Poverty, Match fixing and violence against foreign teams hasn't helped. Feel very sorry for Pakistanis. Bechare.........
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Feb 05, 2012 06:19am
England have better players than india and they stand no chance against Pakistan, how does india?
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Feb 05, 2012 06:29am
It was probably a slight tongue in cheek remark. I dont think there is any notion of pak or india teams running away from each other. Dear indian friends-please try not to get too hostile or political. politics and sport should not be mixed. Also alot of indian posters are a bit too fixated on pcb and its financial state, what ever that might be. Surely if you are a cricket follower, especially in Asia, you want to see pak-ind cricket matches. This is box office, even better than the Ashes.In my view cricket lovers in both countries are being deprived of endless joy that these games could bring to them. And please remeber one thing, at the end of the day, its only a game-win or lose.Peace
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Feb 05, 2012 08:42am
Well now there is a good excuse there. Mumbai attacks. Why then did India play Pakistan in the World Cup if you had such high morals. What happened to the memories of the Mumbai attacks than? Lets play against each other, this way we will reduce the tensions and bring peace. Otherwise what Mr. Zaka Ashraf said is true.
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Feb 05, 2012 08:48am
We want to show who is the best India record speak for it self and call them self as word champion if this is what you call champion then I don,t want to one India cannot face the reality?
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Feb 05, 2012 08:58am
Zake is wright Ind cannot face the reality and they know that Zake???
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Feb 05, 2012 09:00am
by the way who is this zaka? he is living in a fools paradise ,does anyone need to remind him the plight of pakistan that today no nation wants to play cricket in pakistan and your cricketers have been imprisoned for betting,he needs to manage and arrange matches betwween pakistani women and indian men cricket team so that they can save thier bankrupt cricket board .
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Feb 05, 2012 09:06am
I do understand mr amit that u and most indian fans are not happy the statemnet of Mr zaka said but tell me dont u feel the excitement when india and pakistan play each other remember every people remember that when time is hard who is with you and who is not let us put the politics take out from the games and just play the way it should be. On the other hand if india is not interest to play with pakistan then let us move on. Why begging them?They dont pay us anything right!!!!It is their money.
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Feb 05, 2012 09:06am
Awesome comment, Karan - absolutely agree with you - totally irresponsible, and in fact, a stupid and idiotic remark by the pcb chairman zaka - India does not fear pakistan in any sphere!
pakistan complains about not being allowed to play in IPL - they complain that no one wants to come to their country to play - they cheat, and then complain that British media is against pakistn -- its always someone else's fault, and pakistan refuses to look at themselves in every sphere.
Sad -- really sad -- jaago pakistan, jaago!
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Feb 05, 2012 09:12am
Yes, Saad -- we say how focussed pcb is focussed on crickeet -- no governance, no administration, the preseident of pakistan is presides on cricket decisions -- butt, asif and amir are caught cheating and pcb blames the British tabloids -- yes, pcb is focussed on "improving" cricket.
Saad, that comment of yours was quite Sad.
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Feb 05, 2012 09:55am
it doesnt really matter , i would still say zaka is right that india is scared like a little baby .
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Feb 05, 2012 10:14am
Zaka is just trying to provoke India for the series.
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Feb 05, 2012 10:49am
People like you are the main hindrance to normalize the situation. Why do you choose sports specially cricket as weaker point to attack whenever any unwarranted thing happen?
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Feb 05, 2012 11:25am
Ha ha ha ha ha. What a banana republic. The guy is trying to provoke BCCI's pride, hoping it will take the bait. He is a very poor judge of the people he is dealing with. And if he is, he is unfit to lead an organization that needs every bit of skill required to run a program that deals with crap on an everyday basis. I hope I am proved wrong, but this guy seems to be a Joker who is going to laughed off his high perch. Like others before him.
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Feb 05, 2012 01:31pm
What Zaka is saying is definitely politically motivated but its true that now a days I enjoy more while watching Eng-Pak Test series rather than Ind-Aus series. The way Pakistan is playing under Misbah is a treat to watch. After a very long period they have got a sensible and composed captain and it is showing the result. Well Played Pakistan !!! :)
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