Why did Pakistan loose the semifinal?

When you make Himalayan Blunders no amount of prayers help...

What are those Himalayan Blunders? Let me be brief.

1. Not playing the most feared bowler in the world - Shoaib Akhtar. Umar Gul should have been dropped and Shoaib taken. Is there any match between these two bowlers? None. Shoaib is a class apart. He runs through the batting line up and when people avoid getting out to him they give wickets to others. In either case team benefits.
2. Umar Gul giving away too many runs - 69 runs in 8 overs without any wicket. Afridi gave him many sessions even in the end to have a wicket in his name but he only succeeded in conceding more runs to India. One wonders why Omer Gul is the most favourite with Shahid Khan Afridi at the expense of the team.
3. Bad field placement and hence leaking runs without a deep third man. Omar Gul was never bowling to the field. Over 20 runs were lost like that.
4. Very poor fielding at least 30 runs could have been saved.
5. Four catches were dropped of Tendulkar to the extent he was embarrassed. His luck was such that even after being given out the decisions were reversed thanks to the review.
6. Such abysmal batting. Hafeez had no business to be out so irresponsibly. Where was the need of a non-cricketing shot? He must be dropped as Kapil Dev was once dropped at his peak by Gavaskar for an irresponsible stroke.
7. Asad Shafeeq had no business to cut a straight ball from that arrogant Yuvraj.
8. There was no need to bring upon themselves the pressure which they brought upon themselves. Misbah while trying to save wickets consumed far too many runs.
9. Mohammed Yousuf was sorely missed in the middle and batting flopped miserably. What was Younis doing if he could not bat? And Afridi and A.Razzak? Why were they taken? I guess to bat.
10. Kamran Akmal continued to be as bad as possible behind the stumps.
11. What about power play? It should have been taken when the captain Afridi and vice captain were at the crease.

In short Pakistan could not have had a better chance to make it to the final and possibly the cup. This is too much and it has broken the hearts of millions around the world. Now we have to listen for the next four years that India has never lost to Pakistan in a world cup. Disgusting.

Shoaib Akhtar - The fastest and the best fast bowler the world has produced...

The world's greatest bowler ever born!

Injustice done to the best bowler in the world...

We will miss him. I still hope and pray he does not retire and continues to play. If not the charm of cricket will be gone. If he goes he will be going without realising his full potential. He was extreme talent but we did not have extreme talent in management to match him. Poor management of Cricket in Pakistan has broken hearts of players and spectators alike.

How dare Naseem Ashraf the then PCB head, not give a Central Contract to a player of Shoaib Akhtar stature. Naturally he protested. Which later became cause of bitter controversy.

Talent has to be well taken care of and nurtured as is done every where in the world. So why not in Pakistan. I am not condoning indiscipline. He later was very good after realising his mistakes. We are all human we make mistakes. We must learn to forget and forgive. Now this guy was doing a lot and giving his best. His potential should be fully realised for Pakistan's sake.

Now it seems Waqar Younus and Afridi have haunted him out. It was a sad day for Pakistan when he announced his retirement. We should have a movement to bring him back. President Asif Ali Zardari should ask him to renounce retirement and be available for the national team. He should do what President Gen. Zia did to Imran Khan.

Shoaib Akhtar is the most feared bowler the world has seen. Even a half fit Shoaib Akhtar is more than all bowlers put together as Intikhab Alam had said. He would send a shiver down the spines of the world's best batsmen when he would be on the run up to bowl them.

He was the first to achieve speeds beyond 100 miles per hour and he consistently did that. In trying to play him out we got they gave away wickets to other bowlers. We benefited both ways.

However much the victory against Australia was cherished millions were sad that they did not see Shoaib Akhtar bowl on that day. I hope and pray they do not drop him in the subsequent matches. If they do then we know what is going on in the team.

Pakistan breaks the winning streak of Australia in the World Cup...

Pakistan beats Australia Convincingly...

UK and Allies strike Libya... UK at its mischief again!

If The West is sincere and serious then they should solve decades old problems...

It is most unfortunate - UK again leading in the killing of people in the Arab World. UK never stops. It created Israel right in the heart of Arab Land and we see no solution in sight with Israel's atrocity and continuously defying the world community.

It is Britain that has remained the culprit throughout. It is not international community but UK in disguise. It was Mrs. Thatcher who forced Reagan to act in the first Gulf War. It was Tony Blair who trapped Mr. George Bush. No same thing under one alibi or the other they kill Arabs and Muslims. How many have they killed in Iraq? Where they are suffering they just keep talking and do nothing viz. Israel and India in Kashmir. There they see no oppression and democracy is forgotten.

Remember the Muslim World and The Arab World does not see it with kindness. If the West was sincere it would have done something to restrain Israel in Palestine and restrained India in Kashmir and the rest of the country not to be so ruthless and murderous there. People are dying and democracy goes to the dogs. Cant the West see this? Will of the International Community is just a hogwash for their hidden ambitions.

It is their interests. They are not interested in the people but are driven by the desire to weaken the Arab World so that tomorrow it is no threat to Israel.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/allies-launch-libya-force-as-gaddafi-hits-rebels/2011/03/19/ABKqmkw_video.html

BBC says AlQaeda never existed...

In case you have missed the documentary here it is:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ_HlmP1aZk

What a match? What a chase? What a tie?

England needed to be there. But this is the super charged World Cup 2011. Expect any thing.

The batting was good by India but England were no where behind. Tendulkar ofcourse is Tendulkar. He built the platform for India no wonder. Bresnen five wicket haul ensured India did not pile up further.

The reply was equally sprited. Kevin Pieterson was wonderful and Munaf's catch was doubly superb that ended a class innings. The best caught and bold ever as they said.

Strauss and Bell amazing too. Did not think they could play so good. While cruising at will, Zaheer applied brakes along with Munaf.

But the last guy Shahzad of England's six brought England too close. Yet England's victory was not to be. Although some think technically England won. They lost less wickets and India did not bat the full 50 overs. It batted for 49.5 overs.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc_cricket_worldcup2011/content/story/503292.html?CMP=NLC-DLY

Is there something to learn from Egypt?

Yes there is a lot to learn from Egypt as follows:

Rest later.

Egypt makes history...

The first Technology Revolution... and peaceful!

History made today. 18 days of struggle and 30 years of reign gone. Look at the lady here. She is crying with happiness. In just 18 days the change has come. The important thing is to believe something can be done. And it does. This as a matter of fact the beginning of the revolution.

http://blogs.aljazeera.net/middle-east/2011/02/11/live-blog-feb-12-egypt-protests

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp=41540868&#41538438

Stop corruption in Cricket...

Shame... Taking moral responsibility Ejaz Butt must resign immediately!

There is nothing to write about. Heads down with shame. Sorry, so long as corruption is accepted is society it will go on. The young boys and girls must get the message that corruption is not acceptable in any circumstance.

Getting banned for 5 years is no small thing. The careers are finished for good. What great talent gone. Butt the class opener and a good enough captain gone, the McGrath of Pakistan - Asif gone and a budding talent Amer gone too. But let this be a lesson for any future adventurers. I hope not only the Cricketing Community but the whole world is listening.

In the meanwhile some one has to take moral responsibility. And if Ejaz Butt has just a bit of conscience still left in him he will at least resign without asking even if he does not offer an apology to the nation. This will be good for the morale of the cricket squad for the 2011 Cricket World Cup. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci-icc/content/current/story/499614.html

Why the demonstrations on Kashmir do not become news in international media?

If we continue like this we may be celebrating Kashmir day for ever...

Today is February 5 again it is a Kashmir day in Pakistan. We have been having it for over six decades now. There have been good enough demos in Azad Kashmir. I thought this will be reported in BBC, CNN, ABC or Skynews just to give a few examples.

They did cover the Egyptian demonstrations and even covered a demo on Belgrade. But failed to cover a dispute simmering between the two nuclear armed neighbors. Why is it so? I want reasons other than conspiracy theories and victim psychosis please.

As I see it, the Kashmiris and Pakistan do not make a professional effort in this direction. Their PR is at the lowest ebb. They should ensure through Media, Pressure Groups, Public Relations, Diplomacy and High Profile Statements by Heads of States that News Agencies pick Kashmir events, report and discuss it.

Our reputation is so bad and commitment so low that besides Pakistan internally it is no news even when people die of atrocities by occupying forces. It is barely reported in Pakistan media too. Why? Because no body cares. Dawn did not even report it on 5th Feb. http://www.dawn.com/latest-news . The News reported barely: http://www.thenews.com.pk/NewsDetail.aspx?ID=10676

At every forum 24x7 round the year we must talk of a Democratic Solution so Tony Blair used to say. But do the rulers make any statements or have a diplomatic and media thrust to do that. No. Diplomats abroad just enjoy their salaries and perks without doing their jobs. Why? They just do not care. If people are dying let them. Who cares?

Hey guys get your act together if at all you want Kashmir issue resolved. Make news and ensure it is reported world-wide on a daily basis. Without creating world awareness and pressure on a sustained basis the world is not going to move.

Feudalism giving rise to kufr...

Feudalism - pushing people to the limits of kufr...

Watch and be amazed. These are poor slaves of the Choudhries, Vaderas, Sardars or one like them. The feudals are not only doing what they are but also leading people to kufr by making them kiss their feet and hands. The video is self explanatory what can one say. Feudalism manifest. The guy does not stop them.

The people should only fear Allah and fear the law not a person. The way they are revering the guy sitting and some behind him, is mind boggling. I wouldn't say they are doing sajda but they are definitely kissing the guy's feet and hands. Why? He is just another mortal. It is the fear of retribution that makes the poor guy do what he does. This should not happen. Only the State should be supreme not some individuals.

I wonder why the religious parties do not take the lead in this issue instead of becoming the political spokesmen of the terrorists and make excuses for the killings and refusing to condemn the terrorism that has engulfed us. Why does this issue miss their notice? Is it deliberate or out of fear I demand to know.

Even the richest man of today cannot have so much land. So how did these people acquire so much land? The Brits gave them to keep people down and under control. That was colonial governance. Once the colonial power left we should have corrected the system. Most unfortunately we didn't. Ayub Khan thought of it as he writes in his book in his last days when it was too late. His successors were feudals themselves and visionless dictators.

Pervez Ilahi once said in some interview that he made a survey and discovered that in Punjab 96% people had land no more than 12.5 acres while the rest 4% enjoy land the size of which you cannot imagine. This video is testimony of the state of people on these lands.

When will our legislators think of bringing in laws to banish slavery and such acts if nothing to save people from the fire of hell? Wonder how feudalism can go? If our neighboring country one day younger can do it why not us? Are they any better intellectually than us? I think not. The difference is in sincerity, vision and love for your own people and the country.

All political parties must have on their manifesto Land Ceiling Act. Mr. Nawaz Sharif should concentrate on such issues instead of instigating one people to rise against the other. Such abusive, divisive and vendetta politics will not work. He is not being seen in good light of late. Be positive man. Do something good of far reaching consequence. This applies to other leaders too. Focus on structural reforms not cosmetic. Big people do big things like this and take every body along not exclude.

One way to abolish feudalism is by bringing in Land Ceiling Act and implement it by limiting rural land holding to no more than say 50 to 60 acres per head (India is now thinking of making it 18 according to Dawn). At one stroke feudalism will go. Feudalism is possible only by large land holdings so take land away from them and distribute among the poor.

Save the people, save the country and save them from kufr too. While it will create self employment it will throw up common man capable to get into parliaments and assemblies that will make good laws for people and the country and ensure true development.

Salman Taseer dead but the religious parties still reluctant to condemn...

Where will all this end?

See what Salman Taseer said:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxvlLpSy4BI&NR=1

Absurd interpretations of a person's statements confuses young minds. Taseer did not say that Asia did this or that. He simply pleaded for a pardon which is quite legitimate. People like Sahebzada, Ansar Abbasi, Munawar Hasan, FazlurRahman, Asadullah Bhutto are reluctant to condemn even such blatant murders. Nay some are even justifying by giving excuses.

For God's sake stop it and it won't until the so called Islamic guys make excuses for killings one way or the other. Condemn all killings unequivocally. Sometimes blaming America and sometimes something else and becoming the political spokesmen of the devil will not help. Only Allah save Pakistan and the Muslim world.

See for yourself if he said any thing wrong. All he said was he was forwarding an appeal to the President who has the power to pardon or not. He did not even say if the judgement was wrong. He said it is harsh though. But does it call for his murder? No. Never.

I don't think he was advocating any blasphemy. Even if he was he should have been tried and sentenced by court. This man had no business to take law in his hand. Violence is not acceptable.
We lost a capable guy who are very very few any way in the country. Sad. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajioon. To Allah he belonged and to Allah he returned.

See this: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12111831

http://www.awaztoday.com/playvideo.asp?pageId=12455

I have been watching the condemnations. The religious crowd has been conspicuous by its absence. It took a full 20 minutes for Hamid Mir to elicit a condemnation from Moulana Fazlurrahman. He was asked if he would condemn repeatedly but he kept beating around the bush giving different excuses and justifications until forced to he sort of conditionally condemned it.

If such people exist and exhort people to take law in their hands what do you expect? The other deviants Munawar Hasan etc. refused to comment. I did not see him on TV but I am told he sided with the killer. Did see though some Piracha of JI sort of condemning conditionally. One Sahebzada some religio not condemning but exulting same with professor Ibrahim of Peshawar. Brainless and pathetic. They have no idea the dangerous signals they are sending for the future generations and weak minds and uneducated so called mullas.

Like this, no one can have a difference of opinion in future. Even a difference of opinion will be seen as bravery. Height of ignorance indeed!

Sorry I know the leanings of JIs and an ex-JIs but couldn't help sharing this anguish. Why are the religious crowd so much anti-law? Fail to understand the machinations and justifications of terrorism. I am frankly disappointed at the religio crowd. I think they are equally culpable for creating this mindset. Can't the law take its course? Who gives the right to an individual to kill someone whatever the provocation supposed or real?

Salman Taseer, if he really said what he did or is it just a misunderstanding http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxvlLpSy4BI&NR=1 could have been taken to court tried and if found really guilty punished as per the law. This cold blooded murder. No.