Pakistan Cricket Players: 2011

Saturday 31 December 2011

Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram Biography

Full Name: Wasim Akram

Birthplace: 3 June 1966,Lahore,Punjab

ODI Debut: Pakistan vs NewZealand at Faisalabad,2nd ODI,1984/85

Test Debut: Pakistan vs NewZealand at Auckland,2nd Test,1984/85

Major Teams: Pakistan,Lancashire,Hampshire

Bowling Style: Left Hand Fast

Batting Style: Left Handeded

Wasim Akram (born June 3, 1966 in Lahore, Punjab) is a former Pakistani cricketer. He was a left-arm fast bowler and left-handed batsman, who represented the Pakistani cricket team in TestsOne-Day Internationals. He is widely regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers ever and holds world records for the most wickets taken in both ODIs (502) and List A cricket (881).

An immensely talented player first discovered by Imran Khan, Wasim Akram played for his college(Govt. Islamia College Civil Lines, Lahore) as an opening bowler and batsman. As a bowler, Wasim possessed genuine pace, accurate control of line and length and seam position, and could swing the ball both in and out. With a very deceptive ball-concealing action, he could bowl equally well from both sides of the wicket. His mastery of reverse swing with the old ball meant he was at his most dangerous towards the end of an innings, and earned him the nickname Sultan of Swing.

As well as often being able to find the edge of the bat, Wasim would also focus his attack on the stumps and had a particularly lethal yorker. Of his 414 Test wickets, 193 were taken caught, 119 were taken LBW and 102 were bowled.In partnership with Waqar Younis, he intimidated international batsmen in the 1990s. Together Wasim and Waqar, known as “the two Ws” of the Pakistani team, were one of the most successful bowling partnerships ever.

Wasim was also skilled with the bat and was regarded as a bowling all-rounder. He was especially effective against spinners. However, he liked to slog and was criticised for his lack of big scores and giving away his wicket too cheaply for a player of his talent. He did silence his critics in October 1996 when he scored 257, not out, of the team’s total of 553 against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura. He also made good scores in difficult times for the Pakistan team such as his 123 against Australia and his 45 not-out to take Pakistan to victory in a low-scoring match. Pakistan, needing six runs in two balls two win the Nehru Cup saw Akram come out to bat. The first ball he faced was hit out of the ground and secured the cup. Ahmed Bilal was his coach who gave him tricks on reverse swing.

A Feature by Sidharth Monga

The fifth ODI between Pakistan and South Africa was dedicated to Wasim Akram who retired just after the World Cup. A moment to rejoice for the oppositions all over the world and the way Proteas easily beat Pakistan one could see how Pakistan missed Wasim. But things aren’t forever and as all good things must come to an end, Wasim has finally called it a day. Here’s a piece that I wrote earlier in tribute to the Big W, God’s own left arm.

“First of all, convince yourself that you are the best because the rest of your life is gonna go proving this to others” -Wasim Akram, in a T.V commercial.

One thing Wasim has shown us in his 19 year long career is he enacts what he says. The tremendous confidence he had as a young boy of 18 when some more ordinary guy would be nervous participating in a school debate would make even greatest of champions envious of him. He damn sure knew he was the best and boy, has he proved this to the whole world! Yes he has and in fact, he has done this in a manner that the best of the batsmen in the world fear him. But there’s good news for some new batsmen, the Sultan of Swing has finally decided to retire from international cricket. This would mean batters need not worry about a lanky fast bowler whose run up was a mere 10-15 steps but who could bowl fast, swinging toe crushing yorkers that could render even the best of batsmen mere spectators. And they also need not worry about the late swinging deliveries to which the umpires couldn’t resist raising the finger indicative of an LBW. (29% of his wickets include LBWs!). And bowlers over the world can save themselves blushes, the kind when the very same man got stuck into them and hit them a mile. (Ask Zimbabweans whom he hit for a record number of sixes in his 257 run knock!)

Time and again, I have seen teams fighting back against a Pakistan bowling attack after early setbacks requiring just about one and a half run per ball in the last few overs. But that’s where the party ends-because then the ball is thrown to Wasim and the whole world knows how desperately impossible it is to score at more than a run a ball when Wasim is bowling at the death. Arguably the best bowler at death, his straight late swinging yorkers are responsible for the shortening of most tails all over the world. And who said that with the advent of helmets and protective equipment, tailenders will be able to contribute more? At least not against a Wasim led Pak attack.

They say that with age, flair gives way to simplicity; exuberance gives way to soberness and childhood gives way to wisdom that comes with the realization that you have grown old. Flamboyance and age happen to share a negative correlation, but not with Wasim. You have seen him around for about 19 years now, he must be old. He needs insulin everyday, a severe diabetic, he must be really old. And yet, when you watch him take his n hundred and nth wicket, the childish joy on his face makes you believe he is a young debutant who has just taken his first wicket. That’s Wasim Akram for you. Even at the fag end of his career in World Cup 2003, one cannot forget his consecutive deliveries to get Hayden and Martyn. And who could say he is a 37 year old?

Talk of Wasim and the mind inevitably goes back to World Cup 1992 finals- England cruising towards a victory and all of a sudden Wasim produces two unplayable balls to dismiss Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis in succession. That was when he was at his vintage best. And that he could produce such deliveries consistently when his team desperately needed those is the factor that sets him aside. What’s similar in Steve Wuagh, Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, and Wasim Akram? We all come to expect the unexpected with them. Hand Wasim the ball when nothing is happening for you and he will bring some magic.

It’s a rare breed, this- the left arm pacemen. Come to think of the names and you don’t have much more than Allan Davidson, Gary Sobbers or Bill Voce. But hands down, the best of them all was spotted by one wise man- Javed, ‘The Spotter’ Miandad. In his very first series against New Zealand in 1984-85, he drew comparisons with all the big names mentioned above. In only his second test, he bagged a 10-wicket haul and became the youngest man to do so. And since then, looking behind is one thing he has never done. Now that when he looks into retrospect, he would like to change the 1996 World Cup Quarter Final against India, the 1999 World Cup Final and the supposed match fixing allegations against him. I call these allegations ‘supposed’ because not in my life have I seen him ever give anything less than One Hundred Percent. Yes it hasn’t been all rosy. It never is, for anyone.

He has had to take the wrath of a cricket crazy nation and a corrupt administration for every failure of his, no matter how few and far within these failures have come. Add to this the fact that he has taken a majority of his 916 international wickets on subcontinent pitches- dead as dodos, not to forget a long menu of injuries he has fought. The brunt of Akram’s cricket has been borne by his groin and shoulder. His groin was first operated on in 1988 and again two years later. The latter operation was complicated when an adductor muscle separated from his pelvis, leaving his left leg only half as strong as his right: it was restored only by intensive physiotherapy.

He first experienced shoulder pain seven years ago, while representing Lancashire, and delayed surgery, only to break down when he tried to bowl a bouncer during the Singer Cup Final in Sharjah in April 1997: there were further operations, a six-month lay-off and a regime of painkillers. Add to this, severe diabetes and fading eye sight. And still he continued till 2003 and stayed among the top few bowlers all through. Nothing short of a medical miracle- Is it?

Despite all the match fixing allegations and personal controversies, he still remains the best quick bowler I have seen operate in 20 years of my life.

And what better a testimony than the highest run-getter himself-“If I ever get a chance to be reborn as a cricketer, I would want to be Wasim”-Allan Border

Wasim retired in 2003, after a brief spell with Hampshire in England. Since then, Wasim has taken up commentary and can currently be seen as a sportscaster for the ESPN Star network, and is also running shows on ARY Digital.

He is married to Huma Mufti, daughter of Mr. Humayaun Mufti. Huma and Wasim have two sons from their marriage of thirteen years

In his Test career, Wasim took 414 wickets in 104 matches, a Pakistani record, at an average of 23.62, and scored 2,898 runs, at an average of 22.64.

In One-Day Internationals, Wasim took a world record 502 wickets in 356 appearances, at an average of 23.52, and scored 3,717 runs, at an average of 16.52.

Wasim was the first bowler in international cricket to take more than 400 wickets in both forms of the game, and only Muttiah Muralitharan has since achieved this.

Wasim Akram also held the record for the most wickets in Cricket World Cups — a total of 55 in 38 matches. Australia’s Glenn McGrath broke the record during the 2007 World Cup, ending with a final tally of 77 from 39 matches.On passing Wasim’s record, McGrath said, “Wasim Akram, to me, is one of the greatest bowlers of all time. Left-armer, swung it both ways with the new ball and he was so dangerous with the old ball. To go past him is something I will always remember. Probably the other side of the coin is that if you play long enough, you’re going to break records here and there.”

Uniquely, Wasim took four hat-tricks in international cricket, two each in Tests and ODIs. He is one of only three bowlers to have taken two Test hat-tricks (the others being Hugh Trumble and Jimmy Matthews), and also one of only three bowlers to have taken two ODI hat-tricks (the others being fellow Pakistani Saqlain Mushtaq and Chaminda Vaas of Sri Lanka). Wasim’s Test hat-tricks are unique, since they were taken in consecutive Test matches in the same series, against Sri Lanka in 1999. Wasim is also one of only two bowlers to have taken both a Test and ODI hat-trick (the other being fellow Pakistani Mohammad Sami).

Playing in a Test against the West Indies at Lahore in 1990-91, he became one of only six players to have taken four wickets in an over during a Test match. In Wasim’s case, the feat was not part of a hat-trick, the third ball of the series being a dropped catch, which allowed a single.

Wasim has also achieved the highest score by a number eight batsman in Test cricket — 257 not out from 363 balls against Zimbabwe at Sheikhupura. The innings contained 12 sixes which is also a world record for Test crick

He also has the joint-highest number of Man of the Match awards in Test cricket, along with South African Jacques Kallis, with 17

Wasim Akram

Wasim Akram- The King Of Swing !!

Wasim Akram : The Greatest bowler of all time. Pakistan

Imran Khan

Imran Khan Biography

He dazzled the world with his amazing talent, he gave cricket another name, he
is and always will be remembered by cricket fans worldwide. Imran khan, an
unbelievably talented all rounder is the Legend of cricket and has reached the
top like no one else
This cricketer was born no differently than any other person. He was born in
Lahore, Pakistan into a family of six. He entered the world on November 25,
1952, the only boy and seventh member of his family. His parents gave him the
name Imran Khan Niazi and truly loved him since he is the only boy in their
family
Imran was part of a well-educated family. His parents believed that their
children should get the best of education, and become something. Imran's parents
have believed this and followed through with it, and that is why Imran's sisters
are so successful today. His older sister Robina is an alumnus of the LSE and
has a senior position in the United Nations in New York; his other sister Aleema
has a master's degree in business administration and runs a successful business;
Uzma is a highly qualified surgeon is working in a Lahore hospital; while his
other sister Rani is a University graduate who coordinates charity work. When it
was time for Imran to go attend a college, he went to the prestigious public
school in Lahore, the Aitchison College. There he was by far the best player on
his team, being a very fine batsmen. He was still though quite far from becoming
the best in the world. As Imran grew older, his interests went from being a
batsmen to being a fast bowler.
When sixteen, Imran made his debut for Lahore. Imran's cousins Javed Burki, and
Majid Khan were a great part of cricket therefore when he made his test debut
people thought that he made it because his family was on the Pakistan's Cricket
Team. (Nepotism)
Later, Imran had to put cricket to the side and focus more on his studies.
Undoubtedly he was back again at the age of eighteen. He played admirably which
resulted in him moving to England as he was chosen to play for a private school
there. As the year 1971 approached, he made his test debut while visiting England.
During this tour, he was fined many times by the management because he was
looked upon by his peers as being a very snobby and wild player. Also on this
tour, Imran did not play as well. Because of his "not so good" bowling, Pakistan
was costed to settle for a draw. This was the only test match on the tour.
When Imran was twenty-one, he was admitted in the Oxford University. For three
years he studied economics and politics. In 1974 Pakistan toured England and
therefore he was selected because of his form for Oxford University and his
experience with speaking English. He had not succeeded to make a big mark
because all three of his tests were drawn.
In 1976 Imran returned to Pakistan after being away for four years. During the
1976-77 season, Imran got a place in the Pakistan cricket team. He had impressed
the team with his fantastic bowling. Later he moved to play with Sussex. The
biggest reason for Imran to do this was because of his love affairs with the
nightlife of London. He was quite angry at Worcester (a team he played for
before he played for Sussex), because of the racism he found there. During the
time he had been playing for other teams, Imran had become quite a big star.
Everyone was able to see that this guy had talent and played very well. At this
point, not only was he playing well, but had basically become a superstar.
Imran continued to play for Sussex, because he enjoyed it there. At this point
he had become the "father" of the reverse swing. His most famous partner was
Sarfaraz Nawaz, in which the partners could make a lot of runs.
Soon after, under the orders of the top official, Imran came back to Pakistan
to play test cricket for the series against India. During this match, Imran hit
two sixes and a four with only seven balls remaining. Because of Imran's huge
success, one could easily say that Imran was one of the most adored cricketer
through the land at this point.
During the early 80's Imran was not only at his cricketing peak, but had quite
a few relations with women. He had a relationship with Susannah Costantine,
ex-model Marie Helving, and artist Emma Sargeant. Some of his relations ended
simply because of difference in culture and because of the busy and travelling
life of Imran. He brought some of his relationships back home to Pakistan in
which he was frowned upon because he was an individual of Muslim faith
When Imran was thirty, he became the captain of the Pakistan cricket team. He
lead them to a victory against England in their second test match.
During the years of his captaincy, Imran had broken his shin. Even though this
was so, Imran continued to bowl, whether there was pain or not. Because of his
injury, Imran was able to put bowling to the side and concentrate more on his
batting. Imran improved his batting greatly which led him to his first century
in a one day match.
In 1987, Imran decided to retire from cricket. Javed Miandad took his place.
Because Pakistan's best captain was gone; the team was in somewhat of crisis.
President Zia put a lot of pressure on Imran, therefore he was back as a captain
in 1988.
In 1992, the world cup final was Imran's exit from cricket. He led Pakistan to a
great victory over India. Pakistan had won the World Cup. It was time for Imran
to retire, which brought a lot of grief to Pakistan. He ended his career with an
outstanding score of 3807 runs and 362 wickets in only test matches. During his
career, Imran had turned the Pakistan cricket stars into the stars they are
today. The day that Imran retired was a very big day. So big that the President
of that time, Zia personally tried to stop him from retiring. Imran said that he
wanted to retire at the highest point of his popularity so that people would be
able to remember him forever.4 He wanted his name to be in all hearts and be
recognized for all his accomplishments. Imran had officially ended his career as
a cricketer and is truly remembered by all.
When Imran won the world cup, he had raised twenty five million dollars to
build a cancer hospital in memory of his mother. About ten years ago when
Imran's mother had cancer; Imran was desperately looking for some place to take
her, but none of the hospital's in Pakistan had the right facilities to treat
her. When Imran took her to an outside country, it was too late; she had lost
her battle against cancer. Eversnice then, Imran has wanted to build a cancer
hospital. Today he has a wonderful hospital standing in Lahore, Pakistan. It is
named after his mother Shawkat Khanam. Imran does not charge anything to
patients who cannot afford the treatment.
In 1995, Imran decided to settle down and marry. He married Jemima Goldsmith who
is the daughter of a millionaire. She was Jewish and converted to Islam by
choice just before the two got married. Their wedding took place in Paris. When
they came back to London, they threw a party which was more for the public.
On November 18th 1996, Imran and Jemima were the proud parent's of a baby boy.
The named him Suleiman Isa. On April 10th, 1999 Jemima gave birth to yet another
baby boy. They have named him Kassim.
Today, Imran has entered the world of politics and has set up his own party. He
continues to fundraise for his hospital. He does this by taking tours with
popular stars. Some stars donate their money to Imran's hospital. Jemima designs
clothes and sells them overseas. The profit goes to the Shawkat Khanam Memorial
Hospital. Also the restaurant in London, Salt and Pepper gives its profits to
the hospital.

Imran Khan

Imran Khan+Cricket Interview 1982

YouTube - Carrier Best Bowling Of Imran Khan.flv Ejaz Riaz

Shane Warne

Shane Warne Biography

Shane Keith Warne (born September 13, 1969) is an Australian cricketer, born in Victoria.
Shane Warne is regarded by many as the best leg spin bowler ever to play cricket. Despite an undistinguished debut performance against India in 1991, he has since revolutionised cricket thinking with his mastery of what many cricket authorities regarded as a dying art. Combining the ability to turn the ball huge distances, even on unhelpful pitches, with unerring accuracy and a wide variation of deliveries (notably including the flipper), he has become Australia's greatest ever wicket taker, with 517 wickets at a bowling average of 25.42. Many of his most spectacular performances have occurred in Ashes series against England, whose inexperience against legspin bowling made their players particularly vulnerable, though with feats like the famous "Gatting Ball" which spun furiously to bowl a bemused Mike Gatting in the 1993 series most of the credit is Warne's. Warne has also been highly effective bowling in one-day cricket, something few other leg spin bowlers have managed. Warne is also noted for his exuberant (and sometimes effective) lower-order batting (once famously throwing away his wicket on 99 with a Test century beckoning), and on several occasions has captained Australia effectively.
Despite nearly universal recognition of Warne's talents, his reputation with fans and cricket authorities is mixed. In 1998, he was forced to admit that he had taken money to provide pitch and weather reports from a man later discovered to be operating with bookmakers. While such an offence was trivial compared to the likes of Hansie Cronje who took money to throw matches, the extreme naivete Warne avowed struck many observers as somewhat dubious. His exuberance and occasional intemperate remarks and actions on and off the field have also not endeared him to the more conservative parts of the cricketing public and officialdom. His private life has also been subjected to scrutiny by British tabloid newspapers.
After several years of indifferent performances, Warne had much success in the 2001 Ashes series in England.
In February 2003 during the 2003 cricket World Cup, Warne was sent home in sensational circumstances after a positive drugs test for a banned diuretic from the one-day series in Australia earlier in the year.
In a PR blitz Warne initially claimed that he took only one of what he called a "fluid tablet" - the prescription drug Moduretic - in an attempt to improve his appearance, and claimed ignorance of the banned nature of the tablet he took, as well as much of the drug policy of the Australian Cricket Board (despite extensive briefings on the matter in the past).
Charged with using "a prohibited method to enhance performance", Warne faced a two-year ban from cricket if found guilty. Extensive pressure was placed on the panel by comments from Dick Pound, head of the World Anti-Doping Agency, who in comments described by the head of the Australian Sports Drug Agency as "highly inappropriate", poured scorn on Warne's excuse and stated that Australian sport was well-known for accusing others for cheating but was considerably less enthusiastic about prosecuting its own. Pound's comments were however at least partly endorsed by members of Olympic sports such as retired swimming champion Kieren Perkins, who expressed concern that a lenient verdict would make a mockery of Australia's stand against drugs in sport
In the end, the panel found Warne guilty of breaching the ACB's drug code, and imposed a one-year ban. It was further revealed, and confirmed by Warne in a subsequent television interview, that he had actually taken two of the pills. Warne's testimony, and that of his mother's, was described by the panel as "vague and inconsistent". The panel decided against invoking the full two year ban because the drug would have had no performance-enhancing effect, there was no evidence that Warne was using the diuretic to mask steroid use, and that medical opinion stated that steroids would have not have enhanced Warne's recovery or assisted his game in any case. A disappointed Warne initially considered appealing, but decided against it, as several people, including Pound, pointed out that the penalty could have been increased if an appeal was made.
During his suspension he has considered working for the St. Kilda Saints Australian rules football club as an assistant coach, before the Australian Football League told the club that it would be inappropriate to have somebody convicted of sports drug offences advising its players. He has also been offered chance to play in various celebrity "park cricket" teams, and the newly renamed Cricket Australia has reserved its decision on whether Warne, as a contracted player, should be allowed to play in such matches.
Shane Warne currently has come under criticism for text messaging women whilst on tour, sending lewd and harassing messages. However the woman, Helen Cohen Alon, who made the claims has been charged with extortion in her own country.
During his enforced break from cricket due to suspension, Warne became a popular TV commentator for Channel 9 in Australia

Shane Warne

Shane Warne vs Strauss big fail 6 dissmisals in row.

SHANE WARNE MAGIC 526

Friday 30 December 2011

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson Biography

The Bio History of Michael Joseph Jackson began when he was born on the 29th of August 1958 in Gary, Indiana. He was the 7th of nine children. (brothers: Sigmund "Jackie", Toriano "Tito", Jermaine, Marlon, Steven "Randy", and sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya Jackson.

Michael began his musical career at the age of 5 as the lead singer of the Jackson 5 who formed in 1964. In these early years the Jackson 5, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Marlon and lead singer Michael played local clubs and bars in Gary Indiana and moving further afield as there talents grew and they could compete in bigger competitions. From these early days Michael would be at the same clubs as big talented stars of there days, such as Jackie Wilson and would be learning from them even back then.

Amazon.com

In 1968 the Bobby Taylor and The Vancouvers discovered the Jackson five and from there they got an audition for Berry Gordy of Motown Records. The Jackson 5 signed for Motown and moved to California. Their first 4 singles, "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save", and "I'll Be There" all made US No1 hits. The Jackson 5 recorded 14 albums and Michael recorded 4 solo albums with Motown.

The Jackson 5 stayed with Motown until 1976, wanting more artistic freedom they felt they had to move on and signed up with Epic. The group name Jackson 5 had to be changed as it was owned by Motown, so they reverted to The Jacksons as they had be known in the early days. Brother Jermaine married Berry Gordy's daughter and stayed with Motown. Youngest brother Randy joined in his place. The Jacksons had a number of hit records and in total made 6 albums between the years of 1976 and 1984.

In 1977 Michael made his first film debut when he starred in the musical 'The Wiz' playing Scarecrow with Diana Ross in the lead role of Dorothy. It was at this time Michael met Quincy Jones who was doing the score for the film.

Michael teamed up with Quincey Jones as his producer for his first solo album with Epic Records. The album titled "Off The Wall" was a big success around the world and the first ever album to release a record breaking 4 No1 singles in the US.

In 1982 Michael Jackson released the world's largest selling album of all time, 'Thriller'. This album produced 7 hit singles, breaking yet again more records, and went on to sell over 50 million copies worldwide. Michael was keen to use music video or short films as he called them to promote his singles from the album. He worked with the best directors and producers, using the latest technology and special effects for the hit song 'Billie Jean' The short film 'Thriller' used the latest make-up artists technolgy combined with fantastic dancing and cherography, to produce a 14 minute video, with a start, a middle and an ending. So successful was this video that 'The Making Of Michael Jackson's Thriller' became the world's largest selling home video combined with soaring album sales. In 1983 Michael performed the now legendary moonwalk for the first time on the 'Motown 25 years' anniversary show. This performance alone set Michael undoubtable into the realm of a superstar.

In 1984 Michael won a record breaking 8 Grammy awards in one night. The awards were for his work on the 'Thriller' album and his work on the narrative for the 'ET Storybook'.

On December 9th 1984 at the last concert of the Jackson's Victory Tour, Michael announced he was splitting from the group and going solo.

In 1987 Michael released his much awaited third solo album, titled 'Bad', and lauched his record breaking first solo world tour. 1988, Michael wrote his first autobiography, Moonwalk, talking for the first time on his childhood and his career. At the end of the 1980s Michael was named 'Artist Of The Decade' for his success off of his 'Thriller' and 'Bad' albums.

In 1991 Michael signed with Sony Music the largest ever recording contract and released his fourth solo album, 'Dangerous'. He toured world again in 1992, taking his concerts to countries that had never before been visited by a pop/rock artist. Also Michael founded the 'Heal the World Foundation' to help improve the lives of children across the world.

In 1994 Michael married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of rock legend Elvis Presley. The marriage only lasted for 19 months, as they divorced in 1996.

1995 saw Michael release a fifth solo album, 'HIStory', which was a double album, first half new material and second half half greatest hits. Michael toured again over a legs covering a 2 year period. In between legs of the tour on November 14th 1996, Michael married for his second time to Debbie Rowe who was a nurse that Michael had met in the treatment of his skin pigment disorder. Together they had their first child Prince Michael Joseph Jackson jr born on February 13 1997 and a daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born on April 3rd 1998.

In 1997 Michael released the remix album 'Blood On The Dance Floor' which also contained 5 new song linked with a 38min film "Ghosts". This film Michael played 5 roles using the latest special effects and make-up artistry, combined with his dance and music.

In September, 2001 Michael celebrated his 30th anniversary as a solo artist with two concerts to be held in New York, USA. Many artists such as Whitney Houston, Usher, Destinys Child, Shaggy and many more performed there own and Michael Jacksons past songs. Michael then reunited with all of his brothers and performed there biggest hits. Michael then went onto perform solo some of his biggest hits.

In October 2001 Michael released the album 'Invincible' releasing only 2 singles including the big hit "You Rock My World". Shortly after the albums release there were rumours of a rift with Sony Music and a clear lack of promotion of the album. The second single "Cry" was released with a very poor music video which did not feature Michael and no other singles were released.

In November 2003 a new single "One More Chance" was released as a single and was also a track on new compilaition album "Number Ones".

In March 2009, Michael annouced a shock comeback tour at the O2 Arena in London to start in July 2009, intially for 10 dates but the total grew to a sold out 50 dates with over 750,000 tickets sold. All sold tickets sold out within minutes of being released.

On June 25th 2009 Michael Jackson died suddenly of a reported cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old.

Michael Jackson

Moonwalk - Michael Jackson - Billie Jean - The First Moonwalk King Of Pop

Michael Jackson - They Don't Care About Us

Thursday 29 December 2011

Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis Biography
Waqar Younis Maitla is a former Pakistani right arm fast bowler born in Vehari Punjab. He is one of the top ten cricketers of all time and got worldwide fame. He is well known in cricket for his ability to “reverse swing a cricket ball” at high speed while bowling at cricket pitch. During his career he took “373 Test Wickets” and “416 One Day International Wickets”. Waqar Younis is considered as one of the best exponents of swing bowling delivery. He has a best strike rate for any bowler with more than “200 Test Wickets”.Personal information
Full name Waqar Younis Maitla
Born 16 November 1971 (age 39)
Vehari, Punjab, Pakistan

Height 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Batting style Right hand bat
Bowling style Right arm fast
Role Bowler
Domestic Team Information

Domestic team information
Years Team
2003-2004 Allied Bank Limited
2003 Warwickshire
2001-2003 National Bank of Pakistan
2000-2001 Lahore Blues
1999-2000 REDCO Pakistan Limited
1998-1999 Rawalpindi
1998-1999 Karachi
1997-1998 Glamorgan
1990-1993 Surrey
1988-1989, 1996-1997 United Bank Limited
1987-1988, 1997-1998 Multan
International Information

International information
National side Pakistan
Test debut (cap 111) 15 November 1989 v India
Last Test 2 January 2003 v South Africa
ODI debut (cap 71) 14 October 1989 v West Indies
Last ODI 4 March 2003 v Zimbabwe
ODI shirt no. 99
Career Statistics

Career statistics
Competition Test ODI FC LA
Matches 87 262 228 411
Runs scored 1010 969 2972 1553
Batting average 10.2 10.3 13.38 10.42
100s/50s 0/0 0/0 0/6 0/0
Top score 45 37 64 45
Balls bowled 16224 12698 39181 19841
Wickets 373 416 956 675
Bowling average 23.56 23.84 22.33 22.36
5 wickets in innings 22 13 63 17
10 wickets in match 5 n/a 14 n/a
Best bowling Jul-76 Jul-36 17-Aug Jul-36
Catches/stumpings 18/– 35/– 58/– 56/–
From 2006 to 2007 he worked as a national bowling coach. He was appointed as a coach of “Pakistan Cricket Team” on 3rd March 2010. He will take part in all form of cricket matches due to his managerial contract with “Pakistan Cricket Board” right up to December 2011.

Tags: Cricket Biography of Waqar Younis, Pakistani Cricketer Waqar Younis, Top Ten Cricketers, Top Ten Cricketers of all Time, Top Ten Pakistani Cricketers, Waqar Younis

Waqar Younis

waqar younis wickets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrSA2mddnQM

Waqar Younis The Aggressor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5Em0LEbhPQ

Wednesday 28 December 2011

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi Biography
Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi (born 1 March 1980 in Khyber Agency), popularly known as Shahid Afridi, is a Pakistani cricketer currently playing for the Pakistani national team in the international circuit. He made his ODI debut on 2 October 1996 against Kenya in Nairobi[1] and his Test debut on 22 October 1998 against Australia at Karachi.[2] He is known for his aggressive batting style, and currently holds the highest career strike rate in the history of international cricket. In a recent survey, Afridi was named as the most popular cricketer in Pakistan.[3] He also holds the record for the fastest one day century which he made in his debut innings, as well as scoring 32 runs in a single over, the second highest scoring over ever in an ODI.

Style

His general style of batting is very aggressive and attack oriented and has earned him the nickname “Boom Boom Afridi” for his fastest One Day International century just in 37 balls. As of 22 May 2007, he has an ODI strike rate of 109.38 runs per 100 balls, the highest in the game’s history. This attitude has been transferred to Test cricket as well, with Afridi scoring at a relatively high strike rate of 86.13 in Tests. He has an approach to batting that can change the tempo of a game and inspire the mood of an audience, as shown when a mass exodus of spectators occurred in Pakistan in late 2005 following his dismissal from the crease. He hits many sixes long and high, favoring straight down the ground or over midwicket. A trademark shot is a crossbatted flick to the leg-side to a ball outside off stump.[8]. This explosive style has led to some memorable shots, most notably the first ever 12 in power cricket in 2002, where Afridi successfully hit the roof. [9] However, his aggressive style increases his risk of getting out and he is one of the most inconsistent batsmen in cricket. This is reflected by the fact that he is the only player to score more than 5000 ODI runs at an average under 25.

Bowling-wise, his stock ball is the leg break, but his armory also includes the conventional off break and a ‘quicker one’ which he can deliver at nearly 80 mph in the style of a medium-pacer. He bowls at a high speed for a spinner, resulting in lesser turn, and relying more on variations in speed. He occasionally sends down a bouncer to a batsmen, which is very rare for a spin bowler.

International career

In October 1996 at the age of sixteen he was brought into the ODI team as a legspinner as a replacement for the injured Mushtaq Ahmed. He then gained notability as a pinch-hitter and began opening with Saeed Anwar. He holds the record for scoring the fastest century in one-day internationals (off 37 balls)[12], scored in only his second match and his first ODI innings. He also shares with Brian Lara the record for the third-fastest century in ODIs (off 45 balls). One of Pakistan’s most useful all-rounders, he has an extremely aggressive batting style, which has garnered him over 5,000 ODI runs (including an erstwhile world-record 249 sixes, recently broken by Sanath Jayasuriya), as well as taking over 250 wickets at ODI and 47 at Test level.

For various reasons, including a perception that he lacks patience in his batting, Afridi had limited opportunity in Test matches, although he currently averages in the high thirties and mid-thirties with bat and ball respectively. As it is, Afridi has featured in less than one third of the Test Matches played by Pakistan over the course of his career.[13] However, he made his presence felt in the third Test against India in March 2005, scoring a quick-fire second-innings half-century and taking five wickets in the match (including Tendulkar twice) to help Pakistan to win the game and register a series draw.

It is perceived that his batting struggles on bouncy pitches and against opponents like Australia, although his record against the Australians has improved over time. Although he has had success as an opener on sub-continent pitches, Afridi is often moved into the lower order as well.

Afridi was more consistent with his batting and bowling throughout 2005, starting with the tours of India and West Indies and through to the England tour. The Pakistani coach Bob Woolmer helped Afridi to reach a fuller potential by improving his shot selection and giving him free rein over his batting attitude.

In the 2007 World Twenty20, he performed poorly with the bat but brilliantly with the ball, earning the Man of the Series award, though he failed to take a wicket in the final and was out for a golden duck.

Career Highlights

* On 4 October 1996, playing his maiden international innings, Afridi hit the fastest One-Day century off 37 balls against Sri Lanka in Nairobi. His innings included 28 runs off one of Sanath Jayasuriya’s overs, whose record he broke. [15]

* Youngest player in history to make an ODI century at just 16 years and 217 days with his 37 ball ton against Sri Lanka. It included 11 sixes and 6 fours. [16]

* Made a half-century from 26 balls and took 3 second-innings wickets in Pakistan’s series-drawing Test victory against India in March 2005.[14]

* Holds the joint record with Brian Lara for the third fastest ODI century off 45 balls in April 2005 against India. [17] This actually was the first match that witnessed the Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Ravi Shastri make him the nickname Boom Boom Afridi.

* Equal highest aggregate sixes scored in the 50-over game, shared the legendary Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya, and he the most sixes per innings record.

* Scored four consecutive sixes off a Harbhajan Singh over in a Test match against India in January 2006, matching a feat that Kapil Dev achieved in 1990.

* Was the first player to score 12 runs off one ball, by hitting the roof of the Millennium Stadium. This took place in a game of Power Cricket.[citation needed][clarification needed]

* Holds four of the top eight fastest ODI half centuries, twice completed in 18 balls and twice in 20 balls. He has also scored a half century off just 21 balls.

* Made 32 runs off a Malinga Bandara over in an ODI game at Abu Dhabi in 2007. He struck four consecutive sixes and it was the 2nd most expensive over in ODI history.

* Afridi is only third player in ODI history to achieve the combination of 5000 runs and 200 wickets. The other players being Sri Lankan batsman Sanath Jayasuriya and South African Jacques Kallis.

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi makes 32 runs from 1 over vs Sri Lanka

Shahid Afridi : Fastest ODI Hundred