In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, ex Pakistan batsmen, Basit Ali, indicated Malik's influence on Sialkot Stallions as a key factor to their success

By Nasser Khan (9th April, 2012)

The latest installment of the Faysal Bank Super Eight T20 Cup was deemed an unreserved success by all observers. The tournament played in Rawalpindi drew massive crowds and was considered as yet another testament to the popularity of cricket in Pakistan.

The result in the end was perhaps inevitable – seven-time domestic champions Sialkot Stallions against the Karachi Dolphins - the team which have now developed a reputation for underachievement in big games. Despite the entertaining tournament, perhaps the most important story of the tournament is that the match was watched by over 20,000 fans packed into the stadium in Rawalpindi, with estimates of 15,000 or so outside the ground. The passion for cricket in a land where no international matches are played remains strong, the continuation of a love affair that is deeply entwined with the national psyche no doubt further buoyed by the national team's recent success.


Security at the tournament had been tight and the teams accompanied by dozens of armed guards during their travel from the hotels to the stadium. The necessity for such cordons was unfortunate, the importance in the broader context of enticing international cricket back into the country indestructible.


The final was attended by Dav Whatmore and Julian Fountain and unconfirmed rumors of the new coach's appreciation of Shoaib Malik's skills as captain will have gained further traction after his team's success in the final. In exclusive remarks to PakPassion.net, ex Pakistan batsmen, Basit Ali, indicated Malik's influence on Sialkot Stallions as a key factor to their success

“There were two main driving forces; Shoaib Malik's captaincy and his top quality leadership as well as the overall strength of the Sialkot Stallions team, especially the bowling which was very impressive”


Ali, a native of Karachi who remains closely involved with Pakistani domestic cricket, also identified Malik's ability to select and integrate youngsters such as Haris Sohail into the Sialkot side is as a positive attribute

“Haris, in my opinion, performed well and one who I believe will continue to perform in the future. He has a very good technique and is a solid player. I believe he will be a part of Pakistan set-up very soon.”


The same sentiments did not, however, extend to the management of Sialkot’s young pace ace, Bilawal Bhatti, who may well have missed a golden opportunity to impress the national selectors scouring the country for fresh talent.

“The young fast bowler [Bilawal] played for the Stallions in the first game but was subsequently discarded - It was wrong of team management to select him and then drop him so quickly, after only one match. The more experienced Umaid Asif bowled very well, but Bilawal Bhatti could have been even better had he been given the chance.”

The beaten finalists and perennial bridesmaids Karachi have deep-rooted issues beyond their perceived mental fragility. Their inability to win big games was point stressed by Basit and he pointed out the perceived injustice of Tabish Khan’s non selection as one of the reasons for the loss.

“In big games such as the final, it comes down to individuals who are capable of winning the games and in the contest between Sialkot and Karachi, it was obvious Sialkot had more match-winners. Karachi don't seem to be producing them of late. There are players who could have been selected in the form of quality young talent, such as Tabish Khan, whose omission I believe was misguided and the player, in my view, suffered injustice. He should have been selected. Tabish has been performing consistently in domestic circuit and these kinds of players should have been given chances at the big stage.”


Whilst the success of the tournament cannot be doubted on both cricketing, and perhaps more importantly, administrative and logistical levels, Basit Ali did identify a number of key areas of improvement which the PCB would be well advised to consider for future tournaments.

“PCB must use DRS in domestic tournaments and international quality balls to expose our local players to conditions encountered while playing at the international level. It is a fact that the balls used in the tournament were not of sufficiently high quality – they had to be changed a couple of times in the final. Until such concrete steps are taken, the domestic players ability to survive at the international level will always be an issue”


The PCB hope the successful organisation of high-profile domestic tournaments will continue to build the case for the return of international cricket to Pakistan. Time will tell whether this is the case or not, but more importantly the Faysal Bank Cup has allowed the residents of Pakistan to support their heroes and experience the unique atmosphere of watching high-profile matches at home.