"I am still the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan": Anwar Ali

[MenInG]

The 2006 Under-19 World Cup holds a special significance for ardent followers of Pakistan cricket. It was in the February of that year that a young fast-bowling all-rounder captured the imagination of a cricket mad nation.

Anwar Ali was eighteen years old when his bowling performance for Pakistan Under-19s against arch rivals India in the final of the of the Under-19 World Cup brought a historic thirty-eight run victory to the nation. His own contribution was a fantastic five-wicket haul along with seventeen runs and it appeared that a new star was fast rising for Pakistan.

Fast forward to 2017 and Anwar Ali’s promise of a glittering career seems a distant memory as he struggles to earn a recall to the national team, managing to make just thirty-eight international appearances after his debut in October 2008.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Anwar Ali spoke of his experience in international cricket, reminisced about the 2006 Under-19 World Cup and looked forward to resurrecting his international career on the back of good performances in the upcoming Pakistan Super League.

There is no doubting the fact that a move from domestic cricket to international cricket requires a lot of hard-work and can be a challenging experience as well. Whilst Anwar Ali may not have made as many appearances for his country as he would have hoped for, he is clear about the learning aspect of his association with the Pakistan team as he explained “I've enjoyed playing international cricket and I think I've done quite well and have learnt a lot from the experience, but it's a very tough environment. To play for Pakistan is a very tough and demanding ask. It's a huge challenge as there is a lot of competition for places and there are three or four players fighting for each slot in the team.”

Sarfraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim are two Pakistan players who were in the same Under-19 World Cup winning squad as Anwar Ali. Whereas both Sarfraz and Imad continue to establish themselves in the national team, Anwar Ali has had to fight an uphill battle to make himself known at the highest level. Anyone else in his position would struggle to carry on but Anwar draws inspiration from his record as a Pakistan player and feels that he has never been lacking in terms of the efforts he has put in for his country.

“It's fair to say that my start in international cricket in the fifty-over format went well especially given that it was against South Africa in their own conditions when they were at the top of the rankings. It was a tough challenge but it went really well and I put in a solid performance with bat and ball in that match. I did put in some good performances for Pakistan but my consistency was lacking. I did well against Sri Lanka in the T20I series against them in 2015 and made forty-six off only seventeen balls in Colombo. I've always given my all and I'm proud that nobody can question my effort and commitment for Pakistan.”

With the recent dismal performance in Test matches on the tour of Australia, there has been a general outcry about the lack of a solid fast-bowling all-rounder as an important member of the unit. To many, a player like Anwar Ali would fit that bill with ease at least in the shorter formats of the game, but the fact is that the Pakistan selectors have ignored this type of player in favour of the slower bowlers. Whilst this may be disheartening for Anwar’s future in the Pakistan team, he is convinced that he has the wherewithal to take up this role in the team as he commented “It's fair to say that the Pakistan team these days relies on spin-bowling all-rounders rather than pace-bowling all-rounders, but credit to those players as they have performed well, but I believe that I am still the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan and I feel that I can make a strong comeback for Pakistan.”

In many ways, the young Anwar Ali of 2006 was the quintessential Pakistan pace-demon; full of energy and armed with pace and able to bowl unplayable deliveries at his whim. Whilst some of his colleagues as well as some of his opponents in the famous final game against India Under-19s went to construct successful careers, Anwar Ali seems to have fallen by the wayside. However he remains hopeful of better days in the future.

“I will always be remembered fondly by Pakistan cricket lovers as the bowler who bowled the huge inswingers in the Under-19 World Cup of 2006 and that's really pleasing for me. Those were memorable times and an unforgettable period in my life. Of course, I hoped that those inswingers would have stayed with me throughout my career, but it wasn't to be. I started playing four-day domestic cricket for Karachi and bowled some very long spells and as a consequence I suffered a serious side-strain which meant that I had to change my bowling action. Unfortunately, when I changed my bowling action, the inswingers were lost, but in the past few months I have been working hard on my bowling and on my fitness and I feel that there has been a major improvement in my bowling and people will now see a new-look Anwar Ali with the ball.”

Despite missing out on a regular place in the national team, Anwar has continued to loyally contribute in First-class cricket for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) whom he joined in October of 2007. Historically speaking, the PIA team has featured some very well-known names of Pakistan cricket in the past but he feels that there is a dearth of new talent coming through for his team and action needs to be taken immediately by PIA to rectify the issue before its too late.

"PIA had some great players in the past like Wasim Akram, Moin Khan and Saqlain Mushtaq and were one of the top teams in Pakistan domestic cricket but we aren't producing the calibre of player we need to. I captained PIA this season and you can only work with the talent available. The youngsters just aren't coming through like they used to at PIA. What we need to do is to invest in our grass roots cricket at PIA and then that will enable us to develop the young talent."

The talent and skills that marked Anwar Ali as a promising future prospect for Pakistan in 2006 was built upon some solid performances but time marches on. With every passing season, as newer players come on to the scene, Anwar Ali’s chances of making a comeback to the national side diminish further but surrender is not a word in his vocabulary and he continues to work hard. He knows that the eyes of the world will be on players in the upcoming PSL tournament and this would present an ideal opportunity for him to showcase his skills and gain the nod of the selectors, “I'm 29 and definitely not past my best. I feel that my performances in domestic cricket this season have been very good. I feel that I am in good rhythm and in good form with both the bat and ball. I'm targeting the Pakistan Super League to show people that I am not past my best and can still play a role for Pakistan in international cricket. I want to be the best all-rounder at this tournament. The PSL provides all players with a great opportunity to impress the selectors and I have set myself some targets and goals with a view to returning to international cricket. The main thing is that my team Quetta Gladiators do well, but from a personal perspective I aim to have a good tournament to enhance my reputation and to make an international comeback”, he concluded.

[Taaya]

Aamer Yamin is a better bowler and batsman. Anwar is a better fielder.

[Navdeep Srivastava]

No you are not, even Haffez with new action is still better than you.

[Smbhayi]

No you are not, even Haffez with new action is still better than you.

hafeez is a spinner BTW!

[kingusama92]

Incredible confidence for someone averaging 50+ with the ball after 22 matches.

[Arham_PakFan]

Well,you can't say he's lacking confidence.

[marlonbrowndo]

I think he is extremely poor in all aspects of the game except fielding.

[Mamoon]

He is, if you reverse his batting and bowling averages.

[Gabbar Singh]

At least he is not lacking in self belief.

[LegbreakGoogly]

A nothing cricketer. Defination of bits a pieces cricketer. And to say that I'm the best all rounder in the country is a poor comment.

[Kaka4pope]

He seems a top guy and the confidence is something that is good to see, even if many feel he isn't up to being our 7/8 in LOIs. To be a sparkling teenager, who bowled what was a crazy spell at U19 level (mental stuff), to then suffer serious injury that required action changes, couldn't have been easy. Must be said, if anything else, lad's a good athlete, whenever I've seen him play.

So whatever happens, just want to wish him all the best...

[MenInG]

http://tribune.com.pk/story/1301779/...r-ali-answers/

Pakistan right-arm pacer Anwar Ali, who first came into the limelight for bowling in-swinging deliveries to India’s U19 team in the 2006 U19 World Cup final, opened up about the loss of the skill that brought him international fame.

Anwar, who was 19 at that time, took five wickets to lead Pakistan to silverware at Colombo including that of now twice double-centurion in ODIs, Indian batsman Rohit Sharma.


The 29-year-old was once again asked to play a heroic innings for Pakistan at the same venue, Colombo, when the Men in Green were playing against Sri Lanka in a two-T20 series in 2015. His 46 off 17 balls helped the then captain Shahid Afridi’s team to bag the series 2-0.


“I will always be remembered fondly by Pakistan cricket lovers as the bowler who delivered huge inswingers in the U19 World Cup in 2006 and that’s really pleasing for me,” said Anwar. “Those were memorable times and an unforgettable period of my life. Of course, I hoped that those in-swingers would have stayed with me throughout my career, but it wasn’t to be.”

And why did he lose his in-swing?

Anwar says he had to change his action due to a serious side-strain. “I started playing four-day domestic cricket for Karachi. I bowled some very long spells and as a consequence I suffered a serious side-strain which meant that I had to change my bowling action. Unfortunately, when I changed my bowling action, the in-swing was lost.”

Nevertheless, Anwar is hopeful that he will be back soon with a new and improved outlook. “However, in the past few months I have been working hard on my bowling and fitness. I feel there has been a major improvement in my bowling and people will now see a new-look Anwar Ali with the ball.”

‘Still the best’

Pakistan chief selector Inzamamul Haq, since his appointment, has been ruing the lack of all-rounders in the national team. Recently, Pakistan have been relying on Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz to fill that space.

Anwar Ali dropped from ODI squad against Zimbabwe over poor fitness

However, Anwar says he is still the best fast-bowling all-rounder Pakistan have at the moment.

“It’s fair to say that the Pakistan team these days relies on spin-bowling all-rounders rather than fast-bowling all-rounders,” he said. “Credit to those players as they have performed well, but I believe that I am still the best fast-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan and I feel that I can make a strong comeback for Pakistan.”

‘Inconsistent but committed’

Anwar, who has represented Pakistan in 22 ODIs and 16 T20Is, said his inconsistency cost his him position in the national team but he always gave his all for the team.

“I did put in some good performances for Pakistan but I lacked consistency. I’ve always given my all and I’m proud that nobody can question my effort and commitment for Pakistan,” he explained.

‘Not past my best’

Anwar, who has taken 18 wickets in ODIs and 10 wickets in T20Is for Pakistan, said he still a lot to offer to the team.

Back in contention: Anwar Ali itching to return

“I’m 29 and definitely not past my best,” he said. “I feel that my performances in domestic cricket this season have been very good. I am in good rhythm and in good form with both bat and ball.”

He added that he is targeting the second edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to prove to selectors that he is worth a spot in the national team.

“I’m targeting the PSL to show everyone that I am not past my best and can still play a role for Pakistan in international cricket. I want to be the best all-rounder of the tournament. The PSL provides all players with a great opportunity to impress the selectors and I have set myself some goals with a view a return to international cricket.”

Anwar Ali was interviewed by PakPassion
_________________________________________________

http://dailytimes.com.pk/sports/21-J...er-in-pakistan

[Syed1]

Well he may have a point you know. The "pace bowling alrounders" in domestics have not really impressed. It just shows the dearth of talent we have that a guy like Anwar Ali can be at the top of the pecking order.

[Cpt. Rishwat]

He's not the worst bowler to be fair, he can mix it up pretty well and at least shows some control. His batting is nowhere near good enough to make him qualify as an all rounder though. That's the problem. He's an ordinary bowler who can't bat.

[Arham_PakFan]

Good performance from him today in the National ODI Cup vs Rawalpindi.

Got figures of 3-30 as well as 22 runs off 23 balls.

[ExpressPacer]

Aww. We see another Afridi in him. So proud.

On a serious note, if he is the best pace bowling all rounder in Pakistan then Pakistan have A LOT to worry about. But gladly, Amad Butt is the best so we've got it all covered.

[sshakir411]

still a better bowler than Aamer Yamin...his batting sucks though and disqualifies him from being an all-rounder

[Madplayer]

what does he mean by "still"??? when was he ever the best all rounder?

[waleed88]

I was watching him bat for a domestic game today... makes 22 of 23 in an ODI game in the last 7-8 overs, he perishes with 4 overs to go, he goes across the line trying to swipe him on the leg side... which was laughable, he got lbw trying to hit that shot out of the park.. if this is the level he is batting at on the flat wickets of Pakistan.. then God help us if he is the only allrounder left in our country..

I had high hopes from him, I even made a thread if he could be our Angelo Mathews in Test Matches... but he has deteriorated at a rate of knots, his PSL performance was the final nail in the coffin.. he was extremely poor

[ExplicitAI]

Aamer Yamin was way better, he can swing the ball and is a much better batsman than Anwar, whereas Anwar was one of the best fielders in Pakistan in recent games.

[The_Odd_One]

He is not wrong. If you consider all aspects, hi indeed is the best fast bowling all-rounder in Pakistan.

[Hasan123]

He's the 1st ever fielding all rounder in cricket

[Abdullah719]

Should work on his batting, I think that's his only way into the side at the moment. His slogging was quite useful but a bit too leg-side focused and thus he struggled with wider deliveries outside off. But he can hit it a long way so if he can become a more effective power-hitter, he can be useful. His bowling is very ineffective though so expecting more than 4 or 5 overs a match would be a bad idea.

[Rayyman]

Good performance from him today in the National ODI Cup vs Rawalpindi.

Got figures of 3-30 as well as 22 runs off 23 balls.

22 runs off 23 balls is terrible for late order slogger.

[moghul]

He probably is right, only because there are not too many good fast bowling allrounders we have. He is still better than likes of Bhatti, Hamad and many others.

Not good enough to be in team , but if I have to pick between him and Hafeez, I would go for him. Better fielder and batsman.

[zyrus]

If he's the best fast bowling all-rounder we got, I am off supporting Pak Cricket.

[MenInG]

http://www.brecorder.com/sports/cric...i.htmlPakistan discarded cricketer Anwar Ali believes that he is the best pace bowling all rounder in the country. The all rounder has been out of the international circuit, now eyes PSL II to make his way back into the team.

"I am still the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan and I feel that I can make a strong comeback for Pakistan," said Anwar in an interview to Pak Passion.

Anwar has been currently active in the domestic circuit, and is representing Karachi Whites in the Regional One Day Cup. The all rounder believes that not being consistent cost him the place in the team.

"I did put in some good performances for Pakistan but I lacked consistency. Ive always given my all and Im proud that nobody can question my effort and commitment for Pakistan," he explained.

Anwar, who has represented Pakistan in 22 ODIs and 16 T20Is, was optimistic that he has been quite committed towards his goal of improvement. "In the past few months I have been working hard on my bowling and fitness. I feel there has been a major improvement in my bowling and people will now see a new-look Anwar Ali with the ball," he said.

He further informed that he is targeting the upcoming PSL as a showcase of his talents, "Im targeting the PSL to show everyone that I am not past my best and can still play a role for Pakistan in international cricket. I want to be the best all-rounder of the tournament. The PSL provides all players with a great opportunity to impress the selectors and I have set myself some goals with a view a return to international cricket."

[Arsalan Pro]

Not best but not the worst either,comparing with the options available.

[MenInG]

http://arysports.tv/anwar-ali-aims-t...ounder-of-psl/

Pakistan’s fast-bowling allrounder, Anwar Ali is looking forward to make an impact during the upcoming season of Pakistan Super League and prove that his best yet to come.

“I’m targeting the PSL to show everyone that I am not past my best and can still play a role for Pakistan in international cricket. I want to be the best all-rounder of the tournament,” he told PakPassion.net

He coined PSL a great opportunity for players to impress the selectors.

“The PSL provides all players with a great opportunity to impress the selectors and I have set myself some goals with a view a return to international cricket.”

The 29-year old believes that he is the best pace bowling allrounder in Pakistan at the moment and he is capable of making another comeback to the national side.

Since Inzamam Ul Haq has taken over the post of chief selector, Anwar Ali has been out of the team and spin-bowling allrounders like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz are playing the role.

“Credit to those players as they have performed well, but I believe that I am still the best fast-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan and I feel that I can make a strong comeback for Pakistan,” said the former U19 star.

Anwar Ali said that he has been working hard on his fitness and his bowling, he feels that his fans will see a new Anwar Ali.

“In the past few months I have been working hard on my bowling and fitness. I feel there has been a major improvement in my bowling and people will now see a new-look Anwar Ali with the ball,” he revealed.

[Boi]

lol hes going to get smashed in the PSL. The likes of Sharjeel, BMac and Gayle - if he decides to show up - wont spare him if Sarfraz decides to open the bowling with him again.

How he managed to get a contract but Hammad got snubbed is beyond me.

[Hawkeye]

The reason why we are the worst cricketing team in the world, in LOIs.

[LordJames]

Its sad that there is some element of truth to his claims. I hope someone really turns up at PSL and screams for selection....By God country needs one

[Abid Z]

Pakistan team are seriously lacking a decent pace bowling all rounder. I remember times when even shane Watson and Abdul Razzaq appeared ordinary and suddenly were top of the tree as all rounders. A bit of hard work and a season or two later he might just be good enough to get back into the team.

[hitthestump]

If you're the best all rounder in Pakistan then how badly does it highlight the lack of talent coming through the ranks.

The sad truth is he probably isn't far off

[hitthestump]

Pakistan team are seriously lacking a decent pace bowling all rounder. I remember times when even shane Watson and Abdul Razzaq appeared ordinary and suddenly were top of the tree as all rounders. A bit of hard work and a season or two later he might just be good enough to get back into the team.

Hard work? He's Pakistani. Why work hard when nepotism and bribes get you where you want to be 95% of the time

[Abid Z]

Hard work? He's Pakistani. Why work hard when nepotism and bribes get you where you want to be 95% of the time

I dont think so..i remember reading about him in 2011/12 when he couldn't get a go in the team even though he did well in under 19 level and Razaq was well past his sell by date..Anwar got in because he genuinely was a handy seaming all rounder. Its just a shame he hasn't been able to develop as much as we all would have liked. I think he has been coached Poorly but just needs more experience. Hes been quite ordinary in last few games he has played and rightly dropped. Nepotism would have seen him picked again and again.

[Arsalan Pro]

Proving what he said with figures of 5-49 and 45 of just 28 deliveries in the semifinal against Islamabad.

[SL_Fan]

Regional One Day Cup, 1st Semi-final: Karachi Whites v Islamabad at Karachi, Jan 23, 2017

Anwar Ali 45 (28) and 49/5 off 9.1 ov

[Statsman]

Regional One Day Cup, 1st Semi-final: Karachi Whites v Islamabad at Karachi, Jan 23, 2017

Anwar Ali 45 (28) and 49/5 off 9.1 ov

Looks like someone had found his mojo back. Strong performance. Should help his case.

[Chief Destroyer]

Looks like someone had found his mojo back. Strong performance. Should help his case.

He picked a bunch of soft wickets against tailenders.

[hadi123]

I would really consider adding him back to white ball squads if he does well in PSL and final. Not really cos of his bowling but his fielding and his batting mainly

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Still believes when it comes pace allrounders that Hammad Azam is the best bet.

[Belawal2014]

All leg-side hoicks in the SF. Not one off-side stroke from him.

[moghul]

Still believes when it comes pace allrounders that Hammad Azam is the best bet.

Hammad is not a pacer, he paroabably is a batsman who can bowl some military medium stuff. If you cannot bat or bowl, in Pakistan , you're an all rounder.

[moghul]

I would really consider adding him back to white ball squads if he does well in PSL and final. Not really cos of his bowling but his fielding and his batting mainly

Also for the fact that he was dropped but no one better than him has emerged since.

[marlonbrowndo]

Don't be fooled by that semi final performance. Awful player

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Hammad is not a pacer, he paroabably is a batsman who can bowl some military medium stuff. If you cannot bat or bowl, in Pakistan , you're an all rounder.

Not like we have much better that's the issue

[MenInG]

Regional One Day Cup, 1st Semi-final: Karachi Whites v Islamabad at Karachi, Jan 23, 2017

Anwar Ali 45 (28) and 49/5 off 9.1 ov

Self fulfilling prophecy in the making...

[Statsman]

He picked a bunch of soft wickets against tailenders.

5 tailenders?

[cricketInsight]

andhon main qana raja

[khurram39]

Yes he is a good player in the current lot available and we need a pacer all rounder and i remember the T20 in which he bated so well to make Pakistan home but still he is or any one else not been considered to be in Pakistan team as a pacer all rounder. Why? I don't know. Every other team has a pacer all rounder except Pakistan.

[cricketInsight]

Yes he is a good player in the current lot available and we need a pacer all rounder and i remember the T20 in which he bated so well to make Pakistan home but still he is or any one else not been considered to be in Pakistan team as a pacer all rounder. Why? I don't know. Every other team has a pacer all rounder except Pakistan.

Who would he replace in the team? Imad or Junaid Khan?

[Chief Destroyer]

5 tailenders?

Yes, pretty much.

[Mir jibran]

if he has a wonderful psl season this year then surely he ll be back for windies tour
5 6 overs with 35 40 quick runs should be his role
we need a big hitter and if he says hes the best allrounder available he should show that in psl

[MenInG]

Currently on 13 wickets and on number 3 position in the list of wicket-takers

Sohail Tanvir (no 1) and M Asghar's (2) teams are out so Anwar just needs 3 wickets to end up as the top dog!

Wow - this is so exciting; its almost like we all willed him to that!

[Seamer]

If he does well maybe he should get a go in the Windies tour

[MenInG]

He is for sure!


Declared the winner of the all Rounder/Outstanding Cricketer: Anwar Ali (Karachi Whites) 14 wickets & 216 runs Rs.50,000/-

[Asif321]

should be in team as batting all rounder.

[Syed1]

Making a case for himself for selection.

You have to understand Anwar was played as an opening bowler which he obviously isn't. Anwar is more of a 2nd, 3rd change bowler who should be entrusted to bowl tight overs in the middle of the innings.

Batting is very very hit or miss, since he only has one shot in his armoury.

[moghul]

He is a mediocre player but still the best fast bowling all rounder we have. At least he is fit, athletic and very good fielder.

[ali2220]

Rubbish bowler, its better to invest on youngsters like Amad and Shadab rather than going back to Anwar and bhatti.

[khurram39]

Who would he replace in the team? Imad or Junaid Khan?

In 16 squad he can easily replaced with Rahat while in playing 11 we have to see the wicket and no. of bowlers we are playing with. In modern cricket no team went with 5 bowlers option only. Even in test matches we need at least 5 bowlers. I am not saying he is fit for test. We need a pacer all rounder and he is.

[cricketInsight]

should be in team as batting all rounder.

man - what a great idea!

[hadi123]

he needs to be in the team as a batting all rounder. When he was in the team he was being played as a front line bowler which he is not. He should be played as a lower order hitter who can bowl a few overs in the middle period of an innings and an excellent fielder who is very physically fit. He is a must in ODI's but not sure about tests or t20s hope he has a good PSL

[Saj]

Let's see how he does at the PSL.

Seems fortunate that he actually played so many games for Pakistan.

[Chief Destroyer]

Seems to be struggling in the PSL.

[Abdullah719]

Seems to be struggling in the PSL.

Just a minor blip on his way to becoming the premier pace-bowling all-rounder in the World.
___________________

Still feel he should focus more on his batting, to be honest.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Seems to be struggling in the PSL.

this is his standard sadly, he is performing as expected

Still feel he should focus more on his batting, to be honest.

bit to late for that, almost 30.

[saeed5646]

What a bowling performance So far In PSL 2 by anwar ali with the ball take a bow

[pakistanigoneaussie]

you could tell watson was just waiting for him to bowl, stupidity by Sarfraz to give him 4 overs when he had perera.

[Madplayer]

you could tell watson was just waiting for him to bowl, stupidity by Sarfraz to give him 4 overs when he had perera.

A friend in need is anwar ali indeed.

[Adil_94]

Anwars bowling are just harmless pies he should focus on his batting has a lot more potential in that department.

[The cricket enthusiast]

what amaze me is that even after getting phainti like in a over 4,6,6 or having a figure of 1-51 in 3.3 overs
he walk back after bowling like Mcgrath.
and add to that his statement
"I am still the best pace-bowling all-rounder in Pakistan"
it proves that these guys think they have enough talent no need to improve and work on weakness.
sad to see umar , anwar , jamshed downfall

[Boi]

joke of a player

[Abdullah719]

Not a good show today.

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Legend, won the game for united all by himself

[Syed1]

Single-handedly lost his side the match

[Syed1]

Not a good show today.

Man your avatar is applicable in every thread

[marlonbrowndo]

An all rounder who can't bat or bowl. A specialist fielder. Awful player this guy

[Asif321]

his 4 overs were amazing and wicket of afridi . very good performance