Why So Much Love For Shahid Afridi?

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI SS - Is todays game fixed? Perhaps Afridi was supposed to get out like that?

I did not watch it to comment but highly unlikely.

[sam]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Good to know.

Pleasure's all mine.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by BoomBoomCricket In a perfect world Yasir Shah or an extra bowler would have been playing instead of having Afridi in the side. His bowling form does not last for long & his batting does not look to be changing any time soon. His captaincy is a clear limitation so where does that leave him? His actual value is questionable more often than one may think.

Tauba tauba kaisi baat kartay.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail I did not watch it to comment but highly unlikely.

Why was it unlikely?

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI Why was it unlikely?

In current climate if you fix games it only means you are backed by your cricket board and ICC.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by Faizan Lakhani I can only feel sorry on your negative mentality, do you think he does all the charity work for cheap publicity? do you even have a clue what he is doing ? he never advertise his charity work and I know a thousand steps where he avoided sharing any news of his charity work with media. and night club? do you really have any proof that Afridi is a frequent visitor of night club? come on man, get a life and refrain from making baseless allegations just to please your hate-afridi-faith.

FYI: I myself have given money to him for his charity work in the past, but after seeing his other part of the life, I have stopped giving anything to him. ( please don't ask any more details).

[saeed-sohail]

Player should be judged on performance on a cricket field not on charity work.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail In current climate if you fix games it only means you are backed by your cricket board and ICC.

what does that mean?

[Kray_jackson7]

What more do people want? He comes with the need to accelerate and needing big hits, he had a license to try hitting every ball to the boundary because they was plenty of batsmen left, Yes today osama only made 8 but he tried to go for it, promoted himself up the order but just couldnt get going, never mind though.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI what does that mean?

Yaar all I am saying fixing still goes on backed by authorities.ICC and respective boards will never want the game to lose its creditability meaning fixing mafia is still at large.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by makaveli786 What more do people want? He comes with the need to accelerate and needing big hits, he had a license to try hitting every ball to the boundary because they was plenty of batsmen left, Yes today osama only made 8 but he tried to go for it, promoted himself up the order but just couldnt get going, never mind though.

????

[Fireworks11]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Yaar all I am saying fixing still goes on backed by authorities.ICC and respective boards will never want the game to lose its creditability meaning fixing mafia is still at large.

How do you know?

[*sallu*]

Originally Posted by makaveli786 What more do people want? He comes with the need to accelerate and needing big hits, he had a license to try hitting every ball to the boundary because they was plenty of batsmen left, Yes today osama only made 8 but he tried to go for it, promoted himself up the order but just couldnt get going, never mind though.

No one with hitting power

Afridi should take that gamble when he has finishers left

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Yaar all I am saying fixing still goes on backed by authorities.ICC and respective boards will never want the game to lose its creditability meaning fixing mafia is still at large.

Doesnt that mean todays game might be fixed? Or are they laying low for a bit?

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Player should be judged on performance on a cricket field not on charity work.

People in Pakistan are very simple and naive, they easily being fooled by these corrupt people or leaders. No wonder, Zardari is our president!!

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by fireworks11 How do you know?

I believe he has connections....

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by MR__KHAN__JI I believe he has connections....

Please no.I am not a bookie or something yes I do know few things about past games played in Eng based on private info by players who played county cricket and people close to them.

There is this ex ****** player who boasted openly that how they made money from a particular game.
Another player confirmed how BD 99 game was thrown.
Same player use to ring his friend in bradford during ICL games to give him valuable info.

Note this info was not shared in front of strangers only trusted friends.

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by fireworks11 How do you know?

So you think only butt aamir and asif were involved in fixing.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail So you think only butt aamir and asif were involved in fixing.

Unfortunately, majority of the cricket fans thinks that match fixing was/is limited to trio players and current players who are playing cricket are holy.

[Looney]

even a hate thread about is 7 pages long

jiyo Lala

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Unfortunately, majority of the cricket fans thinks that match fixing was/is limited to trio players and current players who are playing cricket are holy.

Not really, but they are some players who no-one with half a brain accuses because to think they are fixers will be dumb.

Also i see once again you bringing out the 'i know what afridi gets up to in private time when not doing charity work'

[MC]

Zaid65 man, I always see you mention Afridi and nightclubs, which I find pretty difficult to believe. So would you mind telling us when was the last time you heard/saw him hitting a nightclub and where? And I'm assuming you are not talking about Afridi's lifestyle of 90's.

[MR__KHAN__JI]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Please no.I am not a bookie or something yes I do know few things about past games played in Eng based on private info by players who played county cricket and people close to them. There is this ex ****** player who boasted openly that how they made money from a particular game. Another player confirmed how BD 99 game was thrown. Same player use to ring his friend in bradford during ICL games to give him valuable info. Note this info was not shared in front of strangers only trusted friends.

I wasnt thinking bookies circles...

Did they confirm Board involvement?

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by MC Zaid65 man, I always see you mention Afridi and nightclubs, which I find pretty difficult to believe. So would you mind telling us when was the last time you heard/saw him hitting a nightclub and where? And I'm assuming you are not talking about Afridi's lifestyle of 90's.

When baba was in UK during his and YKs charity tour despite spending all evening at late night functions and then even after that goin on TV channel (i think DM Digital) all for raising money zaid believed Afridi still found time to hit nightclubs and get up to naughty business despite on 5 of his 7 days in UK he would be travelling all morning getting to the next charity dinner. If you want an exact date i can get it for you because i went to visit him

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by MC Zaid65 man, I always see you mention Afridi and nightclubs, which I find pretty difficult to believe. So would you mind telling us when was the last time you heard/saw him hitting a nightclub and where? And I'm assuming you are not talking about Afridi's lifestyle of 90's.

I am talking about Afridi of current era.

[MC]

Originally Posted by zaid65 I am talking about Afridi of current era.

When was the last time you saw him at a club and where?

[Fireworks11]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail So you think only butt aamir and asif were involved in fixing.

No. Just questioning how you know about these things, which you clarified in post #499.

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by MC When was the last time you saw him at a club and where?

What does it matter if he was or wasn't?

Human beings are complex and multi-facetted.

Just because he is a night club, it doesn't negate his charity work.

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by miandadrules What does it matter if he was or wasn't. Human beings are complex and multi-facetted. Just because he is a night club, it doesn't negate his charity work.

Yes but lies trying to lower peoples opinion of a certain player should be squashed.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by miandadrules What does it matter if he was or wasn't. Human beings are complex and multi-facetted. Just because he is a night club, it doesn't negate his charity work.

Fair point, but in Pakistan, most of the people's charity work always have hidden ambitions and objectives.

There are so many people are doing charity, but nobody even knows their charity work. But when people involving media and youtube in their charity work, that's not a charity, that is called drama baazi or attention seeking behavior.

[sam]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Fair point, but in Pakistan, most of the people's charity work always have hidden ambitions and objectives. There are so many people are doing charity, but nobody even knows their charity work. But when people involving media and youtube in their charity work, that's not a charity, that is called drama baazi or attention seeking behavior.

Bhai,

You know so much about everything, everyone. Can you please help us with this question too?

Originally Posted by MC When was the last time you saw him at a club and where?

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Fair point, but in Pakistan, most of the people's charity work always have hidden ambitions and objectives. There are so many people are doing charity, but nobody even knows their charity work. But when people involving media and youtube in their charity work, that's not a charity, that is called drama baazi or attention seeking behavior.

I beg to differ, i think using media and youtube is a great way to get more people involved in the charity work and spread the word further.

And sometimes when you are famous and popular media and youtube videos will always know and surface.

[MC]

Originally Posted by miandadrules What does it matter if he was or wasn't? Human beings are complex and multi-facetted. Just because he is a night club, it doesn't negate his charity work.

I'm genuinely curious and thats all.

Seems like Zaid65 is having a hard time remembering a single instance where he saw Afridi at a nightclub. Hmmm interesting.

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Fair point, but in Pakistan, most of the people's charity work always have hidden ambitions and objectives. There are so many people are doing charity, but nobody even knows their charity work. But when people involving media and youtube in their charity work, that's not a charity, that is called drama baazi or attention seeking behavior.

True, but if it does some good then it is better then if it wasn't done at all.

I'm sure that the praise Afridi gets, does massage his ego, but ultimately it is for a good cause. We all feel good when someone praises our noble efforts and in that respect Afridi is no different to the rest of us.

Afridi isn't a saint but he seems to do some good, whatever his intentions maybe.

His batting on the other hand, the less said about that the better.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by MC I'm genuinely curious and thats all. Seems like Zaid65 is having a hard time remembering a single instance where he saw Afridi at a nightclub. Hmmm interesting.

I choose not to say further on this issue, because this would be too much information to share on web, and leave up to you and others to believe it or not.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by miandadrules True, but if it does some good then it is better then if it wasn't done at all. I'm sure that the praise Afridi gets, does massage his ego, but ultimately it is for a good cause. We all feel good when someone praises our noble efforts and in that respect Afridi is no different to the rest of us. Afridi isn't a saint but he seems to do some good, whatever his intentions maybe. His batting on the other hand, the less said about that the better.

I agree with your point and it is fair point, it is good to involve with the charity work even at the cost of publicity in the media but on the other hand, when you are trying to create a holy image through the media, please learn to maintain that holy image in your private life.

[sam]

Originally Posted by zaid65 I choose not to say further on this issue, because this would be too much information to share on web, and leave up to you and others to believe it or not.

So basically it means that you've nothing to say and would rather have people believe that you don't want to share too much information.

[gameovais]

So Boom Boom Afridi had a chance to get back into form after being out of form for 20+ innings. But once again he flopped.

So I'm guessing, we should still be patient for him to get back into form right?

[sam]

Originally Posted by gameovais So Boom Boom Afridi had a chance to get back into form after being out of form for 20+ innings. But once again he flopped. So I'm guessing, we should still be patient for him to get back into form right?

Yes, you're right.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by gameovais So Boom Boom Afridi had a chance to get back into form after being out of form for 20+ innings. But once again he flopped. So I'm guessing, we should still be patient for him to get back into form right?

Form, what form? Are you trying to say that he is Sachin or Bradman, but currently out of touch (for last 16 years?).

[gameovais]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Form, what form? Are you trying to say that he is Sachin or Bradman, but currently out of touch (for last 16 years?).

Lol I was being funny. I guess you didn't get the joke.

But yes exactly, what form?

His fans keep saying he will get back into form, we're wondering when?

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by zaid65 I choose not to say further on this issue, because this would be too much information to share on web, and leave up to you and others to believe it or not.

As usual zaids must bring his load of bull to an end somewhere!


If Afridi not performing with the bat makes your guys' blood boil it makes me happy. Infact i hope for a huge string of classic 0(1)s or signature 6(2)s Just to see more crying from you guys in this thread.

[insaaniyat]

Originally Posted by sam Yes, you're right.

Sam yhou have good sense oh humor

[sam]

Originally Posted by insaaniyat Sam yhou have good sense oh humor

Just as good as your spellings.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by zaid65 All the above named players you mentioned ( except Tait, who was a bust in test cricket) moved away from test cricket due to fitness and injuries issues. Which one came after the defeat as a captain and announced that I cannot play test cricket because I don't have temperament for this game

To be honest, I agree - my biggest criticism of Afridi is not his batting style or his personality (both those, if harnessed properly, are pluses) - its his unfulfilled Test career.

For me Test cricket IS the real cricket. Hence I was delighted when Afridi took back his silly retirement and was made captain in 2010 - it was wonderful seeing him in whites after so many years, and that too at Lord's. It seemed to be the dawn of a new and wonderful era.

Given his ample talent, had he bothered and put his mind to it, Afridi could have become a lynch-pin for our Test team, much like Flintoff for England: the team's heartbeat and its mascot and the one player who lifts the side and hammers the opposition, with the bat, or the ball, or just through his sheer presence and force of will.

However, Afridi didn't put in the mental and physical effort over the years and hence his 27 Test career is a big case of "What Might Have Been!" From the little that we saw of him in Tests, it is clear that he had it in him to be a QUALITY Test all-rounder. Even as it is, his Test record in its entirety is statistically superior to that of Freddie Flintoff!

So yes - that is my biggest criticism of him and the big negative of his career. But what does it prove? That Afridi wasn't/isn't perfect.

Well, who is?

I have never argued that Afridi is Pakistan's greatest ever player or even remotely close to it. But even if I, or anyone else did, so what? Our greatest every player himself was a flawed personality in many ways, on the field and off it.



When far better cricketers, the likes of Imran, Miandad, Asif Iqbal, Wasim, Waqar, Inzi, Yousuf etc are NOT perfect, and not expected to be perfect, why expect or demand perfection from poor Shahid, and feel aggrieved when he (like all other humans) doesn't deliver?


No. The hate for him seems irrational, personal and petty - and that's wrong. Is he hated just for being the most popular player in Pakistan? That's unfair. Yes, his popularity exceeds his cricketing achievements. So what? Its not as if the public have an Imran or a Miandad to love, do they?

Shahid might be flawed but he's also brilliant.

And he IS the captain for Pakistan, the only man for the job today and someone who gives great joy to tens of millions of Pakistanis the world over.

Originally Posted by zaid65 Later when match fixing scandal broke into the world media, Afridi said that he knew about the spot fixing, if he already knew about the scandal, why did he endorsed Salman Butt's name?

The quotes were misconstrued or misunderstood. His actual evidence, that I read, was that later on - once the scandal broke, and he looked back at the behaviour and body language of these players during that summer, it looked "fishy".

I doubt if at the time he ever suspected a thing. It was only later on that he felt "hmm... that did 'look' a bit dodgy". At best, it was a retrospective feeling arising as a result of the accusations.

[Poison]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Note this info was not shared in front of strangers only trusted friends.

I would begin to question that

[kkmix]

"Test cricket is the real cricket" - is overrated. There are different set of skills required for both Tests and Limited overs cricket. Good Test player will not necessarily do good in limited overs cricket and vise versa. I feel the test format gets more importance mainly because of it's history. There was only one format for a long time, which became a symbol for cricket, it became the "original format", which everyone started using for basing player's performance on. Had ODI been invented first, it would've got more value than test cricket. It's natural.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by kkmix "Test cricket is the real cricket" - is overrated. There are different set of skills required for both Tests and Limited overs cricket. Good Test player will not necessarily do good in limited overs cricket and vise versa. I feel the test format gets more importance mainly because of it's history. There was only one format for a long time, which became a symbol for cricket, it became the "original format", which everyone started using for basing player's performance on. Had ODI been invented first, it would've got more value than test cricket. It's natural.

Indeed. Which is why I said:

For me Test cricket IS the real cricket

To each their own

But no, I don't just like the Tests more because are the "original format". Its also to do with the five day game providing a real test for all of the cricketers' abilities over time, and not just a few. And its also because of the underlying dramas and tensions and mini-battles that can only unfold in a game that lasts 15 sessions and has various interplaying dynamics from each session to session, and from each player to his opposition counter-part.

All that, and the strategy and thinking inherent in being successful in Test cricket make it (for me) not just the best form of cricket, but the pinnacle of all sport.

[kkmix]

okay, clever choice of words

You could say that you find it intriguing to watch the test match, so do I, the ups and downs, strategies, session, survival of the fittest, and many different aspects.

but to me, all that doesn't equal the best format.

[ShehryarK]

Originally Posted by kkmix okay, clever choice of words

I am a clever guy

[No_Username]

Originally Posted by gameovais I don't reply to no username, so comment removed.

Or should you say, I have no valid argument to reply with, so argument lost.

(Though you never had a valid argument)

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by kkmix "Test cricket is the real cricket" - is overrated.

It could be in your eyes but people who have been following the game and knows the dynamic of the game for long long would not even think to make this statement.

But before even I would go in lengthy ( time wasting ) debate about test vs one day vs T20 cricket, if you would look Afridi's stats in one day, they are not Sachin-esque as a batsman or Imran-esque or Sober-esque as an all rounder or Warne-esque as a spin bowler. From his stats point of view, he is just mediocre, nothing special and nothing to hype about.

If he would not be a Pakistani player, same Pakistani cricket fans, who dream 24/7 about him, would be the first one to take him to the cleaners in every given opportunity.

[No_Username]

Originally Posted by zaid65 It could be in your eyes but people who have been following the game and knows the dynamic of the game for long long would not even think to make this statement. But before even I would go in lengthy ( time wasting ) debate about test vs one day vs T20 cricket, if you would look Afridi's stats in one day, they are not Sachin-esque as a batsman or Imran-esque or Sober-esque as an all rounder or Warne-esque as a spin bowler. From his stats point of view, he is just mediocre, nothing special and nothing to hype about. If he would not be a Pakistani player, same Pakistani cricket fans, who dream 24/7 about him, would be the first one to take him to the cleaners in every given opportunity.

Thanks for complimenting Afridi.

Ofcourse we would have hated him if played for another country, becasue he would take the game away from us so many times.

[dhonikachamcha]

Yaar one good match and is hero.
One bad match and is culprit.
you people need to use your brain a bit.

[No_Username]

Originally Posted by dhonikachamcha Yaar one good match and is hero. One bad match and is culprit. you people need to use your brain a bit.

You have got this all wrong!

The same people always support him and the same people are always against him

Your logic makes absolutely no sense, although there are some glory hunters like Majid Bhutta-Aamir Fan.
Hes the only one who I can think of.

[1137moiz]

Originally Posted by ShehryarK To be honest, I agree - my biggest criticism of Afridi is not his batting style or his personality (both those, if harnessed properly, are pluses) - its his unfulfilled Test career. For me Test cricket IS the real cricket. Hence I was delighted when Afridi took back his silly retirement and was made captain in 2010 - it was wonderful seeing him in whites after so many years, and that too at Lord's. It seemed to be the dawn of a new and wonderful era. Given his ample talent, had he bothered and put his mind to it, Afridi could have become a lynch-pin for our Test team, much like Flintoff for England: the team's heartbeat and its mascot and the one player who lifts the side and hammers the opposition, with the bat, or the ball, or just through his sheer presence and force of will. However, Afridi didn't put in the mental and physical effort over the years and hence his 27 Test career is a big case of "What Might Have Been!" From the little that we saw of him in Tests, it is clear that he had it in him to be a QUALITY Test all-rounder. Even as it is, his Test record in its entirety is statistically superior to that of Freddie Flintoff! So yes - that is my biggest criticism of him and the big negative of his career. But what does it prove? That Afridi wasn't/isn't perfect. Well, who is? I have never argued that Afridi is Pakistan's greatest ever player or even remotely close to it. But even if I, or anyone else did, so what? Our greatest every player himself was a flawed personality in many ways, on the field and off it. When far better cricketers, the likes of Imran, Miandad, Asif Iqbal, Wasim, Waqar, Inzi, Yousuf etc are NOT perfect, and not expected to be perfect, why expect or demand perfection from poor Shahid, and feel aggrieved when he (like all other humans) doesn't deliver? No. The hate for him seems irrational, personal and petty - and that's wrong. Is he hated just for being the most popular player in Pakistan? That's unfair. Yes, his popularity exceeds his cricketing achievements. So what? Its not as if the public have an Imran or a Miandad to love, do they? Shahid might be flawed but he's also brilliant. And he IS the captain for Pakistan, the only man for the job today and someone who gives great joy to tens of millions of Pakistanis the world over. The quotes were misconstrued or misunderstood. His actual evidence, that I read, was that later on - once the scandal broke, and he looked back at the behaviour and body language of these players during that summer, it looked "fishy". I doubt if at the time he ever suspected a thing. It was only later on that he felt "hmm... that did 'look' a bit dodgy". At best, it was a retrospective feeling arising as a result of the accusations.

Fine post and I completely concur.

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by saeed-sohail Please no.I am not a bookie or something yes I do know few things about past games played in Eng based on private info by players who played county cricket and people close to them. There is this ex ****** player who boasted openly that how they made money from a particular game. Another player confirmed how BD 99 game was thrown. Same player use to ring his friend in bradford during ICL games to give him valuable info. Note this info was not shared in front of strangers only trusted friends.

This player didn't play in the Birmingham league did he?

[saeed-sohail]

Originally Posted by miandadrules This player didn't play in the Birmingham league did he?

North of Eng.

[Prince_Pathan]

i see this thread is still going strong


where were you guys when afridi was our top run scorer in odis in 2010? that is recent enough


616 runs if im not wrong

48 + 40 vs australia
109 vs Srilanka
34+37 vs England
49 vs Southafrica
32 vs India
124 vs Bangladesh


for a guy that bats so low down...i really dont see any of these as bad scores at all...so technically hes not really THAT much of a liability...in many of those matches other batsman failed whereas he did not!

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan i see this thread is still going strong where were you guys when afridi was our top run scorer in odis in 2010? that is recent enough

We knew it was flash in the pan, he will come back to his normal routine ( as he has been doing all his life), nothing to excited about!!

[Prince_Pathan]

hes human afterall?

[Prince_Pathan]

what im trying to say is

even the greatest batsman of them all falter from time to time

look at sachin tendulkar from january 1993 - 18th february 1994

managed 249 runs in 19 matches
with a high score of 34

from the 20th match onward he started making 50s and 100s consistantly till 1999

and then beyond that even more consistantly lol


im not trying to compare afridi and tendulkar here...but im trying to give you an example...everybody has very very bad spells

[1137moiz]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan i see this thread is still going strong where were you guys when afridi was our top run scorer in odis in 2010? that is recent enough 616 runs if im not wrong 48 + 40 vs australia 109 vs Srilanka 34+37 vs England 49 vs Southafrica 32 vs India 124 vs Bangladesh for a guy that bats so low down...i really dont see any of these as bad scores at all...so technically hes not really THAT much of a liability...in many of those matches other batsman failed whereas he did not!

I thought Afridi batted relatively well in 2010, though his bowling slipped briefly. Here's a list of his innings by series:

IN AUSTRALIA:

48 (26 b 5x4 3x6)
9 (7 b 1x6)
40 (28 b 4x4 1x6)
29 (10 b 3x4 2x6)
1 (4 b)

Generally a good display with the blade for a lower-order hitter.

In the subsequent Asia Cup:

109 (76 b 7x4 7x6)
32 (25 b 2x4 1x6)
124 (60 b 17x4 3x6)

an excellent display MashaAllah.

In the 2010 one-day series in England:

19 (25 b 1x4)
9 (6 b 1x6)
34 (29 b 3x4 1x6)
37 (22 b 3x4 2x6)
0 (1 b)

A couple of good performances, a couple of flops. About par, give or take.

In the series v RSA:

1 (2 b)
49 (40 b 3x4 2x6)
7 (5 b 1x6)
29 (25 b 4x4)
24 (25 b 1x4 1x6)

About typical Afridi fare; a couple of promising cameos, a good innings and a failure.

OVERALL, Afridi scored 601 runs at an average of 33.39 in 2010. That at an amazing strike-rate. Very good work for a lower-order slogger.

Just for the record, in the 2011 series in NZ his scores read:

15 (29 b 1x4)
65 (25 b 5x4 5x6)
4 (2 b 1x4)
24 (20 b 1x4 1x6)
44 (35 b 4x4 2x6)

which is a good run for a lower-order hitter, particularly that explosive 65 but also a couple of handy cameos. I'm not sure what the problem is?

Afridi's average leading into the World Cup was 35, at a superb strike rate. Yes he batted poorly in the WC but he fully deserved his spot, and he bowled superbly at the same time to keep the spot.

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by Prince_Pathan i see this thread is still going strong where were you guys when afridi was our top run scorer in odis in 2010? that is recent enough 616 runs if im not wrong 48 + 40 vs australia 109 vs Srilanka 34+37 vs England 49 vs Southafrica 32 vs India 124 vs Bangladesh for a guy that bats so low down...i really dont see any of these as bad scores at all...so technically hes not really THAT much of a liability...in many of those matches other batsman failed whereas he did not!

This thread has lost my interest but I do have a problem when people use selective stats. You've chosen 8 matches to focus on.

In his 302 innings Afridi has failed to register a double figure score 119 times.
- 10 or more 182 times.
- 20 or more 220 times.

He has batted almost entirely in the top 7, so the argument that he wouldn't have enough time to play and just went for it at the death won't be a valid on.

In the last five years he has failed to register double figures on 48 occasions in 95 innings and failed to cross 20 in 61 innings.

In the past year, 27 innings; 9 occasions where he failed to cross double figures and 15 occasions he failed to score 20 or more. Which s actually an improvement on his overall stats.

[momin97]

totally aggree he is a selfish you know what always him 1st to do everything if he doesnt get a wicket he will take the strike bowler and put himself untill he gets a wicket

as a batsman/captain you would expect him to mature and play sensibly but he is doing the right oppsite and get out b4 double digits

[No_Username]

Originally Posted by momin97 totally aggree he is a selfish you know what always him 1st to do everything if he doesnt get a wicket he will take the strike bowler and put himself untill he gets a wicket as a batsman/captain you would expect him to mature and play sensibly but he is doing the right oppsite and get out b4 double digits

You are very right sir, thats why he acted like a man and came to bowl when what happend could have happend (vs West Indies, 4th ODI).

I totally agree with you.

Great post.

[duostyle]

Originally Posted by miandadrules This thread has lost my interest but I do have a problem when people use selective stats. You've chose 8 matches to focus on. In his 302 innings Afridi has failed to register a double figure score 119 times. - 10 or more 182 times. - 20 or more 220 times. He has batted almost entirely in the top 7, so the argument that he wouldn't have enough time to play and just went for it at the death won't be a valid on. In the last five years he has failed to register double figures on 48 occasions in 95 innings and failed to cross 20 in 61 innings.

What are you trying to prove with these stats?

Let's compare those stats with someone like Ganguly who played the same amount of innings.

Afridi has scored 20 or more 120 times in 302 innings.
Ganguly has scored 20 or more 174 times in 300 innings.

Now, Ganguly has played most of his innings in the top 3. While for Afridi it ranges from 2-7 mostly. Then there are other factors like temperament, batting style/skill, etc.

Do the same for Tendu, Jaya, etc and you'll find most have failed to score 20 or more around 40-50% of time. Keep in mind, these are all proper and better batsmen than Afridi.

So these numbers are pretty common for batsmen, don't know why you need to highlight them in this case.

[zaid65]

Originally Posted by momin97 totally aggree he is a selfish you know what always him 1st to do everything if he doesnt get a wicket he will take the strike bowler and put himself untill he gets a wicket as a batsman/captain you would expect him to mature and play sensibly but he is doing the right oppsite and get out b4 double digits

Excellent point and I totally agree.

This is what I have said earlier, being a captain, he has a luxury to put himself in favorable situations ( still not effective most of the time except against minnows or tail enders).

He is a perfect definition of selfish individual ( creature) .

[No_Username]

Originally Posted by zaid65 Excellent point and I totally agree. This is what I have said earlier, being a captain, he has a luxury to put himself in favorable situations ( still not effective most of the time except against minnows or tail enders). He is a perfect definition of selfish individual ( creature) .

Please provide evidence.

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by duostyle What are you trying to prove with these stats? Let's compare those stats with someone like Ganguly who played the same amount of innings. Afridi has scored 20 or more 120 times in 302 innings. Ganguly has scored 20 or more 174 times in 300 innings. Now, Ganguly has played most of his innings in the top 3. While for Afridi it ranges from 2-7 mostly. Then there are other factors like temperament, batting style/skill, etc. Do the same for Tendu, Jaya, etc and you'll find most have failed to score 20 or more around 40-50% of time. Keep in mind, these are all proper and better batsmen than Afridi. So these numbers are pretty common for batsmen, don't know why you need to highlight them in this case.

My point is selective use of stats. Which you have provided a perfect example.



There is a big difference in the amount of innings you fail to score 20 and the amount of innings in which TWO players have scored in excess of 20.

Just for clarification of the two players mentioned Ganguly has scored in excess of 40 on 112 occasions, whilst Afridi has done so on only 58 occasions (this could be used to say that even when he gets a start he rarely goes on).

The stats I put up were to give you an insight in to why fans are frustrated with his batting. A lack of application is where Afridi has disappointed the most. Funnily enough you mentioned temperament in your post but you didn't elaborate.

Why not compare his stats with Razzaq?

[No_Username]

Anyway, yes Afridi is selfish, thats why he always bowls in the batting powerplay.

[duostyle]

Originally Posted by miandadrules My point is selective use of stats. Which you have provided a perfect example. There is a big difference in the amount of innings you fail to score 20 and the amount of innings in which TWO players have scored in excess of 20. Just for clarification of the two players mentioned Ganguly has scored in excess of 40 on 112 occasions, whilst Afridi has done so on only 58 occasions (this could be used to say that even when he gets a start he rarely goes on). The stats I put up were to give you an insight in to why fans are frustrated with his batting. A lack of application is where Afridi has disappointed the most. Funnily enough you mentioned temperament in your post but you didn't elaborate. Why not compare his stats with Razzaq?

I see. So you don't think you used selective stats in your original post?

Anyhow, with the expectations some fans hold for Afridi it's pretty clear why some will mostly be disappointed by him. You know he lacks the temperament, so why would you expect him to apply himself properly?

I get frustrated too each time he goes for that slog, but it's just how he is tbh, he will never change, so I don't know why people expect him to?

[Kray_jackson7]

I think people Are forgetting Afridi was not a batsmen when he started his career and never should have been played as one, Afridis role when he started was clear, Hit out and try to score fast. Given that role he was obviously going to get out on low scores regularly as it is basically a bowler being told to hit out and that to against a new swinging ball and the best bowlers a team could offer.

Razzler passed 20 - 97 times

[miandadrules]

Originally Posted by duostyle I see. So you don't think you used selective stats in your original post? Anyhow, with the expectations some fans hold for Afridi it's pretty clear why some will mostly be disappointed by him. You know he lacks the temperament, so why would you expect him to apply himself properly? I get frustrated too each time he goes for that slog, but it's just how he is tbh, he will never change, so I don't know why people expect him to?

Because it is an area he can improve on. To say that he won't improve because he isn't someone who does, isn't acceptable.

Any statistical analysis is open to criticism of selectivity but I have used his career stats and it was in reply to a specific post, which highlighted a period of good form.

I'm not asking anything of Afridi that I don't think he is capable of. I ask of Afridi what I ask of every Pakistani, to try their best. When it comes to Afridi's batting I feel he always takes the easy option. If he got the same scores but I saw determination and an attempt at genuine application then I can ask for no more, regardless of the outcome. I'm always impressed when I see Ajmal bat because you can tell that he trying his best. I'm not asking Afridi to bat like Dravid but to at least put some thought in to his batting, like he did in the 2009 T20 cup.

[Shoaib356]

his baating sux

[cricket_coach]

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone......

I think Afridi and Yuvraj... Both are biggest underachiever of modern cricket. Their sheer quality makes one wonder what they could have achieved had they played consistently to their pottential

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by cricket_coach Let he who is without sin cast the first stone...... I think Afridi and Yuvraj... Both are biggest underachiever of modern cricket. Their sheer quality makes one wonder what they could have achieved had they played consistently to their pottential

Agree completely. Yuvraj has redeemed himself somewhat with the WC but he still should be a senior member of Indian test team averaging 45+.

Afridi should have done far more with his talent than he has. As I have posted many times before he has about as much impact statistically in ODI as James Hopes which is pretty close to a crime in my books when you have that much talent.

But it is now too late for both of them.

[Free Hit]

^how isit, he has 5 more, years. lala will retire with 10,000 ODI runs and 500 ODI wickets. Legend, and yeh 500 ODI matches

[Random Aussie]

Originally Posted by Free Hit ^how isit, he has 5 more, years. lala will retire with 10,000 ODI runs and 500 ODI wickets. Legend, and yeh 500 ODI matches

5 more years of averaging 20 odd? That is no achievement.

He is legend because of his popularity. He is not a legendary cricketer by performance.

[Kray_jackson7]

Originally Posted by Random Aussie 5 more years of averaging 20 odd? That is no achievement. He is legend because of his popularity. He is not a legendary cricketer by performance.

he got his popularity through his cricketing performance.

Legend