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Ramifications likely to be felt by Misbah-ul-Haq, Urooj Mumtaz and Wasim Akram among others

Umar Farooq15-Jul-2020The PCB has introduced a clear-cut code of ethics which could have far-reaching effects on various employees. Its ramifications are likely to be felt by the likes of Misbah-ul-Haq, head coach and chief selector of the men’s senior team, Urooj Mumtaz, head of the women’s wing, and even Wasim Akram, a member of the cricket committee. The move comes as a result of increasing scrutiny on multiple roles held by various stakeholders, and the potential conflicts of interest in those roles.The scope of the code extends beyond identifying roles solely within PCB, covering officials working for the PCB in any capacity, including those involved in any business activity outside of the board, either directly or through family members. Under the new code, all employees must share these details with the board. Then, based on the information provided, the PCB could call upon ethics officers Salman Naseer (who is the board COO) and Areeba Khalil (from the PCB’s legal department) to conduct further investigation.While the PCB is comfortable with Misbah’s dual role as head coach and chief selector of the men’s senior team, his role as head coach of PSL franchise Islamabad United, already under a conflict cloud, could be affected. Misbah is on a one-year contract with the franchise, but the new code allows PCB to prevent that from continuing. Misbah’s predecessor, Mickey Arthur, who was not only head coach of Pakistan but also PSL franchise Karachi Kings, faced conflict of interest allegations and objection from other franchises during his tenure.

The questions being asked to all employees

Directorships and business interests held in addition to the PCB
In case of Staff Members: Business interests of your affiliated person(s) if they are in any manner linked to cricket or with anyone who is a supplier of goods and services to the PCB.
Employment and/or Consultancies apart from PCB
Investments in unlisted companies, partnerships and other forms of business, major shareholdings and beneficial interests
Any contractual relationship with the PCB, the PSL Franchises and/or any commercial partner of the PCB.
Gifts of hospitality offered to you by external bodies and whether these were declined or accepted.

Mumtaz, meanwhile, holds three roles within PCB, as head of women’s cricket, chief selector of the women’s team, as well as a place on the board’s cricket committee. But it was her PSL commentary stint which raised eyebrows, as well as the spectre of similar conflicts in the early 2000s, when Ramiz Raja and Aamer Sohail worked as TV commentators, while they were the board’s CEO and chief selector, respectively. In another such instance, in 2003, then PCB chairman, retired Gen Tauqir Zia resigned from the position, after accusations that his son played for Pakistan due to his influence.Akram is on the PCB’s cricket committee and is also the president at the Karachi Kings franchise. He is also a shareholder and director at since March 2018 (joined the PCB’s cricket committee seven months later), a website that holds the digital rights of the PSL. That partnership is currently under a cloud, but as per the original terms of the deal, hold those rights until the conclusion of the 2021 season.Since Ehsan Mani took over as PCB chairman in September 2018, he has spoken about the importance of forming a uniform policy to deal with the issue of conflict of interest. A limited version of the code has always been in place but it had applied mostly to the Board of Governors.The latest 27-page ethics code essentially covers every single official within the PCB and PSL, whether on a contractual basis or full-time employment. Each official, according to the document is bound to comply with this code ‘whether or not he is asked to sign such acknowledgement and whether or not he signs the acknowledgment if asked’.The issue has cropped up regularly in Pakistan cricket over the years. In 2013, for example, while Misbah was captain, he was interviewed by the then head of PCB Najam Sethi on Sethi’s own TV show on , one of Pakistan’s most-watched TV channels. Only months earlier, one of the network’s channels had also been awarded the rights to Pakistan’s series against Sri Lanka. At the time, Sethi dismissed accusations of a conflict by claiming that the bidding process was fair and had been carried out by a neutral, independent arbitrator – Mani, in fact.Not that long go, PCB removed their then-chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq from the PSL player draft committee because of a potential conflict of interest since he was involved with a talent-hunt programme run by one of the tournament’s franchises, Lahore Qalandars. Tauseef Ahmed, who was also part of the national selection committee while also being Islamabad United’s spin coach, was also left out of the PSL draft committee.Under the new code, all employees will be asked to submit a declaration form to the ethics officers. The information will be used to assess whether the declared interests constitute an appreciable real, potential or apparent conflict of interest.

In a top order-heavy Royal Challengers batting line-up, Parthiv Patel has made peace with his role as an opener and the uncertainty of his position, should he lose his form

Sruthi Ravindranath in Bengaluru05-Apr-2019How does one stand out in a team that has Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in it?Just ask Parthiv Patel. He is currently Royal Challengers Bangalore’s top run-scorer in IPL 2019, with 138 runs in four games, 45 ahead of the second-placed de Villiers. Yet, nearly half the questions asked of him at the press conference on the eve of the match between Royal Challengers and Kolkata Knight Riders were about the Big Two in his side. And all Parthiv did was respond, breaking into his trademark crinkle-eyed smile. By now, he’s probably accepted that they’re always going to be the talking point.”Obviously they set very high standards, there is no doubt about it,” Parthiv said on Thursday, in Bengaluru. “The reason everyone is talking about Virat and AB is because of the performance they have given for Royal Challengers, and with Virat for India and AB for South Africa. I think more than anything, they will try and score big. AB had a good game against Mumbai here and Virat got a 40 as well in the same game. I am sure as everyone else, they will be as hungry as possible.”Royal Challengers have endured a rough start to the season, losing all four games. Their most recent match, against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, ended in another heavy defeat but a look at the scorecard throws up just one noteworthy batting performance: Parthiv’s 67 off 41 balls.In that game, he had a cautious start, making 22 off 13 in the Powerplay, going after just the bad balls while letting Kohli take most of the strike. After Kohli and de Villiers’ wickets in succession, and another batting collapse, it seemed like Parthiv was the only one who could avert another disaster. Although he kept his wicket intact till the 18th over, he could not accelerate as expected and the team managed 158 for 4.Rewind to the opening game of IPL 2019, where Parthiv kept his cool and batted deep in a collapse which saw Royal Challengers crumble to 70 all out against Chennai Super Kings, after Kohli and de Villiers had fallen for single-digit scores. He was the only Royal Challengers batsman to get to double figures and also came close to carrying his bat: he was the last batsman to be dismissed for 29 off 35 balls.In a tournament – and a format – synonymous with big numbers, bringing up Parthiv’s statistics is unlikely to do him favours. He has played 129 matches in the IPL and has 2613 runs at an average of 22.5. His strike rate of 119.14 is the second-lowest among openers who have played at least 50 IPL matches. While he can bring out the big shots, he isn’t known as a batsman who can go wham from the first ball. Since March 2017, he has a Powerplay strike rate of 148.67 but after the first six overs, it fizzles down to 119.83. In the last five years, his average has touched 30 in just one completed season (in 2018).BCCI

Yet, Royal Challengers have kept faith in the 34-year old, buying him back in 2018 even after his below-par stint with them in 2014.Parthiv has featured in all the editions of the tournament and has played for six different IPL teams. He’s had 22 different opening partners through the years; eight at Royal Challengers over three seasons and three in the last four games of IPL 2019 alone. But with Kohli admitting that the side haven’t found the right balance yet and that more chopping and changing are on the way, just a few bad scores for Parthiv could probably keep him out of a top-order heavy line-up. Considering the fragility of Royal Challengers’ batting order, it’s unlikely they would keep him just as the experienced wicketkeeper who would float around the order depending on the needs.Ask Parthiv about his role in the team and this is all he says: “Personally, I have played for so many teams and played with so many openers, it doesn’t matter that much to me. I have played a lot with Virat and with Moeen [Ali] together. I know what my role is and it doesn’t worry me too much.”Parthiv has indeed managed to show his value and has been trying to prove that he belongs in that Royal Challengers line-up. While accepting that the spotlight is always going to be on them, he probably realises he might not always be given the long rope, especially at the top of the order.”Obviously I am quite happy the way I have played but individual performances doesn’t matter as much. Whoever plays in the XI tries to do well and exactly what I have been trying to do,” he said. “Every time I get a chance to play, I try to perform to the best of my ability and I am glad the performances have come so far.”

Having been Bangladesh’s fast bowling coach for 18 months, he has been asked to lead the support staff in the Nidahas T20I tri-series in Sri Lanka

Mohammad Isam27-Feb-2018Courtney Walsh, filling in as Bangladesh’s head coach on an interim basis, feels the role itself is that of a father figure and is eager to take on the challenge which begins with the Nidahas T20 tri-series on March 6.Since Chandika Hathurusingha’s resignation in October, the BCB had been making do by sharing the head coach’s responsibilities between the senior players, the assistant coach Richard Halsall and technical director Khaled Mahmud. But that backfired on them when Sri Lanka beat the team in all three formats recently.With the board yet to appoint a full-time coach, Walsh, the senior-most figure in the team’s support staff, was asked to take over on a temporary basis. “It is an interim role. We were without a head coach for the last couple of series. I was asked to do the job. It wasn’t something that needed a long discussion. I am here. I want to try to do the best for Bangladesh cricket, try to get us to be more consistent.”Walsh said one of his first tasks would be nurse players out of nick – like Sabbir Rahman and Taskin Ahmed – back to their best. “[The role] is going to be like a father figure, to give them the confidence. We must make sure everybody is prepared for the extra work that we need to do to get those out of form, into good form. We have to get everybody thinking that they have to play a role for the team, so that everyone plays for the team and do what is required. It is going to be my motto.”The challenge of steering Bangladesh in Sri Lanka next month was, according to Walsh, the sort of thing he was prepared for now that he has been the team’s fast bowling coach for 18 months. “We have a very testing tour coming up in Sri Lanka. As one who likes to accept challenges, it is important to play quality and consistent cricket. I am happy to be given the opportunity to do so. I will give it the best shot and ensure we play good positive cricket.”Bangladesh have won only one out of their last nine T20Is since January last year. In the recent series against Sri Lanka, they batted well in one game but the bowling struggled as a group in both outings.”We are lacking a bit of consistency,” Walsh said. “The talent is here. The guys have good work rate. If we can get consistent, we will be happy. It is going to be the biggest challenge, and it is something that I will be stressing on, a lot.”

The left-hander is looking forward to returning to the Indian squad and partnering with his old friend and captain

ESPNcricinfo staff09-Jan-20171:14

Yuvraj’s many limited-overs comebacks

Yuvraj Singh feels MS Dhoni has a lot to contribute to Indian cricket as a player and is looking forward to batting “fearlessly” with his old team-mate on his return.In an interview with , Yuvraj said Dhoni was “extremely good” as captain, but had stepped down at the right time; Dhoni gave up the ODI and T20I captaincy last week.”I think he’s been an extremely good captain for India. We’ve won World Cup and the Champions Trophy under him. We were the No. 1 Test team under him. These are amazing achievements and I’m not sure how many [other] captains have that,” Yuvraj said.”I think he took a very good decision stepping down because I’m sure he felt that it’s [time for] the next guy to take over before the World Cup and I’m sure he saw that in Virat.”He has a lot to contribute as a player in the team. I think he’s gonna play the way he used to. We were both very fearless when we used to play together, so hopefully we can do the same in the upcoming series.”Yuvraj, who was recalled for the upcoming series against England, has spent more than three years out of the Indian ODI team, and hasn’t played an international match since rolling his ankle in a World T20 game against Australia in March 2016. He was picked on the basis of his form in the 2016-17 Ranji Trophy – 672 runs in five matches for Punjab, at an average of 84.00 – and said he had been working on his fitness, especially considering he is now in the mid-30s.”I’ve been working pretty hard on my fitness because as you grow older, you’ve got to work harder on your body. In your mid-30s your body asks for a lot of training and recovery time. I’ve changed my diet completely and I’ve been putting in some extra hours because I need to be careful after what my body went through.”He is also aware that the new captain demands a 100% from his team.”Virat commands [] performance. He’s been very consistent throughout his career, and that consistency and fire has converted him into a very good captain,” he said. “He demands 100% effort from the team and that is the hallmark of a good captain.”He gets better every year – early in his career he got a lot of runs, then he got a lot of hundreds and now in Tests he’s getting double hundreds. I don’t know who else averages more than 50 in all formats. Hopefully he continues that and takes India to the next level.”

Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against India after he twisted his left ankle during a warm-up football game in Bangalore

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Nov-2015In a huge blow for South Africa, fast bowler Vernon Philander has been ruled out of the ongoing Test series against India after twisting his left ankle during a warm-up football game in Bangalore. Philander picked up the knock after stepping on Dean Elgar’s foot, and an MRI scan later confirmed that he would be out of action for up to eight weeks.Philander was seen hobbling in visible distress after what AB de Villiers described as a “very freakish accident”. He had to hold on to the shoulders of two members of the support staff, who then carried him back all the way to the dressing room. Following the injury, CSA called up Kyle Abbott, who last played a Test in December 2014, to replace Philander in the squad.”Vernon rolled his left ankle during practice at the stadium in Bengaluru this morning. He was taken to the hospital for an MRI scan which confirmed an ankle ligament tear which will rule him out of the current series against India,” Dr. Mohammed Moosajee, South Africa’s team manager, said.”He will return back to Cape Town this weekend to be assessed by one of Cricket South Africa’s specialists. At this moment it is still too early to tell but he will be out for a period of at least six to eight weeks.”Moosajee said that the main target was to ensure Philander recovered in time for the home Tests against England, starting December 26.”The first Test match against England is six weeks away so it will be a tight schedule to get him ready and rehabilitated to make that Test match. Once he has been assessed back home in Cape Town and a proper programme for physio and rehabilitation has been put into place, we will have a clearer understanding.”Philander has had to contend with the notion that his threat is dulled without help from the conditions, but he was South Africa’s most successful seamer on a dry and dusty Mohali track. His nagging line outside the offstump, troubled the Indians more than Dale Steyn or Kagiso Rabada’s pace. He would have been hoping to demonstrate more of the same under cloudy skies in Bangalore, where he may have been able to extract some movement.Philander also provided South Africa with batting stability down the order. He has four Test fifties to his name and was even deployed as an opener in Mohali as South Africa looked for an innovative solution for batting last on a slow surface. Although both Rabada and Abbott have ability with the bat, neither is as proven at this level as Philander is.Still, South Africa’s main concern will be how Rabada or Abbott fit into their attack. Of the three quicks, Philander was the container. Neither Rabada nor Abbott fit that mould. Furthermore they are two very different kinds of bowlers – Rabada offers pace and Abbott swing. There is some good news for the visitors, though. Morne Morkel is fit again after a quad strain ruled him out of the Mohali Test.So South Africa may have to turn to Simon Harmer to do a holding job and field two specialist spinners for the remainder of the series. That will limit them to six specialist batsmen if they also plan on playing three quicks. If South Africa go the same way as India and play just two seamers. they could add a seventh batsman into their line-up and rely on JP Duminy, who has recovered from injury, Dean Elgar and Stiaan van Zyl to provide part-time bowling options.South Africa will be sweating as well on the fitness of Steyn, whose participation in the Bangalore Test has been in doubt since he sustained a groin strain last week. He underwent a fitness test at the end of Thursday’s training session and had also bowled briefly in the nets in Mohali on Monday, but a CSA release said that a decision on his availability will be taken only after a final test on Friday.

In five overs of high-quality fast bowling, Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga pushed Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan into a corner with accurate, fast and hostile short-pitched bowling

The Report by Sidharth Monga27-Apr-2013
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Can’t quite smack these for sixes•BCCI

In five overs of high-quality fast bowling, easily the best cricket seen in this IPL, Mitchell Johnson and Lasith Malinga pushed Chris Gayle and Tillakaratne Dilshan into a corner with accurate, fast and hostile short-pitched bowling. The batsmen had been severely restricted; Dhawan Kulkarni and Harbhajan Singh then came on to pin them and consign Royal Challengers Bangalore, the table leaders, to a 58-run defeat.In Royal Challengers’ previous match, Gayle had scored 175 and added 167 runs with Dilshan to encourage superlatives that would have you believe it was impossible to bowl to Gayle. Nobody informed Johnson and Malinga, though. This was a similar pitch to the one in Bangalore where Gayle caused the mayhem. The outfield was similarly small, top edges flew for sixes here too, but unlike the opposition then, Johnson and Malinga had the pace, and they were prepared to bounce Gayle.Gayle likes to bide his time, is unhurried, and plays percentage cricket, seemingly at will. He wasn’t allowed to do any of that. He did play a flat pull early in the chase when Johnson bowled one into the ribs, managing to smack it to deep midwicket for six. Johnson didn’t back off. He placed a deep midwicket, and went back to bouncing Gayle some more. Now he began to get the ball higher.And Malinga, he has never been hit for a six by Gayle in the IPL. He wasn’t about to today. However, Malinga’s first over was dedicated to making life difficult for countryman Tillakaratne Dilshan. One swing-and-miss followed another as Malinga kept swinging the away from Dilshan. At 10 for 0 after two overs, the openers were shaken. Stirring was to begin soon.First came the shot you will rarely ever see Gayle play: the ramp. Johnson got one to bounce disconcertingly towards the throat, and Gayle tried to clear slips with an open face. This one bounced extra, caught the glove, and the lob just about evaded the slips. Dilshan immediately took a single to send Gayle back to face the chin music. Johnson continued with two more bouncers, Gayle pulled at both, but in a different postal code. Beaten by the bounce on both occasions.In the next over, Malinga hit him on the left shoulder, the rear shoulder. This was no slower bouncer, Malinga bowled it like he meant to. He followed it up with a superb yorker. Thankfully Mumbai didn’t back off, as T20 generally encourages teams to do. Johnson got a third over. He beat Gayle with a left-armer’s outswinger. Gayle was caught on the crease, expecting a bouncer. This was more Suresh Raina than Gayle. He was well and truly out of his comfort zone.Gayle did get two fours off mis-hits in that fifth over, but still he was only 17 off 16, and Dilshan 13 off 14. This was a rude shock for Royal Challengers. On came Kulkarni, a lesser bowler of lesser pace playing his first game of the season, but the task for Royal Challengers wasn’t much lesser. Bowling on a pitch he knows as well as the back of his hand, Kulkarni got bounce and away movement, Dilshan went after it, and Johnson completed a special catch at third man. You couldn’t keep Johnson out of action.In the next over, Rohit Sharma introduced Harbhajan Singh, who teased Gayle with flight and slow pace. Gayle slog-swept, got a thick edge, and it took the best of Ambati Rayudu – who had been run out earlier when a bowler inadvertently knocked his bat out of the crease – to take the catch at cow corner. It kicked off wild celebrations, and Harbhajan pulled out an improvised version of Gangnam-style.Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers were too stunned, and followed shortish and wide deliveries and guided them to the keeper. Kulkarni had helped kill the game in the eighth over of the chase. To be fair to Gayle, though, he has been tested before, and he endures those spells even if it means he has to wait for 10 overs. Tonight, though, Mumbai had got the strategy and execution right. They didn’t want to give Gayle that freedom, which usually comes with batting first. And they also put on 194 on the board, which meant the pressure of asking rate accumulated with every bouncer that beat him.The 194 came thanks to a calculated assault by Sachin Tendulkar at the top of the game, followed by Dwayne Smith’s second consecutive half-century, and the hitting by Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard towards the end. Tendulkar cleared the infield well during the Powerplay overs; he tried just that as opposed to going for big sixes in his 13-ball 23. Smith then hit the big sixes. Karthik was industrious in his 43 off 33, and Pollard hit even bigger sixes when he hit 34 off 16.Put together, they set the perfect platform for the fast bowlers, who in turn had evidently grown a leg.