‘ICC shouldn’t be lenient to offenders’
Former ICC chief Mani unhappy with Du Plessis decision in ball-tampering case.
Faf du Plessis escaped with only a 50% match fee penalty after he accepted a charge of ball tampering in the second Test against Pakistan. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI:
Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani believes South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis escaped lightly after indulging in ball tampering during the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
The South Africa batsman was imposed with only a 50% match fee penalty after being found guilty of ball tampering.
“It’s the wrong decision,” Mani told The Express Tribune. “Just a fine is almost a no-penalty. The ICC should have gone for maximum punishment if it wants to stop this practice”.
Mani, however, did not agree with the notion that the ICC showed ‘double standards’ in dealing with the matter.
“There are inconsistencies in decisions. But I feel this matter shouldn’t be related to the Shahid Afridi [ball-biting] incident [that resulted in a two-match ban in 2010].
“Unfortunately, the ball-tampering controversy is linked to Pakistan since long while this is the first time a South African is caught in the act. The penalty may be harsh against them in case of a similar offence next time.”
Mani also believes that the PCB should not spoil their relationship with Cricket South Africa over the matter.
“It will be inappropriate to ask for a harsh penalty because it may upset the South African cricket board.
Steyn to miss first two Pakistan ODIs
Paceman Dale Steyn will be rested in the first two of the five-match one-day series against Pakistan, according to the South Africa team management.
The 30-year-old Steyn featured in the second Test, which South Africa won by an innings and 92 runs on Saturday, despite suffering from a hamstring injury three days before the match.
He showed no signs of discomfort and took four wickets in the match but the team management decided to rest Steyn in the first two matches.
Star batsman Hashim Amla, who missed the second Test after returning home to attend the birth of his child, is also doubtful for the first one-day.
De Villiers on top, Pakistan returns to fourth spot
South Africa’s AB de Villiers overtook team-mate Hashim Amla as the number one Test batsman after helping guide his team to a 1-1 series draw against Pakistan, the International Cricket Council announced.
De Villiers, 29, hit an aggressive 164 in the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai, in the first test he had scored a fighting 90, he was also declared man of the series.
On the other hand Misbahul Haq achieved a career-best sixth spot after scoring a century in Abu Dhabi and a fighting 88 on Saturday. Pakistan moved up to fourth in the Test team rankings after sliding to sixth following their embarrassing defeat against Zimbabwe last month.
Misbah demands hard work
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbah demanded his side put in the hard yards after they squandered the opportunity of winning the Test series against South Africa.
“We need to work hard on mental strength, every innings is a new innings, you can’t live on one hundred,” said Misbah.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith, whose team have not lost an away series for seven years, believes the Proteas deserve more respect for their achievements on the road.
“I think we have got a lot to do to be compared with great teams, but for us to have that record away from home is an extremely proud one to have,” said Smith, now in his 10th year as captain.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2013.
Former International Cricket Council (ICC) President Ehsan Mani believes South Africa’s Faf Du Plessis escaped lightly after indulging in ball tampering during the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai.
The South Africa batsman was imposed with only a 50% match fee penalty after being found guilty of ball tampering.
“It’s the wrong decision,” Mani told The Express Tribune. “Just a fine is almost a no-penalty. The ICC should have gone for maximum punishment if it wants to stop this practice”.
Mani, however, did not agree with the notion that the ICC showed ‘double standards’ in dealing with the matter.
“There are inconsistencies in decisions. But I feel this matter shouldn’t be related to the Shahid Afridi [ball-biting] incident [that resulted in a two-match ban in 2010].
“Unfortunately, the ball-tampering controversy is linked to Pakistan since long while this is the first time a South African is caught in the act. The penalty may be harsh against them in case of a similar offence next time.”
Mani also believes that the PCB should not spoil their relationship with Cricket South Africa over the matter.
“It will be inappropriate to ask for a harsh penalty because it may upset the South African cricket board.
Steyn to miss first two Pakistan ODIs
Paceman Dale Steyn will be rested in the first two of the five-match one-day series against Pakistan, according to the South Africa team management.
The 30-year-old Steyn featured in the second Test, which South Africa won by an innings and 92 runs on Saturday, despite suffering from a hamstring injury three days before the match.
He showed no signs of discomfort and took four wickets in the match but the team management decided to rest Steyn in the first two matches.
Star batsman Hashim Amla, who missed the second Test after returning home to attend the birth of his child, is also doubtful for the first one-day.
De Villiers on top, Pakistan returns to fourth spot
South Africa’s AB de Villiers overtook team-mate Hashim Amla as the number one Test batsman after helping guide his team to a 1-1 series draw against Pakistan, the International Cricket Council announced.
De Villiers, 29, hit an aggressive 164 in the second Test against Pakistan in Dubai, in the first test he had scored a fighting 90, he was also declared man of the series.
On the other hand Misbahul Haq achieved a career-best sixth spot after scoring a century in Abu Dhabi and a fighting 88 on Saturday. Pakistan moved up to fourth in the Test team rankings after sliding to sixth following their embarrassing defeat against Zimbabwe last month.
Misbah demands hard work
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Misbah demanded his side put in the hard yards after they squandered the opportunity of winning the Test series against South Africa.
“We need to work hard on mental strength, every innings is a new innings, you can’t live on one hundred,” said Misbah.
South Africa captain Graeme Smith, whose team have not lost an away series for seven years, believes the Proteas deserve more respect for their achievements on the road.
“I think we have got a lot to do to be compared with great teams, but for us to have that record away from home is an extremely proud one to have,” said Smith, now in his 10th year as captain.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 28th, 2013.