Not that he needs my defence of course.
It’s just that I wanted to say that anyone who dares criticise the one single player who has regained some kind of ‘izzah for the Pakistan Cricket Team in the last few months, has got to have lost the plot.
Today, after a mammoth example of the best of rearguard efforts, a freak dismissal brought criticism for Misbah from the ‘experts’. So let me say the following:
- Anyone who has played cricket and been hit by a cricket ball, normally knows that you react by jumping when it’s hurtled towards you. Misbah miskeen only did what we all would have and it was just unfortunate that it hit the stumps before he hit the ground!
- This is a guy who has just shown the entire Pakistan team how to bat during very difficult conditions in Delhi. This is a guy who normally knocks it out of the park, having to play the most boring, focused and bland innings that even Boycott’s dad would have been proud of, forget Atherton. And trust me, for a Pak to do that is doubly difficult. Remember, if cricket was football, Pakistan would be Brazil…
- This is a guy who’s worked very hard to get back in the 1st team after suffering in the doldrums of the domestic quagmire that is Pakistan first class cricket. He’s old as well, which makes it even more impressive. And his calmness? Have you ever seen anyone so serene under pressure?
- This is the guy who got a team that were utterly deplorable at the World Cup, to the final of the Twenty20. Even Boycott’s Mum could have played better than they did, until our man came on the scene.
- This is the guy who hit some of the most amazing shots along the way too, to even leave Morkel and Yuvraj behind. And trust me, Yuvraj was just unbelievable so that’s no small statement!
- This is the guy who played one of the greatest innings in one of the greatest matches including one of the greatest overs of international cricket ever. The recovery he lead in that Twenty20 Final. The upping the ante. The 3 sixes off Harbhajan. The turnaround. And then that last over, which was completely out of this world. And that “six” off the penultimate ball which was eventually a tame lob to the freak Sreesanth, has got to be one of the most exciting things I’ve ever seen in my life. Period.
And then they attack the guy? You’ve got to be kidding. He was a hero. Nothing less.
Honestly, he’s single-handedly brought a smile back to the faces of every single Pakistani cricket fan in the world, and considering that cricket is virtually the only pleasure/luxury that millions of Pakistanis have left in their lives, then please don’t make scapegoats out of those people who bring a little bit of happiness in the midst of misery and oppression.
And that’s that. I’ve been waiting ages to pledge allegiance to someone other than Mohammed Yousuf.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Zindabad.
November 24, 2007 at 12:32 pm
My allegiance has always been to Mohammad Yusuf. He is a such a fantastic player and perhaps the most reliable player in the Pakistani side.
November 24, 2007 at 12:53 pm
Are drug capsules that contain gelatin permissible? I am reading contradictory things, I have read a WHO statement where they had a meeting with leading scholars who agreed it is halal if it comes from bones etc. but how do I know this? I need antibiotics for acne, I won’t die without them, but i would like to treat it. Any help?? Thank you very much.
November 24, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Im a little surprised there hasnt been any comment regarding England’s departure from Euro 2008’s qualifying round.
What is your take dear Sheikh?
November 24, 2007 at 3:54 pm
I don’t believe I wasted 4 minutes of my life reading bakwaas on cricket.
There is a reason why you are a Pharmacist Abu Esa, and not a commentator. reflect
and I should also reflect, why did i read it?
November 25, 2007 at 12:29 am
Wa ‘alaykum salam wa rahmatullah
Are drug capsules that contain gelatin permissible?
There is no agreement on this issue and you should follow your local teacher. One side believe that the process of istihalah (i.e. a complete change of state) changes the original haram gelatin to something completely different when used on the capsule shell, whatever the source. Others say there is no difference between the two states, using the fact that even the “Vegetarian” status is not given to such products. The third position is where all gelatin products are ok except that which is based on pork gelatin. A fourth position doesn’t allow any gelatin at all.
No doubt that the absolutely safest position is to avoid all gelatin to keep out of the khilaf of the scholars, but if you wish to take my opinion, then I believe that istihalah makes gelatin in capsules permissible insha’Allah and Allah knows best. It is better for to find out the name of the drug you need and then ask your Pharmacist what brand you will be given, call the manufacturers and ask them what the source of their gelatin is in the capsule.
If it’s pork-based, avoidance is safer.
Im a little surprised there hasnt been any comment regarding England’s departure from Euro 2008’s qualifying round.
Actually, England have been so rubbish this year, it doesn’t warrant a response. The real truth of the matter is that I’m so happy we’ve got rid of Steve Maclaren it can only be a good thing.
I don’t believe I wasted 4 minutes of my life reading bakwaas on cricket.
Actually, I’m happy that I exposed you to the real delights of this dunya for 4 minutes. Really, I am.
And just to really cheer you up, I hope you’re enjoying Laxman’s drives, Kumble’s quality, Dhoni’s energy, the miracle of a Yousuf run-out (did I just say that?!), a Pakistani opening partnership greater than 30 runs (did I just say that?!), Akmal’s cover drives (did I just say that?!), Akmal’s catch and stumping (I must be dreaming now!), and of course, my hero of the moment masha’Allah with some kick-off one-knee sixes against the Turbanator whilst full of flu. Does it get any better?
And they said we’d be seeing the death of Test Match Cricket. Try telling us Paks and Indians that…
November 26, 2007 at 12:13 am
I just want to object to your implications of Atherton and boring. Mike Atherton was NOT boring. He was amazing. He was England’s best player by a long shot. During the 90’s, he was the back bone of the England side. Without him we would have been nothing. We would lost over and over and over again. He was the prize wicket, he was the one the bowlers targetted. And boy was it wicked to watch. The irremoveable object against the irresistable force. He wasn’t called the cockroach for nothing.
Yeah, sure he would take a day to make a hundred, he wasn’t flamboyant or fancy. But boy, was he good. He knew what was expected of him, he knew what was required and he could pace a run chase as well as anybody.
If you gave me a choice of Atherton and Lara, Inzy, Waugh (either one), Tendulkar, Cairns, Ranatunga or de Silva. I know who I’d choose every time.
Test Match Cricket – Zindabad!
November 26, 2007 at 8:44 pm
His shot in the second innings was by far the worst shot of the match.
He brought us back in the test, and then handed it right back to India. He’s not blameworthy (I’m looking more at Malik to blame for this test), but still.
November 27, 2007 at 12:49 am
Salams all
I just want to object to your implications of Atherton and boring.
Umm Moosa, your objection is sustained. As a Lancashire fan for the last 20 years (with a loyal local support for Essex during that time of course), I am a big fan of Atherton, his skill and his wonderful driving and playing square.
But he could be boring – boring for the normal 1-day cricket fan but never did he ever “bore” me. Sister, I could sit and watch Test cricket for ten days at a time if I had to!
His shot in the second innings was by far the worst shot of the match.
Ooh, I dunno. I think Malik’s dismissal was pretty rubbish and I can think of a few others. The way I see it is that those who are the only ones who perform to a high level, are allowed a mistake or two. Also, when it’s someone like Misbah who brings such happiness (rather like Afridi used to), then we should accept the weaknesses as well (rather like Aridi again, although I think the world has lost patience with him to be honest!).
Also, I must admit something: I really like the Indian team – and I don’t just mean because Wasim Jaffer and Irfan Pathan are “practising” Muslims in such a team and proud about it as well. No, I love skill and quality and the Indian team is just full of it. Weren’t you just amazed by Laxman’s knock in the first? Isn’t Dhoni just excellent? I think RP Singh is developing into a deadly swing bowler and Kumble taught Kaneria what spinning is all about. As for Yuvraj, then Kevin who?
After seeing Nel’s last ball heroics, new bowlers like Sohail Tanver and Stuart Broad developing, the new Twenty20 Indian Leagues and Champion Leagues etc then it’s nice to see cricket making a come-back and long may it continue.
December 18, 2007 at 1:31 pm
Asalamu alaykum
misbah iam h .u \
iam fine
iam from srilanak
you w w w w w pilayar