Pakistan team to arrive in India on March 11 for WT20

The Shahid Afridi-led side will have their initial base in Kolkata © AFP

After hectic day-long parleys at various levels, the Pakistan cricket team is set to arrive in the country on Friday (March 11) to participate in the World T20. "It's all clear now. The Pakistan team will arrive in the city on Friday afternoon," Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly said. The former India captain stated that the Pakistan team is likely to take an early Emirates flight from Dubai on Friday. The team was originally scheduled to leave for India on Tuesday evening.

This news came late in the evening after political grandstanding had almost marred the prospect of a smooth start to World T20 with politicians in both countries not looking inclined to relent from their position over security for the Pakistan cricket team.

Even 24 hours after the venue of Indo-Pak clash on March 19 was shifted to Kolkata from Dharamsala, Islamabad continued to insist on a public statement from a cabinet minister, or an assurance in writing, guaranteeing "foolproof" security for not just its team but also spectators from Pakistan. India seemed to have made up its mind that there was no question of giving any written assurance to one particular team. Official sources said Pakistan had "tied itself into knots" over the issue.

The ministry of external affairs (MEA) only said that the government had ensured adequate security for such international sporting events in the past and that India had no doubt that the T-20 World Cup too was going to be a "resounding success in all aspects". "Recently, the South Asian Federation Games saw good and enthusiastic participation of all contingents, including Pakistan," said MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup.

India's stand was that once the venue was shifted to Kolkata, Pakistan did not have any reason to complain.

As the day wore on, Pakistan interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said in Islamabad that Pakistan was in no position to give clearance to the tour without any assurance from Indian government. Pakistan officials said what MEA had said couldn't be taken as an assurance as Pakistan team's case was different from any other team. "We would have appreciated if India had acknowledged that Pakistan team faces a more specific threat," said a Pakistan official, adding that Pakistan was upset that its high commissioner Abdul Basit had not been given appointment to meet Union home minister Rajnath Singh.

Reacting to this, the Indian officials said: "MEA statement should have been enough but they don't know how to wriggle out of the situation which they created by insisting on a written assurance from India."

Pakistan will have their initial base in Kolkata, and will play their first warm-up match against a Bengal XI at the Eden Gardens on Saturday afternoon. They will also play Sri Lanka in another warm-up game at the same venue on Monday before taking on a Qualifier in the first Super 10 Group II league match on March 16.

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Shami in focus in India's warm-up match against West Indies

Mohammed Shami has only played a few domestic games and club games since the 2015 ODI World Cup © AFP

It's not often that a team goes into a major tournament without any specific areas of concern. Team India are in that enviable position as they prepare for the World T20 championship with the first of two warm-up games, against West Indies at Eden Gardens, on Thursday (March 10) evening.

Having won back-to-back T20 series against Australia and Sri Lanka, followed by their sixth Asia Cup triumph with an all-win record last Sunday, the Men in Blue will look to maintain their remarkable momentum and consistency. India have a settled unit with all the batsmen among runs and youngsters Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya bowling well in tandem with veteran Ashish Nehra. On Thursday, though, the focus will be on Mohammad Shami, who was ruled out of the Asia Cup with a knee injury.

The nippy right-arm medium-pacer's match exposure since last year's World Cup has been limited to a couple of domestic T20 matches for Bengal and a few club games. Yet, the team management has not given up hope and is trying to get him ready before India's tournament opener, against New Zealand in Nagpur on March 15. Team director Ravi Shastri made it amply clear that the pacer is very much in India's scheme of things. "He will be playing tomorrow and we will have a look at how he goes," he said on Wednesday.

Mahendra Singh Dhoni did say recently that it will be difficult to accommodate Shami in the playing XI, given the form of the quick bowlers. But the skipper and other members of the think tank will be wary of possible injury issues which could rule out any member of the regular playing XI any time. Thus, it will be a big boost for Team India if Shami is declared fit for the tournament. "He will have to prove his fitness and the physio is working with him," Dhoni had said.

The Bengal pacer bowled for more than half an hour at nets during the team's practice session at Eden on Wednesday afternoon. He took it easy to start with, before bowling from his full run-up and at his usual pace not long after. He shared one of the nets with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Pandya, as the trio bowled to Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli. He dislodged Rohit's off stump once as Shastri watched from behind. He tried the yorker a few times, which was appreciated by Kohli.

Nehra left the ground with an ice pack wrapped around his right knee. There was no official word on his fitness, and it remains to be seen whether the left-arm pacer plays on Thursday.

The West Indies squad did have a week-long camp in Dubai, but their two warm-up games in Kolkata (the second one will be against Australia on Sunday) will give them the chance to finalise the combination for their opener against England in Mumbai.

Most of the players in this Caribbean side play T20 across the world in different leagues and have the potential to create a flutter if they can gel as a unit. Skipper Darren Sammy will look to do just that in the warm-up ties before going into the tournament proper.

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Pakistan want Kolkata or Mohali to stage World T20 clash against India

Pakistani security team arrive at Dharamsala to conduct a security assessment © AFP

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan said on Tuesday (March 8) evening that conflicting signals emanating from India over Dharamshala as the venue for the India-Pakistan World T20 match have forced them to seek a change in location for the marquee contest.

The PCB sent a letter to this effect to the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday. Late-night TV reports said the Pakistani security team had advised the cricket squad to not travel to Dharamshala and even the trip to Kolkata on Wednesday may be delayed by a day.

"The Himachal CM has not committed full security for the match and the Indian government has also not come up with any assuring statement so far," Khan told TOI. "Under the circumstances, how can we allow our team to play there?"

A concerned PCB boss said the "real issue" was lack of clarity from the Indian government after the "Dharamshala tension" erupted. "Our real problem is that we haven't got any security arrangement details from the government of India. We are still waiting to hear from them officially. We at least need to be told about the position of the protesters in Dharamashala or about Shiv Sena's threat," Khan said.

Khan said PCB would consult the government of Pakistan before taking a final call. According to him, the PCB wants either Mohali or Kolkata to stage their World T20 clash against India.

"I have sent an email to the ICC that if Dharamshala has a problem hosting Pakistan-India World T20 game, the match should be played either in Mohali or Kolkata. The Pakistan board is also open to the idea of playing it else where as long as the safety and security of the Pakistani cricketers is taken care of."

Khan said that since Pakistan are already playing their matches in Mohali and Kolkata, it would be easy for the team to play at these venues. Sources in Pakistan cricket establishment told TOI that there are concerns across the border over how police will control unruly mobs, over security of Pakistani fans and journalists and also about the arrangements if Pakistan wins the game. Khan, however, refused to comment on it.

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Arthur backs Australia to win World T20

Arthur wants Watson to open alongside Warner. © Getty

Despite stuttering noticeably in T20 cricket and having to combat challenging conditions in the sub-continent, Australia has the firepower and experience to win a belated World T20. That is the confident prognostication from former Australia coach Mickey Arthur.

Australia are the 50-over world champions and have recently returned to the top of the Test tree but are shockingly ranked eighth in T20 cricket. Rankings can be viewed as trivial because of the lack of international T20 matches but, regardless, it is a format Australia have never truly grasped despite having the thriving Big Bash League (BBL) in their backyard.

Australia snapped a five-game T20 losing streak after they incredibly defeated South Africa by successfully chasing 205 in Johannesburg on March 6 (Sunday). They were humiliatingly whitewashed against India at home in January, raising major doubts on their ability to break their World T20 duck.

However, Arthur believes Australia should "absolutely not be underestimated". "I wouldn't write them off," Arthur tells CricBuzz. "Australia has enough experienced players who have played in Indian conditions at the IPL. Their form has been patchy but they are capable of turning it on when it matters most."

Australia's explosive batting depth is undoubtedly their strength, underlined by BBL star performers Shaun Marsh, Chris Lynn and Travis Head all missing out on a World T20 berth. Arthur believes Australia's batting unit can post match-winning totals.

"Australia are capable of scoring massive totals," Arthur said. "They only need one or two players to fire and they can produce big scores. The question for me though is what is their best combination? Who opens the batting?

"I still think (David) Warner is best suited to opening, as is (Shane) Watson. Perhaps Aaron Finch will have to make way at the top."

In contrast to their batting, Australia's bowling looms as a major weakness as evident against India, whose top-order torched Australia's attack with utter disdain. Missing Mitchell Starc, arguably the world's best white ball bowler, is a blow but not a fatal one for Australia, according to Arthur.

"Mitchell Starc is a massive loss because he can bowl at 150kmh and is a strike bowler who just always takes wickets," Arthur said. "I still think Australia has enough talent in their attack. They have a good death bowler in James Faulkner and I believe Andrew Tye can also play a key role because he is adept at the middle and late overs.

"As the frontline spinner, Adam Zampa will play a key role in the middle overs. Those overs are so important to slow the runs down and Zampa is capable of doing that."

Australia has so thoroughly dominated ODI World Cups but, frustratingly, are without silverware at the World T20 with their best result being runners-up at the 2010 tournament in the Caribbean.

Arthur, who coached Australia from 2011-13 including at the 2012 World T20, said Australia's lack of success in the format over the years can be attributed to "not playing their best team".

"The continuity of the T20 team has always been a problem, and I know when I was coach we used the T20 matches to rest players and have a look at other talent," Arthur said. "Perhaps Australia in the early years saw the format as hit and giggle but that quickly changed. When I was coach we took it seriously and embraced it but, apart from the World T20, there was no continuity in the team."

At the 2012 World T20 in Sri Lanka, Arthur's Australia made the semi-final before a Chris Gayle-inspired West Indies knocked them out of the tournament. A brilliant all-round display by Shane Watson spearheaded Australia's run in that campaign, and Arthur said the current team boasted the requisite superstars to be a legitimate contender.

"I think India without a doubt has the best all-round team and deserve to be favourites," he said.

"But it is pretty open after that and Australia has as good a chance as anyone because they have match-winning players.If a few of their big names perform, then Australia can definitely win the World Cup."

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Darren Sammy confident of West Indies' chances in World T20

With the next World T20 being scheduled in 2020, Sammy said the 'seniors' have that extra motivation to do well in the 2016 edition © AFP

The only world championship the once-mighty West Indies have won in the last three and a half decades is the ICC World Twenty20, in 2012. And Darren Sammy, who is at the helm once again, is convinced that his team could go all the way this time too - despite being without proven match-winners like Kieron Pollard and Sunil Narine.

"Obviously, it's difficult to replace Pollard and Narine, who were key members of our side when we won the World T20 in 2012, but we still have a very good side," the skipper claimed on Tuesday (March 8).

"We have Carlos Brathwaite, who has replaced Pollard, and he is an exciting all-rounder. I hope he will play a big part in the tournament. There's also (Ashley) Nurse who has come in place of Narine. He (Nurse) brings in some batting capability as well," said Sammy, who has featured in all but one of the previous five World T20 meets.

"We have a fairly balanced side with 15 potential match-winners. The good thing for us is we have so many guys who play in the IPL and are familiar with the conditions in India. We really believe we can win the World Twenty20," Sammy asserted.

Refusing to dwell on the players' latest contracts row with the West Indies Cricket Board, Sammy said the team was well prepared after a week-long camp in Dubai and focused solely on cricket. "Once you step out on the cricket field, you should not be worried about contracts and other stuff. We are all professionals. Right now, we are going into the World Twenty20 and that's what our focus is on. It's about making your country proud."

For a team that is packed with allrounders who bowl decent medium-pace and can pack quite a punch with the bat lower down the order, T20 is its forte. And with the next World T20 on the ICC calendar being scheduled in 2020 (in Australia), the 'seniors' have that extra motivation to do well in the upcoming tournament.

"This event means a lot to some of us. The next World Twenty20 will be four years later and a few of our guys won't be part of that event, so this one is very important for us," remarked 32-year-old Sammy, referring to himself, Chris Gayle (36 years), Marlon Samuels (35), Sulieman Benn (34) and Dwayne Bravo (32).

The fact that the Caribbean cricketers play most of their T20 cricket in different leagues around the world, rather than as a unit for West Indies, is not worrying Sammy at all. "Ideally we want to play international cricket together. But when I look at my dressing room, I see Gayle, Bravo, (Andre) Russell, (Samuel) Badree, Samuels... All these guys are experienced players who know the ins and outs of T20 cricket. It's one format of the game that we are really confident about.

Asked if someone like Gayle will be assigned any special role, Sammy said, "Chris is a massive figure for us, not just on field but off it as well. For me he's the best T20 batsman, the most destructive one. He knows his job, I don't have to tell him how to go about it."

Acknowledging the 'massive boost' the Caribbean colts have given West Indies cricket by winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bangladesh last month, Sammy said his team will try to emulate the juniors' achievement. "Cricket is the glue that unifies the Caribbean nations, so whichever team does well, it's always a massive plus for the people in the region. So not just us, even the West Indies women's team will try their best to lift the trophy on April 3," Sammy signed off.

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I'm not thinking of IPL now, says Carlos Brathwaite

Carlos Brathwaite says has learnt a lot from West Indies bowling coach Curtly Ambrose © AFP

Carlos Brathwaite turned heads at the Indian Premier League (IPL) players' auction last month. In what was arguably the most surprising buy, Delhi Daredevils outbid Kolkata Knight Riders to acquire the services of the West Indian for a staggering Rs 4.2 crore, which was 14 times his base price of Rs 30 lakh.

IPL-9 is still a month away, but the 27-year-old allrounder will get ample chances to showcase his skills in front of Indian fans in the World T20, which got underway with the qualification round on Tuesday (March 8). "It feels good to be selected for the IPL... I want to thank Delhi Daredevils for giving me this opportunity and hope to do well for them. But I don't want to look too far ahead," said Brathwaite during the players' session with the media on Tuesday.

"The World Cup is of prime importance now. I have an important role in the team and want to concentrate on that," said the Barbadian.

Having made his international debut in 2011, Brathwaite got to play just an One Day International (ODI) and a Twenty20 International (T20I) during the tour of Bangladesh before being dropped. He had to wait nearly four years to play another game for West Indies. And he has made quite an impact in his second stint, scoring half-centuries in both the Test matches he played against Australia recently.

A hard-hitting lower-order batsman and a handy back-up pacer, Brathwaite has learnt a lot from West Indies bowling coach Curtly Ambrose. "Ambrose is a legend, he has been great so far. It is up to us to pick his brains and learn more. He has had a huge impact in the dressing room."

Senior pro Denesh 'Shotter' Ramdin, one of eight players who helped the West Indies lift the 2012 World T20 crown, is keen to share his vast experience with the younger players in their common goal to claim the coveted trophy. "I think I have a very important role in the team. Both in terms of my duties behind the stumps and holding the lower order together. There are a lot of power hitters ahead as well as behind me. I will use the experience that I have gained in the last 10 years to guide my team," Ramdin said.

Like his captain Darren Sammy, Ramdin felt the West Indies are well suited to excel in the T20 format. "The West Indies players have been in great demand in various T20 leagues across the world. We have seven-eight of them who are all match winners and I have no doubt that we can go all the way."

Test and ODI captain Jason Holder felt it won't be difficult for T20 skipper Sammy to steer the team, despite the fact that this group hasn't played too much cricket together as a unit for West Indies. "It shouldn't be difficult. We have guys who have played with or against each other in the T20 leagues, we understand each other well. We have had a very good camp in Dubai, won all four games there, so we are all set for this tournament," he said.

The experience of leading West Indies in Tests and ODIs has helped Holder develop as a cricketer. "It has opened my mind to think a little more. I have known these people for some time now, so I just try to communicate and get the job done. I am still pretty young and finding my feet. There are so many players helping me in my journey," Holder said.

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Aaron Phangiso's bowling action cleared

"It's a huge relief to be cleared and to have my bowling action passed," Phangiso said. © Getty

The bowling action of Aaron Phangiso, the South African left-arm spinner, has been cleared and the suspension imposed on him a little over a week ago has been lifted with immediate effect.

Last week, Phangiso had been suspended from bowling in domestic cricket following the independent test results on his bowling action which found him to be exceeding the 15-degree permissible level on all his deliveries. 

However, his remedied bowling action was re-assessed on Monday (March 7) and results showed that all his deliveries were within the parameters as laid down by the International (ICC) regulation.

"It's a huge relief to be cleared and to have my bowling action passed, it has been a tough and challenging few weeks for me," Phangiso said, expressing his relief at the latest development. He also went on to thank the cricket board for their support and reiterated that his focus was entirely on the World T20 in India.

"Many thanks to Cricket South Africa and the Proteas management for their support and for giving me the best opportunity of making it to India for the ICC World T20. In saying that, I'd really like to use the next few days ahead of the tournament to gain playing confidence, especially with some of the technical adjustments we have made to my action. My focus is on the World Cup and I'd really like to head into the competition with good form and confidence."

Russell Domingo, South Africa's head coach, was also elated with the clearance but resisted the temptation of fielding him in the third and final Twenty20 International (T20I) against Australia on Thursday. 

"We are really happy and relieved that Aaron has passed his re-test and he can now ready himself for the big tournament ahead," Domingo said. 

"I said at the beginning of the series that we wanted to give everyone in the squad an opportunity to play and while it is tempting to play him tomorrow, both Aaron and I feel it's best that he takes a little more time to work on and gain confidence with his new adjustments.

"We have an important few weeks coming up in India so it's going to be important to have him in the right frame of mind both mentally and physically," he added.

South Africa will face India in a warm-up tie at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai on March 12 and a local team at the Brabourne stadium on March 15 before starting their tournament proper campaign against England on March 18.

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Hardik Pandya wants to play Jacques Kallis' role for India

Hardik Pandya is grateful to skipper MS Dhoni for showing faith in his abilities © AFP

Hardik Pandya, the latest poster boy of India cricket, is enjoying all the attention and adulation. The Baroda lad, who has impressed one and all with his allround skills, maintained that he will not be under any pressure going into the World T20, 2016.

"I am happy to have made a good start and want to keep contributing to the team's cause," Pandya said during an open session with the media at the team hotel on Tuesday (March 8). The youngster, however, has big dreams. "I want to be like Jacques Kallis. We all know what Kallis has done for the Proteas with the bat and ball, I want to do the same for Team India," Pandya said.

The 22-year-old, who is learning fast from the senior pros in the dressing room, sees himself as a genuine allrounder. "I am not a bowling or batting allrounder, I see myself as a player who can do everything," he said. He is grateful to skipper MS Dhoni for showing faith in his abilities. "It feels good when your captain promote you ahead of himself. It helps a lot," he added.

Harbhajan Singh, the veteran off-spinner, felt with the youngsters coming good, India stand a good chance to win the WT20 this time. However, looking back at 2007 experience, Bhajji felt there was little expectation from the team then. "Very few expected us to win the Cup that time as we were a very young side. But now after a good run, the pressure of expectations will be high," he stated.

A happy dressing room is an added plus for Team India's success in recent times. In spite of not finding a regular place in the playing XI, Ajinkya Rahane is not frustrated and enjoying the team's success. "It's nice to have a settled unit. I am patient and positive," he said. "I am focusing on my preparation and with the skipper and Team Director (Shastri) backing my work ethic, I am happy to wait for my chance," he added.

In the shortest format, much depends on a good start and Team India openers Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan have been providing just that. Rohit felt the opening duo are complements each other well. "It's important to understand each other's game, which we do. There are days when he (Shikhar) bats freely and at times, I take the initiative. That way we work as a team," he said.

Sharma feels that good all-round team effort has made India the No. 1 side in T20. He even heaped praise on young pacer Jasprit Bumrah. "Instead of talking about (Mohammad) Aamir you should talk about Bumrah. He's our bowler and doing well. He's a rare talent and will go a long way," he felt.

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