With nine top level matches scheduled to take place in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you’d think the focus of the series would be on the wealth of prodigiously talented cricketers battling it out on the pitch. Unfortunately, it’s the fear that bribes from subcontinental bookmakers might be influencing the outcome of games that threatens to overshadow the matches.
The suspicions started after an undercover sting by English tabloid newspaper News of the World, which led to three Pakistani players being accused of taking cash bribes to bowl no-balls at set times during the game. The players in question – captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Amir – have been suspended while UK police investigate further. The news broke at a tough time for Pakistani cricket after an attack by militant gunmen on the Sri Lankan team’s tour bus in 2009 led to the International Cricket Council declaring the country unsafe and ordering all of Pakistan’s home games to be played at neutral venues abroad.
Hence the arrival of the series in the UAE. While this is a boon for the thousands of cricket-mad expats – specifically the Pakistani and South African contingent – if there’s even the slightest suspicion of irregularities on the field, it could take the shine off what promises to be a toughly fought clash with some of the greats of the modern game battling it out for glory.
Among the South Africans, one of the players tipped to make a huge impact is star batsman Hashim Amla, who has made a name for himself as one of the game’s most graceful, elegant stroke makers. As a devout Muslim of Indian descent, he’s also a symbol of South African sports’ multiracial make up, which has blossomed since the demise of the apartheid system.
In an exclusive chat with Time Out Abu Dhabi, he flatly refused to comment on the controversial match-fixing scandal, other than to say that he hoped cricket would be the main talking point during the four-week tour. However, he was brimming with enthusiasm about the prospect of playing in the UAE.
What are you expecting from your tour in the UAE?
I’ve never been to Abu Dhabi before, so there is fair bit of excitement and anxiousness about what we are going to come up against. All I really know about the country is that it’s really, really hot and humid, which is going to make it difficult to keep going throughout the hot days, especially for our bowlers.
Who do you think will be the toughest opponents on the Pakistan team?
They have some quality young players as well as a veteran bowling attack, like Shoaib Akhtar and Umar Gul, who are brilliant bowlers. They’ve got some great spinners – such as Saeed Ajmal – who I am sure will make it tough in the middle overs of the games.
Who are the best players on your team?
We’re blessed to have world class batsmen such as Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers and Jacques Kallis who have proved to be major players for us in the batting line-up. Our bowlers, Dale Steyn, Charl Langeveldt, Morne Morkel, and young up-and-coming guys such as Wayne Parnell, are also world class. We have a well balanced squad and playing this series will help us gain experience in playing under conditions on the subcontinent.
Even though you aren’t in Pakistan, the sheer number of Pakistani expats in the UAE must surely make you feel like the away team.
It will be interesting to see how it plays out. I hope the South African fans will turn up in their numbers and make plenty of noise.
On a personal note, how do you feel your career is progressing?
I had a great season last year, and I seem to have secured my place in the team, which is great. I want to try to keep learning, continue to gain experience and just keep getting better and better.
See Hashim Amla and South Africa take on Pakistan at Abu Dhabi Cricket Stadium, Sas Al Nakhl. Dhs25-300, www.timeouttickets.com.
Best beards in cricket
There’s no doubt that Hashim Amla sports a fine chin of hair. But, while most cricketers are clean-cut types who keep their chins as smooth as a baby’s proverbial, there have traditionally been a minority who prefer a fuzz-covered face. Here’s our pick of the most hirsute men in cricket history.
Ian Botham
More of a moustache and mullet man in his later career, but in his early days, ‘Beefy’ proudly wore a well-trimmed beard. During his recent visit to Abu Dhabi for the Laureus Sports Awards, he revealed trendy designer stubble is his current look, proving he’s still unwilling to cast off the facial fur.
Merv Hughes
With his walrus-like handlebar moustache, Aussie fast bowler Hughes could have easily been mistaken for the biker in the Village People. But, as he was 6’5” and could bowl over 145kph, you wouldn’t have said this to his face.
WG Grace
In Victorian England, you weren’t a real man if you didn’t possess a hedge-like set of sideburns. But in an era of facial hirsuteness, larger-than-life all-rounder Grace trumped everyone with a beard so vast and wild it looked as if a wiry terrier was hanging from his nose.
Viv Richards
Throughout his entire career, the legendary West Indian batsman refused to ever wear a helmet while at the crease, obviously putting faith in his thick, lustrous beard to deflect any bouncer directed at his face.
Mohammad Yousuf
In the modern game, Hashim’s main competitor for the finest beard prize goes to this seasoned Pakistan cricketer. Both are confirmed to play on the upcoming tour. Let the battle of the beards commence!
Abu Dhabi game info
Oct 26, 8pm. First Twenty20 game
Oct 27, 8pm. Second Twenty20 game
Oct 29, 3pm. First one-day international
Oct 31, 3pm. Second one-day international
Nov 20-24, 10am. First test match
