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Cricket technology gets Hot Spot boost

Friday, November 24, 2006

Melbourne: A state-of-the-art technology used by the military to track jet fighters has been introduced for the first time for telecast of cricket matches during the Ashes.

The 'Hot Spot', which was unveiled by the Nine Network during day one of first Test in Brisbane, is reportedly 100 per cent accurate and shows whether the ball has hit the bat, pad, glove or ground by utilising infra-red technology.

The Hot Spot uses two infra-red cameras positioned above the field of play at the southern and northern ends of the ground. They continually record play and spur into action if there is an umpiring incident.

These cameras sense and measure heat from friction generated by a collision, such as ball on pad, ball on bat, ball on ground, or ball on glove, enabling an exact decision for a nick, a bat-pad catch, or an LBW appeal in the strike zone.

A black and white negative image of the incident is then generated into a computer which shows the ball's precise point of contact. It is a scientifically proven piece of technology that will end all speculation surrounding a dismissal, claims the network.

Nine's other major innovations include the Stump Cam in the 80s, the Snickometer and Speed Gun in 1999 and Hawkeye in 2002.

Tribal culture in Pakistan & The Victims of Love

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By Mahjabeen Agha
"The approach of modus vivendi is out of question that could further exasperate society. Therefore, it is high time to execute the optimistic approach to resolve the most annoying issues like social destruction, economic backwardness and political devastation."
From Indus to Thame Is, the world has produced two classes of women; one ready to face the challenges of globalization and the other still combating with the uncivilized and inhuman surroundings. No matter how rhetorically they (women) behave, the social attitude and illicit interference remain the prime concern of plenipotentiaries.

Socially misplaced, exhausted under severe mental pressure, Shaista Almani's dire need of financial, social and most importantly moral help, forced me to express my views about her dilapidated condition. By looking at her one could easily capture the glimpse of retarded faith in her eyes.

Shaista Almani, hailing from a poor class of the province Sindh, Pakistan, declared 'Kari' by the Almani tribe, had already faced the vicissitudes of life at the early age of 23. The trauma faced by Shaista, previously a school teacher, may seem insignificant in the context of other issues taken up by the print media, or human rights organizations concerned with women's rights. Nevertheless, this case highlights the mentality of the feudal class, particularly the place/role of the female family members.

The severe crime committed by Shaista was to marry against the wishes of her tribe, a person, Balk Sher Mahar who belonged to a rival tribe; although the Supreme Court has finally decided a 1996 appeal and upheld a 1991 judgment of the Federal Shariat Court which held that a woman who married under her own free will is considered to have done so validly. 'The consent of the wali is not required and an adult and sane Muslim female can enter into a valid nikah of her own free will.'

Shaista met Balakh Sher alias Qadir Bux Mahar, the Taluka chairman of the local Zakat Committee some time back and they developed a liking for each other. Later, Qadir Bux sent a marriage proposal to her parents, to which her parents initially showed reluctance but later gave a green signal to.

The couple from Pano Aqil district Sukkur married on June 1, 2003. However, the Almani sardar was not willing to accept this marriage. "I have committed no crime. I just got married according to Islamic injunctions, but my life is in danger", said Shaista. "God will help us, we have done nothing wrong." Fearing for their lives, the legally married couple fled up North where friends gave them shelter but tribal predators tracked them down. They forcibly brought back the couple to Ghotki on October 25 to face a tribal jirga. After severe tribal pressure Mahar divorced Shaista, under the jirga (tribal) verdict. Shaista was declared 'Kari' and faces possible death under jirga law for marrying of her own free will.

Marrying against the wishes of the family is not new in Shaista's home. Before her wedding to Balakh Sher, her sister married a person hailing from the affluent Jatoi's, but his strong background supported their wedding to continue. In the 1970's Shaista's father, Himath Ali also married Noor Jahan (Shaista's mother) against the wish of his family and migrated to Pano Aqil.

Ms. Almani's case took a new turn when human rights
agencies; The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, the Women's Action Forum and the Aurat Foundation together intervened & suppressed the government of Sindh by filing a constitutional petition before the Sukkur Bench of the High Court of Sindh, to provide channels of security for Shaista, overriding tribal ruling. Shaista's own efforts to engage high officials for her protection are also commendable.

Initially she was shelterless, finding no suitable place to live and rejected by her tribe. Shaista's brother-in-law too, refused to keep her in his home in Hyderabad. Later on Shaista was sent back to Sukkur but on the insistence of Shaista's father Himath Ali and Shaista herself, the court ordered to send her to Hyderabad. After personal efforts and on IG Police Sindh's approval, Shaista & her family were escorted to Karachi under maximum secrecy and security.

A well educated Shaista was teaching at the Mehran College in Pano Aqil, Sukkur district of Sindh, for three years before her marriage to Mahar. Narrating her ordeal she says, "I am a victim of tribal culture exercising in an obstructive fashion." Unfortunately those who played a negative role in this whole scenario were no strangers, but her own trusted relatives like her brother-in-law, Mohammad Afzal, who is also Sardar of Almani tribe and the head of the Maher tribe; close relative to chief minister Ali Mohammed Mahar. The ordeal and harassment does not end here. Even after forcibly divorced, the tribe is strongly backing to execute their will of killing Shaista declared as 'Kari'.

Tribal chiefs have assigned dozens of armed tribesmen from their area to impose their will against her. It demands the government take action against the threatening parties. Prominent lawyer and former chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Asma Jehangir says the Federal Shariat Court -a constitutional court authorized to define laws in the light of Islam- has ruled that a guardian's consent is not required for marriage. "The concept is neither legal nor feasible. It is ridiculous to impose a condition of consultation on a woman of 40 who wants to marry a person of her free will," she remarked.

Shaista admitted at Hilal-i-Ahmar hospital in Karachi for psychiatrist treatment is recovered now and on her will, has been brought to the Women's Police Station, but is under constant silhouette of fear. On the other side Balakh Sher has obviously accepted the divorce and is living with his relatives in his village. He is no more in the limelight but will remain in the perception of Shaista, a victim of love. After immense pressure on the government, the girl has been provided with shelter and jobs-for her and her sister, Parveen-family welfare assistant,s (BPS 9) by the prominent MNA Imtiaz Ahmad Shaikh and Rahila Tiwana Deputy Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, along with some financial assistance on humanitarian grounds. "I have gone through a lot of stress in the past few weeks and am still not feeling completely normal. I hope that now that the jobs have been offered, and once I get busy with the daily routine, I will fully recover," said Ms Almani. In lieu of her safety, Chief Minister Sindh, Ali Mohammed Mahar ordered the appointment of Shaista as ASI and vowed to give her residential facility in the vicinity of Police residential headquarters.

She has also requested legal advice from Zia Ahmed Awan, President of the Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA), that has been assured by him. However, on the application of Human Rights Commission and Women Action Forum, Ms. Almani's case was transferred from Sukkur bench to Karachi. About her uncertain future she stated, "I am uncertain and will remain so until things settle down." She has decided not to make comments on Balakh Sher, whom she trusted and who left her in a situation when she badly needed him on her side.

Up till now a number of arrests have been made in lieu of her statement and special supervision of President Musharaff. Some of the moderate tribes of Sindh had already shown some flexibility in this regard. Currently there are two distinct opinions prevailing in society; one is that this whole episode is a fabricated story to raise a political disaster for Chief Minister Ali Mohd Mahar, brother of Mahar tribe. Others believe that this case definitely possesses some degree of truth.

After the hue and cry made by the tribal verdict declaring Ms. Almani as 'dishonorable', the Sindh provincial legislature unanimously passed a resolution condemning honor killing as a 'brutal tribal tradition' that had no room in a civilized society.

This will ensure that local administration does not come under pressure from tribal chiefs, elected and non-elected politicians and other powerful people to refrain from interfering in cases related to so-called family and tribal honor. "The guidelines set by the Sindh Assembly resolution will help the provincial government come up with an administrative and legal structure able to withstand pressures from within and from outside to ensure justice to those who face tangible threats to their lives from the custodians of regressive traditions," added Asma Jehangir, who is a United Nations reporter on human rights and a former head of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).

But now what happens to Shaista? She cannot perpetually live out her life in police protection. The case is a prime example of the ruthless and brutal feudal tradition. This is unpardonable violation of tribal circles, at present more powerful than state laws. Shaista's case revealed the power of the feudal and tribal system. The issue of honor killings and dispensation of rough justice by jirgas (Tribes) has been fobbed off for far too long. Legislation to outlaw such primitive practices must be enacted immediately through consultations with legislators and tribal elders. The government must play a role by not only providing protection to legally consumed marriages but also act as a protagonist to move the country away from medieval customs and practices.

It is a matter of a great concern that Jirga (tribal system) is prevailing under the educated bourgeois and influential political heads. Unfortunately after facing more than 5 decades of independence, the uncivilized tribal judicial influence is still exercised and executed at a wide scale. Is it necessary every time to raise voices against injustices to uplift the rule of law, and for girls like Shaista to face mental and political torture to bring the heinous tribal customs in to the lime light? And for how long should the helpless rural class sacrifice their love, life and lands in the hands of educated landlords? I am not blaming the entire lobby of the feudals present in the remote areas of Pakistan, but like all responsible citizens, I disagree with the modus operandi that few influential tribes adopt as a modus vivendi approach in partial support of tribal victims.

There is a dire need in both the private and govt. based sectors to first make an executable, unbiased and prudent judicial mechanism to bring expeditious justice to all, and then to spread mass education particularly rural based education and awareness to sabotage the injustices made by unlicensed tribal verdicts. The rhetoric environment is essential for our rural masses to carry out their personal tasks. As long as they are not breaking the rule of law; they can pursue their own will.

The approach of modus vivendi is out of question that could further exasperate society. Therefore, it is high time to execute the optimistic approach to resolve the most annoying issues like social destruction, economic backwardness and political devastation. If we really want to face and accept the challenges of globalization, we also must realize that no one from outside will come to support us. As the poet of the East, Allama Iqbal wisely said "Carve your own path by means of your own axe; to trade on someone else is hell." Something has to be done in this regard to protect the Pakistani culture, ethics, and centuries old justified traditions along with establishment of Islamic code of conducts.

Besides that, the rural and illiterate are advised to raise their voices against this social injustice, as they are not alien creatures but an existing part of this society. No matter what color, class and creed they belong to, they possess their basic human rights of life, expression, of legal possession and peace at any level and at any cost. In this regard education is a must to revive the society, as literacy is the supreme power of eradicating or battling any injustice.

ZeeQ...


By Ramiz Malik
If you have ever had the occasion to bump into ZeeQ, you would know that she is the most candid personality in 'fashionsvi lle'. Not only is she willing to talk her heart out about her previous love experiences, but is as ready as ever to discuss the deepest secrets that make up the model ZeeQ. Here's a diva who is not scared to speak her mind as in her own words, "I'm an open book." In this case, guys rest assured that what you see is what you get.


Having read a lot about her foray into the world of glitz we skip all that and jump right to the point; that being her recent engagement and then the breakup.

Would you be comfortable talking about that, we query, expecting some hesitation. But surprisingly the girl is really confident about herself, for she readily says, "Of course," and that sets the ball rolling. Any regrets, we question. "Oh no, none at all. In fact I'll honestly tell you that I haven't worked so much in my entire career of nearly a decade, as much as I have in the last two years since my engagement broke of. I guess I needed a reality check. I wasn't ready for marriage yet; needed this jhatka real bad."


Let's make it a bit more detailed.
"Actually at that time I was on rebound. And I found somebody who was much better than the guy I had just dumped. The only way of getting over a former love is if you can get someone better than him in everyway. Sure says a lot about my choice in men," says she wryly.

Was it love for you? "I thought it was love then but that's what I always think, being impulsive in all that I do. For me love has to be there. If it's not, the relationship's not worth it."

Did the guy change overnight or was it that you were just ignoring his real self all along? "It was a three-week thing. Yeah I know, that's no time at all for a relationship, but that's just the way I am-impulsive. I met him; we started going out and by then I was on cloud nine. At the start of the relationship I was this shining superstar ZeeQ for him and later that was the very thing he started looking down upon. He began revealing his real self gradually to me. Before the engagement he was happy with me being the person I am, ZeeQ. That's what I really liked about him; that he was comfortable with who I was and had accepted me for all of that. But just one day after the engagement he asked me to quit modeling as of right then. I was surprised but I gave in because I thought maybe I'd had enough of modeling. But that is not a reason for my breaking off with him. He turned into a psycho and his mother started acting strangely too. It came to a point where I felt that if I didn't call it off I'd go insane. Now I thank Allah for getting me out of the whole thing. My mother always told me to pray to Allah for your behtri and I always disagreed with her saying 'no, I'll pray to Him to do what I want.' Now I know better." Seems ZeeQ has had a much-needed awakening in faith and belief.

"Now I know that God is in control. It's one thing fighting Him and another to submit to Him and tell Him you are my all, my manager. He helped me through that patch and led me to my present life. Since then I have been working like anything and the peace of mind that I have achieved is brilliant. Today I feel proud of having made the right decision with His help."

We ask ZeeQ if marriage had been on her mind for long or was it meeting the guy that made her decide to go for it? "I've always wanted to get married since the age of seventeen. All my school and college friends in Lahore were married and had two or three kids so obviously I wanted to settle down too; because your environment does affect you. So I had been in the mood to tie the knot. But today I think and feel differently. Now, if I don't even get married that's perfectly fine with me. It's not that I have resigned myself to fate; it's just that I am comfortable with the idea of continuing work whether or not marriage figures in the scenario. I guess you can call me single-minded, I can do one thing at a time and cannot divide my attention between a lot of things," says she honestly; unlike most of the lot who try to pretend to be experts in anything and everything.

"For the last two years I have focused all my energies on my work and that is my passion now". And it definitely shows, for ZeeQ is here, there and everywhere. Be it print modeling, acting on all the local channels or ramp modeling; she's in the midst of it all, shining bright like a true star. Never before had ZeeQ been so busy as she is now.

"I'm trying to prove to myself at this point. I feel I have everything I need in life." Are you sure of that? "Oh yes. By taking on different roles, you get a chance to live all your fantasies. Each time it's a new character. I start a life in one family and by the end I'm living someone else's life. I am not in need of anyone right now. Just need to go on with my acting. I strongly believe I can do anything, for God is my Manager."

Speaking about the success and flop graph in an artist's career, ZeeQ wisely states, "There are flops and successes in everyone's lives. If you look at names like Michelle Pfieffer or Sharon Stone, even they have had some flops in their career but that doesn't mean there hasn't been success. It's the flops that teach you your mistakes."



ZeeQ is given into intuition and is heavily into vibes and karma. "But I won't say the same works in my relationships," she says laughingly. "I've always gone after my vibes but it's in my relationships that it has always messed me up. I guess that's because at that time it's just my heart working and not my brain. At present, I can safely say that my heart and mind are working together. Also, there's no guy who flicks my switch." Should we expect celibacy now? "Not at all; doesn't mean I've sworn celibacy. Only if I'll find earth shattering mind-blowing love, will I get married. If not, I might just stay single and content. But I'll never compromise on marriage. I am thankfully independent, self-sufficient, have an understanding and loving mom and friends. It's better to be in a relationship when you are complete in yourself for you do not depend emotionally on the other person. If I get into one now, I'm sure it'll be much better for me as I feel complete."

How does your mom react to all of it? "She has realised by now that an arranged marriage is definitely not for me. So she will never impose it on me again."

In her field of work, she has attained the stature where she can easily afford to be choosy. "I now take on one project at a time because I want to give it my best. She considers both Lahore and Karachi her homes, for Lahore is where her mom is. As for Karachi, "I have lived there for fifteen years so that's home too." But once in Karachi, rather than putting up at hotels, she prefers to stay with Vinnie (model Vineeza); her best buddy and adopted sister.

Currently, ZeeQ is going strong; in fact, she's going real strong. But it's ramp modeling that she considers an integral part of herself. "I'll never let go of that till I feel keh ab pathrao ho ga. Frankly, I want to act and model for another 3-4 years, then I want to give it up when I'm at my peak. So that people say 'you were so good, why did you leave?'? I don't want to take on motherly roles. I would then like to start work on my pet project, my novel."

Have you done any work on that? "It's still in my head just waiting to come on paper. It's part fiction part reality, but it's not my autobiography." For those of you who didn't know, this girl has been writing free verse, prose and short stories since 1985.

What then, after you're through with your novel? "I'll write serious stuff, I'll learn flying; another one of my passions. I have to do my Ph.D in English Literature. There are so many things I want to do, but I just hope I remain interested in them because I have a very short interest span. But then who knows kal ho na ho!!!"

And guess what? Our gal is just, "dying to work with the Indian actor Shahrukh Khan. If I get an offer, I'll check the script first, then go for it because I think Shahrukh is an excellent actor." This is ZeeQ at her latest; wait up and we'll bring some more on her soon.

"l think I made the transition from a model to an actor at the right time. Male models who have stuck to modelling are now gradually fading away. I don't know what other alternatives they have because it's too late for them to start acting now," says Imran Abbas candidly while stretching his legs comfortably on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon in Karachi.

Imran was the proverbial boy-next-door who had no idea that his first shoot with Khawar Riaz would catapult him to fame and popularity within a very short span of time. Everything fell in place perfectly and with it some bankable acting assignments also started coming his way, bringing him the opportunity to display his capabilities as an actor.

So was it a lack of scope in modelling that led him to change careers? "If a model has to make a transition into acting then why wait? It is risky when people typecast you as only a model. I never wanted that to happen to me. Even some of our most sought after model-turn-actresses like Vinnie and ZQ, after acting for so long, are still looked upon as models and not actresses," he says.

Contrary to common belief, Imran feels that there is no need for new entrants to get admission in any of the fashion camps to make it big in the industry. "Many models have been launched in style this way and have quickly disappeared from the scene. I don't want to take any names here but it's not important for a model to look like a Greek god or to be on the cover of every other magazine. What counts in the end is the overall personality and the ability to communicate effectively in public, have an attitude and above all, brains.

"Being launched by Khawar Riaz did help me initially, but I don't owe my entire success to him. One's mentor has a limited role in one's success and I think he can just take you to the starting point of the race. You have to run the rest of the marathon entirely by yourself and I was no exception," he says.

Referring to the new crop of models, Imran makes a point to say that they have no clue where they are going. They try to outdo each other by lowering their fees to rock-bottom level in exchange for C-grade work. "Male models have always been taken for granted in Pakistan and the newcomers are spoiling the market for the senior lot who have worked so hard to defy this trend."

'Being launched by Khawar Riaz did help me initially, but I don't owe my entire success to him. One's mentor has a limited role in one's success and I think he can just take you to the starting point of the race. You have to run the rest of the marathon entirely by yourself and I was no exception,' says Imran Abbas

Can he picture himself playing typical roles in the new breed of Indian soap opera-inspired Pakistani dramas? "I think it is very sad that our dramas are getting Indianised. But I think our characters are almost the same so I personally have no issues with playing such characters, as long as it gives me an ample margin to perform.

Our television dramas are still better than those aired on Indian TV. I am strictly against directors and writers who copy the Indian style of writing and presentation in order to market their products, regardless of the intricate details and aesthetics of drama which happened to be our forte."

After a brief pause, he adds: "One thing that I would like to mention here is that our private TV channels have contributed significantly to this trend — they only want dramas that are structured along the lines of Indian soaps. Also, they make sure that only Indian faces dominate the promotion campaigns of co-produced dramas whereas our actors are relegated to the backseat.

I have just finished one such co-production and one private TV channel strictly demanded that the promo shall only show the well-known Indian pair of Kashish and Sujhal, and none of the Pakistani actors. I think that's not fair as I strongly feel that our own TV channels are letting us down just because with Indian faces they can attract a better number of ads. The worst part is that instead of building up the image of our stars the same channel also airs a show based on baseless gossip about us, and finds it humorous and interesting to run down Pakistani artistes and tarnish their image," says Imran.

So how does he react to gossip about him and his work? "I hear many baseless rumors about me but I realize that if I am talked about it means I am not an ordinary person.

"I have always tried to strike a balance between acting and modelling. When I was nominated for an LSA I was not an ideal contender because I had not done anything big in that particular year. Besides, I don't really care about such things. For me, awards and recognition are superficial things and the LSA is more of an event or ad campaign, giving everyone a chance to get dressed up and chill out. I don't need to comment on the credibility of these awards because everyone already knows about it."

Steering the conversation towards a more optimistic note, I ask Imran about his upcoming projects. He says that he is doing Haider Imam Rizvi's next serial opposite Indian actress Dia Mirza, a serial by Evernew Pictures, a musical serial written by Bushra Ansari, and shooting for Faheem Burney's next serial with some other Indian co-stars. He has also completed Haseena Moin's Tere Aajane Se and a serial, Kinara, which will be aired soon.

"I won't be here for long since I believe in constant exploration of one's inner self. For me, inner peace and self-fulfillment is my first priority, something which showbiz cannot provide me with.

I plan to say farewell to showbiz in the next couple of years and pursue a career in architecture. These days I am planning to go abroad for a degree in architecture and leave Karachi and move to Islamabad. My temperament has some direct conflicts with this ultra fast city, where people literally work like restless juggernauts," says Imran Abbas, springing a surprise at the end of the conversation

Yousuf has Richards in sight

Friday, November 24, 2006

Karachi: Pakistani batsman Mohammad Yousuf, in the midst of an incredible form, says he wants to surpass Sir Vivian Richards' record tally of 1,710 runs in a calendar run when he plays the third and final Test against the West Indies in Karachi next week.

Yousuf, who scored 191 on the final day of Multan Test to help Pakistan salvage a draw, said that he had no disappointment at missing out on another opportunity to score a double hundred.

"I am not disappointed because now I believe what God does has a reason and it is your fate. But yes, I am eager to set a new record in
the final Test. It would be a big achievement for me and my country," he said after the match.

Yousuf scored his seventh hundred of the year, matching the feats of Richards and Aravinda de Silva, who made seven hundreds in a calendar year.

Richards holds the record for most runs in a year, scoring 1710 runs in 11 games in 1976. Yousuf has now got 1562 runs in 10 Tests this year with the Karachi match still to be played.

"When I came out this morning I had prayed last night that I may have the ability and strength to save this match for my team. I am just happy we drew this Test, individual scores are secondary to me," he said.

Yousuf did not let the circumstances overwhelm him and on the final day at lunch with Pakistan on a precarious 308 for five and just 74 runs ahead with two sessions of play remaining, West Indies were sniffing an improbable win.

Zaheer bats for fumbling top order

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Cape Town: Zaheer Khan today defended his batting colleagues against scathing criticism of their performance in the second one-dayer against South Africa and said the team was one victory away from rediscovering its winning momentum.

Zaheer, who has made a strong comeback after being sidelined for eight months, rebutted charges that India's batsmen frequently let the bowlers down when playing abroad.

"I don't think so. Our batsmen have had good outings in foreign conditions. Even in South Africa last time around, Virender Sehwag had got a brilliant hundred in his debut Test," the Baroda left-arm seamer said.

"It would take just a win for us to turn things around," said Zaheer, leaner and perhaps wiser than ever, after the indoor nets at the University of Cape Town.

The 28-year-old pacer, who picked two for 53 at Durban two days ago, put his satisfactory return to international cricket down to his perseverance and unwavering faith.

"I have made a comeback through my perseverance and also because I never lost faith in my ability. I knew that the road to comeback was a hard one but I was prepared for it,"he said.

"Now that I have made an acceptable return, I intend to do better in the rest of the tour." Zaheer also left it to the team management to decide whether he should bowl with the new ball or come in as first change. "I would go by what team management wants me to. I am comfortable either way."

IOC chief proclaims to be cricket fan

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Karachi: International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge has proclaimed himself as a cricket fan but said the sport was unlikely to be included in the Olympic Games in near future as the ICC had not approached them for the same.

"International Cricket Council itself has not applied for Olympic membership and the game is unlikely to get entry into the IOC community though I myself am fond of cricket," Rogge said.

About the bid of squash to become Olympic sport, Rogge said IOC was keen to include this game in the 2016 Olympics.

"The host city of 2016 Olympics would be decided in 2009 and at that time the sports to be played in 2016 Olympics will also be decided," he was quoted as saying by the 'Dawn' today.

Rogge also said Asia would have the largest representation at 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Not only China but Asia will have its biggest participation in Olympics 2008," he said.

Collingwood: One hit, I wonder?

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Brisbane: Falling for the lure of one shot for 100 will play on Paul Collingwood's mind for a long, long time.


For the second time in 12 months, the 30-year-old England batsmen was dismissed for 96 attempting to hoist a bowler out of the ground to reach a Test hundred.

After doing all the hard work to deny a rampant Australian bowling attack on Sunday, Collingwood swung and missed after charging down the pitch at Shane Warne and was stumped by Adam Gilchrist.

He'd led a rearguard fightback by the Englishmen for the first time in this Ashes series and, instead of being rewarded with a third Test century, he trudged off the field a very dejected looking man.

Warne ''tossed it up, lured me down and I missed it, enough said!'' Collingwood explained of his strange shot selection. ''I think I got a bit excited knowing I was only one shot away from a hundred in Australia.

''It's easy in hindsight to say maybe I shouldn't have done it, but at the time it was a good idea.''

Collingwood was caught on the boundary for 96 trying to smash Shoaib Akhtar out of the park against Pakistan at Lahore last December.

''You live and learn by your mistakes,'' he said.

Maybe it will sink in, next time around.

Ashes holder England appeared headed for a massive defeat after Australia declared earlier Sunday at 202 for one, an overall lead of 647, and then had the tourists in trouble at 36-2.

WI changes squad for ODI series

Saturday, November 25, 2006

Bridgetown: West Indies will replace three players who are competing in Test matches against Pakistan for the upcoming one-day series.

Allrounders Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Smith and Marlon Samuels will replace fast bowlers Fidel Edwards, Corey Collymore and spin bowler Omari Banks, who are currently playing in the three Test matches in Pakistan.

West Indies lost the first test and took a draw in the second match. The third Test begins in the southern port city of Karachi on Monday.

Left-handed batsman Wavell Hinds, who failed to make the Test squad, has been left off the one-day series roster. Rookie opening batsman Lendl Simmons, who was called up to the test squad, retains his place for the upcoming series, while Dave Mohammed is the lone specialist spinner.

The one-day matches will be played on December 5 (Rawalpindi), December 7 (Faisalabad), December 10 (Lahore), December 13 (Multan), and December 16 (Karachi).

The competition is seen as a warmup for the 2007 cricket World Cup, which is being played for the first time in the Caribbean.

Squad: Brian Lara (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan (vice-captain), Ian Bradshaw, Dwayne Bravo, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Christopher Gayle, Dave Mohammed, Runako Morton, Daren Powell, Denesh Ramdin, Marlon Samuels, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor.

Ahsan Khan's marriage - details!!

Date: 2006-11-25

After many a mock weddings in TV plays, Ahsan Khan's reel life eventually spilled over into his real life as he tied the knot with the love of his life, Fatima. Breaking hearts and putting speculations at rest, Ahsan Khan has entered a new phase in his life which we are sure will herald a new professional and personal bliss in his life.

Full of all the glamour and glitz that marks a celebrity wedding, the event was a memorable affair in every sense of the word. The grand scale at which the event was celebrated made it the talk of the town, i.e. Lahore.

There were five functions in all that were attended by family, friends and well-wishers of the bride and the groom. Things started on a spiritual note with a ladies' milad in which the well-known playback singer of yester year, Zubaida Khanum, led the ceremony in her beautiful voice. Later in the evening, the proceedings took on a more festive note with a dholki at Ahsan's residence in New Garden Town in which family and friends were invited.

The groom's close friends –– models Rizwan Haider and Daniyal, Rachel, Tamar, make-up artiste Babloo, actress Sadia Imam, film actor Babrik Shah and many others –– pitched in to make it a night to remember. With excellent music provided by a professional DJ, the function turned into a dance dhamaka.

But this was only the beginning and the next day's function was even more explosive with a bhangra night in full swing. A crystal dance floor had been created for the guests to boogie the night away with excellent music provided by the DJ. Resham, Maria Wasti, Veena Malik, Babrik Shah, Rizwan Haider, Daniyal, Faisal Bokhari, event planner and choreographer Rezz Aly Shah who had come from Islamabad as had Adnan Ansari, Sherry Malik, Natasha, Rija and many others enjoyed the dancing and the frolicking which went on till five in the morning.

The mehndi ceremony, which was held on November 10 and was arranged jointly by the families of the bride and the groom, was marked by much aplomb and merrymaking. A buggy had been specially decorated in which Ahsan along with his family and friends took the mehndi to the girl's house. As usual, the customary dhol accompanied the group's journey with many of the guests going crazy dancing to the catchy beat. Ahsan's friends and colleagues from his play, Mehndi Walay Haath, joined in the fun and frolic. Director Sangeeta, actress Resham (who really let her hair down), Saira Khan, Maria Wasti, Fareeha Jabeen, Adnan and Michael were also among the guests. Karachi-based model Nausheen Shah was a surprise guest.

Come November 11 and the wedding reception was again a regal affair with Chaudhry Shujaat, a close friend of Ahsan's father, Iftikhar Ullah Khan, leading the baraat procession. The wedding was a well-arranged affair attended mainly by relatives and close friends of the two families. Ahsan, having shed weight for the big event, looked really handsome in a sherwani by designer Munib Nawaz while Fatima looked ravishing in her beautiful bridal dress. Incidentally, Fatima's childhood friend happens to be none other than designer Amna Kardar of Karma who, of course, was present on all the functions.

The valima ceremony held the next day was another colourful event with many of Ahsan's celebrity friends and colleagues present including his twin brother Ali and his sisters, Qamar and Mehr. Reema and Resham were there as were Rizwan Haider, Daniyal, Usman, Sheery Malik, Zeb Chaudhry, Hina, Samia, Natasha, Ayesha Haq, Hanan, Bilal, Maria Wasti, Shamil Khan, Saira Khan and many others. Ahsan looked dapper in a Versace suit and together with Fatima they made a really fetching couple.

The arrangements were flawless, especially the stage decor as well as the seating. Last but certainly not the least was the lavish feast that was laid out for the distinguished guests.