Shane Warne, move over

[jim boy]

Not to be outdone by some Aussie, the king of pork himself, Inzamam-ul-Haq, has shed 23 pounds. Which is a damn pity, the stories of his lardiness used to be legendary.

Inzamam sheds 23 pounds

KARACHI, Jan 31: Pakistan vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq Friday said he had shed about 23 pounds in the last six months just to be in his best physical shape for the 2003 Cricket World Cup that begins Feb 9.

"I want to look the same as I looked during the 1992 World Cup - a shy and thin boy" he said according to information received here from Johannesburg.

"It has taken a lot of sacrifice (to lose weight) but then if I had to be in the best of shapes, I had to do it. After all, this World Cup means a lot not only to me but to 140 million people back home who expect me to perform," Inzamam said at the Wanderers where Pakistan had another extensive fielding session after the Jumma prayers.

"I am sure I will not be criticised for my weight this time," said Inzmam playing his fourth successive world cup.

Inzamam, widely criticised for being over-weight, is considered as the backbone of Pakistan team after having notched up 8,939 runs from 284 games at 39.20. Inzamam, as a 22- year- old, burst into international scene with a rapid 60 off 37 balls against New Zealand in the 1992 World Cup semifinal. And then played another swashbuckling knock in the final against Australia that propelled Pakistan to a winning 249.

"I feel fresh and more athletic after having lost the weight. I can feel there is a huge difference between the Inzamam of today and Inzamam of maybe six months ago. I have had long nets and fielding sessions and I don't feel tired at all.

"Now I am sure that I will be able to spend more time at the crease because the new-look body will now put comparatively lesser pressure on my troubled knees. At the same time, I can be quicker between the wickets and therefore, little chance of being run-out," Inzamam said, adding: "I would like to lose another five pounds by the time we take on India on March 1."

Inzamam admitted that Pakistan had a rough last couple of months. But stressed that it was now a rejuvenated team and there has been a sudden change in the attitude of players.

"I know people who have written us off would not trust me. But the truth is that there is a massive turn-around in the attitude of the players. I don't know whether it is because of the World Cup or if they have realised that the nation has high hopes on them or maybe because they feel it is time for them to payback.

"I think this all reflects the mental toughness of the boys who despite being on the receiving end when they were here last time, are geared up to give more than cent percent.

"I can see the change in the attitude at nets, fielding sessions and in team hotel. I mean there are more team meetings and consequently more participation of the boys, and the players are moving together and discussing cricket.-APP

http://www.dawn.com/2003/02/01/spt1.htm

 

[ScouseCat]

Pakistan are usually up for the World Cup and if Inzy is fit and in good form, they could be very dangerous. Having said that, they could also come out and lose to a team like Kenya... that's the way Pakistan play!!

 

[jefffff34]

Originally posted by ScouseCat
Pakistan are usually up for the World Cup and if Inzy is fit and in good form, they could be very dangerous. Having said that, they could also come out and lose to a team like Kenya... that's the way Pakistan play!!

If anyone thinks how they lost to Bangladesh in the last WC was above board they have bricks in their heads.

 

[Kenny_01]

Inzamam did look a lot leaner the last time I saw him on TV.

 

[KevinPoulsen]

Obviously removed the young child that was trapped inside him

Would he know how to play cricket slim .. ?