Pakistan is undoubtedly a nation in shambles, and its cricket board is no exception to the surrounding environment. Pakistani cricket, in simple terms can be said to be going through perhaps its worst phase. This despite the fact that the country is being led by an all-rounder who brought the only World Cup to Pakistan in 1992– Imran Khan Niazi.
The recent Danish Kaneria episode has gone on to expose the deep seated rot within the cricket establishment of the country. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has distanced itself from the controversy and has refused to get involved in it, saying that the issue revolves around the individual opinion of former players.
The PCB is pretty much the reason behind the deteriorating condition of the country’s team. Cricket is the sole medium which provides happiness to the Pakistanis once in a blue moon. With that too being ruined due to an underperforming cricket board, there practically remains no reason for Pakistani’s to look up to their country. From 29th to 2nd December, Pakistan played a test series with Australia as the latter hosted it. Pakistan was wiped out 2-0 and returned home red faced.
Pakistan cricket’s woes are not limited to miserable performances, but also extend to off-field controversies as both the team and the Pakistan Cricket Board have been rocked by internal dissensions. Even after an embarrassing defeat in the World Cup, there were reports of how factions led by Mohammed Amir and Imad were letting down Sarfaraz Ahmed, the then captain of Pakistan.
At a time when the Danish Kaneria controversy is still fresh, PCB has also been rocked by a leaked video of Wasim Akram, former captain of the team. In it, Akram is seen venting out his frustration at the state of affairs, especially with regards to the administrative part. “Wohi puraane tareeke (Same old ways)… ragad ke rakh dia hai (it has crushed us). Change karne ke liye thode tareeke badalne padte hain (To bring about a change, new methods should be introduced)… soch badalni padti hai (we have to change our thinking). Kuch naya bhi karlo bhai (try out some new things),” Akram is heard saying. He further reveals that he has some ideas to get out of this mess, but will reveal them only at an appropriate time. This leaked video where Akram is seen having a private conversation with two others has been shared by Shoaib Akhtar on Twitter, and said that he supports the idea of a change.
I support the Leaked Video of Wasim Akram, We need a change.#wasimakram #ShoaibAkhtar pic.twitter.com/OoW6AXfC4u
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) December 26, 2019
The PCB is a lethargic organization, and it is steadily scripting the irreversible downfall of Pakistani cricket.
Marred with allegations of rampant nepotism and lack of understanding, the board has been facing outrage by Pakistanis themselves, who very well know how a bunch of below-average personalities are resulting in the downfall of their cricket team. To this effect, Rasid Lateef, former skipper and wicket keeper also came down heavily on the board after Pakistan’s embarrassment loss to Australia. The reason for this outrage was the selection of Naseem Shah, who made his debut for the senior team even before he was selected into the Pakistan U-19 team for the Youth World Cup last week. Naseem is 16, and yet was seen playing in the A team of Pakistan. His tweet read, “Pakistani Cricket Team’s players are going to U-19s. U-19s are going to U-16s, U-16s to U-13s & U-13s back to their mothers’ laps. For God’s sake PCB, correct the ages & don’t destroy by working with crooked diploma doctors, don’t make a joke of yourself.” This also points towards the desperation of PCB to think short-term, and win instant games, without focussing on the development of junior players over a prolonged period of time. Moreover, the player selection process in Pakistan too is shoddy, and usually those with connections are the only one’s who get selected.
All this, while Imran Khan, former captain of the team is the Prime Minister. Although the post in Pakistan has no real power and influence, it was still expected of him to revamp the state of affairs in the PCB and uplift Pakistani cricket. In all this, the Pakistani who loves cricket stands defeated.
