By Ali Ahmed Sabir Kayani
Pakistan cricket seem a tale of two countries – One which kicked off its cricket in extreme adversity and pull off wins against all opposition in the very first series. Cricket ethos of early Pakistan was characterized by the administration itself when it was run by a Muslim, a Christian and a Parsi. Their nomination, in Osman Samiuddin’s words, was unintentional but pleasing byproduct of Pakistan’s initial cricket administration. Justice Alvin Robert Cornelius remained the central figure while Prof. Muhammad Aslam of Islamia college served as honorary treasurer & Kaikhusroo R. Collector a civil servant & cricket administrator from Karachi was its secretary. There was neither enough financial resources nor organized structure but yet boys when pitched against men stunned the cricket world. Jerrod Kimber echo’s popular sentiment – Pakistan believed they should have been a test nation from the time they were a country. It will be extremely unfair not to mention contribution of Abdul Hafeez Kardar – A man who always wore Pakistan on the chest. A stern administrative he was, but he was almost everything Pakistan cricket needed – a coach, mentor & guide. Under his able guidance Pakistan galloped along the road to success. He certainly enjoyed support of players like Hanif Muhammad & Fazal Mahmood who belong to our cricketing folklore.
I am from a generation who was lucky enough to witness the beginning of the rise of Pakistan cricket back in late seventies when we humbled the mighty Australians in Sydney and gave Westsides a run for their money in that iconic series which will be remembered for Waseem Raja’s exploits with bat, Majid Khan’s majestic knock in George Town, Skipper Mushtaq Muhammad’s all-round brilliance in Port of Spain and last but not least young & Big for standing toe to toe with fearsome pace battery of Westsides. Pakistan continued their climb by winning in India, England and the Westsides who were if not the finest certainly one of the finest team in cricket history. It all culminated against the odds victory for cornered tigers in 1992 World Cup.
Now the other Pakistan – Romance with Sydney fairy tale is fading away. From abundant financial resources to elaborate administrative structure, Pakistan cricket has everything to succeed except perhaps the will. In these desperate times I want to offer my sympathies to my generation who had witnessed Pakistan snatching victory from the jaws of defeat. There is no doubt that India’s ascendency as financial power house has resulted in its dominant role in ICC decision making. It is true that modern day cricket is dictated by financial resources rather than old fashioned stress on principles & ethics. It is also true that our neighbor never misses an opportunity to arm-twist Pakistan. However, blaming our them for everything is oversimplification of the problems and diagnosis thereof.
We desperately need an honest introspection if we are to put our house in order. Cricket culture of Pakistan has undergone drastic transformation from 2000 on wards when the team began to make undesirable headlines. The most tragic moment of our cricket history came when we lost three “once in a generation players”. Yes – Salman, Asif & Amir were culprits and rightly attracted the wrath of an entire nation but no one pondered over the role of our cricket management. PCB needs to realize that players should be groomed to become ambassadors of Pakistan besides sharpening their professional skills. It is interesting to point out here that before Pakistan’s inaugural tour to England, a training camp was organized in Bahawalpur. Besides cricket lessons Captain Kardar taught the team, table manners, lectured them on social conduct and English language. There is no doubt that modern players have more exposure but one cannot deny importance of personality development for new entrants.
The recent handshake controversy may have been handled better and instead of targeting Andy Pycroft, it would have been appropriate if we had lodged protest on the conduct of Indian captain, whose speech is even being criticized by some sections of Indian media, now. Nothing stopped us from taking up this issue with ICC. I am not sure threatening boycott, delayed arrival and finally playing under the same referee on back of “apology” in a muted video has done any good to Pakistan cricket as news coming out is denial of “apology” and “regret for miscommunication” instead.
We need to devise a cricket echo system where game and players develop together. Teams like New Zealand always punch above their weight while tackling heavyweights and not so long ago gave hell to India with much fewer resources. It is not about talent – it’s about planning, management and developing an echo system. Certainly, with right support, counselling and guidance players like Saim, Farhan & Hassan Nawaz can match the Abhisheks, Dubes & Varmas.
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