Where is Pakistan? - Inbox at Cricinfo

As much as we would like to say cricket and politics don't mix, it is unrealistic to believe it. Pakistan's unstable political climate and unfortunate status as terrorism target is not conducive to attracting cricket teams, sponsors, or fans. To further my point about politics, South Africa was isolated from world sports for decades due to its apartheid policy, a purely political reason for isolating it. A similar issue is going on in Zimbabwe, yet I have already raised my annoyance at the lack of initiative on that problem.

Their cricketers have battled controversies which have tagged along like dead weights. The match fixing accusations, ball tampering, Shoaib Ahktar's histrionics, the drug disgrace surrounding Shoaib and Mohammad Asif, and the forfeited test have all contributed to Pakistan's state of mind. Their bizarre selection policies have also contributed, with players who have made successful forays overseas such Yasir Arafat all but ignored (Arafat did manage one test, in their previous series against India). Mushtaq Ahmed churned out hundreds of wickets for Sussex and helped the county to its first championships, but was not picked again.

Cricket wants a strong Pakistan team. While the board has become something of a little brother to the powerful BCCI, the health of cricket needs more competitiveness and what better time with plenty of money in the game to encourage it? There is going to be another Wasim there, another Imran, another Javed. Pakistan needs to go and find them, not only for its own sake, but for crickets.

Its not just Pakistan, teams like West Indies and Bangladesh are also in decline. Effectively only 5 teams, Australia, England, South Africa and India seem to perform at a desired level in all conditions. New Zealand and Sri Lanka are good at home. Instead of hoping the rest of the teams to improve it might be worth including teams like Australia A(second string) if they have quality as it can add some more meaningful matches.

I disagree, I don't think the uncertain political climate or lack of competition due to terror threats have had as telling an effect as inept management. Your example of South Africa is horrible; South Africa were a force to reckon with immediately upon re-admission which is a direct consequence of how well run and organized their first class/domestic structure are.
A strong first-class/domestic structure is vital to nurture and develop the best talent into fit (physical and mental), disciplined and ultimately competitive teams. That is the big difference between Australia and the rest of the world, the academy trains cricketers on all aspects from a very early age. Compare that to Pakistan who have had captains that don't even seem to know the laws of cricket. The players just don't seem to have the right focus and for the most part are indisciplined. Talent will get you only so far, and when people like Musharraf and his cronies hold top positions in the PCB you can't expect much.

I disagree, I don't think the uncertain political climate or lack of competition due to terror threats have had as telling an effect as inept management. Your example of South Africa is horrible; South Africa were a force to reckon with immediately upon re-admission which is a direct consequence of how well run and organized their first class/domestic structure is.
A strong first-class/domestic structure is vital to nurture and develop the best talent into fit (physical and mental), disciplined and ultimately competitive teams. That is the big difference between Australia and the rest of the world, the academy trains cricketers on all aspects from a very early age. Compare that to Pakistan who have had captains that don't even seem to know the laws of cricket. The players just don't seem to have the right focus and for the most part are indisciplined. Talent will get you only so far, and when people like Musharraf and his cronies hold top positions in the PCB you can't expect much.

I am pleasantly surprised to see such a rarity as "an Aussie who is concerned about the state of Pak cricket". With recent events, it looks like that Aussies have wiped Pak off the cricketing map.

I agree with your assessment of PCB. Pak fans have been lamenting PCB for years now but atleast countries were touring Pak in the 80's and 90's so the show was going on. Now your CA do not want to tour Pak because of bombs going off yet they are willing to tour India in spite of bombs going off. Racists? No. Double standard? Yes. Why? Simply because there is plenty of $$$ to be made in close alliance with BCCI but PCB does not have such lavishes on offer.

Cricket has changed forever now. Poor/smaller boards like PCB/BCB and WICB will perhaps no longer exist in the near future. Writing is on the wall. 6 BCB players suddenly quit to join ICL.

Test cricket fans will have to take a bitter pill and accept the inevitable. Cricket has discovered $$$ in 20/20 and that's the future now.

Well can you blame me, only of course, if indeed it was misconstrued?

"What happened to Pakistan cricket to bring it down the notches it had scaled to reach amongst the top three in world cricket?

As much as we would like to say cricket and politics don't mix, it is unrealistic to believe it." Followed by example of South Africa.

I think most people would believe you're trying to find a link between Pakistan's decline and the uncertain political climate and terrorism.

Rauf seems to only have a xenophobic and biased attitude. What happened at the Marriot Hotel in Islamabad [ where the cricketers would have stayed, and which was guaranteed "presidential level" security] is proof that Pakistan is in no position to host international tournaments.

Without that, it will continue to be shunned, as it should be, till its own people can get its house in order.

At this time, Great Pakistan is going through tough times with all the crisis going on in the country. It was once a great cricket team, but it would take a lot of effort to climb back to the the level they were supposed to be in. Until this point, i still wonder ehat exactly happened with Bob Woolmer, a great coach that everyone loved in Pakistan.