http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/ en Copyright 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 21:42:58 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss

Pakistan’s players have mostly struggled to make an impression on the IPL, which must be some reflection of the quality of their current team © AFP

The genius of the Indian Premier League is not only has it created an international buzz, but it has also opened up a whole new world of possibilities for cricket. Let’s be clear, the Indian Premier League has hijacked the original idea of the Indian Cricket League and ground its competitor into the dirt. The current formula is problematic, mainly because of the sheer volume of matches crammed into too many weeks. The execution, however, is a different matter to the concept, and indeed there have been many positives, not least the colour and glitz of each T20 spectacle. Indian fans have enthused about suddenly flung together teams and Indian cricketers have seized an opportunity to shine on a different kind of international stage. Other countries have fared less well, however. Pakistan’s players have mostly struggled to make an impression on the tournament, which must be some reflection of the quality of Pakistan’s current team. Shoaib Malik and Co can’t even claim to be overworked. If the PCB has any sense it will learn that its own players have much to do to match many of their leading international counterparts. Pakistan fans can only hope that the Packer effect of raising international standards also applies to Pakistan players and the IPL. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/05/the_genius_and_the_dirt_of_ipl.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/05/the_genius_and_the_dirt_of_ipl.php New cricket order Thu, 08 May 2008 21:42:58 +0000

"It comes as no surprise that the world's cricket boards haven't supported Malcolm Speed's principled stance" © Getty Images

As Malcolm Speed departs the stage I finally find myself agreeing with him. Financial irregularities are a cardinal sign of corruption, and while corruption has many tentacles each poisonous limb has to be amputated at every opportunity. The affairs of Zimbabwe and the poverty of its people are dismal enough without the international cricket community tacitly endorsing financial irregularities in Zimbabwe's cricket board. The case for playing cricket against Zimbabwe is tenuous enough, it becomes almost unsustainable if there is no financial probity. It should, however, come as no surprise that the world's cricket boards have not supported Speed's principled stand--and if early reports are to be believed it is indeed that. How many of the other cricket boards have financial skeletons in their bookkeeping cupboards? I can name one. Guess who? Only this week Pakistani newspapers have been running pieces on how the Pakistan Cricket Board failed to disclose salary payments to its Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Marketing Director, and Director of Human Resources on its payroll. The financial officer and another finance department worker have resigned. In my role as chief executive of a company, I find it incredible that the salaries of any staff, let alone such senior directors, have not appeared on the organization's payroll. You would not excuse this practice from a small business, coming from a major national and international organization it is an absolute disgrace from which the chief executive and chief operating officer cannot be extricated. With money sloshing about international cricket as never before this is a time for the ICC and the Pakistani government respectively to take a firm stand. The ICC looks to be failing its test on Zimbabwe. The Pakistani government must ensure that the PCB is not allowed to wriggle out of this one either. I have no problem with cricket officials being well paid as long as they execute their roles in a deserving manner and their payments are transparent. At present, it would be hard to argue that Zimbabwe and Pakistan cricket officials are succeeding in either way. The other cricket boards should be ashamed too.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/im_with_malcolm.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/im_with_malcolm.php Politics Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:26:43 +0000

Shoaib Malik: successful... but controversially so © AFP

Shoaib Malik's Pakistan have set a record of successive wins in one-day cricket. A few more home series against sub-standard opposition - before the ICC Champions Trophy - and the record will be unbeatable. This is a Pyrrhic victory made possible by the decimation of Pakistan's international itinerary. To compare Shoaib's captaincy with Imran Khan's is unworthy. Indeed, the decision-making during the series has created plenty of controversy. Why were the new batsmen given little opportunity to play a substantial innings? Why were the new bowlers under bowled? A series against Bangladesh - one that has been easily won - would seem an ideal opportunity to develop young players but not, apparently, in the minds of the current decision makers in Pakistan cricket. Yes, you can only beat the opposition presented to you. Yes, a record is a nice-to-have and a source of much welcome cheer. But why is it the development of Pakistan cricket that suffers at each turn? ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/its_a_record_shoaib_but_not_as.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/its_a_record_shoaib_but_not_as.php Mon, 21 Apr 2008 21:39:41 +0000

Younis Khan: fatigue or pique? © AFP

Today, a reader sent me a message arguing that it is my social responsibility to start a new thread on Younis Khan, as cricket fans are poised to comment on his extraordinary withdrawal from the current series. An excuse of fatigue is hard to believe. A fit of pique (at the visit by the anti-corruption unit) would be more in character. A statement explaining that he is tired of playing the world's less challenging teams might be understandable. An expression of irritation at Shoaib Malik's captaincy would play to the gallery. You decide. Instead, I'm using Younis Khan to highlight a different point. An observation that is reinforced by the presence of two Pakistan XIs in action simultaneously. It is further emphasised by the enigma of Shoaib Akhtar. Once upon a time, Pakistan cricket had more big time players than little piddling ones. Since Inzamam's retirement, Mohammad Yousuf is the only player that will genuinely merit comparison with the top players of the past.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/superficial_stars_of_a_failed.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/superficial_stars_of_a_failed.php Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:51:28 +0000

Nasim Ashraf has chosen to sue Shoaib Akhtar for his comments to a private television channel © AFP

You might not have imagined it but it has happened. After finishing Shoaib Akhtar's career with a punishment that didn't fit the crime, Nasim Ashraf should really have expected a backlash from the cricketer himself, his fans, and most neutral observers. Some of Shoaib's retaliatory comments might have hurt. They might have even crossed the line of what is fair, decent, and lawful but leading any organisation, especially a high profile one, requires a healthy dose of judgment and wisdom. By choosing to sue Shoaib for a multi-million dollar payout, Ashraf has confirmed that he has neither in sufficient supply to head a nationally important organisation. Indeed, instead of him suing Shoaib, the many millions of people around the world who hold Pakistan cricket dear might feel justified in a legal action against Ashraf for damaging the reputation of Pakistan cricket. This farce has become an international joke. The patron of Pakistan cricket has to bring this stupidity to an end. Earlier this week, I said--with irony--way to go Dr Ashraf. I'll amend that to: Time to go.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/no_way_back_for_dr_ashraf.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/no_way_back_for_dr_ashraf.php Politics Thu, 03 Apr 2008 13:22:54 +0000

A five-year ban will almost certainly end Shoaib's Pakistan career © AFP

Few careers could have finished more often than Shoaib Akhtar's. Ironically, this end is probably the least deserved. A five-year ban for breaching the code of conduct of a cricket board that fails to demonstrate any high standards of its own is farcical. Pakistan's cricket board has lost all perspective if it believes this ban to be reasonable. A five-year ban will certainly end Shoaib's international career and, if it does that, the blame will rest as much with the cricket board's mismanagement as it does with Shoaib's unprofessionalism. This is another sad day for Pakistan cricket, which is now firmly establishing itself as an irrelevance on the international stage. Bravo Dr Ashraf and Co. Way to go.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/another_stupid_end_to_shoaibs.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/04/another_stupid_end_to_shoaibs.php Politics Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:53:28 +0000

Pakistan have little international cricket over the next year, at the end of which Hair's contract runs out © Ian Jacobs / Cricinfo Ltd

It is the time of year for resurrections and Darrell Hair has risen again to delight his supporters and spread fear and anger among his enemies. What Hair's rehabilitation programme involved requires greater explanation from the ICC? But the decision to reinstate him has certainly reinforced the persecutory complex of Pakistan cricket. I am sure Hair's reinstatement will be justified by some high principle but there is an alternative explanation. Hair is a habitual litigant. Pakistan have little international cricket over the next year, at the end of which Hair's contract runs out. From an employer's perspective it is far cleaner and more convenient to let the contract run its natural course instead of spending the next few years fighting a nasty legal case. Any self-respecting CEO--be he a Speed or a Patel- would prefer the exit of least litigation. Mr Hair's return to elite umpiring, therefore, is more cop-out than conspiracy.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/hair_today_gone_in_a_year.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/hair_today_gone_in_a_year.php Politics Tue, 18 Mar 2008 23:39:30 +0000

Cricket Australia has failed to ensure the viability of the international tours programme, which is an abdication of leadership from the world's strongest cricket country © Getty Images

The fate of Australia's tour to Pakistan is sealed--or postponed as we are supposed to believe. I've already said my piece on why Australia should have toured Pakistan, and that argument still holds. Just ask Geoff Lawson, who has underlined the folly of the approach adopted by his fellow countrymen. Ultimately, tours are the responsibility of the respective cricket boards. Cricket Australia has failed to ensure the viability of the international tours programme, which is an abdication of leadership from the world's strongest cricket country. As the general security situation in our world continues to deteriorate perhaps cricket will become extinct as countries refuse tours for unrelated risks? A truly global sport requires a stronger spine and broader vision. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/a_failure_across_the_boards.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/a_failure_across_the_boards.php Politics Tue, 11 Mar 2008 10:11:07 +0000

Why should cricket boards order you to play in IPL but punish you for choosing ICL? © Cricinfo Ltd

Consider me a Luddite but I'm getting rather fed up with this proliferation of cricket leagues. ICL, IPL, what the hell? However you look at it, these pantomimes are doing little more than milking the cash cow of cricket's popularity in India. At some point, probably not too dissimilar to the point in last year's World Cup when most people stopped caring less, people in India--yes even India--will stop caring less. The advertisers, promoters, sponsors, and deal fixers will have to dream up a new concept. In fact, I've stopped caring less about these tournaments already, except for a mild curiosity about the prospects of the band of Pakistani rejects, better known as the Lahore Badshahs. We should care, of course, because other than the glaring error of a stupid greed-inspired excess of cricket, there is a sinister element to this drama that we mustn't stop complaining about. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/icl_ipl_what_the_hell.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/03/icl_ipl_what_the_hell.php Politics Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:22:31 +0000

Adil Raza's opening spell tore apart the Australian top order in the U-19 semi-finals. But unlike his predecessors, will he make it to the next level? © Getty Images

A particular question has perplexed me for the last five years or so. It is a question that I expect to disappear during each U19 World Cup but instead the question hammers away even louder inside my cranium. The question is this: How can Pakistan be so consistently successful at U19 level yet so few of those young stars graduate to become full international cricketers? Pakistan might stumble in this U19 World Cup or they might make it a hat-trick, either way they have done enough again for that annoying question to become even more annoying. What is going on? if we accept that bone scans and better record-keeping ensure that over-age players do not distort the results of this fascinating competition, we also have to accept that there is a rich seam of talent that the Pakistani cricket system fails to develop properly. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/many_a_trip_betwixt_cup_and_fi.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/many_a_trip_betwixt_cup_and_fi.php New age Tue, 26 Feb 2008 21:40:36 +0000

© Getty Images

Dear Aussies, We hear you swim with sharks yet you cannot walk the same earth as 160 million of your fellow men and women? Pakistan may be a country demonised by the world and dubbed a basket case by the world's media yet the ground reality is something very different. Pakistan is a country struggling with its identity like many emerging countries--how to resolve Islam with the modern world?--but it is not a dangerous place, certainly not for international cricketers. Benazir Bhutto's death was a tragedy but a political assassination has no significance for Australians. Many countries have toured Pakistan since your last refusal and all their players have returned home safely. Indeed, cricket is held in such esteem that it is equally loved by young women in designer shades and old men with unkempt beards. All the religious men I have ever met in Pakistan have loved cricket and relished the challenge of Australia. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/a_letter_to_australians.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/a_letter_to_australians.php Politics Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:18:34 +0000

Pakistan should invest in their pace bowlers, particularly Sohail Khan © Faras Ghani

Five-nil should not look bad on paper but this one does. The piece of paper in question is the team sheet, which has been rearranged so often during the Zimbabwe series that it is almost impossible to draw any meaningful conclusions. Pakistan's selectors will say that they have responded to the calls for new faces but they have betrayed their own uncertainty with such haphazard substitutions. Many of the young players were given solitary opportunities against Zimbabwe, an insufficient experiment to judge Pakistan's bench strength. Assuming Australia do visit, Pakistan's only consolation can be that Ricky Ponting's team is enduring a few problems of its own although these are insignificant when compared with Pakistan's selection confusion. I would, though, hazard two conclusions. First, that Sarfraz Ahmed deserves a longer run in the first team, and second that from the array of bowlers that Pakistan experimented with the selectors should invest in those with pace, for example Sohail Khan. Rarely has a five-nil result been so empty and so devoid of meaning. Another lesson I'm sure that will go unlearned in the grand tradition of Pakistan's cricket development strategy.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/what_lessons_from_the_zimbabwe.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/02/what_lessons_from_the_zimbabwe.php Team sheet Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:28:13 +0000

Nasim Ashraf, as board chairman, should not only delegate responsibility to the selection committee but also take responsibility in the event of failure © AFP

A bad process, a management consultant would tell you, usually produces a bad outcome. Little wonder, then, that Pakistan's selection "process" rarely pleases anybody. The current bickering between board and team management is just another variation on the theme of internal division that prevents the key players in Pakistan cricket from developing the team in a coherent, constructive, and successful fashion. At the heart of the problem lies a tussle for control, a power struggle that is eternally unresolved. Captain, coach, chief of selectors, and chairman of the board are all potential rulers of the rabble--and it will remain a rabble as long as the hierarchy fluctuates with a frenzied frequency. The last time Pakistan's selection process worked properly was when Imran Khan was in total control. That was a fortunate time for Pakistan cricket but an unfortunate lesson was learned. Imran's success suggested that the captain should be responsible for all selection matters, indeed it is an approach he has strongly advocated since. But Imran's triumph rested on at least two foundations. First, Pakistan cricket was desperate for world recognition, a recognition that any era before Imran's captaincy had never achieved. Second, and most importantly, Imran had the personality and the ability to pull off his dictatorial strategy. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/pakistans_selection_sickness.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/pakistans_selection_sickness.php Team sheet Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:06:53 +0000

The change that Malik has to make is that, whatever his form, he must stamp his authority on the team and discard any inhibitions he might have over his leadership role © AFP

Last year's World Cup plunged India and Pakistan into the world of minnows. By the end of the Twenty20 equivalent, redemption was within grasp but the neighbours have followed opposite paths since. India stand on the brink of a phenomenal victory against the world's number one team while Pakistan can't be entirely confident of a convincing victory over Zimbabwe. In many ways the difference in fortunes is reflected by the difference in leadership. Mahendra Dhoni and Anil Kumble have assumed their roles in reassuring fashion, inspiring more senior and more celebrated colleagues respectively to outstanding performances. India's batting remains strong but the bowling remains raw, hence progress was not a given. Across the border, Shoaib Malik has flattered to deceive. Pakistan, with out of form unsettled batsmen and injured bowlers, might have more rebuilding to do yet their achievements since the Twenty20 World Cup have still been a disappointment. The best batting order remains something of a mystery and the production line of bowlers might not have dried up but it cannot decide which is this year's model. ]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/this_might_become_a_regular_ev.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/this_might_become_a_regular_ev.php New age Fri, 18 Jan 2008 19:02:56 +0000

The removal of Steve Bucknor from the Perth Test is a crushing defeat for the ICC © AFP

If historians ever want to mark the period when power in cricket shifted to South Asia then this is it. Just over a year ago Pakistan clashed with Darrell Hair, now India have done battle with umpire and match referee. Both Test matches might have been lost by the complainant but they recorded landmark off-field victories. Any Pakistan fan will have considerable empathy with the plight of Indians. They believe their team to be victims of fundamental injustices and they are unwilling to tolerate a slur on their reputation. Pride matters more than the result. Yet there are two issues we must not forget in the mayhem.]]> http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/iccs_giant_stride_towards_irre.php http://blogs.cricinfo.com/pakspin/archives/2008/01/iccs_giant_stride_towards_irre.php Politics Tue, 08 Jan 2008 22:39:52 +0000