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Sunday, October 13, 2024

England in Pakistan - Whitewash 2.0 coming up fellows


Looks like the chaos in the Pakistani camp is resulting in management making haphazard decisions, since this is almost a Monday morning in Pakistan, after 2 hours, it'd be Monday 14th October 2024, and I have been going through to Indian WhatsApp and Sports Channels, they have been busy discussing both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, although sounds amusing, while the English written on their tweets have been of high quality, which doesn't suit their speaking style, but still, who am I to judge them on their speaking skills, but right now I am directly facing 5th-dimensional generational warfare at its peak, where their publicity partners have been trying their level best to create a favourable situation for their clients, as I don't want to name their corporation, it is like an open secret within Pakistani fraternity, it is just about which piece of the jigsaw puzzle you're fitting at the missing place.

Don't blame Indians, they are defending their country

But we as a society and as Pakistanis have forgotten that countries are made based on ethical norms and legacy, not on hypocrisy, because at times, we have been rigid on religion, but on the other hand, lighting up the streets on 14th Rabi ul Awwal while using illegal electricity, for which we as taxpayers are suffering 2.5 hours x 4 times load-shedding. I am not saying do not celebrate, as I am not a religious scholar, but all I am saying is that there should be religious and ethical norms because religion is all based on ethics, morality and setting standards, but when our religious standards are on hypocrisy, what else could we expect? What we are seeing has been an inferiority complex instead of collaboration, The same has been the situation with Karachi, where we have been creating Karachi unlivable city by turning it into a real-estate catastrophe, The same has been the situation with Pakistan cricket as I personally experienced inferiority complex within the masses.
This is a screenshot of an Indian colleague of mine, and I had to agree with him because this is what has been seen, since 2021, when South Africa toured Pakistan, I have been seeing some bowling lineups as if they can't be replaced, whereas to develop new bowlers, we are first required to give them confidence, but we as a society have been confidence eaters, whether it comes to cricket, professional life or overall society.

Look at England

Their captain won their previous series when they toured Pakistan, but they are developing a new captain, whereas whom we develop from the 2022 home encounter? Development takes time, and it is like an investment, but we do not know the importance of the ROI factor, instead as a society we have been so much under an inferiority complex that we are not thinking clearly we are not doing good to the country.






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England in Pakistan - Chaos in Pakistani camp


This is another example of mishap management within the Pakistani camp. After a humiliating defeat in the first test match played at Multan, Pakistan became the first team in test cricket history to score over five hundred runs and still concede over eight hundred. Despite their impressive score, Pakistan lost the test match, leading to chaos within the team.

This upheaval, however, was misguided. Non-performing players were replaced by domestic cricket performers like Mir Hamza. What's wrong with this approach? Under the tenure of those dropped, Pakistan has been losing numerous games. It’s time to take chances with younger players and foster a competitive environment where every player knows they could be replaced. This mindset isn't wrong; it’s necessary. Yet, within Pakistan, a media war rages. Decisions to drop non-performing players are criticized as if they are sacred. This criticism is misplaced.

As former coach Mohsin Hassan Khan often said, "Play for Pakistan, don't play with Pakistan." This chaos is a necessary step in the right direction. Indian media might mock Pakistan's cricket history, but we are giving them reasons to do so. It's time to stop treating ourselves as untouchable and acknowledge that we are as human as anyone else.



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Sunday, October 06, 2024

England in Pakistan | Expecting another whitewash


England's tours to Pakistan used to be as frequent as the rare rain showers in Karachi. They'd come by
Management illiteracy when it comes to creation 
more international standard venues all across the 
country instead of playing within 3 to 4 hand-
picked cricketing venues

occasionally but rarely brought the downpour we expected. After the famous win in Karachi in 2000, where we were down and out for the first time in Karachi, which was supposed to be Pakistan's fortress till then, England toured again in 2005. Still, it was comprehensively beaten by the brilliance of Shoaib Akhtar. However, a long drought followed, and it wasn't until 2022 that England returned to Pakistan, winning comprehensively and avenging the famous Misbah-ul-Haq-led UAE whitewash.

This time, we might face a similar fate. We've just been beaten by Bangladesh in Rawalpindi, and with an untested English bowling lineup, there's a possibility they'll bring an "out of syllabus" challenge for our batsmen. We lack the surprise element in our bowling and batting, making another whitewash against Pakistan a strong possibility.

Unavailability of venues

Pakistan finds itself once again resorting to last-minute fixes for our cricket venues. It’s a predictable scenario, especially when we’ve known since 2023 that we’d be hosting the daunting 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, on our own soil. Instead of proactive preparation, we waited until the completion of the World T20 event in the West Indies and USA to start making adjustments. Had we begun this process in 2022 or early 2023, we could have unveiled new and improved venues like Peshawar's Arbab Niaz Stadium and Karachi's Rafi Cricket Stadium. Additionally, with minor upgrades, we could have incorporated new venues in Multan, Faisalabad, and Bahawalpur.

I believe that diversifying the venues for cricket matches is crucial for the growth of our sport. This
Due to political differences, we have intentionally
left several under-processed venues untouched

season has been intense, with our home grounds frequently occupied, highlighting the need for better preparation to host multiple international matches. We should consider expanding beyond our reliance on the same four venues: Karachi in the south, Multan in the centre, and Lahore and Rawalpindi in the north. This predictable pattern makes it easy for touring teams to adapt and it's time to change that. It's important to note that all Pakistani games were being played on the Eastern Side of the country, neglecting the Western Side. We should take the initiative to establish new venues, such as Khuzdar, Gwadar, Quetta, and Peshawar, and consider upgrading other cities like Hyderabad Sindh, Mirpurkhas, and Sukkur to international standards. By taking these steps, we can promote inclusivity and create more opportunities for cricket across the country.

For cities as large as Lahore and Karachi, having only one international venue each is simply inadequate. Countries with packed home series typically use a matrix-based approach to allocate venues, ensuring a more balanced and challenging environment for visiting teams. Our failure to do so reflects poorly on our planning and foresight, and it’s something I’ve been critical of for a long time. We need to expand and upgrade our venues if we want to host international cricket successfully and provide our teams with a home advantage. Pakistan finds itself once again resorting to last-minute fixes for our cricket venues. It’s a predictable scenario, especially when we’ve known since 2023 that we’d be hosting the daunting 2025 Champions Trophy, featuring eight teams, on our own soil. Instead of proactive preparation, we waited until the completion of the World T20 event in the West Indies and USA to start making adjustments. 

I have consistently pointed out that the overuse of a limited number of venues is detrimental to our cricket. This season has been particularly intense, with our home grounds frequently occupied, yet we failed to prepare adequately for the challenge of hosting multiple international matches. We continue to rely on the same four venues: Karachi in the south, Multan in the centre, and Lahore and Rawalpindi in the north. This predictable pattern makes it easy for touring teams to adapt, as they know exactly which venues they will be playing at.

For cities as large as Lahore and Karachi, having only one international venue each is simply inadequate. Countries with packed home series typically use a matrix-based approach to allocate venues, ensuring a more balanced and challenging environment for visiting teams. Our failure to do so reflects poorly on our planning and foresight, and it’s something I’ve been critical of for a long time. We need to expand and upgrade our venues if we want to host international cricket successfully and provide our teams with a home advantage.

It's baffling that while Karachi and Lahore have seen significant upgrades, the Rawalpindi cricket stadium, a candidate for the third test, has been left idle. Construction work will only resume after the third test, although the required work is less extensive than in Karachi and Lahore. It's perplexing why the renovation, upgrades, and new venues are being delayed until 2024 when they could have been initiated in 2022. This delay seems unnecessary and ill-timed.

Coming up next on Pakistani Soil

Dubai International Cricket Stadium, creating good
optics for UAE on the global stage
After England's tour, Pakistan will host the West Indies, followed by a tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa. However, this series holds little significance, as it will conclude within four or five days, just before the Champions Trophy warm-ups begin. This chaotic scheduling and inadequate preparation make a mockery of Pakistan on a global stage.

Whereas when it comes to away tours, Pakistan would be travelling Downunder in Australia, to play a white ball cricket series, for which Pakistan still in chaos since Babar Azam who was skipper of ODI cricket, has just resgned, hence right now the PCB camp is on whiteball choas, since there have been something fishy going on while creating good optics, otherwise your reputation is always at stakes, therefore I am not expecting something good from the tour to Australia, afterwards I am also not expecting good from Pakistan's tour to Zimbabwe, as remember rhis is the same Zimbabwe who defeated us during 2022 ICC World T20 event, although this time Pakistan's tour is going to be Bulawayo centric instead of previously Harare only, as Zimbabwe's economic situation doesn't allow them to create new venues, but as I have been advocate for Pakistani new cricketing venues, I wished, the same might happen for a talented team like Zimbabwe. Afterwards Pakistan would be celebrating New Years' eve in South Africa for a complete all in one series which comprises of T20I series, ODI series and Test Match series, although this series also exhibits a reality that it is not intention of PCB to play longer format, as 2 test match series, 3 ODI matches series clearly exhibits lack of intent, because bilateral series is always decided by both host and touring countries and at that time tournament sponsors are also decided accordingly.

We’ve exposed ourselves by starting venue upgrades at the last minute. A critical comparison with India’s approach reveals our shortcomings. While India was hosting Bangladesh—a team that recently defeated Pakistan in their own backyard—in a test match at Chennai, their venues showed continuous improvement over time. Even during the 2023 Cricket World Cup, every Indian venue was top-notch, with the Pune stadium boasting multi-tier stands reminiscent of the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This commitment to maintaining and upgrading venues not only enhances the viewing experience but also creates positive optics for the country.

In stark contrast, our venues remain in deplorable condition in 2024, facing basic issues like poor viewing experiences and inadequate facilities. The broadcasting quality, a top priority, lags behind, and our venues lack built-in electronic advertisement boundary wall facilities. Unlike other cricketing nations such as England, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, which provide enjoyable cricket viewing experiences supported by relevant statistics and documentaries, PCB management falls short. None of our cricket grounds have digital screens; even the grounds with modern LED screens, like Hayatabad Stadium and Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium in Peshawar, have seen work halted due to political reasons. This situation reflects the deeply entrenched politics in our cricket administration, overshadowing the sport itself.

This lack of foresight and investment in infrastructure not only hampers our ability to host international
Pune Cricket Stadium in Maharashtra
 events but also damages our reputation. We need to move beyond playing politics and focus on the tangible actions required to uplift our cricketing standards. This includes regular venue upgrades, better facilities, and a commitment to providing a world-class experience for both players and spectators. Only then can we hope to reclaim our standing on the global cricket stage!

Major bone of contention for Pakistan

After the conclusion of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, there will be no ICC, ACC, or other multinational tournaments held on Pakistani soil until 2027. This oversight reflects a significant failure in representing the country on a global level. Our lack of investment in tourism, including sports tourism, has left us at ground zero, missing crucial opportunities for development. This situation underscores the need for intelligent individuals, like the current GM of the ICC, who could have made a substantial difference had we respected and utilized their expertise while they were in Pakistan. The fact that such a key figure now oversees international cricket instead of contributing to our national progress exemplifies the deep-seated issues within Pakistan and its cricketing administration.

Critical Analysis:

The statement accurately highlights several critical points regarding Pakistan's cricketing and tourism sectors. 

Lack of strategic planning
1. Lack of Major Tournaments: The absence of international tournaments on Pakistani soil until 2027
indicates a gap in strategic planning and international outreach. This situation not only affects the country's representation in the global cricketing community but also hampers potential economic benefits derived from hosting such events.

2. Neglect of Tourism: The analysis points out a broader issue of underinvestment in tourism, specifically sports tourism. Hosting international events can significantly boost a country’s tourism sector, leading to increased international exposure and economic benefits. Pakistan's failure to capitalize on this opportunity reflects a shortfall in forward-thinking and strategic development.

3. Missed Opportunities: The mention of the current GM of ICC, a capable individual who could have contributed to Pakistan's cricket, underscores a recurring issue where talent and expertise are not recognized or utilized effectively within the country. This brain drain results in skilled professionals taking their talents elsewhere, to the detriment of national development.
Lacking sporting tourism

4. Dilemma of Pakistan Cricket: The overarching theme points to systemic issues within Pakistan’s cricket administration, highlighting a lack of respect and support for individuals who could drive progress. This negligence results in lost opportunities and stagnation in the sport’s development on a national level.

The statement calls for a critical reassessment of Pakistan’s approach to international sports representation and tourism investment, urging the need to recognize and utilize local talent effectively to avoid further missed opportunities.
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Saturday, September 07, 2024

After laying eggs in Ireland, World T20I event, losing home-series against Bangladesh Cricket - I am thinking for quitting writing for Pakistan Cricket


At this moment, as I pen these words, my disposition is such that I am disinclined to extol Pakistan cricket. This sentiment stems from my observations that when foreign curators are involved, they tend to prepare pitches that offer equal support to both teams. I have repeatedly emphasized the importance of adapting to conditions rather than lauding players for attributes they may not possess.

What do I mean by that?

Adapting to various options and scenarios is a theme I've often discussed in my blog posts. As a Pakistani, I've observed certain patterns, particularly when I began writing about Pakistan cricket during the defense of their World T20I championship in the Caribbean Islands. I recall the match against New Zealand, which Pakistan lost, and even then, I noticed small fissures. Despite this, as a patriotic Pakistani and cricket fan, I defended the team. I remember dancing to Call the band's "Badal Do Zamana" during that period. However, those minor cracks, which I once overlooked, have now become evident and are eroding at a fundamental level. Rather than addressing these issues, there has been a shift away from continuity and consistency. This is mirrored in the personal challenges I face within my family, where respect for the individual is often sacrificed for the pursuit of power. Power should come with an equal measure of responsibility, yet there seems to be a hunger for power without the accompanying sense of duty. This lack of accountability is not just a problem at the top; it has permeated down to the individual level. Society seeks validation without considering the examples they set for others to emulate.

Shameless Society, Shameless Cricket Board, and Shameless Cricket itself

Our society often exhibits a narcissistic mindset, showing little concern for the impact of their actions on their own offspring, seeking instead to establish a legacy for themselves. Similarly, as the offspring grow, they tend to settle old scores, perpetuating the cycle on a micro level. This pattern is mirrored in our corporate structures, including organizations like cricket boards and others.

Accountability matters

There is a significant difference between Accountability and Subjective Accountability. Islam promotes the concept of Accountability, while it disapproves of Subjective Accountability. However, due to societal hypocrisy, these distinctions often seem inconsequential.


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England in Pakistan - Whitewash 2.0 coming up fellows

Looks like the chaos in the Pakistani camp is resulting in management making haphazard decisions, since this is almost a Monday morning in ...