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Sunday, March 31, 2024

Changing management just like I change my wardrobe from closet



Before I continue, let me first elaborate on the level I am going to start the argument;

1. Instability in Pakistan Cricket Board

We as Pakistanis aren't thinking
forth-dimensionally
The current predicament of Pakistan Cricket has become a significant issue. The term "fourth dimensionally," first mentioned in a movie character, aptly describes the situation. While examining the evolution of various cricket boards into cricketing powerhouses, it's evident that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has become a dominant force in international cricket since 1999, initially with support from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). In contrast, Pakistan's cricket governance has declined since the time when Pakistan advocated for hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup outside England—a move that led to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the West Indies hosting the event. The T20I Cricket World Cup era followed, with South Africa, England, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India hosting the tournaments. Despite the pandemic, which led to India hosting the T20I World Cup in the UAE, Pakistan has not been mentioned as a host, reflecting a lack of forward-thinking, akin to Dr. Brown from the Back to the Future trilogy. This mindset has permeated Pakistani society and affected the PCB's priorities. According to a podcast by an Indian YouTuber and verbal accounts from elders, Pakistan's economy was definitely more stable than India's before the annexation of East Pakistan i.e., independence of Bangladesh, focusing on developing through tourism and education—a model now prevalent in Southeast Asia, but the same is not priority for Pakistan, which was observed during ACC Asia Cup 2023 event opening ceremony held at Multan, where Pakistan lost the plot, while conducting a boring opening ceremony, which didn't comprise any thing unique only towards Pakistan, unlike 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup opening ceremony, where Bangladesh promoted her culture with pride to the whole world, instead we as a nation have been under inferiority complex of making others happy without acknowleding our own interests, we as a nation have been a "good shoe polishers" without any dignity (although this is a paradox, that how could dignity prevail, while you're only emphasizing on polishing others' shoes)

1.1 Rapid changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board

Pakistan Cricket Board is being
"planningly" deteriorated
This is a regrettable aspect, as I previously mentioned, we are culpable for providing opportunities to
our exploiters. We have inadvertently allowed outsiders to criticize us, diminishing our credibility. Globally, we are unfortunately recognized for a "biogenesis" mindset, which refers to the ancient belief in spontaneous generation that prevailed for centuries. Similarly, we Pakistanis have been guilty of exploiting our compatriots in front of foreigners, even on foreign soil. This is evident in YouTube videos where many student vloggers prefer Airbnb over staying with relatives abroad. Additionally,
Haroon Rasheed Sahab mentioned on a news channel that we are notorious for showing no respect or respite to our outgoing cricketer and chairman. This, I believe, is enough to illustrate the extent of our decline, which definitely accounts for the accountability aspect, instead we as a society have been placed unaccounted for.

1.2 Unaccountability in Pakistan Cricket Board

Being Muslims, unaccountability is never favored in our religion, because as per religious texts, it initiates a Karma Effect, which as a nation, we have been facing and yet acknowleding in current Karachi society, where even traffic flow in front on police constables move on the opposite side of the normal traffic flow, so just imagine how much unaccountability we as civilians have been facing in current circumstances, since the meaning of unaccountability in this context have been utilized as something where something where someone is given special preference for not to be accounted for, which is also something not liked in the relgion.

2. Pakistan Cricket placement on the Global Level

Just because of sudden changes in the Pakistan Cricket Board, below are some of the aspects destroying Pakistani pride and tarnishing Pakistan Cricket.
2.1 Phoney domestic cricket
2.2 Sudden changes in PCB management
2.3 Utilizing Foreign coaches in/at the wrong places
2.4 Non-cricketers on helm-of-affairs for cricket
2.5 Pakistan on the last of the priorities 
This is my personal preference, I might be incorrect in my assessment, but due to these difficult
Globally, Pakistan and PCB being downgraded
situations set by our own actions, we are unable to tackle international scenarios, most importantly ICC's Future Tour programs, whereas compared to India, where 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup was jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, likewise 2016 T20I Cricket World Cup was also hosted by India, similarly 2021 World T20I Cup was also hosted by India in UAE due to pandemic, and likewise 2023 cricket world cup was solely hosted by India on her own, similarly 2026 World T20I Cup is going to be jointly hosted by Sri Lanka and India, whereas while comparing the same with Pakistan, during the same period, Pakistan was only granted two multinational tournaments, which was Asia Cup of 2023, which was itself a joke where Pakistan's name from the Asia Cup logo was officially scrapped, otherwise prior to the previous edition, which was again hosted on UAE soil by Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's name was embossed on official logos, which clearly mentions how much serious have PCB management have been, since due to this haphazard changes in the PAKISTAN CRICKET BOARD, since from April 2022, Ramiz Raja, Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf and right now current PCB chief Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, have either served otherwise serving PCB chief seat.

3. In-house broadcasting and creating documentaries

Pakistan Cricket lacks "modern"
broadcasting patterns
Cricket documentaries can play a pivotal role in enhancing fans' understanding of the game, both on and off the field. It is regrettable, therefore, that Pakistan's cricket has suffered due to a lack of prioritization. The prevalent "I am" mentality, whereby individuals prioritize themselves over the team, has led to chaos and tarnished the reputation of Pakistani cricket internationally. 

To elaborate, cricket documentaries provide fans with an in-depth understanding of the game, the players, and the strategies involved. These documentaries can shed light on the behind-the-scenes activities and offer valuable insights that are not visible during live matches. However, the cricket board in Pakistan has often failed to invest the necessary resources to promote the sport effectively. This lack of investment has contributed to a decline in the quality of cricket played in the country, resulting in reduced interest among the public.

Moreover, the "I am" mentality has plagued Pakistani cricket, leading to discord and disharmony within the team. Players prioritize their personal interests over the team's, leading to chaos and disunity. This lack of team spirit and cohesiveness has significantly impacted the team's overall performance, tarnishing Pakistani cricket's reputation internationally.

In conclusion, while cricket documentaries are crucial in enhancing fans' understanding of the game, it is imperative to address the underlying issues affecting the growth and development of the sport. The lack of investment in cricket and the prevalence of the "I am" mentality has led to a decline in the sport's quality in Pakistan, which requires significant efforts to restore.

Our current workforce is inadequate to meet the broadcasting and documentary requirements of our organization, necessitating the need for more substantial investment of time and resources in sports documentaries. This presents a challenge, as we must balance the production of news content with the need to create high-quality sports programming.

To address this issue, we have decided to allocate more resources towards sports programming and divert attention from news channels. This strategic move will facilitate a focus on building our audience and attracting new viewers. To achieve this, we must shift our audience's attention from traditional news anchors towards sports personalities, creating programming that is more engaging and appealing to a wider range of viewers.

Our ultimate goal is to create informative and entertaining content that reflects the interests and passions of our audience. We recognize the significance of investing in sports programming and are committed to making the necessary changes to ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our viewers.

4. Respect assessment

Respect for our cricketers has been an ongoing issue, reflecting a broader societal challenge. We must first tackle our societal issues to address the problems in Pakistan's cricket. As a society, we are often recognized for undermining others rather than fostering a spirit of positive and educational competition.

4.1 Recently concluded Asia Cup 2023

The recent Asia Cup highlighted our disregard for cricketers, leading to significant injuries for Naseem
Pakistan was scrapped from labeling "Pakistan"
from the official ACC Asia Cup 2023 logo
Shah and Haris Rauf. Additionally, Haris Rauf's performance declined during the ICC Cricket World Cup in India. Despite this, we continue our pattern of not learning from the past errors. After just one poor series, rumours are circulating that Shaheen Shah Afridi might be replaced by former skipper i.e., Babar Azam as the T20 captain, potentially causing a rift between the "two friends". This situation exemplifies a societal mindset that often resorts to any means necessary, reflecting a broader issue within our society, since this is something impacting different strata of society and economy, which is not limited to sports only, but this is a reality that we as Pakistanis have now turned into a single sport nation, as right now we as Pakistanis are only promoting a single sport from Pakistan i.e., the game of cricket; otherwise till early 1990's, we were champions in billiards, snooker, field hockey, squash, and lastly cricket, but right now; it was shamefully noted during recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, where I was watching "The Pavilion" show, where during India and Pakistan games, India's name was shown with 2 ICC cricket world Cups i.e., 1983 and 2011, in their shelves, whereas Pakistan with only 1992 ICC Cricket world Cup win, which was was March 25th, 1992, and according to date calculation, this is a shame, that a single sport nation as Pakistan, has not won any ICC 50 over event for little over 32 years, whereas India won her last ICC 50 over cricket world cup event for about 13 years ago, which is the vaccuum we are approximate differ from our arch-rivals, and for which we are required to acknowledge the fault within us.

4.2 Inferiority complexes 

Inferiority complex in our society is
a prevalent aspect
In both the realm of cricket and broader society, it is not uncommon to encounter individuals who espouse a drive to present themselves as perpetually correct and flawless. This phenomenon is often attributable to an underlying sense of inferiority, which compels individuals to seek validation and respect from others by appearing infallible. This mindset can have far-reaching implications for behaviour and decision-making, demanding careful consideration in both academic and corporate contexts.

When individuals feel that they must always be right or infallible, they may be more likely to engage in behaviours that are not in their best interest. They may be less receptive to constructive feedback or criticism, leading them to overlook opportunities for growth and improvement. Additionally, they may be more prone to engaging in risky or impulsive behaviours, as they may perceive a need to mask any perceived weaknesses or vulnerabilities.

Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses promoting greater receptiveness to constructive feedback and criticism, fostering a culture of learning and growth, and helping individuals develop a stronger sense of self-worth that is not predicated on external validation. Ultimately, by doing so, we can create more supportive and compassionate communities that empower individuals to be their authentic selves, rather than feeling the need to constantly prove their worth to others.

Given the pervasive nature of this phenomenon, academic and business leaders alike must work to cultivate a more nuanced understanding of the underlying drivers of such behaviour, to develop more effective strategies for supporting individuals and fostering healthy, productive communities.

5. Infrastructures and system/procedure woes

Since the time ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 ended in India with Australia clinching their sixth 50-over trophy on their shelf, it also exposes the fact that India possessed such amount of international venues where every single individual venue could hold an international game since it is not only equipped with technological advancement but also great viewing experiences on their venues.

5.1 Viewing experiences
Viewing experience from National Bank Stadium,
Karachi is pathetic enough

The recent edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has brought to light some areas of concern regarding Pakistan's cricketing venues. While other countries such as the United Arab Emirates and South Africa have managed to provide a world-class viewing experience for their fans, Pakistan is still struggling to create a similar level of motivation for its spectators. It is important to note that, except for Lahore, the cricketing venues where Pakistan stages its home games, namely Multan, Rawalpindi, and Karachi, lack all-seated arrangements. However, it is also essential to recognize that the PCB has been making efforts to improve the state of these venues, and while there is still some way to go, the signs of progress are encouraging. By continuing to invest in the development of these venues and prioritizing the needs of the fans, the PCB can work towards creating a more enjoyable and memorable experience for cricket lovers in Pakistan, and ultimately, contribute to the growth and success of the sport in the country.

5.2 Lacking the latest technological support

Incorporation of such technologies enhances
our viewing exepriences and elaborates a new
view for watching the game
When it comes to technology in Pakistani stadiums, it is apparent that there is a lack of uniformity, specifically in the usage of equipment such as Spider Cams, buggy cams, drones, electronic scoreboards, and responsive advertisements. In the modern-day broadcasting, uniformity is vital aspect in modern day cricket, since it ensures a seamless and consistent viewing experience. This can be observed in the simple and consistent broadcasts of Bangladesh and West Indies home games, which do not feature flashy and distracting electronic and responsive advertisements or glittering zingers, but they are following uniformity in their overall broadcasting patterns. 

On the other hand, Pakistani grounds only sometimes have these technologies in place. During games with England, New Zealand, and Australia, the stadiums feature these advancements, providing a state-of-the-art viewing experience for the audience. However, the same venues were within the same South Africa and the West Indies, these technologies are absent, highlighting a clear inconsistency in Pakistan's technological infrastructure. 

This inconsistency has a significant impact on the overall broadcast quality and viewing experience,
Arbab Niaz Stadium in Peshawar sports 
something new as compared to previous
practices
making it difficult for fans to enjoy matches to the fullest extent. By failing to incorporate modern technologies uniformly, the Pakistani stadiums miss out on an opportunity to provide a world-class viewing experience to their fans.

5.3 Conditions of the playing and practice pitches

The recently concluded Pakistan Super League (PSL) has brought into focus a complex issue regarding the quality of playing fields and wickets in Pakistan. While it is not my intention to denigrate Pakistani soil, I would like to draw attention to the exclusive use of Nandipur clay in preparing wickets in cities such as Karachi, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

It is notable that Karachi, situated in the extreme south of Pakistan, experiences a hot and dry climate with sandy soil. Lahore, in the central region, has a subtropical climate with fertile alluvial soil. Rawalpindi, located at the northernmost tip, borders Kashmir and has a humid subtropical climate with heavy clay soils. Multan, in southern Punjab, has a hot desert climate with sandy soils. Having personally travelled to these areas, I have observed how the soil types and climatic conditions vary significantly across the different regions of Pakistan.

Despite these variations, there is a prevailing mindset of using Nandipur clay for preparing wickets, regardless of the unique local conditions. As a result, the prepared wickets often exhibit unnatural behaviour and fail to adapt to the local conditions, thereby compromising the quality of the game.

This issue is not only limited to the quality of the playing fields but also has implications for the reputation of Pakistani cricket venues. If this issue is not addressed, it may lead to the imposition of more demerit points by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which could have a significant impact on the future of cricket in Pakistan.

As responsible stakeholders in the game, we must take a proactive approach to this issue. We should have considered this matter from the outset and explored the use of domestic horticulture to enhance the quality of our domestic and international cricket. Relying on stereotypes is not a solution to this problem.

It is essential to emphasize that I am not suggesting that Nandipur clay is inherently inadequate. Instead,
We have to get rid of montony from our mindset
I wish to highlight that the indiscriminate use of this clay across Pakistan, without regard for the unique local conditions, is a cause for concern. In conclusion, we must be prepared to face this challenge and improve the standards of our playing fields moving forward.

To be clear, I am not saying that the Nandipur clay is inherently bad. Rather, I am trying to explain why the same notions are being incorporated throughout Pakistan. Moving forward, we need to be prepared to face this challenge and improve the standards of our playing fields.

5.4 Creating, Sustaining and Managing the System

The topic at hand concerns the need for more effective enforcement of laws, systems, and processes. As
someone who has worked as a branch operations officer, I have personally seen how senior managers within our branch have sometimes tried to establish their own systems. For example, there were instances when they attempted to manage cash transactions via the Manager's cabin, which is not in line with standard operating procedures. However, I believe that we can work together to improve the situation and ensure that everyone is following the established rules.

The recent media attention surrounding the Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam issue has brought to light an inferiority complex that is present in our society. This complex leads people to prioritize their own validation over following the rules. However, I believe that if we focus on building a culture of respect for established protocols, we can promote a safer and more productive society for everyone.

Take the example of the traffic fiasco in Karachi

Traffic management is a significant issue in Karachi, with accidents being all too common due to the simultaneous movement of two lanes. However, I believe that by working together, we can find ways to make our roads safer for all. For example, we could work to raise awareness about traffic safety or explore the possibility of implementing new traffic management systems.

In conclusion, I believe that by working together and focusing on clear, constructive solutions, we can address the issues that are prevalent in our society. Let's strive to build a culture of respect for established rules and protocols, and work to create a safer, more productive society for everyone.

5.5 Parking facilities at National Bank Stadium, Karachi

Karachi, the largest metropolitan area in Pakistan, is renowned for its ardent love for cricket. However, the lack of adequate parking facilities at the city's cricket stadium has resulted in numerous challenges. The scarcity of amenities at the stadium has forced many Karachiites to watch cricket games from their homes, consequently leading to reduced ticket sales and revenue generation for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The most significant obstacle is the absence of adequate parking facilities. Visitors to the stadium have to park their vehicles in nearby streets, which poses a considerable risk of damage or theft. The authorities have not provided adequate security measures for the parked vehicles, which has resulted in several cases of vandalism and theft.

Moreover, the stadium's viewing experience is substandard due to insufficient seating arrangements and overcrowding. The lack of proper seating and space can cause discomfort to the audience, leading to a suboptimal viewing experience.

Furthermore, it remains unclear whether laptops and power banks are allowed within the stadium. The strict rules regarding electronic devices might deter fans from attending the games. To avoid confusion, the PCB should provide a clear policy on electronic devices to ensure that fans can enjoy the games without any restrictions.

Given the PCB's responsibility for the stadium, they must prioritize providing a secure and enjoyable experience for the visiting crowd at the National Bank Stadium. The authorities should focus on improving the stadium's amenities, including the parking facilities, seating arrangements, and security measures. A well-equipped stadium will not only attract more fans but also enhance the PCB's revenue generation.


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Tuesday, March 19, 2024

HBL PSL 9 ended with a cliffhanger with Islamabad United win


As we all know, Islamabad United has not only won the HBL PSL 9 trophy after clinching a cliffhanger against another deserving team in Multan Sultans but also become the first team in the history of HBL PSL to clinch the trophy for the 3rd time.

Talking about statistics

Most runs scored during the tournament










Most wickets taken during the tournament










Most sixes scored during the tournament




Highest totals










Most catches



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Friday, March 15, 2024

PSL: Learning from the Leagues We Secretly Envy

PSL: We've Got the Anthems, Now How About a Brand Strategy?

Bling Before Business: Is PSL More Focused on Glitz Than Growth?

These are the thoughts while I have been noting down the crowd not taking interest in PSL games being staged in my own city, this is another aspect that The Pakistan Super League (PSL) burst onto the scene with all the subtlety of a fireworks factory explosion. Glittering cricket grounds, Pakistani rockstars galore, and anthems that could wake the dead - the PSL didn't hold back on the razzle-dazzle. But several seasons in, a cynical question lingers: is the PSL more focused on short-term glitz than on building a sustainable brand for the long haul?

We're bombarded with PSL content - highlight reels of six-hitting batsmen and acrobatic catches flood our screens. But where's the strategic marketing that builds a loyal fanbase beyond our borders? Look at the IPL - it's become a global phenomenon, not just a cricket tournament. Their brand extends far beyond the boundary ropes. On the other hand, the PSL feels like a party with a guest list that never seems to grow.

While I was researching on this topic

PSL facing some tough competition! You might've noticed there are a lot of cricket leagues happening all at once. February, which is usually PSL time, is now packed with the Bangladesh Premier League, ILT20, and SAT20. This makes it harder for the PSL to stand out.
On top of that, PSL has some other challenges:
  • Ramadan: Since Ramadan falls in March this year, some fans might miss matches.
  • New Zealand Tour: After the PSL, there's a tour by New Zealand's backup players (since their main guys are busy with the IPL).
  • Champions Trophy Prep: Once that's done, Pakistan needs to get ready for the Champions Trophy in 2025.
But here's the real bummer: Even though it's almost April, cricket fans in Karachi still have to deal with:
  • Uncomfortable seating: No proper chairs at the National Bank Cricket Stadium (NBCS)!
  • Long walks: Parking is kilometres away from the stadium!
  • Tech troubles: Power banks and laptops might not be allowed inside (double-check this though!).

    Imagine the difference: We saw how much fun fans had at the recent SAT20 in South Africa. It looked like a party! The PSL needs to find a way to make watching cricket at the stadium more enjoyable.

Plus, the way PSL is broadcasted isn't as flashy as some other leagues (ILT20 and SAT20). The IPL is another level entirely – it's even bigger than the English Premier League for broadcasting!

The bottom line: The PSL is awesome, but it needs to step up its game to keep fans excited and coming back for more!

Where is the ECONOMY of PSL?

In the course of my research on the Indian Premier League (IPL), I discovered that the investors responsible for creating IPL teams have had a significant positive impact on the economy. The same trend has been observed with other T20 leagues, such as the South African T20 (SAT20) and the United Arab Emirates' T20 league (ILT20). I also found that another T20 league, known as the Legends Premier League, is currently being staged in Sri Lanka.

While cricketers have been earning substantial sums of money by signing up for these subsidiary leagues, it is evident that they have been neglecting our very own brand, the HBL PSL. We must consider the potential challenges that may arise as a result of this trend. While the SAT20 has been around for a year or two and the UAE's ILT20 is gradually gaining popularity, we mustn't wait until it is too late to take action.

We must address these concerns as a matter of urgency and take steps to improve our league. Our focus should be on enhancing brand awareness and promoting the HBL PSL to attract the cricketers back to our league. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to ensure that our league remains competitive and that our brand is well-positioned for maximum impact. We must take action in the present to secure our future.

Our own media - our own self-detonated TNT bomb

Do you ever feel like the news is always talking about the same things over and over again? Recently, in Pakistan, there has been a lot of focus on whether Usman Khan will be chosen for the T20 World Cup team 🏏. This news is exciting, but other important issues need to be discussed.

News outlets give people what they want to see, but we, as viewers, can decide what we want to watch 📺. If we only show interest in player selection drama, then that is all we will get. It's time for us to take responsibility and demand more from the news.

Wouldn't it be great to hear stories about young athletes breaking records or teams overcoming great challenges 🏆? By switching the channel, we can change what we see in the news 🔄. The choice is ours.

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Sunday, March 10, 2024

Thank you HBL PSL - for recognizing the loopholes in our domestic cricket circuit


Islamabad United has qualified for the eliminator section. Points are at stake for Karachi Kings and Quetta Gladiators. Quetta is more likely to qualify. Karachi Kings' performance has been quite disappointing, so I want a deserving team to play for the playoffs. #PSL2021 #KarachiKings #QuettaGladiators #IslamabadUnited #LahoreQalandars

Staging later part of the tournament in "Deserted" Karachi

The Karachi crowd has been outdone by Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi! The PCB should be held accountable for their ridiculous parking facilities, instead of blaming the fans. It's time for Pakistan Cricket to prioritize updating infrastructure. Hosting the Champions Trophy 2025 on these grounds is unacceptable without proper stadium completion. Whichever team tours Pakistan has to visit either Lahore, Karachi, Multan, or Rawalpindi, with no contingency plan for newer venues. It's time for Pakistanis to demand better. #PCB #Karachi #Lahore #Multan #Rawalpindi #Cricket #Pakistan


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