Elevating Identity: Why Pakistan’s Cricket Stadiums Need Distinctive Branding Beyond “Green”

---

In recent years, Pakistan’s cricketing infrastructure has undergone significant upgrades, with iconic venues like Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium embracing a vibrant green transformation. While the symbolic nod to the national color reflects pride, it also raises a critical question: Shouldn’t Pakistan’s stadiums carve unique identities to mirror the diversity of the cities they represent? Imagine a drone sweeping over Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, its lush green facade blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. Now pan to Rawalpindi’s venue, painted in a similar palette. Without context, even ardent fans might struggle to distinguish one from the other. Globally, iconic stadiums are instantly recognizable—the MCG’s colossal floodlights, Lord’s heritage pavilions, or Eden Gardens’ fiery red-and-gold tiers. Pakistan’s venues, however, risk fading into a monochromatic sea of sameness. 

The Case for Distinctive Branding 

Stadiums are more than concrete structures; they are cultural landmarks. Karachi’s National Stadium could channel the city’s coastal energy with nautical accents or azure tones mirroring the Arabian Sea. Multan’s Qadir Bagh Stadium might draw inspiration from its Sufi heritage, weaving intricate tilework or calligraphy into its design. Peshawar’s Arbab Niaz Stadium could embrace the rugged beauty of the Khyber Pass with earthy textures and tribal motifs. 

Beyond Color: Architecture & Legacy 

Why not celebrate regional identities through architecture? Lahore’s stadium could integrate Mughal-inspired arches as a tribute to the city’s history. Rawalpindi might adopt angular, modern designs reflecting its role as a bustling garrison city. Quetta’s Bugti Stadium could use sandstone hues to echo Balochistan’s mountains. Even subtler touches—signature lighting, localized signage, or tributes to hometown legends (think a "Shahid Afridi Stand" in Karachi)—would create instant recognition. 

A Call to the PCB & Planners

The green initiative is commendable, but uniformity dilutes the romance of cricket’s regional flavors. Let’s reimagine stadiums as storytelling canvases—where every brick whispers the tale of its city. When fans watch a match, they shouldn’t just see a field; they should feel Karachi’s hustle, Lahore’s grandeur, or Peshawar’s resilience. Pakistan’s cricketing spirit deserves venues as dynamic and distinctive as its people. It’s time to paint with more than one color. 

---

---

Share

The Bane of Pakistani Cricket: Media-Created Teams

---

Cricket has long held a significant position in Pakistan, with the country's rich legacy of producing some of the world's finest players. The likes of Wasim Akram, with his exceptional swing, and Inzamam-ul-Haq, with his outstanding batting skills, are but a few examples of the memorable moments that have graced the sport's history. Nonetheless, a disturbing trend has emerged, which threatens the integrity of Pakistani cricket: the creation of teams based on media selection rather than merit.

This trend involves selecting players based on their popularity in the media rather than their actual talent and ability. In doing so, players deserving of recognition are overlooked, while those with less talent and merit are selected, undermining the competitiveness of the sport and depriving cricket enthusiasts of the thrill of watching the best players compete at the highest level.

Furthermore, this practice has resulted in several controversies in Pakistani cricket, with many questioning the motives of those responsible for selecting the teams. It has triggered public outcry and debates, leading to a decline in the quality of cricket being played. Such a decline is not only detrimental to the sport but also a disservice to the fans who expect to see the best possible version of the game.

The issue of selecting Pakistani cricket team players based on media popularity rather than merit is discussed. It has been observed that some players may be selected due to their media presence rather than their actual skills and abilities. This trend has raised concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the selection process.

To address these concerns and restore fans' trust, corrective measures are necessary. The selection process should be based solely on merit, and players should be evaluated based on their skills, abilities, and performance. Additionally, the media should maintain a neutral stance, prioritize transparency and fairness in their reporting, and avoid influencing the selection process.

Emphasizing domestic club cricket

Cricket in Pakistan is more than just a sport; it's a way of life. From the bustling streets of Lahore to the serene fields of Peshawar, the love for cricket permeates every corner of the nation. At the heart of this cricketing fervour lies the domestic club cricket system, a breeding ground for talent and a pillar of the sport's rich heritage in Pakistan.

Unlike many other cricketing nations, where professional leagues dominate the landscape, Pakistan's cricketing culture is deeply rooted in its grassroots clubs. These clubs serve as the lifeblood of the sport, providing aspiring cricketers with a platform to showcase their skills, hone their craft, and fulfil their dreams of representing their country on the international stage.

One of the most remarkable aspects of domestic club cricket in Pakistan is its sheer diversity. From the bustling metropolises of Karachi and Islamabad to the remote villages of Sialkot and Quetta, cricket is played with equal passion and fervour. These clubs serve as melting pots of talent, where players from diverse backgrounds come together in pursuit of a common goal: to excel in the sport they love.

Moreover, domestic club cricket serves as a crucible for the development of young talent. Unlike the glitz and glamour of the international arena, where the pressure to perform can be overwhelming, club cricket provides a nurturing environment where players can learn, grow, and mature at their own pace. It's here that future stars are discovered, nurtured, and groomed for the challenges that lie ahead.

Furthermore, club cricket plays a pivotal role in fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among players. Whether it's the joy of victory or the agony of defeat, the bonds forged on the cricket field transcend boundaries of class, caste, and creed. In a country as diverse and multifaceted as Pakistan, cricket serves as a unifying force, bringing people together in celebration of their shared love for the game.

However, despite its importance, domestic club cricket in Pakistan faces its fair share of challenges. Limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and administrative inefficiencies have often hindered the growth and development of the sport at the grassroots level. Many talented youngsters from remote areas lack access to proper coaching facilities and playing opportunities, relegating them to the sidelines of the cricketing fraternity.

Nevertheless, the resilience and passion of Pakistan's cricketing community continue to shine through, as dedicated individuals and organizations work tirelessly to overcome these obstacles. Initiatives such as talent scouting programs, coaching clinics, and infrastructure development projects are helping to level the playing field and provide equal opportunities for aspiring cricketers across the country.

In conclusion, domestic club cricket is the bedrock upon which Pakistan's cricketing legacy is built. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport and the unwavering passion of its practitioners. By investing in the grassroots, nurturing young talent, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and excellence, we can ensure that Pakistan's cricketing tradition continues to thrive for generations to come.

By taking these measures, Pakistani cricket can continue to produce world-class players and achieve new heights of success.

In conclusion, while Pakistani cricket has a rich legacy and history of producing exceptional players, media selection threatens the sport's integrity and competitiveness. Therefore, the authorities must take corrective measures to ensure that teams are selected based on merit, which would not only restore the fans' trust but also foster continued success in Pakistani cricket.

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

Support me on PayUp referral link feel free to support me on Dominance Pakistan

---

Support me on my ARTMO refers

---

I can be contacted on my handler Tweets by MoizMurtaza

Responsive advertisement

Share

Drop-in pitches - cosmetic solution for Pakistan

A drop-in pitch is a cricket pitch which is prepared away from the ground or venue in which it is

I personally can't understand why without researching and proper implementation
Pakistanis are opting for a drop-in cricket pitch in Pakistani grounds

used, and literally "dropped in" to place for a cricket match. This allows multi-purpose venues to host other sports and events with more versatility than a dedicated cricket ground would allow.

Let me get it straight, I don't know why people in Pakistan have been so quick in adapting to a newer concept because if a drop-in pitch is the solution for having lively pitches, than I must say, that we Pakistanis should live in reality, because this concept is tried-abd-tested elsewhere but not in Pakistan, unlike this concept, Pakistan planned thoroughly for Pink and Orange balls initially in their domestic circuit, and than afterwards they incoporated the same into the international team, but not is the case for a drop-in pitch, because none wants to test their own limits therefore they have not been confident enough to take a bold decision, in having different pitches in different cities of Pakistan according to the environment in those cities, which is definitely going to test our players unlike a particular strata i.e. a bowler, might be a batter or a fielder, therefore our players do require an element of surprise for that would make them stay of their toes all the time instead of being relaxed that condition would be the same.

I personally do not support the concept of a drop-in pitch in Pakistan altogether unless and until the curator takes bold decision in making testing conditions for which would generate a new skillset for our players, because problem is not skillset but utilizing the skillset at the right timing is something which is sans in our players, something which I momentarily observed in current lot of the Indian players who're able to change gear and engage in momentum at the same time, when there is going to be intent, pitches in Pakistan are surely going to change, who can forget the famous 2006 Karachi Test between India and Pakistan, we want such pitches instead of playing tortoise that whenever you are afraid, go inside the shell and everything is surely going to be improved, this is not the problem of Misbah but the fact is the management is required to take some bold decisions, and to give our boys backing and pat-on-the-back that don't worry about the current scoreline instead emphasize on continuous improvement. If in the scale of continuous improvement we lose games but boys are being shown to have efforts in their performances, thaat should be the criteria to judge their performances, instead of going for cosmetic solution of having drop-in pitches, which in the short run might benefit but in the long run it won't unless and until either initially we incorporate the same in domestic circuit for three years to breed a new generation on these pitches and than go for the international games.

World T20 2016 Pakistan v India clash

Today, I was talking with a colleague of mine at the office, like me he was also a skeptic and was not expecting much of positive result for Pakistan, not because Mauka Mauka but the fact was fragile batting. I agreed with him that no doubt we batted pretty well against Bangladesh, but still if we also go through the recent history of Indian cricket when they have been down, they have returned with flying Colours.

Many of sentimental colleagues of mine were saying Pakistan will thrash them out for sure, being a Pakistani I myself wants the same but Hazaro Khuwahishain Aisi, because whatever happened to India against the untested Spin Trio of New Zealand has gone, and off late I have seen India going away off such or similar situation on regular. So useless to say, India on paper and on ground the best team to take the game.

Because given the situation, India will go for the kill, and like Saurav Ganguly said, the conditions and the pitch will suit India more than Pakistan. The only thing slightly favoring Pakistan is from the heavens, it has been raining ☔ since I came home from office around 2 pm Pakistan time. But another what if; India wins the toss and elected to bowl first? Something like Asia Cup opener on cards for Pakistan? I wish not but the ground realities confirms something else. Let the best team wins and I hope and wish Pakistan team wins.

✌

Get rid of Najam Sethi

He might be king of 'chidya', hijacker of original PSL idea, but still instead of bringing goods, he has brought more of a manace to Pakistan cricket. We started losing to Bangladesh in 2015 but I was seeing their gradual improvement from 2010 T20 world event, were they sleeping all these times? If the cycle of WT20 goes as it is going since 2010, when 2009 hosts win 2010, 2010 hosts win 2012, 2012 hosts win 2014, God forbid now Bangladesh.

Even if they improved, so this is on your part that why didn't you improve from the time being. There's management for everything, and this is lame excuse that we didn't get home conditions. India didn't had lanky quick bowlers but because of their management, they have earned it. Where were your skills? The only skills I saw were of sycophancy.

I'll never forgive you how you supported the Big 3. And I am curious why isn't an inquiry being set on you why you supported them. You came as a mafia, hijacked and tamed. Could say more but this is enough for now.

✌

More mismanagement than players' power!

I don't think it was a matter of more players' power, it was more of a combination of stupid management, I write that right, it was more stupid than that of the mismanagement term, because the management is having loose control on players, so that's why they have been practicing this self ego exercise regularly.

If there weren't a problem like that, than players didn't dare to do such things, like exposure of personal ego, coming into the media, and trying to pull another player's leg by exposing his name and saying he's the one because of which team is not performing well. I admit they've been a great players but they should be handled properly and made them understand the lines of do's and don'ts because they are not above the rule, game and the governing body of the sport in Pakistan.

Even if there are grievances in the players, they should be solved without being the breaking news material for the news channels in Pakistan and whole over the world, and plus they shouldn't be allowed to play with the name of the country that I play for my country that's why you should listen to me whenever I want to - this attitude must be removed from our players, and it can be removed with implementation of effective managerial skilled managers, not like those managers who take couple of senior players to the Chairman of PCB just to complain about that player who has just won them T20 world cup, for which they've been counting it as their major achievement, made them kicked that player out of the team by making the players to retaliate against him, with the incentive that they might be the next skipper of the green shirts.

Haven't they listen to that story in the end the moral of the story is that, جیسی کرنی، ویسی بھرنی means the person will harvest the same crop which he seeded months ago. Than how could they be so sure that they players will not disobey him, after what he did with another skipper? Its just because of stupid management of PCB which is working on friendships and relations, like the current team Manager of the National side is so called "50 year old friend" of Chairman PCB. Is that the way an organization works? Instead of making merit the criteria, they have been chairing friends and relatives.

Its my personal opinion that I have somewhat sympathy with the players but not with the stupid, idiotic management.

Re: Rana, Malik get one-year bans, Younis and Yousuf axed from teams

Reference: http://www.cricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/451392.html

Rana, Malik get one-year bans, Younis and Yousuf axed from teams

Osman Samiuddin

March 10, 2010

 

	The PCB has sacked ex-captains Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan from all formats of the international game © AFP

The PCB has struck against its players with a venom unseen in recent memory, carrying out the deepest cull of a senior cricket team in many years and banning and fining seven of its top players after the side's disastrous, winless tour of Australia. It has banned Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf, from playing for Pakistan in any format for an indefinite period, while handing out one-year bans to Shoaib Malik and Rana Naved-ul-Hasan. Shahid Afridi and the Akmal brothers were fined Rs2-3 million [$24,000-35,000] for various misdemeanours and put on six-month probations.

Action had been expected once details of the inquiry committee's report recommendations were leaked in the press on Monday and Ijaz Butt, the PCB chairman, had followed it up by saying "more than significant action" would be taken against players. While the punishments for Malik, Rana, Afridi and the Akmal brothers were expected, the action against Yousuf and Younis has caught most people off-guard.

"Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan, keeping in view their infighting which resulted in bringing down the whole team, their attitude has a trickledown effect which is a bad influence for the whole team should not be part of national team in any format," the board said in its statement issued on Wednesday.

The PCB has stopped short of calling the punishment a life ban. "They will not be part of any Pakistan team in any format from here on," Taffazul Rizvi, the board's legal advisor told Cricinfo. "A life ban means they cannot play domestic cricket or any other similar cricket, but we are not stopping them from that. They can play domestic cricket or county cricket here and abroad."

Typically there was confusion and the board later appeared to climb down by clarifying that this was not the end of their careers. In a statement released at least six hours after the original release, the board said, "that the recommendation of the Committee is not a life ban on these cricketers. There is no specified term in the recommendation for these two players. As and when the PCB deems appropriate, these players will be considered for selection for the national team."

Rizvi refused to elaborate on the nature of the pair's cases, but it is believed that the board had generally had enough with the two. Younis twice stepped down from the captaincy last year with player unrest against his leadership the underlying cause both times. Yousuf's sins are equally unclear, other than that he led a winless tour to Australia and engaged thereafter in a public battle with Malik.

The cases of indiscipline that have led to one-year bans on Malik and Rana, similarly, have not been expanded upon. "Rana Naved ul Hasan and Shoaib Malik be fined Rupees Two million. They should not be part of national team in any format for a period of one year."

Malik's name has figured persistently at the centre of speculation over the last year in inciting player unrest within the team, though nothing substantial has appeared in public to back that up. "We cannot discuss the specifics of the incident as we are under oath," Rizvi said. "But obviously we have taken action after much consideration and based on solid information."

In contrast, the cases of Akmal brothers and Shahid Afridi are straightforward. The brothers were fined for their behavior in the aftermath of the Sydney Test; Kamran was dropped by the board but insisted publicly he would be selected in the run-up to the third Test. Younger brother Umar was alleged to have feigned an injury to not play the Test in protest, though he did eventually play. Kamran has been fined Rs 3 million, Umar Rs 2 million and the pair are on probation.

Afridi was punished for the ball-biting incident in the Perth ODI, where he was captain. He has already been punished by the ICC, who immediately gave him a two-match ban. "For the shameful act of Shahid Khan Afridi, which has brought the game and country into disrepute, he be fined Rupees 3 million," the board said. "A warning be issued to him by the Chairman PCB and he be put on probation for 06 months, during which his conduct be strictly monitored."

The bans were handed down by an inquiry committee which comprised former players Wasim Bari, Zakir Khan and Yawar Saeed, besides Wazir Ali Khoja, a member of the PCB governing council, and Rizvi. The committee held hearings on February 12th, 13th and the 27th, and looked into reports from former coach Intikhab Alam, manager Abdul Raqeeb and newly appointed coach Waqar Younis, who was the bowling consultant during the Australia tour. Besides the players who were punished, the committee questioned Intikhab, Raqeeb, opener Salman Butt, assistant coach Aaqib Javed, the physio Faisal Hayat and the PCB's cricket analyst Mohammad Talha.

Attention will turn now to how the players will respond. Legal action or appeals will be a consideration though Rizvi insisted the board was on solid ground. "We are on good ground with this," he said. "The PCB has done it thinking it is the right thing to do. It sets an example for the future."

As a whole, the action is almost unparalleled in even Pakistan's troubled history. The 2000 Justice Qayyum report had similar repercussions but that was about the graver concerns of corruption. This cull has been carried out, ostensibly, in a bid to curb indiscipline and player power.

Osman Samiuddin is Pakistan editor of Cricinfo

Feeds: Osman Samiuddin

Atlast some serious action taken by the PCB, but why only on the two great Y's! Although I must admit I am not a great fan of Muhammad Yousuf, after what doing some faulter captaincy and politics in the team. On the other hand, Shoaib Malik should have been punished heavier as in my opinion he's the main culprit behind all this. And Akmals after what they had done was serious and they didn't deserved to be playing, whatever Kamran Akmal did in Sydney test, i.e. dropping Hussey couple of times in an inning, the same player later scored a hundred and let the Aussies to win that test match which was almost on the grip of Pakistan team, but what junior Akmal did was an eye opener for the weak management of Pakistani team, because he had shown fake injury in protest of senior Akmal being dropped from the dead rubber Hobart test, even though he played but the enthusiasm which had been his trademark was not shown and it clearly showed that the aggression and zeal which was needed from him wasn't shown.

God knows why both Y's were dropped in presence of such stinky fishes, which they would be returned by filing a case just like some players did in 2000 after match fixing allegations. Just keeping my fingers crossed and next 24 - 48 hours are crucial, on the other hand news channels in Pakistan are having a cashing time covering this story. Lets hope all things go better for Pakistani cricket as it has been under hell of a controversies.

Peace!

Old rift between Shoaib Malik and Muhammad Yousuf

Today, on the 14th of February in 2010, news have confirmed that the man who was according to Muhammad Yousuf, was the person creating disturbance in the team was Shoaib Malik, what a rubbish. Even National Cricket Team coach, Mr. Intikhab Alam mentioned that Muhammad Yousuf was a defensive approached captain in the hearing. I am not taking side of anyone but when a person is not willing to take the captaincy for the team, and on the other hand the person who's accusing has shown very much keen interest. What does it show? It clearly shows there's a Smelly Drama King in the team, who's doing all these politics.

Not only Muhammad Yousuf but everyone should be ashamed, how selfish and rude we've been to our country and with the Cricket Team's Emblem embossed on their kits, blazers and other related things, are we showing that much courage and patriotism like our elders did?

Did anyone one remember that during the 1992 world cup which we won, there was a serious rift between Imran Khan and Javed Miandad, but they killed their ego for the sake of the country, and when they played as a team, the world knows what was the result that time. What's going on in this team. Everyone is busy pulling each others leg instead of seeing country's stake. Is for that reason we like cricket? Is that reason for we respect them and give them revenues unlike other sports?

Instead of saying he's responsible and he's not, why can't they play as a team. I say lets kick all these bulky fishes outside, so that they know who's the boss and whom they accountable to?

An insult to the Pakistani Cricket

With reference to Osman Samiuddin's article on Cricinfo i.e. IPL door ajar for Pakistan players, but just, the article clearly states

Kamran Akmal, Sohail Tanvir, Umar Gul and Misbah-ul-Haq, the gang of four who already had existing contracts with franchises, had their visas cleared earlier today by the Indian ministry of external affairs, briefly raising hopes that they may be allowed in after all. But because they missed the December 7 deadline to do so, their contracts remain suspended, according to Lalit Modi, chairman IPL. It wasn't, however, a total reinforcement of the league's earlier decision which ruled them out totally; they can, in the right circumstances, still appear.

"The current players will be kept in suspension as they have not fulfilled their obligations," Modi told Cricinfo. "The current suspended players cannot go to the auction. But they will be available to the franchisee for replacement if they have a spot. So their price does not change and others cannot bid for them as it will be a disadvantage for the existing owners."

I am not here to criticize the IPL board's decision, but to our own Cricket Board's steps which they took to tackle this situation regarding Pakistani Cricket Players participation in the 3rd IPL tournament expected to be held in April 2010. There were quite other options too for tackling such situation which is making a non-Pakistani investor or an analyst that Pakistani Cricket Board plus Players are running behind money and fame only.

What I am saying is that if they weren't allowed to participate normally in the 3rd leg of the tournament in 2010, so why BEGGING for their entrance in the tournament with Board's support behind the players! Just read this statement of Mr. Modi (no regrets Mr. Modi, I respect IPL's decision, just pointing fingers on our own cricket board)

Essentially this means that Tanvir, for example, can play for Rajasthan Royals only if they decide to free up a spot in their squad by getting rid of another foreign player. This will not be straightforward as the franchises involved - Rajasthan Royals (Tanvir and Akmal), Kolkata Knight Riders (Gul) and Bangalore Royal Challengers (Misbah) - have already replaced their Pakistani players after the contracts were first suspended.

This will come as a disappointment not only to the players but to chairman Ijaz Butt and the PCB. Butt has fought hard to get his players back into the IPL after they were prevented by their own government from playing in the second season, a fallout of a deterioration in political ties between India and Pakistan after the Mumbai attacks of 2008. He met Modi in October to begin finding a way back for the players. After confirming that visas had been granted earlier today, Butt intended to speak to Modi to try and get the four back in, despite missing the deadline, which had already been extended twice.

Some gains seem to have been made, however, as other non-contracted Pakistani players can enter this season's auction. "Others who are not with any franchisee can be in the auction. They need to apply by December 31. Once we get their request we will then put them on the list and fix a price," Modi said, before adding that "all contracts expire after this season and we will then go through new process again."

This is what I am asking, why such eagerness in entering the tournament, even on the sake of personal self respect, by entering the tournament as a 12th man in their respective teams, but still instead of our cricket board taking strict action on it by giving two option solution i.e. either yes or no but no maybe, but the things going vice versa. Just imagine, the team that is the holder of 2009 World T20 title, is playing the tournament with their players participating as 12th man, are we so degraded?