Cricket Fixing in Pakistan

As the Pakistani cricket team returned to Pakistan an unsatisfied crowd awaited them at the airport, shouting insults and letting their anger be known. Considering past trends, it was surprising that the crowd wasn’t larger or more violent – after all Pakistan had crashed out of the World Cup after putting up token resistance. Furthermore, Pakistan’s disastrous exit from the World T20 is not a one of event; the previous Asia Cup, and the England and New Zealand tours were equally dismal. The consensus from all side is converging on one opinion – this is not a run of indifferent form, Pakistan cricket is in a serious crisis and heads need to roll. International commentators, PCB officials, past greats and rabid talk show hosts, all agree that a change is needed. But what is this change, and what is the problem that will be changed?

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis on Monday criticised T20I captain Shahid Afridi’s ‘specific decisions’ in a report to be presented to an inquiry committee – formed to look into the mess - according to reports. He contends that that Afridi and the players failed to follow the game plan, and his errant decisions ruined any chances left. His clashes with the player are not unheard off, the two clashed in 2011 as well, with Waqar calling Afridi “immature” and “stubborn”. While Afridi can be criticised for his uncooperative behaviour as captain, the real blame lies with the PCB. Every statistical analysis showed that Afridi was a spent force, and unreliable player well beyond his prime, but the board allowed itself to be pressurised by the player and his “star power” and decided to give him a final chance at winning something – at the expense of the team and the country’s expectations. Who does the board represent, the nation or the personal sentiments of Shahid Afridi?

But the analysis – by Waqar himself and international commentators - goes further than nepotistic decisions. Pakistan cricket languishes “ten years behind the modern game”. This is obvious to see, all international teams now comprise of professional sportsmen, who are fit, athletic, and train hard at their strengths and weaknesses. Pakistan on the other hand still features rotund players like Sharjeel Khan and Shoaib Maqsood – whose lack of athletic ability has cost more than one match.

Other national teams have invested in young players, drawn from their academies, which are consistently played and groomed to become better. The Pakistani team sees out of favour old players – like Sami and Imran Nazir – making a comeback again and again
The PCB needs a overhaul, the domestic circuit needs a overhaul, and the coaching staff needs a overhaul. The current team is the weakest in decades, with no Saeed Ajmal to bail it out. It is time to invest in a team, not individuals.