With the abnormally lazy and lethargic attitude of the International Cricket Council (ICC) in handling cricket affairs, the future of the suspended trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Muhammad Aamir will continue to hang in the air till the next hearing on Fabruary 5 or beyond. It is surprising that after investigating a simple spot-fixing issue for six months and then holding the ‘court hearing’ in Doha (Qatar) for one week by a three-man ‘independent tribunal’ headed by Michael Beloff QC, those at the helm of international cricket affairs are unable to reach a conclusion. There could not be a worse example of the ICC’s incompetence than this. What will happen if the world cricket body is confronted with more grave and complicated cases?
The main objective of the ICC is to promote cricket by raising standards of the game and building up the careers of players by providing them opportunities to play top class cricket so that they turn into stars and super-stars. The case of the Pakistani trio is, however, absolutely opposite. Due to suspension they could not pursue the game for six months with a month more added to their agony cum idleness. If even they are lucky to be acquitted honourably, with seven months absence from the game they would be neither fit physically and mentally nor possessing the requisite playing form for inclusion in the Pakistan team for the World Cup-2011 starting on February 19. All those who loved the game of cricket were anxiously waiting for the final verdict on January 11 and did not know that the ICC tribunal would need another 25 days to consider the case.
Those who have no consideration for Pakistan team’s requisite prowess for the forthcoming World Cup, however, feel that the ICC’s tribunal has almost completed the investigations and reached the decision stage. The time for the final verdict has been extended to consider the type and intensity of the punishment. There being no chance of these players going unpunished the ICC wants to make this case an example for the evil minds of cricket. With a view to minimize the incidence of match fixing, spot-fixing and other irregularities tarnishing both the image of cricket and the people’s interest in the game, they want the final verdict to be harsh enough to create a big impact on international cricket. The ICC’s thinking on the issue notwithstanding, its slow and steady pace of handling the case has caused irreparable damage to Pakistan’s cricket.
Considering the above scenario and keeping in view the mental state of our players, it is highly admirable that our team defeated the Kiwis by a resounding margin of 10 wickets in the first Test played in Hamilton. Tanvir Ahmed (4 for 63) and Abdur Rahman (3 for 51) skittled the hosts for 275 runs in the first innings. In reply, Pakistan piled up a challenging total of 367 with Asad Shafiq (83), skipper Misbahul Haq (62) and opener Taufiq Umar (54) being the leading batsmen. Umar Gul, Abdur Rahman and Wahab Riaz performed the final act of devastating the Kiwis for a mere 110 runs in the second innings by claiming three wickets each. Let us hope our team continue to maintain their high spirits and morale to win the second Test to clinch a series after a long lapse of about 15 years.
The final selection of our squad for the World Cup with a fifty fifty blend of youth and experience has been generally hailed by cricket lovers. As for the different comments, there is a common feeling that the time is not yet ripe to seal the careers of Shoaib Malik and Danish Kaneria. They can still be useful to Pakistan cricket. As for Muhammad Yousuf, he appears to have chosen to end his career for remaining physically unfit and out of form. Shahid Afridi continues to rule for his past reputation. He must revive his marvelous batting to strengthen his claim for a place in the side. Despite all the slogans of winning the World Cup, the chances are remote. We, however, wish our team the best of luck.
