POLITICS OF PAKISTANI CRICKET

Hello,

How many times have we seen Pakistani Cricket get caught in ugly controversies of infighting.

To some people the repetition of the same mistakes may appear shameful but it seems that they take these events in their stride in Pakistan.

While it is not rare to have conflicting interests, bloated egos and divided camps in a team, it does seem that the Pakistanis are the easiest to succumb to the consequences of such conflicts.

If we analyze the reasons for such drama in the team we notice one very important difference between the Pakistani and the other teams. The difference is in the knowledge of English.

Concidently when Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and to some extent Inzamamul Haque lead the teams the divisive forces were kept in check.

So does it mean that 'Language' plays a role.

The fact is that most of the players are literally picked off the streets and are mostly into the team without completing basic school education.

If you have seen this kind of street cricket you will know how easily the teams get aggresive and pick up bats and wickets for a fight to decide the winner will realize that what we see on the international stage is just a watered down version of what they are used to doing in their growing up years. Bowling and batting are skills they have but they cheat automatically to improve on these skills and get ahead of the rest.

While they get away with all this on home grounds where it is accepted as part of life they fall apart when they face international opposition and better umpiring.

Therefore if I were the selector of the Pakistani team I would select an English speaking captain and force the entire team to take classes on basic english manners. This will go a long way in curbing their wild ways and make the team cohesive and strong.

Best wishes,

Manoj