PCB expresses Concern at Political Interference in Boards affairs

[MIG]

PCB expresses Concern at Political Interference in Boards affairs



Lahore June 5, 2011: PCB notes with great concern that an internal disciplinary action against Shahid Afridi is being converted into a political issue. A Number of political functionaries are interfering in what is essentially an internal disciplinary matter of the PCB.

Despite the extremely irresponsible attitude and inflammatory statements of Shahid Afridi, PCB reiterate that he will be given every opportunity to state his position and make his case in front of the Disciplinary Committee. The party aggrieved by the decision of the Committee will have the right to approach an Appellate Tribunal comprising of retired Supreme Court/High Court judges.

Chairman PCB stated on this occasion, “It is disappointing that despite Afridi has pleaded guilty to the offenses, some political functionaries are extending their support with a view to influencing the disciplinary process being followed by PCB. An understanding needs to be developed amongst all stakeholders, media and the politicians that no one is above the law and that for maintaining discipline within the Team, it is absolutely imperative that we carry out of this process without any fear or favour. PCB has been criticized for being ineffective in the past in the context of discipline. It would now appear an attempt by some forces to prevent the Board from implementing the code of conduct and their act may well damage Pakistan Cricket, if they continue to lend support to Afridi and exert undue pressure on PCB for their ‘non-cricketing’ interests”.



MEDIA DEPARTMENT

[cricket47]

Hmm... "no one is above the law" .. then how come "PCB" never put "Ijaz Butt" under the hammer.. he has broken the laws time and time again, yet continues to enjoy all the power PCB has to offer....

[taxzu]

Haha. Shut up PCB. If jahaz BUTT had run the affairs of board fairly and the BUTT was not political appointee than than these type of statement would make sense. But destroying Pakistan cricket in 2 and half years, the BUTT and his PCB should shut their mouths. They should be punished and sacked now for their incompetency of 3 years.

[Sufian84]

lol

media release of the year.

[sam]

Very rich coming from the PCB. Hope Butt gets sacked. That'll be the real start of bringing in some law and order.

[W63L35]

Chairman PCB stated on this occasion, “It is disappointing that despite Afridi has pleaded guilty to the offenses, some political functionaries are extending their support with a view to influencing the disciplinary process being followed by PCB. An understanding needs to be developed amongst all stakeholders, media and the politicians that no one is above the law and that for maintaining discipline within the Team, it is absolutely imperative that we carry out of this process without any fear or favour. PCB has been criticized for being ineffective in the past in the context of discipline. It would now appear an attempt by some forces to prevent the Board from implementing the code of conduct and their act may well damage Pakistan Cricket, if they continue to lend support to Afridi and exert undue pressure on PCB for their ‘non-cricketing’ interests”.

Instead he expressed his disappointment at the performance of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and held them squarely responsible for this and many other issues of the past stating that "It’s quite hard to talk about something which is not an isolated case. As one can see from previous records, since the current Chairman [Ijaz Butt] has taken over, there have been so many changes in the management of the team i.e. the captain, the coaches and the selection committee.”

Asif also felt that the PCB may be in danger of exceeding its mandate as a purely administrative organization. He said that “These are the people responsible for the actual representation of Pakistan on the field. The Board’s role, on the other hand, is purely administrative. Unfortunately we are in the current situation because of the poor management of the PCB.”

I can not decide who to believe here! Does anybody else has the same issue?

[kingusama92]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

[Markhor]

PCB talking about political interference :facepalm: I'm not even supporting Afridi in this ongoing saga but this is hypocrisy of the highest order.PCB are talking about political interference only when it suits them.

Most of the senior management wouldn't be there if it wasn't for political affiliations.

[Masterji]

A politically appointed board is worried about political interference. You couldn`t make it up!

[khankhan]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

Feel sorry for you for not knowing how things work in Pakistan. who you think brought all the Incompetent PCB management?
Talking about Political Influence. Speechless!!!!!!

[kingusama92]

Feel sorry for you for not knowing how things work in Pakistan. who you think brought all the Incompetent PCB management?
Talking about Political Influence. Speechless!!!!!!

It isn't right there and it isn't right here.

Shahid Afridi broke the rules, he should be punished. If he gets off due to political interference, we are promoting a culture where any unhappy player will play the same ploy.

Do you want such a culture in the team?

[W63L35]

who you think brought all the Incompetent PCB management?
Talking about Political Influence. Speechless!!!!!!

I was going to say the same but you beat me to it. :)
Ijaz Butt himself was appointed only because Chaudry Mukhtar is his brother-in-law.

[Poison]

:)))

The Chairman himself is appointed by the President, the President oversees the Board .. what else are you expecting? :ibutt

[duostyle]

Political Interference? Political Interference? Hahaha.

Butt and his PCB are hilarious. :ahmadmukhtar.

[kingusama92]

Putting aside the fairness of such a statement coming from the PCB.

Is this statement being made due to Rehman Malik + Nawaz Shafif + Zardari duo?

[W63L35]

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.


In a professional organization and company do people have to break a law to get fired or to be a pathetic leaders, CEOs, CIO, CFOs?
Is Zardari breaking any laws that people know of? If he was, he would have been impeached. Correct? Yet, people cant wait to get rid of him. Not only he has not broken any laws, he was elected by the people.


Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.
Who wrote that contract? PCB! Have ever read the clasues in those agreements/contracts that players sign? Any sane person would not sign that in any other job.... but all Pakistani player do it because they love the game of cricket. I remeber seeing a post long time which listed the FINES in case of different so-called "rules"..... I could not believe my eyes. Can you please help me find that post?

Those contract are written to make players toothless and not stand for their rights.

[sam]

Statement's being made because Butt's very close to being sacked.

[Khabri420]

Oh boy....extremely rich statement coming from the PCB. The Patron-in-Chief is the President and we know he is a 'yaaron ka yaar', everything turns political in Pakistan, including Ijaz Butt's appointment. Guess they forgot that part :ibutt

[Gollum]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

I'm not a big fan of Afridi but nothing will convince me to side with Butt. Both parties are in the wrong here - with Afridi's statements and massive overreaction by the PCB.

[Gollum]

And who the heck is the PCB to talk about political interference when the Chairman is a political appointee :)))

[kingusama92]

In a professional organization and company do people have to break a law to get fired or to be a pathetic leaders, CEOs, CIO, CFOs?
Is Zardari breaking any laws that people know of? If he was, he would have been impeached. Correct? Yet, people cant wait to get rid of him. Not only he has not broken any laws, he was elected by the people.

Basically, you are supporting what I said. :))

Like I said, Ijaz Butt is incompetent and a clown. He makes poor decisions and it's plain to see that. However, he has not broken any laws, thus it's unfair to assume he's some sort of criminal.

Same thing with Zardari, although with Zardari he has gone to jail for crimes in the past.

Ijaz Butt and Zardari both should be removed. No doubt.

Who wrote that contract? PCB! Have ever read the clasues in those agreements/contracts that players sign? Any sane person would not sign that in any other job.... but all Pakistani player do it because they love the game of cricket. I remeber seeing a post long time which listed the FINES in case of different so-called "rules"..... I could not believe my eyes. Can you please help me find that post?

Those contract are written to make players toothless and not stand for their rights.

Those contracts are signed. How fair they are has no meaning after both parties are in agreement.

If the players find it unfair then they should refuse signing the contracts. Are you telling me the PCB will not listen to them if they all stand and say "we aren't signing this!"?

Once you sign that contract, you are legally obliged to follow it. Unfair or fair.

[kingusama92]

I'm not a big fan of Afridi but nothing will convince me to side with Butt. Both parties are in the wrong here - with Afridi's statements and massive overreaction by the PCB.

I am in the same boat as you, sir. :)

[Dr. Khan]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

For a moment, if you drop 'Afridi' from this context and look at what the board is trying to say --- it is nothing but a joke.

They are saying that there should be no political interference and that they should be allowed to do their job. Fair enough but for the fact, that if it weren't for this political interference Butt sahab would have been long gone.

It is funny how everything conveniently turns around in the favor of Butt Sahab and his cronies time and time again. Yet we have people siding with them unconditionally. All I can say in response is that maybe we deserve such leadership, as we continously find nothing wrong with it.

[Strike!]

Pot calling the kettle black.

[sunnykhan]

For a moment, if you drop 'Afridi' from this context and look at what the board is trying to say --- it is nothing but a joke.

They are saying that there should be no political interference and that they should be allowed to do their job. Fair enough but for the fact, that if it weren't for this political interference Butt sahab would have been long gone.

It is funny how everything conveniently turns around in the favor of Butt Sahab and his cronies time and time again. Yet we have people siding with them unconditionally. All I can say in response is that maybe we deserve such leadership, as we continously find nothing wrong with it.

Khan sahib u nailed it. Brilliant post.

[SOSami]

Next up...'Political Parties express concern at Military Interference in Parliamentary affairs.'

It's an endless loop.

[W63L35]

Basically, you are supporting what I said. :))

Like I said, Ijaz Butt is incompetent and a clown. He makes poor decisions and it's plain to see that. However, he has not broken any laws, thus it's unfair to assume he's some sort of criminal.

Same thing with Zardari, although with Zardari he has gone to jail for crimes in the past.

Ijaz Butt and Zardari both should be removed. No doubt.
.

So how would you liked a dishonest, corrupt, incompetent judge to presiding and giving decisions if you were a defendant in a court case?

[W63L35]

Next up...'Political Parties express concern at Military Interference in Parliamentary affairs.'

It's an endless loop.

Ouuuuuch! :))

[Watsupdoc]

Shrewd play from :ibutt

[SameerP]

I won't be surprised if next Afridi complains to Obama about being removed from captaincy

[blowback]

lol. what's next? pcb complains against pakpassion's interference in trying to influence selection policy? grow up pcb. or just answer one question: who's your daddy? yeah.

[kingusama92]

So how would you liked a dishonest, corrupt, incompetent judge to presiding and giving decisions if you were a defendant in a court case?

This is part of life. :)

Your boss might be a complete loser, but he still holds the right to punish you.

Until he is removed.

However, Shahid Afridi isn't being blatently targeted. He broke the rules, it's not as if Ijaz Butt is plucking rules out of thin air. Each and every player should realize the rules are there.

Shahid Afridi broke them knowingly and he should be fine with paying the fines or whatever the punishment is.

[the SHA]

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSvGUt4GxsLwrfeQzlE9yr9ILWZWNzUE RZ13igpI_Edi2VUdQDbBQ

[Desi]

Butt is there in the first place because of political interference...



freaking joke

[the SHA]

I cannot believe that there seems to be a serious opinion in this thread that Ijaz Butt is blameless from breaking any law!!

I sincerely hope that the ICC and the ECB leadership dont read PP.

[Faizan Lakhani]

This is part of life. :)

Your boss might be a complete loser, but he still holds the right to punish you.

Until he is removed.

However, Shahid Afridi isn't being blatently targeted. He broke the rules, it's not as if Ijaz Butt is plucking rules out of thin air. Each and every player should realize the rules are there.

Shahid Afridi broke them knowingly and he should be fine with paying the fines or whatever the punishment is.

existence of Ejaz Butt as chairman PCB is also breach of a law that comes under services act.
the law doesn't allow any one 60+ to hold any public office & Pakistan cricket board is not yet a private company :)

Mr. Butt also dethroned all the laws to protect and promote his friends Intekhab Alam and Yawar Saeed.

[Syndrome]

I laughed out load when I read the title of this thread. :::) PCB trying to be all angelic and professional.

[Faizan Lakhani]

As far as political interference was concerned, no body has yet "pressurized" PCB to do what they want, they've all equal rights to talk on issues related to Pakistan cricket like you, me and any one else.

[Syndrome]

existence of Ejaz Butt as chairman PCB is also breach of a law that comes under services act.
the law doesn't allow any one 60+ to hold any public office & Pakistan cricket board is not yet a private company :)

Mr. Butt also dethroned all the laws to protect and promote his friends Intekhab Alam and Yawar Saeed.

<I> Kya baat hai sir </I>

[Hamxa89]

More trash by the PCB.. Was it not the PCB who informed and took on board the high-ups, before hand, about the decision it was going to take on Afridi? If it was that "internal" a matter; why cover your bases through political channels?

Now that Afridi is giving you the taste of your own medicine; you start whining :facepalm:

Grow a pair PCB!!

[osee_bhai]

This is a bit rich, but Karachi based MQM and many politicians are causing alot of problems and using this as a ploy to win over the public.

[ugem]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

If contracts are only made to shut up the players so Ijza butt can operate as dictator and change 7 captains, deprive pakistan of international cricket, appoint captain before just before world cup, change captain so divide in futher grouping the team, make Intikhab Retard Alam coach than manager than director, make his best friend manager every time, select team himself by passing selectors, putting life bans on crickters and only to lift when they met in private to chairman board than better these contracts are breached.

Contracts are only to make Ijaz butt operating better dictator than ever before. Long ago there should have been to shut up the Jahaz Butt the way Afridi did. There is end of every thing, he can be brother in law of Ahmad mukhtar not of whole nation just to remember you.

[kingusama92]

If contracts are only made to shut up the players so Ijza butt can operate as dictator and change 7 captains, deprive pakistan of international cricket, appoint captain before just before world cup, change captain so divide in futher grouping the team, make Intikhab Retard Alam coach than manager than director, make his best friend manager every time, select team himself by passing selectors, putting life bans on crickters and only to lift when they met in private to chairman board than better these contracts are breached.

Contracts are only to make Ijaz butt operating better dictator than ever before. Long ago there should have been to shut up the Jahaz Butt the way Afridi did. There is end of every thing, he can be brother in law of Ahmad mukhtar not of whole nation just to remember you.


If it's fine to breach the contracts then one should be willing to pay the punishment.

You can't break the contract (you signed) and expect to not get fined/banned, it would be foolish to think otherwise.

[Dr. Khan]

If it's fine to breach the contracts then one should be willing to pay the punishment.

You can't break the contract (you signed) and expect to not get fined/banned, it would be foolish to think otherwise.

Again as I put it in an earlier post, it is fine to stick to this punish Afridi attitude. Sure there should be a deterring factor for people who do not follow the law.

The main issue most of us have at the moment is different:

Who is going to Police the Policeman?

[farazaidi]

Lol... jahaaz Butt is feeling the heat it seems :96:

saw a news ticker that his days are numbered. Zulfiqar Mirza is going to replace him :facepalm::facepalm:

Its a never ending loop of Jahalat it seems :nonstop:

[Looney]

lol must be MQM and ANP - thought i would never see both parties united :))

[Sherlock]

Oh the irony of the subject is laughable if it wasn't so sad.

[Thees_Mar_Khan]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous. As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.


Why this political interference seems to be ridiculous now. Have you forgotten I. Butt himself is a politically appointed chairman with Ahmed Mukhtar on his backing.

[kingusama92]

Why this political interference seems to be ridiculous now. Have you forgotten I. Butt himself is a politically appointed chairman with Ahmed Mukhtar on his backing.


I clearly stated Ijaz Butt's appointment should be sacked, as well.

Post # 21. :)

[kingusama92]

For a moment, if you drop 'Afridi' from this context and look at what the board is trying to say --- it is nothing but a joke.

They are saying that there should be no political interference and that they should be allowed to do their job. Fair enough but for the fact, that if it weren't for this political interference Butt sahab would have been long gone.

It is funny how everything conveniently turns around in the favor of Butt Sahab and his cronies time and time again. Yet we have people siding with them unconditionally. All I can say in response is that maybe we deserve such leadership, as we continously find nothing wrong with it.

Again as I put it in an earlier post, it is fine to stick to this punish Afridi attitude. Sure there should be a deterring factor for people who do not follow the law.

The main issue most of us have at the moment is different:

Who is going to Police the Policeman?

I think we're going around in circles now.

Both of us agree on the same thing. Ijaz Butt and Shahid Afridi SHOULD be punished.

All I am adding is that Ijaz Butt's hiring should have nothing to do with Afridi's case. He is the boss, it can't be changed, the boss runs the board and he makes the decisions. Yes, :zardari should be removing Ijaz Butt for sheer incompetency, but that is an entirely different matter.

As far as "who is going to police the policeman"? I have a better question, who is going to police the policeman's boss, Asif Ali Zardari?

It's a long chain. It all trickles down and now it has seeped into the player's psyche. Even they feel political power can sway any decision in their favour. What a sham.

[violet_may]

Why this political interference seems to be ridiculous now. Have you forgotten I. Butt himself is a politically appointed chairman with Ahmed Mukhtar on his backing.

Not just addressing this to you but also to other posters who have echoed similar sentiments above...

If you don't support Afridi's way of doing things/are critical of his current actions, it doesn't mean that one necessarily believes that :ibutt has been an angel throughout his career. Both have had brain farts in their respective roles. To correct one wrong (PCB's incompetencies) with another wrong (a player :afridi getting away with breaching the contract/breaking rules), is not the right way of doing things IMO. Afridi's antics may lead to some PCB officials getting sacked, but what will we take away from this scenario if it were to happen? How much influence should a player really have? If a player can seek some political intervention to make things "go his way" in a certain matter, where should the line be drawn? Will it be ok for me to call up the President (regardless of how corrupt he is) whenever I feel like I have been wronged?

There is no sense of structure if anyone can merely call in the big guns because they think the board is at fault. What is the point of having a cricket board if it cannot discipline it's players because of political interference (I know we have an incompetent/corrupt board, but objectively speaking, it doesn't excuse the fact that all boards should have the ability to regulate their laws as outlined in their constitution)? If one day, another player on our team feels that the PCB was wrong in banning/fining him, would it be ok for him to seek external intervention? Is this how our cricket will be regulated? A player feels wronged and bam, they will immediately attempt to call up the politicians to resolve their case

Like I said, players are not bigger than their regulating body and this is the message that will inevitably be sent if things go Afridi's way. There is a right and wrong way of doing things and he is just doing the latter IMO. This issue is not just about a corrupt board (which yes, it is at some levels), but also about a player pulling all the stops and attempting to overthrow some board members to get his way. If you look at this matter without referring to the boards corruption as a means for justificiation, then, there is no question that PCB is right to maintain that political interference should not regulate their decision outcomes.

If there is a problem with the board, then something needs to be done to perhaps change the way people are appointed and some of the rules/regulations the PCB currently employs (protest the corruption to bring about change...I just think support for him is misguided at the moment by those who are just suporting :afridi to oppose the PCB...Afridi is not completely in the right here either). After all, if the corruption is not separately addressed, what's to stop the next elected officials from abusing their power? And then again, another player will break the terms of the signed contract to oppose the board.

It will just end up being a cycle of self-generating power abuse (from the board and the players) if the incompetencies of the board (and the players) is not addressed. What is the problem with the PCB? Do we need to democratically elect some positions? Modify some of the current rules to prevent power abuse? Whatever it may be, the problem needs to addressed indeed. But, eventhough the current board has it's issues, Afridi is not justified IMO to exert the type of pressure he is currently employing. Like if we had an "angelic" board, would Afridi be justified to protest his captaincy loss in this manner? No. Which is why, he is not correct to behave the way he has. Corruption in the board needs to be addressed separately but surely. As much as I would be depressed losing a cricket superstar if Afridi were to leave the game, he is not above a regulating body to which he pledged abidement of certain rules. Eik ghalat sey doosray ghalat ko theek karna bekar hai.

Anyways, that's my two cents...or perhaps more, looking at the rather lengthy rant.

Edit-I guess I was also trying to say what kingusama92 and others have pointed out above. Hopefully, we don't go around in circles anymore lol

[kingusama92]

^

This post is a much better version of what I wanted to say. :)

[Savak]

Not just addressing this to you but also to other posters who have echoed similar sentiments above...

If you don't support Afridi's way of doing things/are critical of his current actions, it doesn't mean that one necessarily believes that :ibutt has been an angel throughout his career. Both have had brain farts in their respective roles. To correct one wrong (PCB's incompetencies) with another wrong (a player :afridi getting away with breaching the contract/breaking rules), is not the right way of doing things IMO. Afridi's antics may lead to some PCB officials getting sacked, but what will we take away from this scenario if it were to happen? How much influence should a player really have? If a player can seek some political intervention to make things "go his way" in a certain matter, where should the line be drawn? Will it be ok for me to call up the President (regardless of how corrupt he is) whenever I feel like I have been wronged?

There is no sense of structure if anyone can merely call in the big guns because they think the board is at fault. What is the point of having a cricket board if it cannot discipline it's players because of political interference (I know we have an incompetent/corrupt board, but objectively speaking, it doesn't excuse the fact that all boards should have the ability to regulate their laws as outlined in their constitution)? If one day, another player on our team feels that the PCB was wrong in banning/fining him, would it be ok for him to seek external intervention? Is this how our cricket will be regulated? A player feels wronged and bam, they will immediately attempt to call up the politicians to resolve their case

Like I said, players are not bigger than their regulating body and this is the message that will inevitably be sent if things go Afridi's way. There is a right and wrong way of doing things and he is just doing the latter IMO. This issue is not just about a corrupt board (which yes, it is at some levels), but also about a player pulling all the stops and attempting to overthrow some board members to get his way. If you look at this matter without referring to the boards corruption as a means for justificiation, then, there is no question that PCB is right to maintain that political interference should not regulate their decision outcomes.

If there is a problem with the board, then something needs to be done to perhaps change the way people are appointed and some of the rules/regulations the PCB currently employs (protest the corruption to bring about change...I just think support for him is misguided at the moment by those who are just suporting :afridi to oppose the PCB...Afridi is not completely in the right here either). After all, if the corruption is not separately addressed, what's to stop the next elected officials from abusing their power? And then again, another player will break the signed contract to oppose the board.

It will just end up being a cycle of self-generating power abuse (from the board and the players) if the incompetencies of the board (and the players) is not addressed. What is the problem with the PCB? Do we need to democratically elect some positions? Modify some of the current rules to prevent power abuse? Whatever it may be, the problem needs to addressed indeed. But, eventhough the current board has it's issues, Afridi is not justified IMO to exert the type of pressure he is currently employing. Like if we had an "angelic" board, would Afridi be justified to protest his captaincy loss in this manner? No. Which is why, he is not correct to behave the way he has. Corruption in the board needs to be addressed separately but surely. As much as I would be depressed losing a cricket superstar if Afridi were to leave the game, he is not above a regulating body to which he pledged abidement of certain rules. Eik ghalat sey doosray ghalat ko theek karna bekar hai.

Anyways, that's my two cents...or perhaps more, looking at the rather lengthy rant.

Edit-I guess I was also trying to say what kingusama92 and others have pointed out above. Hopefully, we don't go around in circles anymore lol

Good post but i would like to add unfortunately in Pakistan u have to fight dirty with dirty.

[violet_may]

^
Your sentiments are valid...but if true, then I don't see things changing for us. Someone else will come along and feel that he/she is right to play dirty to tackle the "wrong". I won't name any names, but we only have to look at the state of Pakistan at the government and social institution levels to see how "badness" is tackled with "badness"...where has that left us? Sure, tackling the negative elements with "dirty" tactics may bring short term relief, but one only has to look at our history to see the cyclic effects of this mentality which becomes so pervasive, that it literally becomes the norm and people don't even realize they are in the wrong anymore. Once the integrity of a structure is compromised, then its just a matter of time until the structure tumbles over. With enough time, all the small "evils" that are accepted into the basic building blocks of our foundation, can accumulate and become a problem of their own. I guess it becomes a matter of: is a smaller evil justified to tackle a bigger evil? Of course, what is considered evil will be a contentious issue and hence, that is where the debate lies...but alas, debating the question posed above will surely derail this thread

[kkmix]

V_M, I see your point and that both board and Afridi are at wrong. Fair enough. But we have to keep in mind that the Board is because of players and not the other way around. Many players have been mistreated by this same board, not just Afridi. Younis, Yousuf, Akhtar, Razzaq, and many others have been treated badly by this board. Not saying Afridi wasn't at fault in this. Of course he was. But what about other players that were mistreated by the board? Were they also at fault?

PCB has been mishandling its players for long time now, and it was about time someone took a stand. And it HAD to be someone as big as Afridi. Even if he was wrong, it was vital that he took action against the corrupt board. It could not be Younis, Yousuf or anyone else. They don't have half the fan following as Afridi. So it had to be a player who had public backing, only then the corrupt board or chairman can be overthrown. It had to be Afridi.

&& btw I don't think players breaching their contract (speaking out in public) is as big a crime as Board mishandling a player, therefore ruining a career.

[violet_may]

^
I see your point as well. I just don't see what will be so different about the new board if they are merely replaced and other relevant issues are not addressed. Who is gonna be the new Ijaz Butt and why will he be so different? Zardari will elect the new guy too no??

[kingusama92]

V_M, I see your point and that both board and Afridi are at wrong. Fair enough. But we have to keep in mind that the Board is because of players and not the other way around. Many players have been mistreated by this same board, not just Afridi. Younis, Yousuf, Akhtar, Razzaq, and many others have been treated badly by this board. Not saying Afridi wasn't at fault in this. Of course he was. But what about other players that were mistreated by the board? Were they also at fault?

PCB has been mishandling its players for long time now, and it was about time someone took a stand. And it HAD to be someone as big as Afridi. Even if he was wrong, it was vital that he took action against the corrupt board. It could not be Younis, Yousuf or anyone else. They don't have half the fan following as Afridi. So it had to be a player who had public backing, only then the corrupt board or chairman can be overthrown. It had to be Afridi.

&& btw I don't think players breaching their contract (speaking out in public) is as big a crime as Board mishandling a player, therefore ruining a career.

The stand Afridi took was not for the team. It was for himself.

He stated himself that he was being bothered by the board during his captaincy. He felt they were encroaching within his territory and he wanted them to back off. However, he kept taking it because he thought it was "best for the country", biggest bunch of baloney ever said. He kept quiet cause they kept him as skipper. The moment he was removed from skipper, he retires.

Shahid Afridi has been given a very long leash over the years. Even during his recent tenure as skipper, he gave so many ridiculous statements to the media, he was lucky to not get punished right there and then. His last statement was the straw that broke the camel's back as they say.

Afridi is setting a very poor precedent with his actions. Imagine the next chairman that will come in, he will stay about 10 feet away from Afridi due to the furore he's just raised. Is that fair on the next chairman? Does this give Afridi a free ticket now?

A lot of questions to be asked.

The best case scenario (in my opinion)

1) Mohammad Ilyas & Ijaz Butt are sacked.
2) Shahid Afridi is heavily punished for his actions.
3) A quick investigation on Waqar and Inti's roles is also done.

[kkmix]

@V_M

Right, Zardari will hire someone else. And we can only hope that the new chairman will be better. But atleast we are giving ourselves a chance, instead of letting things happen. And you are right, most likely the next chairmen will also be corrupt. Therefore, everything leads to waiting for government to chance in 2013, till then, sadly everything will be same, most likely.

[kkmix]

@Usama

Well you're right, the stand Afridi took wasn't for the team.

But But his decision wasn't mianly for himself, it was against the corrupt board also. And I am certainly not defending Afridi for his actions. He is an idiot. Having said that, his stupidity is only doing harm to his own image. But PCB are thousand times bigger idiots. They are not only harming themselves, but ruining Pakistan cricket by mistreating it's players. So we should fully support Afridi at this moment, until the chairman is dismissed but when the board is changed, we should fine him heavily. Because he is an idiot. And I love him.

[kingusama92]

@Usama

Well you're right, the stand Afridi took wasn't for the team.

But But his decision wasn't mianly for himself, it was against the corrupt board also. And I am certainly not defending Afridi for his actions. He is an idiot. Having said that, his stupidity is only doing harm to his own image. But PCB are thousand times bigger idiots. They are not only harming themselves, but ruining Pakistan cricket by mistreating it's players. So we should fully support Afridi at this moment, until the chairman is dismissed but when the board is changed, we should fine him heavily. Because he is an idiot. And I love him.

Worst case would be no fine and no removal of Ijaz Butt.

Could get ugly, then.

I really hope there is a solution to this issue.

[violet_may]

^ Agreed kkmix. If the current loog do get booted out, and Afridi unretires, then will he also have a similar stance against the new PCB chairman if he is corrupt, but does not sack Afridi as a captain (granted Afridi regains his captaincy)? My gut feeling tells me, most likely not. Hence, I would support a protest against the corruption in PCB, but probably not Afridi as the medium to do so.

[violet_may]

Worst case would be no fine and no removal of Ijaz Butt.

Could get ugly, then.

I really hope there is a solution to this issue.


You are right. I guess we will find out soon enough what the outcome and it's potential consequences to the team will be.

[Dr. Schaden Freud]

PCB are right in the sense that politicians should not influence decision-making process of the cricketing body, but, the PCB incumbents would be the first ones to use the political influence if the influence is actually for their agenda.

They're crying hoarse only because the politicians are trying to make them reverse their decisions.

[Passionate-FastBowler]

As far as "who is going to police the policeman"? I have a better question, who is going to police the policeman's boss, Asif Ali Zardari?



Chachu Obama, Chachu Cameron, Chachi Hillary and Chachu Bush the President of the council. Last but not the least Chachu Clinton as the chaey wala ( a punishment for being naughty naughty in his office years :akhtar)

oh wait, they are are already policing Zardari :amir:asif:butt

[moiz]

Are you saying that Ijaz Butt's appointment as the chief is not political?

[Passionate-FastBowler]

Are you saying that Ijaz Butt's appointment as the chief is not political?

:hafeez Please acquaint yourself with the following formula:-

2013 => End of PPP

and End of PPP = End of Ijaz Butt

[Dr. Khan]

What is very interesting about this topic, is the hypocritical nature of Butt Sahab. On one side he is saying they do not want political interference in Board affairs, on the other when the ICC is trying to pass an amendment stating the same -> this 'smart' guy is threatening legal action.

For more information on this topic, follow the link:
http://www.espncricinfo.com/pakistan/content/current/story/518030.html

[Usman]

Everything I hear from the PCB these days is just one ironic statement after another. The PCB chairman is elected by the board. The board has been using its political backing to do all sorts of things, from accusing England of corruption, to handing out life bans to Yonus and Yousuf to sacking Afridi. So then to complain when there is political interference to stop the PCB from what it's doing is just too rich. You can't have your cake and eat it PCB!

[Saqlain_doosra]

Can't disagree with the statement.

The political interference is ridiculous.

As far as Ijaz Butt is concerned, he hasn't broken any laws. Yes, he makes some pretty appalling decisions and his incompetency is at obscene levels, but he's still playing within the boundaries. We are confusing sheer stupidity with breaking laws.

The statement is spot on when it comes to Shahid Afridi's acceptance of guilt. He has already pleaded guilty, politicians should not be encouraging Afridi's antics. We should not back Afridi for what has been a silly approach to making a stand just because we don't like Ijaz Butt. They are two seperate issues and should be looked upon in that manner.

Shahid Afridi deserves being punished as he broke his contractual agreement.

Not sure there is any law governing PCB. I don't think any official at PCB will ever break any rules, considering there isn't a Law for them to break.

[kingusama92]

Not sure there is any law governing PCB. I don't think any official at PCB will ever break any rules, considering there isn't a Law for them to break.

Ijaz Butt has a contract, as well.

[W63L35]

Not sure there is any law governing PCB. I don't think any official at PCB will ever break any rules, considering there isn't a Law for them to break.

:)

http://www.express.com.pk/images/NP_LHE/20110609/Sub_Images/1101259845-1.gif