Article:O’ Ex Cricketer – Wherefore art thou ?

[MIG]

O’ Ex Cricketer – Wherefore art thou ?


Reams upon reams of pages have been written by journalists and fans alike, to describe and suggest remedies for the malaise that ails Pakistani cricket.

Opinions range from clarion calls to change domestic structure to changes in team management. Others have called for changes to our pitches and some have questioned the commitment of our younger generation to recreate the glory years of the past.

However, in all this hoopla about changes and remedies, the role of the most important resource that any country has at its disposal is ignored. This resource is, as suggested by the title, the Ex Cricketer.

The ex cricketer I refer to is usually a hero of yesteryears, a legend - a player of mythical abilities. He is an individual for whom fans of all ages will wax lyrical about. In his day, this gentleman has played some heroic innings, bowled magnificent spells, taken fantastic catches – in short he has mesmerized the nation with his exploits and as your father or elder cousin will say “Arrray Kiya baat thee uskeee” [ Those were the days my friend] , with a tear in their eye ! So Ladies and Gentleman – we have the definition of the ex cricketer above – no ordinary bloke but a superhero we are proud of!

Whereas I, like many of you, do not dispute the demigod status of this person – I do wonder in my idle moments about the following: How can a nation which can produce the likes of such super heroes as Fazal Mahmood, AH Kardar, Imran Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis etc etc not be able to produce a superstar or superstars since their departure and more importantly, why is that when you and I look around at our current team – no name really stands out which could join the hall of fame as set out above ? [Think about it, do we have a potential great player in our line up at the moment?]

Once again, theories abound and the usual culprits raise their ugly heads! Domestic structure, pitches, coaching, height, weight, color of eyes etc are repeated endlessly but as I have suggested above, I feel that the most important ingredient to this pie, is the role of the ex cricketer. To fully understand this problem, let’s examine the life and times of a budding “ex cricketer” in a little more detail:

The final years of a glorious career:
The typical Pakistani superstar has had a great time at with the team. He has performed well and played some truly remarkable and memorable games but youth has abandoned him and young guns are vying for his place on the team. Finally his departure from the team is signaled by one or more of:

Ø New team management

Ø Injuries

Ø Team revolt if he is the captain

Ø Effigy burners finally manage to burn all effigies and our heroes favourite red sports car!

In short, the career comes to an abrupt end – very RARELY in any graceful manner and usually in a flurry of statement and counter statement. Our hero is a disgruntled man and fed up with the establishment, colleagues and everything to do with our cricket.


And what Katie did next …
With his name still in the headlines, our ex cricketer contacts all his friend in the media – they tell him that by watching a few episodes of BBCs “Mind your language” – he can join any TV commentary team he so chooses! So it comes to pass, that in the next series that Pakistan plays, our freshly retired hero starts appearing on TV where he is asked to comment on everything from cricket shots to shots of scantily clad females in the audience. Life is great – he has nothing to worry about except that soon, the ratings catch up. The same idiots who put him for a job on TV realize that stringing 2 phrases of English in any way that you please does NOT constitute an interesting commentator. Result? Our ex cricketer is back home, cooling his heels. Other great assignments soon follow our man as he moves from one TV commercial to another ( note quality is not an issue so the hemorrhoid cream spot on day time TV is also fine “ Hi I am X, when I get the itch on the Pitch – I use Y”). This is all sounds excellent but soon customers get tired of his face or another ex cricketer comes along! The short and not so illustrious TV career comes to an end as well!



The Depression, followed by anger, resentment
Having had a stint at commentary, commercials, failed bollywood/lollywood movie – its now time for a major sulk. This sulk will last many years in which our hero will write demeaning articles in as many “quality” newspapers he can find - articles and comments aimed at the current team and management. The hope is that by getting noticed for spewing volcanic material, someone will “magically” appoint them coach of the national team! Of course, the powers that be are now firmly stuck with a foreigner as a coach ( well time for some Farangi bashing maybe?) Whichever way he turns, our friend realizes that he is finished. Politics is the next venture but after pulling in some cheap votes, party bosses know the real value of our man as a politician or leader – zilch! Thus in a bout of depression and resentment, our hero, the ex cricketer ends his public career and spends the remaining 20-30 years of his life in isolation/misery, then fades into distant memory…. Sad music plays in the background.

What I describe above isn’t fantasy – this is real. You only have to look at our history to see that most of our great players (with the exception of Imran) have never bowed out gracefully. From Miandad and his enforced return in the World Cup to Wasim Akrams exclusion to Waqars exit – we have never seen greats leave of their own accord.

They have become disgruntled, fed up and never looked back on helping Pakistan cricket in a hurry. Only once they have done the usual rounds with TV commentary teams, newspapers and commercials have they felt the need to come back and contribute something to the team. By that time, they are so out of touch with the game they once excelled in that their opinions matter marginally. If you feel that I am being unfair to these sportsman, just imagine what would have happened if Wasim or Waqar on their retirement would have joined the team as bowling coaches or Saeed Anwar (personal circumstances, maybe) as batting coach or (apart from Latif) opened up a cricket academy or offered their services to the current PCB academy ( Aaquib remains an exception )

Now please understand that I do accept that the fault is not entirely that of the cricketers but that of PCB as well in terms of their attitude towards ex players – but as they say “It takes 2 to Tango!” – We need the ex stars to come out and make statements like “Here I am, I want to help – let me know how!”

In conclusion, one can only hope that the “newer generation” of ex cricketers ( those coming close to the end of their careers e.g. Inzamam or Youhanna ) will see the folly in the ways of the elders and start thinking about how they can help the next breed of our cricketers to improve their game. The PCB, for their part, also need to examine ways of ensuring that as players come to end of their careers, their knowledge can be garnered to help the future stars. This could be achieved by adding in clauses in player contracts that would tie their pension to actively helping the team management in training after retirement. Even thinking on those lines will be a step forward and a great step to make this team attain glory - May Pakistan cricket flourish – forever, Amen!

[Hussain]

Nice article MIG

a very well written

[mulan]

Migsy, how about a "zip" clause....No speaking after retirement, unless spoken to !

Seriously though....a "disgruntled" ex-employee won't return...and if he does, he will always find a way to point the finger at everyone else except himself..."They" treated me unfairly..."They" didn't give me the proper help, assistance, understanding, etc. whatever..."They" just wanted to get rid of me....

And then the "They" retaliate by describing said ex-cricketer as "disruptive" or "uncommunitave", or just plain "difficult"....over the hill...And then it becomes a ping-pong match....(that could just end up in court!)

So, although it takes two to dance that tango, they will BOTH have to dance to the same music...or a lot of toes will be stepped on...

And of course, they will only dance to the same music, if they both decide that they're working towards a common goal, and thus put differences aside....

But that's just asking for a little too much now, isn't it? Remember "Ex Cricketer" is used to fame and fortune...people hanging at his every word and action...Glory is an intoxication far more potent than any drug...If his career comes to an abrupt end...the intoxication is taken away....what is left for him, but the search for that next fix.... wherever he may find it....As long as it's not BEHIND the scenes....

[MIG]

Good points ( as usual ) Mulan.

I think with this new contract thingy, any cricketer who remains on contract for say more than 5 yrs should be asked to sign another coaching/helping team contract - i.e. the Pak Team management should be able to call upon these individuals say upto 5 years after retirement to help out!

[Love and Theft]

Indeed fame is more intoxicating than any drug. The same reason why even greats like Imran and Miandad can't resist from making rather idiotic statements all the time. Just that need to stay in the public frame. Now it wouldn't be so bad even if, say, 50% of their statements had cricketing merits but that isn't the case.

I do not agree though that ex-cricketers should be involved in the cricketing setup. I can't think of a single ex-cricketer who doesn't have his own favorites and doesn't have some axe to grind. I say keep them all away.

The ideal thing for an ex-cricketer would be to go on and do something totally unrelated to cricket. Just leave the past behind and for heaven's sake, please move on. We don't need to hear your views, please spare us.

[MIG]

But LandT...these people hold so much cricketing knowledge in their brains - why not harness that as they come off the team.

See the problem seems to be that people who retire from cricket do so in such a bad natured way - they dont want to do anything for cricket.

I would say, set them up with these contracts while they are playing and make them coach when they finish.

Its a bit like the airlines - when you are not flying, you are teaching or helping people fly !

[mulan]

Miggy, I read on cricinfo that some players got a "retainer"....

U think something like that could be implemented in your "contract" idea....Of course, with a few clauses and sub-clauses, if you may....

[MIG]

Exactly - instead of haggling with them once they retire, they should be made to sign on the dotted line while on PCBs paycheck - best time to catch them when they are all ears!

[Schiller]

one of your better articles superman.
not as flawed and full of migsian logic as they are wont to be
ha

however, i might be wrong and do correct if I am, i get the feeling you havent taken into account two elements

1. the student himself

3. a probable paucity of talent itself

[Schiller]

oh and i wouldnt worry about what lt has said ;)

[Love and Theft]

Originally Posted by MenInGreen But LandT...these people hold so much cricketing knowledge in their brains - why not harness that as they come off the team. See the problem seems to be that people who retire from cricket do so in such a bad natured way - they dont want to do anything for cricket. I would say, set them up with these contracts while they are playing and make them coach when they finish. Its a bit like the airlines - when you are not flying, you are teaching or helping people fly !

Put yourself in the place of a cricketer who has had a long career. All you have ever done in your life is throw a red ball from 22 yards or hit that ball. After doing that for an eternity, wouldn't you WANT to do something else. Something that would broaden your horizon, something that would give you a different perspective on things and life. Why not enroll in college to take some courses (you certainly have the financial means to do it)? Heck, why not set up a stand on the beach and sell hot dogs? Why not try to disappear from the public frame and experience and involve yourself in pursuits more interesting than something you have always done?

[MIG]

My point was that we are forever complaining about ex players not helping out - I'd say, put it in their contract:

1. The day you retire, you will spend X amount of days with the team to help out the younger players

2. For that period, you can stay with the team and be paid wages.

[Schiller]

Originally Posted by MenInGreen My point was that we are forever complaining about ex players not helping out - I'd say, put it in their contract: 1. The day you retire, you will spend X amount of days with the team to help out the younger players 2. For that period, you can stay with the team and be paid wages.

was that addressed to the points I had made?

[MIG]

LandT:

I think we will need to agree to disagree here - I see your point but my view is that experienced cricketers should not simply be allowed to walk off the pitch on the last day of the job - I would make them work, even another 6 months - even as consultants!

[MIG]

Originally Posted by , was that addressed to the points I had made?

yes.

[Schiller]

Originally Posted by MenInGreen My point was that we are forever complaining about ex players not helping out - I'd say, put it in their contract: 1. The day you retire, you will spend X amount of days with the team to help out the younger players 2. For that period, you can stay with the team and be paid wages.

In that case,

I dont agree in the first place with the way people complain about the exs not getting hired, simply because I put the onus on the individual student himself migsy. a true student will seek out the master regardless.
However, that is not to say that your suggestion is wrong either.

I agree in general with the two points that you have made and i think with time, it will work out well.

[floatingslip]

Interesting article - had a couple of comments.

I think great players like you mentioned in your article are born and not made, and they don't come along very often. Point being that the lack of involvement in coaching of these great ex-cricketers is not the primary reason for our inability to produce cricketers of similar talent. So even if Wasim Akram decides to make it his life's work to coach Mohammad Sami, he will never be able to bring Sami up to his level. Similarly Younis Khan, as good as he is, can never be coached to be as good as Javed Miandad was. Nevertheless the ex-cricketer does have a crucial role to play in the development of cricket in their country and that involvement should not be limited to the senior team. In fact most of their energies should be spent promoting, developing and encouraging cricket at the school and club level, which is where they are likely to have the most impact.

[zushy_786]

Excellent Article mig.....I would agree with your points that ex-cricketers shouldn't be thrown to the scrap heaps after their career is over, but somehow incentives should be built in for them to stay on and help out with the future of pakistani cricket......

[karachiite]

Great Article mig. Agree with most of your points about the famed ex-cricketer.
However I dont agree with your points about ex-cricketers being made to coach youngsters. If they want to do it themselves then great but being forced into is a completely wrong. Just take Wasim's case. All he is ever done is play cricket (although the media would have you believe othrwise) for last 20 odd years of his life. The guy needs a break from it all.

In a country like australia or england, most sportsmen have a very good support network around them. Their future is carefully planned and layed out for them even before they retire. In pakistan where there is a lack of this support structure, Once a cricketer retires he has quite a few other things on his mind.

The profession that has been his source of income for the whole of his life is finished. He needs to secure his future and needs to look at his financial interests outside of the game.

Maybe he will come back into coaching a bit later on when he has spent some time with his family, visited places he wanted to go to but never had the chance and whatever else he might want to do. But the coaching should not be thrust on him like some kind of national service.

Ideally you want an ex-cricketer like Saeed Anwar who has a long distinguished career. Is respected among fellow cricketers and fans home and abroad and is a great ambassador for the game and the country. Retires gracefully on pretty much his own terms without too much controversy and coaches kids at the NCA without "certain people"(hint hint) even knowing!!!

[MIG]

Thanks everyone for excellent comments/critique - thats lifeblood of PP !

Floatingslip:

I agree that you need a little more than training to become a legend. However, when the same chaps ( ex cricketers are on TV) they have so much to say about each Pak bowler ie technique/action/seam position etc - all I am saying is that surely if they can see that problem now - they can see that at even closer quarters if they are involved with the team ? Unless they are making up these things to extend their shortish TV careers !

Karachiite:

Playing for Pak is a privilege is it not ? If the country that has given you the opportunity to display your skills is asking for say 6-12mths of your life after retirement - when you are fresh with knowledge of the game and also know the players well - is that too much to ask ? Imagine if Wasim after his retirement had been asked by the PCB ( since his contract stated it ) to coach Sami and Razzaq to help them fine tune their yorkers etc - all the things that he merrily talks about now on TV....isnt that worth something ?

As I have suggested, make it compulsory on employees of the PCB which these players are, to spend atleast 4 months of the year coaching either the national team in various specialities or setting up camps for domestic players - then sit back and watch the standards improve!

[Hussain]

The final years of a glorious career:
The typical Pakistani superstar has had a great time at with the team. He has performed well and played some truly remarkable and memorable games but youth has abandoned him and young guns are vying for his place on the team. Finally his departure from the team is signaled by one or more of:

Ø New team management

Ø Injuries

Ø Team revolt if he is the captain

Ø Effigy burners finally manage to burn all effigies and our heroes favourite red sports car!







All of this was done by those so called superstars against their own team mates
so u cant blame the young guns for tht