In his latest blog on PakPassion.net, the former Pakistan player Mohammad Wasim writes about his concerns for the future of Pakistan cricket and puts forward his suggestions for an immediate solution.
By Mohammad Wasim (25th April, 2015)
I played for Pakistan in 18 Tests 25 One Day Internationals and also appeared in 194 First Class matches. I got a hundred in debut against New Zealand and performed creditably in Australia before losing everything to my inability to sustain pressures on and off the field.
No excuses and I take the blame. I failed to have a high tier career as I couldn't perform which contrary to my abilities.
I captained Pakistan U19s, the Pakistan 'A' teams and my department. I still believe had I been backed up by the systems I could have turned my career into something more useful.
I got to know the real state of Pakistan Cricket when my job was ending at KRL. I suddenly found myself unwanted by the powers at the regional level and I struggled to make ends meet. Life after my cricket waned was haunting. I had to endure great difficulties to raise my family and it was painful? Where was the PCB, the custodians and the governing body of cricket in Pakistan? This episode left me demoralized; with a feeling of being a cricket orphan.
So the question is, why did I play cricket in the first place? The answer is simple. When I was growing up they told me the value of the green baggy and the star on it. What they didn't tell me was how ruthless the system of running cricket in Pakistan would be.
It was clear that If you couldn't extend your international career and you couldn't play big, then you career would end in an impoverished state.
One expected that with PCB having improved financial resources, the state of cricket in Pakistan would improve proportionately. But that is not the case and the situation has degenerated and now seems that our cricket is disintegrating. In such circumstances, I do empathize with those playing First Class Cricket and those who are still trying to start their international careers.
I was a child I saw Intikhab Alam working for the PCB. When I became a teenager he was there. When I played for Pakistan he was there and when I ended my career; he was there again! I have now gotten relatively old he is still there. He has been in different capacities trying to ensure status quo. His endeavors have been fruitless. He has failed. His failures have been reinforced. His is only one example and there are countless others. Basically, if you fail as a Director Game Development you can become a Chief Selector!
When we have seen such people brazenly destroying Pakistan Cricket, then it is no surprise that it has hit a new low. It also pains me to be beaten by Bangladesh and more infuriating are the abuses hurled at us on social media.
Enough is enough.
Something has to be done. There are people who could turn around the fortunes of Pakistan cricket, if given freedom to do so. These people are literate, cricket savvy, honest, intellectually adept and resourceful. We need a perfect planner, who can also execute his plan
There are people like Dr. Nauman Niaz who is a remarkable multitasking talent. Administratively he is brilliant, he has the ability to conceive plans and execute to near perfection. He is honest and a determined and go-getter young and his knowledge leaves me spellbound.
Be it the history of cricket, or any aspect of modern cricket, Dr.Niaz has the knowledge to back his arguments. Why can't he be made the Chairman PCB? What is required is required is reformatting restructuring and reconstituting the systems related to Pakistan cricket.
Above all, what is needed is a change the PCB Constitution and a renewed focus on restructuring. We also need to decide on quality of competitions, reduce the number of domestic teams, have the PCB subscribing to 50 percent equity in teams. The sponsors could be lured in and we could kick start. The simple message here is to kick start Pakistan cricket or you could be kicked out forever!