October 7 2008 is the day that few cricketing enthusiasts would relate to, but it was this day that many claim Pakistani cricket began its steepest downward fall with the appointment of Ijaz Butt as PCB Chairman. In the two years since, Pakistan has been embroiled in a list of controversies both on and off the field. Geoff Lawson, the then-Pakistan coach was one casualty as a result of this change

 by Haroon Khan

17 November 2010

October 7 2008 is the day that few cricketing enthusiasts would relate to, but it was this day that many claim Pakistani cricket began its steepest downward fall with the appointment of Ijaz Butt as PCB Chairman. In the two years since, Pakistan has been embroiled in a list of controversies both on and off the field. Geoff Lawson, the then-Pakistan coach was one casualty as a result of this change in guard. While Lawson may have been forced away from Pakistani cricket he still remains a staunch supporter of cricket in the country. Here PakPassion.net speaks exclusively to the former Pakistan coach some two years since he left the team.

Lawson played 46 test matches for Australia picking up 180 wickets as a fast bowler. When he was appointed in July 2007 there was a sense of excitement amongst fans in his vision and ideas. Coming from an attacking Australian mindset and being a highly educated academic and qualified coach as well as a fast bowler himself he captured the imagination of the Pakistani public. In his two year tenure, Lawson had mixed fortunes with both success and failure, but an unwillingness of countries to tour Pakistan and hence a lack of competitive cricket obviously did not help.

Under the previous administration of Nasim Ashraf, Lawson speaks highly of the planning in place by the Pakistan Cricket Board. “There was a good solid system in place with proper planning. There were plans for provincial academies. There were plans for the improvement of first class players and facilities. There was training of coaching and staff.” 

However as the political situation in Pakistan changed after the countries elections in 2008, a number of senior officials in the board and team management were either forced out or opted to resign. “The big turnaround came when Ijaz Butt was appointed and Pakistani cricket has really crashed since then.” Lawson said.

‘Henry’, as he is known is still a close friend to many in Pakistani cricket. “Just yesterday I was speaking with a player who represented Pakistan at the T20 World Cup and he still has not been paid.” It is this sort of unprofessionalism which has engulfed Pakistani cricket and according to Lawson the prime reason Pakistan has been unable to fulfil its potential on the world stage. “To be a top side such as India, South Africa, England and Australia you need an administration that gives its players and its staff full support. The notion used for any successful organisation is that ‘people are our greatest asset’, however that is clearly not the direction of the current board as it tries to distance itself from its players." 

The young wicket-keeper, Zulqarnain Haider who played in the first four ODI against South Africa felt little trust in the PCB such that he decided to escape unannounced to the UK after he was approached by an alleged bookie. “With Zulqarnain the PCB should have supported the player and tried to find out the full story. They instead decide to rip up his contract.” Lawson said. “That is not the way to treat your players.”

Some critics, notably former English all-rounder Ian Botham have claimed that it is time to remove Pakistan from the ICC until its house is in order. Lawson strongly disagrees, “Not at all, it will achieve nothing. That opinion is in the minority.” Lawson who has been following the Pakistan – South Africa series in the UAE still feels that Pakistan has much to offer world cricket. “They have just played a good ODI series against South Africa and they showed they are still a very competitive team, definitely still one of the top playing nations.”

What amazes Lawson more is how Pakistan can still perform even with all the controversies and the constant pressure. “The way they play it amazes me how well they play without the support from their board. Just imagine how well they could play with a proper structured administration which supported its players.”

In Ijaz Butt’s short tenure, the constant chopping and changing has meant that Misbah is now the sixth captain. While he has been handed a tough assignment against a formidable opponent in South Africa, Lawson feels Misbah has the tactical nous, but at the age of 36 he likely will not have the longevity needed for the team. “Misbah should have been made captain 4-5 years ago. Statistically he is probably the most winning captain in domestic cricket.” Lawson said. The runs have also dried out for Misbah as he has averaged a low 23.06 in the last two years compared to his high of 78.71 in 2007 when Lawson was in charge. “He is a good thinking captain, but it is not his captaincy which is the problem but his lack of runs. He needs to score runs first and foremost,” Lawson added.

Looking ahead to the World Cup in the subcontinent next year, Geoff rated Pakistan’s chances at the prestigious event as “modest”. He explained “Pakistan can beat any side on any given day but in a long tournament like the World Cup, consistency is required which they do not have.” Again Lawson believes it is the poor selection policy which is to blame. “There is an ad-hoc selection system and there is no planning involved. They need to pick 15-16 players and stick with them for an extended period.”

Lawson himself had high expectations of Pakistan when he was involved with them. In fact, Lawson offered his services to guide the team to the World Cup final, but his ideas fell on deaf ears. “I told the board that if you let me run the show, I will get us to the World Cup Final, but obviously they had other plans.” Lawson said. 

As Pakistan proved in the 2007, 2009 and almost 2010 edition of the T20 World Cups, they can never be discounted regardless of the situation. If Pakistan does exceed expectation as they often do and reach the final, Lawson believes it will largely be down to raw talent and ability rather than the PCB’s administrational strengths.

 

Disclaimer - The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the views of PakPassion.net.

PakPassion.net is a cricket fan's forum and strives to bring to the fans the views of those involved in the game. The views of such external contributors are presented without editorialising or comment by PakPassion.net. 

PakPassion.net does not accept responsibility for any reliance being placed on any of the information contained in this external article; anyone relying on the information presented herein does so entirely at their own risk.