Saj argues that PCB's recent troubles in attracting Internatioanl teams to Pakistani shores is more to do with financial clout than any real concerns on security

By Saj Sadiq (19th April, 2012)

 

Money is power said a man once. I'm not sure how wise or unwise he was, but they are words that ring true in every walk of life.

Whilst many of us would despise such a comment, the harsh reality is that in the modern world, money is indeed power. The "haves" have distinct power over the "have nots" and there isn't much anyone can do about it. The "have nots" have to make the most of each day and sadlly feed off the scraps of the "haves".

In our daily lives we see examples of the "haves" enforcing their rules and power of wealth on the "have nots" and unfortunately it's become acceptable.

Sadly in the modern world of cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board is amongst the "have nots". A board that is shunned by most and seen as unimportant by others and even largely irrelevant by some. The hierarchy of modern day cricket boards sees the PCB amongst the vey lower ranked members.

During the previous PCB Chairman Ijaz Butt's tenure the PCB had become an open laughing stock in front of other boards. Butt was regarded by other officials at ICC meetings as that annoying uncle who turned up at your house every now and then and you had to put up with him because your parents said so.

Whilst Zaka Ashraf and his senior colleagues at the PCB are trying to paper over the cracks and trying to reinstate Pakistan as a force in cricketing administration, there is a lot of damage to repair and a lot of relationships to heal.

The PCB seems to be viewed with suspicious eyes by many and their every move is scrutinised more than would be the norm. The reality is that the PCB needs to start building bridges and repairing relationships, but above all it needs to make itself a financial heavyweight, instead of a weak lightweight.

So now we come to the latest fiasco hitting Pakistan cricket, the Bangladesh matches that are due to be held in Lahore at the end of the month. I haven't referred to it as a series, as in my opinion 2 matches does not constitute a series.

Nonetheless, it's vital for the PCB to start somewhere and the 2 matches would have presented progress for Pakistan cricket. Largely, for the fact that the PCB can rightly say that an overseas international team has toured Pakistan - without any security issues. Sadly though after the initial positivity and assurances, now doubts and rumblings have emerged from the Bangladesh Cricket Board.

The reasons for the hesitancy from Bangladesh are largely down to security, but is that all that is crucial to non Pakistani cricketers when asked to visit Pakistan? I don't think it is.

It's evident that the PCB does not have the bargaining power or finances to lure both other Boards and players from the around the world to it's shores. If it had a large pot of cash to wave at international cricketers, I'm sure many would come to Pakistan like bees to honey.

If the PCB had the bargaining power of a highly financed twenty over competition with all the razzmatazz that goes with it, all the money that comes with and all the trimmings, then you would see every Tom, Dick and Harry wanting to visit Pakistan and play there, largely irrespective of the security situation.

Whilst the security situation remains uncertain, sadly though Pakistan cricket does not have the tools to tempt non Pakistani cricketers to the country. The main tool being money!

You will not read tweets from cricketers saying "We love Pakistan" or "Pakistan is Great or "Great to be back in Karachi" or "I love Lahore" largely because the rupee rules and Pakistan cricket does not have the power of the rupee.

Mark my words if and when the PCB can sort itself out and have the bargaining power of the rupee, then you will see all sorts of weird and wonderful cricketers happy and ready to visit any part of Pakistan.