PCB refutes allegations in a local newspaper article

The PCB takes exception to the article in a national English daily on September 12, 2002 under title, 'Likes and dislikes ruining cricket team's performance'. This inspired, poorly written disjointed piece is a diatribe, the text of which does not even qualify the title. The writer, continually doing a hatchet job on the PCB for some time now, has questioned the ability and integrity of the manager and coach of the Pakistan team.

What he conveniently fails to mention is that the same management duo was handling the affairs when Pakistan was on a winning spree till as recently as June, when they beat Australia in Australia in a one-to-one series. The Manager has been with the team for a long time. No praise was given when team was winning. The Coach has been termed "master strategist" by Imran Khan.

It is true that the team's performance has slid a bit, but it is the same outfit which had till recently won so many matches, and which was heralded as one of the best outfits for the World Cup by critics all over the world. The players may have, in some of the matches, not displayed the responsibility that one expects from professionals of their calibre.

While we appreciate pointing out shortcomings by the writer, but the method is motivated. So while the PCB is trying to address the issue, and doing its bit to stem the tide of reverses, it would have deserved the criticism if it had in any way lacked in providing top of the line back-up and facilities to the players. Even the most zealous critic of this Board would admit that it has gone out on a limb to provide nothing but the best to the national team. Inducting Dennis Waight, the world-renowned trainer and physio, to assist the team is a case in point.

While the Board laments the recent poor performances, and is trying to find out ways and means to improve the team's showing, what needs to be noted is that even the best teams at their peak are known to have lost a few matches here or there. Reading too much into such losses by our cricket writers has previously not just made it difficult for the team to bounce back, it resulted in unnecessary insinuations too.

That the writer just intended to go after the PCB is also reflected from the fact that totally out of context it mentions Junaid Zia being reported during the Junior World Cup, but ignores the fact that he was the highest wicket-taker in the event. So many young bowlers get called early in their careers; they rectify their action and perform to their potential. Why hold it against them, or have prejudice against someone merely because he is this Board official or that cricketer's son?

Throughout its history, consistency has never really been the hallmark of various Pakistan cricket teams. This Board had identified this as a glaring shortcoming, and tried to address it by introducing the Academies and strengthening of the first-class cricket through a radical overhaul of the structure. Because of these steps, it is hoped that in due course of time Pakistan Cricket team would not be known for its unpredictability.

Khalid Butt
Media Manager
September 13, 2002