JEDDAH: Along the lines of their national political process, the Pakistani cricket time is in dire need of good leadership. Following their defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka on Sunday in the on-going Asia Cup tournament, Pakistan has all but eliminated itself from the tournament on their home grounds through some uninspired cricket.
And to add icing to the cake, the skipper excused himself from the post-match presentation, while journalists walked out off the coach’s news conference following yet another defeat.
And to make matters worse, former Pakistani captain Wasim Akram blasted the captain’s decision to field first on what was surely a batting track. In speaking to ESPN, Akram said, “I could not understand Pakistan’s strategy. Everyone is electing to bat first on this wicket. Once you have runs on the board, you can defend it. Just because India chased a total of 300 does not mean that in the next match you should field first.”
Having been set a target of 303 runs to win in their 50 overs, the Pakistani approach was mystifying. A run rate of over six runs an over and a scoring rate of 100 percent or more by their recognized batsmen was required, but the snail-paced defensive approach to the game in the first twenty five overs was certain to spell doom. Only one batsman, Misbah ul-Haq managed his quota, but it was too little and too late to stave of impending defeat. The captain, Shoaib Malik and the dependable middle order in the form of Younis Khan and Mohammed Yousuf failed to spark a comeback that eventually led to the team falling 64 runs short of the target.
And Shahid Afridi’s wild first ball swing which led to his dismissal and a ‘golden duck’ further raised the ire of Wasim Akram who stated, “Afridi again tried to hit a shot off the first ball. He was never a pure batsman. When a batsman’s form dips, he returns to the basics. Afridi is now in the team for his bowling and if he can’t do that well in the next couple of matches, then the selectors might have to drop him.”
Cricket guru Harsha Bhogle of ESPN was just as perplexed at the Pakistani captain’s decision to field first. “Malik’s decision was inexplicable.
The decision backfired because of Sangakkara’s outstanding innings.” That reality as we see it is that the team lacks solid leadership, both in the form of coach and captain. Lawson just doesn’t have it in him to coach an Asian team, and Malik is no leader. His frowning and introverted demeanor throughout the tournament speaks volumes along sides the apathy demonstrated by his teammates on the field.
What the team needs now is a new captain and a new coach. And the sooner the Pakistani Cricket Board addresses the issue firmly, the better it would be for Pakistan cicket.
