THE recent appointment of senior journalist Najam Sethi as acting chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board has drawn a lukewarm response from the cricketing fraternity. With Pakistan cricket once again at the crossroads following the national team’s dismal showing in the ICC Champions Trophy in England, critics believe that Mr Sethi may not have the desired experience and background knowledge to run the affairs of the game. Drastic measures are required at this stage, both on and off the field, to stem the rot that has afflicted the game in the past year or so. That means induction of fresh blood into the side, curtailment of the bloated support staff including coaches and officials, streamlining selection matters, the preparation of fast, bouncy tracks at home and the imposition of strict discipline on the team’s rank and file.

Whether Mr Sethi can accomplish this agenda remains to be seen. However, the honest truth is that the appointment of yet another handpicked man does not augur well for the game in Pakistan. For over a decade now, ad hocism has prevailed in the PCB and it is no coincidence that the graph of Pakistan cricket has been on the decline over this period. Akin to Pakistan politics, there are a number of outside elements and lobbies influencing the game of cricket in the country. These elements have for long been instrumental in the appointment of foreign coaches for the national team besides pulling strings as seen in the frequent reshuffle of captains at different periods. Pakistan cricket would be well served if such elements are not allowed to dominate. This is necessary for greater transparency in the game and to bolster the spirit of competition among the players.