Mine must be the lone voice crying in the wilderness for the last few years pleading for some sort of action to bring international cricket back to Pakistan. Some half-hearted attempts have been made by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the last few years.

Unfortunately, they have been semi-baked, bordering on the non serious. The government authorities are too busy with more pressing and important matters to divert their machinery towards this front. In any case they have deployed not one but two five-star stalwarts, Mr Shahryar Khan and Mr Najam Sethi, to look after the affairs of the game of cricket. Except for the tour by the Zimbabwe team (at what cost we will never know?) and by the ladies team from Bangladesh, no other team, it seems, has even been approached or invited.

The entire matter after the tragic event in Lahore in 2009 has been shabbily and shoddily handled by successive boards. A cell manned by high profile personalities dedicated to work for the return of international cricket to Pakistan should have been set up to tackle and solve this most important issue.

With cricket season in full swing, there is no international cricket in sight, even under strong floodlights, and no sign of an India-Pakistan bilateral series

The ICC had formed a special committee under the chairmanship of Giles Clarke, the then chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). This was formed some years ago and charged with the task of bringing back international cricket to Pakistan. Whether Mr Clarke and/or, his fellow members have ever visited Pakistan in this connection or held meetings with the relevant Pakistan authorities I do not know. No report has either been forthcoming from this dormant committee, nor have there been any meetings.

It is reported (I cannot vouch for the veracity of these reports) that Mr Clarke had put forward certain proposals for high profile international cricketers to tour Pakistan and break the impasse, but the PCB did not consider this feasible as it involved more money than they could afford (perhaps the expenses in the UAE were more economical).

UAE beckons

It will not be out of place to point out here that ever since that deplorable incident in Lahore the Pakistan cricket team has not missed a single Test, ODI or Twenty/20 match be it on a bi-lateral basis or ICC/ACC managed tournaments (including ICC World Cups, ICC World Twenty/20, Champions Trophy and Asian Cricket Council Asia Cups). Most of our current international players have not played a single international match in Pakistan.

The Pakistan cricketers have been more than fully occupied playing and living in the luxury of the UAE hotels for their home series and touring abroad for the ‘away’ series. Pakistan have not missed any match be it Test, ODI or Twenty/20; all commitments have been fully honoured. However, the stadia and grounds in Pakistan which were so meticulously and laboriously prepared, have been reduced to a state of disrepair bordering on dilapidation because of lack of cricket; and of funds. There even are cases where leading stadia were without supply of water/electricity for months. The outfield stands, the roofs and “facilities” are in pathetic conditions.

Some fans ask the question: if PCB spends next to nothing on refurbishing and revamping the national venues what do they need the millions of dollars for (about which they have been bending over backwards and wooing the Board of Control for Cricket in India on bended knee to stage the Indo-Pakistan series)? The answer is simple: they need millions of dollars and dirham to finance their ‘home’ series in expensive UAE; and also for the frequent travel to play, manage and organise their ‘home’ series which in any case they outsource for the purpose of security, ticketing, accreditation, accommodation, catering, ground maintenance … need I go on? Also astronomical sums of money are required for the prestigious Pakistan Super League.

I must reiterate here that the security situation in Pakistan today is much better than it was some years ago particularly after the operations against terrorism. Moreover, Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Peshawar and other cities are more secure and safe than before. In any case — not that it should be of any solace — the security here is better currently than in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Paris, Brussels, New York, London, Stockholm. If the French capital Paris, days after the recent catastrophic incident, could host a high powered summit involving heads of state and government why cannot Pakistan stage a cricket match? Talk back to me.... The armed forces of Pakistan, the Rangers, the Police and the civilian authorities have done a wonderful job in bringing the security conditions in Pakistan under control. PCB should now lobby forcefully at the ICC and bilaterally with the other boards to send teams to Pakistan, after inspection by teams of neutral security experts. If an English Team of 16 can tour Chitral to play cricket there, and an Australian Services Team can visit Pakistan on an exchange basis, then why not full teams? It only needs efforts and initiative and hard work. The PCB machinery now used for outsourcing international events is very rusty in organising cricket matches. Who wants to go through the hassle and responsibility. As Alfred Doolittle said in Shaw’s Pygmalion: “… some one else will do the blinking work...”

Is the dove dead?

So much water has flowed through the Indus and the Ganges since the much touted India-Pakistan bilateral series saga started that it has now become a bit of a joke; it is almost puerile. After the boards had had their pow wow they had to seek the assistance of the “East India Company” in the person of Giles Clarke former Chairman of the England and Wales Cricket Board. He acted as ‘facilitator’ — why? Are Shahryar Khan and Manohar not capable of sorting out these matters; is that why we need outside help? Neither India nor Pakistan were willing to say anything after the meeting. The usually garrulous Khan ever ready to face the cameras and speak in the microphones said Clarke will address a press conference a couple of days later - it has now been 10 days!!

Manohar has maintained a stony silence. By the way, Clarke has not acted out of love for Indo-Pakistan cricket. It is reported that the two boards will play two tests in England in 2016. Khan who had earlier rebuffed the Pakistan IPC Minister saying that PCB was an autonomous body, not responsible for the government’s acts and deeds, took his usual U-Turn ; this time wisely saying the prime minister will decide the matter. The BCCI also left it to their government (read Shiv Sena).

It was generally felt that because of (1). India’s frequent, unprovoked and blatant violations of the Line of Control on our borders which has caused both military and civilian Pakistani casualties, (2) .the aftermath of the despicable behavior demonstrated by the Shiv Sena at the launch of the much respected Khurshid Kasuri’s book, (3). the offensive attitude towards the maestro Ghulam Ali and some young Pakistani artistes and (4). of course the violence, cold shoulder, ill manners, arrogance and rudeness shown to Mr and Mrs Shahryar Khan, Najam Sethi and Subhan Ahmed in Mumbai and New Delhi and other statements against Muslims, that Pakistan would say “NO.” In a sagacious and wise move the Pakistan Prime Minister gave the ‘go ahead’ signal. This came as a relief to the PCB but left the BCCI and the Indian Government stunned and in a state of quandry.

Pakistan had kicked the ball right back into the Indian court which caught them unawares; and the Shiv Sena’s protests were renewed more vigorously. The permission will ultimately come but the BCCI will extract their pound of flesh. They may quite possibly, though unfairly, ask for their share in the proceeds (50-50?) and knowing the keenness of the PCB who at one time were even toying with the idea of playing the series in India, they may agree. In any case it will be a truncated series which is against the stipulations of the MOU.

Burning the candle at both ends

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) now two months away from kick off will also be played in UAE. According to reports, much work has been done and all preparations are at an advanced stage. Najam Sethi, who conceived this mega-event and who will deliver it, has been burning the candle at both ends, as he single handedly pilots the project.

If PCB spends next to nothing on refurbishing and revamping the national venues what do they need the millions of dollars for? The answer is simple: they need millions of dollars and dirham to finance their ‘home’ series in expensive UAE

Sethi is playing the cards very close to his chest much to chagrin of the news-hungry media. Are the broadcasters decided? Who are the franchises? What are sums adding to? Who are the players and what is the fees? And above all, where will all the money come from — PCB/franchises/ Broadcast Rights/ Marketing? Will it be profitable/break even/or a loss? All in good time, my dear fellows. Patience is the name of the game.

A sense of humour

Let us give it to the PCB. They have a sense of humour even though it may be warped. After a human resources survey and studies, PCB declared some senior officers including directors and senior managers redundant. It was suggested that those who had reach/crossed superannuation age will be gracefully retired. Others will be relieved such as a few junior officers including the long serving media officer at Karachi, maybe a few workers on the grounds and some clerks. The favourites were redeployed. Two or maybe three were give management of the senior, ‘A’ and junior teams, some accommodated in the NCA, while others are being considered for jobs with the PSL.

Cricket season

There is cricket going on all around the world. All full members as well as some associates are locking horns against one another. All events are fully covered over the electronic and print media more than adequately.

The pink ball day/night Test match has taken place in Adelaide. It was a roaring success commercially — 40,000 jamming the Adelaide Oval was heart-warming. The pink ball does swing more — Hazlewood, Southee, and Boult did not mind it. The four innings produced about 900 runs for the loss of 37 wickets. The match did not go full distance; but no worries. A good beginning has been made and it will catch on.

Australia won the match by a mere three wickets. Had the TV umpire seen the clear white spot on the edge of Nathan Lyon’s bat on snickometer and given him out, which he clearly was, the result would have been different as Lyon and Nevill went on to add 50 or 60 decisive runs for the ninth wicket. ICC need to review the DRS system and also revamp their so called elite panel of umpires after proper appraisal.

Sheshank Manohar the new BCCI and ICC head honcho has made a very significant statement. He has spoken against the “Big Three” concept. Well played, Sheshank! It is now for others particularly Pakistan, Sri Lanka, South Africa and Zimbabwe to take it up vigorously and dissolve the Troika Triumvirate and restore the authority of the ICC and bring back the Future Tour Programme (FTP.)

Had the South Africans played in Pakistan or Sri Lanka or Zimbabwe on pitches which they encountered in Mohali and Nagpur all hell would have broken loose; but Amla and his men blamed themselves. The scorecards will be testimony to what I am trying to say. It was ridiculous. Inquiries should be initiated. The experts are also quiet; as are the ICC curators. The Indians wallowed in their triumph. If Ashwin and company keep playing on the snake pits of pitches in India he will end up with 1,000 wickets.

In UAE, against England, Pakistan won the Test series but lost both the ODI and Twenty/20 series. Eyebrows have been raised; tongues have been wagging; experts and analysts are holding forth. PCB, the selectors, the team management and the members of the team have a lot to think about. All does not appear well in the Pakistan cricket camp. Serious note should be taken by the powers that be. PCB seriously need to take remedial measures. For starters, trim the team of support staff — three should be enough; also bring in a new selection panel. I can guarantee that things will only improve, particularly now since we have a ‘winning manager’. And has PCB given thought to a succession plan for captains? Remember the cliché that no one is bigger than the game; as General Charles de Gaulle remarked “the cemeteries of the world are full of indispensable people.”

Published in Dawn, Sunday Magazine, December 6th, 2015