LISTEN to the South African commentators and you will come to know how allegedly biased they are. The recently concluded test match between Pakistan and South Africa only confirms my statement. When a South African fielder drops a catch, he was unlucky as the ball had jumped out of his hands. But when a Pakistani fielder does so, that's bad fielding.

When a South African batsman is dismissed, he was unfortunate that he could not connect. In case of a Pakistani batsman, South African bowlers were too hot to handle.

Our team made a terrific comeback against all the odds. Almost, half the team members were either new or made a comeback after a long layoff.

The team had lost their best batsman before and one of their main bowlers during the match to injuries. The South African side was at its full strength. They had in their ranks the world's number one bowler (Dale Steyn) and the number one all-rounder (Jacques Kallis). Yet, they could not beat us.

Instead of giving full credit to the Pakistani team for achieving such an improbable task, I found them rather scratching their heads and looking for lame excuses like the nature of the wicket.

Years ago, it was a similar wicket on which a much stronger Pakistani side was dismissed for 50-odd in both the innings of a test match by the then mighty Aussies.

If your team is determined to perform, the nature of the wicket does not matter.

Like neutral umpires, the ICC could also play with the idea of introducing 'neutral commentators'. At least, we, the listeners, will be spared of much torture.

DR ASIF NISAR SARIO
Karachi

Referral system

The ICC have introduced the referral system for stumping and run-outs in cricket. In order to bring it for other close appeals for which the aggrieved team seems certain, it would be in the fitness of things if the referral system, now limited to the above two decisions, are extended to other appeals too for equitable and fair play.

Since this technology is now available and the demands of cricket have multiplied, the ICC may look into this aspect.

Moreover, in a test match spanning over a five-day period, the continuous monitoring on the field by the two umpires also takes its toll as they are required to be fully vigil at all times. A human error, unintentional, can occur and that may prove to be a deciding point in the overall fate of the game.

ABDEALI NAFAR
Karachi

A rueful picture

PAKISTAN's wicketkeeper Zulqarnain Haider has put some fuel on the recent polemical locus of Pakistan's star cricketers' match-fixing scam.

Recently the Pakistan Cricket Board has ostracised employees who were above their 60s but PCB Chairman Ejaz Butt allegedly has not because he is a close relative of Pakistan's defence minister.

The International Cricket Council and the Indian Cricket Board allied with other cricket nations have also announced an open war against Pakistan's cricket.

It is time for the PCB and its players to wake up and think only about the flag of Pakistan.

CHOWDHURY ADNAN ABBAS
Chakwal