Daily Times

Squandering away opportunities and failing to make it even to honourable mentions in international tournaments, Men in Green were in for a rollercoaster ride this year. Although a historic win in the test series against Sri Lanka in one of the most difficult countries to tour as a team had put Pakistan on the global map, their failure to make it past the initial stages in both Asia Cup and World Cup not only drew the ire of cricket aficionados from all over the world but even prompted chaotic rounds of removals. Pakistan being slated at the top of the International Cricket Council’s ODI rankings and national icon Babar Azam enjoying the crown as a star performer in all formats did little to reduce the distance between Shaheens and a single trophy throughout the year. Women’s team taking down New Zealand in their own backyard and whitewashing South Africa did offer the happiness-starved nation some fleeting moments of celebrations.

Just as pleasantly surprising was Pakistan’s Emerging Cricket Team showcasing its class in the Asia Cup hosted by the Asian Cricket Council. But because most of the nation’s attention and resources are diverted towards the men’s mainstream team, accomplishments in other formats or sports (javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem, rising squash star Hamza Khan and men’s and women’s football teams) call for greater introspection. Why is it that cricket alone is supposed to shoulder the responsibility of soft diplomacy and marking our place in the world? Perhaps, the thrill of exciting happenings in the world of sports in the upcoming year might persuade the relevant authorities to knock off nostalgia and work on harnessing talent in all directions. As is evident from the recent performances by Men in Green, simply changing the squad cannot pull the magical rabbit out of the hat. A lot of work is needed to ensure performance, performance and meritious performance becomes the only hallmark to lay hands on good spots, commercial contracts and guaranteed fame. It is high time to bolt the doors shut on clout-oriented politics and familial ties. Let cricket (and all sports, for that matter) remain gentlemen’s games. *