Daily Times

Sir: Imagine the off the field blunders of our cricket team management, pertaining to coaching, training and guiding tips, more rampant in the on-going Asia cup in the UAE. Winning or losing is part of the game but it has been horrendous for our team not being counseled off the field for their blunders on the field.

Fakhr Zaman, a gem of a batsman, a match-winner, known for his flamboyance and fireworks, got out in matches against Afghanistan and India when in fact he was not out. Why did he panic amid doubt of being not out rather than unilaterally seeking a review instead of returning to the pavilion as cameras visibly showed him not out?

When even trend-setting and hope-pinning batsmen like Shoaib Malik, Imanul Haq and Baber Azam got run out in crucial matches against India and Afghanistan, what to talk of the rest of their team mates and what to comment on the level of rectifying coaching and training off the field!

As we rest on the cricketing laurels of our recent past, the very recent or the most current scenario is simply pathetic for the batting fitness and form of our captain Sarfaraz, who in earlier matches tried to hit sixes and played cross shots exposing stumps and getting out. He is leading by setting a negative example and leaving the team in the lurch.

No matter how wonderful our cricketers are, seldom would they count on the field unless and until they learn from and do not repeat mistakes. Concerned management should guide and rectify their faults and failings, as well as instill confidence in them to be calm and composed and prepare them to be mentally alert and alive in pressure situations.

PARVEZ JAMIL

Karachi

Published in Daily Times, September 24^th 2018.