Former cricketers have expressed their disappointment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), team management and the players for going ahead with the fourth ODI between Pakistan and New Zealand despite one of the deadliest attacks in the country’s history.
Nearly 150 children were killed in an attack on a school in Peshawar but the PCB decided to play the fourth ODI, stating they tried their best to postpone but were constrained by the broadcasters’ commitment as well as for cricketing reasons advised by the New Zealand management.
The board’s statement added that they are playing outside Pakistan because of the threat of terrorism and if they allow it to disrupt matches abroad, then it defeats the purpose.
The PCB further said that the proceeds of the match will be given to the families of the deceased and will also go towards rebuilding the school.
‘Playing the match embarrassing and sad’
However, former cricketers have questioned the double standards of the board as they postponed an entire day’s play against New Zealand on the tragic death of Australian opener Phil Hughes but did not do so despite a massive national tragedy.
“Are broadcasting commitments more important than nationalism and sentiments of Pakistanis when the whole nation mourns?” asked former Pakistan cricketer and coach Mohsin Khan. “Australia also had their commitments but they cancelled the entire first Test against India. It’s like adding insult to injury, with the PCB stating that financial donations will be made. People don’t want donations; they want a sense of belonging.”
Mohsin said that if such a big disaster had hit any other nation, then they would have postponed or even called off their matches and added that if the PCB can show solidarity on Hughes’ loss, then they had an even bigger responsibility to do so now. “It’s embarrassing and sad that as Pakistan grieved, our cricket team was playing a match,” he said.
‘Players should have taken a stand’
Former skipper Rashid Latif said that the players should have taken a stand.
“The players of the national side should have taken a stand but they only made a statement and took no action,” he said. “It shows the weakness of the team, the board and even of the government. When a national mourning of three days has been announced and the Pakistan flag is lowered, then why was the fourth ODI being played? People don’t realise the magnitude of the tragedy and the meaning of the national flag being lowered.”
Unpopular decision taken in larger interest: PCB
The PCB spokesman has said that they knew the decision to go ahead with the match will be criticised but added that it was made in the best interest of Pakistan cricket.
“We made an unpopular decision and knew there will be criticism,” he said. “The easiest decision was to postpone but that would’ve given strength to those who want the disruption of the country.”
The spokesman added that the match was not played for financial reasons. “The match was played to support the bereaving families and not for any monetary benefit,” he claimed.
“New Zealand have got another series right after this one, while broadcasters have already taken a hit so all these things were taken into account. We’re hurt as well, which is why we’ve postponed the Kenya vs Pakistan A match.”
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (4)
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@Tayyeb: I believe when a gora died accidently by a cricket ball the whole world was in grief. 1 day of cricket was also stopped in that test match. Its not that old.
Inferiority complex is killing us.
I am not recommending that the families stop the grieving process, it is necessary, however instead of diminishing the overall work of the society, the rest of the society should cater for those who have been affected and the best way to do is to contribute financially as well as support them emotionally. and yes I would continue my work so as not to inconvenience people who may already be grieving or in stress or would require my inputs for carrying on their daily activities and to ensure when the grieving process has run its course they have the necessary support available
@Tayyeb Imagine a situation when your son/brother/father (God Forbade) has been slaughtered. Would you go to your job/work saying that you are grieving but would not let that grief hurt your activities (economic)? and then If I go on and provide entertainment(cricket) and tell you that I'm grieving and express my solidarity by giving you my income proceeds, would you be interested in proceeds?
The idea of stopping work and going on strike is a relic of a bygone era when you stopped work to decrease the income of the King/ oppressor/ state. The team rightly played the match and made it clear that they are in solidarity with the country in their grief and sorrow.
The question on strikes is who are we stopping the economic activities for and why? Does the strike negatively affect the Taliban etc. against whom you are having a strike? It would be better if instead of a strike the workers/ shopkeepers/ employees announce that they will work and to express solidarity donate the proceeds of income from that day to teh specific cause as rightly done by the PCB.