Never has the men’s team received such a treatment even when they failed to perform internationally
LAHORE: The women’s cricket team returned on Monday morning the July 18th after failing to win a single qualifying match in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2017. They have been harshly criticised for their performance, often unfairly compared to that of the men’s team who recently won the ICC Championship.
But criticism, if constructive, can be positive as far as it doesn’t curtail unjust treatment. But our women’s team’s criticism was extended to the unfair treatment they received upon their arrival in Pakistan at the hands of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) responsible for their facilitation.
When women’s team returned, neither an official from the PCB was present to receive them nor had any transport been arranged to take them to their respective houses. The cricketers were left to fend for themselves.
The PCB on its website proudly claims to have supported the women’s team in their conduct also, stating it ‘has been looking after the welfare of women cricketers since its establishment by providing them with all facilities’. But in reality, neither has the PCB paid heed to the falling performance of the team nor has it managed to facilitate it by proving the basic transport facility.
Never has the men’s team received such a treatment even when they failed to perform internationally. Why has the PCB failed here to provide something it’s responsible for? In fact, when criticising the women’s team for their recent performance, fingers should be pointed at the PCB as well. Until and unless we hold authorities accountable, there will be little room for improvement.
Sanilah Imam
Published in The Express Tribune, July 19th, 2017.
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