Cricket: Target smaller teams instead of begging the big boys, says Shaharyar
“It is very unfortunate that the postponement came after the confirmation,” Shaharyar told The Express Tribune. “Our cricket fraternity was delighted by the news of the tour.
“There must be some political influence behind the decision but whatever it is, it is a huge setback for Pakistan because the deadlock would’ve been broken by this tour and bringing in teams like Sri Lanka was next in the PCB’s plans.”
Shaharyar, also a former Pakistan diplomat, advised the PCB to focus on the lower-ranked teams now.
“We should start from the lower-ranked teams. The PCB must focus on inviting associate members or other club-level teams to play with our second string sides. It should host such teams on regular basis and by doing that repeatedly, with success, a soft impression will definitely be created which will start attracting top teams.
“At the same time, international players from other games like hockey, tennis and boxing should also be invited by their bodies. I don’t see the drought ending without this process taking place, especially after the postponement of Bangladesh’s tour.”
‘PPL to have no impact’
The former PCB chairman also warned that the proposed Pakistan Premier League (PPL) will not serve the purpose the board wants it to and will have no impact on international cricket’s resumption in the country.
It will, Shaharyar added, only quench the thirst of fans in Pakistan who have been starved of live cricket action.
Meanwhile, Shaharyar also dispelled the impression that PPL will help the revival of international cricket in Pakistan.
“It may be a cricket treat for our fans but it will have no impact on bringing international teams here. At the moment, no current top player will tour Pakistan even for a huge amount.
“The PCB will only succeed in roping players who have passed their prime or are retired cricketers and their participation will not make any difference to what the PCB actually wants to achieve.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2012.
COMMENTS (15)
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Shaheryar Sb, Bangladesh is a low rank team. And PCB should go for PPL. Let the world know we can stand ourself and prosper without the help of any foreigner.
Lets stop looking at the world in every expect of life...
@SaudiRules: What does Imran Khan have to do with this? Do you know the definition of "nonsense"? I think that definition applies to your comment..
Who is lower ranked than Bangladesh ? :P
What nonsense...who is begging? Inviting them to tour Pakistan doesn't mean begging...afterall they were going to get money for that not us..!!
Adam Khan : Can u sleep without India coming in your dreams/nightmares ?
@ yajsingh & adam khan: I am not targeting anyone here but we all know that BCB was ready for the tour but at the last moment their court jump into the scene.
What he means is that, Pak should invite teams from Papua New Guinea, Somalia, Kenya and Afghanistan... These guys cannot talk about security situation in Pakistan. Anyways, since they play for lower ranked teams, their lives are not that precious.
Moreover, being lower ranked teams, it is their duty to show the world that Pak is fit for holding international matches !
I think he is right that PCB should contact associate team to play in Pakistan. Afghanistan is always ready to play in Pakistan. Teams like Ireland, Afghanistan,Kenya and many more will be happt to play iin here. I think they shoud ask Zimbabwe as well.
I think its good suggestion, perhaps PCB should induct Mr Shaaryar Khan as an adviser , it would be immensly helpful.
No use blaming Bangla Desh our main failure has been unable to stop attack on Sri Lanka team with no one taking responsibilty of the lax attitude.We are suffering because we did not take the security seriously back then.
Pakistan is still begging?
"Shaharyar, also a former Pakistan diplomat, advised the PCB to focus on the lower-ranked teams now" So lower ranking team's players arent worried about getting blown up? What kind of idiotic statement is it from a former diplomat?On the lighter side, have Imran khan travel,stay with the visiting foreign team and let IK be an umpire during the game. The talibans wont dare to attack lest IK gets injured.:D
like allways bengalies are traitors bk stabbers am not suprised not 24get india is playing a major role in this who are clearly involed in match fixings them selves