Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq, who made 41 runs in two matches, made his way back to Karachi but declined to speak to reporters. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan batsman Asad Shafiq was the first player to return home after the team’s failure at the ICC Champions Trophy, with the squad opting to come back to the country in installments.
The national team’s dismal performance was evident from their bottom-placed finish as they lost all three of their group matches. The disappointing show from the batsmen triggered calls for accountability from the team and its officials as angry fans, who were hoping for a maiden title from the team, quick-fired blame their way.
Amid the scenario, the players dispersed in England and planned their arrival to Pakistan in groups.
Shafiq, the middle-order batsman, was the first player to return as he arrived at the Karachi International Airport early yesterday morning. The Karachi-based player, however, refused to speak to the media.
According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, a group of several players, including team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, are scheduled to return to Lahore today.
These include wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Mohammad Irfan, besides assistant coach Shahid Aslam and other officials.
However, according to the official, Shoaib Malik and Imran Farhat, who gave below par performances during the tournament, have decided to extend their stay in the UK.
Captain Misbahul Haq and Mohammad Hafeez will also stay back and make a return with the others over the next couple of weeks.
‘Changes certain for West Indies tour’
The team’s bleak performance has not only left followers furious, but has also embarrassed senior PCB officials who are now planning to carry out ‘strict’ measures.
“The board will take decisions on the basis of the team management’s report, including the manager and coach,” said a senior board official.
“A committee may be formed to probe into the team’s failure so that appropriate decisions can then be made.
“The changes will come into effect for the West Indies tour. Players in the preliminary squad who didn’t make the cut for the Champions Trophy will be considered.
“Sweeping changes might not be on the cards but three to four players who caused major disappointment will definitely get the axe.”
Meanwhile, next up for Pakistan is the limited-over series in the Caribbean later this summer.
“In the chairman’s absence – who has been suspended by the court – CEO Subhan Ahmad may review the report along with other senior PCB officials including the chairman selection committee,” said the official.
The Islamabad High Court that suspended Zaka Ashraf as PCB chairman last month directed the Inter Provincial Coordination to appoint an acting chairman who would represent the PCB at the International Cricket Council meeting.
‘Future of the PCB setup uncertain’
On the other hand, the official admitted the future of the PCB body was uncertain at this point.
“There is a general feeling that the entire current setup – the chairman, team officials and the selection committee might change before this tour.
“But we are continuing to work under normal circumstances and seek a report by the team management as soon as it returns.”
Published in The Express Tribune, June 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (10)
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heehee funny heading. I have a feeling Aamir Sohail is going to get a significant role in the PCB again.
problem is with this parchi system. get players on merit and pakistan will be tough to beat. of course not from day one, they must first have to get the best players in the team. get them the exposure they need by sending them to play in leagues in South Africa, Australia and England. Needless to say, PCB will have to play a major role here in arranging placements in leagues for these emerging players. Once they have the exposure, get them to play International cricket. within 2 to 3 years, Pakistan will become one of the top teams again! Mind you it's just the batting that's failing, bowling has been outclass so they only have to do the above with batsmen. Not that bowlers don't need grooming, they are already recognized as a potent bowling attack and is an automatic selection in any leagues in the world.
Why is ther no one mentioning hafeez's name because his batting is pathetic he shouldn't be in the side for his batting.
it's a typical mentality of pakisani public...hire batting coach or fire coach and captain after loosing ...just like they behave when they expect huge relief from Pakistani Prime minister despite they themselves dont pay taxes, they steal electricty and want it for free and yet they complaint about corruption and blah blah. this is a typical Pakistani confused mentality that an ordinary player Aamir sohail who was dropped several times on poor batting blamed all the mess on Great Imran Khan when match fixng was unheard of and Pakistan was a major strong cricket giant those times. I wonder people like Aamir sohail why dont they question PCB selectors that why have they given countless no. of chances to an average player Imran Farhat , Asad shafiq etc. People should also question why Pakistan has not produced a single great batsman after the end of great Imran Khan era i.e. Miandad, Saeed anwar, zaheer abbas, Inzamam ul haq. There is not a single quality batsman in Pakistan cricket team and the way PCB is handling selection of Pakistani batsmen they should better play with kenya, Zimbabwe only, even Bangladesh might defeat them with the current batting line up. yet all sort of stupid reasons are told that we dont hve good fast bowlers...what will the good bowlers do if your team makes 150 against or less against quality test playing nations.
@Sodomite: Concatenate first two words of the headline, you will know why is he sad. :)
shafiq played better than the rest against india with a 41.what i found funny was the decision of farhat and malik to stay longer..i think someone is in trouble
He was among the better performers. Dropping him from the second game was a blunder. Anyways, best of luck for the future.
despite the dismal performance, the witty heading gave me the opportunity to smile
Why is he sad?? Did something bad happen to him?? I don't recall he did anything bad? But bad things happen without warning, like trying to bat but the bat is bad. Not his fault. Welcome back home.
For heavens' sake, forsake batting coach, Assistant Coach Shahid Aslam, and above all selection committee and its chairman on very first moment. Needless to say we are in desperate need to get rid of likes of Farhat, Akmal and Malik. Instead, young blood in form of Ahmad Shahzad, Hammad Azam and Umar Amin may be given more chances to prove themselves.