Pakistan v Zimbabwe: ‘Picture-perfect series missing great touch’
Presence of ICC officials would have uplifted the historic moment, says PCB COO
Subhan revealed that there is always hope that the ICC will send an official or two before the series concludes. PHOTO: AFP
LAHORE:
Everything looks picture-perfect in the ongoing thriller between the men in green and Zimbabwe in the midst of the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. All the stars are in action, but from a director’s point of view, the one thing missing in the picture, the almost perfect picture, is the supporting cast — that being the match officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
There is a general sentiment among the public, the cricketers and even in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that having ICC officials would have taken the historic series at home to a more exuberant level.
When PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Subhan Ahmed was asked in an interview with The Express Tribune regarding the subject, Subhan backed the sentiment. “It would have been really good had the ICC sent its officials or had they been present in one form or the other,” he said. “It would have given a great touch to these games. Nevertheless, it’s kind of them to have granted official status for these matches at least.”
The coverage given to the series has certainly had a powerful impact, prompting officials of various cricket boards to reconsider their stance on a tour or tours to Pakistan.
“We’re expecting a few officials from other cricket boards to visit Pakistan. Just recently, Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee President Sidath Wettimuny sent a confirmation, showing his interest in coming for the third ODI and we’re expecting him to be here fairly soon. The PCB is also expecting a few officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to visit.”
Subhan revealed that the board is in constant touch with the ICC, and there is always hope that the world governing body will send an official or two before the series concludes.
‘Future benefits outweigh current expenses’
The tour, with its watertight security, has been a success so far and when asked whether this has given the PCB hopes of hosting major teams as well in the near future, Subhan replied, “It’s going to be a major achievement if this tour concludes successfully. What we were waiting for the last four-five years was to demonstrate to the world that we are capable of organising international cricket in a befitting manner and this is our chance to prove that we have that capability.”
The official said that they would emphasise on the positive outcome of the current series while trying to convince other nations to start sending their teams to Pakistan on a regular basis to maintain the momentum gained from Zimbabwe’s visit.
“We’ve looked at the Future Tours Programme commitments and are trying to find a slot where we could invite another international team in the next 12 months. Pakistan fans have demonstrated to the world how keen they are for international cricket to be revived on home soil on a regular basis,” explained the COO.
The PCB has reportedly given $500,000 to Zimbabwe for the tour, but the board’s top brass feels that despite the expenses, they were going to profit from reviving international cricket in the country.
“Investing as much as possible in this tour for the future of the game in our country was vital. Hopefully we’ll reap its benefits in the coming years,” stated the official.
Pakistan-India series
Pakistan are scheduled to play India this year in December, but there have been doubts regarding the series’ materialisation after the war of words between top government officials of both countries. However, the PCB is still hopeful.
“We’re quite confident about the Pakistan-India series in December. Our confidence comes from the MoU signed with the Board of Control for Cricket in India last year in which they have clearly indicated that even if they don’t come to Pakistan, they will make sure the series takes place in the UAE or some other neutral venue.”
Subhan added that during previous tours between the two countries, the strained situation was quite similar and a confirmation was received closer to the scheduled date of the series. “We’re anticipating the same situation this time around as well and although there are certain issues projected in the media, we are almost confident that a confirmation will be given come October or November.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2015.
Everything looks picture-perfect in the ongoing thriller between the men in green and Zimbabwe in the midst of the revival of international cricket in Pakistan. All the stars are in action, but from a director’s point of view, the one thing missing in the picture, the almost perfect picture, is the supporting cast — that being the match officials of the International Cricket Council (ICC).
There is a general sentiment among the public, the cricketers and even in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that having ICC officials would have taken the historic series at home to a more exuberant level.
When PCB Chief Operating Officer (COO) Subhan Ahmed was asked in an interview with The Express Tribune regarding the subject, Subhan backed the sentiment. “It would have been really good had the ICC sent its officials or had they been present in one form or the other,” he said. “It would have given a great touch to these games. Nevertheless, it’s kind of them to have granted official status for these matches at least.”
The coverage given to the series has certainly had a powerful impact, prompting officials of various cricket boards to reconsider their stance on a tour or tours to Pakistan.
“We’re expecting a few officials from other cricket boards to visit Pakistan. Just recently, Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee President Sidath Wettimuny sent a confirmation, showing his interest in coming for the third ODI and we’re expecting him to be here fairly soon. The PCB is also expecting a few officials from the Bangladesh Cricket Board to visit.”
Subhan revealed that the board is in constant touch with the ICC, and there is always hope that the world governing body will send an official or two before the series concludes.
‘Future benefits outweigh current expenses’
The tour, with its watertight security, has been a success so far and when asked whether this has given the PCB hopes of hosting major teams as well in the near future, Subhan replied, “It’s going to be a major achievement if this tour concludes successfully. What we were waiting for the last four-five years was to demonstrate to the world that we are capable of organising international cricket in a befitting manner and this is our chance to prove that we have that capability.”
The official said that they would emphasise on the positive outcome of the current series while trying to convince other nations to start sending their teams to Pakistan on a regular basis to maintain the momentum gained from Zimbabwe’s visit.
“We’ve looked at the Future Tours Programme commitments and are trying to find a slot where we could invite another international team in the next 12 months. Pakistan fans have demonstrated to the world how keen they are for international cricket to be revived on home soil on a regular basis,” explained the COO.
The PCB has reportedly given $500,000 to Zimbabwe for the tour, but the board’s top brass feels that despite the expenses, they were going to profit from reviving international cricket in the country.
“Investing as much as possible in this tour for the future of the game in our country was vital. Hopefully we’ll reap its benefits in the coming years,” stated the official.
Pakistan-India series
Pakistan are scheduled to play India this year in December, but there have been doubts regarding the series’ materialisation after the war of words between top government officials of both countries. However, the PCB is still hopeful.
“We’re quite confident about the Pakistan-India series in December. Our confidence comes from the MoU signed with the Board of Control for Cricket in India last year in which they have clearly indicated that even if they don’t come to Pakistan, they will make sure the series takes place in the UAE or some other neutral venue.”
Subhan added that during previous tours between the two countries, the strained situation was quite similar and a confirmation was received closer to the scheduled date of the series. “We’re anticipating the same situation this time around as well and although there are certain issues projected in the media, we are almost confident that a confirmation will be given come October or November.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 28th, 2015.