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Ban Pakistan from World Cup too?
By TJ for Stani Army in General Cricket, Pakistan Cricket
If you go by the ‘logic’ that has prevented the IPL franchises from signing Pakistan players, then Pakistan would have to be excluded from the 2011 World Cup too, due to be held in Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The 2011 fixtures were drawn up in such a way that Pakistan would play their group games in Sri Lanka, and would only have to play in India if
Lalit and his girls: The 'best' thing to happen to cricket since....football
they reach the final. But what if they do reach the final? Some would say that this is a big ‘what if’ but they’d be ignoring the recent big ‘what if’ which prevented Pakistan’s players from playing in IPLIII.
The reason given was that the franchises could not be certain of the availability of the Pakistani players. So what do they exactly mean by that? Well, the Pakistani players would have been free from international duty in that period so this cannot have been what was meant. May be the reason is the fear that half way through the tournament, something happens in one of the two countries which would strain diplomatic relationships and heighten civil tension, causing Pakistan to call back its players for fear of attack in India. A big ‘what if’ in my opinion.
The most tasteless part of this IPL snub was that the Pakistani players were given false hope and led along until the very last minute, literally. Why did the eight franchises request the eleven Pakistani players up for selection if their policy was not to pick players that were not certain of availability? Well it is clear that something happened inbetween the period that these players were requested by the franchises and the time of the auction, and this is the sinister side to this whole situation.
With the franchises towing the same ‘non-availability’ line, it was obvious that the advice they received must of come from one source in that it was the same across the board. Clearly, all the franchises were in cahoots with one another and it was a collective and pre-planned shunning of the Pakistani players, even though this is being denied. If you are not convinced, are you telling me not one of the franchises would have been tempted by even a single bid for Afridi, Rana, Aamer or Akmal? Instead, when the names of these World Champions were read out at auction, there was complete silence in the room. It was so quiet that you could almost hear the little synaptic kerchings in Lalit Modi’s brain. It would be interesting to find out who it was that advised the franchises to make this change in policy and take this stance after they had no problem in requesting the players for auction initially.
Would the Indian crowds have turned on Pakistan's players?
When Pakistan’s players did not take part in IPLII, the argument from many IPL supporters was that it was the Pakistan government that banned the players from playing so the IPL was helpless. We argued then that even if our government had allowed the players to travel, they would have been stopped from playing somehow and that the Pakistan government merely made the decision easier for Lalit Modi. From what has happened this time around, it is clear that our belief was true.
The fact of the matter is, as soon as the time to organise IPLIII came around, those in the corridors of power began to think of ways in which to prevent Pakistan players from playing for whatever reason. The morally right thing to do would have been to begin to find ways of including them but morality isn’t something Lalit Modi will be known for I’m afraid. They waited until the end, hoping that Pakistan would prevent its players from travelling just like in IPLII, and making the decision easier for Modi and his cronies. But this time, both the PCB and the Pakistan government allowed the players to travel AND the franchises requested eleven of them to go under the hammer. As a result, something had to be done to stop them at auction and it quite clearly was.
I couldn’t care less if our players did not participate in that tournament and I certainly would not have minded had they been asked in good time, not to apply. But the immoral and degrading manner in which they were snubbed shows no class at all.
So, will the powers that be apply the same logic in the World Cup? Maybe they’ll do what they did here and leave it to the last minute hoping that Pakistan don’t make the final. But if we do make it to the final, the outcome of whether we are allowed to play will truly show us who governs world cricket.
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January 22nd, 2010 at 12:43 am
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January 22nd, 2010 at 12:45 am
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January 22nd, 2010 at 1:08 am
Stani
This is one of the best posts I have read on this subject. Great Job.
January 22nd, 2010 at 2:18 am
If one assumes that there was no directive issued by the Indian Government to IPL authorities and the Franchises and it was strictly a business decision to eliminate risk of a future unavailability of Pakistan due to some unforeseen political event, then this risk was there since the Mumbai incident then why the franchises and the IPL authorities kept silent about it and never conveyed their apprehensions to the Pakistani players and PCB before considering Pak players.
I am willing to believe that some franchises might have thought that way but all of them did it only to eliminate risk I don’t think so, as the lack of interest for Pakistani players during the auction must have opened a window of opportunity to grab some of the Pakistani players at base price for a few franchises who performed poorly last year there was no risk in it.
The Last minute silence of the franchises about their apprehensions show that either it was a predetermined decision on their part to humiliate Pakistani players they were just playing with them all along or the franchises recieved an official directive.
The manner in which they carried out this whole drama only reflects their nature and it clearly shows that India with this mentality will not be able to play the leadership role in world cricket.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Wasim
Thanks man! I really appreciate it.
….you know what this means though? I’ve only gone and raised expectations. Just don’t expect this every time
Exactly right about the risk always being there. The fact they just brought it to light now means they were looking for excuses. Your second point is very important. Surely if all the franchises had not been advised to stay clear of the players, one franchise, at the very least, would have licked their lips and chanced their arm and bid. This would have been a business decision too, taking advantage over your rival franchises.
They are now making the excuse that there was only 11 places and so there was nothing sinister behind the fact none of the Pakistanis got picked. But why would you not want a single World Champion for such a low price? The fact that not one even got a bid is no coincidence, so they really are embarrassing themselves further with these excuses.
It is sad really and India have caused themselves embarrassment no matter what people may say. When the chance to show an example comes along (dispute with ICC/WADA on drugs), India need to be more aware of their responsibilities. I firmly believe that people like Lalit Modi are not good for the BCCI’s image. He may bring in the money but that is not what it’s only about.
January 22nd, 2010 at 4:44 pm
your logic is skewed. If Pak players were told before hand that they are unwelcome and if they were not entered in the auction,hell would have broken loose and people like you would have filled reams/screens of nonsense about democracy, liberty to choose and how franchises were deprived of their right to make a decision etc. IPL is a domestic league; franchises have a right to choose and they have chosen. Pak players who were dreaming about big money have been disappointed, and Indian money which would have gone to terrorists through these cricketers and which would have been used to finance attacks against Indians has been put to better use- it will go to cricketers and countries which are not plotting jihad against us.
January 22nd, 2010 at 8:15 pm
Thanks Krish!!! I’m glad the Indian Newspapers do not share your view (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), and even more glad that your opinion isn’t representative of real Indian cricket fans.
Feel free to come back and demonstrate your level of intelligence to us whenever you feel it is necessary.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:46 pm
being enough said on this IPL fiasco and as Pakistani fans we should have get over it and move forward but yes after taking positive and solid decisions about our future interests specially by our DUMB players and administrative should have developed clear thinking over here and should have draw a line to which extent they should show some willingness towards BCCI and its bi-products and to which extent they should get back instead of running toward BCCI with their toungs out every time a hint of opportunity appears after all your dignity is in your own hands it is your guts that how much you present yourself respectable.
@Krish, bloody hell why are you guys so afraid of something you don’t even know, why so obsessed with linking anything violent and terrorist related to Pakistan even after more than a year your so good for nothing agencies are not even able to prove a tiny little thing about 26/11 but you are so obsessed you guys are putting every blame on Pakistan in complete ignorance and lack of knowledge, ethics and grace and then you are so proud of calling yourself the next super thing in world. Its time to better look around you and have little knowledge before opening your mouth.
This can’t be more lame than this “Indian money which would have gone to terrorists through these cricketers and which would have been used to finance attacks against Indians has been put to better use” absolutely demonstrating the mind set of our booming neigbhours.
I should stop now as it is not a place to start this kind of discussion but I am just _____ by the constant childish behavior of almost whole generation out on every blog.
Sorry Stani, if you find it inappropriate here you just delete this.
January 22nd, 2010 at 11:55 pm
back on real topic WC 2011 is still a big (?) even after this schedule to avoid Pakistan matches in India. I just wish that Pakistan make it through to Final (I am even afraid to predict Pakistan reaching second stage, such pity) but then it will be time to check out our rich friend ego and willingness to do best for game and I just had a feeling that India will ruin the game or at least WC 2011 if they didn’t change their behavior at all.
And for IPL effect sake once again, I also wish Pakistan retain their Champions status in May 2010 even though I shouldn’t predict that again as being so good at T20 and strongest team still T20 is T20 anything possible like a first round exit after all it only take one very bad game these days.
January 23rd, 2010 at 12:06 am
Typical Indian response from Krish.
Like any over patriotic Indian he thought it is his national duty to justify the action of IPL and its franchises by making silly excuses and ignoring all business ethics.
While making these excuses in the same breath he reveals the true Indian hatred for Pakistan which was the real reason behind the decision taken by the IPL franchises.
And then these idiots expect that by giving the rest of the world a 101 lesson on the rights of a private enterprise they can hide their real motivation behind the decision. Their hypocrisy and deciet is so evident.
What a farcical and decietful campaign.
January 23rd, 2010 at 1:52 am
Guys, let’s not sink to his level. It is obvious he doesn’t need us to make him look foolish as he is perfectly capable of doing it himself. I know many Indian people of noble character that would be ashamed to see what he has written.
Reverse
Yes, we shouldn’t make it seem as the be all and end all. We can only carry on playing well, retain our Twenty20 title and make it obvious to everyone that we’re the ones being wronged. How fitting would it be if we reach the final in the 2011 50 over World Cup?
Wasim
There have been ideas of a franchised tournament in Pakistan but do you think it will work? The key would be to bring in wealthy individuals and skew the profit margins slightly more towards them in order to make them want to invest. They should also have less teams and a shorter format in terms of games……and without the 7 and a half minute mid-innings breaks!
January 24th, 2010 at 5:01 am
If anyone is experiencing problems viewing comments on the ‘a post to forget’ post, please bear with us we’re trying to fix it.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:06 am
Lets have them banned if that means getting rid of team that promotes jingoism, poor team spirits and all the evils a team could have.
moreover it gets along with itself the terrorists that attack sri lankan team and Mumbai along with poor Afghani ppl.
January 25th, 2010 at 6:10 am
Who would want to have losers in the IPL teams. they cant bat, they cant bowl and they cant field. An under fire keeper says he is going to play despite the fact he is an idiot bugger with 2 teeth out of his face……a guy who is aiding factionalism within the team. and if he is continued to drop further he may have his opposition bombarded by a Talibani jihadist. lol. what a country that survives on killing innocent people and then do all the _____ drama of the world when they are rightly ignored!!
January 25th, 2010 at 7:54 pm
@stani – great article. While I do feel the franchise owners did not bid on the Pakistani players as they are pure businessmen – no interest in development of the sport – and hence they just eliminated any kind of risk. What I completely agree with you in your post is they should have informed about this earlier. I am sure they already had these thoughts in the back of their head much before the actual auction. Also I am glad you pointed out the Indian newspapers who have really gone all out to bash the IPL for not including Pakistani players.
@ other Pak fans (Wasim, ReverseSwing etc) – I can understand the anger and frustration in your posts above but please don’t generalize about an entire nation. Its precisely this “generalization” from people from both sides which don’t allow the guys working for peace to acheive anything.
January 26th, 2010 at 12:15 am
Chandler
I’d appreciate it if you didn’t swear as it doesn’t help your argument, which by the looks of it, needs all the help it can get.
Rayden
Thanks mate! Yes, I was very impressed by most of the Indian newspapers this time around. They clearly felt it was embarrassing for them and showed some national pride in criticising the IPL for bringing this shame and attention.
I wasn’t so impressed with many of the defensive arguments by Indian writers on cricinfo though. All they were basically arguing is that there was no conspiracy. In doing so, they blatantly ignored the fundamental point which we agree on, the fact that the Pakistani players/board could have been told about it earlier and in a much more courteous manner.
This is a funny read though, by Imran Yusuf on cricinfo’s Page 2.
January 26th, 2010 at 5:54 pm
Monday 30th December was the day when Pak got optimistic of pulling of 252 with 7 wickets in hand. However, the dreams of such destiny were shattered in the opening over when Mitchell Johnson struck gold by dismissing Umar and Misbah with successive deliveries in identical fashion. Kamran and MoYo steadied the ship but before the lunch break Hauritz captured 2 scalps in successive deliveries by removing Kamran firstly stumped, beaten in flight and then Aamer in bat pad fashion as one just kicked out of the rough on a wearing 5th day surface for the simplest of catches. Rauf was bowled before the lunch break and it was the second over after lunch which sealed Pak’s fate as Hauritz once again captured 2 victims in the same over, the third time this sequence happened on the day. That was that.
The following test was a demoralising, heartbreaking and a visually destroying one because after Pak skittled Australia for 127, they ended up on the retreating end. It was looking beyond reality but was the eventuality. MoYo pathetic unjustifiable field setting along with Kami’s technical flaws deteriorated in the most unthinkable manner as Australia accepted an open invitation to get their heads back in the match and frustrate Pak with global embarrassment.
The series was over and the final test was a repetition of the first in terms of gradual cycle. Ponting regained his form like a demon and suggested why he was voted Wisden’s player of the decade. His innings and formidability underlined Australia’s ruthlessness when other teams fluff their chances as this defeat just accelerated on the woefulness of the already shambolic state of the PCB.
There was some hope that limited overs would bring back some confidence and form but as it stands it’s been a depressing episode of sheer humiliation as the series has been comprehensively concluded with Australia claiming the hounours 3-0. Now a whitewash becomes a frontline possibility and fear for the low moralised camp to dread.
However, the island a little further from the depression lies an abundance of hope, promise and emerging talent looking to establish themselves to the world at the U19WC. 30th January will be the date of the final and hopefully their phenomenal achievement and moment of triumph will put somewhat of an end and justify this month of depression and shambles in Australia with the most justifying, pleasing and satisfying manner labelled the – brilliance of youth.
We should support, recognise and acknowledge their performances, achievements and emergence because with their youthfulness and success, promises and ensures the future is much brighter. Unfortunately, the previous two occasions didn’t see a transfer of such ability and promise onto the international stage. However, in my enlightened perspective I feel that this tournament will see a grand breakthrough of a promising and prosperous future for a nation in desperation for sporting success.
This is why I feel this way:
1) Azeem Ghumman is a pro- active captain. Doesn’t look like captaincy material with his physique but he alternates the bowling and field setting well. Future captain of Pakistan?
2) Usman Qadir is a class act. He looks promising without too much exaggeration or favouritism involved due to his father’s image.
3) Hammad Azam is a mammoth prospect who has shown excellent nerves of steel to perform under pressure.
4) Babar Azam and Rameez Aziz look technically and temperamentally sound for international cricket in the foreseeable future.
5) 100% winning record represents consistency and professionalism.
January 26th, 2010 at 5:59 pm
Stani, who cares about IPL? T20WC which follows in much more important. Agree?
And as SRK said there was not necessarily personal or national grudges held in their decision. They rate Pak! I m referring to your tweet here.
January 26th, 2010 at 7:39 pm
Rayden
Before you categorize Reverse’s and my response as angry you need to read the comments of Krish and Chandler and many like them on other forums it shows the general sentiment on Indian streets.
Both countries on the political and the military front have a history of hurting each other, neither of them have a clean record.To mix sports with politics is not right.
IPL authorities for whatever reasons if they were foreseeing a risk then they should have communicated it to the Pak players upfront. It’s just like inviting somebody to a dinner and then when they reach your door you don’t answer the door bell.
The statements made by the Indian ministers are predictable I don’t think they were going to come forward and accept that the Indian Government played a role in it. They were going to gain nothing out of it.
The bottom line is still the same which has been highlighted by many Indian newspapers and which most Pakistani’s are saying IPL should have been upfront and it is not as simple as many Indian’s are trying to portray as until a week before the auction Umar Akmal, Afridi and Aamer were on the top of the buying list of a couple of franchises. What changed their mind collectively on the auction day that is the main question. It can’t be just political risk as it was always there since the Mumbai incident.
January 27th, 2010 at 4:08 am
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January 27th, 2010 at 4:54 pm
Nice post. Don’t you think ‘Stani Army’ rhymes with some funny words.
January 27th, 2010 at 5:34 pm
Ehsen
Enlighten us, what did you have in mind?
January 28th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
SRK is coming on Jonhathan Ross’s show Stani. Might be interesting
January 28th, 2010 at 7:45 pm
These aspects have stood out for me by U19 :
1) The U19 team can play under pressure and deliver the goods. Here I’m talking about the run chases against WI in the semi final, against India in the quarter final and against Bangla when the odds were against them. Our senior team collapses like a pack of domino cards under pressure. The team were heavily hyped and were being televised so there was pressure and expectation involved.
2) Consistency. The likes of Hammad Azam who is an aggressive batsmen but yet hasn’t been dismissed represents and suggests consistency and astonishment. Our seniors are more often than not inconsistent. And also, UQ hasn’t had one bad game yet. 100% winning record by team overall. 4 consecutive successful run chases.
3) Fighting ability. Even when the odds were against them like chasing 39 off 2 overs against Bangla they kept believing and trying as well as against WI in the semi final when they were 49-4. This suggests and symbolises determination, desire, hard work and belief, aspects which we don’t really see from our senior team.
4) Fielding. Much better. Captain leads from the front and sets the standards. The techniques are much more sound for sure.
5) Captaincy. Has a strategy in mind and sticks with it, rotates his bowlers well and alters with the field effectively and accordingly. Looks to make things happen unlike MoYo.
January 30th, 2010 at 7:49 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4pyCKb8bKs
Good on U SRK
January 31st, 2010 at 7:06 pm
Maz
Yep, but he’s just trying to save face as he knows how big Bollywood is in Pakistan, unfortunately.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:17 pm
Stani : ” Yep, but he’s just trying to save face as he knows how big Bollywood is in Pakistan, unfortunately”.
What’s wrong with Bollywood that it’s unfortunate ? I hope you are not one of those individuals that see Bollywood as a threat to promote anti-Pakistani propaganda.
It’s a leading industry in Asia and I myself am a Bollywood fan. SRK is a Pathan, his family/ancestry are from Pakistan and he is friends with many Pakistani cricketers so he is not covering up and his views are all but genuine.
Anyway 5-0= depression but at least we showed some fighting spirit in the last match under Afridi’s tactful captaincy. But what a disgraceful, immature, outrageous and many more emotive terminology can be applied to show the shamefulness over such an act on the cricket field. That wasn’t an apple Shaheed !
But then again Stuart Broad did it and got away, despite being caught conclusively on camera. Are ICC slightly racist and biased ? Hmm I feel they might be.
January 31st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
A few months ago Stani you wrote this on my blog :
“Some great memories there.
Our t20 success was a great retort to those that did little to help us out in our time of need.
The best part was that Lalit and his cronies now couldn’t ignore the players from the best t20 side in the world, Pakistan”.
Look what the situation is now
February 1st, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Maz
I’m not sure what you mean by “one of those individuals that see Bollywood as a threat to promote anti-Pakistani propaganda”. There is no Bollywood in my house; we don’t like it for various reasons. My opinion of it is definitely not as simple as yours though but let’s not talk too much about that.
All I know is that if Shah Rukh Khan was being genuine, then a Pakistani would be playing for his team.
What Afridi did was crazy. I agree with you that it was hardly any different from Broad’s intentions but I guess it pays to be from certain parts of the world.
Yes Maz, they couldn’t ignore us could they? Because if they did, what has just happened would happen.
February 1st, 2010 at 9:39 pm
If I tell you that Wasim Akram and Rawalpindi express are making their Bollywood debuts in 2010, will u now be a fan and allow Bollywood in your household
?
Anyway, Malik is a good choice for replacement in Afridi’s deserving absence. Good to see he admits to his mistakes though.
February 1st, 2010 at 10:28 pm
Maz
….I’m pretty stubborn.
Find me a Bollywood film that doesn’t fill our young with unrealistic hopes and cause them to have raised expectations of their future spouses and I will watch it. As I suggested, it is a very complex issue and the few years I have on you has allowed me to see this. One day in the future, I hope you will agree with me. You will never get me watching a Bollywood film let alone make me a fan of them
You know it would have been interesting to see Shoaib captain in Tests and ODIs again but he’ll only get this t20 game by the looks of it.