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High time ICC helped Pakistan: Zaheer Abbas

DUBAI — Pakistan cricket is going through the toughest times in its recent history. The country needs assistance to revive the game at home and abroad after a spate of controversies.

By Liaqat Ali

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Published: Sat 9 Oct 2010, 11:15 PM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 1:20 PM

International Cricket Council, being the parent body in the world, has responsibility to help in staging matches in Pakistan despite all the hurdles.

Zaheer Abbas, former Pakistan Test captain, while talking to Khaleej Times, said: “It is high time for the ICC to step in by using its sources to help Pakistan come out of this mire.

“The ICC can assemble an international side which can tour Pakistan to kickstart the game. Pakistan is beset by security issues but there are places in the country which are comparatively safer and international matches can be organised. “It is just a matter of taking an initiative and the ICC and cricketing fraternity should take a step towards the revival of cricket in Pakistan.

“A coordination between the PCB, the ICC and other boards of the world is need of the hour to address the problem. It can only be solved amicably.”

Zaheer, known as Asian Bradman, is not happy the way the PCB matters are being run by the current set-up.

He said: “Misbahul Haq has been named the Test captain for series against South Africa which will be played in the UAE later this month. It shows there is something rotten in the state of the PCB.

“In one series a player fails to find a place in playing 11 and then all of a sudden he becomes a captain. A captain should be a permanent member of the team and a performer. “Only the PCB can take such decisions as they announced the team on Thursday and captain was nominated on Friday. An atmosphere of competition is key build a good team. We need a pool of players — four openers, 10 middle order batsmen and a number of fast bowlers ready to qualify for senior team.

“There will be pressure on players to perform and we will not face the scenario like discarded Misbah being made the captain.”

The Pakistani Run Machine added: “After spot-fixing issue and Test matches in England, Pakistan performed well in one-day series under Shaid Afridi’s captaincy.

“It shows there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan. The team needs a proper guidance.

“Our new batsmen should be told that they need not to go after every ball. Every format of the game needs a different approach. Technique and timing is needed to graft the innings and stay at the crease to perform.

“Problems can be solved but the process needs time. If sincere and able persons are given the responsibility at the top level, cricket can become alive and kicking in Pakistan.

“It may take one or two years to clear the mess and bring Pakistan back to glory days.” Spot-fixing issue brought a bad name to Pakistan and there are talks to ban the country from playing international cricket. Ian Botham is the most vocal critic who urged the ICC to blacklist Pakistan. The former Pakistan captain added: “International cricket is not Botham’s property and it was a very irresponsible statement by a renowned cricketer.

“You cannot punish a country for a mistake committed by an individual or a group of players. The charges are yet to be proven against Salman Butt, Mohammed Asif and Mohammed Aamer and even if they are proven you can not ban the whole team.”

liaqat@khaleejtimes