Time for a new Pakistan
It has been a long time coming but perhaps it is finally here for Pakistan. Things have been going wrong in the Pakistan camp for some time now and the latest controversies and problems will hopefully be the end of the line for the existing Pakistani set-up.
Recent problems, such as Shahid Afridi’s ban, Shoaib and Asif’s bans / injuries and the failure to get through to the group stages of the World Cup have led to a shambolic state of affairs, which have been finished off by the resignation of captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, not to mention most of the PCB.
Nasim Ashraf, chairman of the PCB for only five months, tendered his resignation yesterday to General Pervez Musharraf, president of Pakistan and chief patron of the PCB. Ashraf was appointed chairman after Shaharyar Khan resigned in October. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Wasim Bari, chairman of selectors, followed by resigning on behalf of his three-man committee, who accepted collective responsibility for Pakistan’s dismal showing.
(source)
As inquiries into and the speculation over the death of Bob Woolmer continue (natural? suicide? murder?Some people even think it’s to do with match-fixing), one thing is abundantly clear – Pakistan have a chance now to rebuild their side and do it right. With so many empty spots and being in such a low position, they should have no fear in being committed and asserted in what they need to do. Overhaul everything. They have the opportunity to look at what has worked and what hasn’t, identify the areas which caused the problems and start over and do it right.
They have a core squad of very talented players and now is the time to galvanise that squad in to a match-winning, not a match-fixing, team. From the smouldering remains of the Pakistan cricket team and the heartache that surrounds the death of Bob Woolmer, it must be possible and is fundamentally important that something positive comes of it all. There could be no better tribute to Bob if in four years time, Pakistan lifted the World Cup again.
