Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan

A couple of weeks ago, we had a few lengthy discussions about why it is that we found this World Cup boring. It must be understood that we are a pair of die-hard fans who grew up on the game; fans whose earliest cricket-watching memories are those of Imran Khan lifting the coveted trophy in 1992. So if we are left horribly unsatisfied by the sport’s premier event, then how can we expect the Scots and the Dutchmen of the world to chance upon the tournament on TV and suddenly start giving a shit about the sport?

Is it even possible to spread the game of cricket?

Therein lies the strange vicious cycle-esque dilemma. Imagine, for a moment, that the ICC isn’t a money-grubbing pack of wolves, and then ponder its dilemma about the nature of the game itself. Should it try to spread the game to all corners of the world that are even remotely interested, or should it maintain cricket’s status as a strange exclusive club of 9 or 10 countries and leave it at that?

In Urdu they say “Shehmurgh kai pair bhaday kai bhaday” (The peacock’s feet will always be ugly), and how well does our wonderful Nasim Ashraf typify this. Put him in a suit, let him fly first class to have pictures taken with the players, he’s game. Have him preen in front of the National Assembly or Senate, he’s game. Give press conferences, where all he accepts is applause? Sure he’ll do it. But actually carry through with a promise or a statement? God forbid somehow that happens! Sach hai, Khuda woh din na dikhaye jub Nasim Ashraf kuch kar dikhaye.

Pensions for ex-players? He’ll take the applause for making the announcement. But actually implement it? Too much work and responsibility. Take the plaudits for handing out cheques to 5 players? Sure he’ll take them. But too actually do the work to make sure those cheques can be honoured? No way. Isn’t giving someone cheques which cannot be cashed, actually cheque fraud? Isn’t that a crime? I think I will have to ask my brother the banker that.

This article at Cricket Bloggers of Pakistan has been composed by Ahmer Karimuddin.