The Revival of Pakistan Cricket

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ith all blazing guns in their arsenal, they cannot compete well with top ranked teams thanks to their controversies on and off the field marked with suspension in doping tests, internal feuds and match fixing scandals.

With all fairness and honesty, 3-0 Whitewash in home-away-from-home series against No.1 England team surely has sent Pakistan cricket rocketing to the top. For a team, treated pariah, with no home of its own, and virtually living out of a suitcase, the clean sweep made people believe the revival of the glory that since long had deserted them.

During this course of time, the likes of Azhar Ali, Asad Safiq, Abdur Rehman and Saeed Ajmal, Mohammed Hafeez have risen like heroes. Apart from the maturity, grit and composure they have shown, the willingness to fight stands out. They made sure that there are no rivals to match their performances. Except for brief interludes, they managed to come on top of their opposition. If they correct some compact techniques, they could be explosive prospects for Pakistan in long run. They have talent to grow in stature. Perhaps they would.

This resurgence starts from a period when the team functioned more like a secret society where any newcomer would struggle to breathe in a dressing room polluted with suspicion. They were not in a hole; it was a ravine full of muck. Terrorist attacks, spot fixing, team politics, retirements, players going to jail – you name it.

The Pakistan board made Misbah to lead the team after disgraceful episode in England. However, that is not where the differences ended. Afridi and Coach Waqar Younis made news during the team’s West Indies tour in 2011. In the end, Afridi announced his ‘third’ retirement from international cricket quoting, “There are delinquent persons in Team management” and Waqar too relinquished the Pakistan coaching job. That same Afridi called off his retirement later on is an altogether different story. With all these incidents accruing up one above the other, they could have withered away, but their sheer determination made them flourishing now.

Handling the reins to Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan managed to keep the Spot fixing Scandal behind it, along with suspension and jailing of three national players for involving in a pre-determined No-ball Conspiracy. Beaten on the field and discredited off it, it was surely the lowest ebb in the history of Pakistan cricket. Pakistan cricket could have imploded. They could have lamented their ill fortune and become embroiled in regrets and recriminations. Instead, they rebuilt. They took a long, hard look at themselves and decided that change was necessary. The only way Pakistan could have restored its reputation was by performing on the field, and that is what exactly they have done.

Starting from world cup, where they exceeded all expectations by reaching semifinal, things started to brighten up despite jail sentencing of spot fixing convicts on the same year. Team’s self-belief, temperament and the captain’s confidence has instilled a winning habit in the team and the ability to prove Pakistan has transcended its off-field controversies.

Resurgence of Pakistani cricket is mainly owing to the astute leadership provided by Misbah. This calm and cool headed captain has been successful in securing the wholehearted cooperation of his Teammates. The way Misbah has picked the team from match fixing rubble was remarkable. It is extremely difficult to lift the team from that turmoil, which he managed quiet efficiently. All the players have been fashioned to perform to the best of their ability. More importantly, Misbah has gelled the Team to perform as a unit. It is not fair not to appreciate the contribution of Mohsin Khan, who as the interim coach has ensured the smooth progress of the Team. Misbah and Mohsin Khan together have steered the ship of Pakistan cricket to calm waters.

The whole world should acknowledge them for their redemption and they deserve more accolades for their on-field performances.