The Pakistan Cricket Board’s formation of a committee made of former cricket players with wide ranging jurisdiction to look into all matter pertaining Pakistan cricket is the first big decision that has been taken by the new PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani.
While Pakistan cricket has been on a generally upwards trajectory over the past few years with much success on the international level and the rising stars of the PSL, much of this flashy veneer could come off with the slightest scratch to the surface. As it has been since days of old, the domestic circuit in the country continues to be neglected, and the cries of current and former cricketers have gone largely into the abyss.
Now, the committee promises to empower former cricketers, looking towards them as the those that will know intimately the problems that be in Pakistan cricket. Of course, it is not always the best idea to give administrative roles in sport to former players – while a player can be a genius on the field, they might not have the aptitude for the drudgery of bigger picture logistics.
Yet the proposed committee is not an administrative one and neither does it have any decision making powers – it is strictly supposed to focus on cricketing issues. No matters of marketing or media management will come their way, and they will decide themselves what they wish to focus on. The fact that they do not have decision making powers is one that may have some approaching the idea with measured excitement and some with open scepticism. Yet the committee has been given free reign to operate and look into all aspects ranging from domestic cricket to the selection process and the team’s performance on the international level. And while they may not have direct authority, the power and prestige of those composing the committee will is enough to make sure that they are seen, heard, and deferred to.
The biggest name on the committee by far is Wasim Akram. While he has not undertaken any cricketing duties since his retirement back in 2003, his addition to the ranks of the new body within the PCB will only give the committee legitimacy. While the idea to make him PCB Chairman was a silly one to say the least, this gives him a way to effectively and proactively benefit Pakistan cricket in more ways than just helping out at the occasional training camp.
Much like Wasim Akram, Misbah ul Haq is a name that brings weight to the committee. But more than the gravitas that comes with the enigmatic former Captain comes his wide berth of cricket knowledge and his managerial skills. Misbah proved to be enough to handle the erstwhile Pakistan team after the disaster of 2010. Yet more importantly he has proven to be an advocate of his cricketers more than anything, something that has endeared him to the public. His video showing the condition of domestic dressing rooms displayed his compassion for those that give their lives to the game. The fact that he is still active in the domestic circuit only adds to the appeal of him being the point man on all domestic cricket issues. It also gives first class and club cricketers a direct voice in the board.
Other than these two giants, both Mohsin Khan and Urooj Mumtaz have proven their mettle deserve the spots they have now been given. Urooj is deeply embedded in the history of Pakistan’s women cricket and will be the point person for improving the women’s game which is being heavily promoted all over the world.
The committee is an interesting, innovative idea. If allowed to function, it will prove to be vital to the future improvement of cricket in the country. If it is mere eyewash, then Mani will be getting off on the wrong foot for his tenure.
