Always a joy
In many ways, excellence in sports put Pakistan on the map more strongly, and quickly, than achievements in other fields. We were still a young country when, under the late AH Kardar, Pakistan became the first side to win a match on the first tour to England – with the famous ’54 Oval Test victory. We were always among the best in cricket, winning World Cups and trophies in hockey and, of course, dominating the world like no other in squash. That is why the fall from grace of sorts of the last many years hurts so many people so much.
Squash glory is, seemingly, forever confined to history books. Hockey infrastructure is so dilapidated that it is a small wonder that the national outfit can come up with occasional shows of brilliance. And sadly cricket, too, has been on the decline for quite a while. The last World Cup was particularly painful; the team did not even look a shadow of its predecessors. But with recent successes, especially the clean sweep against Sri Lanka, it seems the players have decided to dig in their heels and do whatever it takes to turn things around.
It was refreshing to see the younger lot play around the experienced old guard; working like a well-oiled machine. There is definitely no shortage of sporting talent in Pakistan, as our sportsmen and analysts have always pointed out. Nurturing that talent, though, has never been our strongest point. The street football superstars are another example. Now they have clinched bronze at the Norway cup, another proud feather in their cap. Yet, as always, we continue to rely on individual brilliance rather than a structured, strategised approach to sports. If only we can introduce a little more disciplined and honest approach to sports management, our boys can win many more laurels, and embarrassments like the musical chairs at the PCB can be done away with once and for all.
