Ian Chappell
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Former Australia captain, now a cricket commentator and columnist
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To tour or not to tour
Whether or not to opt out of series in Pakistan must be left to players to decide for themselves individually
July 20, 2008
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If life of late seems extremely complicated, one can at least take comfort in knowing that a lot of politicians, cricketers, and the ICC, are also feeling the pinch.
Judging by their recent record, it wouldn't be unreasonable to suggest I've committed a tautology by having "ICC" and "politicians" in the same sentence. Nevertheless, it's interesting to ponder where the ICC's problems might lead.
They have a Twenty20 bushfire raging, and spot fires breaking out on all sides: the IPL programming is creating a headache; the EPL is due to start up in competition to the Indian concept; there may be a possible player revolt over the Champions Trophy; and Zimbabwe is an ongoing crisis. The issue of Zimbabwe cricket could have been hosed down long ago, but in an effort to please everyone the ICC has compromised its integrity in one of its more shameful episodes.
The Twenty20 phenomenon needs careful management. It could be a saviour, considering the parlous state many of the Test-playing nations find themselves in. The last thing the ICC needs is an angry confrontation with many of the game's star players.
While it's easy to have sympathy for players who don't want to tour a country where terrorists are extremely active, it is equally reasonable to see the ICC's point in attempting to keep cricket vibrant in Pakistan by awarding them the Champions Trophy.
Cricket in Pakistan, once a great nursery for young talent, has been devastated by the upheaval in the country since 9/11. The last Australian side to tour there did so as as far back as 1998, and while the Australian board says it is determined to send a team to Pakistan, it is equally adamant it won't happen until their security experts deem it safe. That is about as convincing as a jockey on the merry-go-round saying, "I'd soon pass the nag in front of me if only my mount would get a move on." The Australian players, for their part, employ a similar "get out" clause when they say they will do as they have always done: be guided by the opinion of their security advisors.
It's easy to see why the Pakistan board is bemused when members of a team fall back on "the advice of security people" on the one hand but then make a personal decision to play in the IPL despite the fact that bombs regularly explode in Indian cities.
Current players quite rightly claim those of past eras didn't have to deal with the threat of deadly explosions and suicide bombers. No matter how big the paycheck, it can't be easy to placate wives and children who ask: "Why would you want to put yourself in that danger?"
| No one can be blamed for not touring Pakistan, but there will be players with the nerve to accept the challenge. Once reluctant cricketers see that their country will be represented, with or without them, it could easily change their mind | |||
Nevertheless, "the good of the game" occasionally has to figure in a player's calculations when he's faced with a difficult decision. It is not always possible to receive a considerable wage while totally avoiding all hardship, and it pays to remember that someone will want to represent his country badly enough that he will take a chance. While it goes totally against the grain of union rules, it might be best if individual players are given a conscience vote on whether or not they want to play in the Champions Trophy.
The ICC is being fair and reasonable in putting together a task force to investigate the situation in Pakistan with a view to changing the minds of players who are reluctant to tour. The fact that both India and Sri Lanka recently competed in Pakistan without any apparent security hassles during the Asia Cup should play a prominent part in those discussions.
It's fine to listen to the advice of security advisers and government officials. However, this information needs to be balanced by the fact that former Australian player Geoff Lawson coaches and lives in the country, and Imran Khan, a man of high standing in the game, among others has vouched for how sportsmen have never been targeted in Pakistan.
Perhaps once the task force has reported on the security situation in Pakistan, each cricket board could leave it to the individual players to make up their own minds about playing in the Champions Trophy. No one can be blamed for not touring Pakistan, but equally, there will be players with the nerve to accept the challenge. Once reluctant cricketers see that their country will be represented, with or without them, it could easily change their mind.
Life may be more complicated, but one thing hasn't changed; no cricketer is comfortable giving up his place to another and taking the chance the replacement player will then succeed.
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Ian Chappell
Widely regarded as the best Australian captain of the last 50 years, Ian
Chappell moulded a team in his image: tough, positive, and fearless. Even
though Chappell sometimes risked defeat playing for a win, Australia did not lose a Test series under him between 1971 and 1975. He was an aggressive batsman himself, always ready to hook a bouncer and unafraid to use his feet against the spinners. In 1977 he played a lead role in the defection of a number of Australian players to Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket, which did not endear him to the administrators, who he regarded with contempt in any case. After retirement, he made an easy switch to television, where he has come to be known as a trenchant and fiercely independent voice.
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You have made a very fair point Mr. Chappell. It is indeed a matter of convenience for these players to use security advisors as their reasoning for touring or not touring a specific country. The question of patriotism, pride & honor of playing for your country does not exist anymore because the game has been polluted with money. Unfortunately Pakistan doesn't have much to offer to these reluctant players in terms of money and entertainment. These players are normally confined to their hotel rooms playing video games hence get depressed and bored. Several players have admitted to this reality. Also, I find it really amusing that a player like Jacob Oram who was willing to chop off his thumb to play in the world cup now has security issue playing in Champions Trophy. At the end of the day it's quite fair for the players to decide for themselves without any repercussions and as a cricket fan I would love to see some new talent emerging in this series. Cricket must go on!
Posted by essel1 on (August 05 2008, 18:29 PM GMT)All of us are making good points, whether they are for or agaisnt. Unfortunately some problems of Pakistan are true. Suicide bombings take place here more than other places, but when the Aussie cricket team continues to play in England after the 7/7 bombing, they cant seriously think Pakistan is not ok! The Asia cup took place in Pakistan as recently as last month and it went ok (safety wise) but the Australia cricket board still doesnt want to believe it. After 9/11 the world has become an unsafe place, and Pakistan IS unsafe more than others, but life does go on here and everywhere else. ICC should ban any team from the next ICC held cup whether it be a champions trophy, the world cup or the next 20 world cup. Similarly if any player refuses to tour the same rule should be applied. That way we will know how serious their security concerns are via Money being earned. Cheers
Posted by Kamran_Hashmi on (August 05 2008, 12:32 PM GMT)Good to see a positive opinion about the situation here and very true indeed. As mentioned in the article they always make lame excuses to avoid making the trip to Pakistan. If the Asia cup can be conducted successfully why cant Champions Trophy be.
Posted by kevinsawers on (August 05 2008, 10:59 AM GMT)I totally agree with Ian Chappell. I think its ridiculous that people like Geoff Lawson insist Pakistan is safe. A cursory glance at 'Dawn' which advertises itself as "Pakistan's most widely circulated English language newspaper" speaks of militants setting fire to girls schools and blowing up a basic healh unit in Mingora; that's right schools and medical clinics... and that is just in todays edition. The australian govt overseas travel website says "We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Pakistan at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, sectarian violence and the unpredictable security situation. If you do decide to travel to Pakistan, you should exercise extreme caution." Lets just be honest and say Pakistan is a dangerous place. Really dangerous! This isnt rocket science. Pakistan is dangerous. Just admit it. And let cricketers be free to decide whether they are willing to risk their lives playing cricket there.
Posted by ferrari5107 on (August 05 2008, 07:04 AM GMT)This is like saying that England should not host the Olympics because the day after England was announced as the host there were blasts in england too. Will Australia, England, South Africa and New Zeland player will leave their country if events like 9/11 or bomb blasts happen there? Obviously no. when ICC has said Pakistan is safe then ICC should fine those four countries, because if pakistan had pull out of touring some other country then they would have been fined.
Posted by aditya87 on (August 05 2008, 03:45 AM GMT)I think all players have a right to be worried but let me say one thing: India have played a lot of cricket in Pakistan recently and none of the Indian players have been targeted or even caught in the crossfire. And if there is one nationality of people that radical terrorist groups operating in Pakistan will target, it is Indian. So if Indian players haven't been in trouble then I doubt that Australians or English players will be.
Posted by K.Khan on (August 04 2008, 23:20 PM GMT)Hi Guys: Do u remember about the attacks on Saqlain Mushtaq and Muhammad Akram in South Africa in late 90's.... Is there any such thing happened in Pakistan with any International Player ever ?? I don't think so! ..... Aussies are well educated r they really, when they producing crowed who treats Sri Lanka in a very "Respectful" way and producing umpires like Darrell Hair. The actual thing is that these three or four teams don't have the strength to stand in front of India and Sri Lanka, so they are looking for lame excuses.
Posted by king1985 on (August 04 2008, 17:29 PM GMT)Whoever claims that Pakistan is not a safe place, is probably living in heaven where he/she can never die! Its beyond being ridiculous to say something like this. In Pakistan, even the terrorists love to watch cricket!!! its that fun loving sport. I dont think that any of the players who come to Pakistan will be in danger in any form! Yes but the point to understand is that there nightlife will not be found in Pakistan. Instead they will hear Aazan at 4-5 am in the morning. So, i think #1 reason is the money #2 reason is the night life (clubs, pubs, and alcohol) So, therefore the Aussies, English, NZ, SA "STARS" dont want to tour! the rest security business is just balony!!
Posted by aadirag on (August 04 2008, 15:55 PM GMT)Nothing new in this article.Same old India-BCCI bashing in the comments.Firstly,to compare india or england with pak is a shame & a disgrace.Political scenarios are 180 deg apart.But again,no1 can be certain about terrorism.Aus,NZ might have been safe,but the next big blast could well be there.Ind,Pak,Srl,Bang,Wind, don't have problems.Zim isn't allowed else they'd have come too.Ind play in Pak all the time,with all thathas happened in the past.Awareness is theissue.Give our westpunjabi neighbours a break.Simon Taufel has stated how safe pakistan is.Redneck:if you have a problem with cultural issue & pakistan then no1 from the pakistan should be touring aus.Different culture ,you see.It's laughable the ECB want to send a 2nd string team.Eng is a 2nd rate team anyway.Lee was in india recently after the bangalore blasts for his endorsements.Didn't have issues there,huh??If common sense were dynamite,CA & ECB wouldn't have enough to blow their nose.Blasts in oz next,then what?
Posted by NZcampbell on (August 04 2008, 05:24 AM GMT)Yes I did read the article. As i said in my comment at the start i hate how no one seems to want to go near the issues of the BCCI even though they are so blatantly greedy. Thank you to 'Essel1' for also pointing out the farcical nature of the feud between the ICL and IPL. Players should not be banned for where they play. Players can't be forced to play in a country, however it is true that money solves all problems, which is really unfortunate. Madjag says boycotting shows terrorists we are afraid. So we are meant to act like we are 'fine' with the possibility of being killed? Players have family. Remember that. However over all Terrorists want to make the most impact with what they do. For that matter i don't see cricket as being threatened? There are many other sports around Europe and the MIddle East with a far larger fanfare. and far larger crowds.