Players undermine PCB chairman's sincere efforts

The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia had the looks of a frustrated leader after Waqar Younis' side suffered one of their heaviest and most humiliating Test defeats at Lord's Sunday.

The grim-faced Tauqir wore a feeble smile during an impressive ceremony at the National Stadium for the inauguration of the Regional Cricket Academy ground Monday. But it was apparent to all and sundry that he was heartbroken and desperately trying to put up a brave face.

Certainly, the determined, ambitious and objective glances, which were visible some 18 months ago, had disappeared, maybe for the time being.

Tauqir has valid reasons to be upset and feel the pressure mounting on him as the Pakistan team has hit the pits since he took over the helms of affairs in November 1999.

Fortunately or otherwise, Pakistan cricket's culture is such that the performance of the administration is judged by the deeds of the team on the field of play.

Several of Tauqir's predecessors had fallen victims during the calamitous periods in the long and somewhat turbulent Pakistan cricket history.

Veteran columnist Omar Kureishi was precise while saying: "The book shouldn't be judged by its cover. It's the content that matters."

Like every administrator, Tauqir has made mistakes, the most glaring one being, playing into the hands of couple of of individuals who were never team men during their playing days, and had remained controversial figures with vested interests.

The result is that till today his tenure has been nothing but marred with controversy, Pakistan has had three captains, as many coaches, inconsistency in team selections and hiring of foreign coaches even though the country has several former greats with better credentials who can do a better job than the imported "White Elephants."

But fact of the matter is that he also has done tremendous services to the game in the country, in general, and to the players, in particular. Sadly, all his efforts have been overshadowed by spineless performances of the national team.

During his reign, the stadia have been upgraded, new centres have been established, the concept of academies have materialized and several other projects which Tauqir's predecessors promised but never fulfilled, have taken place.

All his endeavours for the Pakistan cricketers are not visible. But fact of the matter is that he has done numerous things at the players' behest and for their betterment with an objective to make them happy and pursue them to play for the country with total commitment, dedication, discipline and honour.

Sadly, he has been disappointed by the cricketers who continue to play below-par to let everyone down including themselves.

It is during his time that the players' salaries have been increased, including daily allowances as evident from the fact that Pakistan cricketers are one of the highest paid in the world. Their daily allowance of $135 is more than any other Test playing nations players.

He has also seen to it that the cricketers got huge loans whenever they applied while a couple of unemployed individuals were engaged by the establishment.

Tauqir ensured that the cricketer's other benefits were also increased so that they get handsome cash in the shape of gratuity and provident fund. If the lucrative contracts of some players exist with the rivals of Pakistan team's official sponsors, it is because of the general who personally sorted out the crisis and saw that the cricketers were not deprived of million dollars endorsements.

Whether the general likes it or not, the truth is if he had to remove Javed Miandad as coach, it was also because the players had ganged up against the former captain. Similarly, it was also on the player's plea that forced the PCB to engage a foreign coach and a physiotherapist at fat salaries and that too in precious foreign exchange.

Now, even if the team doesn't perform to its merits and continues to remain lacklustre even after getting all their demands accepted, it would be a grave injustice if the PCB chairman has to face the music. Instead, it should be the players who deserve kick in their backs and shown the door.

Pakistan has talent in abundance and at some stage, the youngsters will replace the seniors. Whether they will be of the same talent and potential, it's a different question.

But there are few committed and sincere individuals like Lt Gen Tauqir Zia who wants to promote and flourish cricket and is keen to see the Green flag fly proudly.