Tell cricket fans what’s going on

Pakistani cricket is full of intrigue. Why won't officials let us fans in on the big secret?

Umair Qazi December 22, 2010


What is going on in Pakistan cricket?

Yes, we all heard that the ICC gave the PCB an ultimatum about cleaning up their act and getting their house in order.

But what exactly has the PCB been up to since then? A lot for sure. So why have we, the general public, been kept in the dark?

First Kamran Akmal was not selected for the series against South Africa. Initially there was news about an appendicitis operation, but then even when he was fit, and Haider ran away, the senior Akmal was not selected. Akmal himself was unsure about why he was not selected and requested the ICC for information on whether he was under any suspicion regarding spot fixing. The ICC issued a letter clearing him.

Then there was the Danish Kaneria issue. A day before the test players were to fly out to the UAE for the series against South Africa, the PCB disallowed Kaneria from joining the team.

Why?

And then came the news that the ICC has asked the PCB not to consider Kamran Akmal, Danish Kaneria, and Shoaib Malik in the initial pool of 30 players for the ICC World Cup!

Why?

Yes, we all know that there are suspicions regarding match fixing and spot fixing, but what exactly are those suspicions? It it the ICC that has reservations or the PCB? Do either of them have any evidence? Why are there conflicting reports every where? Why don't officials from the PCB or the ICC come out in the open and publicly tell us what is going on? Why is everything going on behind closed doors?

Of course, fans would like to see Pakistan cricket cleaned up, but whatever is being done regarding it, I believe the general public has a right to know.

The latest news now is that the PCB's integrity committee has grilled Akmal, Malik, and Kaneria and asked them certain questions. But what questions?

We deserve answers - not just from players, but from the PCB and the ICC.
WRITTEN BY:
Umair Qazi An investment advisor in Dubai who blogs at http://www.wellpitched.com/ and tweets @WellPitched
The views expressed by the writer and the reader comments do not necassarily reflect the views and policies of the Express Tribune.

COMMENTS (3)

unseen-eccentric | 13 years ago | Reply Agree with you. Been wondering the same myself. And I don't see any of the spot fixing trio getting anything other than life bans. The only chance they have is with the Int'l Arbitrary Sports Courts, which will further postpone their careers a year at least, This whole ordeal reeks of conspiracy.
Ali Hassan | 13 years ago | Reply Good post.
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