Inconsistency rages Pakistani Cricket

Inconsistency and Pakistani cricket almost go hand-in-hand -  This term is being used mostly based on their off-field instance more than the on-field actions!! Wait a minute, I am now talking of the frest off-site instance that has sparked off and this time it is the manner in which Mohammed Yousuf's selection policy for the 2nd test match.

During the Post match conference after the crushing defeat at the hands of England, when asked if Waqar felt the inexperienced middle order needed reinforcement in the form either Yousuf or Younis, or both, he did not entertain the thought too much. "Look, one is retired [Yousuf]. We can't really bring somebody back from retirement. The other one [Younis] has got serious issues with the cricket board [PCB]," Waqar said with a smile and Butt further added "Having seen the past results can anybody over here tell me how many wins Pakistan had with the people who were previously playing?"

...After all these, comes a message from Pakistan within 3 hours of that statement, Moshin Khan from Pakistan short back, "We got a request from the tour management for Mohammad Yousuf and I then discussed with our selectors and we have okayed it."

However, I am given to understand that the captain, Salman Butt, and the coach, Waqar Younis, were not consulted on Yousuf's inclusion and they were only informed about the reinforcements after the Trent Bridge defeat.

Such is the inconsistency within the Pakistani camp that it looks like that there could be further issues in store for Waqar and Salman Butt, if they loose the series.


Earlier this year, you will rememebr that Yousuf was handed an indefinite ban by the PCB after he captained Pakistan on their disastrous tour of Australia, during which the side fell apart under his control.

As a batsman, though Yousuf has the potential to strengthen Pakistan's line-up immeasurably for the remaining three Tests, it has to be understood that he has not played any form of elite cricket since March.  Yousuf would definitely play in the second Test at Edgbaston starting on Friday, provided he arrived in time, and if he had the correct visa, which was as yet unclear.

In the meantime, it was announced by the PCB that Kaneria be released to play for the county cricket match. This I thought was a good move, considering that it was a shocking performance by Kaneria. But how was Kaneria selected ahead of Ajmal for the 1st test against England, leaves everyone clueless. His performance against Aussies was a shocker and he was still selected for the match against England..

The most talented team in cricket history, if only there is one direction and a common goal from both PCB and its players that includes within the PCB and team players as well, this talented team can see the reality of World No.1....Looks like, for cricket lovers, it is still a long wait....