1992, 2009 & now 2012
I have always been a follower of Pakistan cricket – perhaps every Pakistani is. Sitting here this week in the Dubai Cricket Stadium watching the Pakistan cricket team yet again triumph and secure what many have described as a monumental victory over the world’s leading Test nation was almost unbelievable. Even more awe-inspiring for most has been the radical transformation of a cricket team on the brink of imploding not too long ago, however we’ll come to that a little later as to the actual point of this piece. First, however, as an ardent cricket fan, I owe it to myself and to the Pakistan cricket team to say a few words following their magnificent victory over England.
To put the Pakistani victory into perspective, the current team has completed only the fifth series clean sweep in their history. Not only that, but they have done it against the No. 1 Test ranked side in the world. In the final test of the three match series, they become just the sixth side in history to win a Test having been bowled out for under 100 in the first innings. Commentators and pundits from across the various cricket playing nations have almost unanimously described this success as Pakistan’s best series victory ever.
Abyss of 2010 to the Rejuvenation of 2012
What makes this series victory transcend others is that barely a year ago, at the end of Pakistan’s tour to England in 2010, the team’s reputation was in shreds, partly due to the infamous ‘spot-fixing scandal’. Beaten on the field and discredited off it, it was arguably the lowest ebb in the history of Pakistan cricket.
Many might have predicted this as the beginning of the end, a descent from which recovery appeared improbable. Indeed, there were calls for Pakistan to be barred from international cricket. And so Pakistan cricket could have withered away and imploded, with players, management and others with a stake, bemoaning their ill-fortune and becoming embroiled in regrets and mutual recriminations. Pakistani cricket fans are sadly used to seeing individual and collective potential all too often left unfulfilled. Not for nothing has the Pakistan cricket team acquired maverick status: unquestionably talented and brilliant on their day, but also volatile and prone to self-destruct, the only consistency being inconsistency.
However, and here is the point at hand. From the rubble it would seem a new Pakistan has emerged. To quote one commentator, “A Pakistan that is no longer hindered by infighting or individual agendas. A Pakistan that, in the tough times, pulls together rather than splitting apart.”
Perhaps someone was right in saying that ‘Perhaps the darkest hour really is just before the dawn.’ Although it is difficult to say how much or how radically the past problems have been eradicated from the Pakistan team [If I was a betting man I would probably bet for not too long – I know, I wish it wasn’t true!]. However, for now, credit is due based on the prima facie facts and they speak volumes.
Reflections for Pakistan as a Nation
Cricket is a very interesting game, or should I rather say, “England are a rather interesting side”? Even when England all are bowled out for 72 they still manage to find some sort of “positives”!
If there are any genuine “positives” for anyone to take away from this Series Victory, then it is surely for the nation of Pakistan. There are many ”positives” to reflect upon, beyond the simple fact of a series win over England, here are my 5:
1. Leadership
Central to the rejuvenation of the Pakistan cricket team has been the strong leadership provided by the Captain Misbah Ul Haq. Credited as being the mastermind behind the success of the team, it’s transformation and harnessing its talent. His character and leadership qualities have won him over foes and friends alike. Leadership per se is a pivotal role, which in itself can lead to the success or failure of any team [Salman Butt 2010].
Just as change of leadership, and the right type of leadership was necessary for the transformation and success of the Pakistan cricket team, likewise, today the nation of Pakistan needs such strong leadership of a politician with a clear thought on how to govern.
A leadership, which is sincere to the cause of looking after the affairs of its citizens, as opposed to betraying its very own people [Dr Aafia Siddiqui, Poverty, Raymond Davies, SWAT]. Courageous enough to steer Pakistan in a new direction, away from failed foreign dictated policies be it economic, domestic or foreign policy.
It is only through such real leadership that this nation can be lead to real progress and a winning culture. Today, Pakistan needs this type of leadership more than even before as it struggles on all accounts. Today’s leadership is the problem and the cause for the nation’s stagnation and instability.
2. Management & Systems
Traditionally, the relationships between the PCB, captain, players and coach have more resembled that of a bickering and feuding couple or worse still akin to some warring factions [Afridi v PCB 2011]. This is opposed to such bodies all being the same side of the coin and working in tandem for the common goal.
In this instance however, Mohsin Khan, the current interim coach of Pakistan has been duly credited for changing this mind-set and developing the working relationships required between management, captain and team so as to ensure the rightful transformation and progress of Pakistan cricket.
Likewise, the Pakistani state’s Administration and Systems should in principle be facilitators for the nations people to develop, progress and even excel. Not a hindrance or worse still catalysts for their stagnation or regression. As is the case in Pakistan where Management, and systems are mere bureaucratic quagmires to hinder and not facilitate progress.
Such a system and administration requires an overhaul, to be replaced by systems, which work in tandem to allow society to progress and develop.
3. Harnessing Talent and Resources
Pakistan has seldom failed to produce cricketing talent. Whether it is in the bowling [pace or spin] or batting [opening or middle order]. Pakistan has always produced talent par excellence. However, it is a different matter altogether whether this talent has been utilized correctly, nurtured or allowed to develop to its potential. It must be said that in many instances it hasn’t been harnessed at all – selection historically has not always been based on merit, rather on nepotism.
The existence of plentiful talent is again further demonstrated in this series by the performances of the ‘new comers’ and the likes of Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali [perhaps we can add Abdur Rehman to the list also] who all played pivotal roles in the team’s series win.
Similarly, Pakistan as a nation possesses abundant resources. This includes arable and agriculture land, materials such as cotton, natural gas, military power, technology and expertise. Plenty of resources, if managed properly to look after the needs of its people. Yet it fails miserably to even partially oblige. Agriculture, yet starvation is rampant, energy yet shortages and rationing, manpower and talent yet unemployment.
4. Transformation & Change is Possible
From the brink and talk of isolation from world cricket in only 2010, to early 2012 and a series white-wash over No. 1 test ranked side in the world. It’s a rapid transition within a timeframe which has surprised even the best of skeptics and pundits who had almost written Pakistan off. To quote Jonathan Agnew writing for the BBC, “Overall, I thought it would be much closer than it has been. I didn’t appreciate how far Pakistan had come since the spot-fixing crisis… they have gone from a side that had questions over their integrity to probably the most professional Pakistan team I have ever seen.”
Lesson in point is that not only is transformation and change of a people’s thinking, convictions and behaviour possible, but it doesn’t have to take a generation to get there. We only have to look at the Arab Spring to see the huge changes that have been brought about in a relatively short period of time.
Many hold a very pessimistic viewpoint about changing the attitudes and behaviour of the Pakistani people without due consideration for their socioeconomic and political context. However, given the right opportunities and environment, as is evident in the case of their cricket team, attitudes and thoughts can be rapidly transformed within a relatively short period of time to build a truly winning progeny, team or society.
5. Leading Cricket Team to Leading Nation?
Whilst the continued progress and success of the Pakistan cricket team is to be seen, based upon the current performance and display many commentators have already made up their minds in declaring this as the most professional Pakistan team they have seen, waiting earnestly to see whether it will also become the most successful team ever. Either way, many commentators and writers agree, the current team have the pedigree, potential, zeal and commitment – all the right components which gives them all the possibility to go on and become the leading cricket team in the world.
Pakistan as a nation is no different. Just like its cricket team, all too often it has always looked strong on paper. However, given the combined factors identified above, some of the components required to becoming a leading nation are clear and the necessary steps to enable change to occur are also well within the capacity of the Pakistani people. Society needs to take the opportunity and fulfill its role.
Final Note
On a final note, perhaps some may think that drawing comparisons between Pakistani cricket and the Pakistani nation is an analogy too far. However, I know that I am not alone when I watch such successes and draw such comparisons, as this is the aspiration and thoughts of millions – namely for Pakistan to fulfil its destiny and become the leading nation it ought to be, whether in cricketing terms or otherwise.
Shaban Ul Haq
11th February 2012
About the Author
Shaban Ul Haq is a freelance journalist specializing in sociopolitical and international affairs. He holds a BA Hons in International Politics and Arabic [1999] from Durham University, and MSc Computer Science [2001]. He has worked in the financial services sector for the last 10 years holding Senior Management positions both in London and abroad.