Hello friends. We have launched our own cricket site at PakCric.com. Please Read Azkar Bhai’s thread here for more info.
If you think you can help US with the site, then drop me a PM. We are looking for good Article writers rightnow. We have about 15 quality writers for PakCric and you can read the articles on the site. Kher, you can read more about it in Azkar Bhai’s thread. SO please take part there. Thanks.
Here is a new article that i am posting courtesy Asad of PakCric.
Enjoy it.
**Akhtar - The sacrificial scapegoat
**
“Breaking news: Akhtar has been left out of the squad selected for the South African tour.” As perilously astonishing as that statement might seem, with the recent catastrophes that have ascended upon the already heavily battered PCB ship; such statements no longer bring about the panic in the hearts of the Pakistani fans as they used to in the past.
Nearly everyone will unanimously agree that the whole ‘doping scandal’ was handled poorly by the PCB to say the least, placing the futures of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif in limbo. Mohammad Asif is quite young, and because of his ignorance in regards to doping laws, he may be able to get away without much heat. It seems as though some elements within the PCB have a certain disliking for Akhtar, which is evident from a remark made by one of the initial three-member panel formed to review Asif and Akhtar’s case. Alam said (about Akhtar): “He drinks alcohol, has an active sex life and he’s been part of anti-doping awareness programmes.”
It is against my understanding as to what consumption of alcohol and having an active sex life have anything to do with a drug investigation. It is obvious from statements like these that there is opposition to Akhtar’s inclusion in the Pakistani side within the PCB at the highest level. Akhtar had claimed earlier that he is fit and ready for selection, however, that decision is made by the selection committee. It is imperative that the selection committee is comprised of unbiased, level-headed representatives who do not hold personal grudges against the players, nor favor nepotism.
My personal speculation is that if Akhtar had been selected for the tour, WADA might have been aggravated further. Despite the fact that Asif was responsible for the consumption of drugs, there is enough evidence of his ignorance and lack of understanding of such laws and regulations to escape the axe. Akhtar on the other hand, has been playing international cricket for over 10 years, and a strong case exists to legally indite him on all charges.
Personally, I am not a big fan of Akhtar, mostly because I believe that although he has the pace, charm and attitude of a fast bowler, he is no Wasim or Waqar. However, I do believe that the way PCB has treated him over the last few years is less than respectful. Although it may sound like a conspiracy theory, I believe that PCB is hoping that by dropping Akhtar, WADA’s focus may shift towards Akhtar’s case, which may result in his ban, while the charges against Asif may be abdicated. Hence, PCB’s long standing opposition against Akhtar may work out favorably, while the new talent remains intact.