Re: Hats off to PCB/ Goodbye Inzi
Osman Samiuddin's article is pretty good, so I wouldn't want to re-invent the wheel about how great Inzi was as a cricketer. He was the cornerstone of our batting for the last 15+ years. His presence in our middle-order will definitely be missed.
I couldn't help but chuckle at the elaborate send-off he received. Its pretty good. On one hand, it says good bye to a national legend in a proper manner. On the other hand, it helps drive-in the message, that "dude, now you are retired. Please don't try to get back into the team". The Michael Jordan syndrome is fairly common in desi sports too, where a superstar often gets brain waves the next day telling him, he should take back his retirement and be back in the team "for the sake of country, of course". We all know, how those second and third retirements end - just a recipe for snickering and bad feelings. With an elaborate send-off, hopefully Inzi will not enter such sycophants.
Inzi still has a little more cricket left in him. Probably ICL or english county cricket can milk those last few months/years out from him; and in turn make him a little more wealthy too. With his command over English language, I just can't see him joining a commentary team on Sky Sports any time soon. Nor do I think a person of his natural batting talent and supremely unfit ways can ever be a good coach for youngsters (you can't teach anyone 'lazy elegance'). So my best bet, is that he will open a paratha-kabaab restaurant in Multan and will enjoy the rest of his life in a happy and content state.
Cheers Inzi! May you be happy...