Aslam pehalwan vs Inoki
The cricket matches being played between Pakistan and India reminds me of the wrestling bout between Aslam ‘pehelwan’ and Inoki.
There was much hype of our ‘Bholu Bradharan’ and how they devoured several goats at a time. One full programme was devoted on their ‘qurak’.
Inoki on the other hand was modest and came well prepared with latest technique and training.
Similarly on cricket there was much hype about our ‘lethal and fearsome’ pace attack. The ‘best in the world’. On the other hand the Indians came with a well prepared plan and a studied approach. They had an efficient pace attack and their batsmen were in form. The team as a whole performed well and even when Tendulkar and Sehwag got our cheaply in the one dayers the other members contributed in winning the ODI series and now the first test.
As for the Pakistani team, it was clearly evident that it did not have any plan. The selection itself was faulty depending on old reputations and chance and less on performance. To cap a series of blunders it prepared the Multan pitch with the help of an imported pitch curator.
We should have educated people at the helm of affairs and the likes of Wasim Bari and the ‘arm waiving’ coach be replaced. True, the Indians bowlers got us out twice on the same pitch. This was a contest between discipline and nerves. The way Moin Khan and Saqlain got out represents the true mindset of the team. Our captain could take lessons from Dravid on bowling changes and field placements. Our ‘loud mouth’ should learn from the teenager Irfan. And what happened to the “Teesra” which Saqlain had developed? (windbags!)
Now we hear that Sheryar Khan has called for the foreign curator Atkinson after the ‘horses have bolted’. One would also like to ask what was the Chief Executive doing when the pitch was being prepared.
The public has been thoroughly disappointed by the performance of all and sundry and I wouldn’t be surprised if there is a law and order situation if the team puts up such a pathetic show.