The dismal performance by Pakistani batsmen in the recently concluded bilateral series against South Africa is nothing new. Indeed, it has become a routine, particularly in One Day Internationals (ODI’s).
In spite of this, the selectors keep bringing in the same mediocre players and are insistent upon re-enacting the same mistakes, as if to prove Albert Einstein's definition of insanity. He said insanity is “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
The selection committee, headed by Iqbal Qasim, chooses the same batsmen whenever a new tournament is about to begin. For instance, Younus Khan, Shoaib Malik, Misbahul Haq and Shahid Afridi are selected, despite their lacklustre performances.
The selectors give the same excuse that they cannot take risks with new players in major tournaments. Therefore readers, don't be surprised if you see the names of the same squad announced for the upcoming Champions Trophy to be held in England this year, which will continue till 2015 World Cup.
Surely, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) needs to make a note of this because the viewers are losing their enthusiasm for cricket. They need to inject fresh blood in the team so that cricket lovers do not lose interest in the game.
It's high time that the new players are given a chance to prove themselves and be part of the national team. Indeed, we too should be patient and not expect miracles from them overnight.
Furthermore, Pakistan's cricket team desperately needs a permanent batting coach to rectify its batting woes.
AITEZAZ RASHID,
Islamabad, March 26.