Pakistan cricket: From decline to free fall

Back in 1992, Imran Khan had a tough time convincing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send the team to Australia at least a month before the start of the World Cup. That, Khan realised, was just the beginning of an ordeal. From finding lodging to renting practice grounds to sourcing training gear, Khan had to do it all himself. It is anybody's guess how he managed to lead a young pack of "cornered tigers" to glory.

Twenty-three years down the line, some things have changed and some things haven't. While Khan continues to ride high, that too in the upper echelons of the country's polity and society, the PCB remains unprofessional as ever. If having six chairmen in seven years — Ijaz Butt, Zaka Ashraf, Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf , Najam Sethi, Zaka Ashraf, Shaharyar Khan (incumbent) — doesn't prove that, then the team's below-par performance and failing spirit at this World Cup probably will. Truth be told, Pakistan's campaign has gone from bad to worse with off-field distractions compounding on-field woes.

It all started with eight players, including star all-rounder Shahid Afridi, being fined for breaching the curfew (deadline time) in the lead-up to their opening clash against India in Adelaide on February 15. The incident took place in Sydney, though, with the erring players slapped with a fine of A$300 each. What's more, they were categorically told that a repeat offence would mean an instant return ticket. A few days after that episode, Pakistan lost badly to MS Dhoni & Co.

They then flew to Christchurch to play the West Indies. Prior to that game, fielding coach-cum-trainer Grant Luden put in his papers after some players, including Afridi, indulged in "abusive behaviour". The South African recruit eventually retracted his resignation. It didn't change the fate of the team, though. Chasing 311 for a win, Pakistan were reduced to 1/4 and 25/5 before folding up for 160. Even the spirit of the people of Christchurch, who are still picking up the pieces following the devastating earthquake of 2010, couldn't spur them on.

And if languishing at the bottom of Group 'B' wasn't enough, news poured in on Tuesday that chief selector Moin Khan had been asked to fly back home. Why? Well, because the former Test skipper was reportedly photographed at a Christchurch casino ahead of the 150-run loss at the hands of the Windies.

Fans in Pakistan have reacted angrily to the allegations given gambling is forbidden under Islamic law. "We have launched an investigation over the reports that Moin Khan visited a casino, action will be taken if the reports prove true," said PCB chairman Khan. "As per initial reports, Moin Khan went there to have a meal two days before the match against the West Indies and a Pakistani couple photographed him and made a video. But we will not make anybody a scapegoat and will investigate this incident before taking any action."

What's the harm in staying out late or visiting a casino, you'd wonder. In Pakistan, it is. That's what dna gathered after speaking to a cross-section of former players, journalists and fans of the country. "Look, three things are forbidden in Pakistan. They are consuming alcohol in the open, womanising and gambling. You can't be seen doing these things or, for that matter, supporting anyone doing these things," said a former player based in Lahore.

A senior Pakistani journalist had this to say, "The common man is going mad. This is the ground reality. Effigies are being burnt here. Not only is the team playing poor cricket, but a senior member of the touring party is engaging in unethical activities. And mind you, he is on national duty and not on a personal holiday."

The great Hanif Mohammad, who played 55 Tests between 1952 and 1969, offered some sane advice. "They should let the players be. I am sure the players know what to do and what not to do. These are mature people. I am told Moin has been asked to come back home and take part in the enquiry process. Let's wait for the final verdict," said the ailing 80-year-old, who scored a mind-numbing 337 in 970 minutes against the West Indies in Bridgetown way back in 1958. No wonder they call him 'The Original Little Master'.

"In our time, we weren't treated like this. If anyone wanted to step out of the hotel, he would do so after informing the manager," added the Gujarat-born legendary left-hander, whose brothers Wazir, Mushtaq and Sadiq also represented Pakistan with distinction.

But is anyone listening?

That said, you can't fault the team management alone. After all, they don't want a Salman Butt-Mohammad Asif-Mohammed Aamer episode all over again. In any case, Pakistan has been a no-go zone for some years now. Discipline is therefore the key to sanity in such a set-up. No wonder, then, that Naveed Akram Cheema runs the show.

Cheema is an interesting character. He is the chef de mission of the team. A retired captain of the Pakistan Army, he was the director of sports at the Water and Power Development Authority, a PSU which fields a team in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan's premier domestic competition. An out-and-out disciplinarian, he has served on the PCB's governing board. Why, he was also the chief secretary of Punjab. On January 1, 2015, he retired from public service, only to be given the charge of the team all over again. A no-nonsense man, he keeps the team on a tight leash.

Pakistan are a team in decline. It's been two years since they last won three consecutive ODIs against a Test-playing nation. The PCB is also rotting. There is too much government interference. That said, the World Cup is far from over. And like Hanif sahaab says, "Anything can happen in cricket". But Pakistan will need to find inspiration from somewhere to script an amazing turnaround. Where's Imran?

@DAbrahamm