I think more than anything the reason Pakistani players were not picked was the bad relationship between the two countries and everything else is just excuses.
Availability was one of the reasons given. Arent most other countries also going to be involved in test series for instance... And maybe I am not aware of the final schedule but here is what I have so far.
IPL III- Mar 12- Apr 25
And of the major test playing nations during this time there are following series scheduled:
Australia in New Zealand, Feb - Mar 2010
England in Bangladesh, Feb - Mar 2010
Zimbabwe in West Indies, Feb - Mar 2010
Now I dont see Pakistan's name there but lets assume they do have a series scheduled during that time, well so do the Aussies, NZL, West Indians and English players and yet I am sure players from those countries were picked.
2nd excuse was whether they will get visas issued by the Indian govt or not. Well before you allow them to be added to the auction, maybe you should confirm with your ministry first if this would be an issue.
Maybe I am kicking the dog here but here is what I believe is the REAL ISSUE:
I think the bad air between the two countries has caused Indians to chicken out of picking Pakistani players. Any franchise that picks Pakistani players risks public anger and volatile attitude towards them from the crowds.
This is unfortunately the way democracy works and if majority of the people do not wish to see players from a certain country participate in their domestic tournament, there is realistically nothing you can do about it.
The difference here is rather than beat around the bush, the Indians should have grown cojones to come out and flat out reject any of the Pakistani players from being included in the auction citing exactly the reasons why and I would personally not have any ill feelings towards their decision. However, as it stands now, they have proven themselves to be cowards and made a mockery out of their own process.
Now about Pakistani players and Pakistani team:
Cricket is a living for these guys and I am sure as pro cricketers it hurts them to see their peers with far inferior talent in T20 cricket making large sums of cash. This is an unfortunate situation for them and if I put myself in their shows I can understand how frustrated and mistreated they must feel. Afterall they all have families and expenses and cricket is their livelihood, with a cash strapped board, and lack of cricket, they are financially not as secure and strong as cricketers from other major countries.
BUT now is the time when they can unite to make a statement for their country and their profession in Pakistan and for their fellow cricketers to come.
Please get over the set back, concentrate in making our country's cricket team strong contender in the world not just in T 20 but ODI and Tests and provide some consistent results so once again the sport gains popularity in the country and other countries prefer to play us more.
Our team overall is not an attractive package right now, our cricket setup and our players have to work in unity with a sense of togetherness to bring our team once again to the top 3 or 4 nations in the world. With success in due time you will reap financial rewards.
Dont let this get you down. Lets move foreward.
Availability was one of the reasons given. Arent most other countries also going to be involved in test series for instance... And maybe I am not aware of the final schedule but here is what I have so far.
IPL III- Mar 12- Apr 25
And of the major test playing nations during this time there are following series scheduled:
Australia in New Zealand, Feb - Mar 2010
England in Bangladesh, Feb - Mar 2010
Zimbabwe in West Indies, Feb - Mar 2010
Now I dont see Pakistan's name there but lets assume they do have a series scheduled during that time, well so do the Aussies, NZL, West Indians and English players and yet I am sure players from those countries were picked.
2nd excuse was whether they will get visas issued by the Indian govt or not. Well before you allow them to be added to the auction, maybe you should confirm with your ministry first if this would be an issue.
Maybe I am kicking the dog here but here is what I believe is the REAL ISSUE:
I think the bad air between the two countries has caused Indians to chicken out of picking Pakistani players. Any franchise that picks Pakistani players risks public anger and volatile attitude towards them from the crowds.
This is unfortunately the way democracy works and if majority of the people do not wish to see players from a certain country participate in their domestic tournament, there is realistically nothing you can do about it.
The difference here is rather than beat around the bush, the Indians should have grown cojones to come out and flat out reject any of the Pakistani players from being included in the auction citing exactly the reasons why and I would personally not have any ill feelings towards their decision. However, as it stands now, they have proven themselves to be cowards and made a mockery out of their own process.
Now about Pakistani players and Pakistani team:
Cricket is a living for these guys and I am sure as pro cricketers it hurts them to see their peers with far inferior talent in T20 cricket making large sums of cash. This is an unfortunate situation for them and if I put myself in their shows I can understand how frustrated and mistreated they must feel. Afterall they all have families and expenses and cricket is their livelihood, with a cash strapped board, and lack of cricket, they are financially not as secure and strong as cricketers from other major countries.
BUT now is the time when they can unite to make a statement for their country and their profession in Pakistan and for their fellow cricketers to come.
Please get over the set back, concentrate in making our country's cricket team strong contender in the world not just in T 20 but ODI and Tests and provide some consistent results so once again the sport gains popularity in the country and other countries prefer to play us more.
Our team overall is not an attractive package right now, our cricket setup and our players have to work in unity with a sense of togetherness to bring our team once again to the top 3 or 4 nations in the world. With success in due time you will reap financial rewards.
Dont let this get you down. Lets move foreward.