I’m with Xuhaib on this one, I think the fines/bans are MOSTLY justified. As with anything involving PCB or Pakistan Cricket in general, nothing is absolutely clear and no action is completely justified. However, this was a long time coming. I can only hope that the PCB will have the balls to see this through, which is highly unlikely. Here are my thoughts on the various punishments handed out, assuming that what the players are accused of are true:
- Indefinite bans to Younis and Yousaf: I think they deserved a ban, but an “indefinite” one is perhaps too harsh. I would’ve preferred a one year ban to both to match Malik’s and Rana’s. Both of these guys have acted extremely selfishly and like spoiled brats. As senior players and Captains, they had added responsibility that they failed to live up to. Both have egos the size of Asia and quit at the first moment they face adversity or criticism. I sympathized with Younis when he was back-stabbed by the team, but his abandonment of the team while on a crucial tour is unforgivable IMO. Yousaf not only participated in Younis’ demise, but then proceeded to get into further infighting with Malik. Both deserved a ban.
- One year bans to Malik and Rana: Again, assuming that the rumors about them are true, this was just the right punishment. Malik has been accused of destabilizing the team and conspiring against every Captain since his removal from the post. I guess Rana is accused of the same. There are many reasons that Pakistan cricket consistently underperforms even with so much talent on hand, but I place this lack of unity and active sabotage from within at the top of the list.
- Fines and probation for Afridi: The biggest farce of the whole thing. This guys cheats (again) and all he gets is a fine? That’s a joke. He forever lost what little right Pakistan had to protest against cheating allegations with his act. In the future if someone accuses Pakistan of cheating, all they have to do is point to ball chomping Afridi as a clear precedent and justify their allegations. Afridi deserved a ban. I don’t know what the number of games should’ve been, but it was certainly greater than TWO that the ICC handed down.
- Fines and probation for the Akmal brothers: Another case where the punishment is not severe enough. Kamran openly defied the board’s decision and caused disharmony to the team by his actions. If Umer was feigning injury to support his brother, he is an even bigger douche and asshole. Both should’ve been banned for a year like Malik and Rana.
Lastly, I don’t absolve the PCB in the blame. They are the ones that have tolerated and even encouraged behavior that led us to where we are today. Their incompetence is unmatched in world cricket. I know that they have only taken these actions to save their ass and make it appear like they’re doing something. If Pakistani politics were not in play, all of the PCB heads would’ve been sacked. Anyway, I for one am hoping that these bans/fines hold up and it’s the end of selfish, reckless, and frankly immoral behavior from our cricketers.
