By Asif Suhail
Pakistan cricket team arrived England amid an atmosphere of sardonic apprehension. Social media, particularly Twitter, was abuzz with mordant and filthy remarks from the cricket-mad people across the Wagha border. Even Bollywood actors unnecessarily indulged themselves in an uncivilized war or words and ignited the hate flames across the border.
For instance Paresh Rawal came out with his nasty tweet – 4th June against India – 7th June against South Africa – 12th June against Sri Lanka – 14th June at Lahore airport. Rishi Kapoor, scion of the famous Kapoor family, came to the level of a Tharraybaz and ridiculed us: “PCB. Cricket team bhejna please.
Earlier Hockey ya Kho Kho team bhejin thin. Kyon ki 18th June (Fathers Day) ko Baap khel raha tumhare saath lol!” and “Ye sab tum sab ko pata chalega 18 ko. He who laughs, laughs the last. O sorry angrezi Hai, tum kya samjho! Idiots”.
Many congratulations, I concede. Best wishes!” Nevertheless, Paresh avoided to congratulate Pakistan and chose to make fun of his team. He posted a picture of some women clad in Burqa on twitter with a mocking caption. “Exclusive pic of Indian players coming back to India”.
Yet another filthy from Rishi when he got befitting replies from Pakistanis. “Achcha choddo yaar. Tum log Jeeton aur hazaaron Baar jeeton sirf Terrorism bandh kar do yaar. Mujhe haar manzoor hai. We want peace and love”.
Pakistan outclassed Indian in every department of the game. Indian captain Virat Kohli was also extremely generous and congratulated Pakistan for the huge win. Rishi was candid enough to accept defeat and tweeted: “Yes Pakistan, you have defeated us. Well played, outplayed us in all departments.
Many congratulations, I concede. Best wishes!” Nevertheless, Paresh avoided to congratulate Pakistan and chose to make fun of his team. He posted a picture of some women clad in Burqa on twitter with a mocking caption. “Exclusive pic of Indian players coming back to India”.
Pakistan started its journey in the Champions Trophy with defeat against India in the opening match. But that couldn’t deter the Green shirters and they continued their further march unruffled. They beat South Africa under the Duckworth-Lewis method, defeated Islanders in the next game and tamed hosts England convincingly in the semi-final.
It was their firm belief in them an above all on Almighty Allah Who promises: “Work hard and leave the result on Me”! The youngsters worked hard and brought laurels for the country!
Many experts wonder as how Indian skipper Virat Kohli misread the pitch and invited Pakistan to bat first. While his decision left a big question on his wisdom it proved the wisdom of legendary Imran Khan who had advised Sarfraz to bat first.
After getting a life on a No Ball, Fakhar Zaman demonstrated his skill and temperament. He executed fluent strokes and played a leading role in the big victory along with Azhar Ali who also silenced his nemesis who criticize him for his slow batting. Babar Azam was a liability in the beginning of his innings but suddenly he realized his role and contribute some useful runs in the total. Mohammed Hafeez also played sensibly.
In the bowling area, Aamir was brimming with confidence. He was lethal and unplayable. Junaid was on the target and effectively blocked the Indian batsmen to execute their strokes while consistent Hassan Ali truly deserved to fetch the Best Bowler of the Champions Trophy.
Indian batsmen hugely disappointed their fans across the world. After Rohit Sharma, Shakar Dahwan and Kohli failed, the responsibility shifted on the experienced and trusted shoulders of MS Dhoni and Yovraj Singh. They should have stayed at the crease like true legends but they disappointed their fans and couldn’t pull India out of trouble.
It would not be out of context to ask a pertinent question from the PCB top management. What was an utterly inept and boorish PCB’s Director Media Amjad Bhatti doing in London. Was he enjoying a joy ride? His junior Raza Rashid was doing the job of interpreter between the interviewer and the players.
Hardik Pandya who was playing his 13th ODI, however, excelled his seniors. He tried hard to salvage the bruised image of Team India single-handedly. He was on the course of playing an innings identical of great Kapil Dev, in a WC match, but ran himself out after playing a fearless innings of 76 on 43 balls.
Many in the PCB would like to get credit of the massive win. Blue eyed crony of the incumbent prime minster, who was mocked by the Pakistani crowd outside the Oval ground in London after the match, would certainly try to steal the credit. Mr. Patron don’t sway by this huge victory over India.
Your crony Najam SETHI has no role in it. Credit goes to Inzamam-ul-Haq and his co-selectors who initially picked up the youngsters in the squad and then the team management for keeping their trust on them in a big FINAL.
Mr. Sethi avoid taking credit of this victory. After Inzamam and the team management only Shaharyar deserves some credit. After all it was he who appointed Inzamam as chief selector.
It would not be out of context to ask a pertinent question from the PCB top management. What was an utterly inept and boorish PCB’s Director Media Amjad Bhatti doing in London. Was he enjoying a joy ride? His junior Raza Rashid was doing the job of interpreter between the interviewer and the players.
What was his role in England – to look after Sethi, his family and friends? Amjad’s deputation period in the PCB has already been expired. Punjab government should withdraw his services from the PCB. Why Sethi is keeping him?
In the end some words of advice for young Fakhar, if he doesn’t mind. You performed magnificently in a big final and that too against India. Azhar was ran out because of your blunder which your brilliant hundred covered. You looked towards the fielder instead of responding the call of Azhar who was on the strikers’ End. It was Azhar’s call. Second you need to be modest and avoid too much media publicity.
Last I congratulate Team Pakistan for a well deserved win without showy Ahmed Shahzad and one-spell famed Wahab Riaz.