Puzzled, but still hopeful

There is no doubt that Pakistan cricket team is the most compelling one, but it is struggling to find direction. It has been unpredictable and extraordinary when it plays as "a unit" because its players have the potential and talent to plague any opponent team.
Pakistan cricket has always plagued with match fixing or lobbying charges. Some were banned for life, while others got a safe passage. In the early days, Pakistan cricket contained many fine players. Fazal Mehmood, a handful on any track, Hanif Muhammad was the first great batsman to emerge from the country. Is epic innings in the West Indies is considered as amongst the finest ever played.
Then came other sensational players like Zaheer Abbas, Asif Iqbal, Mushtaq Muhammad, Majid Khan, Intikhab Alam, Sarfraz Nawaz and Abdul Qadir. The wristy brilliance of Zaheer Abbas, the extraordinary skills of Majid Khan, the cheery legbreaks of Intikhab Alam, the brutal pace bowling of Sarfraz Nawaz and the variety in spin bowling of Abdul Qadir, were enough to threat the opponent teams.
Next, the two greatest players, who in the history of Pakistan emerged, were Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. Imran Khan was the imperial leader and Javed Miandad, the hustler and bustler of the team. There was a time when all playing eleven were regarded as 'super stars'. Pakistan had a great backup and replacement of players, that persuaded the cricketers to work harder and harder and the selection was on merit basis.
The magicians Wasim Akram and Waqar Younus both had a great competition amongst themselves for picking up the wickets. They had the capability of swinging and reversing the ball either way. Similarly, Moin Khan and Rashid Latif were exceptional wicket keepers. The explosive and unfearful batting of Inzimam-ul-Haq was remarkable.
It can be said that Pakistan cricketers were the inventors of new trends in the world of cricket. Saqlain Mushtaq's 'Doosra' and Mushtaq Ahmed's 'googly' confused the opponents in about equal proportions. Wasim and Waqar were followed by 'Rawalpindi Express' Shoaib Akhtar, who came out as the world's fastest bowler and was immensely talented, as he undauntedly sledged the rivals from his howling.
The fastest century maker Shahid Afridi, who is known as 'Boom Boom Afridi' shone in as a brilliant all rounder, as he never respects his Proteas, as far as his bowling, fielding and batting are concerned. The most versatile player I have ever seen in my life is Muhammad Yousuf. His elegant batting and shots, right from the middle of the bat, have always astonished everyone. In my opinion, Younus Khan is the last hero of my list.
He is the most brave cricketer, after Imran Khan. He is a true team man and he took a bold step to play at number 3, which is the most crucial position for any batsman. He has always been aggressive, energetic and supportive on the field.
But now, there has been a dearth of superstars in Pakistani cricket. There is no enthusiasm in the young blood. It is evident that the current turmoil in the country has really affected all forms of life. Cricket is the bread and butter of players. But what does it mean, when you lose the series from Australia in formats?
Then gossips arise and remarks are passed that something is fishy, there is a lobby in the team. It seems players' interest is anything else than the country's pride and honour. Somewhere along the way, they have lost their nerves. The team spirit is way too far to be seen these gestures tell the cricket community that we don't know what tomorrow might bring. Players' performance in various foreign leagues is exceptional. But what happens when they play under their own flag?
When experts talk about rebuilding cricket structure, I don't see stability even in various institutions of the country at large. The question to be raised is "do we have to go through the process of reorganisation of society?" There was a time when everyone wanted cricketers to lead from the front, but what about the performance of the current cricket board? As it is being run by cricketers. There came a leader who succeeded to pocket 'T20 World Cup' and everyone pronounced him to be a reflection of Imran Khan. But after losing "Champions' Trophy semi-final", he was sacked by the board from his captaincy, since at that time he needed to be backed by the board, as the team emerged in a good shape. But everything has been made transitory.
Pakistan's cricket has much to commend. This country has been blessed with immense talent that has the potential to conquer any battlefield. It's high time to dig in and to find the rootcause of the debacles. Born leaders like Imran Khan must come forward to rescue the operation. The management should be capable and sincere.
The appointments should be made on merit rather than patron's consent. The President should no longer interfere in the matters of cricket and his power of electing the PCB Chairman must be abolished. The National Assembly Standing Committee for Sports must have no role in cricket affairs, since their influence takes the path of politics.
Club level cricket must be enhanced, more than departmental cricket because the deserving players don't really get the chance of proving their talent in departmental cricket, as department-associated cricketers usually take part in the game and in this way, club talent is ignored.
Moreover, it is need of the time that every Pakistani should think of this beloved homeland and serve it whole-heartedly. There is a lot to achieve. I am puzzled, but there is still a light of hope inside me that Pakistan cricket will regain its real charm. Long may it last.