The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia hadthe looks of a frustrated leader after Waqar Younis’ side suffered oneof their heaviest and most humiliating Test defeats at Lord’s Sunday

22-May-2001The chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Lt Gen Tauqir Zia hadthe looks of a frustrated leader after Waqar Younis’ side suffered oneof their heaviest and most humiliating Test defeats at Lord’s Sunday.The grim-faced Tauqir wore a feeble smile during an impressiveceremony at the National Stadium for the inauguration of the RegionalCricket Academy ground Monday. But it was apparent to all and sundrythat he was heartbroken and desperately trying to put up a brave face.Certainly, the determined, ambitious and objective glances, which werevisible some 18 months ago, had disappeared, maybe for the time being.Tauqir has valid reasons to be upset and feel the pressure mounting onhim as the Pakistan team has hit the pits since he took over the helmsof affairs in November 1999.Fortunately or otherwise, Pakistan cricket’s culture is such that theperformance of the administration is judged by the deeds of the teamon the field of play.Several of Tauqir’s predecessors had fallen victims during thecalamitous periods in the long and somewhat turbulent Pakistan crickethistory.Veteran columnist Omar Kureishi was precise while saying: “The bookshouldn’t be judged by its cover. It’s the content that matters.”Like every administrator, Tauqir has made mistakes, the most glaringone being, playing into the hands of couple of of individuals who werenever team men during their playing days, and had remainedcontroversial figures with vested interests.The result is that till today his tenure has been nothing but marredwith controversy, Pakistan has had three captains, as many coaches,inconsistency in team selections and hiring of foreign coaches eventhough the country has several former greats with better credentialswho can do a better job than the imported “White Elephants.”But fact of the matter is that he also has done tremendous services tothe game in the country, in general, and to the players, inparticular. Sadly, all his efforts have been overshadowed by spinelessperformances of the national team.During his reign, the stadia have been upgraded, new centres have beenestablished, the concept of academies have materialized and severalother projects which Tauqir’s predecessors promised but neverfulfilled, have taken place.All his endeavours for the Pakistan cricketers are not visible. Butfact of the matter is that he has done numerous things at the players’behest and for their betterment with an objective to make them happyand pursue them to play for the country with total commitment,dedication, discipline and honour.Sadly, he has been disappointed by the cricketers who continue to playbelow-par to let everyone down including themselves.It is during his time that the players’ salaries have been increased,including daily allowances as evident from the fact that Pakistancricketers are one of the highest paid in the world. Their dailyallowance of $135 is more than any other Test playing nations players.He has also seen to it that the cricketers got huge loans wheneverthey applied while a couple of unemployed individuals were engaged bythe establishment.Tauqir ensured that the cricketer’s other benefits were also increasedso that they get handsome cash in the shape of gratuity and providentfund. If the lucrative contracts of some players exist with the rivalsof Pakistan team’s official sponsors, it is because of the general whopersonally sorted out the crisis and saw that the cricketers were notdeprived of million dollars endorsements.Whether the general likes it or not, the truth is if he had to removeJaved Miandad as coach, it was also because the players had ganged upagainst the former captain. Similarly, it was also on the player’splea that forced the PCB to engage a foreign coach and aphysiotherapist at fat salaries and that too in precious foreignexchange.Now, even if the team doesn’t perform to its merits and continues toremain lacklustre even after getting all their demands accepted, itwould be a grave injustice if the PCB chairman has to face the music.Instead, it should be the players who deserve kick in their backs andshown the door.Pakistan has talent in abundance and at some stage, the youngsterswill replace the seniors. Whether they will be of the same talent andpotential, it’s a different question.But there are few committed and sincere individuals like Lt Gen TauqirZia who wants to promote and flourish cricket and is keen to see theGreen flag fly proudly.