Asad Shafiq, M. Irfan Replace Suspended 'Spot-Fixing' Trio; PCB Needs to Devise a Comprehensive Code of Conduct
The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 Cricket Board (PCB) has adopted a wait-and-see policy in the wake of the recent spot-fixing scam against some of its top players. PCB is said to be in deep waters nowadays, with the local media strongly criticizing the top management. The manner in which PCB is running cricket affairs and the recent scam under the nose of its management indeed raises various doubts in the minds of cricket fans in the country. Logically, PCB does not deserve any blame in the personal conduct of players; however, its stance and lack of administrative ability has encouraged players to indulge in unfair practices. Whether it is a mutual rebellion against a straightforward captain Younis Khan or frequent accusations that have been levelled against many players, PCB failed to address any issue administratively.
The International Cricket Council provisionally suspended the trio of Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir on Thursday after the spot-fixing allegations leveled against them during their final Test match against England at Lord’s. The PCB has named two replacements for the remaining tour of England: batsman Asad Shafiq and left-arm pacer Muhammad http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Scotland-c756 Yard in the alleged scam, what strategy would PCB adopt to avoid a recurrence of match-fixing allegations on Pakistani players? Would it have the capability to define a clear code of conduct for its players in view of the celebrity profile and the associated requirements of conduct? Players are the ambassadors of a country and their conduct reflects the character of overall nation. The recent allegations and the ensuing embarrassment and humiliation faced by the whole nation are cases in point. The irresponsible behaviour of players has at several times brought shame to the whole nation. Muhammad Asif was caught red-handed with prohibited narcotics in his wallet at the Dubai International airport. The incident reflects a clear lack of ethical training and unscrupulous behaviour. Similarly, Muhammad Asif remained in the local media for his affair with the famous Pakistani actress Veena Malik. When the ‘relations’ took a negative turn, it brought certain other embarrassing events in the limelight. Players need to be briefed about the responsibilities which they carry on their shoulders. The discussion in the local media linked such irresponsible behaviour of players with their humble backgrounds. But the argument is devoid of any sense and is a slap on a majority of well-groomed personalities belonging to that group. The actual reason lies somewhere else.
PCB must address this issue comprehensively by arranging grooming courses or counselling the players with psychologists to modify their behaviour. The sessions must be conducted alongside the normal cricket practice sessions frequently before the team departs for any international match to a foreign country. Players must be stressed about the values, traditions and display of exemplary behaviour during their stay in a foreign country. Again, the major responsibility lies with the team manager to keep an eye on the players. In the recent scam, a notorious bookie Mazhar Majeed (allegedly) continuously remained in contact with the players, and the management’s oblivious behaviour led to such an embarrassment for whole nation. The situation could have been averted by declaring http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mazhar-c75448 Majeed as persona non grata, and team members could have been prohibited from having any interaction with suspicious persons. A manager, with his experience and knowledge about different aspects of cricket, must be in a position to monitor the activities of his players.
Lessons must be extracted from the recent fiasco and drastic steps are required to avoid such blunders in the future. The PCB must thoroughly analyze all the past incidents and a comprehensive strategy must be devised to define a code of conduct for the players at foreign land. It is expected that the PCB would no more remain indifferent about the code of conduct for players and define an appropriate code for them to exhibit.
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