Adil Najam
The news is too fresh, murky on the details, and still developing, but as Adnan Ahmed has just pointed out on the comments section of another post, Pakistan walked out of — and therefore possibly forfeited — the 4th Cricket Test against England at the Oval, in a dramatic turn of events. Then, it was announced that Pakistan will take the field… but just as the crowd begins to cheer, the umpires decide they will not come out if the Pakistan team does. Meanwhile the light keeps deteriorating. No matter how this ends, this will be a drama to remember.
More and developing details are available here. Best place to stay informed on this is CrickInfo.Com, from where the photograph above is are linked. (Updated after original posting).
Adil, as the moderator of ATP, I expect you to block comments from “trolls” like jai hind.
It was a very distressing incident all the same. In this particular case, no body can double guess the match referee/the umpire. If the match referee concludes the ball as damanged, Inzy will face the music come what may. But the other question about the unbiasedness of ICC umpiring remains unanswered.
What has caused the snowballing of this issue ?
national pride ? racism ? easy-go-lucky attitude of some players ? Islamophobia ? or an unlucky coincidence of all the above ?
The team has rallied around the Captain & the unity of the team is what is most important. The press conference by the PCB was impressive & the points raised are all relevant. Hind sight is always 20/20. There was an admission of wrong judgement by PCB and that should suffice. I also find the President’s telecon with Inzimam to be of importance. But disagree that this issue is being used by the President in any manner except for the basic premise of national pride being hurt. That the debate on this blog has sadly degenerated is something I find encouraging. It is interesting to see their opinions no matter how negative they might be. We need to learn about these views as well. Found this to be interesting though
http://www.hindu.com/2006/08/22/stories/2006082205 541900.htm
Speaking of INZY’s protest;yes Inzy has right ti protest but i do agree with few cricketers that way of protest was absolutely wrong and HAIR did know rules of cricket.Do visit my latest entry for this issue.
ATP Editorial Comment: Parts of this comment deleted as per earlier ATP note.Â
No matter what happens next, this is a no-win thing now. Whichever way the decision is the controversy will continue. I am surprised at just everyone is coming out against the Hair decision. Becasue it was so obvious. The former Sri Lankan captain also said today that he is anti-Asian. The UK press is mostly saying he over reacted. I think Inzi also over-reacted after tea and if he had to take a stand he should have earlier. Or done it later. But the showdown will not end with hearing. My guess is there will be no one-days.