Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Cracks within the Pakistan team were widening after two frontline players reported unfit on the morning of the opening day of the second Test against India at the Gaddafi Stadium. All-rounder Abdul Razzaq and fast bowler Shabbir Ahmed pulled out of the crucial second Test despite having declared themselves fit on Sunday evening.
Razzaq withdrew citing a side strain while Shabbir sat out because of a shin injury. To add insult to injury, back strain and cramps threatened Umar Gul’s further participation in the match.
The factor that puzzles everyone involved with the game is how the two fast bowlers suffered the mysterious injuries. Even if they were really injured on Sunday evening, why didn’t they inform the team management so that some reinforcement(s) be called up?
The fast bowlers, in particular, were annoyed with the recent spate of criticism by skipper Inzamam-ul Haq. Inzamam, in his column in an Indian newspaper, held his fast bowlers responsible for the thrashing innings defeat in the first Test at Multan.
After the Multan Test, the pitch came under a lot of criticism. But nobody questioned the commitment of the players. Now it is time for some soul-searching among the players as nobody is bigger than the game.
