The clock is ticking for Pakistan

The upcoming series against South Africa on neutral turf in the UAE must be a series of no ‘ifs and buts’ for Pakistan. With skipper Butt suspended and strike bowlers Asif and Amir currently no-balled, a depleted outfit will wear the team’s gold star emblem on their caps in the weeks to come. Considering the recent revelations that have stunned us all, perhaps that gold star needs revisiting.

For South Africa, the odds will be heavily stacked in their favour and the initial thought would be that all bets are off regarding any chance of a Pakistan victory. Pakistan will be unsettled, some players will be underdone and others disillusioned. Pakistan though, could be dangerous. Rarely is there middle ground when Pakistan are involved. At best they are a very talented bunch of cricketers who seldom play in a unified or galvanized manner and merely rely on individual brilliance to turn the tide and eke out victory. At worst, and we have seen it recently, they are nothing more than a shambles sans direction, motivation and focus…. let alone pride.

They will have some jokers in the pack. Those players will be intent on nailing down a regular slot in the lineup now that some have been fingered, and they will be determined to halt the often irrational selection carousel that has seen them ousted before. That fortitude alone may well promote intensity and purpose not normally associated with Pakistan cricket. I wouldn’t bet on it though.

The stark reality is that Pakistan are currently the pariahs of international cricket and they must now start the long trek to redemption. They must take a firm stand and eradicate the evil that is eating away at their flannelled game and immediately begin the steps that will hopefully enable them to once again hold their heads high in international competition. We all remember the stirring images of a proud Imran Khan holding aloft the World Cup in 1992, and those images alone must inspire. This will be a lengthy and arduous undertaking and it will take strong willed, resolute individuals to regain the trust of devoted supporters within their borders, as well as those afar.

Now is the time to eliminate all personnel who will not be singularly dedicated to this mission. It matters not who holds what position. A fish rots from the head down.

Should Pakistan cricket not act immediately, all could well be lost.

The time is now.