Pakistan considering canceling Zim tour altogether..

[Wanderer]

Zimbabwe was scheduled to play 3 tests and 5 ODI's in Pakistan this year. Since Zim's test status is suspended till February 2007, only the ODI's were set to be played.

Now, it seems like Pakistan are having reservations about hosting Zimbabwe for that one-day series in September due a lack of financial incentive for the matches, the country's cricket board chairman told Reuters today.

"I don't think that is going to be possible as it is not feasible for us. We are going to write to them to postpone their tour until 2008," Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Shaharyah Khan said.

Khan added that after talks with television rights holders and sponsors, the PCB felt it would not be financially viable to host Zimbabwe for just three one-day games this year.
"We are also due to host West Indies after the Champions Trophy (in October/November) and the players want a rest," Khan added, pointing to the logistical problem that would arise if the Zimbabwe series went ahead.

Okay, I understand the PCB's financial reasoning, but here is me, playing devil's advocate...What if Zim's test status was NOT suspended? How much of a "logistical problem" would there have been then?

[Vrock]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

What if Zim's test status was NOT suspended? How much of a "logistical problem" would there have been then?

It wouldn't be an issue, from what I am aware teams who do not fulfill a series face a hefty fine I think.

It is understandable, there will only be ODI's and Pakistan probably don't want to give themselves burnout ahead of the World Cup.

However, I am not sure why they would have any reasons in the cash department not to go ahead with ODI's only though, seen as ODI's are the main money spinner for the PCB.

[Wanderer]

Vrock, it's not Zim who's trying to get out of the series, it's Pakistan...So I reckon the fine won't apply? If someone's gonna get fined, it should be the PCB then, right?....I'm confused..

And burnout? Well, what if the Zim series COULD go ahead as initially planned? (scheduled before Zim's ban was imposed, I reckon) Would the PCB still complain that their schedule was too hectic for the tour to take place? Or is this a perfect excuse to get out of a tour they don't really want...

True, ODI's do bring in the revenue, but this is Zim we're talking about...not India or England... So, how much interest will the ticket-buyers show?

[Vrock]

Originally Posted by Wanderer

If someone's gonna get fined, it should be the PCB then, right?

That's what I said, it probably read as if I was talking in the context of Zimbabwe rather than Pakistan.

Originally Posted by Wanderer

is this a perfect excuse to get out of a tour they don't really want...

It is a series in which I don't think most sides and boards would really want to have to play. The cricket won't be competetive and Pakistan would outclass Zim in every department.

Originally Posted by Wanderer

how much interest will the ticket-buyers show?

If Pakistan are so bothered about money or burnout they could just play a second string XI?

They only want to move the series to a later date, but by then I suspect they are hoping Zimbabwe are playing tests agin.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Vrock

They only want to move the series to a later date, but by then I suspect they are hoping Zimbabwe are playing tests agin.

To 2008...ANd by then, I for one hope that Zim are playing tests again...and that they will be as competitive as back when they could beat some of the best in the world...

[Paoli]

Absolutely no chance of us being as competitive then! We might be able to win the odd one against Bangladesh but I'd go no further than that. No doubting Zimbabwe used to be a very good side, but unfortunately the infrastructure isn't there to continue the game at a high enough level.

I've never been in any doubt that the future lies, in the majority, with the black players. But as anyone who could make a good coach has left Zimbabwe (Paul Strang, Streak, Flower brothers, Houghton, Fletcher, Traicos etc...) we can't get back up there.

As for this, I think Pakistan should cancel it and Zimbabwe should agree. It'd serve no purpose bringing another bunch of underprepared youngsters on an international tour, especially when more and more are considering defection.

[Wanderer]

Originally Posted by Paoli

Absolutely no chance of us being as competitive as then!
... more are considering defection.

True. I'm feeling a bit nostalgic, like Bruce Springsteen's song "Glory Days"..Zim cricket is not at a cross-roads, it's somewhere in the middle of nowhere...

[Occasional Fan]

If Pakistan cancels this one and the ICC doesn't stick them with a £2 million fine, won't what set a precedent for other boards to cancel Zimbabwe commitments with impunity?

[Wanderer]

The way I see it, Pakistan is not cancelling the tour, but they are asking for a postponement till 2008. By then hopefully Zimbabwe will have their test status restored, and a full series can be played, instead of only a couple of ODI's against a young, inexperienced side...

My worry is for the Zim players, though. It seems like just about everybody is making decisions for and on behalf of them, and they have no say as to their own future ?? THAT is just not cricket....

My solution? If a team cancells or "postpones" their commitment to Zim, slap them with a fine...and pay the Zim players with it. Only the players.

[Zainub]

Originally Posted by Vrock

If Pakistan are so bothered about money or burnout they could just play a second string XI.

They could actually. I read in Dawn not that long ago that the PCB was considering hosting Zimbabwe in September but only making them play against our A-team while they are here...