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You've hopefully read @jonathanliew's brilliant article on the silence re Pakistanis in the IPL. (
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I've been digging into this the last few weeks. Spoke to the PCB. (Tried) to speak to the BCCI.
With next year's IPL <6 months away, here's why... 1/n https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/oct/26/ecb-global-silence-pakistan-ipl-exile
)I've been digging into this the last few weeks. Spoke to the PCB. (Tried) to speak to the BCCI.
With next year's IPL <6 months away, here's why... 1/n https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2020/oct/26/ecb-global-silence-pakistan-ipl-exile
...it's in everyone's interests - PCB, BCCI, ECB, ICC, cricket fans, players - to include Pakistan players in the IPL for first time in 13 yrs. Not just ECB who must break their silence.
(Also nuts that we're all so vocally anti-discrimination rnow & yet silent on this.) 2/n
(Also nuts that we're all so vocally anti-discrimination rnow & yet silent on this.) 2/n
1. IPL 2021 will be in the UAE. A frequent reason (/excuse?) apparently cited by franchises not to pick Pakistanis is uncertainty of getting a Indian visas, plus security issues & costs.
Last year's auction was too early to contemplate being outside India; this year's won't. 3/n
Last year's auction was too early to contemplate being outside India; this year's won't. 3/n
The UAE is an autonomous country, grants its own visas & has a high migrant Pakistani population. Visa issues vanish.
2. It's also home advantage. Pakistan have played 31 T20Is in UAE in last decade - so 31 more than India. Pakistanis know these grounds. Use that knowledge. 4/n
2. It's also home advantage. Pakistan have played 31 T20Is in UAE in last decade - so 31 more than India. Pakistanis know these grounds. Use that knowledge. 4/n
3. The last time they played in the tournament, a Pakistani was leading wicket-taker, was in the team crowned inaugural champs & even hit the winning runs. Great to watch.
The IPL holds itself out as the premier T20 tournament in the world. Not without Pakistan's players. 5/n
The IPL holds itself out as the premier T20 tournament in the world. Not without Pakistan's players. 5/n
4. Everyone loves a villain (bear with me). Even if you want to just clutch at the entertainment narrative, we all know what the Indo-Pak rivalry does to viewing figures/fan engagement at ICC events.
Take advantage. What broadcaster/sponsor doesn't want more eyeballs? 6/n
Take advantage. What broadcaster/sponsor doesn't want more eyeballs? 6/n
5. Inequality. Not just talking towards Pakistan. IPL is a global tournament in all but name, the only domestic event to be ring-fenced by ICC so no interntl fixtures held.
CSA's CEO: "If they play the IPL in that window, then it blocks out bilateral cricket anyway."
So... 7/n
CSA's CEO: "If they play the IPL in that window, then it blocks out bilateral cricket anyway."
So... 7/n
...heightened corruption risk. You've got one country missing out, on coverage, on game play & on money. Bilateral interntl fixtures being postponed/cancelled. Pakistan's internatnls amongst poorest paid in world cricket anyway. IPL exacerbates that. Hello lucrative spot-fix. 8/n
Many reasons we're in this situ, & PCB can't be absolved (hasty withdrawals/harsh NOC conditions/rhetoric). But it *is* in all interests to speak. Silence is deafening.
Anyway, I've got a lot to say, so read next month's issue of @TheCricketerMag for a long read on it all.
Anyway, I've got a lot to say, so read next month's issue of @TheCricketerMag for a long read on it all.
