Sikander Bakht who represented Pakistan in 26 Tests and 27 ODIs is remembered for demolishing the Indian batting line-up on a placid Delhi wicket in 1979/80. In his exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Sikander shared his views on the current state of affairs in Pakistan cricket.
by Suliman Baig (21 July 2011)
PakPassion.net: Did you spot any players in the T20 tournament that could go on to represent Pakistan in the future?
Sikander Bakht: Talent cannot be judged based on a few T20 matches! Most of the batsmen had a tendency to play cross batted shots and some of them did well. You can?t use this to judge their ability. That?s why I really can?t answer this question. There were quite a few players that did well. But as I said before, you can?t really judge them based on this format. Good batsmen can play a poor shot and get out. They need to learn that you can be successful at T20 by playing conventional cricketing shots. A player like Tendulkar can succeed in the format by playing proper cricket.
PakPassion.net: Most of the batsmen had a tendency to play most of their shots down the leg side. Did you notice the same thing?
Sikander Bakht: The quality of cricket ion T20s is not that great. It?s an enjoyable format but does not give you the full understanding of the players? abilities. Playing such shots in real cricket won?t get you far.
PakPassion.net: Going back to your playing career, which batsman gave you the most trouble?
Sikander Bakht: Any batsman can give you trouble when he?s in form. When a batsman is really giving you a beating then he can seem like the greatest ever. If I had to name one then it would be Geoffrey Boycott. He was one of those players that would only play a shot when he wanted to. You could bowl him full tosses or half-volleys but he wouldn?t give it away. As far as aggressive batsmen are concerned then it would have to be Gordon Greenidge. He was very destructive.
PakPassion.net: Let?s talk about some recent events. Pakistani cricket has been on a downwards curve since the death of Bob Woolmer and Inzamam?s retirement. What do you think is the main reason for this downfall?
Sikander Bakht:
Pakistan?s cricket is a reflection of the state of the nation. There is no consistency when it comes to how things are done across the country. If those at the top can sort themselves out and improve the nation then the cricket team will also be put on the right track. As long as things remain the same at the top then cricket will continue to suffer.
PakPassion.net: How much of role do politics play when it comes to cricket?
Sikander Bakht: It?s a one man show. Only people that can survive within the cricket board and the team are those who will agree with you on all matters. A person who can?t say anything but yes can?t do justice to his job. In successful organizations you have people who are given a job and they are responsible for getting it done. There is no interference from others when it comes to doing your job. But in Pakistan it?s a very different case. It?s a one man show and that?s it. After every tour you have the coach and captain pointing fingers at each other. This is not how things should be.
PakPassion.net: Which bowlers do you think will step up and comprise Pakistan?s bowling attack in the few years?
Sikander Bakht: It?s hard to say what will happen. Wahab Riaz is one that comes to mind. He has done well recently and has the talent to make it. I don?t think bowling is going to be a problem for Pakistan. Good bowlers will continue to surface. Its other issues that we need to sort out. In domestic cricket, our bowlers are bowling with substandard balls on substandard pitches. They can get away with it in domestic cricket but struggle when they make it to international cricket. The bowlers are used to bowling with the older and roughed up ball, once they have to bowl with a ball in good condition they tend to struggle.
PakPassion.net: Pakistani players seem to struggle when speaking with the media in English. Do you think they should give their interviews in Urdu?
Sikander Bakht: I don?t think that it?s much of an issue. Their job is to play cricket and that is what they should focus on. Many of the top athletes in the world don?t give their interviews in English. Many football players give their interviews in their native language. So it isn?t a big issue but you should not be embarrassed to give an interview in your native language.
PakPassion.net: What are your views on all the cricket leagues, such as the IPL and Big Bash, that are going on now?
Sikander Bakht: I don?t think they affect us one way or another. It?s a good opportunity for our players to make some money and get the experience of playing in different conditions.
