Islamabad’s cricket grounds ignored

Less in quantity does not always mean more in quality and value. The pre-tournament impression of the refurbished Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2019-20 seems to be more of a score-settling exercise rather than an effort to get off to a fresh start.

Irrespective of what has happened and who did what and why in the bygone seasons, Islamabad definitely provides one of the best cricket facilities in Pakistan. Be it the picturesque Diamond, Marghazar or Shalimar Grounds in the heart of the capital, Islamabad provides one of the best settings for top domestic cricket. Quaid Trophy being the premier tournament has attracted comparatively good crowds at venues where watching games — especially in winter — has special value. Grounds in Islamabad give you a touch of English season. But to the surprise of cricket followers, this perfect setting has no value for the people who matter in the Pakistan Cricket Board. Even the worst grounds with scarce facilities in far-flung areas captured the attention of the PCB officials but not the capital that had been the hub of cricket activities in the recent past.

The capital city has contributed so much to the national cause that it now stands alongside Karachi and Lahore as the best cricket centres in the country. Islamabad has groomed numerous international cricketers for senior and junior sides.

The value of Islamabad’s grounds has increased even further following the PCB’s decision to use soft Kookaburra cricket balls in the season. The Australian product is more useful on grounds and pitches which are well maintained. Reports are already emerging from Karachi that the Kookaburra balls are quickly losing their shape even during the net sessions. The previous experience with these costly cricket balls also suggests that once it loses its shape on rough surfaces, batsmen score big hundreds.

However, the ball behaves differently on grounds which are full of grass. In that scenario, Islamabad provides perfect setting for a Kookaburra ball to make its real impact in Pakistan’s domestic cricket.

The main purpose of restructuring first-class cricket was to make teams play at home and away. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy that starts Saturday gives no such impression. It is nothing less than a joke to see Northern playing Central Punjab in both home and away matches at Faisalabad. It is totally against the concept that Prime Minister Imran Khan actually wanted to implement. He wanted locals to make full use of the opportunity to watch and support their home grown players. That is not the case. The only three matches that Northern are getting at home will be hosted by a no-go venue — the KRL Stadium. It is almost impossible for an ordinary cricket fan to enter the ground. Even the journalists covering the match may find it difficult to freely move in and out of the venue.

One hopes and expects that cricket matters in this new-look board will be discussed and decided on merit. A blackout of Islamabad’s grounds in the new season at least suggests that there is something seriously wrong in the PCB’s policy making.