Cricket needs to address the player-board run-in (or
stand-off) issues at the earliest. The problem in its entirety lies in the
adamancy on both the sides. Ultimately, the nation’s cricket is at loss.
Kevin Pietersen’s announcement of retirement from limited
overs’ format was certainly a shocker. In his statement Pietersen said, “With
the intensity of the international schedule and the increasing demands on my
body, I think it is the right time to step aside and let the next generation of
players come through to gain experience for the World Cup in 2015”.
The last two ODIs that he played for England saw him score 111* and 130 respectively
against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi . His last T20
score was 62 against the same opposition. These not only show the kind of form
he carried but a collective loss of England cricket, the board and
lastly himself. Certainly, his frequent run-ins with his ‘adopted board’ have
led to this decision.
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| Kevin Pietersen after scoring a century against Pakistan at Abu Dhabi |
The England Cricket Board (ECB) had a rule stating that central
contract players would have to make themselves available for both formats in
the limited overs or nothing. Pietersen, however, was keen on continuing in
T20s and quitting ODIs. The board refused and resultantly, the decision was
announced by him. "For the record, were the selection criteria not in
place, I would have readily played for England in the upcoming World
Twenty20," Pietersen said. His central contract would also be downgraded
as he would be only chosen for the Tests henceforth.
A point worth noting- he has not announced his retirement
from club cricket and the Indian Premier League. This further would start the
never ending club versus country debate and giving impetus to the new concept
of freelance cricketers. Chris Gayle was an example to this until sometime back
when he wasn’t considered for any national commitments by the West Indies
Cricket Board due to their stand-off. Now the differences, although not
completely, have been resolved temporarily and he has made himself available
for the ODI series against England
now. Freelance cricketing is a very disappointing thing to have happened.
Imagine the plight of a West Indies cricket
fan when he sees Gayle bludgeoning the opposition in club games whereas the
national team performs miserably in the batting department!
Such incidents only hurt the game. A balance has to be
struck somewhere in between. Alternatives would emerge only when such
impressive cricketers go. But players like Pietersen and Gayle have made it to
this level due to impressive skill and rigorous training. Nurturing the young
guns will take a lot of time and their nation’s performances would be at a
greater risk till then. Instead, if the training continues with such players
being around, a pool of competitive cricketers would be created making them
ready for major events such as the World Cup in 2015.
Rigidity is the least needed thing in such times. ECB must
rethink its stance on the central contract and ensure players’ wish as well.
Also, it is a sign for other boards not to be egoistic about issues and resolve
them quickly for the betterment of the game.
Pictures © Getty Images
Pictures © PA Photos
