A comeback of sorts

Photo Credit: PCB

Cricket is a sport. And in sports people make comebacks. And in cricket, it is more so. But in Pakistan, one makes a comeback of sorts that no other nation can think of. 

First, it was Mohsin Naqvi - a man all would dream to be. He does not run after posts, posts run after him. He is the chairman of a big media group. He remained - unprecedentedly, for an extended period - caretaker chief minister of the Punjab province. Caretaker Prime Minister, Anwaar Kakar nominated him for the post of PCB chairman, and he was duly elected in January 2024. 

After the elections, he has become a pivotal figure in the new government. First, he was sworn in as interior minister in the central cabinet. Subsequently, he was elected as a senator. 

We do not know what lies ahead for him but he is the most prominent political figure in the country if we count only those who are not in jail.

Then it is Babar Azam who, not long ago, was the apple of everyone's eyes. Then, as it happens in Pakistan, he was unceremoniously removed from the captaincy, partially under the pressure of a certain lobby. He has now been reinstated under Mohsin Naqvi and, probably, with more powers than he was accused of having accumulated during his previous stint. 

This comeback is unique because no one seems happy, haters and fans alike.

More interestingly rather intriguingly, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir have come out of retirement to play under Babar Azam! Naqvi has a rabbit's foot. Otherwise seeing Imad, Amir, and Babar sharing giggles in the dressing room and on the field was unimaginable a few weeks ago.

Mohsin Naqvi's comeback means Wahab Riaz's comeback too. And he seems to be his right hand. I hope he does not jump onto the cricket field midway through a match and say let me bowl.

Finally, foreign coaches are making a comeback in Pakistan cricket. Both Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie are renowned coaches. One hopes they are given full authority to exert their influence on the players' performances. 

The big question now is: With all these comebacks, will the performance of our team also makes a comeback or not?