Intensity versus Integrity: Always a case with Pakistani Cricketers

Often in the past we had our cricketers willingly giving up their careers in order to earn more money. Mohammad Yousuf & Abdul Razzaq decided to retire from International Cricket to play in Indian Cricket League when they were dropped from National T-20 squad.

Shahid Afridi who had all the praises for Ejaz Butt after the World Cup 2011 finally burst out last month when he decided to retire from International Cricket after he was sacked from captaincy role. Afridi bluntly talked about the ill-things going around in the team & the board in front of national media not realizing that he is under contract with PCB which prohibits him to say all that.

Even though Afridi was guilty of breaching the contract and fined accordingly - the entire nation once again stood by him for support. At this point I must say that there is something about Lala - every time hes involved in any controversy; 9 out of 10 times - Lala is found guilty. Whether its ball biting incident or pitch tampering, fighting with Gambhir or breaching contractual obligation - there's not much doubt that Lala is wrong; yet it surprises me that his fans are always there for his support. Losing to India is considered a crime for any Pakistani captain and there's no room for any sort of forgiveness if the loss comes in World Cup - but again surprisingly Afridi became Pakistan's new hero after World Cup 2011.

After an initial restriction from PCB Afridi was finally given NOC to play in any sort of domestic competitions - In one of his statements Afridi said that he wants to play for Hampshire because the club has always supported him & they were there for our support during spot-fixing row. Afridi was so obliged for Hampshire's support to him that he completely ignored National T-20 tournament held at Faisalabad last month.

• What good Hampshire did in spot fixing row?
• Also, Lala must answer who was more supportive? Hampshire or millions of his (Pakistani) fans?

Personally, I think it was a selfish act! It was always the case of intensity of money versus national integrity. Karachi Dolphins certainly missed him and things could have been a lot more favorable for them if Lala played & captained the team. He would have played under KCCA and not PCB - so certainly this cannot be the excuse.

I see many people cursing PCB but I am sorry to say that PCB had no role to play in all this drama. Afridi being the perfect opportunist going after more lucrative deals. He can now play for SLPL, Friends Life T-20 and most probably Twenty20 Big Bash and earn millions of dollars.

No respect for the love & support he got from millions of his fans. No love for the country. The only thing matters is............................................................................

P.S. Afridi is having a great run in an on-going Friends Life T-20 & I receive at least 5 to 10 calls from different people every time he's playing for Hampshire. People are still Afridi-crazy & they love when he score runs or take wickets. Afridi scoring runs for Hampshire or making them win makes me feel sad. I am certainly not enjoying his good form.