There are far more pressing issues globally and in Pakistan than a cricketing loss to a far superior England team, albeit in their home conditions. However, what coaxes me to write is the fact that we citizens are the only true, viable opposition left in Pakistan, if not by privilege, then at least by sheer numbers.
Pakistan belongs to us. Those who have been thrust into various self-aggrandized roles whether in politics, custodial positions, or sports administration are responsible and accountable to the citizens. Sure, we do not wield brandishing, armor-based chastising ability or political clout, but we do have the courage and the power of the pen to set the record straight in our "national interest" as well. This latter slogan is a cliché used to justify acts of bravado, absurdity, and constitutional amendments in Pakistan.
When it comes to sports and national performance, it is no surprise that when politicians and representatives of the establishment are entrusted with the helm of affairs, no performance of note can be expected except for the scapegoating of athletes and sportsmen for systemic inefficiencies and administrative failures.
The latest acts in England by self-styled "saviors," who are more suited to a circus and behave like clowns, have brought unabashed shame and disgrace to Pakistan globally. First, we made a mountain out of a molehill by feeling threatened by a British channel airing a documentary. Then, we overreacted to a defeat in tough English conditions, a defeat clearly caused by our lack of a competitive domestic cricket structure, a rotating administration, and idiosyncratic decision-making that has clearly and willfully sacrificed Test match cricket for lucrative white-ball leagues.
To send back and scapegoat sportsmen who were trying their best, or those who were simply warming benches due to a lack of opportunities when the situation should have been a signal for the top honcho to be shown the door is a national disgrace that has made us a laughing stock.
We, the citizens, the only opposition left to protest!