2007 was a tumultuous year laden with controversies and disappointments for Pakistan cricket. It was a period that most Pakistan cricket fans would like to forget quickly. The irony was that 2007 was notable more for off-field news with the retirement of batting stalwart Inzamam-ul-Haq and the death of coach Bob Woolmer in mysterious circumstances, plunging the team into disarray. Both events came in the wake of Pakistan's shock first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies brought about by an upset defeat to minnows Ireland.The team bounced back to reach the final of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa before losing narrowly to India. But successive Test and ODI series defeats to the Proteas at home and India away ended 2007 on a bitter note.It was after 28 years that India managed to win a Test series against Pakistan at home.Given what unfolded during the year, it is not surprising that Pakistan cricket fans remain concerned about the future.It was a year when Pakistan cricket had several opportunities to dress itself in glory but none of these were taken with the national team winning just one and losing four out of eight Tests played.In one-dayers, it managed to win only eight out of 23 matches."The turmoil which hit our cricket in 2007 highlights the need for radical steps to be taken to put things right. But unfortunately the Board is avoiding taking honest and strong decisions for the future," former captain Mushtaq Mohammad said.Wednesday, December 26, 2007
2007 – A forgettable year for Pakistan cricket
2007 was a tumultuous year laden with controversies and disappointments for Pakistan cricket. It was a period that most Pakistan cricket fans would like to forget quickly. The irony was that 2007 was notable more for off-field news with the retirement of batting stalwart Inzamam-ul-Haq and the death of coach Bob Woolmer in mysterious circumstances, plunging the team into disarray. Both events came in the wake of Pakistan's shock first round exit from the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies brought about by an upset defeat to minnows Ireland.The team bounced back to reach the final of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa before losing narrowly to India. But successive Test and ODI series defeats to the Proteas at home and India away ended 2007 on a bitter note.It was after 28 years that India managed to win a Test series against Pakistan at home.Given what unfolded during the year, it is not surprising that Pakistan cricket fans remain concerned about the future.It was a year when Pakistan cricket had several opportunities to dress itself in glory but none of these were taken with the national team winning just one and losing four out of eight Tests played.In one-dayers, it managed to win only eight out of 23 matches."The turmoil which hit our cricket in 2007 highlights the need for radical steps to be taken to put things right. But unfortunately the Board is avoiding taking honest and strong decisions for the future," former captain Mushtaq Mohammad said.