Former Pakistan cricket captain, Rashid Latif, recently highlighted the stark differences between India and Pakistan in terms of their cricketing setups. These disparities shed light on why India has surged ahead while Pakistan lags behind as a cricketing nation.
India’s cricketing journey has been marked by consistent success. They recently clinched their second T20 World Cup title in the West Indies, demonstrating their prowess on the global stage. India’s achievements extend beyond this recent victory; they have consistently reached the knockout stages of ICC tournaments.
Rashid Latif’s remarks on IPL
Latif emphasized that India’s success isn’t sudden. Going back to 2007, 2011, and 2015, India has steadily gained knowledge from foreign coaches. Their focus on grassroots development, often unnoticed, has been crucial. The Indian Premier League (IPL) played a pivotal role, in bringing together the best minds in cricket. Legends like Ricky Ponting, Michael Hussey, and Dwayne Bravo contribute to their success.
India has transformed cricket into an industry, akin to its thriving film industry. They’ve harnessed financial resources, attracting top talent. In contrast, Pakistan still treats cricket as a hobby. The Pakistan Super League (PSL), while significant, hasn’t evolved as expected. Its highest salary cap remains modest at $140,000. This financial limitation prevents Pakistan from competing for players like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins.
“India, just like their film industry, developed a cricket industry. We treat cricket as a hobby that’s why we couldn’t turn it into a business. PSL is still there from where it had started. The highest salary cap is $1.40 lakh. Why can’t they push it further? Why can’t we have players like Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins? Because we don’t have the money so there’s no business,” Latif said.
The visionaries behind PSL were ousted prematurely, hindering expansion. Bangladesh’s Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) boasts more foreign players due to better financial backing. Moeen Ali and David Miller play there, while Pakistan struggles to progress.
Latif also highlighted India’s reliance on data-driven preparation. The IPL’s influence has shifted India’s focus from spotting talent with the “naked eye” to a more scientific approach. This shift has contributed significantly to their success.
Rashid Latif : "India, just like their film industry, developed a cricket industry. We treat cricket as a hobby that’s why we couldn’t turn it into a business. PSL is still there from where it had started."#TOKSports #RashidLatif pic.twitter.com/iEP8UfpYsO
— TOK Sports (@TOKSports021) July 9, 2024
India’s cricketing industry, knowledge-sharing, and financial investments have propelled them forward. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s challenges lie in transforming cricket from a hobby into a thriving business. As both nations continue their cricketing journeys, lessons from India’s model can guide Pakistan toward a brighter future.
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