Irritating Cricket in Dubai

The pathetic performance of the Pakistani cricket team against South Africa in the 2^nd test at Dubai is certain to attract great ire from the public. After the impressive victory in the first test it was thought that the right prescription has been found which makes the later debacle even bitterer.

I had an opportunity of watching the first day’s game of the fateful test match. The South African team was visibly motivated, focused and enthusiastic; whereas the Pakistani batsmen seemed distracted and cagey.

It seems that due to some psychological handicap the Pakistani cricketers and perhaps other teams also are unable to respond to opposition’s enthusiasm with equal enthusiasm and vigor. They seem to get cowed down. It is strange that the team management is unable to recognize this weakness and devise means to motivate the players before the game.

Maybe it is a national trait. The inability to motivate the nation is quite apparent in our political leaders and that is why people welcome military dictators who make motivational speeches after overthrowing political governments.

In my professional career I have found that motivation is the best management tool and it can transform mediocrity into brilliance.