Losing Yousuf
PCB has proven to be brainless in many ways, and scheduling the Champions Trophy entirely in Ramadan is perhaps the most incredible move of all. Not only is it a bit of a logistical mess, it also means Pakistan will lose its most solid batsman:
I'm not one for mixing religion and anything, but I find Yousuf's decision completely fair. It is PCB who should be slapped a million times over in the face for this horrific scheduling.
Outside of the Yousuf situation, think of all the security officials, the crowds, the groundskeepers, players, etc. - all who will probably be fasting, and will want to break their fast at one specific time. Not only that, they will probably want to say their prayers too, as is customary at breaking fast time, so you need facilities for that. And it also involves washing up in a bathroom, which means thousands of people will attack the stadium bathrooms at the same time. I do not envy the head of logistics and operations for this tournament!
A couple of positive notes - the innings break can be easily timed with the fast breaking (iftari) time, which helps a bit. And, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup during Ramadan.
I really wonder if there's any sane person in the PCB. I'd love to blame DNA & Co once again, but I think the dates for the Champions Trophy were decided together by the ICC and a previous PCB administration. So the stupidity just comes with the territory I guess.
Cricinfo has learnt that Yousuf will be unavailable because the tournament will be played during the month of Ramadan. "Yousuf has asked to be excused from the Champions Trophy as it will be held during Ramadan and he does not want to be playing during that month," a source close to the selection committee told Cricinfo. "We have respected that decision and not picked him in the squad." [LINK]
I'm not one for mixing religion and anything, but I find Yousuf's decision completely fair. It is PCB who should be slapped a million times over in the face for this horrific scheduling.
Outside of the Yousuf situation, think of all the security officials, the crowds, the groundskeepers, players, etc. - all who will probably be fasting, and will want to break their fast at one specific time. Not only that, they will probably want to say their prayers too, as is customary at breaking fast time, so you need facilities for that. And it also involves washing up in a bathroom, which means thousands of people will attack the stadium bathrooms at the same time. I do not envy the head of logistics and operations for this tournament!
A couple of positive notes - the innings break can be easily timed with the fast breaking (iftari) time, which helps a bit. And, Pakistan won the 1992 World Cup during Ramadan.
I really wonder if there's any sane person in the PCB. I'd love to blame DNA & Co once again, but I think the dates for the Champions Trophy were decided together by the ICC and a previous PCB administration. So the stupidity just comes with the territory I guess.