Pakpassion takes a closer look at the past, present and future superstars of Pakistan cricket. Is this an area in which we are falling behind other international teams?

By Usama Ahmed (August 6th 2012)

Pakistan cricket has generally been known as a cauldron full of individualistic personalities and star power. Players have won over the hearts and imaginations of millions of Pakistani fans over the years. There were stars like Imran Khan and Javed Miandad in the 80s, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis in the 90s and Inzamam ul Haq, Mohammad Yousuf and Shoaib Akhtar in the early 00s. These personalities were able to tug on the heartstrings of their supporters and bring about fervent support. This leads us to the main question, where have these superstars gone? Pakistan cricket has always been mightily inconsistent in winning, but never in producing personalities and superstars. 

There has been a clear shift in mindsets as the years have gone on. Controversy after controversy has chipped away at Pakistan. There was a point where people would be popping up on forums asking, “So what’s the controversy today?” There was often a humorous tone behind these questions, but they had a gloomy realism about them. The current team mindset revolves around a more unified and level headed group. This has been established by captain Misbah ul haq all the way down to the bench warmers. 

The lack of ‘superstardom’ can somewhat be attributed to fate due to the spot-fixing controversy. Mohammad Amir was budding into a superstar that was for long desired. He was a young fast bowling prodigy like many before who had successfully won over Pakistani fans, yet it was not to be with his unfortunate lapse in judgment. 

There are a few who will question a severe lack of ‘Shahid Afridi’ in this piece. Questions of ‘well, isn’t Afridi a superstar?’ will legitimately crop up. Yes, Shahid Afridi is quite the enigma with a personal fan base that is as passionate as can be. Rightly so, he has the charm and personality equal to any other player in the game. I would go as far and say he’s the most charming player in the game. Yet, having a bright personality does not equate to being a superstar. When we talk about superstars, we talk about the entire package. This player is someone who wins the hearts with both his consistent performances and off field charisma. Afridi has often lacked in the latter, while being enriched with the former. 

From the current lot, there are a lot of respectable players. Individuals who will do everything for the team cause without thinking twice. These are the heart and soul players that win matches and series. No one can doubt the capabilities of such a cohesive team and it should not be taken lightly. However, to be a top side in the game, there has to be some star power in the side. Pakistan after a long time is lacking a true duo/trio of superstar players. It is a unique position to be in, one we are not used to. At the moment, Saeed Ajmal is the only superstar player in the side. A player who can dominate all formats of the game with equal prowess and has earned respect from his opponents.

Saeed Ajmal deserves to be applauded for his services as a Pakistani cricketer. There are few that are as passionate as him towards the betterment of Pakistani cricket. He wants to win and he wants to win big. This is the way he carries himself and it shows in his game. He can be chalked up as one of the finest spinners produced by Pakistan. Yet, the question remains is there no one besides him? Why are we lacking in these stars? Surely, there were more in the tank other than Mohammad Amir and Saeed Ajmal?!

Younus Khan is another name who will garner interest and rightly so. He is a spectacular player and a revered personality. In test matches, he has to be chalked up as a superstar for Pakistan. There is no doubting his legendary status as a batsman in that form of the sport. Yet, he’s just not good enough for ODIs and T20s. There is no superstar charm about him in those formats and it hurts his credibility as a superstar. The purists will state, ‘tests are all that matter’, but reality suggests otherwise. ODIs and T20s cannot be discarded; they are a part of the sport and will remain so for a long time. It’s time to accept this and learn to judge our players across all three formats. Tests should be one format to judge superstars, but a player should be good in at least one of the other two.

Umar Akmal is a young talent that had a lot to offer and still does. Yet, he is miles away from even become a regular in the test side. He is a superstar talent, but someone who has not put it all together. He might be a project that can be worked upon for the betterment of Pakistan’s cricket. Unfortunately, there is a lot to learn for the young man otherwise he will come nowhere close. Umar Akmal is a player that can become Pakistan’s next superstar standing beside Saeed Ajmal. 

Why all this hoopla for superstars? All the great teams of the world have superstars. It’s just the way it is in cricket. You need those stars who can put you above and beyond the competition. There is no need to list the names in the Windies (80s) or Aussies (00s). They had superstars galore. Let’s take a look at recent top sides and adjudge the superstars in their sides.

Australia: Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke
England: Kevin Pieterson, James Anderson, Graeme Swann
South Africa: Jacques Kallis, Dale Steyn, Ab De Villers, Hashim Amla, Graeme Smith
India: Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir
Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara

All of these sides are packed with stars. Pakistan does not have that type of star power and will continue to trudge along until we see a new crop. All credit should be given to the current Pakistani side for their excellence on the field. The current players are part of a splendid unit that works hard. Will they forge their way to the number one ranking? Without a few superstars alongside Ajmal, this won’t be the case. Will those stars emerge from the current lot or will they have to be developed? This is the question left for us to ponder and selectors to figure out.

Discuss!