By Mike Marqusee
September 3, 2010 -- MikeMarqusee.com -- On top of floods, war, bombs, a corrupt and incompetent government
with a much feared military in the wings, the long-suffering people of
Pakistan have now been betrayed, once again, by their cricketers. Most
will not be shocked or will profess not to be shocked: over the last 15
years there has been a steady erosion of faith in Pakistan cricket,
which has come to be held in the same low esteem as many of the
country’s other institutions. It’s one of
the reasons cited, along with exorbitant ticket prices, for the low
turn-out from the Pakistani diaspora at this summer’s test matches in
England.
But while people in and from Pakistan may not be shocked they are
bitterly aggrieved. And rightly so. The antics of the three players
accused of spot-fixing in the Lord’s test have destroyed the little
portion of relief cricket affords for millions coping with trying
conditions.