The Kiwis’ Crisis: A Call for Leadership and Revival

 

The South African cricket team has crushed New Zealand with ruthless precision, securing back-to-back innings victories to reaffirm their dominance in modern Test cricket. While South Africa’s bowlers were relentless and their batsmen imperious, the Kiwis' abject performances only accentuated the gulf between the two sides. In what can only be described as a crisis of both form and spirit, New Zealand's collapse was as much about technical deficiencies as it was about the absence of leadership and heart.  

Since the series began on January 2, New Zealand's efforts have been marred by capitulation rather than resistance. The opening salvo—a paltry 45 all-out in the first innings—set the tone for a series of lacklustre performances, both with bat and ball. Historically, even without the luxury of superstars like Viv Richards or Shane Warne, New Zealand cricket has embodied the ethos of resilience. They were never the most glamorous side, but they were fighters. This current iteration, however, seems a pale shadow, adrift without direction or conviction.  

A Team Adrift: Talent without Execution  

It would be unfair to dismiss this New Zealand side as bereft of ability. With promising talents like BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Dean Brownlie, Kane Williamson, and Trent Boult, the foundation for future success is undoubtedly present. Yet talent alone does not win matches—it must be harnessed with clarity of purpose and belief. Unfortunately, this young squad appears directionless, struggling to translate potential into performance.  

At the heart of their predicament lies a deeper malaise: the absence of imaginative leadership. It is not just the physical execution on the field that is lacking but the emotional and psychological guidance that moulds a team into a cohesive fighting unit. The current leadership vacuum is glaring—New Zealand's performances bear the hallmarks of a rudderless ship drifting aimlessly through turbulent waters.  

A Lesson from the Past: The Fleming Era  

New Zealand cricket has seen such turbulent phases before. In 1997, a young Stephen Fleming was entrusted with leading a team in transition. Fleming's tenure was transformative, not because his side suddenly became unbeatable, but because he instilled in them the capacity to dream, fight, and grow. Under his stewardship, New Zealand punched above their weight, challenging cricketing giants with tenacity. His captaincy was a masterclass in imaginative strategy and subtle inspiration, making the team believe they could achieve what seemed improbable.  

Fleming's success underscores a timeless truth: cricket, like all team sports, demands leadership that goes beyond tactics. A captain must foster trust, nurture potential, and inspire belief, especially within a young squad. 

The Way Forward: Ross Taylor as Captain  

What New Zealand needs now is not just a captain but a visionary—a leader capable of transforming disillusionment into determination. Ross Taylor stands as the most logical candidate to guide this side through its struggles. An experienced campaigner, Taylor possesses the temperament and understanding required to inspire the team. His performances with the bat have demonstrated both grit and class, and it is this kind of example that New Zealand’s younger players need to follow.  

Taylor’s elevation to captaincy could reignite the team’s competitive fire, providing the direction they so desperately lack. His leadership might not immediately translate into victories, but it could restore the fight and ambition that have long been hallmarks of New Zealand cricket. With time, this young side has the potential to evolve into a formidable unit—provided they find the right leader to steer them through these troubled waters.  

Leadership as the Catalyst for Revival  

The defeats against South Africa are more than just statistical blips; they are a wake-up call for New Zealand cricket. Talent without purpose is wasted, and potential without leadership remains unrealized. The time is ripe for New Zealand’s cricketing administrators to act decisively and hand the reins to someone who can lead with passion and vision. In Ross Taylor, they have a candidate capable of reigniting the spark within this talented yet faltering team.  

The question now is whether the powers that be will recognize the urgency of the moment. For New Zealand cricket to move forward, they must first rediscover the spirit that once defined them—not merely as players, but as a team with heart, ambition, and the will to fight.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Why Lionel Messi Didn’t Deserve the 2012 Ballon d’Or

Lionel Messi made history on January 7, 2013, when he claimed his fourth consecutive Ballon d’Or, surpassing Michel Platini’s record. Finishing ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Andrés Iniesta, Messi was once again crowned the world’s best player.

Yet, despite his brilliance, many argue that this was the wrong decision—and even Messi himself admitted the award should have gone to his Barcelona teammate Andrés Iniesta.

A Year Without Major Success

The Ballon d’Or is meant to honor the best performer of the year, not merely the most famous. In 2012, Messi dazzled statistically, breaking Gerd Müller’s long-standing record for most goals in a calendar year. But football is not just about numbers—it’s about impact, trophies, and context.

Barcelona failed to win either La Liga or the Champions League, the two competitions that define greatness at club level. Their silverware came from the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup, trophies of lesser prestige for a team of Barca’s stature. For a player whose genius depends on collective success, this was not a season that warranted the ultimate individual honor.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Case: A Season of Team Triumphs

While Messi set records, Cristiano Ronaldo led Real Madrid to an extraordinary La Liga title. Madrid shattered league records—most points, most goals, and most wins in a single season.

Ronaldo wasn’t just breaking personal milestones; he was driving his team to historic collective success. Given that football is a team game, rewarding Messi over Ronaldo, who achieved more with his side, raises legitimate questions about the criteria used for the award.

Overlooking the True Architect: Andrés Iniesta

Perhaps the biggest injustice of all lies with Andrés Iniesta, the heartbeat of both Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation. Iniesta was UEFA’s Best Player in Europe and Player of the Tournament at Euro 2012, where Spain claimed their third consecutive major international title—an unprecedented feat in football history.

Iniesta’s influence extended far beyond statistics. He dictated tempo, created rhythm, and delivered on the grandest stages, earning three man-of-the-match awards during the Euros, including in the final. Yet, he finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting—behind two players whose teams failed to capture comparable glory.

When Messi himself publicly admitted that Iniesta deserved the award, it only reinforced the sense that the wrong man won.

The Historical Perspective: Awards Should Reflect Collective Context

Throughout football history, the Ballon d’Or has often recognized players who achieved greatness within winning teams.

Legends like Zinedine Zidane, Franz Beckenbauer, Fabio Cannavaro, and Ronaldo Nazário were rewarded not only for individual brilliance but for leading their nations or clubs to triumph.

By contrast, Messi’s 2012 award broke from that tradition. Gerd Müller, whose record Messi surpassed, did not win the Ballon d’Or in the season he set his scoring milestone. Instead, it went to Beckenbauer, captain of the European Championship–winning West Germany. Greatness, it seems, had always been measured by impact on victories, not by numbers alone.

Spain’s Golden Era Deserved Recognition

Spain’s dominance from 2008 to 2012 reshaped world football. The national team’s success—three consecutive major trophies (Euro 2008, World Cup 2010, Euro 2012)—owed much to the creative brilliance of players like Xavi and Iniesta.

Yet, neither of them ever lifted the Ballon d’Or, as Messi collected four in succession. The imbalance highlights how media attention and narrative often overshadowed the true architects of the game’s evolution.

Conclusion: The Right Player, the Wrong Year

No one denies Messi’s extraordinary talent or his historical significance. But the Ballon d’Or is an annual award, not a lifetime achievement trophy.

In 2012, the rightful winner should have been Andrés Iniesta, whose artistry and achievements on both club and international levels defined football’s highest ideals that year.

Messi’s fourth consecutive triumph cemented his legend—but it also revealed the growing disconnect between performance and perception, and the unfortunate tendency to reward celebrity over context.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

A Triumph of Will: Pakistan’s Spirit Outshines India

As the vociferous crowd at Eden Gardens trudged towards the exits, the chill of Kolkata’s foggy night seeped into the emptying stands. Pakistan, once again, had conquered their fiercest rival. A silencing yorker from Junaid Khan in the 48th over uprooted Ishant Sharma’s off-stump, leaving India’s hopes shattered and delivering a 2-0 series victory to Pakistan. Eden Gardens, which had roared earlier, fell into a heavy silence — only Junaid’s ecstatic scream sliced through the haze.  

This was not just a victory. It was a message. Through the misty Kolkata air, one could almost imagine flowers cascading from the heavens, paying tribute to a team that transformed adversity into victory. For the Indian fans, it was heartbreak; for Pakistan, redemption.  

The Fire Beneath the Fog: A Season of Setbacks and Surges

Pakistan’s success was not accidental but born of deep resolve. Their journey through 2012 had been tumultuous — a "greenwash" at the hands of England in the Test series, a glimmer of hope with an Asia Cup win, but generally inconsistent in limited-overs formats. The batting faltered often; the fielding left much to be desired. Yet, when the challenge arose to face India in their own backyard, Pakistan embodied a rare unity and focus.  

On the other hand, India’s home record in ODIs remained formidable. Despite setbacks in Test cricket, limited-overs games on their soil had been a fortress for them. Betting against India was a bold risk. Even Wasim Akram, renowned for his cricketing insights, predicted that India would walk away with the series. But Pakistan is a team that defies logic. They exist in a space beyond reason, where form matters less than flair and predictions are irrelevant. Either they implode spectacularly or rise to dominate. Against India, it is almost always the latter.  

An Unpredictable Roar: Pakistan’s Ascendance in India

With determination coursing through their veins, Pakistan delivered two emphatic wins in the ODIs. This wasn’t just a collection of skilled performances but the flowering of a collective will to defy expectations and achieve something extraordinary. From Hafeez and Malik’s measured partnership at Bengaluru to Junaid Khan’s relentless rhythm, every player contributed not just with skill but with spirit. Mohammad Irfan’s awkward bounce, Umar Gul’s energy, Nasir Jamshed’s artistry with the bat, and even Kamran Akmal’s unexpected discipline behind the stumps painted a picture of a team playing with purpose and passion.  

Unity Through Rivalry: Pakistan’s Eternal Spirit Against India

It is often said that no Pakistani team is more dangerous than the one facing India on Indian soil. In these encounters, individuals become more than themselves — they morph into a unit bound by history, pride, and the need to prove their worth. What should have ignited India’s spirit, instead, fueled Pakistan’s fire. A team often criticized for its inconsistency suddenly discovered composure.  

This Pakistani squad operated like a pack of leopards — unpredictable, wild, yet united in their ferocity. The very conditions that should have inspired India seemed to galvanize Pakistan into a force that dismantled their opponents with clinical precision.  

Beyond Boundaries: A Win for a Nation Seeking Solace

The joy of this victory transcended the cricketing field. It rippled across the empty stadiums of Lahore, Karachi, and Multan, where fans, starved of international cricket, revelled in the glory of an away triumph. Amid political instability and social challenges, the series win over India felt like a much-needed breath of fresh air for the people of Pakistan. Cricket, once again, became a unifying force, offering hope and pride to a nation beleaguered by difficulties.  

While Indian fans mourned their team's defeat, they couldn’t help but recognize the grit and determination that Pakistan exhibited. The contest was not just about runs and wickets; it was a testament to resilience — a spirit forged in the face of challenges, one that burned brighter when pitted against the old foe.  

Conclusion: The Power of Belief 

In the end, it wasn’t just strategy or talent that won the series for Pakistan. It was the invisible force that drove every underdog to dream of glory — belief. This victory was a reminder that in cricket, as in life, outcomes are shaped not merely by statistics but by the heart that beats beneath the jersey. Pakistan’s journey through the series was a lesson in determination — a story of how a group of men, dismissed as unpredictable, became unstoppable when united by purpose.  

Eden Gardens might have fallen silent that night, but the echoes of Pakistan’s triumph will resonate far beyond the boundaries of Kolkata, as a testament to the enduring power of belief and the indomitable spirit that defines Pakistan cricket.

  

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Fragile Relationship: Bangladesh’s Indecision Over the Pakistan Tour

Cricket has long served as a bridge between nations, mending tensions, rekindling friendships, and offering respite from political complexities. In 2012, such hopes rested on Bangladesh’s proposed tour of Pakistan, a series that promised more than just cricket—it symbolized Pakistan’s slow but meaningful return to the global cricketing fraternity after years of isolation. However, the journey from promise to execution became a tale of hesitation, missteps, and diplomatic uncertainty.  

What began as a gesture of goodwill between the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) soon became a delicate dance of politics and security concerns. Despite initial enthusiasm, the tour's fate was marred by uncertainty, leaving fans from both nations disillusioned and questioning the intentions of the cricketing authorities.  

The Genesis of the Promise and the Fallout of Inaction

Bangladesh’s tour to Pakistan was initially agreed upon as part of a broader diplomatic arrangement. Pakistan’s support for then-BCB president Mustafa Kamal’s candidacy for ICC vice president set the stage for a cricketing exchange. Bangladesh was slated to play three ODIs and two T20Is in April 2012. But just as preparations began, a Dhaka court intervened, placing an embargo on the tour. Political sensitivities and security apprehensions turned the prospect of international cricket in Pakistan into a precarious venture, postponing the tour indefinitely.  

Months passed, and Kamal achieved his ICC dream, handing the reins of the BCB to Nazmul Hassan, a member of the ruling Awami League. Hassan, eager to honour previous commitments, revived talks with Pakistan and assured the PCB that Bangladesh would tour in late 2012. “Necessary steps” were promised, and the BCB even expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s security arrangements during the initial phase of discussions. Yet, when it was time to follow through, doubts crept in once more.  

Hassan’s statement on December 31, 2012, epitomized the ambiguity that defined the BCB’s stance. “The ICC minutes confirm that we gave an unconditional commitment to Pakistan,” he admitted but cautioned that the security situation in Pakistan had deteriorated. “We don’t think it will be wise to visit Pakistan at this time,” he concluded, neither committing to the tour nor ruling it out. The BCB’s wavering left Pakistan—and its fans—frustrated.  

Security Concerns or Mixed Signals?  

The primary justification for Bangladesh’s hesitation was Pakistan’s unstable security environment. It’s a fair concern. In the months preceding the proposed tour, Pakistan was rocked by tragic incidents, including the shooting of Malala Yousafzai, attacks on healthcare workers administering polio vaccines, and a series of bomb blasts. The BCB, fully aware of these events, had nonetheless expressed satisfaction with the security assurances provided by Pakistan during preliminary discussions. This contradiction raises uncomfortable questions: if the BCB was satisfied initially, what prompted its sudden retreat?  

While security is a legitimate concern, some argue that Bangladesh's vacillation was not solely motivated by fear. Political undercurrents, diplomatic calculations, and internal pressures may have influenced the BCB’s reluctance to commit. Rather than offering clarity, the board’s ambiguous position fostered confusion, fueling public speculation about the real reasons behind the indecision.  

The Human Cost of Ambiguity: Fans Left in Limbo

Beyond boardrooms and official statements, it is the fans who bear the brunt of such diplomatic games. Pakistani cricket lovers, starved of international cricket since the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team, eagerly awaited Bangladesh’s visit as a step toward normalcy. Meanwhile, Bangladeshi fans found themselves embroiled in a war of words with their Pakistani counterparts on social media—an unfortunate conflict between two communities that had previously shared warmth and respect.  

Historically, the cricketing relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan has been a positive one. Pakistan played a pivotal role in nurturing Bangladesh’s cricketing development when the sport was still finding its footing. Pakistani players featured prominently in Dhaka’s domestic leagues during the 1990s, and Pakistan actively supported Bangladesh’s bid for Test status. More recently, Pakistani players contributed significantly to the success of the inaugural Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), adding flair and competitiveness to the tournament.  

However, the goodwill cultivated over the years now risks being eroded by the BCB’s perceived indecision. The back-and-forth between the two boards has not only strained diplomatic ties but also sowed disillusionment among supporters on both sides.  

A Path Forward: Responsibility and Commitment

If the BCB indeed gave a written commitment to Pakistan, it must honour that promise—or, at the very least, offer a clear and final decision. The ongoing ambiguity is damaging not only the BCB’s credibility but also Bangladesh’s reputation as a responsible cricketing nation. A straightforward “no” would have been less harmful than the current limbo, which conveys a lack of direction and resolve.  

Pakistan, on its part, must recognize that restoring its status as a safe venue for international cricket requires more than promises. Comprehensive, foolproof security measures must be in place, and visiting teams need to be reassured that every possible precaution has been taken. The PCB cannot afford to leave any room for doubt.  

Both boards must act with transparency, professionalism, and respect. If the tour is deemed too risky, Bangladesh should decline with clarity and grace, offering to reschedule when conditions improve. If Pakistan can guarantee safety, the BCB should reciprocate the goodwill shown over the years by committing to the tour without hesitation.  

A Lesson in Diplomacy and Sportsmanship

The saga of Bangladesh’s proposed tour to Pakistan is a reminder that cricket, though a sport, often becomes entangled in the complexities of diplomacy. But sport should also rise above politics, providing a platform for unity and friendship. Both the BCB and PCB have a responsibility to uphold this spirit.  

At its heart, cricket is about connection—between nations, players, and fans. Bangladesh owes a debt of gratitude to Pakistan for its early support, just as Pakistan values the opportunity to reintegrate into the global cricketing community. The uncertainty surrounding the tour has already taken a toll on the goodwill between the two nations. It is time for clarity, responsibility, and, above all, honesty.  

The cricketing world thrives on commitments kept, not promises deferred. Bangladesh’s path forward lies not in hesitation but in decisive action—whatever that action may be.

 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

Collapse as a Constant: India’s Unravelling at Eden Gardens

For a team that not long ago scaled the summit of world cricket, India’s ODI descent has been anything but subtle. What began as a stutter overseas has turned into a nosedive at home. The loss at Eden Gardens wasn't just a defeat; it was a symptom of systemic regression, another entry in a growing ledger of capitulations. In the space of eight months, India, then, endured eight consecutive Test defeats abroad, a home Test series defeat, and now, most damningly for a reigning world champion, a bilateral ODI series loss on home soil, their first in over three years.

The rot, once isolated, has spread. And nowhere is it more visible than in their batting order — once feared, now frail.

The Mirage of a Start, the Collapse That Followed

India’s innings began with illusion — a sedate but steady 42-run stand between Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag. But even in that phase, alarm bells rang. There were inside edges missing the stumps, half-committed drives flirting with fate, and a general lack of command over the conditions. Eight of those 42 runs came off wayward overthrows, not confident strokes. When the unravelling began, it did so with a vengeance.

From 42 for no loss, India slid to 95 for 5 in a manner as predictable as it was painful. The implosion followed a now-familiar script: tentative footwork, indecisive shot-making, and a top order unable to cope with even moderate lateral movement. Junaid Khan, once again, emerged as the enforcer of India’s demise, conjuring up a brilliant new-ball spell that would have done justice to the greats of the past. His figures — 7-1-18-2 — don’t fully convey the precision and menace he brought with the swinging ball.

Umar Gul, cerebral and quietly lethal, joined the act, dismissing a nervy Sehwag and then Yuvraj Singh with a bouncer the latter had no business playing at. Raina, peppered by short balls and undone by Mohammad Hafeez's subtle offspin, added to the growing tale of technical brittleness.

And so it came to rest, once again, on MS Dhoni — the solitary figure who seems to hold back the tide of humiliation with a calm born of duty, not delusion. With Ishant Sharma for company, Dhoni refused singles, farmed strike, and managed occasional boundaries, his expression betraying neither hope nor resignation — only resolve. He knew the end was coming, but not before he reminded us that in a crumbling house, there are still beams that hold.

Pakistan: Precision, Then Panic

That India had even a sliver of a target to pursue was thanks to a mid-innings Pakistani stutter. For 24 overs, Pakistan were imperious. Nasir Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez romped to 141 without loss, picking gaps with ease, especially through square and midwicket. The pitch seemed benign, the Indian bowlers toothless, and the crowd listless.

Then came Ravindra Jadeja.

Introduced as the spinner who could offer control and variety in Dhoni’s quest to minimise part-time bowling, Jadeja changed the game with a spell of guile and tempo disruption. Hafeez’s dismissal — a mistimed sweep that ballooned into oblivion — initiated Pakistan’s tailspin. Jadeja returned to claim Jamshed, who had by then grafted his way to a third straight century against India, and Kamran Akmal in the same over. The Eden crowd, long silenced, roared with revivalist belief.

India, to their credit, bowled with intensity and intelligence in the latter stages. Ishant was stingy, Ashwin accurate, and Jadeja electric. A middle-order choke, a tactical field from Dhoni that placed slips and short covers deep into the innings, and moments of opportunistic brilliance — such as the run-out of Azhar Ali and the stumping of Jamshed — culminated in a collapse few had foreseen. From 141 for 0, Pakistan lost all ten wickets for just 109 runs. The final tally of 250 was respectable, but far from commanding.

Yet, in hindsight, it was more than enough.

A Fragile Batting Order of India

What stood out most in this loss, as in Chennai before it, was not just India’s inability to chase a modest total, but the absence of application, character, and adaptation among the top order. It is now a recurring pattern: Gambhir’s diminishing returns, Sehwag’s stubborn decline, Kohli’s momentary lapses in pressure situations, and Yuvraj’s tentativeness against pace. The new generation of Indian batting, once expected to dominate the post-Tendulkar era, now resembles a house of cards waiting to collapse in every second innings.

That Pakistan should be the side to deliver such a blow is fitting. They are, aside from Australia, the only team to have repeatedly broken Indian hearts on home soil in the past decade. Their record at Eden is now a pristine 4-0 in ODIs — a stadium where they seem to summon their most clinical selves.

And Yet, Only Dhoni Remains

As the dust settles on another defeat, one figure continues to stand unbowed — Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He now carries the team not just on the field, but symbolically, emotionally, and structurally. With the bat, he alone seems willing to suffer, to fight. In the field, he thinks several steps ahead, adjusting fields when bowlers look lost. But even titans can only do so much when the battalion crumbles before the battle truly begins.

India’s fall is no longer a phase. It is a trendline, steep and unrelenting. The 2011 World Cup glow has long faded. The team that once hunted targets with arrogance and flair now dies a death of repeated familiarities — exposed techniques, brittle temperaments, and an overreliance on one man who knows the collapse is coming but still marches into it, bat in hand.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar