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Why has Pakistan Cricket team touched rock bottom, when it had peaked to defeat Australia in Australia, and was being ranked among first few? In Morocco, Kenya and Colombo the same side crumbled and crashed. After the remarkable triumph its tame showing was a shock. For this sudden slump I will recount the following factors.

The most important point to ponder is the 'Dressing Room atmosphere' which deteriorated. For any team to succeed the climate in the 'Dressing Room' is the most important. My conclusion is based on the row between Yousuf Youhana and the captain following which the key batsman was summarily dispatched. When he had shoulder injury what was the Doctor doing. If he was convinced and sure about the disability to practice he should have advised the skipper. His verdict according to convention is final. Perhaps he was on a joyride. And where was the psychologist who was soaring sky high in Australia.

If such an experienced lot of players need lessons to attain mental toughness theyshould quit cricket. I think the Physio, the Psychologist and the Analyst are virtually tourists. These triple tasks might as well be assigned to a local Specialist.

Now coming to the captain's role I am sorry to say that Waqar bungled and fumbled. Shahid Afridi who played half a dozen matches had to suffer a shift in batting order which shook his confidence. Can the captain justify downgrading a batsman to number 8 and 9? Similarly Misbahul Haq who scored 50, 39 and 50 in three innings, a creditable record, in the next match he was sent below Rashid Latif.

The biggest spoiler was Shoaib Malik, who replaced such great players as Saeed Anwar and Saqlain Mushtaq. He played the three early matches and then on top of that he bowled only one over as an off spinner and conceded 15 runs. Is there any justification for his selection except patronage.

Now be prepared for further disaster as the report that another 'foreign mercenary' Richard Pybus is being rehired as coach has come to light. He ran away and left the team in the lurch because of the border situation last time. Apart from his doubtful commitment to Pakistan cricket, he is essentially a trainer. Do we really need him? With no experience at first class level as player, does he have the skill and ability to coach one of the best and most talented Test teams around.

In his recently published interview he alleged that Pakistan lost the 1999 World Cup because of the management's interference. How can we trust a person who conveniently shifts the blame when it comes to a crunch.

Was he not the trainer when Pakistan suffered humiliation at the hands of Bangladesh and India? What guarantee is there that if, tomorrow, God forbid, Pakistan loses again he would blame the management and move away. Socializing with players is one thing and training another. Again he is laying down the condition that Yawar Saeed must continue as manager. Perhaps the latter is using him as a cover and a case in point for his continuation.

If the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) goes for Pybus once again it will be a sure prescription for further calamity.

My advice will be "Play for Pakistan for God's sake do not play with Pakistan".

© Dawn