NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket is being taken to the cleaners from all sides — batting, bowling, and fielding have all crumbled, and now their handling of the media has become a fresh embarrassment. Not only are they struggling on the field, but they also appear reluctant — even fearful — when it comes to facing the press, particularly the Indian media.Captains are expected to show up after matches, win or lose, and face tough questions with courage. That, however, has not been the case with Pakistan.During the Asia Cup group match between India and Pakistan on September 14, the “handshake controversy” became the centre of attention. After India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in Dubai, the Pakistan captain skipped the mandatory post-match press conference. Instead, after a long delay, coach Mike Hesson was pushed in to face the media.The pattern continued ahead of Pakistan’s game against the UAE. Skipper Salman Agha was scheduled to speak but cancelled the press conference altogether, clearly avoiding the barrage of questions expected from the Indian media.When India beat Pakistan again — this time by six wickets in the Super Four stage on Sunday — the burning question resurfaced: would Pakistan finally hold a proper post-match press conference? This became the biggest talking point after their second defeat in the tournament.A press conference did happen, and Salman Agha eventually turned up. But controversy followed once more. Indian journalists sat waiting for their turn, but the microphones were never passed to them.
Instead, Pakistan’s media manager Naeem Gilani ensured that only Pakistani journalists were allowed to ask questions.This blatant one-sidedness highlighted Pakistan’s biased media management.The Indian media, however, did not remain silent. When PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi visited the ICC Academy ahead of the Super Four clash, Indian reporters rushed to him for answers. Why were Pakistan not holding regular press conferences? Why were Indian journalists being ignored? Naqvi merely smiled and gave a vague response: “We will talk soon.”The drama shows no signs of ending. With Pakistan losing twice to India in the same tournament, serious questions remain: Will skipper Salman Agha or PCB chief Naqvi hold an open press conference to address this once and for all? Will Pakistan’s management show professionalism in media communication? Do they have the courage to face tough questions from Indian reporters?If not, perhaps they could learn from India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. In a recent press conference, a Pakistani journalist asked him about the handshake controversy. Surya didn’t avoid the question — he welcomed it with a smile and responded with pride. That’s how it’s done.Pakistan, you need to learn from India.
