In a world filled with pressing challenges, we often find ourselves distracted by trivial concerns. A recent example is the reaction to Sarfraz Ahmed’s off-the-record remarks about the absence of Urdu reporters at a post-match press conference. Ahmed made these comments following Pakistan’s thrilling victory over Sri Lanka, a match in which he played a pivotal role as captain.
Speaking in English may not be Pakistan cricket players’ fundamental job.
Ahmed could never have imagined, even in his wildest dreams, becoming the subject of mockery over something so trivial-let alone turning into a trolling trend on social media. Many Pakistani cricketers lack fluency in English, but the ability to speak the language should not be seen as a reflection of one’s intelligence. It’s high time people understood that a cricketer’s primary responsibility is to play the game, not master a foreign language.
Mocking players for their English skills is unfair, especially since English is not our native language. However, leaving aside the issue of English, a valid question arises: how proficient are our players in communicating in Urdu? The reality is that, even when addressed in Urdu, some players struggle to provide coherent answers and often find themselves in unnecessary controversies because of their remarks.
It’s important to remember that cricket is a sport predominantly played by nations that were once under colonial rule or part of the Commonwealth, which naturally links it to the English language, unlike many other sports. Nevertheless, no one has the right to ridicule a player for their lack of English fluency. That said, I also believe that cricketers are not just there to play—they represent their countries on an international stage.
In the end, cricketers are ambassadors of their nations and are expected to interact with global media, responding to complex or challenging questions in a language widely understood. When we dismiss the idea that cricketers should know English, we become complacent. While it may not be their core duty, language proficiency should at least be considered part of the job.
Of course, not everyone will agree with this perspective. But the players themselves are not to blame—many come from modest backgrounds with limited access to education. The real issue lies with our educational system and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which needs to step up in preparing these athletes for the global stage.
Many international cricketers are not university graduates, as the demands of the sport require significant time and energy. In the subcontinent, numerous cricketers often halt their education after Matriculation or grade 12. However, it’s worth noting how many Indian cricketers can still communicate effectively in English.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shares the blame for not investing in the personal development of our players. During off-seasons, the PCB could easily provide crash courses to improve communication and soft skills, but instead, the focus remains on financial rewards for governing members. When it comes to player grooming, the board tends to be frugal.
If we excuse these players from learning to communicate in English, we overlook a broader issue—both the PCB and our education system are failing in this regard.
This issue extends beyond language.
Pakistan has very few cricketing figures like Rameez Raja, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis who represent the country on international platforms. In contrast, former Indian cricketers frequently dominate these spaces, and it’s often our lack of English proficiency that keeps Pakistan underrepresented at the International Cricket Council (ICC). The ICC, which influences major decisions and rules in the game, remains an arena where our players’ voices are largely absent. Only a select few have found success on such platforms after retiring from cricket. As a nation, we have yet to fully recognize the importance of making our voices heard internationally.
Virat Kohli’s press conference in WA underscores my point.
Effective communication between players is crucial for growth—whether it’s learning new skills, developing strategies, or maintaining mental resilience. For years, international cricket stars have gained valuable insights from teammates across borders. If we continue to neglect the importance of this skill, our players will miss out on those vital exchanges with cricketers from other nations.
It’s time to reassess our approach and urge the PCB to establish and enforce a comprehensive policy on this matter. Otherwise, incidents of ridicule will persist. The recent mockery wasn’t just about Ahmed; it reflected on Pakistan as a whole. The sooner we adapt, the better positioned we’ll be for the future.