While giving his perspective to PAKISTAN & GULF ECONOMIST, Mr. Abdul Rahim Janoo, President Memon Leadership Forum (Global), Former Senior Vice President FPCCI, Former Chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Chairman Baba Farid Free Eye Camps appealed President and Prime Minister of Pakistan to ban cricket in Pakistan and promote and support football. He was hopeful that if we support Football in Lyari Karachi, we hope to have international players like Maradona, Messi and Ronaldo.
“Unfortunately football is considered a sport of the poor, whereas cricket is the game of English Lords and total wastage of time and money. It is only popular and played in some big areas. Even in today’s fast tenure, this lazy game is played for (5) days and results in zero or one team being defeated.”
He further said, in addition, cricket players are awarded millions of rupees, which is totally against the ethics of the poor and loan-taking countries like Pakistan. In our country, for a cricket match, the total area is closed for security purposes which results in severe problems for local people as well as travelers in these areas. A live example of such an incident is Karachi East, where National Stadium is located and daily life is almost suspended due to the cricket match.
Just like developed countries, we also need to get rid of this lazy and boring game and wind up the Cricket Board and its huge funds to be allocated for the promotion of football and relieve cricket officials who are taking huge salaries.
“Countries like Pakistan, which is already facing huge debts from IMF and other financial institutions cannot afford this game and wastage of time is another factor.”
Abdul Rahim Janoo was hopeful that the Government of Pakistan may consider his proposal to promote football. If the government takes a such decision, we will be able to form a good football team from Lyari, Karachi and if required, we will also invite international football coaches to come to Pakistan for the training of players.