It was very moving to watch the Pakistan players bid farewell to Inzamam-ul-Haq at the end of their last series against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board must be congratulated for giving Inzy the chance to play his last match on the same ground where he made his debut. That he could not score the necessary 20 runs (in two innings) to become the highest scorer for Pakistan is another issue.

Inzy had matured as a player and captain over the last few years. He was seen more as an 'elder brother' by the relatively younger cricketers from the Pakistan team – this was evident from the way the current captain broke down during his farewell to the ex-captain.

‘Marvan Atapattu is not sure if and when he is going to play his next match for Sri Lanka ... his performances over the last few years do not deserve this kind of treatment.’


This brings up an interesting question – how many players could talk about having an opportunity to enjoy a proper farewell, especially from the sub-continental teams?

Marvan Atapattu is not sure if and when he is going to play his next match for Sri Lanka, for he seems to be having a hide-and-seek game with his selectors. His performances over the last few years do not deserve this kind of treatment.

The Big Three of Indian cricket – Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid – have been under fire over the last few weeks. Despite their good showing during the England tour, the public and even the chairman of selectors, are crying for their heads. It is a mystery why the media does not do a proper analysis of their performance before turning on them and provoking a public backlash.

Don’t these legendary players have any say on when they want to leave? If their performances are not up to the mark, the selectors can have a private discussion with them and come up with a plan for the next few months on how to use them effectively and see them off to a dignified retirement.

Tendulkar, Ganguly and Dravid need to be looked after because they still have a lot more to offer for the Indian team – particularly with an Australian tour coming up. That is the ultimate challenge for any team.

Another aspect that the selectors need to introduce to the Indian team is a rotation policy. The youngsters must be given ample chance along with the seniors so that they can learn the nuances of international cricket better. Otherwise, the shelf-life of the Big Three will be greatly reduced. Probably a better idea is to select them for tournaments with more than two teams participating.

The Australians tend to have a greater affinity with their senior players and phase them out (Damien Martyn being the sole exception recently) from international cricket. The cricket boards of the subcontinent can take a leaf from them to see how best to make optimum use of their senior jewels.

Are the old guard of Indian cricket and elsewhere being treated with enough dignity? Or should they just hang up their bats? Post your view below or write something for Sportingo.