Probably he takes people like Sohail Tanveer too seriously
-
Contact the PP Team
Babar Azam - the lack of English debate
- Thread starter MenInG
- Start date
Mankaded
Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2021
- Runs
- 165
I know scores of people who have finished the 12th grade in Pakistani English medium schools but cant speak English that well either. The education system in itself is bad where its the ratta system, they just memorize certain things that comes in exams without actually understanding most of it. No critical thinking is encouraged either. I changed from the 9th grade in O'Levels to Pakistani matriculation in Dubai because I wanted to get the 10th degree and go study medicine because the difference between the 10, 12th (Intermediate) and A Levels wasn't that known at the time and I wanted to use the loophole and save 2 years and start my MBBS.
Anyway the I was really shocked and unprepared for the difference in the level of education, system that encouraged ratta and no critical thinking, teachers that were there to basically just collect students for their tuition classes at home later and intentionally gave students below par marks for that and so on. And this was in Dubai, can't even begin to imagine the situation in Pakistan. So even with an education it doesn't make that big a difference as it is the level of education that matters instead of education just for the sake of calling it education.
Thanos
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2021
- Runs
- 1,264
People who didn't have English medium education and/or grew up in an environment where no one spoke English, always struggle when it comes to speaking.
Vocabulary!! - The biggest blocker.
People like Babar may get decent hold on grammar over the time but vocabulary is something which doesn't come naturally. And using proper word while speaking becomes very difficult.
Knowing the meaning of a word and using it while speaking is altogether a different ball game. The brain just doesn't remind you the words which you already know.
But this is important only for someone who is working in let's say corporate sector, IT professional etc. and not for athletes.
Their livelihood or career growth is not dependent on how good their English is.
So Babar should focus on his cricket skills only and should speak in the language he is most comfortable with. Use a translator. Simple.
Even if he is not a good speaker in his mother tongue, at least there won't be any unnecessary pressure on him of English. People will know his thinking, his approach to some extent. As of now all his insights, thoughts get buried under the excuse of not knowing the English.
Vocabulary!! - The biggest blocker.
People like Babar may get decent hold on grammar over the time but vocabulary is something which doesn't come naturally. And using proper word while speaking becomes very difficult.
Knowing the meaning of a word and using it while speaking is altogether a different ball game. The brain just doesn't remind you the words which you already know.
But this is important only for someone who is working in let's say corporate sector, IT professional etc. and not for athletes.
Their livelihood or career growth is not dependent on how good their English is.
So Babar should focus on his cricket skills only and should speak in the language he is most comfortable with. Use a translator. Simple.
Even if he is not a good speaker in his mother tongue, at least there won't be any unnecessary pressure on him of English. People will know his thinking, his approach to some extent. As of now all his insights, thoughts get buried under the excuse of not knowing the English.
Babeikh
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2021
- Runs
- 1,153
As someone who is almost constantly traveling the world, playing cricket in multiple countries, has played leagues / domestic around the world with non-Pakistani team mates, I am really surprised at how little improvement there has been in his English. I think maybe it is a little harsh because speaking a foreign language with someone in person is different to speaking when there are cameras pointed at you and millions watching - so maybe he is better just having a chat in person - but I think the fact his 'camera facing' English has not improved until now is a sign that it probably never will improve.
So I agree he should just forget it. Speak in Punjabi and have someone translate for him (but please get a professional translator, not some random who can barely speak English himself).
So I agree he should just forget it. Speak in Punjabi and have someone translate for him (but please get a professional translator, not some random who can barely speak English himself).
And that's the point so many of us are making.
Speak in the language you are most comfortable with and ICC and the broadcasters should respect that.
Social media accounts are run by agents/managers/hangers-on.
Most of the players don't have a clue what is being put out on their social media accounts.
I asked the ICC about whether a player has to speak in English at any of the media/tv interviews:
"player comfort is generally considered. Also depends on whether there is time for team's manager or media manager to do the translation for the player as required, in my experiences broadcasters are generally accommodating and considerate to team requirements and preferences etc. At times the ceremonies need to be wrapped up really quick due to air-time content, so yeah, it varies from one event to another but by and large broadcasters work closely with the teams and their managements."
So there is no need for Babar to do these interviews in English.
"player comfort is generally considered. Also depends on whether there is time for team's manager or media manager to do the translation for the player as required, in my experiences broadcasters are generally accommodating and considerate to team requirements and preferences etc. At times the ceremonies need to be wrapped up really quick due to air-time content, so yeah, it varies from one event to another but by and large broadcasters work closely with the teams and their managements."
So there is no need for Babar to do these interviews in English.
I think in today's world when you may have to captain a franchise team in foreign country, work with managers/coaches and captains from different countries it is important to be good communicator.
Babar can't take a translator to ground to tell Neesham how he wants him to bowl. So basic English is must and over the time you can keep polishing it.
Nobody is asking you to be perfect.
I am impressed with Naseem in this regard, he speaks quite well despite the fact that he comes from rural background and hasn't done much of studies either.
Babar can't take a translator to ground to tell Neesham how he wants him to bowl. So basic English is must and over the time you can keep polishing it.
Nobody is asking you to be perfect.
I am impressed with Naseem in this regard, he speaks quite well despite the fact that he comes from rural background and hasn't done much of studies either.
Gharib Aadmi
First Class Star
- Joined
- Oct 21, 2018
- Runs
- 4,199
Babar Azam is a cricketer, he has no obligation to learn any English. The PCB should have a professional translator available so players can give interview in there mother tongue if they wish to do so.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,942
Babar made a mess of the post game again - just speak in Urdu bro!
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,061
- Post of the Week
- 7
Pakistanis love to disrespect Afghanis all the time. They call them tandoor walas and what not and whenever Pakistan beats Afghanistan, many people share a win about going to a tandoor wala and boosting about the win.
Today, i saw how well Rehmanullah Gurbaz spoke in English and how well Ibrahim Zadran also spoke in English. Than came our captain mumbling his words. Maybe if our captain stopped focusing on brand shoots after every week and took an English course that would had helped.
Anyways, he will be dumped as captain finally, he can now do his brand shoots if any brand is left that wants to do one with him after this pathetic world cup campaign
Today, i saw how well Rehmanullah Gurbaz spoke in English and how well Ibrahim Zadran also spoke in English. Than came our captain mumbling his words. Maybe if our captain stopped focusing on brand shoots after every week and took an English course that would had helped.
Anyways, he will be dumped as captain finally, he can now do his brand shoots if any brand is left that wants to do one with him after this pathetic world cup campaign
Kianig89
T20I Star
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2012
- Runs
- 32,248
But but but he had a Audi etron, why not spend some money to develop your English Proficiency, most of Pakistan top brass mafia is just high school yet these looters are fluent in English as they give language skills in 3yrs at a hill station academy just to plunder the country resources
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,061
- Post of the Week
- 7
Well he should cry. Misbah said to him take a mystery spinner with you, he said place Abrar in the final 15, you dont need him in reserves. Babar was stubborn, as if he knows better than everyone else.
We fans saw it in Asia Cup that our spinners cant spin, this guy on the field doesnt know?
He got the team that he wanted, now he should deal with the consequences. If he wants to cry go cry. When help was there he didnt take it, he just used his power. Sometimes you need to take in your own ego and use some players that beneficial for the team.
He played Usman Qadir over others. He allowed Usman Qadir to play while Abrar warmed the benches in a t20 series. This guy was a joke at KK, than he became a joke at PZ, and now he is finally exposed at Pakistan team.
When Najem Sethi was going to remove him, he should had resigned there and than. He didnt, he was stubborn as always.
If you want to be stubborn than atleast learn from your mistakes. Every game he makes the same stupid mistakes. Every game we see he fails to utilize his part timer properly. His mantra is simple, Shaheen pehla over karwai ga wicket lay ga. Doesnt work that way.
Thankfully, he is a goner. Imran Khan and Rameez Raja made the dumbest mistake by making him and continuing with him as a captain
ArabKnight
Local Club Regular
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2022
- Runs
- 1,389
He’s just following the blueprints and using the power given to him by Misbah.
Your own Misbah made him the captain. Criticize Misbah for making an incompetent guy like him our captain.
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,061
- Post of the Week
- 7
He probably comitted tax fraud on that Audi. His brother doesnt make millions that he claims that he gifted Babar that car. Babar probably bought gave the money to his brother to buy it and gift it to him so that they can claim in their tax filing that its a gift.....
Anyways, yes, insteading of spending soo much money on such assets, maybe get some classes.
But he wont be captain anymore so, he can enjoy his audi.
Sunzi
Local Club Captain
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2015
- Runs
- 2,491
Right now, he lacks everything - English is least of my concerns.
Though it is also a concern.
Though it is also a concern.
IAJ
T20I Star
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2008
- Runs
- 32,913
- Post of the Week
- 1
Listen, my english is also rubbish as english is my 3rd big language (after many pakistani languages and Norwegian), but I try to get better by reading posts here and post myself. And I know Babar's first priority is not to speak english, it's his cricket, but I will still ask him to focus on this aspect as well, since he will have to come out and speak in english. If he does not improve he will never be able to speak what's really on his mind, he will just take the easy way out by saying same sentences again.
The other day I listned to Rashid Khan for the first time and I was very surprised, he spoke so well. Again I never want to critisize anyone but I think PCB should look into this. All they need is to have some proper classes, that will help immensly.
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,061
- Post of the Week
- 7
Imran made him captain, not Misbah. Misbah was against the move and had to deal with the stupid move Imran made.
- Joined
- Feb 14, 2018
- Runs
- 5,867
We are losing games and that is a bigger problem than his English.
topspin
Test Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2018
- Runs
- 14,098
- Post of the Week
- 1
With all due respect you're no better than them. When I asked you for your view on Afghan fans who had assaulted Pakistan fans, who were their families, in previous games, your response was "who cares man". Stop taking the moral high ground when you haven't got a leg to stand on.
ArabKnight
Local Club Regular
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2022
- Runs
- 1,389
Imran didn’t make him captain.
He had more important things to worry about in the country as PM.It was Ramiz and Misbah.
IK doesn’t even talk to Ramiz anymore. He’s a no body to him. IK hates Ramiz and hasn’t answered his calls in years.
Misbah is a fraud who is allied with Najam Sethi and Nawaz Sharif. He is no way associated with IK.
chinaman00
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2016
- Runs
- 1,240
This made me laugh but it’s also so true.
The old generation of Pakistani players, Wasim, Waqar, etc came from humble backgrounds and learned English after joining the national team. They played county cricket, they innovated (doosra, reverse swing etc) and were always in your face. The recent generation of Pakistani players don’t care for anything except making quick cash, whether legally or illegally.
Besides, the old generation of players were hustlers, street smarts, I mean look at players like Ijaz Ahmed, Miandad, Salim Malik, etc. This current bunch are true mental midgets, who panic easily and have frequent stage fright.
It’s unfortunate, but it also speaks of a deeper national crisis that goes beyond cricket. The team, at the end of the day, just like the politics, is a reflection of the country.
NeVerMind
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 22, 2007
- Runs
- 6,210
I think the "English" comment is a bit of a red herring. What is really required is having an educated man in charge (and with that comes the bi-product of being able to speak and understand English as well).
Look at all those masterclasses that Sky produces...having someone who can actually understand and benefit from the international community would be immense and the only way to do this is actually speak/understand English well...
Major
Test Star
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2013
- Runs
- 36,061
- Post of the Week
- 7
there is a difference between being racists and wring who cares about some event. But anyways, Afghanistan won today, Pakistani fans have to do some rona dhona
ArabKnight
Local Club Regular
- Joined
- Dec 28, 2022
- Runs
- 1,389
Ramiz is a fan of Babar. He admitted to being wanting to marry him. He is the propagandist who used to criticize Sarfraz on air & indicate Babar should be made captain.
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
- Runs
- 21,319
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
- Runs
- 21,319
Why can't this leverage be given to any Pakistani player?
if they do so, they get trolled.
JattMaula
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2016
- Runs
- 7,308
When has a payer been trolled fro speaking in Urdu/Punjabi/Pashto in a post match interview?
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
- Runs
- 21,319
Well, Babar has been trolled multiple times about why as a captain he can't speak English.
This debate is nothing new!
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,942
I understand that this is an unfair comparison given Shan's education etc but am adding here to say that it's nice to hear this from a Pakistan captain after a LONG time
FastBowlingAllrounder
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Aug 6, 2018
- Runs
- 801
Another thing that people overlook in this English debate is coaching. Lack of English proficiency means the players can only truly learn from our domestic coaches (and we all know how much of a treasure trove they are).
Sure, foreign coaches can use translators etc. but that isn’t the same as having a one-to-one connection. Maybe Haris could’ve learnt something from Morne during the WC and avoided breaking the wrong kind of records.
Sure, foreign coaches can use translators etc. but that isn’t the same as having a one-to-one connection. Maybe Haris could’ve learnt something from Morne during the WC and avoided breaking the wrong kind of records.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,942
Zaman Khan jokingly walking away from an interview but imagine if he could speak proper English and express his delight and talk about Maxwell's wicket etc?
chinaman00
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2016
- Runs
- 1,240
Wasim Akram & Waqar Younis didn’t speak a lick of English when they joined the national team, but by playing county cricket and interacting with foreign players, overtime their English improved considerably.
There’s also a demographic factor at play. The olden generation tended to come from the middle or upper class and as a result had a good educational foundation. Players like Imran Khan went to Oxford before captaining their national team.
The recent generation of Pakistani cricketers tend to come from poor and peripheral backgrounds, so speaking English is out of the question for them. But it’s the lack of interest in learning English that hampers their professional growth. Once they retire, they are reduced to sitting on Pakistan tv circuses to make outlandish and often ignorant statements. Being fluent in English would have allowed them to pursue a career in broadcast commentary. This also explains the absence of any meaningful Pakistani English commentators in the broadcast scene.
As I often said, Pakistan cricket is microcosm of the Pakistani culture and state. A nation that holds one of the lowest literacy rates in the world can’t be expected to have English speaking cricketers.
There’s also a demographic factor at play. The olden generation tended to come from the middle or upper class and as a result had a good educational foundation. Players like Imran Khan went to Oxford before captaining their national team.
The recent generation of Pakistani cricketers tend to come from poor and peripheral backgrounds, so speaking English is out of the question for them. But it’s the lack of interest in learning English that hampers their professional growth. Once they retire, they are reduced to sitting on Pakistan tv circuses to make outlandish and often ignorant statements. Being fluent in English would have allowed them to pursue a career in broadcast commentary. This also explains the absence of any meaningful Pakistani English commentators in the broadcast scene.
As I often said, Pakistan cricket is microcosm of the Pakistani culture and state. A nation that holds one of the lowest literacy rates in the world can’t be expected to have English speaking cricketers.
DeadlyVenom
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2010
- Runs
- 28,611
- Post of the Week
- 1
Zaman Khan is a poor villager plucked from obscurity in KPL. He lived in a mud house with broken roof.
There should be zero expectation of him speaking English at this stage.
Babar in comparison has been in the PCB pathways since he was around 14.
Well said.
The thing is these guys aren't exactly Ghalib even when speaking in their own tongue.
Babar especially is one of the most uninspiring, uncharismatic, zero personality individuals I've seen. I'm amazed how PCB and our fans have built a cult of personality around him.
chinaman00
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2016
- Runs
- 1,240
Good points.
While there’s no evidence of a correlation between speaking English and talent, there’s definite link between education and intelligence. Formal education builds both good character and improved one’s intelligence. The fact that so many uneducated cricketers are joining the national team means both an increase in corrupt practices and questionable on-field blunders. While I do not speak Urdu, I wouldn’t be surprised if Babar & Company’s communication abilities in their own languages are questionable.
Slim
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2018
- Runs
- 7,791
Babar not learning English is inexcusable considering how even Afghans with bare bones economy and practically no schooling system are speaking it. This just shows a consistent pattern in Babar, his lack of desire to improve in any facet and thinking he has made it.
By the way, has anyone seen Aamir Jamal’s interview? Amazing communication skills, and solid english. His story is also quite inspirational.
By the way, has anyone seen Aamir Jamal’s interview? Amazing communication skills, and solid english. His story is also quite inspirational.
- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,942
Young players - need to have the drive to improve themselves in all areas.
I am hoping he will improve his English in a few years time.
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2023
- Runs
- 21,319
It's just a language if he is not comfortable learning it we should give him room because it doesn't specify the standard of education. If he can communicate with his broken English that's more than enough because his job is not to give interviews in English.
We can question him on his performance but not on his English speaking skills.
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2023
- Runs
- 32,876
Here is another case of Babar Azam's lack of English communication skills:
Reporter: Should we call it an upset or did the USA play extraordinarily well and beat you in all sections?
Babar's reply was: Yes, I am upset!
View attachment ssstwitter.com_1717789181032.mp4
Reporter: Should we call it an upset or did the USA play extraordinarily well and beat you in all sections?
Babar's reply was: Yes, I am upset!
View attachment ssstwitter.com_1717789181032.mp4
mominsaigol
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2021
- Runs
- 26,273
- Post of the Week
- 2
Tbf the reporter is difficult to understand as well
- Joined
- Aug 29, 2023
- Runs
- 32,876
Yeah, bor. There english is also beyond understanding. But babar asked somebody about what he is saying, maybe he told him wrong as well.
mominsaigol
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2021
- Runs
- 26,273
- Post of the Week
- 2
I think it's unfair to slander Bobby for his English, I think that's going a bit far.
People should hate Bobby for how much of a coward he is and his dosti yaari. But I don't think Bobby deliberately misanswered, I think the reporter wasn't clear enough
Technics 1210
Test Debutant
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2019
- Runs
- 14,930
The reporter's English is worse than Babar's!
Forget English, Babar can’t even speak properly in Urdu.
For Babar, English proficiency is a secondary issue. He never has anything meaningful to share - be it in any language.
Sarfraz didn’t have a great English either, but he made up for it by at least having insights to share and something worth listening to.
Babar repeats the same cliched dialogues in every win and every loss.
Babar’s press conferences can be done by literally any person who watches cricket. There is nothing unique or insightful that comes from him.
For Babar, English proficiency is a secondary issue. He never has anything meaningful to share - be it in any language.
Sarfraz didn’t have a great English either, but he made up for it by at least having insights to share and something worth listening to.
Babar repeats the same cliched dialogues in every win and every loss.
Babar’s press conferences can be done by literally any person who watches cricket. There is nothing unique or insightful that comes from him.
Rana
Hall of Famer
- Joined
- Jan 18, 2006
- Runs
- 83,958
But but but he’s the biggest brand of Pakistan
Mamoon
ATG
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2012
- Runs
- 105,733
- Post of the Week
- 12
Certainly.
We all remember his “same answer” response when a journalist asked him about Pakistan-India rivalry prior to the 2019 World Cup and he was sitting right next to Kohli, who was asked first and gave a comprehensive, articulate response.
That was the moment where Pakistan’s humiliation started in that World Cup.
JattMaula
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Feb 19, 2016
- Runs
- 7,308
That reply by Sarfraz was witty and in the moment. Sign of a clever person.
We don’t need an English speaker - we just need someone who can articulate themselves in whatever language they want.
Babar is just as poor at articulating anything useful even in Urdu and I’d imagine Punjabi too. He’s just a poor communicator and clearly a poor thinker. Some people are just not cut out for it.
I would forgive him if he can display his communication and thinking on the field. But he can’t do that either.
I could forgive him if he could just show strokes of genius as a captain
I could forgive him if he display some true world class batsmanship with a wide array of shots, innovation, the ability to dominate the opposition.
But he can’t do any of that.
And some genius thought he’d be the best choice captain, not once but twice now and counting. Ludicrous
Babar is just as poor at articulating anything useful even in Urdu and I’d imagine Punjabi too. He’s just a poor communicator and clearly a poor thinker. Some people are just not cut out for it.
I would forgive him if he can display his communication and thinking on the field. But he can’t do that either.
I could forgive him if he could just show strokes of genius as a captain
I could forgive him if he display some true world class batsmanship with a wide array of shots, innovation, the ability to dominate the opposition.
But he can’t do any of that.
And some genius thought he’d be the best choice captain, not once but twice now and counting. Ludicrous
cricketmania22
Tape Ball Captain
- Joined
- Apr 25, 2024
- Runs
- 1,020
Mocking someone's English only reveals your own inferiority complex. No one is concerned about the English proficiency of athletes like Nadal or Cristiano Ronaldo. India and Pakistan have struggled to shed the colonial mindset, and the emphasis on speaking English and using skin-whitening creams are prime examples of this lingering mentality.
Flat_Track_Bully
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2015
- Runs
- 6,512
He was all over the place in his pressers. After all these years you would think he would learn enough english to be coherent during an interview.
He should have a translator and speak in urdu.
He should have a translator and speak in urdu.
Mamoon
ATG
- Joined
- Sep 3, 2012
- Runs
- 105,733
- Post of the Week
- 12
No, it was the sign of a brainless man that Sarfaraz is.
Last edited by a moderator:
topspin
Test Debutant
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2018
- Runs
- 14,098
- Post of the Week
- 1
 (1).png "BA shocked :ba_shock")
ExpressPacer
ODI Debutant
- Joined
- Aug 3, 2016
- Runs
- 8,554
- Post of the Week
- 1
His mother tongue is Punjabi. Babars Urdu is pretty basic.
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2023
- Runs
- 5,142
Totally agree.
I just think it is a bit embarrassing as a country that he cannot speak English properly. Most of the Afghan team lived in refugee camps in Pakistan and even they can speak English better than most of the Pak players.
rickroll
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2022
- Runs
- 725
I'm seeing this consistently. Pretty much most Indian players on average speaks better English and has smoother more refined communication than Pakistani players. When I see our players speak in immediate contrast with the Indian players, I cannot help but cringe at how the Pakistani players communicate. Why is this the case?
Hikaru
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2024
- Runs
- 998
Weird timing of this thread, most of them sounded straight out of pind tonight.
rickroll
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2022
- Runs
- 725
It is relative. On average their communication is still far better than Pakistani players, which got me curious.
jnaveen1980
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Mar 19, 2016
- Runs
- 45,124
Today emotionally drained. They didn't even speak that well. But Bumrah, Kohli are always good. Poorest is Siraj.
big_gamer007
T20I Debutant
- Joined
- Mar 25, 2016
- Runs
- 8,286
wah, Pakistani fans never cease to amaze me.
Out of all the threads they could have started after such a final, they start one on English to degrade their players.
Legendary fans Pakistan has
Out of all the threads they could have started after such a final, they start one on English to degrade their players.
Legendary fans Pakistan has
Itachi
Test Debutant
- Joined
- Jun 14, 2011
- Runs
- 16,430
They are coached me thinks. Either by BCCI or they take it upon themselves to face the media better.
Cover Drive Six
First Class Star
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2021
- Runs
- 4,172
I am surprised to see Siraj's English. He has improved a lot; he used to speak only in Hindi, but now he's picked it up. And look at Bumrah—he's talking like a pro! Dude has improved a lot.
Indian players usually come from middle and upper middle class. It's very expensive to afford kit, coaching etc. If you see players who come from poorer backgrounds, they dont speak very good english
After they come to cricket , their IPL franchises, BCCI and managers invest to improve their communication by giving them training.
After they come to cricket , their IPL franchises, BCCI and managers invest to improve their communication by giving them training.
Usman Chadda
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2005
- Runs
- 18,915
Pakistan cricketers can barely speak better than Ugandans, and here you are comparing these dehati paindus to Indian cricketers
DeadlyVenom
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2010
- Runs
- 28,611
- Post of the Week
- 1
Ugandans speak better than both Indian and Pakistanis.
Usman Chadda
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2005
- Runs
- 18,915
Papa New Guinea then?
Ours might be the most illiterate bunch out of all the international teams.
kingusama92
ODI Captain
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2008
- Runs
- 45,475
- Post of the Week
- 1
Pakistani players don't even speak well in Urdu. 
Cryin Out Loud
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Sep 1, 2006
- Runs
- 4,666
- Post of the Week
- 2
Actually it’s a great question because of a possible (ie I’m not sure and Pakistani fans will have to chime in) underlying cultural phenomenon.
So what I think is that in India the game has become one where the middle class (apart from other sections) has taken a huge interest in the game as a career option for their children - because of the fame and money involved. Hence the elites are signing up to play cricket. And hence greater control over English, etc (on average).
Yes Indian cricket has also democratised hugely - people from lower classes such as Rinku Singh are great examples. But simultaneously middle classes are taking a huge interest also.
My conjecture is that Pakistan on the other hand has seen its economic and social middle class moving away from the game, because it’s not a viable option (so middle class parents don’t encourage their children to play the game professionally). So when you once had guys like Imran Khan, Wasim Raja, Zaheer Abbas, today it’s different. The players are largely coming from economic strata where English isn’t part of their own learning experience growing up.
So what I think is that in India the game has become one where the middle class (apart from other sections) has taken a huge interest in the game as a career option for their children - because of the fame and money involved. Hence the elites are signing up to play cricket. And hence greater control over English, etc (on average).
Yes Indian cricket has also democratised hugely - people from lower classes such as Rinku Singh are great examples. But simultaneously middle classes are taking a huge interest also.
My conjecture is that Pakistan on the other hand has seen its economic and social middle class moving away from the game, because it’s not a viable option (so middle class parents don’t encourage their children to play the game professionally). So when you once had guys like Imran Khan, Wasim Raja, Zaheer Abbas, today it’s different. The players are largely coming from economic strata where English isn’t part of their own learning experience growing up.
DeadlyVenom
Senior Test Player
- Joined
- Jul 17, 2010
- Runs
- 28,611
- Post of the Week
- 1
No need to bring in random countries. We are one of the most illiterate nations on earth. It's enough to just say Pakistan.
Usman Chadda
Senior T20I Player
- Joined
- Dec 19, 2005
- Runs
- 18,915
Yeah true that.
Our players are so illiterate, they can’t even articulate themselves well in their own language.
Should have said that.
rickroll
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2022
- Runs
- 725
Good points here.
Hikaru
Tape Ball Star
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2024
- Runs
- 998
For a more serious reply, English in India is a unifying language, more so than Hindi. It's obvious that people will speak it a bit better than Pakistan where I believe Urdu and Punjabi covers it all?
Similar threads
- Sticky
