Michael Holding: Pakistan saved England's butt [in 2020] to put it mildly

[Last Monetarist]

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/cricket/michael-holding-england-pakistan-ecb-25142062

Michael Holding has accused the ECB of showing "western arrogance" after they decided to cancel their scheduled tour of Pakistan.

The England men's and women's teams were set to visit Pakistan for a joint tour this month, with the men's side due to play two T20Is ahead of the T20 World Cup and the women's team scheduled to play two T20Is and three ODIs.

However, the ECB scrapped the tour last month, citing "the mental and physical well-being of our players and support staff".

The decision did not go down well with Pakistan, who were already reeling from New Zealand's decision to cancel their tour over security concerns.

And England's decision drew widespread derision across the cricketing landscape, especially after the British High Commission they "did not advise against it on security grounds".

Now, West Indies legend Holding has slammed the ECB for pulling out of the tour, comparing the decision to the organisation's "rubbish" response to the Black Lives Matter movement.

Speaking after he was awarded the Cricket Writers’ Club Peter Smith Award, Holding said: "Pakistan went to England before vaccines were available [in 2020], for six or seven weeks.

"They stayed, they played their cricket, they honoured what England wanted them to honour, to save England’s butt, to put it mildly.

"You have an opportunity now to try to repay to a small degree what Pakistan did.

"The ECB statement doesn’t wash with me. No substance. Nobody wants to come forward and face up to anything because they know what they did was wrong.

"So they put out a statement and hide behind a statement. It just reminds me of the rubbish they did with Black Lives Matter.

"I won’t go back into that because I’ve said enough about that. But what that signal sends to me, is the same western arrogance. I will treat you how I feel like treating you, it doesn’t matter what you think, I’ll just do what I want.

"Four days in Pakistan? I’m absolutely sure they wouldn’t have done that to India, because India is rich and powerful."

==

Some more quotes:

“The ICC right now are a production company - They manage their events, make a lot of money from their events, but they do not manage the game. This game is not being managed by the people responsible for managing the game."

"What they are trying to do is manage the money that the game can bring in, not the game – and that is very disappointing. I said this to my boss at Sky this summer. I said 'this great game that made me what I am, I am very disappointed in it, I am disappointed in the people running it, and I won’t miss it when I go.'"

“I wish the politicians would be a little more open-minded and be a little bit more willing because they are the policymakers. They direct policy and a lot of policies we have in place need to change. A lot of the curriculums in schools need to change to reflect everything. Not just what suits one set of people. I think that’s where we need to appeal to those people, and for them to recognise that things need to change.”

 

[Saj]

Well said.

And you know what, it's going to be the same situation next year too.

Most probably they will come up with some sort of excuse to avoid having to go to Pakistan.

 

[MenInG]

Absolutely spot on from Mikey!

4 days. That's all they had to spend under presidential security.

 

[IMMY69]

You can always rely on Holding to tell it as it is...
No mincing of words.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Michael Holding no punches!.
Appears it's riled many in the Windies who will be getting tour. Nice to see it.

 

[drubwrubnat]

Mr Holding, why are you generalising the actions of a cricketing body with western arrogance ? It seems you have scored a self goal, mixing up so many different issues.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Holding speaking the truth.

Certain Indian posters' love for him will only increase tenfold after these statements.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Wonder if WI will tour Pakistan as scheduled in December.

 

[IMMY69]

Mr Holding, why are you generalising the actions of a cricketing body with western arrogance ? It seems you have scored a self goal, mixing up so many different issues.

He's not here.
Is he?

 

[hitthestump]

Well said.

And you know what, it's going to be the same situation next year too.

Most probably they will come up with some sort of excuse to avoid having to go to Pakistan.

For some reason i feel the English attitude has shifted towards some regret and embarrassment at what happened here. I believe they will go to Pakistan next year to make amends (unless there's a "proper" reason not to)

 

[Mamoon]

Again, Pakistan may have saved England's backside, but that was not the intention or the motivation for touring England; it was simply a consequence, an outcome, of PCB looking after its own interests.

PCB knew that if they were to back out of the tour, it would completely kill off any chances of ECB touring Pakistan any time soon. With PCB refusing to bail ECB out, there would be no desire and no motivation on ECB's part to return the so-called favor.

As a result, PCB was in no position to say no to ECB considering their desperation to host England in Pakistan.

We really need to stop peddling this narrative that PCB did ECB a massive favor and now ECB is morally and ethically obliged to repay this favor. When you help someone out because it will benefit you in the long run, it is not called a favor; it is called a mutually beneficial arrangement.

 

[Rajdeep]

What has 'Black Lives Matter' got to do with it and what rubbish did ECB do for BLM movement? Calling and generalizing western arrogance and then make a living from Sky Sports is bit of an irony. Its fine to support Pakistan and say they were being wronged but not sure why he needs to bring the race card out.

 

[PakLFC]

Pak Cricket suffers from an inferiority complex. Even today we would be happy to travel to England even if we knew they would cancel the return tour. We never refuse any tour, this is why other teams take us for granted.

 

[Savak]

Pak Cricket suffers from an inferiority complex. Even today we would be happy to travel to England even if we knew they would cancel the return tour. We never refuse any tour, this is why other teams take us for granted.

Its not that simple. India, England, Australia have the power to hurt us in the ICC via the dispute resolution committee

 

[PakLFC]

Its not that simple. India, England, Australia have the power to hurt us in the ICC via the dispute resolution committee

Yes they do but we always take the wrong decisions too. Last year when we visited Pak no other team would have done so. Other teams you mentioned did not force us to tour England when the Covid was at it's peak.

 

[dildilpak]

I agree about Pakistan saving England’s butt but what has BLM anything to do with England or cricket? Dont get the context of it. Dont tell me that people are trying to appropriate that too outside US!

 

[Nasty Naz]

Obvious the "fatigue" isn't an actual reason. England, like NZ & Australia basically seek for excuses to not tour Pakistan because of the stereo type and the generalization over time. The idea of perceived threat is sufficient enough reason than an actual threat and sadly, it will take an extremely long time for Pakistan to shake off its terror label.

In response to this:

"I won’t go back into that because I’ve said enough about that. But what that signal sends to me, is the same western arrogance. I will treat you how I feel like treating you, it doesn’t matter what you think, I’ll just do what I want."

I wonder when it has ever come up in history where white people used minorities for their own needs and then treated them like dirt...

 

[Cricfan4eva]

Again, Pakistan may have saved England's backside, but that was not the intention or the motivation for touring England; it was simply a consequence, an outcome, of PCB looking after its own interests.

PCB knew that if they were to back out of the tour, it would completely kill off any chances of ECB touring Pakistan any time soon. With PCB refusing to bail ECB out, there would be no desire and no motivation on ECB's part to return the so-called favor.

As a result, PCB was in no position to say no to ECB considering their desperation to host England in Pakistan.

We really need to stop peddling this narrative that PCB did ECB a massive favor and now ECB is morally and ethically obliged to repay this favor. When you help someone out because it will benefit you in the long run, it is not called a favor; it is called a mutually beneficial arrangement.

I think he means it is a favour because of the circumstances. A lot of the tours were canned until late 2020, but Pakistan decided to honour England tour despite situation in UK being grim.

So ECB kinda owed PCB to send a team, even if a B or C team. If they could make up a squad of nobodies for the series at home to go ahead why not send a similar team to Pak just to return the favour?

It may not have been what Pakistan would've hoped but with NZ backing out an England team touring would've just washed away any doubts about security concerns.

 

[Mamoon]

I think he means it is a favour because of the circumstances. A lot of the tours were canned until late 2020, but Pakistan decided to honour England tour despite situation in UK being grim.

So ECB kinda owed PCB to send a team, even if a B or C team. If they could make up a squad of nobodies for the series at home to go ahead why not send a similar team to Pak just to return the favour?

It may not have been what Pakistan would've hoped but with NZ backing out an England team touring would've just washed away any doubts about security concerns.

England were sending a full strength team, but it is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect them to send a squad to Pakistan almost immediately after New Zealand pulled out due to security concerns.

PCB and Pakistani fans need to realize that teams will always tread cautiously when it comes to touring Pakistan because Pakistan has no credibility when it comes to security.

Unless boards are completely convinced that there are no looming threats, they will not tour, and New Zealand pulling out is certainly not a convincing situation for England.

 

[sam_ahm]

England were sending a full strength team, but it is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect them to send a squad to Pakistan almost immediately after New Zealand pulled out due to security concerns.

PCB and Pakistani fans need to realize that teams will always tread cautiously when it comes to touring Pakistan because Pakistan has no credibility when it comes to security.

Unless boards are completely convinced that there are no looming threats, they will not tour, and New Zealand pulling out is certainly not a convincing situation for England.

They will if they are not making as much money and running in losses. Cricket is purely a business now, boards don't care much about anything else.

Pakistan don't have much bargaining power and one reason for it is because they have been a mediocre side for a long long time now.

The only way these 'other' nations can get some power back in cricket is by performing on the field. Win some World Cup, do well in test championship and then speak whatever you want to speak, else no one cares.

 

[mastimasti]

England were sending a full strength team, but it is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect them to send a squad to Pakistan almost immediately after New Zealand pulled out due to security concerns.

PCB and Pakistani fans need to realize that teams will always tread cautiously when it comes to touring Pakistan because Pakistan has no credibility when it comes to security.

Unless boards are completely convinced that there are no looming threats, they will not tour, and New Zealand pulling out is certainly not a convincing situation for England.

False. The ECB did not cite security concerns and then they had the audacity to cite the players...which has turned out to be a bald faced lie. So what exactly are you basing your post on dear wise one?

 

[mastimasti]

They will if they are not making as much money and running in losses. Cricket is purely a business now, boards don't care much about anything else.

Pakistan don't have much bargaining power and one reason for it is because they have been a mediocre side for a long long time now.

The only way these 'other' nations can get some power back in cricket is by performing on the field. Win some World Cup, do well in test championship and then speak whatever you want to speak, else no one cares.

Almost all sports run on losses, most tours run on losses. Something far bigger than the entire cricketing structure, the Man United football club runs on a loss, as do Man City, Barcelona, Liverpool, PSG...the list goes on. Any major football club you can think of? Yep, they run at a loss.

Good try though.

 

[drubwrubnat]

England were sending a full strength team, but it is unreasonable and unrealistic to expect them to send a squad to Pakistan almost immediately after New Zealand pulled out due to security concerns.

PCB and Pakistani fans need to realize that teams will always tread cautiously when it comes to touring Pakistan because Pakistan has no credibility when it comes to security.

Unless boards are completely convinced that there are no looming threats, they will not tour, and New Zealand pulling out is certainly not a convincing situation for England.

I also initially thought that security was the reason, as times passing by, im getting the feeling this is political and isolationary. esp few incidents past month which are -
a) India closing consulate totally and cutting off important ally Afg.
b) Republicans drafting sanctions.
c) Biden, NZ pm not serious with IK.
d) Russia propping Tajikistan, so soon.
e) China starting strong but now silent & not overtly establishing mining contacts in lieu of bailout yet.
f) I donno the economic situation in Afg very well but i dont think they have any clue either.

Its early days, but someone in UN is going to play the nuclear card sooner or later. Please dont reply to this comment

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

England is a snake. We were foolish to believe their false promises. They've been playing us since the last 3 centuries. Still haven't learnt a thing.

 

[Mamoon]

False. The ECB did not cite security concerns and then they had the audacity to cite the players...which has turned out to be a bald faced lie. So what exactly are you basing your post on dear wise one?

Everyone knows that ECB made up a silly excuse. The reason why they did not tour was obviously New Zealand pulled out because of security concerns.

The fact that ECB didn’t even bother to be honest with PCB shows how little regard they have got PCB.

The issue is that PCB and Pakistani fans are always overestimating their importance. Pakistan is a small cricket team now with no leverage.

If the security threat was non-existent and this is a politically engineered move, then PCB and Pakistani fans should direct their anger at the state.

 

[Robert]

False. The ECB did not cite security concerns and then they had the audacity to cite the players...which has turned out to be a bald faced lie. So what exactly are you basing your post on dear wise one?

What’s a bald face? One with no beard?

 

[UzmanBeast]

For some reason i feel the English attitude has shifted towards some regret and embarrassment at what happened here. I believe they will go to Pakistan next year to make amends (unless there's a "proper" reason not to)

My speculations are that England will only tour Pakistan if the Ashes doesn't go ahead.

If they **** off CA with their demands to carry family members, and the Ashes end up being postponed, they will certainly not get many tours from CA.

They have also created issues with BCCI with the postponement of the 5th Test, though India is scheduled to tour.

They also don't have a good relationship with BCB and SLC, and CSA will also be wary of their decision to pull out of a tour.

ECB are making mistakes by pissing off other boards; should they heighten the temper of BCCI, they will face serious financial repercussions.

 

[AMSS]

Some of you guys here need to stop reacting to hysterical media stories.

Ashes are on. They will not be cut short, and they will not be rescheduled. Best to completely ignore the noise in media that there's a even a hint of threat to the series.

Think objectively about the cultural and financial relevance of this tour for the countries involved. This would help you see past the silliness and noise that passes for news and commentary these days.

 

[mastimasti]

What’s a bald face? One with no beard?

Yep....but as a term in English it means a lie without even trying to make it plausible. It may be "bald" or "bold" or "bare faced". All are correct. I hope that helps Robbo!

 

[mastimasti]

Everyone knows that ECB made up a silly excuse. The reason why they did not tour was obviously New Zealand pulled out because of security concerns.

The fact that ECB didn’t even bother to be honest with PCB shows how little regard they have got PCB.

The issue is that PCB and Pakistani fans are always overestimating their importance. Pakistan is a small cricket team now with no leverage.

If the security threat was non-existent and this is a politically engineered move, then PCB and Pakistani fans should direct their anger at the state.

What utter nonsense....your post isn't even relevant to the issue. So do you support the ECB lying?

 

[Giannis]

I agree about Pakistan saving England’s butt but what has BLM anything to do with England or cricket? Dont get the context of it. Dont tell me that people are trying to appropriate that too outside US!

This might surprise you - The UK has a substantial Black population and there are deep race relation issues over there. BLM has become a global movement whereever there is a black minority population and systemic discrimination, it's not confined to the US anymore.

 

[Mamoon]

Michael Holding is a typical desi hypocrite. He has earned his money in the west and now he badmouths them.

If you are so critical of them, why are you doing business with them? Where is the self-respect?

Michael Holding himself is a mercenary who was seduced by Kerry Packer’s dollars and ditched West Indies cricket to play in the rebel WSC.

He criticizes T20 cricket and especially franchise cricket, but that did not stop him from becoming CPL’s brand ambassador in the past.

He is always up for sale. It all depends on whether you can afford him or not, and most T20 franchises don’t bother because there are better and more vibrant options available.

Holding is a legend, but he retired eons ago and the younger generation of fans do not care for him. As a result, the likes of IPL mainly go for cricketers who have retired in the recent past.

However, if offered enough money, Holding would don his kurta and waistcoat in no time and will be doing pitch report for an IPL game.

 

[Varun]

Ahaha, Michael Holding. Words for sale.

Throw him some chillar and he'll speak what you want him to speak. And once it's done, he'll allege Northern/Southern/Eastern/Western arrogance as he is walking out of the door to his next contract.

 

[PakPremi]

Michael Holding is a typical desi hypocrite. He has earned his money in the west and now he badmouths them.

If you are so critical of them, why are you doing business with them? Where is the self-respect?

Michael Holding himself is a mercenary who was seduced by Kerry Packer’s dollars and ditched West Indies cricket to play in the rebel WSC.

He criticizes T20 cricket and especially franchise cricket, but that did not stop him from becoming CPL’s brand ambassador in the past.

He is always up for sale. It all depends on whether you can afford him or not, and most T20 franchises don’t bother because there are better and more vibrant options available.

Holding is a legend, but he retired eons ago and the younger generation of fans do not care for him. As a result, the likes of IPL mainly go for cricketers who have retired in the recent past.

However, if offered enough money, Holding would don his kurta and waistcoat in no time and will be doing pitch report for an IPL game.

Typical Mamoon response discredit anyone who speaks on behalf of Pakistan/ Pakistanislike Nasser Hussain, Holding, Moen, Sammy, Gayle, that Author who re wntly spoke on Pakistan behalf whose name I'm forgettin.

 

[Rana]

Michael Holding is a typical desi hypocrite. He has earned his money in the west and now he badmouths them.

If you are so critical of them, why are you doing business with them? Where is the self-respect?

Michael Holding himself is a mercenary who was seduced by Kerry Packer’s dollars and ditched West Indies cricket to play in the rebel WSC.

He criticizes T20 cricket and especially franchise cricket, but that did not stop him from becoming CPL’s brand ambassador in the past.

He is always up for sale. It all depends on whether you can afford him or not, and most T20 franchises don’t bother because there are better and more vibrant options available.

Holding is a legend, but he retired eons ago and the younger generation of fans do not care for him. As a result, the likes of IPL mainly go for cricketers who have retired in the recent past.

However, if offered enough money, Holding would don his kurta and waistcoat in no time and will be doing pitch report for an IPL game.

I guess everyone is for sale in the IPL if that’s the case? Doesn’t matter if KP raves about it being the best league in the world