"A nation’s players in denial" by Ian Pont

[Saifulsohel]

If ever a nation’s fans deserved success it is undoubtedly Bangladesh. That’s because through thick and thin, good andbad, for betters or for worse, the fans show up hoping for a miracle. That miracle is a Test win at home or a series win against a Top 8 team fully stocked with its quota of players.
Yet despite that miracle never appearing, the fans shout themselves into a stupor. They cheer every run. They shout forevery wicket. They even scream when the team wins the toss. That kind of blind support shoul dbe reserved for a nation’s heroes. That elevation of status to ‘legend’ should be held back and only bestowed on those whoreally warrant it. http://cricketsoccer.com/a-nations-players-in-denial/

[Tiger444]

Like I said on another thread here I'll state this again

Our players should watch the 2nd innings of SA batting over and over and over again. Unfortunately many of our fans think, what's the point of playing boring? Why not entertain the crowd? This is the main problem with our fans and also the other subcontinental teams fans. Yesterday I saw Harbhajan hitting a 4 off Panesar and the fans were jumping up and down like they've just won the match. What ended up happening? Harbhajan gets out soon after not doing anything prevent an Indian collapse and India suffered a massive 10 wicket defeat.

Then the even bigger problem with our players and the other subcontinental teams, primarily India and Pakistan, they look to entertain the crowd more than playing for results. Otherwise why do you see players like Tamim and Shakib being on a roll but then all of a sudden play a T20 shot and then get out? This is where the professionalism lacks in our players and fans compared to places like Australia, South Africa and England. It's time our players stop thinking about entertaining the crowd and focus on results. Drawing matches are far more important than looking pretty and eventually losing.

[Sohel]

Thank you Ian.

[Tiger444]

Yes thank you coach Ian for the article by the way. I wish this article was put all over the papers in Bangladesh and also Cricinfo. Also thanks Saifulsohel for posting this article.

[Rifat]

Having spent a year working with Ranji Trophy team Haryana, I can state that Bangladesh as a nation would be better served attempting to get into that system in the same way that Namibia has done with South Africa, and Ireland, Netherlands and Scotland have done with England.

Great Idea Ian. We should sent our 'A' Team to participate in Indian Ranji Trophy every year.

[Rifat]

Those making it to the national team seem to lack the all round ‘best practice’ approach to the game that other teams take for granted now. It’s a deep-rooted misunderstanding that in some way, some how, the responsibility is someone else’s, and not those playing the game.

This post deserves a separate post on its own. a great point... No-one else will do it for you, you have to do it yourself!

[dark mage]

Good article. I really do think we should send a team to play in the ranji trophy every year. Players like Anamul, Taskin would benefit from this. But we all know this will never happen. Like Ian said a player has to do his part, do what he is paid for. For example if tamim did his part, he wouldn't have this bhuri. Rafique used to run laps beside the buriganga river and when someone asked him why he does that even during his days off, he replied cricket was how he earned money, so he had no choice but to stay fit and yet better. It's sad to see players with better facilities at their disposal do less than their predecessors.

[WarWolf]

Good article by Ian. Almost sums up what we feel.

[shuziburo]

If the Ranji will allow a team from Bangladesh, I am all for it. Our boys will learn a bit about test batting and bowling. Hopefully.

[WarWolf]

Ranji will not allow us. Indians won't allow us in anything. I have said this from my experience of 34 years.

[al Furqaan]

Originally Posted by WarWolf
Ranji will not allow us. Indians won't allow us in anything. I have said this from my experience of 34 years.

They did allow us to partake in the Duleep trophy and we got massacred. We never went back probably due to the humiliation. Duleep was a big step for us, especially in 2005...if you divided India into 5 zones, each zone would still be one of the largest countries on earth. We should aim instead to play in the Ranji trophy where we might have a chance at competing. That being said it should contain Academy, U-19, and A team players and those national teamers who clearly aren't up to par (ie everyone not named Shakib, Tamim, and Nasir).

[Ajfar]

Originally Posted by WarWolf
Ranji will not allow us. Indians won't allow us in anything. I have said this from my experience of 34 years.

No one will hand things over to us. Why should they go out of their way and help us? We have to be the one to make the first move. They don't benefit from letting us playing in their league, their league will be successful either way. But we have a lot to gain from it. I'm sure if BCB approached this in the right manner we would get an invitation. But I bet a lot of us fans will get offended by that, they will be like 'oh is that how low we have to go, to go around begging'. Well the truth is, beggars can't be choosers.

[dark mage]

^ I think they will allow but we have to be the one to ask as we are the ones in need. I bet if Saber was the BCB president he would've taken some steps in that direction.

[AsifTheManRahman]

Agree with what Ian is saying here. The board may be run by a bunch of morons, but the bolods that end up representing us on the field deserve a fair share of the blame. Guys like Mushy, Tamim, Shakib and Nasir are capable of delivering more often (only Shakib has been fairly consistent, the HC needs to *whip* the rest) and the other idiots in the lineup need to shed the laziness, aim higher and work much harder. Don't just blame it all on the NCL being a crap hole.

I have a love affair with Bangladesh

The excuse culture that exists

But coach but coach, no offense but aren't you dipping into the same bucket of excuses to pull out a "Oh, BCB hasn't contacted me", "Oh, players don't want to learn"? If you are indeed in love, why let the BCB or the laziness of a handful of pansies get in the way? Why not take matters into your own hands, apply for the HC position and/or get in touch with Tommy Miah and/or start a branch of your own academy in Bangladesh? Why not fight for your love? Why not win her through proaction instead of taking a more passive stance?

Now that Richard McInnes has indicated he doesn't want the HC position, you are our only hope coach. Only you can save us from all the Abuls, Mofeezes and Mokhleses that are making a mockery out of Test cricket and a nation built on the qualities of courage and valor. Only you can *whip* our sissies into winners (since Jurgensen won't). Only you can help put a smile on four year old Sayem's face, a face that, albeit young, has already been worn down by the continuous failures of, as you put it aptly, the nation's greatest heroes (I like to call them zeroes, but oh well). Please don't let Sayem, who has the perfect cover drive, one that would humble the late Sir Don, get shipped to Australia in pursuit of a better life. His parents need him in their lives, everyone in Bangladesh needs him in his/her life.

[Rifat]

Originally Posted by AsifTheManRahman
Agree with what Ian is saying here. The board may be run by a bunch of morons, but the bolods that end up representing us on the field deserve a fair share of the blame. Guys like Mushy, Tamim, Shakib and Nasir are capable of delivering more often (only Shakib has been fairly consistent, the HC needs to *whip* the rest) and the other idiots in the lineup need to shed the laziness, aim higher and work much harder. Don't just blame it all on the NCL being a crap hole.

But coach but coach, no offense but aren't you dipping into the same bucket of excuses to pull out a "Oh, BCB hasn't contacted me", "Oh, players don't want to learn"? If you are indeed in love, why let the BCB or the laziness of a handful of pansies get in the way? Why not take matters into your own hands, apply for the HC position and/or get in touch with Tommy Miah and/or start a branch of your own academy in Bangladesh? Why not fight for your love? Why not win her through proaction instead of taking a more passive stance?

Now that Richard McInnes has indicated he doesn't want the HC position, you are our only hope coach. Only you can save us from all the Abuls, Mofeezes and Mokhleses that are making a mockery out of Test cricket and a nation built on the qualities of courage and valor. Only you can *whip* our sissies into winners (since Jurgensen won't). Only you can help put a smile on four year old Sayem's face, a face that, albeit young, has already been worn down by the continuous failures of, as you put it aptly, the nation's greatest heroes (I like to call them zeroes, but oh well). Please don't let Sayem, who has the perfect cover drive, one that would humble the late Sir Don, get shipped to Australia in pursuit of a better life. His parents need him in their lives, everyone in Bangladesh needs him in his/her life.

wonderful, wonderfully put AsifTheManRahman Valid points raised

[shuziburo]

Originally Posted by AsifTheManRahman
Agree with what Ian is saying here. The board may be run by a bunch of morons, but the bolods that end up representing us on the field deserve a fair share of the blame. Guys like Mushy, Tamim, Shakib and Nasir are capable of delivering more often (only Shakib has been fairly consistent, the HC needs to *whip* the rest) and the other idiots in the lineup need to shed the laziness, aim higher and work much harder. Don't just blame it all on the NCL being a crap hole.

But coach but coach, no offense but aren't you dipping into the same bucket of excuses to pull out a "Oh, BCB hasn't contacted me", "Oh, players don't want to learn"? If you are indeed in love, why let the BCB or the laziness of a handful of pansies get in the way? Why not take matters into your own hands, apply for the HC position and/or get in touch with Tommy Miah and/or start a branch of your own academy in Bangladesh? Why not fight for your love? Why not win her through proaction instead of taking a more passive stance?

Now that Richard McInnes has indicated he doesn't want the HC position, you are our only hope coach. Only you can save us from all the Abuls, Mofeezes and Mokhleses that are making a mockery out of Test cricket and a nation built on the qualities of courage and valor. Only you can *whip* our sissies into winners (since Jurgensen won't). Only you can help put a smile on four year old Sayem's face, a face that, albeit young, has already been worn down by the continuous failures of, as you put it aptly, the nation's greatest heroes (I like to call them zeroes, but oh well). Please don't let Sayem, who has the perfect cover drive, one that would humble the late Sir Don, get shipped to Australia in pursuit of a better life. His parents need him in their lives, everyone in Bangladesh needs him in his/her life.

Ian, how about it? We would love to have you. Either as the Head Coach or in Tommy Miah's academy. Let the love blossom into a marriage.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by AsifTheManRahman
Agree with what Ian is saying here. The board may be run by a bunch of morons, but the bolods that end up representing us on the field deserve a fair share of the blame. Guys like Mushy, Tamim, Shakib and Nasir are capable of delivering more often (only Shakib has been fairly consistent, the HC needs to *whip* the rest) and the other idiots in the lineup need to shed the laziness, aim higher and work much harder. Don't just blame it all on the NCL being a crap hole.

But coach but coach, no offense but aren't you dipping into the same bucket of excuses to pull out a "Oh, BCB hasn't contacted me", "Oh, players don't want to learn"? If you are indeed in love, why let the BCB or the laziness of a handful of pansies get in the way? Why not take matters into your own hands, apply for the HC position and/or get in touch with Tommy Miah and/or start a branch of your own academy in Bangladesh? Why not fight for your love? Why not win her through proaction instead of taking a more passive stance?

Now that Richard McInnes has indicated he doesn't want the HC position, you are our only hope coach. Only you can save us from all the Abuls, Mofeezes and Mokhleses that are making a mockery out of Test cricket and a nation built on the qualities of courage and valor. Only you can *whip* our sissies into winners (since Jurgensen won't). Only you can help put a smile on four year old Sayem's face, a face that, albeit young, has already been worn down by the continuous failures of, as you put it aptly, the nation's greatest heroes (I like to call them zeroes, but oh well). Please don't let Sayem, who has the perfect cover drive, one that would humble the late Sir Don, get shipped to Australia in pursuit of a better life. His parents need him in their lives, everyone in Bangladesh needs him in his/her life.

Firstly, thank you for the support to be Head Coach.

Some facts for you before you get carried away though:

1. The BCB does not want me to be head coach. They have had several chances to speak with me about it after Jamie Siddons left (after Siddons, before Law, after Law, before Pybus, after Pybus). Even before this, I said to the BCB that I would only be interested in staying on (when I left in March 2011), if I might be considered for any HC vacancy. This has never happened.

2. Tommy Miah knows me well. I have met him and dined with him and discussed his project near Sylhet, 18 months ago in London. I have heard nothing from him since.

3. I don't have a bucket of excuses. Read points 2 and 3 above. I cannot force anyone to want me.

I run a highly successful coaching business, which is growing. The only way I could/would completely give this up is if financially it was worthwhile. The bowling coach role was not, which is why I couldn't stay beyond 6 months.

I can run various projects if they are not full-time for this reason and is why I travel to India and work globally with individual players privately.

But let me repeat: the BCB has never shown any interest in having me as Head Coach, nor have they responded to my requests to help set up a Pace Academy in Bangladesh, neither have Beximco or Grameenphone shown any interest in my approaches about this and neither has Tommy Miah asked me to be a part of his set up.

My stance is far from passive - you just have no clue what goes on behind closed doors.

[Rabz]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Firstly, thank you for the support to be Head Coach.

Some facts for you before you get carried away though:

.................................................. ...................
My stance is far from passive - you just have no clue what goes on behind closed doors.

Tough luck mate, it seems !

BCB doesn't want you, Tommy Miah went silent, never heard from GP/Beximco, must have left you feeling so unwanted !!

Sometimes things just doesn't work out as desired, who knows, for better or for worse.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by Rabz
Tough luck mate, it seems !

BCB doesn't want you, Tommy Miah went silent, never heard from GP/Beximco, must have left you feeling so unwanted !!

Sometimes things just doesn't work out as desired, who knows, for better or for worse.

I realised one thing about doing business in Bangladesh LONG ago. If someone wants something from you, they want it yesterday. If YOU want something, they don't even respond.

Most people don't like to be told they are wrong either, so unlikely things will change the way others want.

In life you get what you prepare for - which was the essence of my article originally.

[Rabz]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
I realised one thing about doing business in Bangladesh LONG ago. If someone wants something from you, they want it yesterday. If YOU want something, they don't even respond.

Most people don't like to be told they are wrong either, so unlikely things will change the way others want.

In life you get what you prepare for - which was the essence of my article originally.

But Coach, isn' it the same everywhere ?? You want them, they dont want you, yet. So you have to sell your product/service to them.

You want to branch out your Coaching Center business in Bangladesh, which remains a very lucrative untapped market for your product. You want to be here first, its very understandable. You have to be passionate to do well what you do. But, just because they dont want it from YOU, doesn't mean they are wrong either.

I dont know Coach. If it was me and I've been trying for a while without being successful, rather than blaming those I've approached and claiming they are wrong, I'd start to look if there is something wrong from my side. If it was me, I'd start to re-evaluate the whole approach and see where it is going wrong.

Infact Bangladesh isn't the only country where it's not going right for you. Your application for the role of Pakistan Bowling Coach was also rejected by PCB.

May be these prospective sponsors, let it be Tommy Miah or GP or Beximco, are not putting enough faith on you to invest their money with ! They might have good enough reasons of their own.

[NoName]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont

I run a highly successful coaching business, which is growing. The only way I could/would completely give this up is if financially it was worthwhile.

Take some of players please, you'd do a much better job with them than our Shane Jurgensun.

[shuziburo]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Firstly, thank you for the support to be Head Coach.

[snipped]

But let me repeat: the BCB has never shown any interest in having me as Head Coach, nor have they responded to my requests to help set up a Pace Academy in Bangladesh, neither have Beximco or Grameenphone shown any interest in my approaches about this and neither has Tommy Miah asked me to be a part of his set up.

My stance is far from passive - you just have no clue what goes on behind closed doors.

I really would like to hear the rationale of BCB for not responding, especially given the condition of our "pace" bowling. I am an engineer and thus, go by results. During your stay, I saw an improvement in our pacers, not seen before or since.

[Ian Pont]

Originally Posted by shuziburo
I really would like to hear the rationale of BCB for not responding, especially given the condition of our "pace" bowling. I am an engineer and thus, go by results. During your stay, I saw an improvement in our pacers, not seen before or since.

Thank you.

All coaches claim success and hide from failures. I guess I am no different.

During my time as you know, BD won 71%. Before this in the 29 games before they won 6% and since I left, the team has won 25% of its matches. Whether the spike in wins while I was coaching with the squad is down to anything I did, I really don't know.

I feel we were getting close to have a decent 3 person pace attack during my time and the bowling attack had confidence.

The pace bowling has certainly fallen off the map in recent times.

[al Furqaan]

Originally Posted by Ian Pont
Thank you.

All coaches claim success and hide from failures. I guess I am no different.

During my time as you know, BD won 71%. Before this in the 29 games before they won 6% and since I left, the team has won 25% of its matches. Whether the spike in wins while I was coaching with the squad is down to anything I did, I really don't know.

I feel we were getting close to have a decent 3 person pace attack during my time and the bowling attack had confidence.

The pace bowling has certain fallen off the map in recent times.

To be frank, Coach, during your short tenure we only played at home and we only played 2 series (the NZ one and the WC), right? The BanglaWash would skew the winning percentage. We also didn't play a single Test, so we have no idea how the pacers would have behaved. That being said, I'm sure you are well aware of how inept I think the BCB is for not wanting you as HC.

As a simple question, you did mention that financial aspects affect your decisions. Do you think the BCB has enough financial resources to give you the type of contract you would accept for a long term (2-4 year) Head Coaching stint?

[kumar89]

I respect the love and passion shown by Ian Pont. I am very suprised that a good coach Like Ian is not applying for other roles like Zimbabwe Head coach Role or Domestic roles even in IPL or BBL. If i am wrong please correct me, we can see that he does not have a job now and is looking for one, why are other nations not interested in him like Pakistan (Recent). Ian should be thankful to BCB for giving him a opportunity to become a coach @ International level. I can't imagine Ian being part of Dhaka Gladitors if he was the coach of Nederlands or some county teams. I think BCB gave Ian some name amongst Bangladeshi's, honest question to everyone would be.. who knew Ian Pont before he got hired by BCB as Bowling Coach. BCB gave him the international appeal. I think even know Ian Pont is not a big name brand, amongst bangladeshi, maybe. That's why its hard for Ian to get a job and if he does most likely it has to be with Bangladesh becuase that is where he is known sort of well.