In Pakistan, a proper beginning is yet to be made.
The African safari was presumably undertaken to harness resources. But it lost its way in the jungle of mismanagement and erratic performance. Available talent proved unequal for demanding international contests. Batting failed, bowling was largely off target and fielding down to the deepest level of incompetence.
The squad looked a faint shadow of teams which had won the honour of carrying the prized cup once and reaching the semi final stage in two tournaments surprisingly in the last edition of the meet despite glaring shortcomings in strategy, planning and administration and truant behaviour of the captain.
All the major team have decided on their captain for the tournament. Barring a mishap Steve Waugh, Brian Lara, Hansie Cronjie, Alstair Campbel, Stephen Fleming and Adam Hollioake would be leading their countries. Ranatunga would be leading Sri Lanka to defend the title the Islanders won in 97. Hollioake has been mentioned towards the end of the list because he seems to have a question mark against his name although he was assigned the job last year to help him settle down as captain by World Cup.
But, after the first flush of success in Sharjah followed a 4-1 defeat in the West Indies. His own form was a factor in the failure. However, if England was forced to review the decision, there is a clear option in Alec Stewart, captain of the Test side this summer. He is certain to play the cup. Then there is Nasir Hussain in the waiting. There is a defined line of succession.
The picture in Pakistan is not just out of focus; it is also disturbed. There is no front runner for the job. But half a dozen players are regarded as being in the run, at least in the race. The issue of match fixing and gambling, to be precise, some player's integrity, is also casting dark shadows on the turf.
Two men have been in two deck, both former captains and ace players. Salim Malik is living through a second condemnation. He was in fine form in domestic cricket in the last winter. Wasim Akram was sacked in controversial manner and similarly recalled, though not as captain. Top people in the PCB are divided on how to treat him. But if Akram was resorted, the case of a return for Salim Malik would be strengthened. Malik was a successful captain. Akram is an experienced leader too.
A third possibility is Aamir Sohail. He looked in greater control of the team during the second Test against South Africa on the recent tour than any one since Imran Khan and Javed Miandad. Pakistan's victory in the Test enhanced his credentials. Keeper batsman Moin Khan has been mentioned in some dispatches. He has belligerence, experience and from all indications, he seems to be a certainty for selection. Academically, there are other possibilities too as Saeed Anwar and Waqar Younus have led the national side while Ijaz Ahmad is sufficiently experienced to be considered for the job. PCB may not have written off Rashid Latif. The field is certainly crowded.
There is also the frightening practice of PCB of pulling captains out of bats. Names is need not be mentioned but there can be no two options about PCB's proclivity for springing surprises.
PCB bosses are playing for time, as also sorting out internal problems. Would the Sahara Cup see the appointment of a captain for the World Cup? It is unlikely because some of the top players could be missing from the series. More likely that the managers of cricket in Pakistan would wait till the Australians are in the country in September.
As summer is off season, PCB can probably afford to wait. But the wait has already been too long. A lot of precious time has been wasted. It could have been utilised for knitting the team together and allowing the captain to develop a winning understanding with colleagues.