With great power comes great responsibility

Miandad and Afridi represent two different eras of Pakistani cricket. And when someone reaches the kind of status that sportsmen like Miandad and Afridi have reached, there are expectations from them that they would not indulge in washing their linen in public. They become the face of a sport for a particular nation and both the young and the old try to emulate them and their lifestyles. That is the way of celebrity culture: it’s a game of follow the leader. And the kind of responsibility that comes with this powerful influence is why many celebrities avoid prolonged exposure to the public – especially via social media.

Personal grievances aside, the kind of behaviour displayed by both on the media does not behove star players of their status. One may understand Miandad’s feelings about the possibility of Afridi getting a farewell and proper send-off. As one Indian publication pointed out, he was run out in his own last international match when Pakistan played against India in 1996 and the opponents won by 39 runs. There were no grand gestures or special favours then for a victorious send off. Afridi, who is now threatening legal action if Miandad does not retract his allegations of match fixing and apologise, is not being condemned for asking for a proper send-off (whether an international cricket match’s success should be risked simply to bid farewell to an ageing cricketer is a matter of debate for the PCB). It’s his behaviour in response and allegations of greed against a respected, veteran cricketer that we find so disturbing.

Mud flinging celebrities are a phenomenon we rarely consider the norm in Pakistan, choosing instead to focus on similar drama in the west. But these aren’t any celebrities – these are internationally respected, national heroes, whose words are taken as Gospel truths by fans both young and old. Both should heed their peers as they’re asked for a truce. The position of respect awarded by their fans is no gift; it’s a responsibility – one they need to honour.