They were wrong of course.

Making sense of the hue and cry that followed the defect of the so-called Tigers into the wilderness of the Indian I ri» ket l eague, is a difficult task.

Why is it that people are upset? Why exactly are they raising the'question of integrity? Wiry have so many made their own little stands by boycotting the "Dhaka Warriors'? And then again, why have so many else done the exact opposite?

I he latter is hemusing to say the least.

Why would we (the public) not hold a grudge against the players who abandoned us without a thought? Why would we not raise our opposition as the likes of Shahriar Nafees and Aftab Ahmed deserted us -- men for w hom we have (oiled day and night under the steamy Dhaka sun to cheer on to that

elusive glory.

In other w ords we oppose because we care.

So why wasit wrong?

Going to represent your nation or much less just playing in a different country is an opportunity. People in the corporate walk ot life do it all the lime.

W'e don't blame the played for choosing to play in the ICL we blame (hem for (he reasons they gave.

Reasons which betray a poor regard for the public's intelligence.

It would have been simple enough for one of them to < ome forward to point out (he monetary terms that effected their decision-making. But no-one was brave enough, instead pointing fingers at the draconian measures of the BCB. the selectors penchant to dropping underperforming stars' (imagine the audacity!) and in the case of some the use of educat ion as an excuse.

Also, as Bashar said, "ICL never asked us not to play for our couniry." But the players decided to do so anyway pushing through their own agenda in the process.

This was not a stand of some revolutionary men it was the lacesaving gesture ol a band of cowards tor whom t he going too hot.

And for those who absolve them of all blame, why though? These men deserted their country at the start of a lour, choosing the ICL over representing New Zealand, forgetting that the ICL demanded (hem only because (hey were national stars in (he first place. How is that forgivable?

finally, even in the current economic climate, just because you get enough money doesn't make everything right.

Money isn't everything, nor the only thing. But don't expect the l( I brigade to understand.