Bus service ought to be better in capital

Readers call for better public-transport infrastructure. One reader says Pakistan's cricket team needs an overhaul

Readers urge the authorities to boost public-transport infrastructure. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

It's true that people need not rely entirely on taxis (Abu Dhabi taxi fare hikes shouldn't signal misery, June 8), but for that to happen, air-conditioning needs to be fixed at many bus stops. There is also a need for more bus card top-up stations at bus stops, more buses during peak hours so that people don't travel like sardines in a tin. The buses are not good enough for a developed city such as Abu Dhabi. They can do much better.

Nicole Simoes, Abu Dhabi

I do not travel often in a bus in Abu Dhabi, but when I do, I enjoy it. It is relaxing and you see a lot, stop a lot and ultimately you do end up at your destination on time.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

I just feel sorry for workers who need to take taxis every morning because the buses are overcrowded due to the taxi-fare increase. I have employees who depend on taxis to get to work on time and then have to take a taxi home too. That means they are spending at least Dh24 per day, five days a week. This is not feasible for low-income employees.

Diane Monet Nobles-Eldakak, Abu Dhabi

How to overhaul Pakistan cricket

Pakistan's ignominious defeat to India in Edgbaston last week was shocking (India divide and conquer Pakistan, again, in one-sided Champions Trophy game, June 5).

The defeat has exposed Pakistan’s immaturity and lack of professionalism. The team lost precisely because of its inability to handle pressure.

Pakistan has always favoured new players over old ones. And the current team is composed mostly of new talent, except Muhammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, both of whom have performed well over the past one and a half years.

In comparison, India has more senior players such as MS Dhoni, Yuraj Singh, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli and their performances are self-explanatory.

It’s an irony that Pakistan can neither tolerate old players, nor can it introduce real new talent. The problem is not just about old and young players. It’s the team itself that needs an overhaul.

In Australia and England, a player has to pass through several tests before being able to play international cricket. They give priority to meritocracy and introduce only those who deserve to be a part of their teams.

Regretfully, Pakistan has appointed journalists and politicians to select and monitor the team, while foreign coaches are preferred to domestic ones. The culture of cronyism and nepotism have played havoc with national cricket.

Pakistan’s cricket board should conduct training camps, where the players can learn to cope with pressure. Pakistani players should know that the game of cricket is all about nerves.

Talent-hunting programmes on the district level should be initiated. The players should learn about modern-day cricket culture.

Hakimullah wazir, Pakistan