National head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis have resigned from their posts, both of whom informed the PCB about their decision yesterday. Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis were appointed head coach and bowling coach of the national cricket team in September 2019. Following the retirement of the head coach and bowling coach before the national cricket team’s tour of New Zealand and the World Cup, a new debate is going on in the country as to how much the Pakistan team gained or lost in the presence of these days.
After resigning from the post of the bowling coach of the national cricket team, Waqar Younis has said that it was an honor to work with the Pakistan cricket team. “It is difficult to say goodbye to the team but it is time for a change,” he said by adding that there is a need to learn the values of relinquishing responsibility. After stepping down as head coach of the national cricket team, Misbah-ul-Haq said that he reviewed his 24 months during the quarantine in Jamaica, knowing that this is not the ideal time but not currently in such a frame of mind that the future. They want to spend time with their families after taking over responsibilities so that they can cope with the challenges.
The sudden change has come at a time when Ramiz Hasan Raja, former Test captain and commentator, is all set to take over the reins of the cricket board, replacing Ehsan Mani. Ramiz was openly critical — well as part of his commentary job — of the “defensive approach” that Misbah was pretty consistent with, both as player and coach. Whether the incoming PCB chairman’s opinion about Misbah played a role in his ouster is anybody’s guess. There are also reports of another PCB high-up demanding Misbah’s no-objection to the 15 men selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup and home series against New Zealand and England. The only other option for Misbah was to say good-bye. As Misbah preferred to step down after serving for about years, Waqar Younis followed suit.
The team selection, meanwhile, has also received sharp criticism. Sarfaraz Ahmed is not part of the squad — which may well mean end of the road for the former skipper. Also excluded are experienced Shoaib Malik, all-rounder Faheem Ashraf and pinch-hitter Sharjeel Khan. Fakhar Zaman has only been found good enough as a reserve player. Apart from skipper Babar Azam, his deputy Mohammed Rizwan and veteran Mohammed Hafeez, the batting line is stuffed with players who have yet to prove themselves at the international level viz, Asif Ali, Sohaib Maqsood, Khushdil Shah and Azam Khan. Pacer Wahab Riaz is a shocking elimination in the bowling department. They say that “to change and change for the better are two different things”. Let’s see how the new changes fare.
Shafaqna Pakistan
pakistan.shafaqna.com
