Misbah-ul-Haq, the former Test captain who recently resigned as national selector, has expressed concerns regarding the unequal treatment of local and foreign coaches within Pakistan cricket. Speaking on a television program, he pointed out that foreign coaches are often granted more authority and face less scrutiny compared to their local counterparts.
“It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. Local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism when compared to foreign coaches,” Misbah stated. He acknowledged that while there is nothing inherently wrong with hiring foreign coaches, he is troubled by the tendency among fans, critics, media, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to favor foreign coaches over local ones. His remarks come in light of recent changes within the national team following a shake-up during the England tour, which prompted the PCB to issue a notice to the selectors.
He said more authority was given to foreign coaches.
The PCB changed seven players in the touring squad in England and also released Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul – their head coach and bowling coach, respectively – for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston following a harrowing 194-run defeat which sealed the Test series 2-0 in the favour of the hosts. Because of pressure, “We shouldn’t panic and do cosmetic surgery. Because they didn’t panic and stuck to their plans, misbah said Indian cricket had moved forward.
Misbah said Pakistani cricket fans, critics, former players and board need to offer more support to local coaches and not just criticise them for the sake. He said Pakistan cricket’s main issue was the need to have more consistency, patience and a long-term plan. We need to analyse performances and the situation and then decide how to move forward,” Misbah said.
“We tend to give foreign coaches more authority and power and he is held less responsible if the team performs poorly. In contrast, local coaches always facing scrutiny from everyone. “It becomes very difficult for our players to regain form and confidence. “Unfortunately we are used to taking reactive decisions in Pakistan cricket. The selectors were also asked to explain why axed players Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan were picked in the touring squad and the criteria for selection.
