Former Pakistan captain and coach Misbah-ul-Haq has launched a scathing attack on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), accusing them of short-sighted policies that drive away both foreign and local coaches.
Speaking in Karachi, Misbah-ul-Haq, who himself served as head coach and chief selector between 2019 and 2021, lamented that players and coaches are often sacked based on a single series or a change in board leadership.
“This haphazard approach discourages not just foreign coaches, but even our local talent,” he stated to media in Karachi. “Pakistan cricket needs long-term plans for management, selection, and player development. Unfortunately, everything changes with every new board head.”
Misbah-ul-Haq questioned how players can feel secure and build their international careers in such an unstable environment. He emphasized the need to learn from successful cricket nations with established systems.
The former skipper also advocated for separate captains for different formats, believing it allows for selecting the best leader based on specific requirements. In T20 cricket, he sees Pakistan as a constant threat at the World Cup level, citing player experience in West Indian conditions.
Misbah-ul-Haq called for a more rational approach to issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for players to participate in foreign leagues. While acknowledging the mistake of allowing players before the World Cup, he favors a case-by-case policy for NOCs.
Despite the rise of T20 cricket, Misbah-ul-Haq firmly believes Test cricket remains the pinnacle of the sport, stating, “The popularity of T20 might have impacted ODIs, but Test cricket will never die.”
Misbah’s criticism highlights a crucial issue in Pakistani cricket: the lack of stability and long-term vision. His words serve as a wake-up call for the PCB to establish a more sustainable and player-centric environment if they wish to see consistent success on the international stage.
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