KARACHI:
After winning the Champions Trophy in 2017, Pakistan was on top of the cricketing world. Coach Mickey Arthur and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed were deemed as national heroes. Fast forward to the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup, and both Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mickey Arthur were relieved of their duties after the team had failed to reach the semifinals.
Then, in a somewhat controversial decision, the PCB proceeded to make Misbah-ul-Haq the chief selector and head coach. While some welcomed the decision, others have severely opposed it, claiming that not only was Misbah too inexperienced but he would also bring about a defensive mindset to a seemingly aggressive team. In the recent Test series against England, critics have questioned Misbah’s decision to play the 38-year-old Shoaib Malik in place of younger players such as Haider Ali while questions were also raised when he decided to play Iftikhar Ahmed in place of players like Khushdil Shah and Wahab Riaz.
It is evident that the critics have gotten the better of Misbah. However, much can still be done. In order for the team to regain its top form, there needs to be a complete restructuring of the team giving a chance to new talent to prove themselves. The sooner Misbah and the PCB realise the importance of young and passionate players that faster our team will progress.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 7th, 2020.
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