Misbah urges Pakistan fans to drop double standards

Pakistan Test captain says every team is doing well at home

Pakistan Test captain Misbahul Haq on Wednesday told Pakistani fans to be consistent in their analysis of the team and drop double standards.

Misbah was talking to the media in Faisalabad when he said that everyone wanted him to stay for the tours of New Zealand and Australia but after series losses they are telling him to step down.

“I was considering retirement a year ago but everyone told me to stay for the tours [against New Zealand and Australia], but now, that we have lost, they are telling me that I should be ashamed of myself and leave cricket,” said Misbah.

“Everyone tries their best. People forget the good that was done in the last six years after we lost a few matches. The fans need to consistent in their approach too, otherwise, they should not expect consistency from players,” he added.

‘Everyone benefits from home advantage’

Pakistan were outplayed by New Zealand and Australia in their last Test outings – a 2-0 loss to the Kiwis and a 3-0 loss to the Kangaroos – and Misbah says, in the recent cricketing scenario, everyone outclasses visitors at home.

“Every team performs well in their home conditions. Like we beat teams in the UAE, Australia and New Zealand beat us in their home conditions. However, it’s not that we never won on a tour. We drew the series against England in their home conditions,” said Misbah.

Misbah also countered the critics who said Pakistan became world number one in Tests by beating everyone in the UAE. “Look at India! they are number one because no one can beat them in India. They topped Test rankings by playing in their own country. So, no credits should be taken away from Pakistan too.”

‘Not naming any replacement’

Misbah was on the receiving end of criticism by former players who think his time at the helm is over. However, Misbah, who is 42 years old, said that every captain will face problems when leading Pakistan.

“Whoever the board appoints as captain will face problems,” said the right-hand batsman. “We need to improve our domestic cricket first. And secondly, we need to give our youngsters confidence by sending them on tours to countries like Australia, South Africa and England to get accustomed to their conditions. You cannot expect a player to go there after a big gap and perform – it’s wrong on them.”

On the question of who he thinks should replace him as captain in Tests, Misbah said: “The board can name anyone who they deem is right for the job. I will not name anyone to replace me.”

“Dearth of grooming”

Former Pakistan T20I captain Shahid Afridi has on many occasions said that Pakistan is producing any talented cricketers and Misbah resonated the all-rounder’s sentiment but with reason.

“We are not producing talented players because the domestic structure is flawed,” explained Misbah. “And, meanwhile, if we are producing talent, there is a dearth of grooming them in accordance with international standards.”

Misbah also denied claims that the selection committee did not do a good job. “The selection committee gave us the best possible team. But, at times, players do not perform due to a number of reasons.”

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