‘Focus should be on the 2015 World Cup’

Sohail urges PCB to hire batting coach for team.

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan captain Aamir Sohail has said focus should be on the 2015 World Cup to be held in Australia and urged the country’s cricket board to start working on building a team for the showpiece tournament.

Sohail expressed disappointment on the ongoing rift between limited-overs captain Shahid Afridi and the team management and criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for being an unorganised unit.

While Afridi was asked to explain his remarks made on the team management’s interference during the West Indies tour, Sohail said that poor administration by the PCB is to blame for consistent chaos.

“To me, the problem is in coordination and poor management that is reflected again and again,” said Sohail. “Inconsistency in selection process is a pattern in our cricket history and it will continue to be like that.

“But I advise that a plan be made and the PCB should start working on list of likely probables for the next World Cup instead of wasting time and resources on resolving controversies all the time.” The former left-handed batsman also added that a captain needs to be groomed for the World Cup.

‘Batting coach a desperate need’

Sohail also stressed on hiring a batting consultant for the Pakistan team. “I don’t understand why the PCB is ignoring the fact that the team needs a batting coach desperately,” said Sohail.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s someone from Pakistan or a foreigner. As long as he gives the desired results, it’s not a problem.

“I always see Javed Miandad as the ideal option but he’s not being hired then the PCB can try out regional level coaches, who have years of experience.”

While commenting on the current head coach of Pakistan Waqar Younis, Sohail said that it is not necessary for a former great to be able to transfer his experience to other players.

“He might be a successful and experienced cricketer but you can’t just go out and transfer your experience to players without having a proper coaching background.”

Razzaq advises Afridi

All-rounder Abdul Razzaq advised Afridi to strictly follow the PCB’s Code of Conduct to avoid controversy. “It’s all part of life,” said Razzaq. “The code of conduct which we in fact agreed upon when we signed the central contract. Afridi should focus on playing good cricket and avoid any controversy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2011.