The 4-0 defeat against England in the One-Day International (ODI) series has gone a long way in prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider a major overhaul as part of its plans for the 2015 World Cup.
From having separate teams and captains across the three formats to a change in the selection committee, the PCB will ponder over reshuffling on all aspects as the England series ends with the third and final Twenty20 on February 27.
While Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain are certain to replace head coach Mohsin Khan and fielding coach Ijaz Ahmed, as confirmed by a PCB official, more changes are also expected. PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf refused to go into details but said that an overhaul will be considered.
“Everything will be carefully taken into account after the England series is over,” Ashraf told The Express Tribune.
Debate on limited-overs captaincy
Meanwhile, a PCB official said the issue of change of captaincy for limited-overs formats will be the main issue under discussion in the coming days. Besides taking input from the new coach, the matter will also be discussed in the governing board meeting on March 1, added the official.
Misbahul Haq, whose brilliant run as skipper was tarnished by the ODI whitewash, was criticised for his defensive approach. Many PCB officials are also unhappy about his interference to get Shoaib Malik included in the side after the former captain was overlooked by the selection committee.
However, a board official said the 37-year-old is likely to retain the leadership.
“There will be consideration and the decision will be made in the best interest of the team,” said the board official before terming Shahid Afridi as a leading candidate for ODI and Twenty20 captaincy. It remains to be seen, however, whether the PCB will be able to reach a consensus before the Asia Cup next month.
Jaffer may complete coaching panel
According to an official, the coach-hunt committee, led by former captain Intikhab Alam, is also looking for a bowling coach in case the incumbent Aqib Javed leaves for the UAE.
The official said the committee was not interested in hiring a third foreign coach and was looking at the option of former left-arm pacer Salim Jaffer, who has served as a national selector besides coaching domestic sides.
“There’s also a possibility that Fountain will be given added responsibility of helping bowlers because of his experience.”
Shuffle in selection committee on cards
Meanwhile, a change in the selection committee is also on the cards as Mohammad Illyas is likely to be released from the chief selector’s post. Apart from Mohsin Khan, who was serving as the chief selector before being appointed as interim coach, names of Salahuddin Ahmed and Iqbal Qasim are also doing the rounds.
(Read: ODI whitewash)
Published in The Express Tribune, February 25th, 2012.
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