Misbah and Whatmore are seen planning strategies and having discussions, while Hafeez has been training on his own during the Abbottabad camp. PHOTO: PCB
Both players held press conferences in hopes of clarifying that there were no differences between the two. Their statements came after former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt accused Hafeez of launching a conspiracy against Misbah by joining hands with head coach Dav Whatmore.
However, both senior players, who claim to be the ‘closest friends’, have been keeping a distance at the ongoing training camp in Abbottabad, it has been observed.
While Misbah is actively taking part in discussions with the panel of coaches and planning unlike in the past, Hafeez has distanced himself from the limelight and is preparing on his own. The two have hardly been seen having conversing.
“It’s exactly what you’ve been noticing,” an irked Hafeez responded when asked about his seemingly dull mood in the camp. “I am doing the same thing what I used to do before.”
An official close to the team said Misbah has emerged as a strong captain following a good run during the South Africa tour and excellent domestic performances recently.
“Conspiracies theories, if there were any, on Misbah’s captaincy have ended,” said the official. “He will continue to be a strong captain till he performs.”
Misbah, Whatmore working closely
Meanwhile, if there was any nexus between Whatmore and Hafeez if ex-chief Butt’s claim was to be believed, it has been transformed into a group that now features the captain and the head coach — something that works in the team’s interest.
It is also been observed that, while Hafeez stays away, both Misbah and Whatmore are working closely to train the team in a befitting manner.
On the opening day of the camp on May 3, both spent time together to end doubts of ill-relations between the two key members of team management. Differences among key members of the team have gravely affected Pakistan’s performance in major assignments in the past with the winless tour of Australia in 2009-2010 being a fitting example.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2013.
COMMENTS (4)
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@Al , Hafeez doesn't have the capabilities to become a leading man like Misbah. I think Misbah should be leading in 20/20 also , or they need to groom some young guy but Hafeez is not the answer. If you bring in Ahmed Shezad and Nasir Jamshed as openers (and they should be our openers), Hafeez does not even have a place in the playing 11.
Hafeez is trying to appear larger than his size. He needs to be told that he is just another player in the side.
Misbah is mature. Hafeez still needs time.
Misbah is the true leader..Hafeez is no way near him