Failure draws calls for accountability

Mohsin Khan holds team management responsible for poor show.

KARACHI: Two back-to-back defeats in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy and India’s win over the West Indies sealed Pakistan’s exit yesterday when just a week ago they were being dubbed as the favourites to win.

The exit of the team after successive losses against the West Indies and South Africa is akin to heartbreak for fans back home who were hoping for a maiden title for Pakistan in the last edition of the tournament.

According to former cricketers, the awful results were repercussions of mistakes made by people at the helm of cricket affairs ranging from the top Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, selection committee and the team management.

Former coach Mohsin Khan – head coach before Dav Whatmore’s appointment – was saddened with the team’s standing.“It’s very painful to see such results,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “I can’t believe it’s the same team which was so successful in the past few years. There is no determination and fighting spirit now.”



Mohsin held the team management responsible for the poor show.

“There should be accountability of the people who removed me from my post despite my remarkable run as a coach due to their vested interest that ultimately resulted in the team’s loss. I will meet the Prime Minister [Nawaz Sharif] and will request him to take steps to rescue the game.”

The former chief selector also took a swipe at the current selection committee.

“The team was not balanced. We needed Younus Khan and Shahid Afridi while upcoming players Ahmed Shahzad and Hammad Azam also deserved a place instead of the ones who fail again and again.”

Experienced players must be recalled: Akhtar

Former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar said the players showed lack of maturity that cost the team heavily.

“Honestly, we don’t have any batting talent in the team,” the former speedster told a television channel. We keep relying on Imran Farhat who is showing no signs of progress since over a decade. It’s good to have young talent but we cannot drop experienced players like Younus, Abdul Razzaq and Afridi until we find suitable replacements for them.”

Published in The Express Tribune, June 12^th, 2013.