Misbah’s role as captain has been backed by manager Moin Khan who believes the 39-year-old only needs to modify his approach. PHOTO: AFP
More than a partial confirmation has been ascertained regarding Misbahul Haq maintaining his captaincy for the Test and One-Day International (ODI) formats, at least for the series against South Africa. This, to a certain extent, also holds true for the home assignment against Sri Lanka.
Yesterday, a day after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Caretaker Chairman Najam Sethi reposed confidence in the veteran’s leadership qualities, manager Moin Khan also spoke against a change of the guard, hinting of continuity in leadership.
However, the former captain did not back the veteran batsman before pointing out the weakness of the 39-year old in marshalling his troops.
Moin met Sethi at the PCB headquarters in Lahore where he submitted a report on the tour of Zimbabwe that ended with a humiliating Test defeat to the weak opponents after 15 years.
Calls for the removal of head coach Dav Whatmore and Misbah, dubbed as a defensive captain recurred with full pace following the shock.
Moin, who captained Pakistan in 13 Tests and 34 ODIs, partially agreed to the calls from former cricketers.
“Misbah needs to change his captaincy approach,” said the former captain after his meeting with the PCB chairman that coincided with reports of possibly removing Misbah as captain.
“There is no need to change the captain. I’ve spoken to Misbah and he is positive about bringing an improvement.
“The team needs consistency and changes are not in its interest,” added Moin after backing struggling Mohammad Hafeez to be a part of the Test squad.
Captaincy under radar
It has been learnt that Misbah, who regained strength as captain with his remarkable individual performance this year, will not enjoy the same status in the forthcoming home series.
The PCB has started mulling other options for the role while starting on plans for the 2015 World Cup.
A failure to earn desirable results against South Africa may prompt the change in captaincy.
“Misbah has 100% marks as an individual, but his captaincy will be under the scanner,” said an official close to the PCB think tank.
“The PCB is hoping Misbah will get the best out of his players.”
Interestingly, former captain Shahid Afridi, whose successful tenure as captain came to an end after a tiff with the then PCB chairman Ijaz Butt, has expressed interest in captaining the team again.
Afridi, who led the team to the 2011 World Cup semi-final, said he would accept captaincy as a challenge if the PCB made such an offer.
A report making rounds yesterday also suggested that the all-rounder was under consideration for the ODI captaincy against South Africa.
Pakistan are scheduled to play three Tests, five ODIs and two T20 games against South Africa in October-November.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 19th, 2013.
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COMMENTS (16)
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@pullseller Not Exactly, But Misbah played pretty well. He scored 56 from 40 balls with the help of 3 sixes. Though Wolves scored merely 127 which was easily chased by SRH with 15 balls remaining and 7 wicket in hand.
What happened to the second match? Did we defeat the Hyderabad Sunrisers
We need an aggrassive captain like Afridi at least for the ODI's, Misbah always put our whole team under pressure
@Ali: See the talent against the wolves, also our local kids have no exposure to international cricket...you should back these kids for trying and trying to get better... stop criticizing them for god sake !
Seriously Afridi? He doesnt even deserve to be in the team - leave alone become captain of it. He always plays poorly under Misbah to be able to gain captaincy. He is an opportunist of the highest order... poor show Afridi!
instead of running after the only good pakistan player,misbah,PCB should hire coaches to teach the players how to bat
@Mirza: Go take a Hike!!!
Misbah is a way better and superior captain than all other options available right now. Not only because of his excellent individual performance and fitness, but also possesses exceptional understanding of game and immaculate temper and stamina. He keeps his calm and nerves under pressure conditions unlike other who just go blank. So our problem lay in the batting department esp and fielding, not in the captaincy.
\m/ for Afridi as a captain till 2015 Worldcup..!!
Afridi is such an oppurtunitist. Look at his statement
where are the results of faisalabad wolves???
Let us elevate Hafiz based upon his great performance. Just like we did to Afridi when he was caught red-handed chewing the ball several times.
Pakistan wants to plan their future and bring in new blood. However, the more things change the more they stay the same! Let us bring leaders who have dug up the wicket, chewed the ball and who loves to talk to the media without any need or discipline. Pakistan needs a well educated level headeed leader not the opposite.
where is faisalabad wolves???? cat hunted wolves shame...
what about faisalabad wolves???? mini cat????