Pakistan cricket: Moving forward
The least the erratic PCB can do is adopt a policy that does not reek of unreliability.
Applications have been invited again as the PCB looks to revamp yet again. PHOTO: FILE
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has embarked on yet another coach hunt, advertising for the post after deciding not to extend the contracts of Moin Khan, Zaheer Abbas and Shoaib Mohammad. The trio, appointed as head coach, batting consultant and fielding coach respectively, were put in charge in February and were part of the panel for the Asia Cup and the World Twenty20. However, since Dav Whatmore and Julien Fountain left, the PCB has continued to play musical chairs with its coaching and selection panel.
Applications have been invited again as the PCB looks to revamp yet again. Mohammad Hafeez has stepped down as Twenty20 captain and a replacement is being sought. With Pakistan not due to play a series for a while, the decision can take its time. However, the fact that the coaching staff is being sought again goes to show the short-term tactics of the PCB. Defeat at the hands of the Sri Lankan side in the Asia Cup final and disaster against the West Indies convinced the PCB that the coaching staff had to be blamed. This kind of attitude has developed a sense of uncertainty among players and staff alike. Former chief selector Mohsin Khan, when he was the head coach, saw the team whitewash the number one-ranked England in a three-Test series but saw himself being replaced by Whatmore. Results are not the only thing that can lead you out the door if you are associated with the national cricket team. Rashid Latif, who was due to take charge as chief selector, withdrew before he began as he cited various reasons.
The problem seems to be in the attitude — the PCB and former players alike. Pakistan cricket suffers enough with cricket not being hosted by the country. Inconsistent performances have already made fans cynical. The least the erratic PCB can do is adopt a policy that does not reek of unreliability. The management has failed to set an example and backed none — except maybe Shoaib Malik — but with the World Cup due next year, it is high time a strategy is put in place and adhered to.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2014.
Applications have been invited again as the PCB looks to revamp yet again. Mohammad Hafeez has stepped down as Twenty20 captain and a replacement is being sought. With Pakistan not due to play a series for a while, the decision can take its time. However, the fact that the coaching staff is being sought again goes to show the short-term tactics of the PCB. Defeat at the hands of the Sri Lankan side in the Asia Cup final and disaster against the West Indies convinced the PCB that the coaching staff had to be blamed. This kind of attitude has developed a sense of uncertainty among players and staff alike. Former chief selector Mohsin Khan, when he was the head coach, saw the team whitewash the number one-ranked England in a three-Test series but saw himself being replaced by Whatmore. Results are not the only thing that can lead you out the door if you are associated with the national cricket team. Rashid Latif, who was due to take charge as chief selector, withdrew before he began as he cited various reasons.
The problem seems to be in the attitude — the PCB and former players alike. Pakistan cricket suffers enough with cricket not being hosted by the country. Inconsistent performances have already made fans cynical. The least the erratic PCB can do is adopt a policy that does not reek of unreliability. The management has failed to set an example and backed none — except maybe Shoaib Malik — but with the World Cup due next year, it is high time a strategy is put in place and adhered to.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 22nd, 2014.