Misbah-ul-Haq, who was Pakistan Test captain and one of the most respected figures in the country’s cricketing history, has expressed his opinion that the Pakistani cricket system has two types of coaches: domestic coaches are more often criticized and less respected than foreign ones.
His comments have come at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket with the national team again in crisis after a poor Test series in England. With a number of changes having been made to the squad and selection team of Pakistan Cricket Board, the team selection and the board decisions are more and more important for the team.
Misbah steps down as Pakistan's national selector after PCB issued notice to the selection committee on major changes made to the national team during the England tour. His departure brought another big blow to a season of terrible performances and administrative shake up.
Misbah openly talked about the difference he believes exists between the treatment of Pakistani and overseas coaches in a TV programme. Local coaches are frequently under more severe criticism and questioning in the same difficult environment as foreign ones, the former captain said.
“It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. The local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism when compared to foreign coaches,” Misbah stated.
The Pakistan captain said he does not oppose the appointment of foreign coaches. But his concern is that overseas coaches are more likely to have the authority and support than those who come from Pakistan's cricket system.
“I don’t think there is anything wrong with having foreign coaches, but what bothers me is we tend to have a soft corner for foreign coaches,” he said.
Misbah’s comments may revive the long-standing debate in Pakistan cricket about foreign coaches and the opportunities for former Pakistani players. Over the years, Pakistan has appointed overseas coaches and support staff to bring in international experience and new ideas in the national setup.
But the performance of the team has always been considered in a more systematic manner no matter who is in charge of the team. The former players and cricket experts in Pakistan have often wondered if Pakistan should trust local coaches more than those from outside the country.
This comes as Pakistan had a tough Test series in England after a loss of 194 runs to England - the team suffered a 2-0 series loss. The poor performance led PCB to make major changes as the team was left to respond.
Seven players were reportedly removed from the team after the defeat while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were released ahead of the third and final Test at Edgbaston. The board moved on and were ready to examine the team after a poor series result.
The PCB, selectors, coaches, and players have also become the focus of the situation. Misbah’s comments about unequal treatment could add another dimension to the discussion surrounding Pakistan cricket.
Misbah thinks that the issue is less about nationality and more about consistency. He believes all coaches should be held to the same standards and must be supported at the same level, and held accountable. If local coaches are heavily criticized for poor performance, he believes foreign coaches should be similarly criticized if they fail to achieve what they expect.
Pakistan cricket has always produced some of the game’s most talented players and experienced former cricketers. The PCB will need to develop a system based on local knowledge and international knowledge while also dealing with appointments fairly.
Misbah-ul-Haq’s comments will add fuel to the debate on the future of Pakistan’s coaching structure as the country’s relationship with Pakistan is still recovering from England’s tour so far. The PCB will see whether it changes its approach, but the former captain has once again raised the question of accountability and equal treatment within Pakistan cricket.
