NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricket goes by way of a significant disaster. With the staff already 2-0 down within the three-Take a look at collection in opposition to England, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a collection of sudden modifications which have raised extra questions than solutions. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Atiq-uz-Zaman has expressed his disappointment over the state of affairs, saying the staff is at present “in shambles” and at an “all-time low”.Pakistan suffered a heavy 194-run defeat at Lord’s within the second Take a look at. Quickly after, the PCB made a significant overhaul forward of the third and closing Take a look at at Edgbaston, beginning September 9.Seven gamers, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul had been despatched residence. White-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke had been requested to take cost of the red-ball staff, whereas former captain Misbah-ul-Haq resigned from the choice panel and in addition stepped away from his batting marketing consultant function on the Nationwide Cricket Academy in Lahore.The modifications have added to the uncertainty round a Pakistan staff already struggling throughout codecs.
‘Pakistan cricket is in shambles’
Atiq-uz-Zaman questioned the choice to make so many modifications in the midst of a Take a look at collection, particularly the choice to ship some gamers residence.“I do not perceive why Khurram Shehzad was dropped or why the spinner (Ali Usman) was despatched residence after taking probably the most wickets within the Leeds Take a look at. Rapidly, now T20 bowlers are introduced into the Take a look at squad. Why? As a result of Mike Hesson has his private favourites, and he introduced these gamers into Take a look at cricket.“I do not perceive what is going on on. Pakistan cricket is in shambles in the intervening time. It actually hurts me as a result of, though I reside in England, I’m Pakistani at coronary heart. I performed for my nation and I need them to enhance and carry out nicely in numerous situations. Pakistan cricket is at present at an all-time low,” Atiq-uz-Zaman advised IANS.
‘There isn’t any justification for it’
He additionally questioned the choice to take away Sarfaraz and Gul from their teaching roles halfway by way of the collection.“There isn’t any justification for it. The identical individuals who chosen them are those turning round and deselecting them. Which means both you made a mistake within the first place, or you’re making a mistake proper now.“Look, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul are greats of Pakistan cricket. They’ve received World Cups for Pakistan. Sarfaraz received a World Cup on the U19 degree after which received the Champions Trophy as nationwide captain. He deserves respect. Now, I personally did not agree with him changing into the Pakistan Take a look at staff head coach as a result of he lacked prior teaching expertise and {qualifications}.“I did not assist that appointment. However when you make him the coach, it’s a must to again him. Give him a good likelihood earlier than you disrespect him and ship him residence in the midst of a Take a look at collection. It’s unacceptable. I really feel very sorry for Sarfaraz and Umar Gul as a result of I do not assume they did something unsuitable. If the gamers on the sphere cannot carry out, or if you have not chosen a staff able to performing, what’s a coach alleged to do? Let’s examine what Mike Hesson does now,” he added.
Atiq questions Imam’s choice to not bat
Atiq-uz-Zaman additionally criticised Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq, who didn’t bat within the Lord’s Take a look at after struggling a Grade 1 tear in his left calf.Imam did come out for some batting observe regardless of the damage, however his choice to not bat within the Take a look at drew criticism.Atiq mentioned he would have anticipated the opener to come back out and bat even when he was not absolutely match.“Look, I will not speculate on the precise severity of his damage, however in our tradition, we’re raised to be powerful. When you have a Grade 1, 2, and even Grade 3 muscle pressure, you continue to step on the market and bat in your staff. Even if you happen to get out on the primary ball, it does not matter – the general public sees that you just confirmed coronary heart, and so they respect you for it.“As an alternative, he made himself look dangerous by not batting in both innings, after which strolling out in entrance of the media in shorts with bandages on his leg and closely limping – even if you cannot run, you may nonetheless hit a ball. Take a look at Glenn Maxwell scoring a double hundred with extreme hamstring cramps, or Chris Woakes popping out to bat with a fractured hand. Take a look at Saleem Malik enjoying in opposition to West Indies quick bowlers with a damaged arm.“Imam-ul-Haq ought to have walked out to bat. Even when he received out instantly, no one would have questioned his dedication as a result of he was genuinely injured. However limping round in entrance of the media after taking criticism the day earlier than simply seems like a efficiency.“It leaves a nasty impression, and I’ve no sympathy for that behaviour. If you do not have the center or bravery for worldwide cricket, you should not be enjoying Take a look at matches. Take a look at cricket is not only a take a look at of your abilities – it is a take a look at of your character,” he elaborated.
‘Take pleasure in your cricket and imagine in your abilities’
Regardless of his criticism, Atiq-uz-Zaman backed the gamers to reply within the closing Take a look at at Edgbaston.He mentioned Pakistan gamers have grown up in a tough system and should give attention to their cricket regardless of the uncertainty round them.“To be trustworthy, in Pakistan, gamers are used to this atmosphere from home, U16, and U19 cricket. We’re raised in a troublesome system the place you hardly ever get whole freedom or backing, and also you at all times really feel like you’re enjoying beneath menace simply to outlive. My message to them is: get pleasure from your cricket, imagine in your talent set, do what you may with bat and ball, and go away the remainder to God.”
‘Expertise in Pakistan is undeniably there’
Atiq, who works as a scout for England ladies’s, Lions and Younger Lions and coaches the Germany males’s staff, additionally referred to as for main modifications on the PCB degree.He believes Pakistan has sufficient expertise however wants higher management, planning and assist to develop that expertise.“Hopefully, the PCB chairman modifications his method and brings in somebody with real experience and management expertise to drive actual structural change. When you encompass the staff with high quality, skilled people, they’ll instill excessive requirements. The expertise in Pakistan is undeniably there, however with out the best sources and supportive construction, these gamers can’t attain the following degree.”