PCB wants Misbah-ul-Haq to be head coach-cum-chief selector
Misbah-ul-Haq is being eyed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take over the mantle of the national side as head coach-cum-chief selector. The veteran was earlier given the task of supervising a pre-season conditioning camp in Lahore. Misbah, who is yet to make up his mind, could be the best man for Pakistan cricket. Here are the details.
The pre-season conditioning camp begun on Monday this week. The camp will have 14 centrally contracted and six other cricketers participating. Misbah wasn't very sure but finally agreed to take over. "He was not very keen to also supervise the pre-season conditioning camp but Zakir Khan, who is Director International Cricket and an influential figure in the board, convinced Misbah," a source told PTI.
The reason behind Misbah's unwillingness to take over the camp earlier was because he was unhappy with certain decisions. Some players were cleared to play T20 leagues elsewhere, whereas, the others needed to undergo rehab to overcome niggling fitness issues.
"Misbah is aware that some of the players are carrying niggling fitness problems including Fakhar Zaman and Babar Zaman and he felt that the PCB should have called them home after the World Cup and have them undergo a rehab process instead of giving them clearance to play in leagues or in England," the source claimed.
According to a report in Dunya News, Misbah's role could see a single person as chief selector and head coach to whom the domestic coaches would be bound to report. One expects complete transparency here and this could benefit Pakistan. Misbah will be given the power to select both the players and then coach them for major tournaments.
Pakistan will be playing six Tests, three ODIs and six T20Is in the 2019-20 international season. A grueling season begins with hosting Sri Lanka for a two-Test series in October 2019. "Misbah, who has been Pakistan's most successful captain, understands the arduous demands of the format in this day and age," the PCB said while selecting him to oversee the camp.
Misbah is yet to apply for the post of head coach, the deadline for which is August 23. It remains to be seen whether the former skipper agrees to PCB's demands and takes over. Pakistan had sacked former head coach Mickey Arthur recently.
Misbah was a true leader and a terrific batsman for Pakistan cricket team. He led the side well in the past and retired as a legend of the game. His longevity helped Pakistan do well. Misbah is someone who is respected by the fraternity. His experience and charisma could benefit the side. Pakistan need to be consistent and Misbah's guidance could help the side.
