PCB backs Misbah-ul-Haq despite PSL fiasco
What's the story
Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq received adulation from Pakistan Cricket Board's CEO Wasim Khan, for improving the plight of Pakistan cricket. Khan backed the 45-year-old, who was the head coach of franchise Islamabad United in the PSL 2020. Interestingly, Misbah had recently faced heavy criticism as Islamabad United failed to reach the top four in the tournament. Here is more.
Quote
We have confidence in Misbah, says Wasim Khan
"Since he took over as head coach, we have seen steady progress in the national team's performances. We have full confidence in Misbah even now, but we will sit down and review his one-year performance after the World T20 in Australia in October," Khan said.
Performance
Pakistan have been faring well under Misbah lately
Misbah was appointed as the head coach and chief selector in September last year after Micky Arthur was released. Waqar Younis was appointed as the bowling coach. Under Misbah, Pakistan have won two ODIs and lost three T20Is to Sri Lanka. They also lost two T20Is and as many Tests to Australia before winning the last three home-series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh respectively.
PSL 2020
Islamabad United failed to qualify for the final four
Misbah was granted permission by the board to work as the coach of Islamabad United in the PSL this year. The Shadab Khan-led side did not fetch the desired results under his guidance. Having finished at the bottom, Islamabad United failed to book the spot for playoffs. This was the first edition since PSL 2016 wherein Islamabad did not qualify for the last four.
Coaching
PCB wanted Misbah to learn as a coach from PSL
Instead of scrutinizing Misbah's role in the tournament, Wasim Khan asserted that the cricket board deemed PSL as a learning curve for him. "You must keep in mind while he is coach of the Pakistan team full-time he only joined the Islamabad franchise few days before the PSL. We wanted it to be a learning experience for him as head coach."