Tag: Misbah ul haq

  • Amir rubbishes Misbah & Waqar’s explanations over his retirement

    Amir rubbishes Misbah & Waqar’s explanations over his retirement

    Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq, and bowling coach Waqar Younis, in a recent media briefing, said that Mohammad Amir’s exclusion from the team was only due to his poor performance and refuted his claims of not selecting him due to personal dislike

    In response, Mohammad Amir hit back at the duo, saying that they are portraying a different picture to take the blame off their backs.

    Responding to cricket journalist Shoaib Jutt, who asked him to “please tell now what was that [mental] torture”, Amir said that Misbah and Waqar have twisted the whole scenario and that he will respond to their claims in due time.

    Amir recently retired from all formats of international cricket, claiming he was mentally tortured by the current team management. He said that he will not play international cricket under this management.

    Amir was dropped from the team in the series against Zimbabwe and was also not part of the 35-man squad for the tour of New Zealand.

    Misbah and Waqar said that Amir’s recent performances have been really poor and he does not warrant a place in the squad. They did, however, say that Amir will be welcomed back into the team if he is able to perform better in the domestic circuit.

    Meanwhile, according to reports, Misbah and Waqar’s future is to be decided after the South Africa series. The coaches were under fire after the Kiwis thrashed Pakistan, with the Men in Green winning only one out of three T20Is, and losing both matches of the Test series.

  • Foreign coach to reportedly replace Misbah after South Africa series

    Foreign coach to reportedly replace Misbah after South Africa series

    The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly decided to remove Misbah-ul-Haq and bring in a foreign coach after the home series against South Africa.

    According to reports, Gary Kirsten and Grant Flower are likely to replace Misbah.

    It must be noted here that Misbah had already been removed from chief selector and batting coach’s posts. The head coach received immense backlash after Pakistan badly lost two-matches Test series against New Zealand.

    Misbah took charge in 2019 and under his coaching, Pakistan has only won home Tests against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. The green shirts lost the home T20I series against Sri Lanka immediately after he took charge.

    It is pertinent to mention that the former cricketer recently parted ways with Pakistan Super League (PSL’s) team Islamabad United.

    IU’s official Twitter account said that he wanted to focus on commitments with the National side.

  • Mohammad Asif accuses PTI’s Faisal Javed of meddling in players’ selection process

    Former Pakistan right-hand fast bowler Muhammad Asif has levelled serious allegations against Senator Faisal Javed Khan and accused him of meddling in the affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

    In a recent interview with former Test Cricketers Shahid Nazeer and Shahnawaz Khan, Asif blasted the board for not doing enough for the promotion of cricket.

    Asif also claimed that under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the Pakistan cricket team is selected by Senator Faisal Javed Khan, adding that Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan were pathetic coaches.

    “This team is not picked by Waqar, Younus or Misbah, it is selected by Faisal Javed Khan,” said the former pacer, adding: “As players, Misbah, Waqar and Younus were good but they are pathetic as coaches.”

    “They do not have any dignity or ego, they only know to say ‘Yes Sir’. Team will fail under their coaching,” said Asif further.

    Asif was banned for five years for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal that left the cricketing world in shock. He hasn’t played for Pakistan since then. While he made his domestic comeback, he wasn’t given a second chance like left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir.

    Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Senator Faisal Javed rubbished the claims and said that he has no idea why Asif is levelling such allegations.

    “These allegations are absolutely baseless,” said Senator Faisal. “I have no interaction with Misbah or any other official of the board. Whatever decision they take is their own and they are responsible for it. Our government has empowered the board completely and do not meddle in their business.”

    “Misbah is the most empowered PCB official and he is the one responsible for the selection and everything that follows,” added Senator Faisal.

    Talking further, Senator Faisal said that he offers his suggestions and advice to the board on social media and radio just like any other cricket aficionado.

    “I have been doing cricket commentary for 15 years now and often give my suggestions on social media or in talk shows,” said the senior leader. “Aur mazay ki baat yeh hai that the board always does the opposite of what I suggest. So I don’t know why Asif made such a shocking comment.”

    When asked about his thoughts on Pakistan’s performance in New Zealand, Senator Faisal said that “major improvements are needed”.

    “The team was not prepared and the team combinations were bad,” said the Senator. “I don’t understand why they did not take Shoaib Malik. He’s is in excellent form for T20.”

    “I understand they wanted to give younger players a chance, but it is always better to have a mix of both.”

    Senator Faisal also lauded Fawad Alam for his performance, saying that he should have been brought on the field earlier.

  • Islamabad United will be picking players without Misbah for PSL6

    Islamabad United will be picking players without Misbah for PSL6

    After four “wonderful” seasons, Misbah-ul-Haq and Islamabad United have parted ways. The PSL franchise will now have to select players without him.

    In a tweet, the current Head Coach of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Misbah wrote: “Thank you IU for four wonderful seasons. Best of luck for PSL 6.”

    Similarly, Islamabad United also thanked him from their official Twitter account.

    “IU will not be renewing Misbah already expired head coach contract given his commitments with the national team,” read an official statement. “We thank him for his great contribution to ISLU. We wish him the very best of luck with the national team.”

    Owner of Islamabad United Ali Naqvi also thanked Misbah for his “immense contribution to the team” and wished him the best for his future endeavours.

    Two-time champions Islamabad United will make the first pick in the HBL Pakistan Super League 2021 Player Draft, according to the latest updates.

    Multan Sultans and HBL PSL 2020 finalists Lahore Qalandars will have the second and third pick, respectively.

    Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators, the champions of the 2017 and 2019 editions, will have the next two picks. Defending champions Karachi Kings will have the sixth pick. 

    The pick order for round one of the HBL PSL 2021 Player Draft was decided after a random draw in the presence of representatives of all six franchises at the PCB headquarters in Lahore.

    According to reports, the drafting for season 6 will be held in the second week of January with the matches starting from February 20. The board is yet to decide on the involvement of players in the draft. It is also expected that the draft may be held virtually due to the rising coronavirus cases.

  • ‘I have been tortured’: Mohammad Amir announces retirement from international cricket

    ‘I have been tortured’: Mohammad Amir announces retirement from international cricket

    Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has said that he is retiring from international cricket.

    Speaking to journalist Shoaib Jatt, Amir said that he will release a detailed statement sharing his reasons behind his retirement when he arrives back in Pakistan from Sri Lanka, where he has been playing for Galle Gladiators in the Lanka Premier League. However, he made it clear that he cannot continue playing under the current management which is why he made this announcement.

    “I have been tortured,” says Amir in the video.

    Amir, who had an impressive campaign for Galle Gladiators in Lanka Premier League, said he will be playing franchise cricket but has made up his mind not to carry on playing for Pakistan. Amir had retired from Test cricket last year citing workload issues.

    “No, I am not going away from cricket. If you have seen the way the atmosphere over here and the way I have been sidelined,” said an emotional Amir. “I got a wake-up call there when I was not selected in 35 boys. If I don’t get selected in the 35-member squad, then it is a wake-up call for me.”

    “I don’t think I can play cricket under this management. I think I should leave cricket this time. I am being tortured mentally,” he continued. “I don’t think I can tolerate any more torture now. I have seen a lot of torture from 2010 to 2015. I was away from the game and sentenced for my mistake.”

    Read more – Kyun Nikala?: ‘Misbah Saab he bataa saktay hain,’ says Mohammad Amir

    According to a press release issued by PCB, Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Wasim Khan spoke with Amir this afternoon following reports that the fast bowler had announced his retirement from international cricket.

    The 29-year-old confirmed to the PCB chief executive that he has no desires or intensions of playing international cricket and as such, he should not be considered for future international matches.

    “This is a personal decision of Mohammad Amir, which the PCB respects, and as such, will not make any further comment on this matter at this stage,” stated the press release.

    Amir made his debut for Pakistan in a T20I match against England in June 2009 and was part of the team which won the 2009 T20 World Cup.

    However, his career went downhill after he was found guilty of spot-fixing and was banned for five years. He made his international comeback in 2015 and went on to play an instrumental role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017.

  • Only two Pakistanis nominated for ICC Awards of the Decade

    Only two Pakistanis nominated for ICC Awards of the Decade

    The International Cricket Council (ICC), on Thursday, announced the nominations for the Awards of the Decade in the men’s and women’s categories. Two Pakistani male cricketers have been nominated for the awards.

    According to details, former captain of the Pakistan cricket team and current head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and leg-spinner Yasir Shah are the only two Pakistanis nominated for the awards.

    60 nominations have been made and the winners for each category will be selected through votes cast by fans around the world. The final announcements regarding the winners of their respective categories will be made on December 18.

    Misbah was nominated for the ICC’s Spirit of Cricket Award of the Decade whereas Shah was nominated for the prestigious category of Men’s Test Player of the Decade.

    The former captain of the Pakistan side had won the ICC’s Spirit of Cricket Award for the year 2016 after leading his side to the number-one spot in the ICC’s Test rankings for the very first time since its inception.

    Meanwhile, five Indian cricketers have been nominated in different categories from which four are men and one woman cricketer. Indian skipper Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, MS Dhoni, R Ashwin and Mithali Raj are nominated in different categories of men and women. Interesting thing is that Kohli is the only player to be nominated in all five men’s categories in the ICC Player of the Decade Award.

    Fans can vote for their favorite player and they can also win prizes by registering on the website. Voting opened on November 25 and will be closed on December 16.

    Nominations list for each category can be read on the official website of ICC.

  • Kyun Nikala?: ‘Misbah Saab he bataa saktay hain,’ says Mohammad Amir

    Kyun Nikala?: ‘Misbah Saab he bataa saktay hain,’ says Mohammad Amir

    Mohammad Amir, Shoaib Malik and Asad Shafiq have been dropped from the 35-member squad announced for Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, stirring up a debate on social media. The tour is scheduled to take place in December.

    According to a press release, the management wants to give a fair chance to youngsters like 20-year-old Shafique in the T20 format, which is why they decided to drop the three senior players. Babar Azam, who is now the captain across all formats, will lead both the T20I and Test sides in New Zealand.

    Pakistan head coach and chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, explaining the decision said: “There are three major omissions from the side that toured England. Shafiq has been left out due to lack of form after he managed 510 runs in his last 15 innings, including a total of 67 runs in England.”

    “Malik and Amir are not part of the white-ball matches as for this tour we have opted to invest, develop and focus on the promising and emerging players who are likely to be available to Pakistan for all formats,” he added.

    Meanwhile on the other hand, the board has shown their confidence in other senior players like Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Hafeez.

    When asked why he was left out of the team, Amir responded: “Misbah saab hi bata sakte hain, but good luck for team green.”

    Later, when a journalist remarked that this was Amir’s ‘Mujhe Kyun Nikala‘ moment, Amir said: “Hahaha, good one.”

    Later, responding to another tweet, Amir said that he has placed his trust with God and not with people.

    The three-match T20 series between Pakistan and New Zealand will start on December 18 and end on December 22.

    The ICC World Test Championship fixtures will be played in Mount Maunganui and Christchurch from December 26-30 and January 3-7, respectively.

  • Misbah Ul Haq steps down as chief selector

    Misbah Ul Haq steps down as chief selector

    Former captain of the Pakistan Cricket Team, Misbah Ul Haq, who was appointed to the joint position of head coach and chief selector for the men’s team in September 2019, has resigned from his role as chief selector.

    In a press conference, Haq said that he tendered his resignation so that he can concentrate and focus on the head coach’s role of the men’s national team.

    “When I was appointed last year, I was offered the coaching role first and then given the option to also head the selection committee, which I had graciously accepted. I said I would do it but we had a discussion that if I ever felt that giving time to both would be hard, I would leave,” said Misbah at the conference.

    He further said: “The most important thing is my passion for the field. My first target as coach is to bring the Pakistan team in the top three in all formats. We should at least win International Cricket Council (ICC) events and that is our target and [we are] focusing on that.”

    Misbah also clarified that his resignation was not because of any disagreements with the cricket body or his meeting with Prime Minister Imran Khan last month.

    The PCB, in a press release, stated that the new chief selector will begin his tenure from 1 December and until then, Misbah will continue to carry out selection responsibilities. The decision means Misbah will announce the squads for the home series against Zimbabwe on 19 October and then for the away series against New Zealand.

    The first assignment of the new chief selector will be to select the squads for the January home series against South Africa, comprising two Tests and three Twenty20 Internationals.

  • IN PICTURES: Pakistan cricket team trains at Worcestershire

    IN PICTURES: Pakistan cricket team trains at Worcestershire

    The Pakistan cricket team has begun their training at Worcestershire for their upcoming matches against England.

    Read more – Mohammad Amir reveals why he backed out of England tour

    The team arrived in England on June 30, where they will play three Tests and as many Twenty20 internationals, starting in the first week of August. The players, who tested negative for COVID-19 and travelled to England included Azhar Ali (captain), Babar Azam (vice-captain), Abid Ali, Asad Shafiq, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Iftikhar Ahmad, Imad Wasim, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Musa Khan, Naseem Shah, Rohail Nazir, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood, Sohail Khan, Usman Shinwari, and Yasir Shah. Misbah-ul-Haq (head coach), Younis Khan (batting coach), Mushtaq Ahmed (spin bowling coach) and Waqar Younis also travelled with the team.

    According to PCB, the squad will undergo a 14-day isolation period on arrival before continuing their preparations ahead of the first Test with two four-day warm-up matches.

    Check out pictures from their training session below:

    Watch video:

    Babar Azam also shared pictures of himself at the practise and said that it felt great to be on the field again.

    It is expected that the first Test will take place in Manchester in August but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said the behind-closed-doors match schedule would be announced in “due course”.

  • 2019: Blunders & Pakistan Cricket

    The year 2019 has seen many questionable calls by Pakistan cricket managemnet, including several mistakes and blunders, Geo News reported,

    The departing year had the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the World Cup and a home Test series after a long drought of ten years. The year saw a plenty of action but at the same time it saw the equal amount of mistakes as well.

    The contributers of these mistakes not only included the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the cricket management, but the captain(s) — former and present — as well as the players.

    Fakhar Zaman’s presence in the team, despite poor form

    Everyone, except the cricket board selectors knew that the opener Fakhar Zaman had been out of form since the summer of 2018. Over a 26-game block before the World Cup (WC) 2019, the average score of the batsman was 29.34 runs. Despite having knowledge of the stats and clear signs that the left-handed was not performing well, the board went into the WC with just him and Imam-ul-Haq as their only two openers.

    Fakhar performed even worse and averaged even less at the tournament, with his 23.25 runs per innings often leaving Pakistan team short of a solid opening foundation which in-turn placed unwanted pressure on the middle-order to make up.

    Trusting Misbah with dual role

    Despite having much bigger and better cricketing setups, Australia, India and England had neither thought of ditching their chief selector and handing the additinoal job to their team’s head coach. But PCB still went for it.

    The move was criticised by many who considered it to be an ill-thought decision and the board weeks after former captain’s appointment itself realised that he would need a coordinator as well.

    PCB later appointed former Test spinner Nadeem Khan as the Coordinator of the National Selection Committee following a recruitment process.

    Sarfaraz Ahmed’s ill-timed replacement

    After Pakistan teams poor performance in the World Cup and failing to even qualify for the semi-finals, the cricket board brought many changes in the team after the tournament except for the captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. Replacing Sarfaraz then would have made more sense at the time but PCB flinched and missed the opportunity.

    Later in October 2019, once the time had passed, the board eventually decided to go for it. It was clear that Sarfaraz had been sacked after severe criticism from the team and the public which he received after the defeat from the hands of Sri Lankan team.

    The sacking in October was then termed unjustified and criticised by many as an ill-timed move.

    Naseem Shah’s selection for Australia tour

    The board selected fast-bowler Naseem Shah in the Pakistan squad for the first time against Australia knowing that the talented Mohammad Asif had earlier struggled alot on his debut tour of Australia. Yet, the 16-year-old pacer and the 19-year-old Muhammad Musa were picked against a stronger english side.

    Choosing Haris Sohail over in-form Fawad Alam

    PCB selected Fawad Alam for Sri Lanka Test series after his excellent performance and multiple centuries in the domestic tournament. The decision was lauded by cricket lovers but sadly, he was not picked in either of the two Test matches.

    Instead, the board retained out of form Haris Sohail, saying that he can also bowl. Sohail bowled a grand total of 10 overs over two Tests and scored a small amount of nine runs on the only occasions he got to bat.