Misbah handed dual responsibility

LAHORE: Pakistan on Wednesday appointed former captain Misbahul Haq as head coach and chief selector in a bid to lift the national team’s performance.

The cricket-mad nation failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup in July, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) not to renew head coach Mickey Arthur’s tenure.

Bowling coach Azhar Mahmood and batting coach Grant Flower were also shown the door.

The PCB said Misbah will be head coach for three years. “Former captain Misbah is confirmed as Pakistan men’s national team head coach in all three formats on a three-year contract,” said a statement.

“In line with the PCB’s commitment to ensure transparency, accountability and role clarity at all levels, Misbah was also named as the chairman of selectors with head coaches of the six first-class cricket association sides as his fellow selectors.”

Misbah will be Pakistan’s 30th head coach — but it is the first time that the head coach will also be the chief selector, along the lines of the system in New Zealand.

Another former captain, legendary paceman Waqar Younis, was named as bowling coach for three years. He had two previous stints as head coach.

A five-man PCB committee also interviewed former Australian batsman Dean Jones and former Pakistan coach Mohsin Khan before deciding unanimously in Misbah’s favour.

Misbah and Waqar will start with three One-Day Internationals and three Twenty20s at home against Sri Lanka from September 27 to October 9.

Pakistan travel to Australia in November for Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide.

Misbah is Pakistan’s most successful Test captain with 26 wins in 56 Tests and 11 draws. He played 75 Tests, 162 One-Day Internationals and 39 Twenty20 matches for Pakistan in a career which ended in 2017.

Misbah described the role as challenging. “I know expectations are high, but I am absolutely ready and up for the task otherwise I would not have thrown my name in the hat for one of the most challenging and coveted roles in Pakistan cricket,” he said in a press release.

“We have some of the most talented and exciting cricketers, and I will like to help them train and prepare in such a way that they can play intelligently, smartly and fearlessly.

“I am aware this will require a change in the dressing room culture but if we have to compete consistently at the highest level, we have to embrace these modern day requirements.”

“We need to understand this is a performance-oriented world and only those Pakistan players have thrived in the past who have taken the pride in donning the star and crest on their chests by delivering every time they have stepped on to the field.

“That’s the way I have played my cricket all through my career and this will not change in my new role.

“I am excited to once again have someone as experienced and knowledgeable as Waqar Younis in my corner as a bowling coach. We have exciting young fast bowlers in our ranks and there is no better person than Waqar to transform them into modern day stars.”

PCB Chief Executive Wasim Khan said: “We are delighted to have someone of Misbahul Haq’s leadership, skill and stature taking on the responsibility of our national team. At the same time, I want to thank all the local and foreign candidates who offered their services, but the panel unanimously put their weight behind Misbah as it believed he was a perfect fit for the dual assignments due to his understanding, knowledge and demands of Pakistan cricket across all the three formats of the game.

“The concept of a head coach also being a chief selector is an innovative one and a new introduction to our system. But, while the PCB has further empowered Misbah, it has also put more responsibility on his shoulders as he will now be solely responsible and accountable for his side’s performances. As always, PCB checks and balances will remain.

Pakistan are seventh in Test rankings, sixth in ODIs but are top ranked in Twenty20s. — AFP/PCB press release