(PCB Credit)
Atiq-uz-Zaman, a former cricketer, recently took a swipe at Pakistan’s coaching staff in light of the national team’s disappointing exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. He criticized the selection of coaches, suggesting they hadn’t earned their roles through merit and referred to them as ineffective. Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament has sparked widespread discussion, with players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi facing substantial scrutiny from ex-cricketers.
Following the team’s underwhelming performance, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has opted to make changes. Abdul Razzaq and Wahab Riaz, both former players, are being removed from the selection committee. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has clarified that while there have been no talks about Babar Azam’s future as captain in limited-overs cricket, adjustments are being made to address the team’s shortcomings.
Gary Kirsten Has The Team Of Clowns – Atiq-uz-Zaman
Atiq-uz-Zaman, in a recent interview, criticized certain Pakistan coaches for their lack of leadership skills, alleging that they secured their positions without merit. The former player emphasized that these coaches do not command respect among the players in the Pakistan squad and cannot effectively guide them.
“Gary Kirsten has the team of clowns in there, and the people who have not come on merit are actually in the team. When people don’t come on merit, they don’t have leadership skills. Because how can you keep your head up and try to dictate to somebody if you’re not there on merit?,” Atiq-uz-Zaman said.
Just Give Them A Specific Role – Atiq-uz-Zaman
Atiq-uz-Zaman pointed out in a recent statement that there is an issue within the coaching staff where egos seem to dominate. He stressed the importance of having a streamlined support system with clearly defined roles for each member. Additionally, he emphasized the necessity for effective communication, citing examples such as clearly conveying to players that bowling no balls during practice sessions is unacceptable.
“So they had a bad coaching staff. They have too many people around them. There were too many, too many egos in that dressing room among the coaching staff. You should have minimized that, and you have to keep as few people as possible but provide them with the best support possible. And everybody, every coach, every player should have their role. Just give them a specific role,” Atiq-uz-Zaman added.
“If nobody has to bowl no ball in the nets, it has to be communicated in the team meetings. And say, look, this is the criteria in the nets. You’re not allowed to bowl no ball. If you bowl no ball, any of my coaches will shout it. So players would know that. So these things happen when you don’t communicate properly.”
According to a report by Geo News, tensions escalated between Shaheen and Yousuf during Pakistan’s tour of England and Ireland. Allegedly, Shaheen rebuffed Yousuf’s intervention in his practice, asserting that he should not interfere in his affairs. Similar incidents also unfolded during the 2024 T20 World Cup.
