Misbah-ul-Haq Aims to Change the Culture of Pakistani Dressing Room

The newly-appointed Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has aimed to change the culture of the dressing room. However, he said the revamp of cricket structure will take some time. The most successful Pakistan Test captain, Misbah was also handed the role of the chief selector.

“As a coach, or a leader, what one wants is to have such a great team that they instantly dominate the match and put pressure on the opposition. But that is the ideal situation. In real life one has to strategies based on the kind of players available, I will be doing the same,” Misbah-ul-Haq said. “Of course, the ultimate goal is to have a very strong team at the end but we have to begin with what we have. The revamping of the cricket structure will take some time.”

Alongside Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has also appointed the former player Waqar Younis as the bowling coach for a three-year period. Misbah was asked to work as coach during the coming edition of the Pakistan Super League by the Board. Even he will be paid the same salary what the previous coach Mickey Arthur used to get. He is expected to get USD 18,000 per month.

However, the newly appointed coach wants the cricketers to play smartly, intelligently and fearlessly. Though he is also aware that a change is needed and they have to play better at the highest level and be consistent.

The selection committee, featuring six other members, namely the head coaches of provincial cricket associations will discuss about the new domestic structure. They are former Test players, Arshad Khan, Azam Khan, Ijaz Ahmed Jr, Kabir Khan, Muhammad Wasim and Abdul Rehman who has not played international cricket but is one of the most successful coaches at domestic level and in PSL as well.

Misbah, however, felt this new selection system will reduce the difference between the domestic and international cricket which has been missing for the past many years. He further said he was aware that expectations would be high from them and he is expected to do well.

“If I was not ready for this challenge I would not have thrown my name in the ring for one of the most challenging and coveted roles in Pakistan cricket. 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,” said Misbah-ul-Haq.

Their first assignment will be the upcoming One Day International and Twenty20 International home series against Sri Lanka, which will take place from September 27 to October 9.