'Local And Foreign Coaches Treated Differently': Misbah-ul-Haq Alleges Partiality In Pakistan Cricket

Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who recently stepped down as a selector of the senior men’s cricket team, has complained about the differential treatment meted out to foreign and local coaches in Pakistan cricket.

According to Misbah, foreign coaches enjoy more authority and power in Pakistan.

“It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. Local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism compared to foreign coaches,” Misbah said during a recent TV show.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with having foreign coaches, but what bothers me is that we (fans, critics, media and PCB) tend to have a soft corner for foreign coaches,” he added.

Misbah feels Pakistan gives foreign coaches more

authority and power while holding them less accountable for poor results.

“We tend to give foreign coaches more authority and power, and they are held less responsible if the team performs poorly. In contrast, local coaches always face scrutiny from everyone.”

Misbah believes Pakistani cricket fans, critics, former players and the board need to offer greater support to local coaches instead of criticising them unnecessarily.

He also pointed to a negative trend in Pakistan cricket, where players are often criticised heavily and mentally put down after a poor performance.

“It becomes very difficult for our players to regain form and confidence,” he said.

According to Misbah, Pakistan cricket’s biggest issue is the lack of consistency, patience and a long-term plan.

“We shouldn’t panic and do cosmetic surgery because of pressure. We need to analyse performances and the situation and then decide how to move forward,” Misbah said.

“Unfortunately, we are used to taking reactive decisions in Pakistan cricket.”

Misbah said Indian cricket had progressed because the country did not panic and instead remained committed to its plans.

“Our youngsters are playing too much white-ball cricket, and their exposure to red-ball cricket is limited. There isn’t enough four-day cricket, which means they have more chances of cracking under pressure.

“India took time to process and develop, and they made gradual investments in their system after the 90s. There is no quick fix to the system.”

(With inputs from AFP)