I don’t think even our local coaches want to work with PCB: Misbah-ul-Haq

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq expressed deep concerns regarding the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) management instability and its repercussions on coaching staff recruitment. Misbah, who served as head coach and chief selector from 2019 to 2021, criticized the PCB's tendency to dismiss coaches and players based on short-term results or changes in the board's leadership.

Previously, former team director Mickey Arthur had emphasized that players often prioritize securing their spots in the squad over team performance. Pakistan cricket had witnessed significant restructuring, which included changes in coaching personnel and captaincy appointments, that reflected a turbulent phase for the team. In a surprising turn of events, there are indications that Arthur might return as the team director, despite his earlier departure. 

"If you look at the policies of the board leave alone foreign coaches I don’t think even our local coaches want to work with the PCB. Pakistan cricket should not be run in such a haphazard manner and we need to have long term plans for the team management, selectors and grooming of players. Unfortunately in Pakistan a change in the board leadership changes everything,” Misbah said as quoted by Hindustan Times.

“I believe you can’t make a good team or groom quality players if proper time is not given for this process. We need to look at the systems of some other countries who are successful. Why not I think you can pick the best captain’s as per the needs of the format. If a player is free for say two months why shouldn’t he be allowed to go and earn money in a league but yes giving permission to players before the World Cup was a big mistake,” he added.

Slap on our cricket system that we haven't been able to find high profile full-time coach: Misbah

The former Pakistan head coach criticized the PCB's decision to rehire Arthur, and called it a blow to Pakistan cricket. Arthur is likely set to return as Pakistan's director of cricket while continuing his coaching duties at Derbyshire on a part-time basis. Earlier, the PCB had stated that Arthur turned down their offer for the head coach position. Misbah's comments reflected concerns over the direction of Pakistan cricket amid changes in coaching staff and leadership.

“It's a slap on our cricket system that we are not able to find a high-profile full-time coach. It's a shame that the best ones do not want to come and we insist on having someone who is looking at Pakistan as a second option. I blame our own system, which is vulnerable enough with so many weak lines for anyone to exploit it. We are to be blamed ourselves that we have disrespected and discredited our own people to make a bad image,” Misbah had said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.