Pakistan cricket and controversy always go hand in hand. From players revolting against the captains to the noises of blatant match fixing, Pakistani fans have seen it all. In the latest episode of this never ending saga, former fast-bowler Muhammad Asif has hurled some serious accusations against Faisal Javed, a Senator from the ruling party is interfering in the matters of the national cricket team selection.
He gave these remarks while giving an interview to former Test cricketers Shah Nawaz Khan and Shahid Nazir. Asif claimed that Waqar Younis, Misbah ul Haq and Younis Khan are pathetic coaches and they have no say in selecting the team. Since Pakistan Tehreek e Insaf (PTI) came into power, Senator Faisal Javed has been calling the shots.
“This team is not picked by Waqar, Younus or Misbah, it is selected by Faisal Javed Khan. As players, Misbah, Waqar and Younus were good but they are pathetic as coaches.”
These allegations come at a time when his former new-ball partner Muhammad Amir retired from the international cricket saying that he cannot play under current management. Just after the end of Lanka Premier League Amir while talking to a local journalist said: “I don’t think I can play cricket under this management. I think I should leave cricket this time. I am being tortured mentally,”
Furthermore, Asif also bashed the PCB for not promoting merit in domestic cricket. He also criticised the coaching methods of the current management and said that they (coaches) are trying to change the technique of the players on tour, which is of no use. Muhammad Asif also blasted the current players saying that they are not genuine players, they can’t move or eat independently.
“They do not have any dignity or ego, they only know to say ‘Yes Sir’. Team will fail under their coaching,” said Asif further.
The pace bowler also questioned the approach of Pakistani bowlers in the first Test against New Zealand. He said they (bowlers) had no game plan and approach to how to get the opposition out and Waqar Younis has been a failure as a coach for the past 20 years.
“Vicky (Waqar Younis) has been a flop coach for the last 20 years,” he said.
Meanwhile, while giving an interview to a TV channel, Senator Faisal Javed has condemned all these allegations and said that he has no idea why Asif is saying such things.
“These allegations are absolutely baseless,” said Senator Faisal. “I have no interaction with Misbah or any other official of the board. Whatever decision they take is their own and they are responsible for it. Our government has empowered the board completely and do not meddle in their business.”
“Misbah is the most empowered PCB official and he is the one responsible for the selection and everything that follows,” added Senator Faisal.
He said that he is a die-hard cricket fan just like any other and gives his honest and candid opinions on his social media accounts and this is the only thing he can do. The coaches and management are more experienced in this regard and why would they take my advice on such matters.
“I have been doing cricket commentary for 15 years now and often give my suggestions on social media or in talk shows,” said the senior leader. And the funny thing is that the management always does the opposite of what I predict. So I don’t know why Asif made such a baseless comment.”
It is worth mentioning that Muhammad Asif was banned for seven years after spot-fixing scandal in 2010. He made his comeback in the domestic setup but wasn’t given any chance by the PCB. Prior to his involvement in fixing he has also been reprimanded several times for doping and behavioural issues by the ICC and PCB.
Are these allegation right, we don’t know yet but If there is any truth in them, then serious questions should be asked from PCB’s top officials and it could well be another big controversy in Pakistan Cricket in the coming days.
