After losing the T20 series and test series in New Zealand, Head Coach Misbah faced the media before the Cricket Committee here in Lahore on Monday.
Misbah ul Haq admitted that the team had a sub-par performance, but also commented that the players showed some positive improvements in New Zealand.
Misbah stated that the COVID-19 had a significant impact on the team’s performance in addition to the fact that Baber Azam was not playing the series, which he likened to Cain Williamson sitting out of the squad for New Zealand.
During the media talk, the question was raised that no meeting of Cricket Committee had taken place in these last eight months, was this meeting called to grill the head coach? Misba Ul Haq replied that he would present the facts regarding England Zimbabwe and New Zealand series and expressed hope that no blame would be placed without due reason.
Misbah expressed surprised on the retirement announcement by Mohammad Amir and the unsubstantiated allegation against Waqar Younas.
The head coach stated that in 2016 when Amir came back to the team, he was captain and tried to help Amir get back in form, which could be attested by everyone in the team. He further added that the selection committee has six members and it is impossible that Waqar Yonus could single-handily decide against Amir, adding that the decision was made by the committee on basis of Amir’s performance.
Misbah Ul Haq admitted that Mohammad Amir is a great bowler and he has no personal enmity against him and if he performs well Misbah will support him being in the squad as a leading bowler.
When a comparison was made with the former Pakistan coach Micky Arthur Misbah said: “Micky did well for Pakistan and I never compare myself with Micky he is a good coach and everyone has individual abilities.”
On questions regarding the preparation and selection for the series with South Africa, Misbah Ul Haq told the media that players’ domestic performances would be reassessed o select a good team to face one of the best sides in the cricketing world.
Before the media briefing, PCB Media Manager rejected all unfounded rumours about Misbah Ul Haq’s departure from the position. It seemed that PCB big brains are still willing to have Misbah as head coach in the upcoming South Africa team tour.
