In the dynamic world of cricket, stability is often the cornerstone of success. Unfortunately, for Pakistan, 2023 was far from stable. Former Pakistan batter Javed Miandad, a stalwart of the game, expressed his concerns about the cricket governance in the country, highlighting the detrimental impact of frequent appointments and changes on players’ confidence.
A Disheartening Sequence of Setbacks
Pakistan’s promising start to 2023 took a nosedive with disappointing performances in the Asia Cup and the ODI World Cup. The aftermath witnessed a series of leadership changes, leaving the team struggling and unable to qualify for the semi-finals in the prestigious event held in India.
Miandad’s Discontent: A Glimpse into Pakistan’s Cricketing Structure
During the launch of the Sindh Premier League, Javed Miandad didn’t mince words as he expressed his disappointment with the cricketing structure in Pakistan. The frequent changes, according to him, lead to a lack of continuity in the cricketing system, ultimately robbing players of the confidence crucial for success on the field.
“I have not seen cricket governance anywhere in the world like we see in Pakistan, and these state of affairs are really sad. I don’t think anywhere such frequent appointments and changes in cricket are made, and it only means that we don’t have continuity in our cricket structure, and more importantly, the players don’t gain confidence,” Miandad lamented.
Leadership Carousel: A Rollercoaster of Changes
Post the ODI World Cup, the leadership baton underwent a series of handovers. Babar Azam stepped down from captaincy in all formats, making way for Shan Masood in Tests and Shaheen Afridi in T20Is. Mohammad Hafeez transitioned into the role of director of cricket, accompanied by Wahab Riaz heading the national selection committee.
Miandad’s Critique: Decision-Makers Lacking Cricketing Insight
Javed Miandad’s frustration extended to the decision-makers, whom he claimed lacked cricketing knowledge, adversely affecting the entire cricketing structure in the country. The recent resignation of Zaka Ashraf as chairman of the PCB’s Interim Management Committee further fueled Miandad’s discontent.
“Since last year, we have had a really bad time in terms of our team’s performances, and people who have no knowledge of cricket sit and take decisions which affect the entire structure in the country,” Miandad emphasized.
Impact on Performance: A Downward Spiral
Regrettably, the changes in leadership failed to yield positive results. Pakistan endured a Test series whitewash, losing 0-3 to Australia. The Men in Green continued their struggles in New Zealand, losing the first four games of a five-match T20I series before finally securing a win in the final game, breaking an eight-match losing streak.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
As Pakistan faces uncertainties, the upcoming five-match T20I series in England looms on the horizon. With the T20 World Cup following shortly after, the team strives to regain stability and ascend once again. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right decisions and stability in leadership, Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes may take a positive turn.
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