‘Afraid to work’: Former Pakistan cricketer opens up on PCB under Mohsin Naqvi

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi, center, chats with Pakistan’s Babar Azam, left, as head coach Mike Hesson looks on (AP Photo) The Pakistan Cricket Board’s decision to overhaul the national team in the middle of its England tour is still under scrutiny, with former Pakistan spinner Mushtaq Ahmed admitting that uncertainty over coaching positions prompted him to take up a role with the national side.A week after the PCB sent seven players and two coaches back to Pakistan, the impact of the decision remains a major point of debate. The board has often faced criticism for repeatedly changing its coaches and captains, and Mushtaq believes the lack of stability is now becoming a deterrent for former players to serve Pakistan in coaching roles.The PCB took the drastic step after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats in the opening two Tests against England. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha were among the players sent home, while Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were also removed from the coaching set-up. They were replaced in the dressing room by Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke.

Mushtaq reveals why he is hesitant

Asked if he would be interested in coaching Pakistan, Mushtaq made it clear that he would welcome the opportunity to work with the national team. However, he also explained why the current environment makes him uneasy about accepting such a responsibility.The former spinner pointed to the treatment of trainers and the possibility of sudden removal even while the inspection is still underway.“Obviously I’d like to do it for my country. Especially at this time. Obviously, I just need one thing. Sometimes you’re afraid to work for your own country when people don’t respect you and they throw you out because of a few emotional decisions here and there. When you see those things, how people are thrown out on tour, you’re scared and scared,” Mushtaq told the BBC Stump Podcast.Despite his concerns, Mushtaq believes Pakistan’s coaches have an opportunity to make a significant contribution if more stability can be brought to the system.“I think these are the things that if you can sort it out, I think every Pakistani cricketer who is coaching, not just me, would love to serve the country. This is the best time for me to take up this challenge and bring these players to their best, give them confidence in international cricket and create a unit that can really challenge opposition teams,” he added.

‘It’s not the right thing’

Mushtaq also strongly disagreed with the PCB’s decision to make such sweeping changes while the England series was still in full swing.The former Pakistan international, who played 52 Tests and 144 ODIs, questioned the reason for sending seven players home and changing the coaching staff in the middle of an overseas tour.“When I change seven players and the management, especially when the tour is still going on, I feel it is not the right thing to do,” Mushtaq said.He was particularly critical of the timing of the decisions regarding Sarfaraz and Umar Gul, arguing that changes of this magnitude should have been considered after the tour was completed.“This has never happened before in Pakistan cricket. As a former cricketer of course I am hurt, as a Pakistani these things should not happen. Sarfaraz and Umar Gul are some of the most experienced cricketers. They are serving the country very well. Sarfaraz was also the captain. If you want to sack them, of course you have to sack them after the tour,” he added, this is calm.

PCB under increasing scrutiny

The mid-tour shake-up attracted criticism outside Pakistan too, with Michael Atherton, Nasser Hussain and Jason Gillespie among those who questioned the PCB’s decision.The board changes came after Pakistan’s disappointing results in the first two Tests, leaving the team facing the prospect of a tough end to the tour.Pakistan will now look to finish the series on a positive note when they face England in the third and final Test starting on September 9 in Birmingham. As questions continue to mount about the board’s approach to coaches, players and decision-making, the debate over Pakistan cricket is unlikely to end with the conclusion of the Test series.