Pakistan cricket team (AP Photo) NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s early exit from the World Cup T20 Super 8 stage has pushed the team into yet another period of uncertainty. Led by captain Salman Ali Agha, the side performed disappointingly and suffered heavy defeats against arch-rivals India and England. A poor campaign could see players face heavy fines and the captain’s position could be at risk, while discussions have begun over possible changes to the coaching set-up.
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Amid the fallout, a Geo Super report claimed that tensions were rising in the dressing room during the tournament, with several players unhappy with the way head coach Mike Hesson was managing the team. According to the report, some players directly raised their concerns with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials while the tournament was still underway.“During the tournament, several Pakistani players reportedly approached PCB officials individually to complain about the coach’s behaviour,” the report said.Sources cited in the report said that Hesson’s strict style and the way he made decisions without discussing them with the players created discomfort in the team environment. “Insiders claim his rigid approach and decisions taken without consultation unsettled the dressing room. It is further alleged that key matters were decided without consulting the captain, with Hesson often interfering in all aspects of team management,” he added.PCB officials are now reviewing what happened during the tournament and examining Hesson’s conduct before deciding on next steps. “Senior officials are currently reviewing his conduct with the team and are expected to scrutinize the tour report before entering into a detailed discussion with the coach,” the report said.The report also suggested that neither the selection committee nor captain Salman Ali Agha felt able to challenge Hesson’s authority during the World Cup.It continued: “Well-placed sources say both the panel and captain Salman Ali Agha were unable to challenge Hesson’s authority, with the coach reportedly exercising total control over team affairs.”However, despite the controversy, Hesson can still keep his job as he recently signed a long-term deal. “Hesson has signed a two-year deal with PCB and the board remains committed to maintaining stability in the head coaching role,” the report concluded.
