Defeat is part and parcel of any game, but the way Pakistan lost Test and One-day International (ODI) home series to South Africa and later the Test and ODI series to India after over two decades has badly shaken the confidence of the top hierarchy of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The post-Indian series scenario has brought to light some startling facts about the dressing room politics, issues about captaincy and team manager's abject failure to maintain discipline.
The issue of captaincy surfaced after the 2007 World Cup when Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down. The PCB's obvious choice was none other than Younus Khan, who is undoubtedly endowed with guts and potential to lead the team from the front. But he declined the offer for certain reasons. However, he agreed to lead Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy in India, but after Pakistan's early exit from the Champions Trophy, he refused to lead the team.
Following his refusal, PCB Chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, ignoring the senior most player Mohammad Yousuf, named Shoaib Malik for Abu Dhabi tournament and ICC Twenty20 tournament in South Africa. He was ostensibly acting on the advice of new chief selector Salahuddin Sallu and team manager Talat Ali Malik, indicating lack of leadership qualities.
There is no denying the fact that the captain is as good as his team, but Shoaib Malik has not been able to lead his side from the front twice in the two series. Besides, his own batting form deserted him. He failed to strike a balance between his job of a captain and his prowess in willon as a top order batsman. He, therefore, carried his worries as skipper to the crease with him, and that hurt his focus and form.
As regards role of coach Jeoff Lawson, cricket experts have questioned the expertise of Lawson, who has no previous experience of coaching of a national team. Similarly, Shoaib Malik's captaincy is bitterly criticised by former skipper Wasim Akram and other former Test stars.
It is interesting to note that during 2007 the team has had three vice captains - Mohammad Asif, Salman Butt and Younus Khan and now Misbah-ul-Haq. During the ODI series and the opening Test against India, Younus Khan was vice captain. But in Kolkata and Bangalore Tests, Younus reluctantly led the side and succeeded in drawing both the Tests.
SURPRISE ANNOUNCEMENT: Soon after the return of team from India, the PCB Chairman surprised the cricket circles by extending Shoaib Malik's tenure for another year, not realising the importance of forthcoming home series against Zimbabwe world champions Australia and New Zealand.
Zimbabwe, comparatively a weak side, will be no problem to equally weak hosts, but Australia and New Zealand will give Pakistan tough time unless the PCB bosses, especially the selectors, focus on an aggressive game-plan and result-oriented strategy and rectify the flaws in the team, especially the top order batting and ground fielding.
The Zimbabwe cricket team is due early next month for a five-match One-day International (ODI) series, followed by Australia in March-April, but it seems the PCB has not realised the forthcoming challenges in the light of the national team's dismal performances against South Africa in home series and against arch rivals India in India.
YOUNUS KHAN'S MINDSET: As regards Younus Khan, he has offered to accept captaincy with certain conditions, including a strong say in the team's selection process. Besides being a dependable top order batsman and an agile fielder, he is straight forward, blunt and sincere to the game. In short, Yunus does not mince words. He would call a spade a spade.
Since these qualities do not go down well among PCB officials, especially team manger Talat Ali Malik and coach Jeoff Lawson, they will, therefore, continue to support Shoaib Malik.
Having a glance at the Indian tour, one must admit that it was an embarrassing outing and PCB needs to make the required corrections if it wants Pakistan to face top teams such Australia and South Africa on a better footing. Grumbling about wickets in India is meaningless. Our Test "stars" are reminded that it is the prerogative of a host country to prepare wickets in accordance with their needs and preferences.
WEAKNESSES: Unless Pakistan find a reliable set of openers, their batting would continue to embarrass even their most committed fans. During the Indian tour, Salman Butt improved a lot as opener, but Yasir Hameed proved a total failure. He was a constant victim of Indian captain Anil Kumble because of faulty footwork and technique. He needs to correct his batting technique, including footwork.
Besides, Misbah-ul-Haq, who has been appointed vice captain for one year, and keeper Kamran Akmal have emerged as middle order batsmen. Experienced Mohammad Yousuf's batting form in the Indian tour slumped and he let down his able lieutenant Younus Khan.
So much was expected from an injury-hit Shoaib Akhtar, but he could not deliver, while Mohammad Sami, despite his hard work with the leather, could not impress. But it is heartening to see debutantes Sohail Tanveer and Yasir Arafat, who emerged as potential fast bowlers.
It was a pity that Shahid Afridi and keeper Sarfarz Ahmed were dropped from the Test series for reasons best known to selectors. It is time that the PCB seriously look at the development of pitches ahead of Australian tour if it wants to challenge the best side in the world.
Last but not the least, the Pakistan team did not need a coach, rather the team needs an advisor, a strategist, who could inculcate among boys the fighting spirit that they desperately need.
CRUEL JOKE: A soft-spoken former Test leg spinner Abdul Qadir has once termed the hiring of a foreign coach a cruel joke with Test cricketers. Commenting on the necessity of a coach and a trainer, Abdul Qadir was of the opinion that a boy, who had earned his place in the national team, already passed through all odds and knew very well how to play under the given conditions.
He questioned if the role of a coach was so important, then why Bangladesh, Kenya and Zimbabwe could not become world class teams. "Now the 2011 World Cup is just three years away, one doubts if the foreign coaches could help these teams cross the preliminary rounds of the tournament," he added.
Abdul Qadir, who revived the art of leg spin bowling when the cricket world was dominated by fast bowlers, said he or any player in the past was never coached or trained by any local or foreign coach. "It was simply my passion to revive the dying art of spin bowling and excel in this department."
About Woolmer, the former leg spin giant said during his over three years' association with the team, he could not correct the style and foot work of our batsmen.
However, in view of the importance of the forthcoming Australian team's tour, one hopes the selectors will consider the most neglected middle batsman Aim Kamal, who has time and again expressed his willingness to open the innings. In the past, dozen of players have been tried for this important slot, why not Asim Kamal given a chance.
Besides, Kamran Akmal, who was total failure behind the stumps, he should, therefore, be replaced by young Sarfarz Ahmed. It is hoped sanity and wisdom would prevail in the PCB, particularly in the team's selection, with a view to reviving past glories.
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