Former Pakistan player and ex Head Coach of the Pakistan team, Mohsin Khan spoke exclusively to PakPassion.net and discussed the outcome of the series against Bangladesh, Waqar Younis’ role as Head Coach, the need for having Misbah-ul-Haq in the ODI and Test teams during this transitional period and the importance of India-Pakistan encounters.

By Amir Husain (11th May, 2015)

Pakistan’s below par performance during the series against Bangladesh

“Pakistan suffered a heavy and humiliating loss in the ODI series and the Only T20I. Even in the Test series which we won, a few bold decisions such as those in the first Test match where we should have declared earlier should have seen us win the series with a bigger margin. In the second Test, our failure to enforce the follow-on was completely incomprehensible. It wasn’t as if the bowlers were very tired as there were plenty of breaks in the middle to help them recover. In addition, the Bangladesh players were completely demoralized so there was no real threat there.”

“We should have inflicted an innings defeat on Bangladesh and we were perfectly capable of doing that. Yes, it was good to win the match but given our horrible performances in the earlier part of the series, this was the perfect way to demonstrate to Bangladesh and to the world that we are still a force to be reckoned with and we are and remain, one of the top cricketing nations in the world. We should have made the effort to enforce the follow-on and force a defeat. It is possible that Bangladesh could have fought back but that can happen. Yes, we had played some horrible cricket before but an innings defeat would have shown everyone that we are a top team. I am not sure whether it was some inane fear of defeat that drove the decision to not enforce a follow-on but whatever the reason, this strange decision left me and I am sure many others in a state of shock and disbelief”


Waqar Younis’s presence as Head Coach is alarming

“I have no desire to comment on Waqar’s suitability as Head Coach as that decision is with the PCB and some people will construe that as professional jealousy on my behalf. However my view remains that such an individual must not be associated with the Pakistan team which is the case here. If the PCB wishes to continue to damage Pakistan cricket then that’s their choice.”


Misbah’s retirement from ODI cricket was ill-advised for the sake of Pakistan cricket

“If I was in charge, I would have never allowed Misbah to announce his retirement from ODI cricket. He is needed for at least a year until the next captain is able to establish himself and the team is settled down. Misbah has been under pressure and faced criticism the day he walked on to the field as captain of Pakistan and he is used to such situations so this cannot be the reason for his retirement. Misbah should have played one-day internationals for another year."

I hope he will continue playing in Test cricket for a longer while but without a doubt his retirement from ODI cricket was ill-advised and should not have been accepted by the administration. It is almost the responsibility of a senior player to ensure that he is able to train and guide his replacement before he leaves but this is not case at the moment. On top of that, even at the age of 40, he is as fit as an 18 year old so clearly his fitness was also not a consideration”


An India-Pakistan series played in Pakistan would be ideal

“There is absolutely no doubt in any one’s mind that India-Pakistan series are tremendous occasions and bring the best in players from both sides and are immensely enjoyed by all supporters and fans. In the recent past the reason for not having them has less to do with cricket and more to do with politics. However, I am very happy to hear that a series is expected to happen in December this year. I sincerely hope that both governments will be serious and steadfast in their intentions to make this series happen as planned. My only wish is that instead of this series happening at a neutral venue, it would have been nicer to play the Indo-Pak series in Pakistan or in India.”

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