In the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the Cricket World Cup, former captain Shoaib Malik has made a clarion call to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to adopt a robust approach in talent management, akin to their Indian counterparts. Malik’s sharp insights come at a crucial juncture as Pakistan grapples with building a sustainable framework for future cricketing triumphs.
While conversing on A Sports, Malik meticulously analyzed the shortcomings that led to the team’s failure in making it to the semifinals. “In this World Cup, India were covered from all the aspects. I am not talking about only three departments — bowling, batting and fielding,” Malik asserted, pointing towards the comprehensive preparation that the Indian side exhibited despite facing adversities such as player injuries.
One of the notable aspects of India’s strategy, as emphasized by Malik, was their readiness with a contingency plan, a ‘Plan B’ which Pakistan lacked. “They have suffered injuries as well but they kept their plan B ready. Moving forward, having a pool of players is going to be most important. Pool of players in every format and they should get equal chance so that when the opportunity comes, they are ready,” he observed. This model ensures that emerging players are nurtured and prepared to step up whenever the main squad requires reinforcements.
Misbah-ul-Haq, Malik’s co-panelist and former teammate, joined in the introspection, criticizing the Pakistani cricket establishment’s reluctance to embrace constructive criticism during successful runs. Misbah highlighted a persistent flaw — the inability to self-assess and improve when on a winning streak. “After winning every series and good performances, we are not ready to hear anything about improvement. It is overall,” stated Misbah, emphasizing the institutional resistance to feedback that he finds counterproductive.
Echoing Misbah’s sentiment, Malik continued, emphasizing that when a team is soaring, it is vital to pinpoint the strengths that can be leveraged and weaknesses that require attention. “We do go in the rebuilding process, but we don’t stick to our own decisions. We don’t work consistently on our decisions,” Malik lamented, shedding light on the lack of perseverance in strategic commitments.
The conversation also touched upon Pakistan’s spin bowling, with Misbah expressing concern over the lack of depth in this area, which was particularly exposed when the fast bowlers were not effective. “When your pacers were doing well, they covered the weakness of our spinners,” said Misbah, illustrating how reliance on one dimension of the bowling attack can backfire in high-pressure scenarios.
Cricket legends Wasim Akram and Moin Khan brought another angle into the discourse, commenting on the apparent fatigue and fitness issues that plagued the Pakistani players. The pair criticized the lack of planning and pointed out that physical well-being is a critical component of the game that requires continuous attention.
A stark reality check was presented by Wasim who cautioned against complacency that often follows international tournaments. “There is no quick fix. The problem is we will forget about it the moment World Cup is over,” he warned, suggesting that the solution isn’t a fleeting effort but rather a long-term dedication to overhaul the system.
As the discussion drew to a close, it became evident that the panellists shared a consensus on the need for a holistic approach in managing cricket in Pakistan. The call for a broader pool of skilled players, mental and physical fortitude, and an openness to critique signals a blueprint for revival. What remains to be seen is whether the PCB heeds this advice and forges a path towards sustainable excellence, learning from peers and adapting strategies to solidify Pakistan’s position in world cricket.