ISLAMABAD: Former captain Ramiz Raja has warned Pakistan Cricket Board(PCB) not to think about awarding dual role of coach and chief selector tothe same individual as it is not viable in Pakistan.
“Pakistan cricket is standing at the crossroads and it is the decisionmaking time. A big decision has already been taken to revamp the firstclass cricket. But still one or two big decisions are yet to be taken aswho will be the coach or members of National Selection Committee,” thecricketer-turned commentator said in a YouTube video.
“It is being said that both, the coach and chief selector posts will begiven to a single individual. This idea is practical in Western bloc wherethe administration is professional and checks and balances are properly inplace and no individual can digress.
“But experimenting that in Pakistan cricket will not be out of danger as itis impractical and unsuitable here. Such a thing has never been seen ortried here before,” he added.
Ramiz said that Misbah-ul-Haq’s name was circulating for the dualresponsibilities. “I’ve no complaint against him as he led the nationalside at a very difficult time. But his methodology was to sit and wait forthe opposition’s mistake. That is how he won several contests in UAE. ButPakistan cricket needs a new direction. There is aggression in Pakistan’sDNA. And you have to prepare a game plan according to that (aggression) andbring in individuals who can implement that.”
He asked PCB to bring a think-tank which could introduce modern daycricket. “The higher ranked teams play very different cricket fromPakistan. They play attractive and entertaining cricket according to thestrike rate.”
He said Misbah had been playing safe and secure cricket and was successfulonly in a particular condition adding that now there was a need to changethe mindset and adopt a fresh approach. “There is a big difference betweenwinning at home and emerging victorious at away. Unless they (Pakistanplayers) perform well at away tours and win they will be not able to earnrespect and increase fan following.”
The 57-year-old said that Pakistan would have to give up old style ofsitting and waiting for opposition’s mistakes and instead adopt a fearlessapproach like Indian team and their captain Virat Kohli. “Whether it isNational Selection Committee, coach or other individuals you have to adoptthis natural instinctive method. This is the only way through whichPakistan cricket, particularly test cricket can revive and improve itsfortunes.”