Local and foreign coaches treated differently in Pakistan cricket, alleges Misbah ul Haq

Former Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq has criticised the way local coaches are treated in the country, arguing that foreign coaches are often given greater authority while facing comparatively less scrutiny for poor results.

Misbah, who recently stepped down from his role as a selector with the Pakistan senior men’s team, said the difference in treatment has become a concerning trend in Pakistan cricket. He believes local coaches are subjected to greater criticism from fans, the media, former players and even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

‘Local coaches have to face more scrutiny’

Speaking on a recent TV show, Misbah acknowledged that there is nothing inherently wrong with appointing foreign coaches but questioned why they appear to receive more backing than their Pakistani counterparts.

“It is a fact that local and foreign coaches are treated differently in Pakistan cricket. Local coaches have to face more scrutiny and criticism compared to foreign coaches," Misbah was quoted as saying by News18.

The former Pakistan captain added that the perception around foreign coaches often works in their favour, with greater authority being given to them and less accountability when results do not go their way.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with having foreign coaches, but what bothers me is that we (fans, critics, media and PCB) tend to have a soft corner for foreign coaches," he added.

Misbah further argued that foreign coaches are generally trusted with more power, while local coaches are quickly blamed when the team struggles.

“We tend to give foreign coaches more authority and power, and they are held less responsible if the team performs poorly. In contrast, local coaches always face scrutiny from everyone."

He also called for greater patience from everyone involved in Pakistan cricket, particularly when it comes to handling players after poor performances. According to Misbah, excessive criticism can have a direct impact on a player's confidence and ability to regain form.

“It becomes very difficult for our players to regain form and confidence," he said.

Misbah urges Pakistan to stop making ‘reactive decisions’

Misbah believes Pakistan cricket's biggest problem is not a lack of talent but the absence of consistency, patience and a clear long-term strategy. He urged the PCB to resist making sudden changes simply because of external pressure.

“We shouldn’t panic and do cosmetic surgery because of pressure. We need to analyse performances and the situation and then decide how to move forward," Misbah said.

He also highlighted what he considers a long-standing problem with Pakistan cricket's approach to decision-making.

“Unfortunately, we are used to taking reactive decisions in Pakistan cricket."

Drawing a comparison with India, Misbah said their cricketing system benefited from taking time to develop rather than constantly searching for immediate solutions. He stressed the importance of giving young players sufficient exposure to red-ball cricket instead of allowing them to focus almost exclusively on white-ball formats.

“Our youngsters are playing too much white-ball cricket, and their exposure to red-ball cricket is limited. There isn’t enough four-day cricket, which means they have more chances of cracking under pressure.”

According to Misbah, India's progress came through sustained investment and gradual development rather than overnight changes.

“India took time to process and develop, and they made gradual investments in their system after the 90s. There is no quick fix to the system."