I don’t have magic wand to change things overnight: Misbah-ul-Haq

Pakistan cricket underwent a major change since they came up with an ordinary performance in the ICC World Cup in England this year. The head coach was sacked along with some of his key assistants; the chief selector stepped down and finally, the captain also faced the axe. Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq was chosen as the head coach-cum-chief selector taking the places of Mickey Arthur and Inzamam-ul-Haq together.

Pakistan also went for split captaincy after Sarfaraz Ahmed got sacked. Yet, Pakistan have not managed to overcome the odds so far. The Men in Green lost a T20I series against a depleted Sri Lanka side at home and then were annihilated by Australia in the T20Is and Tests. The team has come under fire after the performance but Misbah decided to hit back at the critics saying he does not have a magic wand to change the sagging fortunes overnight.

He also set himself a deadline saying he would step aside if results were not showing after some time. Misbah, who was an international cricketer as recently as in 2017, was speaking at a media conference in Lahore to announce Pakistan’s 16-man squad for the upcoming two-Test series at home against Sri Lanka. He seemed to be getting irked with reporters’ questions over the team’s struggle. Pakistan failed to win a single game in their recent tour of Australia and were thrashed in both the Tests by an innings.

“What do you want,” the 45-year-old said when a reporter asked if he agreed with the criticism being directed at him and whether he was looking to step down as some of the ex-players have demanded. “…you have to understand I don’t have a magic wand to make everything right just like that. The players need a process to settle down and perform,” he added.

The former cricketer, one of the most respected ones in Pakistan’s cricketing circles, also assured that he would not preside over the team’s decline and would not spare any effort to bring things in shape.

‘Will take some time to rebuild Test team’

“I don’t have any desire to sit and watch Pakistan cricket go to pieces. Yes, no one likes that and thinks maybe someone else should be doing this job instead of me. But I am an honest man and I am doing my best and it will take some time to rebuild this Test team.” he said.

Speaking on the criticism, Misbah said he couldn’t stop anybody from airing his/her views and added that he wanted to keep it simple by saying what he has in his heart. He also took a dig at the critics saying he had no pressure on him because of his dual responsibilities. According to him, the critics are wasting their energy and they want to get the positions vacated. He added that he has been honest and upright about carrying out the dual roles.

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