‘Looking for scapegoats is a norm’ – Misbah-ul-Haq slams ‘cosmetic surgery’ culture in Pakistan cricket

Former cricketers slamming Pakistan cricket isn’t a new story. Time and again, many prominent names have come out and talked about the loopholes in the team management and national board. Misbah-ul-Haq is the latest one to join the list. The former Pakistan captain has come out hard at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), saying there’s no chance of improvement in Pakistan cricket unless it changes its culture and stops hunting for scapegoats.

For the unversed, Misbah-ul-Haq, along with bowling coach Waqar Younis, shockingly stepped down as Pakistan’s head coach last month. His tenure was marred with controversies as many players reportedly had some issues with his working style. Speaking for the first time after his sudden resignation, Misbah said “cosmetic surgery” will not change anything in Pakistan cricket as the problems are rooted deep within the system.

We don’t give time or have patience: Misbah-ul-Haq on Pakistan cricket

“The problem is that in our cricket we only look at results and we don’t give time or have patience for planning ahead and improving the system,” Mishbah-ul-Haq said on ‘A-Sports’ channel.

“We don’t focus on the fact that we have to develop our players at domestic level and then in the national team and work on their skill development. We want results and if we don’t get the desired results we start searching for scapegoats,” he added.

Misbah further said Pakistan cricket tends to find excuses after losing a failure instead of focusing on the required areas. “Unfortunately, looking for scapegoats is a norm in Pakistan cricket. After losing a match or series we look for someone as a scapegoat to save face. Nothing will change if we continue with this cosmetic surgery. You can change the coaches and players but deep down the problems will remain the same,” he said.

The 47-year-old also called out the national selection committee for making multiple changes in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad after announcing the team. “What is going on? First, you take decisions on bringing some players into the World Cup team and then 10 days later you take a U-turn and bring back players dropped back into the fold,” he asserted.