Misbah-ul-Haq appointed Islamabad United coach; lands in 'conflict of interest' issue

‘Conflict of interest’ is a term that you would have heard in the past few years on numerous occasions. And, if you are a Pakistani cricket fan, you would be hearing it every single day. Conflict of interest basically refers to a situation where an individual is holding more than one portfolio.

Former Pakistan captain and the current head coach + chief selector + batting coach, Misbah-ul-Haq is the epitome of what peak ‘conflict of interest’ means. Following the national side’s underwhelming World Cup 2019 performance, one that saw them bow out of the competition before the semi-final stage, sweeping changes were made to the set-up.

From head coach Micky Arthur to batting and bowling coach- Grant Flower and Azhar Mahmood, everyone was sacked. Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq also resigned from his post and Misbah-ul-Haq was handed the triple responsibility of the head coach, batting coach, and chief selector.

And, now Misbah finds himself in another ‘conflict of interest’ situation after PSL franchise Islamabad United sacked former Australian cricketer Dean Jones and appointed him as the head coach for the upcoming season. It is understood that Misbah won’t be taking any fees for his services in the PSL.

The United are yet to release an official statement regarding the development but Jones, who had coached Islamabad United for the past four seasons confirmed the news by posting a video on his Twitter account. 

According to a report published in ESPNCricinfo, it is understood that the PCB, who had earlier promised to bring in a policy against people holding multiple portfolios had reportedly agreed to Misbah having multiple jobs within the same organization. Naturally, following the U-turn, the franchises aren’t too happy with the PCB and are looking to float the condition of not allowing Misbah in the selection meeting besides also barring him from entering the Islamabad United on the PSL draft day.

Not the first time it has happened in the PSL

This is, of course, not the first time that the PSL has marred with conflict of interest issues. Last year, the then chief selector, Inzamam ul Haq was removed from the PSL player draft committee because of his involvement in the talent hunt program organized by Lahore Qalandars. Former coach Mickey Arthur, who coached Karachi Kings for three of his four-year stint was also marred in the conflict of interest issue, so was his deputy at the same franchise- Azhar Mahmood.

Interestingly, Misbah’s previous stint with Islamabad United had ended on a bitter note after the former captain had backtracked from his commitment to be a mentor for the 2019 season. He featured as a player instead, for Peshawar Zalmi. This comes after Wasim Khan had termed Misbah’s appointment as good for Pakistani cricket, a few days ago.

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