Misbah-ul-Haq will be asked to reflect on his own and team’s performances: PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani

After Pakistan’s poor show in England, head coach and chief selector Misbah ul Haq will have to face some tough questions at his annual appraisal. Visitors Pakistan lost the recent Test series in England 0-1 and drew the T20 series 1-1.

Several former players felt that Misbah should be relieved of one of the two key positions to lower his burden but it appears that the former Pakistan skipper is still being trusted by the PCB.

In the past 12 months, Pakistan won two Tests and lost three, won two out of three ODIs (one match was rain abandoned) and won three T20Is out of 12 with three washouts. In the wake of Pakistan’s performance, PCB Chairman Ehsan Mani said they will discuss with Misbah his vision for the team’s future.

“I believe in empowerment and that’s precisely why Misbah was given full authority and support. But he very much remains accountable and as part of his appraisal process, he will be interviewed by the PCB Cricket Committee,” Mani said in an interview to ‘Dawn’.

Misbah will be asked to share his vision for the future: Ehsan Mani

“He will be asked to reflect on his own and team’s performances, and share his vision for the future,” added Mani while expressing that the team has failed to show signs of improvement.

At present, Pakistan is ranked sixth and seventh in ODIs and Tests rankings respectively. In the shortest format of the game, Pakistan has slipped to fourth from the first spot.

“To address this problem and bring consistency in the team’s and players’ performance, the PCB has put in place a professional management team with the men’s side whose understanding of the modern game is second to none and has a clear vision of the steps required for Pakistan to perform well consistently at the international level,” Mani said.

Mani also opened up on the return of cricket in Pakistan, lauding PCB for evolving into a stronger and more credible organization. He also opined that the hosting of the entire Pakistan Super League 2020 matches in Pakistan has bridged the trust gap.

“International teams were unwilling to come to Pakistan because of the trust deficit. In 2017 and 2018, the PCB paid for the World XI and West Indies players to visit here and while I acknowledge these were ice-breakers, we have hosted four international series as part of the Future Tours Programme without offering any inducements,” Mani further said.