Frequent changes in leadership at the Pakistan Cricket Board have resulted in a continual reshuffling of captains, coaches, and selectors. Mudassar Nazar, a former opener and a key player for Pakistan during the 1970s and 80s, spent time with the current team prior to their Champions Trophy match against India, where they suffered a disappointing defeat and were subsequently eliminated.

On Wednesday, Mudassar emphasized the need for stability in the leadership of the Pakistan team, expressing hope that captain Mohammad Rizwan and coach Aaqib Javed, a former fast bowler, would retain their positions despite the team's early exit from the tournament.

He urged for immediate actions to be taken to rebuild the team, warning that without such measures, Pakistan cricket might face a decline similar to that of its hockey team. Once a dominant force in world hockey and a three-time Olympic champion, the national hockey team has failed to qualify for the last three Olympic Games and two of the last three World Cups.

“I find it quite unsettling to consider that possibility, as it could also occur in cricket,” Mudassar remarked. “The only financial support comes from the ICC, which allows for survival and potential recovery. However, this must be addressed promptly.”

At 68 years old, having played 76 Tests and 122 ODIs, Mudassar expressed his desire for the current management to remain in place.

“Rizwan is a solid choice, but options are limited. It is certainly unwise to change coaches frequently. Recently, they achieved victories in three out of four Tests. Aaqib has performed admirably in the Pakistan Super League. He is a competent coach, likely the only one in Pakistan who has progressed through the ranks, coaching under-19 teams, first-class teams, and franchises. Consistency is key; we need to support him.”

Mudassar, who has experience with ICC academies and has previously participated in grassroots programs in Pakistan, emphasizes the necessity of reinforcing the feeder system. He notes, “In India, the Ranji Trophy has been established since 1932, while in Pakistan, the system undergoes changes every couple of years. In my region, the development of the game, including the Pakistan academy and regional academies, is often halted whenever I leave the country. This raises the question: how do we progress?”

Pakistan cricket has a remarkable ability to unearth outstanding talent from remote areas. However, it is crucial to implement structured systems for a more efficient approach. “As other teams advance, relying solely on exceptional talent may not suffice. They have caught up and left Pakistan significantly behind,” he remarked.

Furthermore, Mudassar advocates for Pakistan's fast bowlers, including Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, to engage in more first-class cricket to regain their rhythm. He explains, “Naseem has not had a consistent run; he spends six to seven months on the rehabilitation table, hindering his development. Each injury brings about self-doubt, and he is concerned about his shoulder. His confidence is still lacking. Therefore, I recommend he return to first-class cricket. Only through that experience will he regain the assurance that things will not go awry again.”

Haris has expressed a preference for T20 cricket over first-class cricket. However, he acknowledges that to effectively bowl four overs in an international T20 match, one must be capable of delivering 10 to 12 overs in a first-class match each day. He observes that Haris exhibits a limited range of skills, whether using the new ball or the old ball, noting that even his slower delivery is merely an off-cutter. After discussing with him, it became clear that Haris relies heavily on the yorker, which is only marginally different from a half-volley.

Shaheen, on the other hand, must work on his incoming delivery, as he needs to bowl 20 to 22 overs in first-class cricket to be able to sustain 10 overs in one-day matches. He has been facing challenges with his in-dipping delivery when using the new ball, indicating a potential issue with his wrist. The solution lies in consistent practice; he must engage in repetitive drills until his brain begins to re-establish the necessary muscle memory. Improvement will not occur without dedicated effort.

Read Also: IOC Grants Provisional Recognition to World Boxing

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!