National team captaincy: Former Cricketer emphasizes adopting long-term policy

Former national team bowling coach Saqlain Mushtaq has emphasized the need for adopting a long-term policy regarding captaincy.

In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan from England, the former great spinner and coach Saqlain Mushtaq stated that many people are suggesting Babar Azam should step down from captaincy.

He believes these external voices should be ignored. Instead, focus should be on identifying someone with leadership qualities who can unite all team members.

He further noted that the decision should be based on whether to appoint a captain for the long, mid, or short term.

The current approach only considers immediate needs, leading to players being uncertain about their future in the team.

There are no long-term plans in place. Shaheen Shah Afridi was made captain for the short term but was later removed. If Babar Azam is replaced after just one World Cup, another captain will be appointed, and this cycle will continue without any meaningful change.

Saqlain Mushtaq criticized the lack of a cricketing system in the country and the lack of efforts to establish one.

He expressed concerns that if the short-term system continues, successive captains will come and go—Shaheen, Babar, and others—without allowing the team to reach a top level.

Mushtaq questioned the PCB Chairman’s role in captaincy decisions, suggesting it is not the Chairman’s job to remove a captain upon taking office.

Instead, experts who understand the team and its players should make such decisions.

Talking About Shadab’s Mental Maturity

Saqlain Mushtaq mentioned that while Shadab Khan is his son-in-law, he treats all players equally.

He is always available to offer advice, but it is up to PCB coaches to provide technical guidance. When he meets Shadab, he discusses mental maturity as it is crucial in international cricket.

Will Work as Consultant Coach with New Zealand

Saqlain Mushtaq announced that he is working as a consultant coach with New Zealand. He will travel to India for a match against Afghanistan, then proceed to Sri Lanka for two Test matches, and later return to India for three Tests against the host team.

He will be involved in six matches as a consultant coach. He will continue to work as a consultant if called upon in England.

On the Shortage of Spinners

Saqlain Mushtaq discussed the reasons for the shortage of spinners in the country. He recalled that when the board called him to correct Saeed Ajmal’s bowling action, there were 30 other finger spinners who had been deemed illegal by local PCB coaches.

Despite his one-month contract, he dedicated extra time to help these bowlers but was told by the PCB to dismiss them as their actions were deemed illegal. He expressed concern that these players would be left jobless and their lives disrupted.

He noted that this approach led to a psychological block in the country, with no new spinners emerging with unique skills.

The lack of a spin bowling coach and the PCB’s failure to set up camps to discover and nurture good spinners have further compounded the problem.

Saqlain Mushtaq highlighted that despite his efforts and similar initiatives abroad, the situation in Pakistan remained unchanged.

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