I Don't Have Magic Wand To Revive Pakistan Cricket Instantly: Misbah-ul-Haq On Criticism

Misbah-ul-Haq took over the reigns of Pakistan cricket when the Cricket Board sacked Mickey Arthur in August following their disappointing World Cup 2019 campaign. Misbah was appointed the head coach and chief selector as he looked to get Pakistan cricket back on track. They started well with a 2-0 win against a weakened Sri Lanka side but they were whitewashed 0-3 in the Twenty20 Internationals. The clean sweep was the first time the No.1 T20I ranked side had suffered the fate since 2015. Things only got worse for Misbah's side when they were thrashed 2-0 in the T20Is in Australia and lost their 14th consecutive Test Down Under to create an unwanted record. When asked about the criticism leveled on Misbah, the former skipper was curt.

"You have to understand I don't have a magic wand to make everything right just like that. The players need a process to settle down and perform. I don't have any desire to sit and watch Pakistan cricket go to pieces. Yes no one likes that and thinks maybe someone else should be doing this job instead of me. But I am an honest man and I am doing my best and it will take some time to rebuild this test team," Misbah said.

When asked how he felt about the criticism that has come his and the team's way, Misbah said, "I can't stop anyone from speaking but to me it is very simple what is in your heart you say. But whatever anyone says there is no pressure on me because of the dual jobs. To me they are wasting their energy...Those who criticise..in fact...they want to get positions vacated."

Misbah asserted he has been honest and upright about his two jobs. "Even as chief selector, I am consulting other selectors, the head coaches of the six provincial teams and even this squad has been finalised after proper deliberation. I don't believe in one-man show. I am honest in my intentions and I know it will take time to build up a team which has youngsters as well," Misbah said.

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Misbah is also now facing criticism for having accepted the role of head coach of the Islamabad United in the forthcoming Pakistan Super League despite reservations by some of the other franchises.

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