Whilst Pakistani cricket fans will be pleased to hear that relations between the players, coaching staff and management have remained professional, what has irked a number of the players in the one day squad has been the constant stream of comments coming from officials regarding the position of Head Coach from the Asia Cup and beyond.

 

By Saj Sadiq (21st February, 2012)

The poor body language from the Pakistani team since the historic Test series whitewash has been a shock to the system for many. Furrowed brows and slumped shoulders certainly weren't expected from almost the same group of players, who only days before the commencement of the one day series had crushed England.

A team riding on the crest of a wave after the 3-0 victory over the number one ranked side was all set to continue their good form into the one day series. Confidence was high and morale was good, but events leading up to and during the one day series have certainly not helped the morale of the squad.

Illness and being home sick have been mentioned, but one underlying factor is the treatment of interim Coach Mohsin Khan who has overseen Test series victories over Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and England.

Whilst Pakistani cricket fans will be pleased to hear that relations between the players, coaching staff and management have remained professional, what has irked a number of the players in the one day squad has been the constant stream of comments coming from officials regarding the position of Head Coach from the Asia Cup and beyond.

Former opening batsman and Chief Selector Mohsin Hasan Khan has quite clearly built up a very strong relationship with this group of players and whilst his players realise that there was no guarantee that Khan would be retained in the role of Head Coach, some of the players feel that the situation regarding the appointment of a new Head Coach has been poorly handled.

Rumours of the appointment of former Bangladesh and Sri Lanka coach Dav Whatmore started quite literally the day the Pakistan squad left Pakistan for the UAE for the series against England.

Since the team has arrived in the UAE, a steady flow of reports have continued to flow from Pakistan and from within the UAE, about Mohsin Khan's lack of credentials, how he would be replaced, that he may or may not be reappointed Chief Selector and how he is not qualified for the role of Head Coach.

The statements have left a bitter taste for some of the players regarding the treatment of Mohsin and have undoubtedly left some of the Pakistani players rather disappointed.

PakPassion understands that a lack of player's union in Pakistan means that the "voice" and opinion of the players cannot be heard for fear of being looked upon as a "bad apple" and possible future non selection.

Several of the players have thought about approaching the Chairman Zaka Ashraf who has been present for some parts of the series against England, but have decided against it for the reasons stated above.

PakPassion also understands that Khan himself has advised the players not to make an issue regarding the matter and to concentrate on their cricket. However the morale has been severely dented and the treatment of Khan has disgusted a large number of squad members.

Whatmore is expected to take charge of the team after the series versus England and whilst the players will be fully behind the new coach if he is appointed, the handling of the coaching appointment has left a lot to be desired from the player's perspective.