Azhar Ali-Misbah-ul-Haq-Waqar Younis: The axis of incompetence

[Slim]

Bush first made use of the phrase Axis of Evil to name Iran, Iraq and North Korea. This was apt as those countries are/were harmful to America's interests.

Similary, Azhar-Misbah-Waqar, the infamous trio is the Axis of incompetence, who are harmful for Pakistan cricket. We were lucky to catch a break when Mickey, Inzi and Sarfraz were at the helm, but now this tumorous trio is back in full force.

Let's go over some of their achievements:

- Known for achieving Pakistan's cricketing history's most shameful series defeat when Pakistan was whitewashed in Bangladesh in an ODI series. I as a cricketing fan contemplated to stop watching cricket that day and even did quit for a decent period of time. Had the country's cricketing heads have had any shame, they would have banned the culprits for life. Such proud cricketing nations dont and should not take such incidents without serious repercussions. But when has the wishes of public and PCB ever on the same page?

What we got instead was the specialist in failure, Waqar Younis the coach, making multiple returns and failing each and every time causing massive divide in the team. His behavior is toxic, and his opinions rubbish. He has no clue on identifying young talent and all he likes are people that can be Yes men to him.

Which brings me to the infamous second achievement:

- Failure in 2011 WC, 2015 WC yet being brought back immediately in 2020. One must wonder what Waqar Younis has in his possession that the PCB officials run corner to corner to get back him inside the pakistani cricketing team set up whenever they get a chance. Let's not forget Waqar could not even score the bowling coach position for Australia and did not get a PSL coaching position for years.

- Third achievement, Misbah had made us believe that Pakistan team is simply not capable of scoring modern era 300+ runs and we fell for it completely, sadly resolving to accepting us a minnow team. I thank God for Mickey Arthur and Inzimam who both showed us that not only the team can score big runs regularly, but the team is capable of injecting young talent while focusing on fitness, and has the cojones to kick out dead wood.

Something that Misbah is absolutely incapable of. Misbah is the best example of Nepotism, when he retired from ODI, and when Waqar "resigned" in 2015, they both suggested Azhar as the next ODI based on WHAT? No idea. Because Azhar, guess what, was not even in the ODI team. He was simply not deemed good enough by his own champion, Misbah. Not only Azhar ruined Pakistan ODI team but under his guidance we crashed to a minnow level status. This was purely a nepotistic selection. Misbah is yarrun ka yaar, a guy known for selecting his friends. A guy who is insecure of young talent and has never been able to i) groom a future captain ii) select/identify young talent.

Azhar was removed, thanks to Najam and co. and then he was back again as Pakistan's test team captain right after the guy who replaced him was removed. Based on what you ask again? GOD KNOWS. Azhar simply becomes captain because hes part of the incompetent axis who like to have a docile, shallow guy like him who in no way reflects the cricketing culture of Pakistan. The guy deserves no place in any team in the world currently and should be retired by now yet he keeps getting countless chances.

Our players are subdued and are told to keep their emotions in check like they are in some fauji school. Pakistan cricket has been historically about aggression and i didnt see any of that in our fast bowlers in the international arena. Yet, when you go to domestic, you see the same bowlers boiling for each other's blood. This shows that the capacity is there, its being constrained by the incompetent trio.

I honestly was heavily disappointed when PCB brought back Misbah, Waqar - worst people for the job, and its sad to see my fears coming true. May God save Pakistan cricket.

 

[Syed1]

Can't believe you and I would see eye to eye (ref Tahir Shah) on anything but I completely agree with this thread.


This axis of incompetence will destroy our cricket. You can add Wasim Khan to the list as well.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Can't believe you and I would see eye to eye (ref Tahir Shah) on anything but I completely agree with this thread.


This axis of incompetence will destroy our cricket. You can add Wasim Khan to the list as well.

Wasim khan is not behind the appointment of Misbah. Sadly, it is IK. Wasim wanted Mickey to continue, but on strict insistence of IK, he was removed and Misbah was brought in, since the PM; who only follows cricket in the periphery was impressed by Misbah's achievements on paper; be it his batting average and lone ranger status in odi's even if it had zero or in fact negative impact, as well as him leading us to no.1 in test rankings, irrespective of how it was earned.
This is a very ignorant decision on the part of Imran and it is costing us dearly.

 

[Syed1]

Wasim khan is not behind the appointment of Misbah. Sadly, it is IK. Wasim wanted Mickey to continue, but on strict insistence of IK, he was removed and Misbah was brought in, since the PM; who only follows cricket in the periphery was impressed by Misbah's achievements on paper; be it his batting average and lone ranger status in odi's even if it had zero or in fact negative impact, as well as him leading us to no.1 in test rankings, irrespective of how it was earned.
This is a very ignorant decision on the part of Imran and it is costing us dearly.

That is just anecdotal and no evidence behind Imran selecting Misbah. You are perhaps basing it of the fact that they both hail from the same city/biradri.

 

[Kroll]

If there's something they're competent at, its scapegoating others. Just wait for the blame game and excuses to start rolling in.

 

[KingKhanWC]

This deserves POTW, well written and funny.

Misbah and Waqar were poor tactically. Azhar seems confused with on field tactics, having those two has only made him worse.

PCB got rid of Mickey to appoint a golden boy so he can keep everyone from playing up, nothing to do with knowledge of cricket or coaching.

 

[Kroll]

Boot the whole lot out along with Shafiq and rotten tomatoes thrown at them.

 

[moghul]

Misbah is the real problem---------------for very long time.

 

[ManFan]

Clean out the whole slot except Naseem, Shaheen, Babar, and Imam. Maybe Rizwan.

If over 30, chop their head off.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

That is just anecdotal and no evidence behind Imran selecting Misbah. You are perhaps basing it of the fact that they both hail from the same city/biradri.

Hahaha, no bro, I am not so simple-minded. There is a definite pattern of events and statements from various stakeholders that got me to this conclusion.

If you have followed Pakistan cricket, as well as Imran's statements on cricketing affairs thoroughly, you will get me.
And this is coming from someone who thoroughly believes in IK.

 

[Smudger]

Superbly written but the allegation on Imran is'nt backed by any proof. Misbah has many contacts regardless whether . I also think that the PM has more important decisions to make than selecting head coach of PCT

 

[UsmanhailsAfridi]

Hahaha, no bro, I am not so simple-minded. There is a definite pattern of events and statements from various stakeholders that got me to this conclusion.

If you have followed Pakistan cricket, as well as Imran's statements on cricketing affairs thoroughly, you will get me.
And this is coming from someone who thoroughly believes in IK.

well if that's really the case (I have my doubts), Misbah wont last long. Imran the cricketing mind doesn't put up with lack of performance

 

[Nervesofsteel]

I believe the real problem is Azhar Ali. Misbah was a decent captain. Yes I know he has a love hate relationship on these forums but I'm pretty neutral regarding him. His batting & tuk tuk aside, he seemed to always have a plan on the field & took fitness seriously & most importantly he was not a sell out like so many of our ex captain's.

Mushtaq Ahmed has worked with the English team & left on good terms and I have always heard good things about Mushy from all players he has worked with, domestic or foreign.

Waqar Younis in his previous stint as bowling coach also had decent results.

Younus Khan....He is brand new to the set up so I'm not exactly sure what his contribution is just yet.

I would say we have a decent coaching staff..it's not exceptional or it's not gonna make us world #1 but the results should not be as bad as we are seeing on the field.

No matter how good your coaching staff is, if your captain is simply unable to lead by example & is not capable of leading or inspiring his troops... & can't make the right decisions in the heat of the moment, the team will always struggle. I think that's precisely what is happening with Pakistan under the leadership of Azhar Ali.

 

[Energy]

'Resistance to change/update with time.'

You can smell that from Mars each time you look at Misbah.

 

[Slim]

Can't believe you and I would see eye to eye (ref Tahir Shah) on anything but I completely agree with this thread.


This axis of incompetence will destroy our cricket. You can add Wasim Khan to the list as well.

If you add Wasim Khan it will just become a quad of incompetence.

And good on you, bro, we disagree on many things but deep down we both want best for our country.

 

[Barragan]

Add shafiq and you've got my vote!

Two guys that should be leading from the front are failing miserably, whilst a young Azam has to carry the batting and with Shan chipping in - pathetic.

 

[Slim]

If there's something they're competent at, its scapegoating others. Just wait for the blame game and excuses to start rolling in.

Last time Waqar Younis in his "report" blame Shehzad and Akmal, this time i am wondering what his next "resignation" report will bring.

We literally went backwards with the axis of incompetence. The only difference this time is that Mickey A, and Inzi blooded youngsters timely and therefore there is no excuse for Misbah-Waqar-Azhar to take them out so easily. They still have managed to select the likes of Sohail, Imran Khan Jnr. so you can fully see they would attempt that.

 

[Hasan123]

Azhar Ali needs to go no doubt. But it's clear Misbah is running the show. He should take much more blame than Azhar Ali.

 

[Slim]

This deserves POTW, well written and funny.

Misbah and Waqar were poor tactically. Azhar seems confused with on field tactics, having those two has only made him worse.

PCB got rid of Mickey to appoint a golden boy so he can keep everyone from playing up, nothing to do with knowledge of cricket or coaching.

Superbly written but the allegation on Imran is'nt backed by any proof. Misbah has many contacts regardless whether . I also think that the PM has more important decisions to make than selecting head coach of PCT

Thank you, both. Honestly i was so dismayed with the performance that i let it all out to be honest. There is much more that can be written on the achievements of this incompetent axis.

PCB is even a worst criminal in this regard as it has enabled to let this all happen. I am not sure how much Khan is involved in this fiasco as these things are not out in public however its clear as daylight that this new set up has made blunders after blunders

Teams like Arsenal, Chelsea have chosen their former recently retired legends as coaches but those legends not only had coaching experience but they also showed capability of managing a team. Misbah who might just only be a Pakistani test legend (which is questionable?) showed nothing in that regard, and he was simply put in and given absolute control over the affairs of the PCT. Adding to the injury, the specialist in failure, Waqar Younis and the accidental captain Azhar Ali.

 

[Slim]

Misbah is the real problem---------------for very long time.

'Resistance to change/update with time.'

You can smell that from Mars each time you look at Misbah.

Azhar Ali needs to go no doubt. But it's clear Misbah is running the show. He should take much more blame than Azhar Ali.

Honestly, the whole Pakistani LOI set up improved by leaps and bound as soon as Misbah left it in 2015. All credit to Sarfraz, Micky Arthur and Inzi uncle for doing a fantastic job with the team. I would say the team rather underachieved, and was deserving to be in the semis of the 2019 WC.

Misbah is clearly a plague that needs to be booted out of Pakistan cricket, he has put us back in regression mode.

 

[Slim]

Boot the whole lot out along with Shafiq and rotten tomatoes thrown at them.

Add shafiq and you've got my vote!

Two guys that should be leading from the front are failing miserably, whilst a young Azam has to carry the batting and with Shan chipping in - pathetic.

Shafiq/Azhar's time is up. This series should be the last time we should see them wearing the Pakistan white. We need to let go and cut our losses because these 30+ "youngsters" are absolutely hopeless.

 

[Markhor]

Excellent assessment of this failed combo's past record.

We have the guy who took our ODI team to 9th, getting Banglawashed for the first time in history in the process along with a string of other miserable series defeats, as our Test captain.

We have someone who's never even coached a domestic team let alone an international side, as our head coach and chief selector.

And someone who was rejected by Australia, and had multiple failed stints with Pakistan as a coach, who never bothered to coach a domestic team, as our bowling coach.

Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

 

[Shafi]

well if that's really the case (I have my doubts), Misbah wont last long. Imran the cricketing mind doesn't put up with lack of performance

Highly unlikely!!!! IK now-a-days don't follow cricket and Misbah knows how to manipulate people.

 

[Greenstorm]

I totally agree with every word written. This is POTW material.

Sad thing is that these three are enjoying top positions in naya Pakistan.

 

[Kroll]

I totally agree with every word written. This is POTW material.

Sad thing is that these three are enjoying top positions in naya Pakistan.

Absolutely shameful state of affairs.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Waqar is a tried and tested failure as a coach..

Misbah/azhar are right up there with worst ever coach and captain combos in the history of cricket.

 

[Thephenom]

I’m still trying to decide whether Younis Khan is making notes on the batting or writing his autobiography?!

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Will never understand this fixation with blaming everything on the coach/coaches. Coaches don't play the match. Nor are they directly responsible for the way players perform. This argument is passe and played out and if you still cling to it then you don't understand the game as well as you think you do.

Listing the achievements of the people in question is another frivolous task because a person's ability as a player has little to do with his ability as a coach. Infact, many people even argue that players who were failures during their cricketing careers make great coaches due to their propensity to reflect on their array of failures.

Your arguments would have even an iota of validity if Waqar was the head-coach, he is not. Or maybe if Misbah had coached (and failed as head-coach) before, he has not.

Personal attacks on Misbah's personality have also gotten very old. We've all heard them. And they are meaningless because if Misbah had such a terrible personality and lack of cricketing sense as you claim, he wouldn't have lifted Pakistan out of the ashes in 2010, nor would he be the most successful Pakistani test captain ever.

 

[Firebat]

The Misbah-Azhar coach-captain combo is one of the most uninspiring in history, and is the root of our incompetence.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Also, instead of playing the blame game why don't you all sit back and reflect at the team Pakistan have? It is a young team with barely any established stars. The established stars have actually gone downhill but don't you think its just a little bit unrealistic to expect guys like Shan, Abid, Rizwan, even Babar to hand England a thrashing? These guys have played between 5-30 test matches. If you take out Azhar and Asad, Broad has probably played way more tests than the other 9 players combined.

The fact that they almost won the first test and are competing pretty well in the second, in very tough conditions is surprising in itself.

I have never understood why we lack so much patience. Players don't become stars overnight. Even our biggest star Babar is yet to properly establish himself in test cricket. I agree that the dead-weight of Azhar and Asad needs to be dropped in the near future because they have reached their full potential and won't get any better. But the other guys deserve patience and prolonged stints in the side.

 

[Kroll]

The Misbah-Azhar coach-captain combo is one of the most uninspiring in history, and is the root of our incompetence.

Its a stinking cesspit of mediocrity.

 

[coy0607]

The Misbah-Azhar coach-captain combo is one of the most uninspiring in history, and is the root of our incompetence.

Uninspiring is putting it lightly. Misbah-Azhar combo is an embarrassment to the flare and passion that has traditionally been associated with Pakistan Cricket.

We're not just bad, we're boring.

 

[sweep_shot]

Uninspiring is putting it lightly. Misbah-Azhar combo is an embarrassment to the flare and passion that has traditionally been associated with Pakistan Cricket.

We're not just bad, we're boring.

Correct.

Pakistan have always been a dashing and red hot team that play with aggression. Misbah-Azhar combination is opposite of that.

 

[Pacy with wisdom]

Inspite of these buffoons, we as a team are upwardly mobile. Many might not see it, but amongst the debris that will eventually be cleared out, a very good core of players is developing; who when joined with a couple others still outside the team, will come into their own by the time the next management comes in.

 

[Junaids]

Inspite of these buffoons, we as a team are upwardly mobile. Many might not see it, but amongst the debris that will eventually be cleared out, a very good core of players is developing; who when joined with a couple others still outside the team, will come into their own by the time the next management comes in.

EXACTLY!

Misbah needs to use the rest of the 2019-21 cycle to et the youngsters currently outside the team bedded in to it.

Retain:

Shan Masood
Babar Azam
Mohammad Rizwan
Shadab Khan
Naseem Shah
Shaheen Shah Afridi

Those 6 players should be the core for the 2021-23 Test cycle and even the 2023-25 Test cycle.

To them, you just need to blend in:

Abdullah Shafique
Saud Shakeel
Imran Butt
Sami Aslam
Haider Ali
Zafar Gohar
Sajid Khan
Haris Rauf
Faheem Ashraf
? Amad Butt

 

[Junaids]

Inspite of these buffoons, we as a team are upwardly mobile. Many might not see it, but amongst the debris that will eventually be cleared out, a very good core of players is developing; who when joined with a couple others still outside the team, will come into their own by the time the next management comes in.

This may seem like a weird comparison, but it's valid.

Because I love history I have a deep affection for the Uruguay football team. They came 4th at the 2010 World Cup, and then when every other country had refreshed its team for the 2010-14 World Cup cycle they retained their veterans and won the 2011 South American Championship.

The coach then kept the veterans in place through to the 2014 World Cup and they were just too old, and underperformed.

The coach, like Misbah, is untouchable, and while he has a much more progressive mind he is 73 years old and had become too reliant on his seniors, and blind to their underperforming.

The same refrains were heard "The youngsters aren't there, they aren't as good as the seniors yet."

Except it's not true. Where are the youngsters? Valverde is at Real Madrid. Betancur is at Juventus. Torreira is at Arsenal. Whereas the seniors are no longer wanted by serious clubs.

Pakistan cricket is just the same. Azhar Ali failed at Somerset - really badly last year - whereas Faheem Ashraf got upgraded from a white to a red ball contract at Northants.

Who would an English county want to sign? Abbas, sure.

But then Babar and the 2 young quicks - not Sohail Khan or Imran Khan!

Not Fawad Alam.

Not Asad Shafiq.

And Shadab Khan, certainly.

 

[Slim]

Inspite of these buffoons, we as a team are upwardly mobile. Many might not see it, but amongst the debris that will eventually be cleared out, a very good core of players is developing; who when joined with a couple others still outside the team, will come into their own by the time the next management comes in.

Well said - this is all thanks to Inzamam, Mickey A, and Sarf who were willing to inject youngsters into the team and clear the deadwood. Honestly, this trio had their issues but they were far superior in all regards.

 

[Slim]

[MENTION=129948]Bilal7[/MENTION] to refresh your mind about the axis of incompetence