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In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan wicket-keeper and ECB Level 4 coach Atiq-Uz-Zaman reflects on the major shift in Pakistan’s ODI leadership, as Shaheen Afridi replaces Mohammad Rizwan. The current head coach of Germany examines what this change means for the team’s future, while also addressing the frequent captaincy upheavals, the PCB’s systemic shortcomings, and the broader challenges confronting Pakistan cricket — and much more.
Key revelations include:
PCB's musical chairs: "You can't just change your kids," - He has criticized the PCB for focusing on quick, easy changes (like changing a captain) rather than investing in proper development, consistency, and a supportive system.
The real problem identified: He argued that the main problem lies not with the players or coaching staff, but with the "big authorities" who are making blunders, lack accountability, and frequently reverse their own decisions.
On Rizwan's removal: "On what ground did Shaheen Afridi become ODI captain, and Rizwan has been removed? I don't understand that" - He compared Rizwan's situation to that of Sarfaraz Ahmed and others, who were doing well for Pakistan but were "kicked out in the wrong way". He questioned Shaheen Shah Afridi's appointment as ODI captain, citing his lack of experience leading any departmental or domestic ODI side.
Dressing room impact: "It's very hard for the player who's been removed from the captaincy without any justification" - He believes the PCB's actions are trying to create "grouping in the team," which will lead to a lack of support for the new captain from players loyal to the removed captain (Rizwan).
Home pitch philosophy: "I'm absolutely 100% behind the decision... to make a spin track and dominate it" - Pakistan should use home advantage to dominate by making spin tracks, similar to how England uses seaming pitches.
Player development critique: "International cricket is not a development phase. It's a performance phase."
Watch full interview with Saj here:
Key revelations include:
PCB's musical chairs: "You can't just change your kids," - He has criticized the PCB for focusing on quick, easy changes (like changing a captain) rather than investing in proper development, consistency, and a supportive system.
The real problem identified: He argued that the main problem lies not with the players or coaching staff, but with the "big authorities" who are making blunders, lack accountability, and frequently reverse their own decisions.
On Rizwan's removal: "On what ground did Shaheen Afridi become ODI captain, and Rizwan has been removed? I don't understand that" - He compared Rizwan's situation to that of Sarfaraz Ahmed and others, who were doing well for Pakistan but were "kicked out in the wrong way". He questioned Shaheen Shah Afridi's appointment as ODI captain, citing his lack of experience leading any departmental or domestic ODI side.
Dressing room impact: "It's very hard for the player who's been removed from the captaincy without any justification" - He believes the PCB's actions are trying to create "grouping in the team," which will lead to a lack of support for the new captain from players loyal to the removed captain (Rizwan).
Home pitch philosophy: "I'm absolutely 100% behind the decision... to make a spin track and dominate it" - Pakistan should use home advantage to dominate by making spin tracks, similar to how England uses seaming pitches.
Player development critique: "International cricket is not a development phase. It's a performance phase."
Watch full interview with Saj here:
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