[EXCLUSIVE] "Everything is messed up in Pakistan cricket": Atiq-uz-Zaman

[BouncerGuy]

Pakistan Cricket has a knack for making headlines for all the wrong reasons. While its disastrous T20 World Cup campaign raised eyebrows back home, rumors of grouping and infighting between players have resurfaced.

During this interview with Saj for an exclusive blog for PakPassion, former Pakistan Test wicketkeeper, Head Coach of Germany and ECB Level 4 Qualified Coach, Atiq-uz-Zaman, discussed the "messed up" situation of Pakistan cricket, rumors of player lobbies within the team, and Shaheen Shah Afridi's alleged misbehavior with batting coach Mohammad Yousuf.

He also heavily criticized PCB's decision to meet with more than 20 former players and take their advice for the betterment of Pakistan Cricket, calling it a "ridiculous" idea.
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Some of the main topics discussed in the interview were:

• Shaheen Shah Afridi's alleged tiff with Mohammad Yousuf
• Mohsin Naqvi's meeting with 22 former cricketers to discuss the state of Pakistan cricket
• Gary Kirsten's responsibilities and challenges
• Selection criteria and conflicts of interest within the selection committee
• Coaching support and political influences that could negatively affect Pakistan team's performances

Watch the full interview here:

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[The Bald Eagle]

I think we need to give Gary Kirsten some time but Atiq's criticism of Gary also has some merit as he has been familiar with team groupings and should play positive role in future to clean this mess within PCT.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The whole world knows now that the PCB is messed up but the only entity that does not have any idea is the PCB itself. People have been speaking and speaking to fix things up but PCB is not listening. Not sure if Gary will be able to make a mark because the whole PCB setup is so flawed.

 

[Saj]

A really interesting point that Atiq made in this interview is the one about Kirsten not being able to control the dressing room.

It's like an experienced teacher going into a classroom and not being able to control the kids. It sets a dangerous precedent and the kids will become even more unruly.

I would have thought that an experienced coach like Kirsten would have been able to put his foot down and control things and sort the mess out, instead of letting it continue and only reporting it when he was submitting his report to the PCB.

 

[Shafi]

You cannot expect people like Naqvi to do any good for PCT. Just like Zaka he is there to make money. Performance means nothing to him. Even though there are 3 groups Naqvi close his eyes to solve the problem. After CT25 disaster Garry will be scapegoat to save Babar. Can't believe how come a cricketer has more power without performance and its up to him whether he wants to resign or continue. No captain in the history of PCT has this privilege.

 

[Asad T]

the more of Atiq I see the more I like him. he is unhinged haha