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In this exclusive interview, Faisal Iqbal, former Pakistan cricketer and nephew of the legendary Javed Miandad, delivers a brutally honest assessment of the deep-rooted issues plaguing Pakistan cricket. From the origins of player power to the failure of decision-makers, Faisal pulls no punches as he dissects the culture of grouping, the weakness of the PCB, and the double standards of former players now sitting on television — and much more.
Key revelations include:
Player Power defined: "The player power starts only when the cricket board gets weak" – A major theme of the interview is the long-standing issue of "player power" and internal cliques (grouping). He argues that player power only thrives when the Cricket Board is weak.
The seed of destruction: "They put the seed, and now the consequences are there" – Faisal traces these issues back to the 1990s. He mentions historical revolts against captains like Younis Khan as evidence of how destructive these groups can be.
TV analysts exposed: "They are just fooling Pakistani fans sitting in front of the TV" – Faisal is particularly critical of former cricketers who now host television programs. He accuses them of "bullying" the current system and being hypocritical by not implementing the changes they suggest while they were in official PCB roles. He calls for more "gutsy" journalism to ask these former players hard questions about their own past performances and decisions.
Babar verdict: "I blame Babar more than anybody else" – The interview touches on Mohammad Yousuf’s recent departure from his PCB role. Faisal expresses surprise at the timing of Yousuf's comments regarding Babar Azam and suggests that if Yousuf had issues with player behavior or selection, he should have spoken out immediately upon resigning rather than waiting.
Regarding the T20 World Cup, Faisal blames Babar Azam for not stepping away to regain form in domestic cricket. He also criticizes the selection committee for "accommodating" out-of-form seniors instead of trusting their backup players
Talent wasted: "How come you miss these amazing talents which the world recognises?" – He believes the current system is "polluted" by decision-makers who lack confidence in new talent.
Captain under siege: "I feel sad for Salman Ali Agha" – He argues that Babar's low confidence is putting unfair pressure on younger talents like Salman Ali Agha.
Watch full interview with Saj here
Key revelations include:
Player Power defined: "The player power starts only when the cricket board gets weak" – A major theme of the interview is the long-standing issue of "player power" and internal cliques (grouping). He argues that player power only thrives when the Cricket Board is weak.
The seed of destruction: "They put the seed, and now the consequences are there" – Faisal traces these issues back to the 1990s. He mentions historical revolts against captains like Younis Khan as evidence of how destructive these groups can be.
TV analysts exposed: "They are just fooling Pakistani fans sitting in front of the TV" – Faisal is particularly critical of former cricketers who now host television programs. He accuses them of "bullying" the current system and being hypocritical by not implementing the changes they suggest while they were in official PCB roles. He calls for more "gutsy" journalism to ask these former players hard questions about their own past performances and decisions.
Babar verdict: "I blame Babar more than anybody else" – The interview touches on Mohammad Yousuf’s recent departure from his PCB role. Faisal expresses surprise at the timing of Yousuf's comments regarding Babar Azam and suggests that if Yousuf had issues with player behavior or selection, he should have spoken out immediately upon resigning rather than waiting.
Regarding the T20 World Cup, Faisal blames Babar Azam for not stepping away to regain form in domestic cricket. He also criticizes the selection committee for "accommodating" out-of-form seniors instead of trusting their backup players
Talent wasted: "How come you miss these amazing talents which the world recognises?" – He believes the current system is "polluted" by decision-makers who lack confidence in new talent.
Captain under siege: "I feel sad for Salman Ali Agha" – He argues that Babar's low confidence is putting unfair pressure on younger talents like Salman Ali Agha.
Watch full interview with Saj here
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