[EXCLUSIVE] "Waqar Younis had prior chances and could not deliver:" Atiq-uz-Zaman

[Cricket Warrior]

After a disappointing exit in the group stages of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan is eager for a fresh start as they gear up for their home Test series against Bangladesh—their first Test series in seven months. Since the World Cup, there have been several changes within the PCB and the domestic cricket calendar.

To discuss these matters, Saj is joined by Atiq-uz-Zaman, former Pakistan Test wicketkeeper, Head Coach of the German national team, and ECB Level 4 Qualified Coach. A regular blogger on PakPassion, Atiq-uz-Zaman shares his insights on Waqar Younis' return as an advisor to the PCB chairman, critiques the PCB's strategic approach, highlights the leadership potential of young talent Mohammad Huraira, and much more.

In this in-depth conversation, Atiq-uz-Zaman also delves into the flaws in Pakistan's selection procedures, offering his vision for a more modern and effective approach to cricket management.

Key highlights of the interview:

Waqar Younis' Appointment as PCB Advisor: Atiq-uz-Zaman critiques the appointment of Waqar Younis as an advisor to the PCB chairman. He questions the strategic reasoning behind this decision, expressing concerns about whether Younis' past experiences will effectively translate into positive contributions in his new role.

Flaws in Team Selection Process: Highlights significant flaws in Pakistan's current selection procedures. He points out that the existing approach lacks modernity and efficiency, advocating for a more transparent and merit-based system that better reflects the needs of the national team.

Preview of Pakistan – Bangladesh Test Series: The upcoming Test series against Bangladesh is seen as a crucial moment for Pakistan to reset and refocus. Atiq-uz-Zaman previews the series, discussing the challenges that both teams face and the potential impact of recent changes within the PCB.

Pros and Cons of Domestic Cricket Setup: Delves into the domestic cricket structure in Pakistan, evaluating its strengths and weaknesses. He discusses how the current setup impacts the development of players and the overall quality of cricket in the country.

Potential of Muhammad Huraira: Highlighting the leadership potential of young talent Muhammad Huraira, Atiq-uz-Zaman expresses optimism about his future in Pakistan cricket. He believes Huraira has the skills and temperament to become a key player for the national team, urging the PCB to nurture his development.

Watch the full interview here:

 

[BouncerGuy]

He is right about Waqar. Waqar Younis is a tried and tested failure. PCB should have been making better selections but yeah, it is PCB after all.

Hope his words about Huraira come good because that guy has got all the potential and his form speaks for itself. Looking forward to see him in National Jersey soon.

 

[Asad T]

Haha Atiq pulls no punches, he doesn't even try to be diplomatic. That makes him really fun to listen to.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Good interview by Atiq uz Zaman, should have named Misbah too. As we never know he may get another stint too with his buddy Waqar Younis at the helm of affairs.

 

[Saj]

Waqar isn't flavour of the month with many fans and former players really, largely because of what many feel are him being given too many chances in various roles previously at the PCB. It's going to be interesting as to who he picks as the 5 coaches of the teams for the Pakistan Cup tournament - former UBL team-mates or much-needed fresh faces?

I found the part regarding scouting very interesting as it's not really something that is discussed very much in Pakistan cricket. At the ECB the role of the scout and their responsibilities is crucial in player selection and development, whereas in Pakistan it seems that whoever the selectors are they will occasionally go and see a match, or get feedback from various players coaches.

I think the scouts roles in Pakistan cricket needs to be developed and done properly as it's an area where we are really lacking.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Haha Atiq pulls no punches, he doesn't even try to be diplomatic. That makes him really fun to listen to.

After analyzing Waqar's last horror tenure even a diplomat wont try to express their concerns in a diplomatic way

nice punches of truth by Atiq though!

 

[MenInG]

All this is good from Waqar but he will have to do more to allay doubts like the ones Atiq has expressed

https://twitter.com/x/status/1827661246143103228

 

[Mohraheem]

Waqar and Misbah are Best friends! We know Misbah spoke to some of our players! This needs to stop’ any one who knows Misbah should be banned from Pakistan Cricket

 

[Asad T]

I just didn't agree with his analysis on Imam. The lefty has shown he is very vulnerable to the short-pitched delivery. Otherwise, I agree with most of what he said.

 

[riddu]

pcb means dumb. ruled by waqar

 

[Saj]

Strange that at one point Waqar was suposed to be an advisor to the Chairman, then suddenly he becomes one of the team's mentors.

What's happened there? Has he had a change of heart or not fancied the advisor role and instead preferred a mentor role.

 

[Savak]

Strange that at one point Waqar was suposed to be an advisor to the Chairman, then suddenly he becomes one of the team's mentors.

What's happened there? Has he had a change of heart or not fancied the advisor role and instead preferred a mentor role.

According to sources he was not happy with the officials in the PCB especially the director of domestic and international cricket, they were not co operating with him and he didn't want to take on the role without any authority. It appears Mohsin Naqvi himself has not made any effort to address his concerns either.

 

[BouncerGuy]

People try to upgrade in life., but in Waqar Younis's case, it was a downhill journey. From Head coach of the National team to advisor of PCB chairman and now finally opting to be a mentor of a domestic team.

Either he is incompetent (WY) that he was demoted or either he will do anything to stay in PCB, no matter what the post is.

 

[Mohraheem]

Misbah and younis will drive u backwards! Haven’t we learnt from past?

 

[Saj]

Still nothing from PCB regarding what happened to the advisory role that Waqar was supposed to take on.

Instead he accepted a mentor role from one of the teams in the Champions Cup.

Comedy continues.

 

[Mohraheem]

Still nothing from PCB regarding what happened to the advisory role that Waqar was supposed to take on.

Instead he accepted a mentor role from one of the teams in the Champions Cup.

Comedy continues.

We need to get rid of these backward mentality clowns! Start with Misbah

 

[from_da_lost_dim3nsion]

100 percent , Waqar has an ego issue and not a good manager. Should be kept away .

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Misbah and younis will drive u backwards! Haven’t we learnt from past?

As Rizwan says in the pressos , learn from mistakes... which they never ever do in their lifetime... It is just the raw talent gets displayed and once found out thats it , its the end of road for them, go back to domestics and vaapas aajagyi without fixing the flaws for which they are dropped in the first place and become TTFs... Even Babar is not an exception which is quite shocking for me lol...