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In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan wicketkeeper and current head coach of Germany Cricket, Atiq-uz-Zaman, provides a candid assessment of Pakistan's turbulent 2025 season and the road ahead. Atiq discusses the critical need for stability, the risky selection policy regarding wicketkeepers, his data-driven selection model implemented in Germany, and Pakistan's chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Key Revelations from Atiq-uz-Zaman
- Unpredictable Pakistan: "Pakistan team is a very unpredictable side. You never know which team will turn up."Atiq highlighted the historical inconsistency of the national team, noting that they can defeat the world’s best on one day and lose to an associate nation the next. This lack of stability, he argues, stems from a fluctuating team environment.
- Wicketkeeper Warning: "You cannot play a World Cup with a non-regular wicketkeeper."Drawing from his own experience as a specialist keeper, Atiq emphasized that "makeshift" options are a recipe for disaster in high-pressure tournaments. He believes that a dropped catch or a missed stumping from a part-timer can shift the momentum of an entire World Cup campaign.
- Selection System Critique: "I have not understood the criteria of selection, to be honest" He expressed frustration over the "musical chairs" within the selection committee. Atiq pointed out that players are often picked or dropped without clear communication regarding their performance metrics, leading to confusion for both fans and the athletes themselves.
- Accountability Issue: "The problem with Pakistan cricket: there is no accountability."Atiq noted that while players are frequently scapegoated for losses, the board members and coaches responsible for strategy and selection rarely face consequences. He argued that until the management is held to the same standards as the players, the cycle of failure will continue.
- The Rizwan Argument: "Rizwan is my first choice. He offers quality behind the stumps and leadership."For Atiq, Mohammad Rizwan isn't just a keeper-batsman; he is the "engine room" of the team. He praised Rizwan's work ethic and his ability to read the game, suggesting that his presence provides a psychological safety net for the bowlers.
- Holistic Selection Model: "Create a holistic selection process. Players should go through it and create a point system."Explaining his objective method for Germany, Atiq detailed a data-driven approach. Instead of relying on "gut feeling," he advocates for a system where technical proficiency, fitness levels, and match impact are assigned points, ensuring that the most deserving players are selected based on merit rather than favoritism.
