"Misbah-ul-Haq had no skills, he had a one dimensional game" : Mohammad Yousuf

[MenInG]

Former captain Mohammad Yousuf has ridiculed the Pakistan Cricket Board's decision to continue with Misbah-ul-Haq as head coach and selector.

"I don't understand these double standards of the board. On one hand, they are asking for all coaching qualifications and yet they made Misbah head coach, although he had no prior experience of coaching even at club level," Yousuf said in an interview.

"Appointing Misbah, who has no coaching skills, was tantamount to making a mockery of merit. Another mockery was allowing him to coach in the PSL so that he could gain coaching experience."

The veteran of 90 Tests and 288 one-day internationals also slammed Misbah for allegedly being dishonest.

"I saw a recent media interaction of Misbah and he was talking about honesty and integrity and all that. Yet when he was captain he never allowed Azhar Ali to come into the one-day squad," Yousuf claimed.

Azhar, who is now Pakistan's Test captain, was not selected for any ODIs between January, 2013 and April, 2015.

Yousuf said that Misbah didn't want Azhar in the ODI squad because they were similar batsmen.

"In my view Azhar was a better batsman skill wise and in terms of ability. But because he had to play as an opener or one down and he took his time to settle down, Misbah didn't want him because he himself took time to settle down and played slowly."

Yousuf said that Misbah was an average batsman.

"He had no skills. He had a one dimensional game. He played defensively most of the time and only took his chances when the spinners came on."

https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cr...q-coach-no-skills-pakistan-1667369-2020-04-15

 

[angrypathan]

The last comment is a bit over the top and unwarranted but he's not off the mark with the rest

 

[Hawkeye]

Yeah.

That's why he's the most successful Pakistani Test captain.

Most number of Test victories under his command.

And, he's the most successful batsman captain from Pakistan too! Always thrived under pressure and consistently averaged 40-50 in batting.

Made us the number one ranked Test team at one point. With leading from the front.

Lords cricket ground, the home of cricket, was in his awe when he scored a century there, leading from the front, and announced Pakistan as still a top Test cricketing nation.

Impressed everyone around the globe.

But obviously, all that success, fame, and global respect inflicted deep pain on Mohamamd Yousuf, who was a classy batsman but one of the worst as individuals, the most jealous type.

 

[Saj]

The hatred continues.

Moyo just won't let it go will he.

 

[Hitman]

The man has retired years ago. Leave him alone for what type of player he was. If it's compulsory to criticize him, do so with regards to his work as the chief selector and head coach.

 

[Abdul]

The hatred continues.

Moyo just won't let it go will he.

He is got even more reason to be jealous now that Misbah is the coach while PCB does not care about him. He would have probably had to ask for money on streets if it wasn't for Geo (rightfully).

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Two men born in 1974.
76 50+ scores for Pakistan after the age of 36 for Misbah.
0 50+ scores for Pakistan after the age of 36 for Yousuf.
End of debate.

 

[Zaz]

Im not sure exactly what the issue is here with moyo Why is he so anti misbah? Is it the fact that misbah replaced him post 2010 or is there something more

Yes hes made mistakes as a captain and coach who hasnt?

For someone of his islamic stature wouldnt it be better to say nothing if you cant say anything positive

This ridiculous constant spiel of hatred he has for misbah is undignifying and reflecting badly on moyo not misbah

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

The thing with Yousuf is he won't say it face to face.

Remember him sitting next to Misbah in Norway in 2016 after the Tests in England.

He was applauding Misbah when good things were being said about him at the function.

 

[Saj]

Yousuf should focus that anger and resentment towards aiming to become a good coach himself and aim towards becoming a top-level coach, instead of sitting on tv and slating Misbah.

 

[Zaz]

Yousuf should focus that anger and resentment towards aiming to become a good coach himself and aim towards becoming a top-level coach, instead of sitting on tv and slating Misbah.

Saj What exactly is yousufs issue with misbah? This constant at times vicious verbal assaults seems personal

 

[wasimjunior]

Two men born in 1974.
76 50+ scores for Pakistan after the age of 36 for Misbah.
0 50+ scores for Pakistan after the age of 36 for Yousuf.
End of debate.

Yousuf is arguably one of the best ever to wear a Pakistan shirt, whereas Misbah's name is sung by Indian fans to mock us (They Mis-bah 5 runs).

You should read into selective bias and data mining- nobody is convinced.

End of debate

 

[Zaz]

This thread isnt about whos the greater player Its about whether the criticism directed at misbah by yousuf is justified or not

 

[daytrader]

Why are our legends hell bent on losing their reputation after retirement. Always running his mouth MoYo

 

[Maher96]

You see MoYo is a prime example to why portraying yourself as Muslim sometimes isn’t enough. Actions speak louder than words.

 

[Rana]

Saj What exactly is yousufs issue with misbah? This constant at times vicious verbal assaults seems personal

It’s jealousy. Misbah replaced MoYo in the 2007 T20 wc and MOYO felt he was entitled to play being the prolific run scorer he was in Tests lol. Misbah turned out to be a revelation instead and the rest has been history.

 

[Markhor]

Yousuf is clueless - blasting Misbah for not selecting Azhar in ODIs when Azhar had no business in the format.

 

[Zaz]

It’s jealousy. Misbah replaced MoYo in the 2007 T20 wc and MOYO felt he was entitled to play being the prolific run scorer he was in Tests lol. Misbah turned out to be a revelation instead and the rest has been history.

Hows that misbahs fault? That cant be it on its own If you look at it that way everyone comes into a team at the expense of another

Most dont resort to such vicious public malice

There must be something more for such vitriol being spouted all the time

If this is it then mohd yousuf is a pretty poor individual the way hes conducting himself over something so petty

 

[Canistani Hero]

Tarnishing his legacy with this is Moyo

 

[Rana]

Hows that misbahs fault? That cant be it on its own If you look at it that way everyone comes into a team at the expense of another

Most dont resort to such vicious public malice

There must be something more for such vitriol being spouted all the time

If this is it then mohd yousuf is a pretty poor individual the way hes conducting himself over something so petty

It’s not his fault. Yousuf isn’t attacking Misbah alone but the PCB for preferring him and later giving him responsibility such as captaincy in all 3 formats, now he is head coach and even more.

Misbah made seniors like Yousuf and Younis look very stupid and unprofessional because of their personal vendettas (instead of caring about the country). Misbah played a T20 final and won a T20 wc at the expense of a selfish and bitter Mohammad Yousuf. Hard pill for him to swollow really

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Yousuf is clueless - blasting Misbah for not selecting Azhar in ODIs when Azhar had no business in the format.

3 50s in 5 innings in our victorious Champions Trophy campaign.

Better ODI batter than Asad and Younis.

 

[Bewal Express]

MY is along with Inzi and Saeed Anwar the most talented batsman we have produced in the last 30 years. But as always, his criticism of Misbah is far too personal. He is no doubt right that Misbah was too selfish with his failure to rotate the strike, something a strong coach would have told him. His risk free innings inflated his average but did little for the team on most occasions.

 

[Kroll]

Yousuf is clueless - blasting Misbah for not selecting Azhar in ODIs when Azhar had no business in the format.

This would have made more sense had he also talked about Misbah pushing for Azhar's captaincy after he retired. I guess this is what he was hinting at.

 

[Kroll]

Seems like this lockdown has made it open season for ex-cricketers/current cricketers to go and slate all and sundry.

 

[coy0607]

Yousuf isn't incorrect - Misbah is arguably the most 1-dimensional (prominent) batsmen in recent memory. And he doesn't have any experience with coaching at any level.

Nonetheless, Yousuf just appears bitter. Should hold on comments like these till the right time.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

His risk free innings inflated his average but did little for the team on most occasions.

How about talking some sense?

25 of Misbah's 42 ODI 50s came in wins.
None of his 10 Test centuries came in losses.
None of his T20I 50s came in losses either.

Funny how you talk about risk free. He's often hit sixes early in his innings against the spinners and played reverse sweeps too.

 

[Bewal Express]

How about talking some sense?

25 of Misbah's 42 ODI 50s came in wins.
None of his 10 Test centuries came in losses.
None of his T20I 50s came in losses either.

Funny how you talk about risk free. He's often hit sixes early in his innings against the spinners and played reverse sweeps too.

Firstly, most of these wins would have come anyway( at the end of his period, we were at the same place as before him, if not poorer), we did win games against teams before and we have done so after him, the CT win comes to mind. He played some decent knocks but his batting was constipated and forced others to take risks. For me Misbah added nothing to our ODI cricket, i have no problems with his batting or leadership in tests.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Yousuf isn't incorrect - Misbah is arguably the most 1-dimensional (prominent) batsmen in recent memory.

One dimensional for the holder of the fastest Test century and the man that hit the most sixes by any Pakistan Test Cricketer and yet could be 9* from 86 balls when batting for a draw.

Reverse sweeps.
Hitting sixes against spin.
Moving around in the crease.
Scoring quicker when required or when in the mood.

He was a versatile player.
Nearly hit 200 international sixes for someone who liked to bat long and could be ultra patient and defensive without it bothering him.

One dimensional batters are like:
Mudassar Nazar.
Shoaib Mohammad.
Ramiz Raja.
Chris Tavare.
Aakash Chopra.
Pujara.
Nasser Hussain.
Michael Atherton.
Kraigg Brathwaite.
Nick Compton.

Not Misbah who came back into the team as a T20 specialist in 2007. Misbah was a natural at hitting sixes and improvising against the spinners. Much better and a more gifted aerial hitter than Yousuf.

 

[Zaz]

Yousuf isn't incorrect - Misbah is arguably the most 1-dimensional (prominent) batsmen in recent memory. And he doesn't have any experience with coaching at any level.

Nonetheless, Yousuf just appears bitter. Should hold on comments like these till the right time.

Comments must be constructive and in the realms of decency whilst on camera A person musnt come across bitter and twisted

The tone and language mohammed yousuf uses is disparaging and his criticism always seems personal on every topic he speaks

It would help if he focused sometimes on positives but he doesnt its always criticism

God has give you this stature please use it wisely in good rather than spreading negativity and ill

 

[Faiz1978]

Problem is Mo Yo speaks truth , bitter truth, and he does understand cricket , he can ***** batsman batting technique very well , Misbah was one dimensional batsman no doubt about it , he was good batsman of spin never good on fast bowling , his record on fast & bouncy pitches on Australia and South Africa explains everything,

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

This would have made more sense had he also talked about Misbah pushing for Azhar's captaincy after he retired. I guess this is what he was hinting at.

Azhar captained in 10 ODI series in a row running into the 2017 Champions Trophy after the 2015 World Cup. His contribution towards Pakistan’s win in that tournament can’t be underestimated. Not only his runs with the bat at the top of the innings, but his captaincy in helping Pakistan qualify for that tournament and build some confidence with series wins against Sri Lanka and West Indies under him and also importantly an ODI win in England at Cardiff where they ended up meeting England in the Champions Trophy semi final. Hasan Ali, Babar Azam and Imad Wasim all started and developed under Azhar.

He had a decent ODI record as Captain, winning half of his series and individually having a respectable average and strike rate while leading the ODI side. His removal was harsh. He had a tough schedule as ODI Captain with two series vs England’s strongest ODI team ever that went on to become world champions, a series in Bangladesh against Bangladesh’s strongest ever team and an away ODI series against the teams that played the 2015 World Cup final. Only those were the series he lost as skipper. His ODI record against everybody else and more realistic teams Pakistan could win against was pretty clinical i.e. series wins against West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

The purpose of making him ODI Captain was to groom him as a successor for the longer form of the game.

 

[Hawkeye]

Im not sure exactly what the issue is here with moyo Why is he so anti misbah? Is it the fact that misbah replaced him post 2010 or is there something more

Yes hes made mistakes as a captain and coach who hasnt?

For someone of his islamic stature wouldnt it be better to say nothing if you cant say anything positive

This ridiculous constant spiel of hatred he has for misbah is undignifying and reflecting badly on moyo not misbah

Lol. The biggest choker in history of cricket. One of the best bats without a century lol.

He has the fastest Test century in the history of cricket.

Made us win in ENG with a century at Lords.

You always have to act like a clown.

 

[Khan12]

If I am not wrong misbah had 1 century outside SC and people are here calling him one of our best batsmen ever. The guy averaged 20s in 3 out of 4 SENA countries I believe. Rubbish batsmen and some of his fans think he's better then yousuf lol.

 

[Zaz]

Brutal facts. Misbah got the job due to connections he's not qualified for a coaching role. What hatred for speaking the truth.

Maybe theres a point but I dont think hes ever said anything positive about misbah ever even when him and pakistan have been successful so yes its hatred when it gets to that level of constant criticism year in year out

 

[Khan12]

He has the fastest Test century in the history of cricket. You always have to act like a clown.

Yasir has the same anount of test centuries outside SC I believe as misbah.

 

[Faiz1978]

Khan22- Spot on

 

[Khan12]

Maybe theres a point but I dont think hes ever said anything positive about misbah ever even when him and pakistan have been successful so yes its hatred when it gets to that level of constant criticism year in year out

What positive vibes did misbah give. Let me try losing us 2 icc trophies. Picking his friends, allergic to youngsters ( the guy didn't want shaheen to be selected for world cup), playing 1980s odis. Being a rubbish batsmen. Playing till the age of 45. Given a 3 roles without any qualifications then straight away picking rubbish again.

 

[Hawkeye]

Im not sure exactly what the issue is here with moyo Why is he so anti misbah? Is it the fact that misbah replaced him post 2010 or is there something more

Yes hes made mistakes as a captain and coach who hasnt?

For someone of his islamic stature wouldnt it be better to say nothing if you cant say anything positive

This ridiculous constant spiel of hatred he has for misbah is undignifying and reflecting badly on moyo not misbah

It's quite simple.

1. Misbah replaced him, when MoYo felt entitled for a spot in the team.

2. Misbah became a huge success. Best PAK batsman in 2007 T20 World Cup.

3. Part of the winning World Cup team at the 2009 T20 World Cup.

4. Later made Test captain.

5. Became a strong captain and started winning Tests, beat (or whitewashed?) ENG, whitewashed Aus, beat Eng in Eng.

6. Achieved number 1 Test ranking and held the Test mace.

7. Gained respect throughout the world. Became a top mentor and coach owing to his good education.

8. Awarded by the PCB for his education, knowledge and skills.

9. Not a religious fanatic like MoYo and doesn't use religion card to gain advantages or hate on others.


This can in no way be digested by MoYo. Both his on-field and off-field achievements.

A classy batsman, but the exact opposite as a person and always used the religious card for personal likes/dislikes - jealousy and bitterness.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Firstly, most of these wins would have come anyway( at the end of his period, we were at the same place as before him, if not poorer), we did win games against teams before and we have done so after him, the CT win comes to mind. He played some decent knocks but his batting was constipated and forced others to take risks. For me Misbah added nothing to our ODI cricket, i have no problems with his batting or leadership in tests.

Pakistan won 3-2 in an ODI series in West Indies in 2011. Misbah got 40*+ in all the wins. Failed in the two games they lost.

Pakistan won 3-1 in an ODI series in the West Indies in 2013 with a tie. Misbah made four half centuries. In the one match they lost he got a low score.

In 2013 Pakistan lost 3-2 in an ODI series in South Africa. Misbah scored 2 50s in the series, both in matches Pakistan won.

Misbah has 7 ODI World Cup half centuries, all in wins except 2 vs India. But no Pakistan team have had a successful result before vs India in a World Cup.

Misbah has 10 Test centuries. None vs Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. At least one against all other Test opponents. None of those tons have come in losses. 7 in wins and 3 in draws.

Misbah was in the official team of the tournament at the 2013 Champions Trophy and in the top 10 run scorers at the 2015 World Cup.

When Pakistan beat England 3-0 in 2012, Misbah and Azhar Ali were the only batters to make 2 50+ in the series. When Pakistan beat England 2-0 in 2015 in the UAE, Misbah made 4 50+ in a 3 Test series.

Man of the series in a major long drawn series in England in 2016. He was also MOM to help Pakistan secure a Test draw and series win in New Zealand in January 2011.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Meh, everything said during this lockdown will be forgotten in a week.

 

[Hawkeye]

Pakistan won 3-2 in an ODI series in West Indies in 2011. Misbah got 40*+ in all the wins. Failed in the two games they lost.

Pakistan won 3-1 in an ODI series in the West Indies in 2013 with a tie. Misbah made four half centuries. In the one match they lost he got a low score.

In 2013 Pakistan lost 3-2 in an ODI series in South Africa. Misbah scored 2 50s in the series, both in matches Pakistan won.

Misbah has 7 ODI World Cup half centuries, all in wins except 2 vs India. But no Pakistan team have had a successful result before vs India in a World Cup.

Misbah has 10 Test centuries. None vs Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. At least one against all other Test opponents. None of those tons have come in losses. 7 in wins and 3 in draws.

Misbah was in the official team of the tournament at the 2013 Champions Trophy and in the top 10 run scorers at the 2015 World Cup.

When Pakistan beat England 3-0 in 2012, Misbah and Azhar Ali were the only batters to make 2 50+ in the series. When Pakistan beat England 2-0 in 2015 in the UAE, Misbah made 4 50+ in a 3 Test series.

Man of the series in a major long drawn series in England in 2016. He was also MOM to help Pakistan secure a Test draw and series win in New Zealand in January 2011.

Good post.

But, there are also some fanatical haters like [MENTION=138958]Khan12[/MENTION] here, who have short memories and feed on hating one of our most respected and top cricketer.

 

[shamaan]

Tbh yousuf criticism is fair towards cricket broad and correct that misbah is one dimensional dominated spinners was average against fast bowling

 

[Khan12]

Good post.

But, there are also some fanatical haters like [MENTION=138958]Khan12[/MENTION] here, who have short memories and feed on hating one of our most respected and top cricketer.

Lol. You haven't learned your lesson from last time when you went into hiding. Be a man and reply there and I will leave PP. He's most respected by his worshippers like you the majority laugh at this clown and his achievements against West Indies. The guy averages 20 odd in 3 out of 4 SENA countries. Reply to that and that doesn't go in with your claim of being a top cricketer. In fact it's bang average. A top cricketer without an odi century in 140 odd games or so. Don't run again. How does this make him a top cricketer?

 

[daytrader]

Lol. You haven't learned your lesson from last time when you went into hiding. Be a man and reply there and I will leave PP. He's most respected by his worshippers like you the majority laugh at this clown and his achievements against West Indies. The guy averages 20 odd in 3 out of 4 SENA countries. Reply to that and that doesn't go in with your claim of being a top cricketer. In fact it's bang average. A top cricketer without an odi century in 140 odd games or so. Don't run again. How does this make him a top cricketer?

Such a manly thing to reply on an internet forum, you have a high standard of manhood!

As far as Misbah's achievements some of those are mentioned in post 39 above. Just have to read...

 

[Faiz1978]

When Misbah left Pakistan team in ODI ranking 7th and in test 7th , and check his batting records in SA, Australia it’s below average, despite of these facts people considered him great it sums up how good Pakistan in 2010-2018 during his tenure , record states worst in last 5 decades , lost all matches in 20-4 Championships Trophy , by very difficulty qualify QF of 2015 World Cup , never in the race of SF , QF qualify because there was rain against SA ball start swinging in second half , sums up state of Pakistan cricket during his tenure , worst in last 5 decades .

 

[leatherface58]

"He had no skills. He had a one dimensional game. He played defensively most of the time and only took his chances when the spinners came on."

Yeah that's called being smart. Since when did picking your fights become "cowardly"?

 

[GreenKhan]

Pakistan won 3-2 in an ODI series in West Indies in 2011. Misbah got 40*+ in all the wins. Failed in the two games they lost.

Pakistan won 3-1 in an ODI series in the West Indies in 2013 with a tie. Misbah made four half centuries. In the one match they lost he got a low score.

In 2013 Pakistan lost 3-2 in an ODI series in South Africa. Misbah scored 2 50s in the series, both in matches Pakistan won.

Misbah has 7 ODI World Cup half centuries, all in wins except 2 vs India. But no Pakistan team have had a successful result before vs India in a World Cup.

Misbah has 10 Test centuries. None vs Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. At least one against all other Test opponents. None of those tons have come in losses. 7 in wins and 3 in draws.

Misbah was in the official team of the tournament at the 2013 Champions Trophy and in the top 10 run scorers at the 2015 World Cup.

When Pakistan beat England 3-0 in 2012, Misbah and Azhar Ali were the only batters to make 2 50+ in the series. When Pakistan beat England 2-0 in 2015 in the UAE, Misbah made 4 50+ in a 3 Test series.

Man of the series in a major long drawn series in England in 2016. He was also MOM to help Pakistan secure a Test draw and series win in New Zealand in January 2011.

Great post .
Misbah-ul-Haq was top scorer for Pak in 2015 World Cup . His last assignment as a one day player.

Also his last assignment as a test player he averaged 60 plus helping Pak to win their first every series in West Indies .

Despite his age he always deserved a place in the team . Lead by example with the bat .

 

[Khan12]

Pakistan won 3-2 in an ODI series in West Indies in 2011. Misbah got 40*+ in all the wins. Failed in the two games they lost.

Pakistan won 3-1 in an ODI series in the West Indies in 2013 with a tie. Misbah made four half centuries. In the one match they lost he got a low score.

In 2013 Pakistan lost 3-2 in an ODI series in South Africa. Misbah scored 2 50s in the series, both in matches Pakistan won.

Misbah has 7 ODI World Cup half centuries, all in wins except 2 vs India. But no Pakistan team have had a successful result before vs India in a World Cup.

Misbah has 10 Test centuries. None vs Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. At least one against all other Test opponents. None of those tons have come in losses. 7 in wins and 3 in draws.

Misbah was in the official team of the tournament at the 2013 Champions Trophy and in the top 10 run scorers at the 2015 World Cup.

When Pakistan beat England 3-0 in 2012, Misbah and Azhar Ali were the only batters to make 2 50+ in the series. When Pakistan beat England 2-0 in 2015 in the UAE, Misbah made 4 50+ in a 3 Test series.

Man of the series in a major long drawn series in England in 2016. He was also MOM to help Pakistan secure a Test draw and series win in New Zealand in January 2011.

Mighty West Indies

Mighty West Indies

Lost


Here is where you get roasted. You talk about proudly about him not scoring a century against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. Perfect. Lets go to his winning centuries sorry i meant the fifties in the world cup.

1 . Against the mighty UAE
2 . 71 off 121 balls against mighty Zimbabwe. When clearly Wahab won us the game with 54 off 46 balls but still fifty against mighty Zimbabwe.
3 . Another outstanding display against the likes of Odoyo and the likes of mighty Kenya.
4 . 1 good fifty against Sri Lanka.
The fifth one i can't remember. So here i didn't suit your agenda of UAE, Kenya etc.

That's fantastic but he's got 1 century ouside SC in his whole career. Was a complete outside SC.

When Pakistan beat England it's was manily Saeed ajmal and abdul rehman though Misbah performance was good.

In that match, it was Yasir shah the man of the match.

Now my turn. Can you name some performances in the world cup without UAE etc.

Can you tell his his winning odi centuries?

Can You tell us his averages in SENA countries?

Any performances against SENA countries in their backyard?

 

[Bewal Express]

Pakistan won 3-2 in an ODI series in West Indies in 2011. Misbah got 40*+ in all the wins. Failed in the two games they lost.

Pakistan won 3-1 in an ODI series in the West Indies in 2013 with a tie. Misbah made four half centuries. In the one match they lost he got a low score.

In 2013 Pakistan lost 3-2 in an ODI series in South Africa. Misbah scored 2 50s in the series, both in matches Pakistan won.

Misbah has 7 ODI World Cup half centuries, all in wins except 2 vs India. But no Pakistan team have had a successful result before vs India in a World Cup.

Misbah has 10 Test centuries. None vs Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. At least one against all other Test opponents. None of those tons have come in losses. 7 in wins and 3 in draws.

Misbah was in the official team of the tournament at the 2013 Champions Trophy and in the top 10 run scorers at the 2015 World Cup.

When Pakistan beat England 3-0 in 2012, Misbah and Azhar Ali were the only batters to make 2 50+ in the series. When Pakistan beat England 2-0 in 2015 in the UAE, Misbah made 4 50+ in a 3 Test series.

Man of the series in a major long drawn series in England in 2016. He was also MOM to help Pakistan secure a Test draw and series win in New Zealand in January 2011.

His stats were always good but we watched his batting through the period and more often than not, his batting was constipated. No doubt he played some decent innings but it also has to be pointed out that he failed to rotate the strike, put pressure on his fellow batsmen. I spoke to Saj in 2014 at an Pak v BD under 19 match in Leicestershire and I asked him why he hadn't been replaced because we were going to fail with him in the 2015 WC because his inertia at the crease led to a total lack of confidence in the batsman, from memory somebody as well informed as Saj couldn't explain. Overall a decent test player but should never have played so many odis

 

[topspin]

I don't agree with Yousuf's tone but he has every right to feel aggrieved when a substandard batsman like Misbah with no coaching experience and qualifications of note is given an immense amount of power, which no previous coach of Pakistan has ever had.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Yousuf has basically been saying "I hate Misbah" for 10 years now. Nobody cared a decade ago and nobody cares now.

 

[ahmedzee]

I don't normally agree with Yousuf but he is 100% right here.
Keeping test cricket aside, what has Misbah achieved? He was extremely poor in ODIs, a con artist, may I call him. Yes, Pakistan batting wasn't great, wickets fell early. Misbah mostly use to play absolutely slow, not keeping up with the chasing run rate, ever. In the end, he crosses 50 runs at 60 SR and then gets out hitting, giving an impression that no one did well except him. Moreover he was an absolutely defensive captain, maybe second worst after Waqar. One proof of his defensive mentality is that he didn't get a single ODI 100. Yousuf was always right, Misbah is one dimensional and only knows one way to play. He can never play as per the situation. This one dimensional can be a strength in Test, hence why he succeeded there.

I credit Msibah for his achievement in Test cricket, but he was indeed the worst thing to happen to Pakistan ODI/T20 cricket, and he still is. Only T20 World cup Pakistan won was thanks to Misbah's limited and almost no contribution. Thank Goodness!

 

[Kroll]

Azhar captained in 10 ODI series in a row running into the 2017 Champions Trophy after the 2015 World Cup. His contribution towards Pakistan’s win in that tournament can’t be underestimated. Not only his runs with the bat at the top of the innings, but his captaincy in helping Pakistan qualify for that tournament and build some confidence with series wins against Sri Lanka and West Indies under him and also importantly an ODI win in England at Cardiff where they ended up meeting England in the Champions Trophy semi final. Hasan Ali, Babar Azam and Imad Wasim all started and developed under Azhar.

He had a decent ODI record as Captain, winning half of his series and individually having a respectable average and strike rate while leading the ODI side. His removal was harsh. He had a tough schedule as ODI Captain with two series vs England’s strongest ODI team ever that went on to become world champions, a series in Bangladesh against Bangladesh’s strongest ever team and an away ODI series against the teams that played the 2015 World Cup final. Only those were the series he lost as skipper. His ODI record against everybody else and more realistic teams Pakistan could win against was pretty clinical i.e. series wins against West Indies, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Ireland.

The purpose of making him ODI Captain was to groom him as a successor for the longer form of the game.

I'm not arguing against Azhar in what he achieved/did not achieve during his ODI captaincy. Just pointing out that Misbah blocked him out of the ODI side when he was himself captain but then advocated he succeed him even though he hadn't played?

I don't agree with Yousuf's bitter outburst but it is correct in what he says about Misbah blocking him when he was captain and you have also pointed out that Azhar made some helpful contributions when he eventually came in.

 

[CleverSir]

Such a shame to see such a good player become a bitter and jealous man. I would loved to see him go into coaching after retiring. Get the certifications done and give back to the game. M. Yousuf is also a prime example of how not to behave as a cricketer. It isn't all about skill in the game of life. Relationships matter. Misbah is a much more grounded human being and understood that. Andrew Strauss didn't become england team director right after retiring just on skill. He built up his relationships around the ECB. He was seen as a stable head. Same for Sangakara, he isn't MCC president by accident. He knows how to engage with his peers and build those relationships.

 

[Savak]

Such a shame to see such a good player become a bitter and jealous man. I would loved to see him go into coaching after retiring. Get the certifications done and give back to the game. M. Yousuf is also a prime example of how not to behave as a cricketer. It isn't all about skill in the game of life. Relationships matter. Misbah is a much more grounded human being and understood that. Andrew Strauss didn't become england team director right after retiring just on skill. He built up his relationships around the ECB. He was seen as a stable head. Same for Sangakara, he isn't MCC president by accident. He knows how to engage with his peers and build those relationships.

I cannot disagree with this. Networking, relationships, PR matters a lot in life. You cannot constantly be biting the hands that you want to feed you. Yousaf might be a more naturally gifted and better batsman than Misbah and knows the art of batting, but he comes across as someone who continously criticizes and doesn't believe in building bridges and it is something which has cost him badly. It's strange because he is a religious man and Islam teaches you peace and tolerance.

Yousaf made an effort and acquired the PCB coaching certificates and has been in the running for the batting coach role at the NCA but I wonder what his interviews were like

 

[Savak]

Yousuf has basically been saying "I hate Misbah" for 10 years now. Nobody cared a decade ago and nobody cares now.

Lol people do care otherwise people wouldn't be talking about it. His criticism against Misbah's is correct even if it comes across as bitter

 

[sshakir411]

Yousuf is clueless - blasting Misbah for not selecting Azhar in ODIs when Azhar had no business in the format.

I agree with you but let’s not forget it was Misbah and Waqar who recommended making Azhar the captain in all formats over the then vc Sarfraz after the 2015 WC.

 

[Zaz]

His criticism may be just Many people including myself dont agree with the way misbah played his cricket and this dual coaching role he had landed

However when all youve done for the last 10years is snipe away at the man Any points even justified sound bitter and twisted

 

[Savak]

His criticism may be just Many people including myself dont agree with the way misbah played his cricket and this dual coaching role he had landed

However when all youve done for the last 10years is snipe away at the man Any points even justified sound bitter and twisted

I think people need to understand where Mohd Yousaf is coming from. Yousaf was in his prime in 2007, yet for some strange reason the PCB apparently at the be-hest of Malik decided to drop him from the T-20 WC squad and pick an unknown Misbah ul Haq in his place instead.

In 2009-10 Misbah was dropped from the Pakistan side by the selectors for the tour to New Zealand and Australia because Younis Khan dropped out from those tours. Yousaf was made the stand in replacement captain and Yousaf immediately insisted on the selectors to recall Misbah ul Haq in the side.

Then Yousaf lost his place permanently in 2010 in the Pakistan side when Misbah was the captain. He deep down feel aggrieved that Misbah did not fight for him and support him being the captain at the time.

I think any person would feel upset and hurt and even resentful at the individual. Not to forget Yousaf has justified cricketing criticisms against Misbah as well.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Yousuf and Misbah are the only two Pakistan batters with Test centuries at Lord's in the 21st century and therefore on the famous honours board at the Mecca of Cricket.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Yousuf and Misbah are the only two Pakistan batters with Test centuries at Lord's in the 21st century and therefore on the famous honours board at the Mecca of Cricket.

Misbah did it at the age of 42. Yousuf did it at the age of 31.
Misbah did it as Captain. Yousuf didn't.
Misbah did it in a low scoring win. Yousuf did it in a high scoring draw.

 

[Rayyman]

Misbah and Moyo were both cowards for batting in the middle-order when they should have been top-order batsmen in ODIs.

 

[GreenKhan]

Misbah-ul-Haq averaged 40 in England and close to 40 in New Zealand .

He was a failure in Australia, and South Africa . Averaging 20 odd.

So he had mixed results in SENA in test cricket .

His record in One day cricket in SENA Was very good .

Averaged 50 plus in England , Australia .

He also averaged close to 50 in ICC tournaments.

So on the whole in SENA he did reasonably well in all formats .

 

[Zaz]

I think people need to understand where Mohd Yousaf is coming from. Yousaf was in his prime in 2007, yet for some strange reason the PCB apparently at the be-hest of Malik decided to drop him from the T-20 WC squad and pick an unknown Misbah ul Haq in his place instead.

In 2009-10 Misbah was dropped from the Pakistan side by the selectors for the tour to New Zealand and Australia because Younis Khan dropped out from those tours. Yousaf was made the stand in replacement captain and Yousaf immediately insisted on the selectors to recall Misbah ul Haq in the side.

Then Yousaf lost his place permanently in 2010 in the Pakistan side when Misbah was the captain. He deep down feel aggrieved that Misbah did not fight for him and support him being the captain at the time.

I think any person would feel upset and hurt and even resentful at the individual. Not to forget Yousaf has justified cricketing criticisms against Misbah as well.

I dont see a justification here Players get dropped, replaced and never picked again all the time Most dont behave like this

The 90s was full of groupings, fallouts, careers cut short, captains changing every 2 years, players not talking to each other etc etc

Over time players move on They are not necessarily friends but show respect to each

Theres no justification for this sort of behaviour A classy person doesnt behave like this

Its high time moyo the muslim started practice what he preaches and let bygones be bygones and stop being bitter and twisted all the time

 

[Savak]

I dont see a justification here Players get dropped, replaced and never picked again all the time Most dont behave like this

The 90s was full of groupings, fallouts, careers cut short, captains changing every 2 years, players not talking to each other etc etc

Over time players move on They are not necessarily friends but show respect to each

Theres no justification for this sort of behaviour A classy person doesnt behave like this

Its high time moyo the muslim started practice what he preaches and let bygones be bygones and stop being bitter and twisted all the time

Lol his criticism against Misbah may come off as bitter but a lot of his cricketing criticism's of Misbah are true as well and he as an expert analyst has to do is job by being truthful.

 

[Zaz]

Lol his criticism against Misbah may come off as bitter but a lot of his cricketing criticism's of Misbah are true as well and he as an expert analyst has to do is job by being truthful.

An expert analyst on third rated tv shows? Theres a reason why misbah has held high positions at the pcb and moyo gets cheap gigs on these low class shows where they feed off outspoken and controversial bitter ex players

Everytime moyo starts with this and misbah doesnt respond misbah comes out looking twice as classy as him

If he wants to improve his image in the cricket circles moyo needs to stop with the constant negative vitriol because lets be honest it isnt doing moyos image any favours

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Misbah has 2 50s in 3 ODI innings in England. - Champions Trophy 2013.
Misbah has 2 50s in 4 ODI innings in Australia. - World Cup 2015.
Misbah had 5 50s in 9 ODI innings in New Zealand. Two bilateral series and 3 games in 2015 World Cup.
Misbah has 3 50s in 8 ODI innings in South Africa. All bilateral series.
Misbah has 6 50s in 10 ODI innings in West Indies. All bilateral series.

Averaged over 100 in a Test series win in New Zealand in 2011 as Captain.
Averaged over 100 in a Test series in India in 2007 vs Kumble, Harbhajan and Zaheer.
Man of the series in a four match Test series in England in 2016.
43 50+ in 99 Test innings as Captain between 2010-2017.

He was a monster of a batsman.

He is right up there with Graeme Smith, Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Stephen Fleming etc as outstanding performers with the bat while being Captain. The next best Pakistan batting Test Captain after Misbah has 21 50+ scores as Captain compared to his 43 50+ while being captain in Test Match Cricket. No Pakistan batting Captain has got more than his 27 50+ scores in ODIs as Captain either.

 

[Savak]

An expert analyst on third rated tv shows? Theres a reason why misbah has held high positions at the pcb and moyo gets cheap gigs on these low class shows where they feed off outspoken and controversial bitter ex players

Everytime moyo starts with this and misbah doesnt respond misbah comes out looking twice as classy as him

If he wants to improve his image in the cricket circles moyo needs to stop with the constant negative vitriol because lets be honest it isnt doing moyos image any favours

Misbah is more educated than Yousaf who was born to a janitor. Misbah's edge in education gives him a nod in higher positions in the PCB compared to Yousaf.

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Misbah ul Haq (26 Test wins as Captain) = Imran Khan (14 Tests wins as Captain) + Wasim Akram (12 Test wins as Captain).

Those 26 wins before people bring up UAE stuff:
13 in UAE vs England (5), Sri Lanka (2), Australia (2), South Africa (1), New Zealand (1), West Indies (2).
3 in Bangladesh.
2 in Sri Lanka.
2 in Zimbabwe.
3 in West Indies.
2 in England.
1 in New Zealand.
0 in Australia.
0 in South Africa.
0 in Pakistan.
0 in India.

 

[coy0607]

One dimensional for the holder of the fastest Test century and the man that hit the most sixes by any Pakistan Test Cricketer and yet could be 9* from 86 balls when batting for a draw.

Reverse sweeps.
Hitting sixes against spin.
Moving around in the crease.
Scoring quicker when required or when in the mood.

He was a versatile player.
Nearly hit 200 international sixes for someone who liked to bat long and could be ultra patient and defensive without it bothering him.

One dimensional batters are like:
Mudassar Nazar.
Shoaib Mohammad.
Ramiz Raja.
Chris Tavare.
Aakash Chopra.
Pujara.
Nasser Hussain.
Michael Atherton.
Kraigg Brathwaite.
Nick Compton.

Not Misbah who came back into the team as a T20 specialist in 2007. Misbah was a natural at hitting sixes and improvising against the spinners. Much better and a more gifted aerial hitter than Yousuf.

Everyone you listed is from 1-2 era's ago, the game has evolved drastically and Misbah is by far the most 1-dimensional prominent cricketer of the past 15 years.

You basically proved it in your post. Every batsmen hit's 4's and 6's - that doesn't mean they're hitters or attacking players. Misbah's game was to hunker down and play out deliveries - yeah he would hit boundaries, take singles, double... but that doesn't mean he's not a one dimensional player.
SR of 44, 73 and 110 in the three formats...

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Misbah ul Haq (26 Test wins as Captain) = Imran Khan (14 Tests wins as Captain) + Wasim Akram (12 Test wins as Captain).

Those 26 wins before people bring up UAE stuff:
13 in UAE vs England (5), Sri Lanka (2), Australia (2), South Africa (1), New Zealand (1), West Indies (2).
3 in Bangladesh.
2 in Sri Lanka.
2 in Zimbabwe.
3 in West Indies.
2 in England.
1 in New Zealand.
0 in Australia.
0 in South Africa.
0 in Pakistan.
0 in India.

Only 50% of his Test wins in the UAE and naturally you would play majority of your matches at home and therefore win most of your matches at home compared to abroad. You are not going to win most of your matches in Australia being a Pakistan Cricketer

 

[coy0607]

Misbah ul Haq (26 Test wins as Captain) = Imran Khan (14 Tests wins as Captain) + Wasim Akram (12 Test wins as Captain).

Those 26 wins before people bring up UAE stuff:
13 in UAE vs England (5), Sri Lanka (2), Australia (2), South Africa (1), New Zealand (1), West Indies (2).
3 in Bangladesh.
2 in Sri Lanka.
2 in Zimbabwe.
3 in West Indies.
2 in England.
1 in New Zealand.
0 in Australia.
0 in South Africa.
0 in Pakistan.
0 in India.

Yes - Misbah was a good test captain, maybe even a great one.

But I don't think Yousuf said anything about Misbah's captaincy. Talking about coaching and batting

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Everyone you listed is from 1-2 era's ago, the game has evolved drastically and Misbah is by far the most 1-dimensional prominent cricketer of the past 15 years.

You basically proved it in your post. Every batsmen hit's 4's and 6's - that doesn't mean they're hitters or attacking players. Misbah's game was to hunker down and play out deliveries - yeah he would hit boundaries, take singles, double... but that doesn't mean he's not a one dimensional player.
SR of 44, 73 and 110 in the three formats...

Misbah has hit nearly 200 international sixes.
No Pakistan cricketer has hit more Test sixes ever.

Yet he could be ultra patient, slow and watchful when he wanted.

He could get 85* from 47 balls in a T20.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...up-b-faysal-bank-super-eight-t-20-cup-2012-13

Or he could be 9* from 86 balls in a Test draw.

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...ri-lanka-tour-of-united-arab-emirates-2011-12

That is the definition of adaptability and versatility and you are calling him one dimensional

 

[BoomBoomCricket]

Misbah doesn't have an ODI 100, but in ODIs between 2011-2015 he got a:

96* in a low scoring game at 2013 Champions Trophy.
93* in a win in New Zealand in 2011.
83* on three occasions.
80 as MOM in SA.
79* in SA.
76 vs India at the 2015 World Cup.

Played some big innings for the team in tricky situations despite no 3 figure contribution against the white ball. 100s are overrated at times and Misbah is a prime example. Such a useful and important player for Pakistan, but nothing in the 100s column.

 

[DRsohail]

me

Yousuf has Nailed It. Agreed with most he said. He should not get personal but why MIsbah made Azhar Ali Ali an odi captain whole he did not play him.

 

[DRsohail]

Misbah doesn't have an ODI 100, but in ODIs between 2011-2015 he got a:

96* in a low scoring game at 2013 Champions Trophy.
93* in a win in New Zealand in 2011.
83* on three occasions.
80 as MOM in SA.
79* in SA.
76 vs India at the 2015 World Cup.

Played some big innings for the team in tricky situations despite no 3 figure contribution against the white ball. 100s are overrated at times and Misbah is a prime example. Such a useful and important player for Pakistan, but nothing in the 100s column.

He does not Have an odi hundred while Yousuf have 15z Thats end of the debate.

 

[Zaz]

Misbah is more educated than Yousaf who was born to a janitor. Misbah's edge in education gives him a nod in higher positions in the PCB compared to Yousaf

Just goes to show how important education can be

Playing intnl cricket shouldnt just be about scoring runs or taking wickets but also is a responsibility Youve got to conduct yourself properly and positively potray your country on the world stage

Sadly too many of our players from the 90s onwards have let themselves down in this regard and moyo is another one of many in the list who just doesnt know how to behave respectfully

 

[Markhor]

I agree with you but let’s not forget it was Misbah and Waqar who recommended making Azhar the captain in all formats over the then vc Sarfraz after the 2015 WC.

I know but it seems weird blasting Misbah for being defensive and one dimensional, only to promote Azhar who's just as limited and one dinensional.

Yousuf at one point was even asking for Asad Shafiq's selection in ODIs.

 

[Nasty Naz]

Yousuf said that Misbah didn't want Azhar in the ODI squad because they were similar batsmen.

"In my view Azhar was a better batsman skill wise and in terms of ability. But because he had to play as an opener or one down and he took his time to settle down, Misbah didn't want him because he himself took time to settle down and played slowly."

lol... these former players need less of a platform to speak because they just have really poor opinions.

And I don't get the criticism "he only took the spinners on"... it's actually a good thing for a player to be self aware of their own limitation. More players would actually benefit from that realization.

It's also odd for Moyo to be criticizing for playing slow and defensively when that's often how he played throughout his career. Misbah wasn't blessed with the natural abilities of other batsmen but he made most of it, especially considering he was pretty much coming in to bat when Pakistan was down 40/3 pretty much everytime. Look at the awful players they had during that time from players like Shehzad, Akmal, Maqsood, Hafeez, Younis, Jamshed etc... I guess Misbah should apologize for not being Kohli and having to carry that waste? He also had no good or great fastbowler to speak of either.

Was Misbah a great batsmen? No. Was he competent and above average? Yes. Would he do better in a more favorable situation where he is not coming in every time by the 10th over and be relied upon as a finisher? Probably. When Misbah was set, he was a cool hitter as any.

 

[Savak]

Just goes to show how important education can be

Playing intnl cricket shouldnt just be about scoring runs or taking wickets but also is a responsibility Youve got to conduct yourself properly and positively potray your country on the world stage

Sadly too many of our players from the 90s onwards have let themselves down in this regard and moyo is another one of many in the list who just doesnt know how to behave respectfully

On this i agree. I am puzzled as to why don't our players past and current when they have the privillege of playing for their country for a good 5-10 years not utilize their money wisely and invest in corresponding education programs which can given them a big edge once their playing careers are over.

If i was in their shoes, i would invest in the following

- ECB, Cricket Australia, PCB and ICC coaching courses (so that they can stake a credible claim to becoming coaches)

- A credible MBA program (if they wish to apply for a management role in the PCB, their departments or a PSL Franchise)

- A credible Masters in Sports Management (if they wish to become the head of a PSL franchise)

- Full fledged English speaking classes (So that they can improve their broadcasting prospects once their playing careers are over)

The players have the options and the opportunities. They have to make time out to avail them. I think most have the mindset that it is pointless for them to get education because after playing for your country for a good 5-10 plus years, it doesn't make sense to obtain an education and start from scratch in the job market so therefore they need guidance on which qualifications to obtain which they can then build on and effectively monetize on for their post playing careers.