Won't miss backstabbing ex-players: Grant Flower

[Shafi]

New Delhi: Former Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower believes the lack of freedom and the security aspect is the ‘most frustrating’ thing about living in the country.

The former Zimbabwe batsman had been with the Pakistan team since 2014 before the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided last week to not renew his contract in a move to revamp the national coaching set-up.

In an interview, he shed light on his tenure with the Pakistan team. “The security aspect and the lack of freedom,” said Flower when asked about the most frustrating thing about living in Pakistan.

Very few international teams have visited Pakistan since the 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lanka team bus. Since then, the PCB has been trying its best to revive international cricket in Pakistan.

Flower also rated winning the Champions Trophy with Pakistan in 2017 — when they defeated India at the Oval — as his greatest personal achievement.

“Some of the backstabbing by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself. I won’t miss those, certainly,” said Flower when asked about the things he won’t miss about Pakistan.

The 48-year-old also said that Babar Azam was the best Pakistan batsman he had ever coached when asked about the middle-order batsman.

“He’s probably the best bloke I’ve ever coached — certainly the best Pakistani I’ve ever coached,” said Flower.

He also wished the Pakistani fans all the best for the future and asked them to continue being supportive and passionate.

“I just want to wish them all the best for the future and being supportive and passionate, which they already are. And have faith. Have faith in the players and stick behind them. Look for the positives as opposed to the negatives,” he said.

https://www.orissapost.com/grant-flower-reveals-the-most-frustrating-about-living-in-pakistan/

 

[Shafi]

Some of the backstabbing by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself.

Sum of our cricket culture. Flower exposed theses so-called former D******.

 

[Rana]

The flower Bros are as Pakistani as it gets.

 

[Aman]

This is why I don't want Hesson to become Pakistan coach.

You need to be really tough to survive that hostile environment around the team, with the media and former players looking for any reason to criticize.

 

[Abdullah719]

Strong comments.

 

[King-Misbah]

So he stayed for 5 years and as soon as he was kicked out, he remembers security and freedom. Good riddance! Ps: Isn't it a bit rich coming from a Zimbabwean?!?!

 

[Markhor]

He was also asked in the interview if he preferred Waqar Younis or Mickey Arthur, to which he replied Mickey.

That'll cause a few stomach bugs.

 

[DrSchultz]

So he stayed for 5 years and as soon as he was kicked out, he remembers security and freedom. Good riddance! Ps: Isn't it a bit rich coming from a Zimbabwean?!?!

Don't think he lives in Zimbabwe. Andy Flower moved to England around 2002 and I think so did Grant.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

He was also asked in the interview if he preferred Waqar Younis or Mickey Arthur, to which he replied Mickey.

That'll cause a few stomach bugs.

Not surprising that he said that really.

 

[Shafi]

It would be great if he exposed those formers so they get humiliated.

 

[Babar_Azam_fan]

After these comments, Mike Hesson would prefer to stay away.

He shouldn’t have spoken at least till a new coach has been hired.

 

[Shafi]

After these comments, Mike Hesson would prefer to stay away.

He shouldn’t have spoken at least till a new coach has been hired.

I think PCB should appoint all the local coaches for 2 years so we loose all the matches then get rid all of them. At least they cannot boast about their pathetic performances and it will also shut the mouth of people like Razzak, Tanvir, Sohail, Latif....

Head coach Miandad
Batting coach Misbah
Media coach Sarfraz Nawaz
Bowling coach Tanvir/Razzak
Keeping coach Kamran
Spin coach Ajmal

ODI captain- Salman Butt
Test Captain Azhar
T20 captain Malik

They can also recall TTFs like Faisal Iqbal, Salman Butt, Gul, Farhat, Rahat, Iftikhar,.......

 

[WhenSultansBowled]

The 48-year-old also said that Babar Azam was the best Pakistan batsman he had ever coached when asked about the middle-order batsman.

“He’s probably the best bloke I’ve ever coached — certainly the best Pakistani I’ve ever coached,” said Flower.

Babar must fulfill his potential now!

PS: Not surprised at all by his comments. PCB/ most ex-Pak players are toxic!

 

[silentkiller187]

So he stayed for 5 years and as soon as he was kicked out, he remembers security and freedom. Good riddance! Ps: Isn't it a bit rich coming from a Zimbabwean?!?!

How about applauding him for actually living there for 5 years instead of spouting your good riddance rubbish. Cricket teams and players and coaches are put under lock down in Pakistan it gets boring very quickly and can become tough.

 

[Slim]

He was also asked in the interview if he preferred Waqar Younis or Mickey Arthur, to which he replied Mickey.

That'll cause a few stomach bugs.

Big OOF moment for some.

Not surprised at all.

 

[Slim]

You shouldnt speak ill of your last employer so early. Doesnt leaves a good impression of you.

 

[SensiblePakFan]

Some of the backstabbing by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself.

Sum of our cricket culture. Flower exposed theses so-called former D******.

Yup

 

[topspin]

Grant Flower was good for the team and was unjustly sacked along with Mickey Arthur, but somehow the biggest culprit leading the team not only retains his place in the XI but also retains the captaincy.

 

[Major]

I always wondered what is the role of a batting coach.
Never got it really.

This guy was the batting coach for 5 years. Lasted longer than anyone.

I dont understand the role of batting coach to be honest. What do they do?

Imam and babar were always good players. Younis had to call azhruddin to perform.

 

[Savak]

Sorry but Grant Flower is full of crap. For 5 years he gladly accepted the job, made no complaints or issues and now that he has been shown the door, he starts complaining about the system and the people.

In any other performance driven accountability driven culture he would have been shown the door a long time ago. Just another guy making excuses, passing the buck on to others and taking zero responsibility himself

 

[Savak]

This is why I don't want Hesson to become Pakistan coach.

You need to be really tough to survive that hostile environment around the team, with the media and former players looking for any reason to criticize.

Lol that means he doesn't have the stomach for the job

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan opener and swashbuckling left-hander Fakhar Zaman has been in international cricket since mid-2017. While his entry in the international arena was a treat to the eyes for Pakistani fans, he has failed to live upto the expectations and time and again been termed as 'inconsistent'. Following the highs of 2017 Champions Trophy, where Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan won the championship, he amassed only 186 runs in eight matches at an average of 23.25.

Sharing his experience of working with Zaman, former Pakistan batting coach and Zimbabwe cricketer Grant Flower revealed some interesting aspects of the left-hander's game in a recent interaction. While Flower admitted that there is no dearth of talent in Zaman's playing style, he added that he needs to work a lot in order to keep going in the gruelling international circuit.

Flower opened up on various aspects from his recently-terminated batting coach role for Pakistan cricket. When asked if he thinks Pakistan's current top three, comprising of Zaman, Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq will remain till the next five years, Flower was hesitant to back the 29-year-old Zaman.

He stated, "I suppose I’d have to go for Fakhar Zaman. I’ve worked quite a lot with him, but he’s got such a different technique to others. He’s quite hard to work with, even though he’s a lovely guy. There’s a lot of rawness about him, but his results have been very inconsistent. But I think he’s good enough to make something of it, but he’s got a lot of work to do."

While Flower's judgment might not please Zaman, he will be eager to take the remarks in the right stride and gear up for more consistency as the Men in Green look to regroup post the 2019 World Cup.

The former right-handed Zimbabwe batsman also revealed his proudest personal achievement and most disheartening moment during his stint with the Men in Green. For the former, Flower mentioned Sarfaraz and Co.'s resurgence to lift their maiden Champions Trophy in 2017 in England and Wales. On the other hand, he pointed out Pakistan's crushing defeat at the hands of West Indies in their 2019 World Cup opener as the most frustrating day with Pakistan cricket.

Apart from his revelations on Zaman, Flower's controversial comments when asked to mention about one thing he will not miss about working in Pakistan caught maximum attention. He had stated, "Some of the backstabbing by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself. I won't miss those, certainly."

https://www.timesnownews.com/sports...ficulties-in-working-with-fakhar-zaman/470233

 

[Hawkeye]

Grant has looted the PCB with hands wide open.

Worst batting coach we ever had, he didn't build any player, rather everyone regressed under him. Only the extraordinary talents like Babar Azam and Haris have flourished due to their own technique and coaching, backing they've been receiving since years by the PCB.

I've been calling for him to be sacked for at least 2 years now, people always think hey he's a foreigner, so must be good.

Grant Flower was using the PCB as a money printing machine without any meaningful results.

 

[Hasan123]

I think he is a good coach to teach you the fundamentals but isn’t someone who will take your game to the next level.

 

[Mamoon]

I always wondered what is the role of a batting coach.
Never got it really.

This guy was the batting coach for 5 years. Lasted longer than anyone.

I dont understand the role of batting coach to be honest. What do they do?

Imam and babar were always good players. Younis had to call azhruddin to perform.

Batting is a very complex, repetitive skill. It is like golf and tennis - there are over a dozen technical aspects and even if one aspect is off, you will struggle.

Tiger Woods has been hitting golf balls since he was 3, and even after 15 majors, he still has a swing coach. Federal, Nadal and Djokovic, the three GOATs of tennis, still work with coaches.

A batting coach has an extremely important role in working with the batsmen at an individual capacity.

Not every flaw can be ironed out by simply spending time in the nets, and even the greatest players at times struggle to identify technical problems in their game.

 

[Syed1]

Proper namak haram this Grant Flower.... had no problem with getting a large paycheck with zero accountability for five years, but as soon as he is fired he had a problem with the "security and freedom" and this is coming from a Zimbabwean where the price of bread increases twice from the time you enter a store to the time you leave it.

 

[Abdullah719]

Proper namak haram this Grant Flower.... had no problem with getting a large paycheck with zero accountability for five years, but as soon as he is fired he had a problem with the "security and freedom" and this is coming from a Zimbabwean where the price of bread increases twice from the time you enter a store to the time you leave it.

This is only natural, someone at the PSL mentioned it as well, maybe Dean Jones IIRC. The security is overbearing.

The foreigners are allowed very limited freedom in terms of what they can do besides home/work and it's natural to resist that. From Pakistan's POV, security has to be top notch at all times, so you can see the issue for both sides.

 

[topspin]

I always wondered what is the role of a batting coach.
Never got it really.

This guy was the batting coach for 5 years. Lasted longer than anyone.

I dont understand the role of batting coach to be honest. What do they do?

Imam and babar were always good players. Younis had to call azhruddin to perform.

They don't instruct their batsmen with "300 runs off 800 balls is better than 400 runs off 500 balls" - as you once said

 

[Slog]

He was a good coach.

More than anything else I think he had been around the team for TOO long and both him and the players need a breath of fresh air and a change.

 

[MenInG]

Huge mistake by PCB to not have a muzzle clause in their contracts - Flower interview could really harm PCB's quest for next coach.

Should have been a "no kiss and tell" clause for atleast 3 months.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

Security and freedom is OTT reaction and really counts as whining but hes probably right about ex dinosaurs and politics.

 

[Ellipsism]

He has a point with the security issue and this is exactly why I struggle to see how the PSL is going to attract big names it if it is completely shifted to Pakistan.

I doubt foreigners would want to be trapped in a hotel room for a month. Unless, of course the paycheques are a handsome amount.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Batting is a very complex, repetitive skill. It is like golf and tennis - there are over a dozen technical aspects and even if one aspect is off, you will struggle.

Tiger Woods has been hitting golf balls since he was 3, and even after 15 majors, he still has a swing coach. Federal, Nadal and Djokovic, the three GOATs of tennis, still work with coaches.

A batting coach has an extremely important role in working with the batsmen at an individual capacity.

Not every flaw can be ironed out by simply spending time in the nets, and even the greatest players at times struggle to identify technical problems in their game.

Every sportsman/women applies the above, nothing new

 

[Savak]

Hopefully future teams will think twice about hiring this namak haram, he was overpaid for 5 long years, should have been shown the door ages ago

 

[mgtow]

In under contract you are not supposed to say anything personal that can jeopardize the relationship and maintain the professionalism. Now the contract is not renewed therefore he is not obligated to do those anymore.

As for not missing those former cricketers aka ex players, even this forum feels the same way. Nothing wrong with what he said and nor he sounds bitter since he along with those who dealt with internal and external politics which can be frustrating sometimes but in Pakistan cricket, it is all the time plus you have to deal with the ex cricketers who have no manner at all.

 

[kingusama92]

To be fair, he's right about former Pakistani cricketers.

Even the average fan can tell you they're nuts and don't have a sensible bone in their body.

 

[Savak]

In under contract you are not supposed to say anything personal that can jeopardize the relationship and maintain the professionalism. Now the contract is not renewed therefore he is not obligated to do those anymore.

As for not missing those former cricketers aka ex players, even this forum feels the same way. Nothing wrong with what he said and nor he sounds bitter since he along with those who dealt with internal and external politics which can be frustrating sometimes but in Pakistan cricket, it is all the time plus you have to deal with the ex cricketers who have no manner at all.

Yes but you don't start running your mouth so soon after the end of the contract, he also worked for 5 long years and would have happily done so had he been reinstated.

Just looks unprofessional and filled with sour grapes. Also ex players are not responsible for the fact he was a failure in his job

 

[wrongun]

So he stayed for 5 years and as soon as he was kicked out, he remembers security and freedom. Good riddance! Ps: Isn't it a bit rich coming from a Zimbabwean?!?!

I don't think that was an insult. It was just a comment that his life in Pakistan had different challenges than his life in Britain (where he has been based the last decade or more & in Australia before that).

He was asked to reflect on some of the difficulties of his tenure and he gave an honest answer- why so bitter?

 

[Markhor]

Hopefully future teams will think twice about hiring this namak haram, he was overpaid for 5 long years, should have been shown the door ages ago

If you bothered to check out the interview, he was ASKED "what was the most frustrating thing about coaching in Pakistan" to which he replied lack of freedom.

 

[Markhor]

If people actually read the full interview, they'd see it was one of those rapid fire interviews.

But God forbid people actually read things around here before shooting from the hip.

In 5 years in Pakistan, what did you like best about living here?

The friendliness of the people.

What was the most frustrating thing about living in Pakistan?

The security aspect and the lack of freedom.

Proudest personal achievement?

Winning the Champions Trophy.

Most frustrating day with the Pakistan team?

Well, there were quite a few! Getting hammered by the West Indies in the first game of the World Cup that proved to be the nail in the coffin for our semi-final chances.

What will you miss the most about working in Pakistan?

The passion of the players and the natural flair and their love of the game. It was such a nice thing to see because they've got so much to gain by playing for Pakistan and so much to lose by not playing. It's such a big thing for them and their families.

What won't you miss about working in Pakistan?

Some of the backstabbing by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself. I won't miss those, certainly.

Where do you rank Babar Azam among the players you have personally coached?

He's probably the best bloke I've ever coached - certainly the best Pakistani I've ever coached.

Which Pakistan batsman doesn't get the credit he deserves?

I think Haris Sohail is probably an underachiever - I think a lot of people haven't seen the best of him yet.

Where do you see Pakistan's top three in five years? Will it be the same three?

I'm not sure about Fakhar (Zaman); he's got to get his technique a bit tighter, but the other two will definitely be there, no question about that.

What can the PCB do to ensure players maximise their potential and Pakistan isn't left with unfulfilled talents?

Getting a stronger domestic structure in place. That will help massively.

Waqar Younis or Mickey Arthur?

Mickey Arthur.

What do you want to do in future?

Get another coaching job somewhere. Hopefully improve in some areas I wasn't as proficient in. Maybe I've got to look at myself. Either become a batting coach or head coach elsewhere.

Did you think you could have taken a firmer line with some of the players who kept making the same mistakes?

It depends on your relationship with the players or how you get the best out of them. I think a lot of batting coaching is about confidence. Players having confidence in the batting coach and vice versa. And if you lose that confidence then the players aren't going to believe in you and talk to you about the problems they're having. So I think that's one of the biggest things in coaching, having that relationship with the players.

I did do one strong interview after which a couple of players approached me and discussed what they thought of that. I did come hard at them at times, but you don't want to break that trust, because you're never going to repair it.

Which player improved the most in the five years you were there?

Babar Azam's the obvious one. But also Imam-ul-Haq, I think he's really improved. You're going to see a lot more of him because he's very driven. As long as he doesn't get too far ahead of himself, I think he's going to have a really good career.

Which player do you think hasn't kicked on as much as you wanted him to?

I suppose I'd have to go for Fakhar Zaman. I've worked quite a lot with him, but he's got such a different technique to others. He's quite hard to work with, even though he's a lovely guy. There's a lot of rawness about him, but his results have been very inconsistent. But I think he's good enough to make something of it, but he's got a lot of work to do.

What would you like to say to Pakistan's fans?

I just want to wish them all the best for the future and being supportive and passionate, which they already are. And have faith. Have faith in the players and stick behind them. Look for the positives as opposed to the negatives.

 

[Thephenom]

One of the worst batting coaches in the world, all that time in the job and for what, our batting has gone backwards, good riddance!

 

[superman]

How about applauding him for actually living there for 5 years instead of spouting your good riddance rubbish. Cricket teams and players and coaches are put under lock down in Pakistan it gets boring very quickly and can become tough.

Applauding him for taking a huge paycheck for living in Lahore? Whats next thanking Pia for horrible food because at least its not bush meat infused with ebola?

 

[Snowflake]

Comes across as a very uninspiring individual who even after all these years doesn't seem to have developed a personal connection with the team members.

Maybe it's just his personality?

 

[mgtow]

Yes but you don't start running your mouth so soon after the end of the contract, he also worked for 5 long years and would have happily done so had he been reinstated.

Just looks unprofessional and filled with sour grapes. Also ex players are not responsible for the fact he was a failure in his job

Since he is not contracted anymore, he is not obligated to be those anymore but yet he is being graceful and not running full mouth on those former players unlike the media and former cricketers.

He simply gave hint as to why those former cricketers won’t be missed. It was subtle but necessary. He is not being sour grape since he won’t be missing them. As long as he was contracted, he did the job as professional.

 

[ManFan]

Massive thanks to Grant for the help he’s done with the players, especially the younger ones.

Good luck to him in his future endeavors.

 

[sweep_shot]

Pakistani batting is much better now compared to before. Grant should get some credits.

 

[Cricketrenew]

Grant did a ok job, he probably did his best with the talent available.
regarding the backstabbing its the same all over the world....

Good luck to him in the future....


The reason other coaches don't take the job I believe is because historically there has been too much player power and selections are on not based on merit.

 

[Savak]

Pakistani batting is much better now compared to before. Grant should get some credits.

A deluded statement. Our batting has been routinely exposed outside the subcontinent. The tours of England, NZ, Australia and South Africa and our batting performances on these tours are in front of everyone.

Grant Flower is lucky he was working for the PCB, any other country would have shown him the door ages ago

 

[Savak]

Since he is not contracted anymore, he is not obligated to be those anymore but yet he is being graceful and not running full mouth on those former players unlike the media and former cricketers.

He simply gave hint as to why those former cricketers won’t be missed. It was subtle but necessary. He is not being sour grape since he won’t be missing them. As long as he was contracted, he did the job as professional.

He was lucky to be contracted for this long. Any other board would have shown him the door ages ago

 

[mgtow]

He was lucky to be contracted for this long. Any other board would have shown him the door ages ago

He was lucky? It is good fortunate that he was willing to work for Pakistan cricket since the incentive for Pakistan cricket and its market is competitively poor. And he understands the mindset of Pakistan politics and former cricketers’ shenanigans shows he is professionally calm guy who does hard work on Pakistan cricket unlike many former Pakistani cricketers who banked on free lunch.

 

[MenInG]

Sussex Cricket is thrilled to announce the appointment of Grant Flower as the club’s batting coach.

Grant arrives at The 1st Central County Ground with over a decade of coaching experience at international level.

He joins Sussex after two years as batting coach for the Sri Lanka national side. He performed the same role for Pakistan between 2014 and 2019 and for Zimbabwe between 2010 and 2014.

Grant’s domestic coaching CV includes stints at Essex County Cricket Club and Midwest Rhinos in Zimbabwe.

All that followed a distinguished playing career that saw him score over 10,000 runs in 288 international matches. Zimbabwe’s most capped one-day international player with 221 appearances, Grant’s 6,571 ODI runs make him his country’s third-highest run-scorer in the format. He is also part of a select group of players with 1,000 runs and 100 wickets in ODIs.

His experience of the English game includes six seasons as a player with Essex from 2005 to 2010, during which time the team won three one-day trophies.

Upon joining Sussex Grant Flower said: “It gives me great pleasure to be added to the Sussex coaching staff and I can’t wait to start. I have been told about the exciting young batters coming through the ranks and am excited to be given the opportunity of hopefully improving them along their journey.

“I always enjoyed playing against the Sharks and admired their professional approach and ultra-competitiveness. Hopefully I can add to that with some of my international coaching experiences and help contribute to make the Sharks batting unit both reliable and exciting.”

Welcoming Grant to Hove, Sussex’s Championship & One-Day Head Coach, Ian Salisbury said: “Grant is an absolutely fantastic addition to our staff. I’ve known him since my first trip to Zimbabwe in 1989 and can vouch for his personal qualities, while his coaching and playing record speak for themselves.

“With a young squad in the early stage of their careers, the quality of the coaching set-up is absolutely vital. To add someone with Grant’s track record alongside people like James Kirtley, Sarah Taylor, Ash Wright and Mike Yardy puts us in a really strong position. I feel humbled to be working alongside this group.

“There have been some challenges over the past year or so, but we’ve got to look forward now. We’ve got a brilliant coaching team in place, the medical and S&C teams are doing great work with the lads’ fitness, we’ve got the marquee going up early in the New Year, so we’re in a great position to now focus on the squad’s cricketing skills as we build up to the start of the season.”

Sussex’s Performance Director, Keith Greenfield added: “To have such a high quality batting coach with the experience that Grant has come and join us at such a crucial time to help develop our young squad is absolutely fantastic.”

Grant replaces Jason Swift who has decided to leave the club to pursue other opportunities. We thank him for his time and efforts over the past eight years and wish him the best for the future.