Exit looms as pressure builds on Misbah, Waqar

Pakistan head coach Misbahul Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis are in danger of losing their jobs after the Men in Green’s dismal performance during the New Zealand tour.

Pakistan lost the Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is), 2-1, and were also clean swept in the recently concluded two-match Test series.

According to sources, Waqar’s role as bowling coach is under threat as bowlers failed to impress on the aforementioned tour. Several players have also expressed their reservations regarding the former pacer’s attitude.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Cricket Committee, under its new chairman Saleem Yousuf, will hold its first meeting, next week, where Misbah and Waqar are likely to face some tough questions regarding the team’s mediocre performance on the field. However, batting coach Younis Khan managed to escape scrutiny and was not called for the meeting despite poor show by the batsmen on New Zealand tour.

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Sources further added that Misbah is upset after recent media reports suggested that PCB is considering changes in the national team’s coaching setup. The head coach believes that the board should directly communicate with him instead of leaking such information in the media. People in Misbah’s close circle have advised him to step down himself. However, Misbah is not keen to relinquish his role as head coach.

PCB’s Director Media Samiul Hasan Burney, when contacted regarding the aforementioned development, said: “Once the availability of PCB Cricket Committee members is confirmed, a meeting will be held any day next week in Lahore, where Misbah and Waqar will be invited.”

“The duo will be asked about team’s performance after having completed 16 months in their roles. Since Pakistan has played only one series since Younis Khan’s appointment, hence he has not been called for the meeting,” he added.

The board is not expected to make any immediate decision since the home series against South Africa is due to begin in two weeks.