Misbah torn between head coach, chief selector position

Former Pakistan batsman Misbahul Haq, in a press conference in Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, revealed that he had not applied for the position of head coach of the Pakistan cricket team till now. The post was vacated by former head coach Mickey Arthur, after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided against renewing his contract.

The former captain revealed that he would evaluate his best option if given the choice to choose between the position of head coach and chief selector for the Pakistan cricket team.

“I have done the level two course of coaching. If I apply for the position of head coach I will leave my position on the Cricket Committee,” he said. “If I have to choose between the role of head coach and chief selector, than I will have to think about it.”

The 45-year-old believed that the position of head coach and chief selector should be allocated to one individual.

“Right now there are various rumours. The positions chief selector and the head coach should be given to one person,” said Misbah. “This might increase the responsibility of the person but at the same time would create a situation that would make the analysis easier.”

Misbah stated that the centrally contracted players were the first priority for the training camp that has been scheduled in Lahore.

“The poll for the provincial teams was created on the basis of prior performances. We are giving preference to the centrally contracted players as far as the training camp is concerned. Some other performers have also been given the opportunity,” he said. “Many players will also be in the high performance centre for training.”

The former captain was hopeful that the new selection committee would focus on domestic performers and talked about the fitness standards of the Pakistan team.

“The new selection committee will keep an eye out for domestic performers. The overall fitness level of the team has increased but more work needs to be done in this regard,” he concluded.