Miandad calls for ‘depoliticisation’ of PCB, laments ‘unfair treatment’ of Babar

KARACHI: Pakistan cricket legend and former skipper Javed Miandad has accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of “political interference” in the affairs of the cricket governing body, which led to the “unfair treatment” of Babar Azam.

Talking to you Geo NewsMiandad stressed the need for depoliticization in the board’s affairs, saying, “People who take decisions related to cricket have nothing to do with the game, resulting in disastrous consequences for the PCB due to political influence.”

Babar – appointed as white-ball captain in 2019 and Test skipper in 2020 – stepped down as captain of the Green Shirts in all three formats on November 15 after a meeting with PCB Management Committee Chairman Zaka Ashraf in Lahore.

The now-former skipper had faced severe criticism for several months after Pakistan failed to perform in the Asia Cup and continued the same momentum in the World Cup – where they crashed out before reaching the semi-finals.

Commenting on the development, Miandad said, “The decision to remove Babar from the captaincy is not right, players should be given respect and honour. A strong coach should have been appointed to support Babar so that he becomes a strong captain .”

“It is unfortunate how the PCB recently treated a great player like Babar,” he added.

Moreover, the veteran cricketer also highlighted the flaws with his right-hander’s strategy, he said, “Babar doesn’t chase the bowlers from the crease, which affects the pace in his batting. Babar has immense talent but needs a little change in his approach, particularly his body positioning while hitting.”

“No one is perfect and Babar has quality, but there is no one to tell him about his faults in the nets, so he repeats his mistakes. Confidence building comes from correcting mistakes in the nets,” Miandad said while exhorting the 29-year-old to work on his weaknesses.

He also opened up about the former skipper’s advice saying, “If Babar ever wants advice, I am always available. This country has given me everything and I am always ready to guide any player. But if someone doesn’t want to come, what can I do?” I am doing?”

He pointed out that Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf were always ready to learn but today’s cricketers don’t seem interested in learning.

Meanwhile, he also criticized the appointments of recently retired players instead of experienced ones.

Expressing his views on the appointment of Wahab Riaz as chief selector, he said, “In the presence of retired players like Iqbal Qasim, Mushtaq Mohammad, Sadiq Mohammad, Haroon Rashid, Shoaib Mohammad and others, the PCB has appointed a selector who has just retired “.

“How much cricket has Wahab Riaz played? I don’t need any position but good people should be promoted for the benefit of Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Without taking any names, the legendary batsman also questioned the Chairman of the PCB Management Committee, Zaka Ashraf, asking how much cricket he has played for run cricket in Pakistan.

“Cricket affairs are managed by sugar mill owners,” he added.