They have served Pakistan Cricket with rare distinction during their time. As active cricketers, they, quite simply, raised the bar for Pakistan cricket and the youngsters in pursuit of excellence by the sheer value of their rich statistical gathering. Misbah named Pakistan Head Coach and Chairman of PCB hopes to turn the fortunes of Pakistan Cricket. And now, well into their retirement, both Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis are all set to lend credible support to one of the sport’s most fascinating outfits, and by far, also one of the most misunderstood ones.
Why Misbah and Waqar’s appointments are great for Pakistan Cricket?
Perhaps the biggest piece of news, even more, special than Ahmed Shahazad striking those towering sixes in the UK is that concerning Misbah-Ul-Haq and Waqar Younis.
It’s confirmed that the former captain and middle-order batsman, Misbah-ul-Haq Misbah named Pakistan Head Coach while Waqar Younis, will take up the responsibility as the bowling coach for Pakistan’s national cricket team.
Once again, Pakistan, whose core structure composes of several key rising young talents will be lead by the class and versatility of an experienced lot. And to be more specific and true to Misbah and Younis’ stature, then by men of outstanding leadership abilities and statesmanship.
Misbah named Pakistan Head Coach for a three-year contract starting now would lead the coaching responsibilities of the side.
And the appointment of one of Pakistan’s most respected batsmen in the modern era, as also one of its most dependable ones comes at a time as Cricket is returning to the region.
The most emphatic piece of news as cricket returns to the region
That said, an immediate task up Misbah’s alley would be to help Pakistan make the most of their upcoming bi-lateral series featuring Sri Lanka. The last that any cricketing side came to Pakistan to contest in a series was back in 2009. So as Cricket returns to a hotbed of passion, a land that has birthed many a legend in Akram, Majid Khan, Haneef Mohammad, Younus Khan, Shoaib, Misbah, Inzamam, and the likes, one wonders if there would’ve been a piece of bigger news at this time than Misbah returning to the leadership stable, albeit away from the 22 yards.
What’s interesting in the alliance between Misbah and Waqar is that this isn’t the first time that the two have worked together. Previously, while Misbah captained the national side, the former fast bowling great served as the head coach.
But now, Misbah will also have his plate full as he’s also set to double up as the chairman of selectors in a role that will guide the team after the tumultuous exit from the 2019 World Cup whilst also charting the growth of a rich talent pool bursting with the energy of youth.
Together in the combined talents of Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Imad Wasim, Shaheed Afridi, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan and the likes, Pakistan’s cricketing future rests in the potential of a younger lot that has age on its side and tremendous match-winning potential.
Thus, to have a man who once famously made doing push-ups at the Lord’s Cricket Ground the most widely-captured shot for an entire cricketing generation will offer rich guidance and hopefully, pass on some lessons on grace and simplicity, two hugely undervalued tenets in cricket.
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