‘Cosmetic surgery’ won’t fix Pakistan: Misbah takes aim at PCB after stepping down

🏏 Cricket's 'Cosmetic Surgery' Problem: Misbah's Message to PCB

Just after resigning from the selector's bench, Misbah-ul-Haq has spoken out—calling the PCB's reactive approach a real concern for Pakistan cricket. His trigger? The board sending seven players and two coaches home mid-England Test tour, following showcause notices to the entire selection committee. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were released, with the whiteball squad subsequently flown in for the final match.

The Double Standard Misbah Calls Out

His sharpest point? Local vs foreign coaches aren't treated equally. Foreign coaches get more authority, power, and—crucially—are held less accountable when results go south. Local coaches, meanwhile, face relentless scrutiny. He's clear he has no issue with overseas hires themselves; it's the ecosystem's soft corner for foreigners that worries him. "We fans, critics, media, PCB all have a soft corner for foreign coaches," he noted.

Don't Panic, He Warns

Misbah cautions against cosmetic surgery under pressure. Pakistan can't keep overhauling its setup without proper analysis. "We are used to taking reactive decisions," he said—urging patience, long-term strategy, and assessment before action.

The India Comparison

Here's the hard truth: India invested gradually post-1990s, building Rohit and Kohli through time. Pakistan's youngsters play too much whiteball, too little redball (4-day cricket), leaving them vulnerable under pressure. "There's no quick fix to the system," Misbah concludes.

Bottom line: lasting fix = consistency + more redball exposure for youth + sustained investment. Not another panic-driven shake-up.

What do you think—reactive changes or patient rebuild? 💬

Source: Times of India