Not our brand of cricket: Shoaib Akhtar tells Misbahul Haq to shun defensive mindset
Rawalpindi Express tells the newly appointed head coach to 'take bold decisions and deliver instant results.'
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has backed Misbahul Haq's appointment as the new head coach and chief selector of the Pakistan cricket team, but warned him to steer clear of defensive cricket.
"I am shocked and surprised. They might as well have made him the PCB chairman," Akhtar quipped at the dual role been given to Misbah before acknowledging that the PCB made the right call.
"The PCB did the right thing because the situation warranted this. Misbah is a seasoned campaigner. He knows the weak areas to focus on. I also feel that Misbah knows how to take Pakistan to the next level, having been the captain for so long.
The biggest question mark on Misbah was the reactive and defensive approach during his playing days, but Akhtar does not share those apprehensions, saying "I do not think he will be a defensive coach or chief selector."
'Don't become a yes-man'
The Rawalpindi Express urged Misbah to not become a "yes-man" or play defensive cricket, which he said has never been Pakistan's identity.
"Pakistan needs to play aggressive cricket. We cannot continue with this defensive mindset. The kind of cricket we've played in the last 10 years was never our forte or brand. We should steer clear of this kind of cricket," he said.
"It remains to be seen what kind of leader he becomes. If he becomes a yes-man then he won't build his name or legacy. He needs to take bold decisions. He should be aggressive with his selection so others realise that he is serious"
Akhtar, who had earlier spoken of his desire to become the chief selector, said that Misbah should not expect too much time and instead needs to deliver instant results.
"I do not buy the argument that whoever comes should be given time," he said. "We cannot give time because Pakistan team is already so down that it cannot afford any further slide. Misbah needs to produce results within six months."
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