Reports: Misbah-ul-Haq to work with Pakistan Cricket Board again
Misbah-ul-Haq, former Pakistan captain, is reportedly set to work with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) again. He served as the Pakistan national team’s head coach and chief selector in September 2019. Notably, it was the first time in Pakistan cricket’s history that someone held both posts at the same time.
Misbah replaced Mickey Arthur as head coach. Interestingly, he played under Arthur, who led the Test team for a year, when Pakistan reached the top of the international rankings. His first tour as the head coach came against New Zealand where Pakistan lost by 2–0. After the New Zealand tour, he led Pakistan to their first Test series win against South Africa since 2003. However, he stepped down as the head coach in September 2021.
Misbah-ul-Haq to serve as a cricket advisor
According to ESPNCricinfo, the 2012 Asia Cup-winning captain is set to serve as a cricket advisor to PCB chief Zaka Ashraf. This appointment will be the new management’s first big step in administering Pakistan cricket.
The PCB held a meeting with Misbah on Monday, July 24, regarding his appointment. The former cricketer’s job will likely be an honorary one, as he will not be paid. Almost two years have passed since his resignation in September 2021, just before Ramiz Raja was named PCB chairman. The 49-year-old has since worked as an analyst and expert for several TV networks, jobs he is certain to continue in.
Misbah-ul-Haq is best known for his unwavering demeanour. After the turbulent era Pakistan cricket had gone through, Misbah’s calm nature was just what the team needed when he took over the captaincy role. As a batter, he used to disappoint bowlers with his improvisations or defend softly with unwavering patience.
In 75 Test matches, he has scored 5222 runs, including 10 hundreds and 39 50s, with an average of 46.62 and a strike rate of 44.53. He played in 162 ODI matches and amassed 5122 runs, including 42 hundreds with an average score of 43.40 and a strike rate of 73.75. Meanwhile, he has 788 T20I runs from 39 games.
