In this year’s World Cup, Pakistan has faced failure in all departments – batting, bowling, and fielding. The primary reason for the bowling failure is the inability to find preferred spinners. Despite the presence of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz in the tournament, the desired impact from spinners has not been achieved. Even with the inclusion of newcomer Usama Mir, the spin attack has not been as effective as needed.
The team’s vice-captain, Shadab, has only managed to take 2 wickets in 6 matches. The other prominent spinner, Nawaz, has also failed to take more than two wickets. Comparatively, the newly introduced leg-spinner Mir and left-arm spinner Iftikhar Ahmed have performed better, both securing four wickets each. This reflects the struggle of Pakistan’s spin attack in the World Cup.
Former captain Misbah-ul-Haq has pointed out that both he and former captain Mohammad Hafeez had given advice to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to include more specialist spinners in the team. In an interview with ARY News, Misbah stated, “When PCB Chairman Zakir Ashraf asked for mine and Hafeez’s advice on the national team, we suggested including more specialist spinners. We recommended changing the team management’s plan regarding spin bowling.”
Misbah further revealed that after Ashraf became the PCB chairman, he had formed a technical committee involving Misbah, Hafeez, and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq to provide advice on various aspects of the national team. However, the recommendations regarding the inclusion of more spinners were ignored. Misbah expressed disappointment, saying, “We suggested that since the spinners Shadab and Nawaz did not perform well in the Asia Cup, extra spinners should be brought in. But our advice was completely ignored.”
In the subcontinent conditions, spin bowling plays a crucial role, and Misbah had emphasized the importance of focusing on spin. He stated, “I advised the team management to change the plan regarding spin bowling, keeping in mind the importance of spin in our conditions.”
Misbah’s criticism comes after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the World Cup, especially following their loss to Afghanistan. Before the World Cup, both Misbah and Hafeez resigned from their roles as chief selector and batting coach, respectively, citing differences of opinion and conflicts of interest within the team management.
