Pakistan cricket’s problems are becoming bigger than what is happening on the field. The team has been going through a difficult phase, while former players and officials continue to weigh in on the issues surrounding the side.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has now raised questions over the loyalty of head coach Mike Hesson because of his past links with the Indian Premier League.
Hesson has previously worked with IPL franchises Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Latif compared him with former Pakistan coaches Bob Woolmer and Geoff Lawson before questioning whether Hesson could have other loyalties.
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No Evidence Offered For Serious Claim
Latif did not provide any evidence to support his suggestion. Hesson’s association with the IPL is well known and is also a common part of the careers of several modern-day international coaches.
The comments have added another layer to the debate around Pakistan cricket, which is already dealing with plenty of uncertainty.
Hesson has been in charge of Pakistan’s white-ball team for more than a year. His tenure has also come under scrutiny following Pakistan’s poor campaign at the T20 World Cup earlier this year.
Pakistan Cricket Faces Major Turmoil
The problems have not been limited to the white-ball team.
Pakistan’s ongoing England tour has seen major changes within the Test setup. After two heavy defeats, seven players were sent home and head coach Sarfraz Ahmed was removed from his position.
Hesson, who was already working with the white-ball team, was then given charge of the Test side for the third match.
However, the changes have not brought an immediate turnaround. Pakistan continued to struggle in the third Test and are facing the possibility of losing the series 3-0.
The PCB has also started an investigation into player discipline and conduct. Former coach Jason Gillespie has criticised the way the latest changes were handled.
Pakistan’s instability in the coaching department has been particularly concerning. The team has had six Test coaches in the last three years and has won just one of its previous eight Test series.
Pakistan’s Batting Continues To Struggle
The problems were once again visible during the third Test in Birmingham.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings after making several changes to their team. Saud Shakeel was the only batter among the top eight to score more than 10 runs, with his 43 being the highest score of the innings.
Their bowlers also struggled to contain England, who went on to score 453 in their first innings.
Pakistan were then reduced to 52/2 at the end of Day 2, leaving them 268 runs behind England.
The numbers from the tour make for even more worrying reading. Pakistan have failed to score 200 in any of their seven innings so far. With the team struggling for runs and stability, the debate around Pakistan cricket is only getting louder.