Former cricketer open to coaching Pakistan but reveals why he might be 'scared and worried' to take up role

Former cricketer open to coaching Pakistan but reveals why he might be 'scared and worried' to take up role originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Mushtaq Ahmed says he would love to coach Pakistan amid their struggles.

The Bangladesh spin coach is concerned by the PCB's abrupt decision-making.

He cited the mid-tour removal of seven players and two coaches during the England series.

He urged the PCB to consult former Pakistan cricketers on major decisions.

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Mushtaq Ahmed open to coaching Pakistan but has one major concern

Former Pakistan leg spinner Mushtaq Ahmed accepted that he will not mind coaching the national cricket side but he is apprehensive because of the uncertain conditions prevailing within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

While talking on BBC Stumped Podcast, he said, "It will definitely be an honor for me to do that for my country. Especially now."

But the former Pakistan assistant feels hesitant to take up this responsibility due to the fear of getting fired from the position based on emotions or within a short period.

"Sometimes you get scared of working for your own country when the people don't respect you," he further said, explaining that "getting sacked on a tour" has made him reluctant about coaching his national cricket team.

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Why Mushtaq Ahmed criticised the PCB's sweeping changes during the England tour

After suffering heavy losses in the first two Tests, PCB chose to send back seven players ahead of the third and final Test in the series. Five fresh players, who had never played a Test match earlier, were selected for the tour.

Besides, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul were let go of. In their place, the PCB appointed Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke as coaches for the final Test.

Mushtaq was highly critical of this move and stated that changes in such circumstances should not have been undertaken at all.

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"Changing seven players and the management, especially with the tour still going on, I feel that this is not the right thing," said Mushtaq.

"This is the time to stay calm, don't make rash decisions," he remarked.

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Mushtaq Ahmed urges PCB to involve former cricketers in key decisions

Mushtaq also asked the PCB to take more advantage of its past cricketers while making key decisions. Mushtaq proposed forming a panel of the country's ex-players and ex-captains who have been through tough times with Pakistan.

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The point he was trying to make was that the board requires people with relevant cricketing knowledge to make professional decisions and avoid letting emotions get the better of them based on the outcome of certain matches.

"Because if you don't bring in the right people for the right job, you're going to get these things," he stated. But then again, Mushtaq considers Pakistan's coaching position as an intriguing one to work in.

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Pakistan needs stability before another coaching change

Mushtaq's hesitation is an early warning signal for the PCB.

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Pakistan does need to improve, but continually making changes in its squad and coaching staff while it is in the middle of a tour may lead to the kind of insecurity Mushtaq pointed out. While such drastic changes have probably gotten their point across, they also raise doubts regarding future planning.

If Pakistan is looking for a seasoned former player, Mushtaq, to lead the team, they first have to make sure he gets the opportunity to do so.

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