Former captains criticize head coach Misbah for his dressing room antics

Karachi: Former captains Wasim Akram and Inzamam-ul-Haq have slammed head coach Misbah-ul-Haq for his dressing room antics after Pakistan’s 5-wicket loss in 2nd T20I against England.

Misbah, who is also the chief selector of the national side, looked animated on several occasions when the cameras directed on him at Old Trafford. He was seen sitting with his heads in his hands as he looked disappointed by his team’s poor bowling performance.

Wasim and Inzamam emphasized that his disappointing body language might send a wrong message to the team on the field.

“The head in his hands was not the best sign from the coach. The team and the bowlers are getting hammered but body language is so important for any coach. It doesn’t matter what the situation is, it is his job to be positive. At least look positive,” said Akram.

Inzamam, on his YouTube channel, expressed that his actions can have an ill effect on the team. He also pointed out that former head coach Mickey Arthur used to be similar on many occasions.

“During the fifth over of England innings, the camera showed Misbah and he had his hands on his head, which suggested that something really bad had happened. You are giving a wrong message by doing these things. If you respond like this, then this will have a bad effect on the team,” Inzamam said.

“Mickey Arthur used to respond in the same way. Whenever I used to talk to players, they used to complain that Arthur’s similar antics affected them negatively. No matter what happens during the match, only positive vibes should go from the dressing room,” he added.

It must be noted that England are 1-0 up in the three-match T20I series. The first match was abondoned due to rain. Both the teams will now face each other in the last T20I at Old Trafford.