Former Pakistan coach Mudassar Nazar has said that coach Waqar Younis and
Shahid Afridi must resolve their differences, and insisted that the situation
was not beyond reprieve.
Nazar's comment comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Afridi
as one-day captain for the forthcoming series against Ireland reportedly over a
rift with Waqar.
"This is not the first time Afridi has given such statements, which are
contrary to his contractual obligations to the PCB. In addition there are issues
about his relationship with Waqar Younis, although we don't really know the full
facts behind this dispute. Whatever the case, both problems can be sorted out in
a second," PakPassion.net quoted Nazar, as saying.
"He [Afridi] should be reminded of his obligations, and as Waqar and Afridi
both have played together for a long time, both just need to sit down, define
boundaries and work as a team - Waqar and Afridi should resolve their
differences," he added.
Muddasar wasn't overly concerned with the temporary appointment of batsman
Misbah-ul-Haq as captain.
"On a temporary basis its [Misbah as captain] fine, and after the Irish tour
is over, who knows will be in charge of Pakistan cricket by then! Or if [PCB
Chairman] Mr. Butt changes his mind and decides to bring Afridi back again. The
best solution would be for Afridi to stay as captain of Pakistan's ODI Team -
Misbah is doing well in the Test form of cricket, let him continue to lead in
Test cricket," the former coach said.
He further expressed his opposition to total revamp of the leadership of the
Pakistan team in ODI or Test versions, as in his view both teams had the right
leadership in place.
"I don't think the time is right, the team is doing fine, look at their
performances in New Zealand and at the World Cup. They are not the best team in
the world, they are performing beyond expectations and are rebuilding," Muddasar
said.
"Afridi with all his experience should stay as captain in the one day format
only, don't pressurize him and bring him into Test cricket. Misbah will do fine
as interim captain in Test cricket and could go on for a year, after that we
will look at someone younger," he added. (ANI)
