LAHORE: Pakistan’s head coach Misbah-ul-Haq today (Thursday) has accepted the criticism against national team’s performance in the New Zealand tour, saying that fans have every right to be disappointed and express their feelings.
Speaking in Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) podcast show, Misbah-ul-Haq asserted that the criticism after the New Zealand series was justified because criticism comes from those who have faith in the team’s ability.
“Once fans expect you to put up a fight but you don’t, then their criticism is valid. We delivered less than our ability. We had chances and could have done better but we couldn’t take advantage of the situation,” he added.
The head coach, whose job is reportedly under threat, detailed the mood in the dressing room. “Of course, we are sad and disappointed. When you don’t live up to expectations, you feel disappointed,” he added.
Misbah also pointed out team’s unsatisfactory fielding, saying, “Dropping catches has been a problem for us in the past and on this tour too, this was our biggest problem,” he said. “The missed chances made a big difference in the series. We need to improve our fielding,” he concluded.
Earlier it was reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) might ask Misbah-ul-Haq to renounce the role of the team’s head coach, after the end of the upcoming tour of South Africa.
Pakistan’s defeat in both T20I and Test categories against New Zealand mounted more pressure on the board regarding changes in the nation’s coaching set up.
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by an innings and 186 runs to win the second Test at the Hagley Oval to win the series 2-0.
