Intikhab Alam, an octogenarian and stalwart of Pakistan cricket, has expressed his discontent regarding the national team's disappointing performance in the Champions Trophy. The tournament marked a significant moment as Pakistan hosted an international event on its soil for the first time in nearly three decades, yet the team failed to secure a single victory. Alam, whose extensive association with cricket includes roles as selector, captain, and manager of Pakistan's iconic 1992 World Cup-winning squad, identifies a lack of stability and continuity within the management structure as critical factors contributing to this failure.
Alam emphasizes that cricket necessitates a vision grounded in continuity. He cites the high turnover of leadership within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)—with four different chairmen in the last two years—and the consequent frequent changes in coaching staff and selection committees as detrimental to the team's stability. This instability, he asserts, disrupts the development of a cohesive unit, which is imperative for success in international cricket.
Reflecting on his own tenure, Alam recalls the decade-long journey it took to cultivate the 1992 winning team. He underscores the importance of trust in both players and coaching staff, advocating for autonomy for the team captain and eliminating undue pressure. Strategic preparation in advance of significant tournaments is essential, a principle he believes is currently lacking within the PCB. Alam recalls how the team traveled to Australia prior to the 1992 World Cup to familiarize themselves with playing conditions, a tactic that paid dividends despite initial setbacks.
Alam dismisses the notion of a complete overhaul of the team as a knee-jerk reaction, arguing instead for targeted improvements. He critiques the selection strategies employed during the Champions Trophy, particularly the decision to field just one specialist spinner, Abrar Ahmed, in home conditions. He notes that this does not reflect an understanding of the local pitch requirements. Other competing teams, like South Africa and Australia, packed their squads with multiple experienced spinners, an indication of their preparation and awareness.
The former manager also voices concerns over the so-called 'hybrid model'—a format that lacks a level playing field for all teams. Alam points to inconsistencies in tournament logistics, stating that teams like India have advantages that skew competitive fairness. He insists that future tournaments should be hosted entirely in a single country to ensure equitable conditions for all competitors.
Another issue highlighted by Alam is the excessive number of dot balls faced by the Pakistani batters during the tournament, pointing out that the team was unable to score off 161 dot balls in their opening match and 147 against India. This lack of scoring innovation has serious implications for the overall match outcomes. Alam stresses the need for batters to maintain a steady rotation of the strike by finding gaps and converting singles, which he views as fundamental to building momentum during innings.
Alam turns his attention to the batting order, specifically addressing the role of captain Babar Azam. Despite evidences of his capability as a middle-order batter, the decision to open the innings contradicted his strengths. Alam firmly believes that Babar should have remained at No. 3, where he could exert more influence on the game’s outcome. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining classic batting positions for optimal performance.
In his evaluation of Babar Azam’s playing technique, Alam notes areas for improvement. The captain has shown vulnerability early in his innings, particularly failing to align his bat consistently. Alam suggests that opposing teams are now familiar with his weaknesses and can exploit them effectively, thus highlighting the need for continual refinement and adaptation in a player’s technique over time.
Alam also alludes to the coaching dynamics, underscoring that a successful relationship between players and coaches is essential for optimal team performance. With the PCB's recent changes in coaching personnel, including parting ways with notable figures like Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie, Alam recognizes that language barriers and cultural differences can impede effective communication within the team. Coaches must grasp the psychological and emotional nuances of Pakistani players to harness their full potential.
He recalls the lessons learned while managing notable players throughout the years, understanding the unique challenges posed by high-profile personalities. Alam advocates for patience when appointing new coaching staff, suggesting that they be given adequate time to establish their methodologies and build the team's identity.
In conclusion, Alam emphasizes that the path forward for Pakistan cricket lies in sustaining foundational stability within management, fostering supportive relationships between coaches and players, and displaying a commitment to methodical preparation. Success cannot be merely a fluke—it relies upon strategic planning, a comprehensive understanding of the game, and unwavering support for players as they navigate the challenges of international competition. The lessons from both past triumphs and current disappointments may offer Pakistan cricket a renewed framework to forge ahead with purpose and resilience.