Former Pakistan Greats Unimpressed With Misbah-Ul-Haq's Dressing Room Antics

Pakistan coach and chief selector Misbah-Ul-Haq have suffered a torrid run so far in his dual roles with the national team and his expressions during the second T20I against England flagged it.

Well, amid Pakistan’s underwhelming show in Manchester, Misbah-Ul-Haq had his hands on his head on multiple occasions in the dressing room as the cameras focussed on him. The same has not gone down well with former Pakistan cricketers.

Also Read: Misbah-Ul-Haq Sees The Loss in England As A Learning Curve For ‘Young, Improving Team’

Pakistan sustained a five-wicket loss to England at the Old Trafford in the second T20I even after posting an imposing first-innings total. Headlined by half-centuries from Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez, the tourists reached 195.

Jonny Bairstow and Tom Banton got England off to an explosive start before Shadab Khan removed them in successive deliveries. However, skipper Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan stitched a 112-run stand during which Pakistan’s bowlers were not up to the mark.

According to former Pakistan skipper, the depressed body language from the coach wasn’t a positive sign as it sends a wrong message to the cricketers. Akram, who is involved in the commentary box, feels that a coach must exude positivity no matter what the team is going through on the field.

“The head in his hands wasn’t the best sign from the coach. Okay, 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’s his job to be positive. At least look positive,” the former Pakistan seamer said as quoted by India Today.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq has his say on Misbah-Ul-Haq’s behaviour:

Former batting great and skipper Inzamam-Ul-Haq echoed Akram’s words saying that Misbah-Ul-Haq having his hands on the head, sends a wrong message to the side. Inzamam, who has served as a chief selector as well, pointed out that such actions would discourage the players.

“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 during the match, then this will have a bad effect on the team,” the 120-Test veteran said in his Youtube channel.

The 50-year-old recollected Mickey Arthur reacting the same way as Misbah-Ul-Haq since players complained about it. He added that no matter what goes on in the game, positive vibes are all that must flow from the dressing room.

“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,” Inzamam added.

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