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Abdullah Shafique celebrates during PSL 2024© X (formerly Twitter)
Pakistan cricket team’s legendary captain Wasim Akram criticized Abdullah Shafique for his “silent” celebration after taking a good catch to dismiss Imad Wasim during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 match between Lahore Qalandars and Islamabad United on Thursday. Abdullah caught the first slip roughly and then celebrated by covering his mouth with his finger to “silence his critics.” However, Akram was not happy with the celebration of him and went on to say that he should “work in the theater industry”.
“No doubt a big catch, but who is responsible for dropping 36 catches in the Australia Test series? Who will answer for that? Abdullah should work in the theater industry instead of cricket,” he said in a sport.
Meanwhile, with time running out and no options left, the Pakistan Cricket Board has approached three foreign coaches in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) to see if any of them are interested in coaching the national team at least until the Cricket Trophy. Next year’s ICC champions. .
A reliable source in the PCB said the board had initial talks with Australian all-rounder Shane Watson (Quetta Gladiators franchise), New Zealander Mike Hesson (Islamabad United) and West Indian Phil Simmons (Karachi) to find out if any of them would be interested in a coaching contract.
“Initial talks have been held, but it’s too early to say if any of them are interested, as at least two of them also have previous assignments in other leagues,” the source said.
New PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi has already made it clear that he wants to appoint a foreign coaching staff for the Pakistan team’s upcoming assignments, including the T20 World Cup and the Champions Trophy.
But given PCB’s poor reputation in its dealings with foreign and local coaches and support staff, high-profile coaches are cautious about accepting contracts with the Pakistan team.
“Yes, it is a problem, especially after the way Zaka Ashraf (former president) forced Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn and other foreign coaches to go after the World Cup,” the source said.
“The way Misbah ul Haq, Waqar Younis and Muhammad Hafeez were eliminated are examples.” He said another problem is that most of the top coaches now have contracts with franchises in many leagues around the world, including the Indian Premier League.
(With PTI inputs)
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