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Former Chief Selector Iqbal Qasim Sounds Alarm on Pakistan Cricket’s Future
Lahore, Pakistan – Former Pakistan Test spinner and ex-chief selector Iqbal Qasim has voiced significant concerns regarding the current
trajectory of Pakistan cricket, asserting that a generation of young players is prioritizing financial gain over skill
development and game awareness. Qasim, a veteran of 50 Test matches and multiple national selection committee tenures,
also lambasted the perceived lack of strategic planning and inconsistent selection policies within the Pakistan Cricket
Board (PCB).
“I have been a chief selector and member of the selection committee several times, and we worked on an honorary basis
with no salaries or fees,” Qasim recalled, as quoted by PTI. “Nowadays, the selectors get paid handsome salaries for
being on the selection committee, but I see a lack of vision when making decisions.” His comments highlight a stark
contrast between his era of selfless service and what he perceives as a more commercially driven current setup.
Qasim Questions Players’ Priorities
The former left-arm spinner, who boasts an impressive first-class career tally of 999 wickets, firmly believes that a
declining commitment among young players is adversely impacting Pakistan cricket. “I don’t want to talk about the past
or when we played cricket. But seriously, I see a general lack of interest or commitment among most of the young players
to focus and work hard on improving their game awareness and skills, and they seem more focused on earning money,” he
stated.
Qasim acknowledged the increased financial opportunities available to modern cricketers, but expressed dismay that many
youngsters consider success to be primarily about securing lucrative contracts in tournaments like the Pakistan Super League (PSL). “Even now, with cricket changing so
much over the last few decades, the formula to success remains how much time a player is individually willing to give to
improve upon his skill sets and reading the game. And that is not happening frequently now in Pakistan cricket.”
He further criticized the over-reliance on external support. “There is too much reliance on young players on coaches,
assistants, and data; they don’t spend enough time individually on working out things.” Qasim emphasized that the
greatest players throughout history have always dedicated themselves independently to refining their skills, maintaining
fitness, and developing a profound understanding of match situations.
“I think playing for your country is the biggest reward a player can get. I have always believed the better you improve
your quality as a player, the more money will come automatically; you don’t have to chase it,” he added, offering a
timeless perspective on cricketing ambition.
Lessons from the Past
Qasim also drew upon his rich experiences to underscore his points. He recounted Pakistan’s historic Test victory over
India in Bangalore in 1987, attributing part of his success to invaluable advice from former India captain Bishen Singh
Bedi. “We met Bishen Sahab at a function on the rest day of the Bangalore Test, and he was unhappy with his prodigy
Maninder Singh’s bowling in the second innings, noting on a pitch where there was so much turn, he (Maninder) was
giving so much turn to the ball that it was impossible to bowl a batsman, get leg before, or trap him into giving a
catch.”
Following Bedi’s counsel, Qasim focused on bowling in the right areas and letting the pitch’s natural turn do the work, a
strategy that proved instrumental in Pakistan securing the match.
He also shared a revealing anecdote about his steadfast refusal to exclude Shahid Afridi from a West Indies tour, despite strong opposition
from then-captain Misbah-ul-Haq. “I told Zaka Sahab and captain, Misbah, who didn’t want Afridi in the team, that it is
the selectors’ domain to pick 16 best players, and it is the captain’s domain to play the 11 he wanted. So I would not
drop Afridi. Misbah told me he will not play him, and I said fine, that is your prerogative, but he will go,” Qasim
recalled. Afridi subsequently played and performed well, taking several wickets in his first match.
This incident, according to Qasim, highlights a persistent problem within Pakistan cricket: the debilitating interference
between different authorities, which he believes consistently breeds confusion and controversy, ultimately hindering the
team’s progress. His candid remarks serve as a critical wake-up call for stakeholders within Pakistan cricket to
re-evaluate priorities and foster an environment where skill and dedication are paramount.
