Moin Khan against Misbah-ul-Haq's involvement in any PSL franchise

KARACHI: Head coach of Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Quetta Gladiators, Moin Khan, has opposed the idea of allowing Misbah-ul-Haq to have a role with any of the series' franchise.

The former Pakistani cricket captain said having Misbah in the dug-out of any PSL team would be a clear case of conflict of interest. Both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the Pakistani head coach should avoid any such conflict, he added.

“Everyone can understand that would be conflict of interest, simply," Khan told media here in the city. "One should voluntarily step down when such conflict is there and avoid any such move because he holds a responsible post with Pakistan cricket team.

“The PCB must make sure that the way they have stopped other coaches from taking PSL roles, they should act here as well to avoid conflict of interest. The policy is applied uniformly on everyone,” he added.

The former captain highlighted that having the national team’s head coach and chief selector in the dug-out of any PSL team would not leave a good impact on other players and the league's teams.

While no official announcement has been made about Misbah's selection for a role with PSL, it is believed that Pakistan's incumbent head coach and selector has already agreed with Islamabad United for the role of franchise’s head coach.

The PCB had earlier said Misbah would be allowed to take the role in an attempt to gain an experience of coaching.

However, Pakistan's bowling coach Waqar Younis and Nadeem Khan, the coordinator of national selection committee, would not continue with their PSL franchises this year.

Questions arised when former head coach, Mickey Arthur, and bowling coach, Azhar Mehmood, were reported to be working with Karachi Kings.

The PCB had also earlier removed Tausif Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq — who were formerly linked with Islamabad United and Lahore Qalandars, respectively — from the players' draft committee ahead of the PSL 4.

Khan added that it was beyond his understanding why the PCB handed Misbah multiple responsibilities simultaneously. He was confident, ahead of the PSL players’ draft, of forming a formidable squad to defend the title, he added.

Speaking about Pakistan’s upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, the former Pakistan captain said domestic performers should be given a chance in the series.

“Where will domestic performers go if you’re intending to keep non-performers from Australia tour for this series as well. I think it would be better to give domestic performers a chance,” he said.

“Mickey Arthur will have point to prove but it won’t be easy for Sri Lanka to beat Pakistan in Pakistan. It will be a good series,” he said when asked how tricky it would be to have Pakistan’s former coach in opposition’s camp.

Khan added that everyone was disappointed at this humiliating defeat in Australia but deserving players should get their chance.