‘Focussed more on money’ – Young Pakistan cricketers blasted by ex-PCB selector

Iqbal Qasim, the former Pakistan cricketer who took 171 wickets in 50 Test matches between 1976 and 1988, has expressed concern about the priorities of young cricketers in Pakistan. Qasim played a key role in Pakistan’s first series victory on Indian soil during the 1987 India-Pakistan series, where his bowling secured victory in the fifth Test at Bengaluru. His experience in selection roles has given him insight into how the game has evolved in the country.

Qasim served as chief selector and member of the selection committee on multiple occasions. He has also observed changes in how the selection process operates and how young players approach their careers.

“I have been a chief selector and a member of the selection committee several times, and we worked on an honorary basis with no salaries or fees. I don’t want to talk about the past or when we played cricket. But seriously, I see a general lack of interest and commitment among most young players to focus and work hard on improving their game awareness and skills. They seem more focused on earning money,” Qasim said as quoted by NDTV Sports.

“Even now, with cricket changing so much over the last few decades, the formula for success remains the same: how much time a player is individually willing to devote to improving his skill set and understanding of the game. And that is not happening often enough in Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Over-reliance on external support systems

Qasim pointed out that young players rely too heavily on external support systems rather than developing their own understanding of the game. He emphasised that personal initiative and independent problem-solving are essential for player development.

“There is too much reliance among young players on coaches, support staff and data. They don’t spend enough time individually working things out,” Qasim said.

Playing for country should be the primary reward

The former selector believes that representing the country should be the primary motivation for any cricketer. He stressed that financial rewards follow naturally from improved performance rather than being a pursuit in themselves.

“I think playing for your country is the biggest reward a player can get. I have always believed that the more you improve your quality as a player, the more money will come automatically. You don’t have to chase it,” Qasim said.

Qasim recalled a significant moment from the 1987 India-Pakistan series at Bengaluru, where he received valuable guidance from a senior figure in Indian cricket. This interaction shaped his approach to bowling on turning pitches and contributed to Pakistan’s success in that series.

“We met Bishan Sahab at a function on the rest day of the Bangalore Test, and he was unhappy with his protege Maninder Singh’s bowling in the second innings. He noted that on a pitch offering so much turn, Maninder was giving the ball so much spin that it was impossible to bowl a batsman, get him leg-before, or force a catch,” said Qasim.

Qasim also reflected on his experience within Pakistan’s selection committee structure, where he navigated the relationship between selectors and the captain regarding team composition. He explained the distinction between the selector’s role in choosing the squad and the captain’s authority in selecting the playing eleven.

“I told Zaka Sahab and captain Misbah, who didn’t want Afridi in the team, that it is the selectors’ domain to pick the best 16 players and the captain’s domain to choose the playing XI. So I would not drop Afridi. Misbah told me he would not play him, and I said fine, that is your prerogative, but he will go on the tour,” Qasim concluded.