Why Did Abdul Razzaq Suddenly Disappear from International Cricket?
Once a prominent figure in international cricket, Abdul Razzaq, a former Pakistani cricketer, has largely disappeared from the global stage over the past decade. This article delves into the reasons behind his absence and the controversies surrounding his career transition.
Retirement and Post-Career Activities
Abdul Razzaq retired from international cricket in 2013, following a distinguished 13-year career. With his retirement, the player stepped down from representing the Pakistani national team. In the years leading up to his retirement, Razzaq faced significant challenges in terms of form and fitness, which restricted his opportunities to participate at the highest level.
Continued Involvement in Domestic and T20 Leagues
Upon retirement, Razzaq continued to participate in domestic leagues and T20 tournaments around the world. This kept him in the public eye to some extent but not on the global stage. However, his impact soon waned, leading to a reduced presence in mainstream media coverage of international cricket.
Gradual Shift to Coaching and Commentary
Post-retirement, Razzaq transitioned into coaching and commentary, a move that further contributed to his lower profile in traditional cricket reporting. This shift in focus shifted his public profile and allowed him to influence the cricket world in different ways.
Abdul Razzaq's Criticism of Waqar Younis
In a recent statement, Abdul Razzaq criticized Waqar Younis, the former head coach of the Pakistani national team, for his campaign against senior players. Razzaq claimed that Younis' campaign was not limited to him and extended to other established senior players, including Shahid Afridi.
Conflict with Shahid Afridi
Razzaq alleged that during Razzaq's tenure as the captain of the one-day and T20 squads in 2011, Younis had conflicts with Afridi. These disagreements culminated in Younis submitting a negative report about Afridi to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which indirectly led to Afridi's dismissal as the captain.
Quarrel with PCB
The all-rounder further criticized the PCB for lacking a consistent policy in appointing key personnel to the national team. Razzaq questioned the reappointment of Younis to the head coach position in 2015, suggesting that some decisions by the board may have been flawed.
Current Issues in Pakistan Cricket
Razzaq highlighted several problems within the Pakistan cricket system, including a lack of confidence and support for players by the captain and management. He noted the issue of overemphasis on one-day cricket at the expense of other formats, which he believed could harm Pakistan's long-term prospects in cricket.
Razzaq's Opinion on Misbahul Haq
Regarding Misbahul Haq, the current Test captain, Razzaq stated that while Haq is a good candidate for Test cricket, he might lack the confidence and experience needed for limited overs cricket. Razzaq emphasized the importance of psychological support for players to handle fitness issues and prepare mentally for matches.
Domestic Cricket Shortcomings
Razzaq also expressed his concerns about the state of domestic cricket in Pakistan. He believed that domestic leagues need to place more emphasis on first-class and T20 cricket, similar to what other countries are doing.
Selection Process for World Cup Squad
Finally, Razzaq cleared the air regarding the selection of the World Cup squad, stating that it had been a consensus decision involving the chief selector, Moin Khan, and Misbahul Haq. Razzaq maintained that all parties were responsible for the team's performance.