Former Pakistan Chief Selector Believes Young Cricketers Are Chasing Money Over Skills

Former Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim has expressed worry over the motivations of young cricketers in the nation. He claims many are more preoccupied with financial gains than honing their abilities and understanding of the sport. Qasim, who took 171 wickets in 50 Tests between 1976 and 1988, emphasized the need for young players to invest more time in personal skill development rather than solely relying on coaches, support staff, and data analysis.

"As someone who has served as a chief selector and selection committee member multiple times, I believe our approach and dedication were all honourable and without financial compensation," Qasim stated. "However, the current scenario prompts me to express my concern that the majority of young players lack the determination and commitment to enhance their game awareness and skills.

Their primary focus appears to be earning money." Despite cricket's evolution over recent decades, Qasim believes the fundamental principles for success have remained unchanged. "Even with cricket's transformation over the past few decades, the formula for success remains the same: the extent to which a player is individually committed to improving his skill set and understanding of the game," Qasim added.

The former spinner also criticized the growing dependence of young cricketers on coaching staff and sophisticated technology, arguing that players must learn to analyze situations and devise solutions independently. "There is an excessive reliance among young players on coaches, support staff, and data," Qasim asserted. "They do not dedicate sufficient time to individually working out solutions."

Qasim, who played a crucial role in Pakistan's historic Test series win in India in 1987, recalled an encounter with legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi during the fifth Test in Bengaluru. Bedi expressed dissatisfaction with his protege Maninder Singh's bowling during the second innings on a pitch offering ample turn. Bedi observed that Maninder was spinning the ball excessively, making it challenging to dismiss batsmen, force leg-before dismissals, or secure catches.

Qasim also discussed the division of responsibilities between selectors and the captain in selecting a national team. He recounted an incident involving former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi, stating that selectors were responsible for selecting the squad, while the captain had the final authority over the playing XI.

"I informed Zaka Sahab and the captain, Misbah, who did not wish to include Afridi in the team, that it was our role as selectors to choose the best 16 players, and the captain's responsibility to determine the playing XI," Qasim recounted.