Former Pakistan right-hand fast bowler Muhammad Asif has levelled serious allegations against Senator Faisal Javed Khan and accused him of meddling in the affairs of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
In a recent interview with former Test Cricketers Shahid Nazeer and Shahnawaz Khan, Asif blasted the board for not doing enough for the promotion of cricket.
Asif also claimed that under the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government, the Pakistan cricket team is selected by Senator Faisal Javed Khan, adding that Waqar Younis, Misbah-ul-Haq and Younus Khan were pathetic coaches.
“This team is not picked by Waqar, Younus or Misbah, it is selected by Faisal Javed Khan,” said the former pacer, adding: “As players, Misbah, Waqar and Younus were good but they are pathetic as coaches.”
“They do not have any dignity or ego, they only know to say ‘Yes Sir’. Team will fail under their coaching,” said Asif further.
Asif was banned for five years for his involvement in the 2010 spot-fixing scandal that left the cricketing world in shock. He hasn’t played for Pakistan since then. While he made his domestic comeback, he wasn’t given a second chance like left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir.
Meanwhile, speaking exclusively to The Current, Senator Faisal Javed rubbished the claims and said that he has no idea why Asif is levelling such allegations.
“These allegations are absolutely baseless,” said Senator Faisal. “I have no interaction with Misbah or any other official of the board. Whatever decision they take is their own and they are responsible for it. Our government has empowered the board completely and do not meddle in their business.”
“Misbah is the most empowered PCB official and he is the one responsible for the selection and everything that follows,” added Senator Faisal.
Talking further, Senator Faisal said that he offers his suggestions and advice to the board on social media and radio just like any other cricket aficionado.
“I have been doing cricket commentary for 15 years now and often give my suggestions on social media or in talk shows,” said the senior leader. “Aur mazay ki baat yeh hai that the board always does the opposite of what I suggest. So I don’t know why Asif made such a shocking comment.”
When asked about his thoughts on Pakistan’s performance in New Zealand, Senator Faisal said that “major improvements are needed”.
“The team was not prepared and the team combinations were bad,” said the Senator. “I don’t understand why they did not take Shoaib Malik. He’s is in excellent form for T20.”
“I understand they wanted to give younger players a chance, but it is always better to have a mix of both.”
Senator Faisal also lauded Fawad Alam for his performance, saying that he should have been brought on the field earlier.
