'Every decision he makes backfires': Former Pakistan captain launches scathing attack on selector Aaqib Javed, says 'step away'

NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has expressed deep disappointment over the ongoing crisis in Pakistan cricket after the team made major changes to its squad during the ongoing Test tour of England. Azhar said Pakistan have become "consistent" in the worst possible way after a series of poor performances and constant changes in the team.His comments came after Pakistan suffered heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's. The losses were followed by major changes, with head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul relieved of their duties, while seven players were sent home.The decisions have led to widespread criticism. Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi called it ‘the most shocking decision ever’, while Misbah-ul-Haq resigned as a selector in protest.‘We’ve become totally consistent - in the most negative way’Azhar said Pakistan were once known for their unpredictability, but even that quality has disappeared from the team."People used to say you could expect anything from Pakistan – that any team could turn up on any given day and either be 46 all out or win from nowhere. But we don’t even do that inconsistency any more. We’ve become totally consistent – in the most negative way.“Cricket in Pakistan needs proper care and a vision that gives hope to a nation on the brink of losing their appetite. If we don’t pull our socks up, we won’t be able to bring people back. You cannot lose hope but the signs are not good," Azhar was quoted as saying by The Guardian on Monday.Azhar questions Aaqib JavedAzhar, who played 97 Tests for Pakistan, also criticised High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed. He accused Javed of trying to distance himself from the team's poor performances and said he should take responsibility for his decisions."We have had bad decisions like these for three years now. He should take responsibility for performances. His judgment should be questioned. I listened to his interview this week and he was trying to put the blame on Sarfaraz and Babar.“He appointed them just a few months earlier! That was enough for me to judge someone. Every decision he makes backfires and he then says: ‘It’s not me.’ Look at yourself first. And if you cannot control this team, if you cannot make a difference to Pakistan cricket, then step away."Azhar backs struggling captainAzhar also sympathised with captain Azam, who has struggled for runs in recent years while also dealing with an unstable team management.He said captaining Pakistan at the moment is extremely difficult and believes the pressure has affected the batter mentally."It is probably the worst time to captain Pakistan right now,. He has to consider his options too, I believe. Every player goes through periods of low scores but as a nation we just kept expecting him to deliver and criticism followed.“It has played on his mind and he has doubted himself, while lacking any internal support. I don’t think he is as mentally strong as Misbah or, say, Younis Khan. Misbah was not as talented as Babar but he was far tougher. Younis faced criticism but never lost his targets. Everyone is different though. We have to realise that and create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back."‘It’s not about quick fixes’Azhar, who worked as Pakistan’s head of youth development before stepping down last year, said the team needs a stable structure and long-term planning to turn things around.He called for people to be given enough time and backing to build a strong system, especially at the junior level."We need a settled structure and one where people are hired and backed for three-to-four years. Right now the under-19s, for example, are leaderless. But that role is arguably more important than the head coach of the senior side. We know where this Test team is currently and have to accept that.“But major work done by competent people in the pathway – that is how we come back. It’s not about quick fixes. We cannot change in the space of a year. That’s impossible. But four to five? I believe the talent is there to make it happen."Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.