THE HIGH PERFORMANCE SYSTEM
A major issue for Pakistan has been the mis-alignment of goals between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the National Cricket Academy (NCA) and the regional bodies. The lack of coordination between the different organisations has led to a limited accountability for the skill development of players, which has hampered the performance of the national team.
To address these issues we must take immediate action to implement the right organisational structure for the team and National Cricket Academy performance system generally. We must have the right people in the key roles, especially selections and coaching, and improve the performance review of players. This will lead to a better development in players’ basic skills and an all-round better team culture.
THE NATIONAL TEAM
At present no one person is currently accountable or has full authority for the performance of the Pakistan team. The structure of the national selection panel is sub optimal and there is a structural disconnection between Pakistan team, national cricket academy and regional cricket. A single point of accountability within the PCB for Pakistan team performance should be a created and the new role entitled ‘high performance manager.’
As well as focusing on team performance, the high performance manager will also focus on the operational aspects of Pakistan elite cricket; the Pakistan team head coach, captain and chairman of selectors and managers would all report to the high performance manager
OTHER KEY ROLES
While the high performance manager will ultimately be accountable for the performance of the national team, the roles of the captain, head coach and chairman of selectors will also be critical.
The captain remains vital. He takes joint responsibility with the head coach for the day to day performance of the team. He remains the leader on field and among the playing group and is the principal spokesman for the team. He is responsible for working with the head coach to develop the vision and strategy for the team and must set the standard of effort, attitude and performance for his side. He must focus intensely on leadership, performance and developing a wining culture.
The head coach role must be elevated.He must lead the team’s planning, preparation and coaching staff, and take joint responsibility with the captain for the day to day performance of the team. With the captain, he is also responsible for developing the team vision and strategy and must create a high performance culture. To ensure appropriate authority and accountability, the head coach should also become a selector.
In addition, the head coach must lead the overall coaching strategy and function in Pakistan cricket.This includes working with the head coach of the National Cricket Academy, the head coaches of regions and other departments to develop strategies to improve coaching and player development across Pakistan cricket – including, if appropriate, articulating a desired style of play.
I also suggest the possibility of separating the shorter and longer forms of the game. This will ensure appropriate attention is given to, and planning done for, each Test, ODI and T20 series or tournament. It will ensure assistant coaches have appropriate development opportunities by keeping the same head coach.
IMPROVE SELECTION
There has been significant negative feedback from numerous stakeholders about Pakistan’s selection functions.The evidence also shows that we have not handled succession planning well for years.It is critical that superior performance is rewarded at all levels. Players must earn their positions in the time-honoured way of making runs, taking wickets and showing that they are ready to play at the next level.
At the same time, potential cannot be overlooked. There must be room for fast-tracking the players with the most potential. Players must also be held accountable when they are not performing. This has been an issue in recent years. Development plans regarding skill physiology and psychology are critical and will allow more mature conversations to take place with individuals.
SPECIFIC SKILLS THAT NEED TO BE IMPROVED
The following areas need to be improved across all levels of cricket in Pakistan, with a particular focus on the regional game, where players are developed and learn their core skills. This will mean there are players with fewer shortcomings at senior level.
1) BATTING
Batting for longer periods.
Reading swing bowling.
Tactics against spin bowling.
2) BOWLING
Building pressure on batsmen.
Keeping to a pre-defined bowling plan.
Tactics of how to use spinners.
More bowlers capable of reverse swing.
More variation of yorkers, bouncers and slower deliveries.
3) FIEDLING
Catching in the field.
Athleticism.
4) GENERAL
Building batting and bowling partnerships.
Increasing fitness standards.
The ability to adapt and problem-solve during matches.
These shortcomings clearly exist in Pakistan cricket at all levels, especially at regional level where players are developed. They should be dealt with by the collaboration of the Pakistan team manager head coach, national cricket academy head coach, director of game development and regional coaches.
TEAM CULTURE
The team leaders need to be made aware of the situation and their roles in creating it.
A 360 degree feedback process is needed, followed by adult conversations with each individual spelling out how they are perceived and where necessary agreeing required changes to behaviour as part of an overall development plan (skills, psychology, and physiology).Senior players including the captain and vice-captain should receive mentoring by external professionals at least every six months for the first two years of their tenure.
The captain should also actively seek and use the council of his vice-captain, which is an important role and should be more clearly defined. This needs to be built as actively and quickly as possible. What we want to see is a hunger to play, a hunger to improve, a hunger to win and a hunger to be the best in the world.
PITCHES
Each pitch should offer a good balance between bat and ball. The toss should not be decisive; each pitch in every region should be unique depending on local soil. History and climatic conditions should be put into consideration and the pitch should offer conditions similar to conditions found at Test level in Asia or elsewhere in the world.
THE NATIONAL CRICKET ACADEMY
The PCB must increase the strength of supporting competitions in Pakistan and also better co-ordinate its talent identification and development. More roles should be created for, and greater accountability given to, the NCA and regions.
We need to guarantee the quality of the NCA programs, with the academy and regions required to work together in the development of players to meet national and international standards. The NCA should deliver a high-quality experience for all the players.This must occur within an environment of cooperation, remembering the overarching goal to be No. 1 in the world. The national team is the main source of fans’ interest and income for the game.
Cricket Pakistan is the body ultimately accountable for the national team’s performance, therefore the PCB, via the Pakistan team staff and the NCA, must take responsibility for managing the development of the current national team and those who may play for the national team in future.
Regards,
Mohammad Akram
