Captain Hafeez must play the role of an orchestral player

So what makes a Pakistan team gel together and rock? What makes the masters of unpredictability essay fairy tales?

Pakistan is world’s most talented side. As an ardent follower of Pakistan cricket since the days of Imran Khan, I have observed that whenever these God gifted talents are under a strong leader who made them play as a unit it is only then the fairy tales have been essayed. And if they aren’t made to work as a unit, you’ll find the ‘Cornered Tigers’ turning out into ‘Cornered Chickens.’

To lead a Pakistan team is the toughest thing one can ever think of. Only being a shrewd tactician or possessing a sound knowledge on the game might not meet the demands to fulfill the hope and aspirations to lead the green army. Above all, a Pakistani captain must be a very good in man management – he must be a leader of men.  

In my opinion Javed Miandad was a better tactician than Imran Khan. But Javed couldn’t demand respect from the Pakistan team during his time only because of being a poor man manager. Whereas, Imran Khan was the master in managing the critical personalities in the Pakistan team and for which he was able to bore fruits from his players, as a captain, during his playing days.

For the last one and half years the men in green have been playing like a unit. I give both Misbah-ul-Haq and Afridi the credit to make this happen. Both of their tactics were nothing rocket science but the secret laid in marinating the team unity. And for which, since the terrible tour to England in 2010, Pakistan team transformed from a procession of soloist into an orchestra.   

If you have a unit oozing with naturally gifted talents then the biggest challenge is in managing them. Any naturally gifted talents are arrogant and aren’t interested in paying heed to advices. To make them work and produce results a team needs a leader with man management qualities. And when a leader manages these talents well he is supposed reap a rich harvest.

Pakistan has appointed Mohammad Hafeez as the new T20I captain. He has also been named as the vice-captain for the ODI which indicates that we might find him leading the side in the longer versions of the game (Tests and ODI) in course of time.

 Mohamamd Hafeez came into the international scene as a bits and pieces cricketer and reached to this current position stature after driving the car through the rough roads. Adversity has surely helped him to reach a level in international cricket. Adversity surely has taught him the lesson which is helpful to develop as a captain. But leadership is something else. As I said earlier, to lead a Pakistani side one needs to be a leader with man management qualities. 

Is he the appropriate choice as Pakistan team’s captain?

Does Hafeez possess the ability of man managements?

Is he at home in managing the critical personalities?

If he doesn’t have those qualities then Mohammad Hafeez will be facing a tough task ahead of him in managing the perennially fractious Pakistani team. He might be called ‘The Professor’ by many but in my opinion Hafeez should play the role of an orchestral player.

To make the men in green roar in the field Hafeez must manage the off-field matters with astute authority alongside the infield matters. To demand respect from his men, Hafeez must not let the pressure of captaincy transform him into an ice-sculpture in the desert – Hafeez needs to perform to command authority.

But luckily Hafeez would be aided by Dav Whatmore, a man who knows and understands the demands of international cricket and cricketers and is a shrewd man manager. His experience with the Asian teams will be a great value for Hafeez to mould himself into a leader as well as man manager.

Can he use the advantage of having Dav Whatmore? Can he make captaincy work as a catalyst for him regarding his personal performances?

Time will answer.  

Let us remain optimistic. 

Thank You

Faisal Caesar