By Irum Saleem
Pakistan cricket’s revolving door of coaches and selectors has once again sparked controversy, with former Test cricketer Yasir Arafat questioning what he describes as a glaring contradiction in the Pakistan Cricket Board’s approach to coaching appointments.
The debate centers on Aqib Javed, a key figure in Pakistan cricket’s current selection structure, and his past criticism of former captain Misbah-ul-Haq compared to the recent appointment of Sarfaraz Ahmed as Pakistan’s Test head coach.
Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi visited Red Ball Camp at LCCA Ground, He met players and coaching staff. Aqib Javed briefed him on camp and training activities. Mike Hesson, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and other coaches were also there #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/qZxyfZsTu1
— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) June 13, 2026
Aqib’s Strong Criticism of Misbah
Several years ago, Aqib Javed openly opposed Misbah-ul-Haq’s appointment as Pakistan’s head coach, arguing that he lacked the necessary coaching background and experience for such a high-profile role.
In comments widely reported at the time, Aqib said that both Misbah and Waqar Younis had been handed top positions despite having no coaching experience and questioned the decision-making process behind their appointments. He even remarked that Misbah was not suitable for coaching at the school level, let alone the national team.
Those comments reflected a broader argument often heard in Pakistan cricket: that coaching positions should be awarded based on professional coaching credentials rather than merely a player’s reputation or achievements as a cricketer.
AQIB JAVED 🗣️
— Shahbaz Roy (@criccrazyme) June 13, 2026
As Far as the Pakistan squad compared to India we believe that this young lot has beaten them in u19 and at A team level where our Shaheen beat them and had good games too. So yeah these guys can definitely do the same in Asian games too. pic.twitter.com/DgYgLlWPN3
Sarfaraz Ahmed’s Appointment Revives the Debate
Fast forward to 2026, and the PCB appointed former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed as head coach of the national Test side for the Bangladesh series. The appointment came after Sarfaraz’s involvement with Pakistan Shaheens and Under-19 teams.
However, critics quickly pointed out that Sarfaraz’s coaching résumé remained relatively limited when compared to international coaching standards. Social media discussions and cricket forums were filled with questions about whether Pakistan was once again prioritizing former star players over experienced coaches.
This is where Yasir Arafat’s criticism gains traction.
Yasir Arafat rightly pointing out the hypocrisy of Aqib Javedpic.twitter.com/41rS8pE8QE
— Pakistan Cricket Team USA FC (@DoctorofCricket) June 13, 2026
Yasir Arafat’s Question
According to Yasir Arafat, if coaching experience was considered essential when Misbah was appointed, then the same standard should have been applied to Sarfaraz Ahmed.
His argument is straightforward:
Aqib Javed criticized Misbah for lacking coaching experience.
Sarfaraz Ahmed also entered the national coaching setup without extensive high-level coaching experience.
Yet there appears to be little resistance from the same quarters that opposed Misbah.
For Yasir Arafat, the issue is not whether Sarfaraz deserves an opportunity, but whether the standards are being applied consistently.
Aqib Javed said, "There are still 1.5 years left until the World Cup, but people forget that. In the last World Cup, Sri Lanka and the West Indies had to go through the qualifying round. It’s important to remain in the top six through your bilateral performances because if you… pic.twitter.com/z4qCGm785M
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) June 13, 2026
Sarfaraz’s Supporters Have Their Own Case
Supporters of Sarfaraz argue that the former captain is not entirely inexperienced.
Before becoming Test coach, Sarfaraz worked with Pakistan Shaheens and the Under-19 setup and had been gradually integrated into the PCB’s development structure.
They also point to his leadership credentials. Sarfaraz remains one of Pakistan’s most successful captains, having led the country to the 2017 Champions Trophy title.
His backers insist that former elite players can evolve into successful coaches even if they begin with limited formal coaching experience.
A Wider Problem in Pakistan Cricket
The controversy highlights a recurring criticism of Pakistan cricket administration: the absence of a clearly defined coaching pathway.
Former captains frequently move directly into coaching, selection or management roles, while certified coaches with years of experience often remain outside the national setup.
This has fueled accusations that appointments are driven more by personalities and relationships than by a transparent merit-based process.
Recent changes to the national selection committee, which now includes Aqib Javed, Misbah-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Asad Shafiq, have further intensified scrutiny over how decisions are made within Pakistan cricket.
The Core Question
The real issue raised by Yasir Arafat goes beyond Misbah or Sarfaraz.
If coaching experience is a prerequisite, it should apply to everyone.
If leadership experience and cricketing stature are enough to justify an appointment, then Misbah should not have faced criticism for lacking coaching credentials.
The debate ultimately exposes a long-standing concern among Pakistan cricket followers: whether decisions are being guided by consistent principles or by changing standards depending on who is being appointed.
For many observers, that question remains unanswered—and it continues to fuel perceptions of double standards within Pakistan cricket’s management structure
