In this exclusive PakPassion interview, former Pakistan Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal delivers a scorching assessment of the deep-rooted issues plaguing Pakistani cricket. The nephew of legendary Javed Miandad pulls no punches as he critiques player power, a toxic mindset against fundamentals, and the systemic failures holding the nation back. He also opens up on his firsthand experiences coaching Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan — and much more.

By Saj Sadiq (August 21, 2025)

Key revelations include:

Domestic Cricket Disgrace: "Nobody is taking domestic cricket seriously"
There is a growing frustration with senior players who appear disengaged and complacent when it comes to the domestic cricket circuit. This lack of seriousness affects the quality and competitiveness of the domestic leagues, which in turn harms the development pipeline of upcoming talent.

Cosmetic Changes: "We just do cosmetic surgeries"
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s frequent but superficial changes — such as rotating coaches, tweaking schedules, or minor rule adjustments — have failed to yield substantial improvements. These cosmetic fixes do not address the fundamental structural and strategic issues plaguing the system.

Player Power Exposed: "Player power takes over somewhere or the other"
There is a growing concern that some players wield excessive influence over team decisions and even administrative matters. This player power sometimes undermines the authority of coaches and selectors, creating an imbalance that disrupts team unity and long-term planning.

Babar & Rizwan Critique: "They haven't evolved the way they should have"
Despite being key figures and prolific performers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's approaches have become somewhat predictable. Critics argue they have not adapted their games to counter international challenges effectively, limiting their impact against top-tier opposition.

Mental Blockage: "There is some kind of mental blockage with our players"
The stark contrast in performance between the competitive Pakistan Super League (PSL) and international matches suggests a psychological barrier. Players seem unable to translate their domestic success onto the global stage, indicating issues with mindset, pressure handling, and mental resilience.

Behind-the-Scenes Fear: "These are major issues happening under the carpet"
There are serious, hidden problems such as blackmail, intimidation, and fear within the cricketing ecosystem that remain unaddressed publicly. This culture of silence and secrecy compromises integrity and prevents open discussions needed for reform.

Coaching Plea: "I hope I'll be allowed to serve Pakistan cricket"
A hopeful statement reflecting a former player or cricketing figure’s desire to contribute through coaching roles. It hints at challenges faced in gaining opportunities within the Pakistan Cricket Board, perhaps due to politics or bureaucracy, despite a willingness to help improve the system


Watch the latest interview with Saj below:

https://youtu.be/gm_Z8GzrtRE?si=diM4NtHChIeeMeDQ