In this exclusive interview, former Pakistan cricketer and Germany head coach Atiq-uz-Zaman reviews Pakistan's recent tour of the West Indies and delivers a scorching critique of Pakistan cricket's rapid decline. The ECB Level 4 qualified coach pulls no punches on the team's combinations, player mentality, repeated controversies, and the systemic failures of the PCB — and much more.
By Saj Sadiq (August 24, 2025)
In an exclusive interview with PakPassion, former Pakistan cricketer and Germany head coach Atiq-uz-Zaman reviews Pakistan's recent tour of the West Indies and delivers a scorching critique of Pakistan cricket's rapid decline. The ECB Level 4 qualified coach pulls no punches on the team's combinations, player mentality, repeated controversies, and the systemic failures of the PCB — and much more.
Key topics covered:
Disappointment with Pakistan's performance: Atiq-uz-Zaman, a former Pakistan wicketkeeper and Germany's head coach, expresses his disappointment with the team's recent loss to the West Indies, highlighting inconsistent team selection and frequent coaching changes.
Critique of Team Selection: He criticizes the team management for constantly changing the playing XI, giving chances to everyone, and not consistently playing key bowlers like Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed. He also questions why established players like Fakhar Zaman are not playing.
Batting Performance: The discussion notes the poor performance of the batting lineup, citing low averages and strike rates from top batters like Abdullah Shafique and Salman Agha. Atiq believes that top-class players should be scoring centuries or at least two or three half-centuries in every five innings.
Player Mindset and Leadership: Atiq-uz-Zaman questions the players' mindset and the captaincy, suggesting a "friendship" culture within the team where the captain tries to keep everyone happy by rotating players. He also touches on the pressure from media and fans affecting players like Babar Azam.
Controversies and Lack of Education: The conversation addresses recent controversies involving Pakistani players, particularly allegations against Haider Ali. Atiq attributes these issues to a lack of education and accountability among players, criticizing their behavior on tour and holding team management responsible for not monitoring the players' movements.
World Championship of Legends Tournament: Finally, Atiq comments on the World Championship of Legends tournament, criticizing Indian players for refusing to play against Pakistan, calling it a "publicity stunt" that promotes hate instead of peace through sport. He emphasizes that sports should unite people and advises players to stay away from politics.
Here is the full interview:
