Lahore
Pakistan cricket team’s Interim Head Coach Saqlain Mushtaq has said that Pakistani cricketers are self-made and what they go through while playing at the grassroots level makes them different.
Saqlain was appointed Pakistan’s interim head coach in September after Misbah-ul-Haq and Waqar Younis had stepped down from their respective roles of head coach and bowling coach.
In an interview with media, Saqlain said that it is important for a coach to understand a player’s mind and emotions before going into technical details with him.
“A player-coach relationship is like the relationship of a body with its soul. The player is the body, and the coach is the soul. So, the coach should know the player like the soul knows the body,” Saqlain said.
“It is important for a coach to understand everything about the player – his emotions, his thoughts, his approach – before going into technical details. If a coach doesn’t understand his player’s mind, then he won’t be able to get the best out of the player.” He added.
“Players are giving their all, their heart and soul, in the field, during practice [sessions] and matches. I will give a lot of credit to them,” Saqlain said.
“I am enjoying my time with the Pakistan team as head coach. It is always an honour to serve your country. Every day is a new day and I start my day with thoughts of serving Pakistan cricket and the players.
“I prefer empowering players and I let them express their mind after telling them about the options. It is heartening to see players backing each other,” he added.
