Former Pakistan chief selector Iqbal Qasim has raised concerns over the priorities of young cricketers in the country, saying many appear more interested in financial rewards than improving their skills and understanding of the game. Qasim, who took 171 wickets in 50 Tests between 1976 and 1988, said young players need to spend more time working individually on their game instead of relying heavily on coaches, support staff, and data.

Qasim, who took 171 wickets in 50 Tests between 1976 and 1988, said young players need to spend more time working individually on their game instead of relying heavily on coaches, support staff, and data.

“I have been a chief selector and a member of the selection committee several times, and we worked on an honorary basis with no salaries or fees. I don’t want to talk about the past or when we played cricket. But seriously, I see a general lack of interest and commitment among most young players to focus and work hard on improving their game awareness and skills. They seem more focused on earning money,” he said.

The former spinner believes that despite the evolution of cricket over the years, the basic requirement for success has not changed.

“Even now, with cricket changing so much over the last few decades, the formula for success remains the same: how much time a player is individually willing to devote to improving his skill set and understanding of the game. And that is not happening often enough in Pakistan cricket,” Qasim added.

He also criticized the growing dependence of young players on coaching staff and technology, arguing that cricketers must learn to assess situations and find solutions on their own.

“There is too much reliance among young players on coaches, support staff and data. They don’t spend enough time individually working things out,” he said.

According to Qasim, representing Pakistan should remain the biggest motivation for a player, while financial rewards should come as a result of better performances.

“I think playing for your country is the biggest reward a player can get. I have always believed that the more you improve your quality as a player, the more money will come automatically. You don’t have to chase it,” he said.

Qasim, who played a key role in Pakistan’s historic Test series victory in India in 1987, also recalled an interaction with legendary Indian spinner Bishan Singh Bedi during the fifth Test in Bengaluru.

“We met Bishan Sahab at a function on the rest day of the Bangalore Test, and he was unhappy with his protege Maninder Singh’s bowling in the second innings. He noted that on a pitch offering so much turn, Maninder was giving the ball so much spin that it was impossible to bowl a batsman, get him leg-before, or force a catch,” Qasim recalled.

The former chief selector also reflected on the division of responsibilities between selectors and the captain when choosing a national team.

He recalled an instance involving former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Shahid Afridi, saying selectors were responsible for picking the squad while the captain had the final say over the playing XI.

“I told Zaka Sahab and captain Misbah, who didn’t want Afridi in the team, that it is the selectors’ domain to pick the best 16 players and the captain’s domain to choose the playing XI. So I would not drop Afridi. Misbah told me he would not play him, and I said fine, that is your prerogative, but he will go on the tour,” Qasim concluded.

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