Former Pakistan’s captain says coaching gaps hinder country’s cricket progress
Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail praises the Pakistan Cricket Board’s investment in modern facilities. Photo: AFP/File
Former Pakistan captain Aamer Sohail has praised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) investment in modern facilities at the National Cricket Academy but warned that better coaching standards are needed to translate those improvements into results on the field.
Speaking to former Pakistan captain Salman Butt in Straight Drive with Salman Butt on Saturday, Aamer said the PCB deserved credit for upgrading facilities and providing players with the resources needed for their development.
However, he questioned why Pakistan continued to struggle to achieve consistent results despite the improvements.
“The encouraging thing I saw, facilities that should be provided to the players in the National Academy, which were not available, are now there,” Aamer said.
“Things have been updated, and the facilities have been enhanced. So this is a very encouraging thing that the prerequisites for the development of the player are available in a true sense. PCB should be given full credit for that.”
He added that the next priority should be to build the capacity of the coaching staff, arguing that infrastructure alone could not guarantee success.
“It’s is a big question mark that despite providing facilities to the players results are not produced,” he said.
“I think there is a need for capacity building,” Aamer said.
Aamer, who has served as Pakistan’s Test captain, chief selector and National Cricket Academy director, highlighted the evolution of batting in modern cricket, where players are increasingly encouraged to take risks.
He argued that coaches must adapt their methods to the changing demands of the game and provide players with specific technical guidance rather than relying solely on their natural ability.
Aamer cited Pakistan’s batsman Saim Ayub as an example of a talented player whose development, in his view, has not progressed as expected because of inadequate guidance.
“He is highly talented, no doubt. I think when he came you felt that he is the next best for Pakistan cricket, but lost in translation,” Aamer said.
He questioned whether Saim had received sufficient technical advice to refine his batting, pointing to his no-look shots and footwork as areas where coaching intervention could have helped.
Aamer also raised concerns about Pakistan’s fast bowlers, particularly those who initially bowl at speeds exceeding 145 kilometres per hour before experiencing a decline in pace.
He attributed the problem partly to bowling mechanics, arguing that the wrist and shoulder must work together to generate and sustain speed.
“When the wrist is locked, you are bowling with just your arm, and after some time their pace drops due to this reason,” he said.
Aamer maintained that improving coaching expertise was essential to addressing such technical shortcomings and ensuring talented players fulfilled their potential.
“You won’t get the desired results until you build your coaching staff’s capacity,” he said.
The former chief selector also reflected on his own responsibilities in the role, saying he considered it his duty to ensure players were technically equipped and received guidance when struggling.
“As a chief selector, it was my responsibility to look after players that they are technically well equipped. That was my responsibility to guide them if they are struggling. I had to justify,” he said.
Aamer’s comments also highlighted the need for a stronger development pathway connecting school and club cricket with the National Cricket Academy and the senior national team.
He stressed that long-term progress would require sustained investment in coaching, fundamentals and player development, alongside improvements in facilities.
