At one end of the spectrum is Misbah-ul-Haq, a hard taskmaster and the pioneer of the push-up celebration after a hundred. At the other is Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was caught yawning by the cameras during the exhilarating India vs Pakistan World Cup encounter.
As Misbah-ul-Haq assumes the role of the national selector and head coach, Sarfaraz's role remains unperturbed so far with him being named captain for the series against Sri Lanka. But there are a few changes coming in Pakistan cricket through Misbah's appointment.
A proper regime
Pakistan players' fitness levels were under the scanner during the World Cup and the new head coach has come down hard on this by introducing a proper fitness routine. Misbah has asked for a change in diet plans of players and not just in the national camp but also in domestic tournaments. Being someone who understands Pakistan cricket quite well, Misbah's vision is to bring fitter players through the grassroot levels to Pakistan cricket. Biriyani, red meat and sweets remain outside the diet plan as Misbah looks to set a precedent on how to run the mess called Pakistan cricket.
Misbah has ordered that the food consumed should include only barbecue items and pasta in addition to fruits through the domestic season and in the national camp.
Fringe talent and pre-series camps
There were 20 players named in a probable squad for the series against Sri Lanka with these players set to take part in a training camp at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. In another routine expected to bring order to chaos in Pakistan cricket, the camps will focus on the upbringing of fringe talent and also in identifying the players closest to national selection.
The series against Sri Lanka has been marred in controversy after the Island Nation struggled to put together a strong enough squad due to security concerns. But Misbah has remained true to his nature, working on his men rather than worrying about the opponents.
The return of Akmal and Shehzad
In the camp named for the Sri Lankan series, there are a couple of notable additions in Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal. Both are extraordinary players with enough talent, but that hasn't translated to consistent runs in international cricket.
Misbah has sought to bring them back, perhaps in an effort to identify clear cut goals and roles for them and to oversee how they go on receiving another chance.
All's not about return alone either with Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik left out of the camp with them given an allowance to complete the NOC to play in the Caribbean Premier League.
Quite a few fringe players have also been named as Pakistan look to blend youth and experience and form a success recipe with Misbah eyeing their chemistry. There could be a few more changes further down the lane, but for now, the former skipper has pushed for consistency and discipline, often the factors missing in Pakistan cricket.
Feature image courtesy: AFP / Arif Ali
