Pakistan’s former fielding coach accuses PCB of unprofessionalism

The Pakistan Cricket Team was enjoying decent success in 2018 until the Asia Cup, in which their performances were dismal. Pakistan’s batting, bowling and especially fielding standards have come under the scanner, in the wake of which their former fielding coach Steve Rixon has made some shocking revelations.

The former Australian Test wicketkeeper, who joined Pakistan's coaching staff in 2016 as a fielding coach, has lashed out at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), after the team was knocked out of the Asia Cup by Bangladesh in the virtual semi-final played on Wednesday. Rixon accused the board of late payments and unprofessionalism.

'They (PCB) didn't pay subsidiary staff on time. Everyone was meant to go to the World Cup, which would be the sensible thing to do but not unless they improved their act,' Rixon told Fairfax Media. '[I told them], 'you guys will make me angrier and angrier, and I don't need it.' I said 'thanks, but no thanks'

'Seriously, the PCB not being a professional unit and doing things they should. If they want outsiders to the country doing the job make sure you look after them.”

'Hence they lost myself – they're losing good people because of their stupidity and lack of professionalism. It's no skin off my nose. Shame because I enjoy the players and saw some fantastic things there.'

Rixon decided against extending his contract with PCB this June, after which former New Zealand all-rounder Grant signed a three-year contract as Pakistan's fielding coach.

The men in green, who were touted as one of the favourites for the Asian supremacy, dropped as many as nine catches in the tournament. In their two last outings, in fact, they could manage to take only one out of 10 potential catches. Pakistan have traditionally been weak at fielding, a concern which they need to address ahead of the 2019 World Cup.