In our latest exclusive interview, former Pakistan Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal — nephew of the legendary Javed Miandad, and former head coach of Balochistan and batting coach of Karachi Kings — reflects on his rollercoaster career and the systemic flaws holding back Pakistan cricket.
By Saj Sadiq (April 15, 2025)
In our latest exclusive interview, former Pakistan Test cricketer Faisal Iqbal — nephew of the legendary Javed Miandad, and former head coach of Balochistan and batting coach of Karachi Kings — reflects on his rollercoaster career and the systemic flaws holding back Pakistan cricket. Drawing on over two decades of experience as both player and coach, Faisal offers a candid, no-holds-barred critique of the politics, biases, and deep-rooted challenges stifling the game’s true potential.
Key topics include:
"It’s always been a case of not letting me play” – Faisal’s battles with nepotism and abrupt career end reflect a harsh reality in Pakistan cricket where talent is often overshadowed by favoritism and connections, denying deserving players their rightful opportunities.
“There is serious provincial racism in Pakistan” – Regional bias blocking talent from Balochistan and beyond highlights how players from less represented areas face systemic discrimination, limiting their chances to shine on the national stage despite their abilities.
Coaching in Balochistan: Unearthing hidden gems like Haseeb Ullah and Bangal Zaid shows that despite neglect, there is significant untapped talent in the region that could flourish with proper support and exposure.
“Everyone is responsible for Pakistan cricket destruction” – The toxic blame culture among ex-players and officials points to a fragmented environment where finger-pointing replaces constructive collaboration, further harming the sport’s development.
“Foreign coach, local coach merry-go-rounds must stop” – Fixing Pakistan’s flawed coaching system requires stability and a clear vision rather than constant changes that disrupt team progress and player development.
“We need to change the mind and heart of everybody” – Honesty and strict leadership to revive the team emphasize that beyond technical skills, a cultural and ethical transformation is essential to restore Pakistan cricket’s integrity and success.
Watch his full interview with Saj here:
