World Cup down-under: A Test of Misbah's Leadership
Dunkwart A Rustow in the book “Philosophers and Kings”
said that it is pertinent to ask to who is leading whom from where
to where? The book is riveting to say the least for students of
leadership since many academics have pitched-in their thoughts.
However , for the consumption of the readers let us dissect the above
statement in light of the uphill task that the men in green are to
face in a matter of 51 days : The World Cup.
Indeed, the most coveted event in cricket happens to be
the World Cup; 4 years are worth waiting for as teams lock horns to
get their hands on the trophy. Right from 1975's first edition to
that of 2011, the skippers of the teams that clinched top spots (not
necessarily the title) performed exceedingly well.
The 11th edition of ICC's premier event
begins on the 14th of February in Australia and New
Zealand. The two trans-Tasman rivals last hosted the World Cup way
back in 1992. the green shirts out of nowhere won the title under the
inspirational and charismatic leadership(Weberian sense too) of the
legendary Imran Khan.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has named Misbah Ul Haq as
skipper for the mega event. One could argue and bicker over it, but
the fact is that in him the board has reposed confidence. Leadership
is a function of the leader; the led and the cause. Hence, it is
about Misbah-Ul-Haq , the team and the World Cup.
Misbah Ul Haq, a man known for his doggedness and
excellent temperament took over the reins of ODI cricket on the 28th
of May, 2011. He has led the team continuously since then. He
certainly has been a vital cog in Pakistan's fledgling batting line
up, amassing runs when others fail to deliver. Under his command the
ODI performances have been oscillating from good to pathetic. Much to
his credit, he has been a prolific run-scorer , but has been
chastised on many occasions. At times the criticism was justifiable
because if we look closely, there has been a negative paradigm shift
in Pakistan's ODI approach. Certainly, the captain is the most
important corollary and hence the brunt of the credit and the
opprobrium has to fall on him. However , to be fair to this dedicated
gentlemen , we must admit that the troops under his command let him
down on many instances.
With great powers come great responsibilities ; Misbah
knows this well and has never shirked his duties. The task is an
uphill one. He will be leading a mediocre, yet dangerous team. The
skipper is short of resources in his arsenal. What can he do to
eke-out the best from his boys ? What he must do to achieve an
elusive glory , something which Pakistan as a country really needs. A
country beset with terrorism and all other kinds of epidemics find
solace by seeing the men in green overhaul opponents that come their
way.
Misbah realizes the magnitude of the World Cup. He is
the linchpin of the batting as aforementioned, but there is always
room for improvement. He needs to come up and raise the bar, in both
his batting and captaincy.
When the going gets tough; Misbah has to show the way.
He has to be aggressive and proactive tactically. He has been found
wanting in regards his approach, though he is not the only one to be
blamed. Decision-making power is essential to the success of a
leader; Misbah needs to think on his feet. There is a need for more
flexibility.
Yes, vagaries in situations demand leaders to change
their tactics. Attack is the best form of defense. Misbah has to
imbibe this spirit in his team. (Mix caution with aggression)
Pakistan is beleaguered with injuries and suspensions,
which include the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Muhammad Hafeez. This will
certainly dent the likelihood of the team pulling off the cup, but
the picture is not as bleak as portrayed by the chairman.
The captain has many highly talented match winners in
his armory. The mindset needs to be tinkered with. Experienced
players like Shahid Afridi must take the mantle of responsibility and
help their skipper. Juniors must be given full confidence and they
should compliment the seniors. The captain must let them be
themselves. Greatness lies in doing something when it is most
desired. The careers of the likes of Haris Sohail and Yasir Shah can
take a great-leap forward if they are able to make a mark in the
World Cup.
A combination of bold leadership; response from the
players and luck can help the men in green replicate history. But
Misbah must rise to the occasion; he must take the bait and adopt
audacity as important element in his leadership. However , his
soldiers must stand up to his call.
All the best skipper
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