Misbah advocates formation of players' union

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's test and one-day captain Misbah-ul-Haq has advocated the formation of a players' union as he believe it will help reduce the controversies that plague the country's cricket team.

"A players association with the right people in place can do a lot in Pakistan cricket," Misbah told a private sports channel in an interview.

"It can improve communication between players, management and board. It can educate and guide players on contentious issues. It can lead to reduction in the controversies and scandals that hit Pakistan cricket."

About the recent controversies hitting Pakistan cricket, Misbah said there was need for better communication between players, management and Pakistan Cricket Board.

He has also advised his teammates to understand and comprehend the clauses of Pakistan Cricket Board's central contract before signing the document.

"I would advise all players to consult their elders or even lawyers if they don't understand the clauses of the contracts. It is a binding agreement with the board. Once you sign it than it is no use complaining afterwards about it," he added.

Misbah admitted the controversies Pakistan Cricket has gone through over the last few years had affected the performance of national side.

"It has been a torture at times because such things do affect our image and people talk about it. There are people who pass remarks on the roads and it affects your performance," he said.

He lauded his teammates for adjusting to these pressures and trying hard to perform on the field. "The performances we have given in recent months are very good," he said.

To a question about nature of existing central contracts, Misbah refused to comment. "I think these are issues that can be sorted out with better communication. What I think about the contract, I should be talking about it directly to the board not in the media," he said.

He said the lines of communication between team management, players and the selection committee needed to be clear and open, Misbah said, in reference to the dispute between Afridi and the board.

"I think it is important for a captain, coach or manager and players to know their job descriptions and responsibilities. They must know where they stand. They must also be communicating with each other all the time on any issue," he said.

The 37-year old said he would continue playing as long as he was fit and able to do justice to his team. "I don't want to hang around preventing some young player from coming in. The day I feel enough is enough and I am not doing justice I will quit."

"I am only going on in international cricket because at my age I am still passionate about the sport and see playing at the top level as a big challenge," he said.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2011