Grant Flower calls out Pakistan on lack of freedom & security aspects after 5-year stint

Grant Flower said the "lack of freedom and security aspect" is the most frustrating thing about living in strife-torn Pakistan, where he has served as the national team's batting coach for five years.

In 2014, the former Zimbabwe opener was roped in to coach the Pakistan batsmen, but the country's Cricket Board (PCB) last week decided not to renew his contract.

Asked what was the most frustrating thing about living in Pakistan during an interview to a media publication, Flower replied: "The security aspect and the lack of freedom."

The former Zimbabwean cricketer termed the Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, when Pakistan defeated India in the final, his "proudest personal achievement".

Asked what he won't miss about working in Pakistan, Flower said: "Some of the backstabbings by ex-players. And a lot of the politics that happens within the TV channels, the journalists and some of the politics in the PCB itself. I won't miss those, certainly."

Flower rated number three batsman Babar Azam as the best that he has coached and also singled out Haris Sohail as an "underachiever".

READ: Mohsin Khan Throws His Hat Into The Ring For Pakistan Head Coach's Job

"He's (Babar) probably the best bloke I've ever coached - certainly the best Pakistani I've ever coached," he said.

"I think Haris Sohail is probably an underachiever - I think a lot of people haven't seen the best of him yet."

Flower also advised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to get a "stronger domestic structure in place" to maximise the potential of the players.

Mohsin Khan in contention for Pakistan head coach

Former Pakistan batsman Mohsin Khan threw his hat into the ring for the national team head coach's job left vacant after the cricket board decided not to renew South African Mickey Arthur's contract.

Mohsin, who has remained a chief selector and also the interim head coach of the national team, said at a function here that the PCB could easily find a capable person from the country to coach the national team.

"I have been offered positions twice thrice by the previous board set-up but I did not accept because I could not work with a corrupt set-up. But I am willing to work with this set-up provided they show respect to their own players," he said. 

READ: Mickey Arthur Was Assured Of Two-year Extension After World Cup But PM Imran Rejected It: Sources