Pakistan legends Javed Miandad and Misbah ul Haq backed Babar Azam on Tuesday, saying the captain shouldn’t be held solely chargeable for the group’s poor efficiency within the just lately concluded Asia Cup as a result of cricket is a group sport. Speaking to the media at a match of the 40’s Global Cricket Event, Miandad and Misbah each suggested the nation’s cricket authorities to not panic.
“Why blame Babar Azam only when the rest of the team didn’t perform as well in the Asia Cup matches against India and Sri Lanka,” Miandad stated.
Both stalwarts, who’ve competed in World Cups in India, suggested the gamers to not let the prospect of competing within the mega-event in India have an effect on them psychologically.
“Look our team is not as bad as it played in the Asia Cup. It has plenty of potential to do well in the World Cup. The only thing is how quickly our players cope and adjust to playing in Indian conditions before big crowds and in a country where they will encounter some hostility,” Miandad added.
Miandad, who served three phrases as Pakistan’s coach, stated the group members ought to pay attention to their efficiency on the Asia Cup and make preparations for the World Cup.
“The sooner this suspense about the final squad is ended the better it is for us in the mega-event,” Miandad stated.
After simply two defeats within the Asia Cup, he claimed, Pakistan cricket was in useless panic whereas different groups had revealed their squads and appeared secure. Misbah additionally stated that Pakistan would solely do nicely if everybody within the squad contributed collectively.
“Don’t just expect Babar to perform every time. This is not possible. This team has been successful as a collective unit and they must remember that even in India,” he stated. He said that Babar had been captain for 3 years and that he would solely get higher at tactical and management selections with time.
“Now is not the time to talk about his captaincy. He is someone who can be relied upon in the World Cup as a captain and batsman.” The former captain additionally believed that speculations and discussions about division within the locker room, in addition to rumours a few participant leaking inside data, would solely hurt group morale.
“I have worked with these players as captain, coach and chief selector and I back them to do well in the World Cup,” Misbah stated.
Published On:
Sep 19, 2023
