‘Pakistan are World Cup underdogs’

Scandals including spot-fixing issue have marred the team’s preparations for the World Cup.

KARACHI: A combination of ordinary form and controversies faced by Pakistan prior to the World Cup will unfortunately see the 1992 champions now entering the mega event as underdogs, according to batting legend Zaheer Abbas.

“Pakistan are in no way the favourites to win the World Cup,” said the former captain. “In fact it is even going be really difficult for the side to keep going right from the beginning of the tournament.”

Abbas, the Asian Bradman, said a series of scandals including the spot-fixing scandal have marred the team’s preparations for the World Cup that is to be jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh from February 19. “Pakistan do not have ideal preparations and their chances have been largely diminished by controversies.”

‘Embattled trio will be missed’

Abbas also rued the absence of the suspended trio – former captain Salman Butt and fast-bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir. “The team will also sorely miss the experience and talent of the three players who are unlikely to take part in the game’s most prestigious tournament due to the spot-fixing case,” said Abbas.

“And hence now it is not appropriate to even compare our side with tournament favourites like India, Australia, South Africa and England,as they are playing very well at the moment.”

‘Performance in NZ below-par’

The former captain also expressed his dissatisfaction with the team’s performance in the ongoing tour of New Zealand despite a convincing victory in the third One-Day International (ODI).  “Pakistan should have made a clean sweep against the Kiwis in the ODIs given that they have suffered from a recent slump in form.”

“I am really disappointed with the way the team lost in the first ODI against New Zealand. This kind of performance will do little to help them win major tournaments.”



However, Abbas took a complete u-turn in the captaincy row and backed Afridi to be selected as the side’s leader for the World Cup which is due to start on February 19.

Earlier, the former captain became the most vocal supporter of Test captain Misbahul Haq for the World Cup captaincy after he played a leading role in the team’s victory in the series against New Zealand.

He said the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should continue with Afridi as the team’s leader. He also added it would not be appropriate to change the captain at this moment. “The board has delayed the announcement for so long that now it should just continue with Afridi leading the team.

“Making a crucial change at the last moment is only going to hurt the team’s prospects.”

Youngsters to perform well in tournament

The former captain hoped the inclusion of youngsters in the team would pay off in the tournament, a silver lining for the side as they take on the World Cup.

“I am very hopeful that our youngsters, who are very talented, will perform well.”

Pakistan selectors ignored experienced batsman Mohammad Yousuf to pave way for rookie opener Ahmed Shehzad in the team that also has youngster Asad Shafiq. Abbas added that Pakistan should capitalise on the added benefit of familiar cricketing conditions during the tournament.

“Conditions in the World Cup venues are similar to those in Pakistan and this will definitely go in our favour,” said Abbas, while hoping for a good performance from the team.  “Despite the odds, I still hope our team returns home bearing the trophy.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st, 2011.