Following a commendable World Cup campaign, the Pakistan team returned home to a tumultuous welcome as hundreds of fans gathered outside the Karachi airport early Friday morning to greet their national heroes.
However, the fans returned disappointed after failing to catch a glimpse of the players who were taken from another terminal due to security concerns, with some of the players then flying to Lahore.
They later gathered outside the residence of captain Shahid Afridi and gave him a warm welcome as he came to speak to the media.
‘Team performed more than expectations’
Commenting on the team’s performance, Afridi expressed satisfaction with the overall show.
“We performed better than expected, considering the crisis which the team faced ahead of the World Cup. Restricting India to just 260 was a great effort by the bowlers.
“We could have achieved the target had the batsmen avoided some irresponsible shots.”
Misbah defended, Shoaib criticised
Afridi, however, defended his deputy Misbahul Haq who is receiving a huge share of blame for the team’s loss to India.
“There was nothing wrong with Misbah’s batting. He just wanted to take the game till the end and we were waiting to play a couple of overs before the Powerplay but things didn’t go in our favour.”
Meanwhile, the captain admitted that he felt the team also needs a batting coach.
“Batting remained our main concern throughout the tournament.
“We really need a batting coach who can help us improve our batting performance.”
Afridi also expressed his discontent on the timing of fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s decision to announce his retirement from international cricket, saying it should have been done before or after the tournament and not in the middle of it.
Captain yet to decide on Windies tour
The all-rounder said he would announce his decision whether to join the team for this month’s tour of the West Indies in the upcoming days.
“I need to rest for couple of days before making the decision,” he said before advising senior players to withdraw from the tour.
“The seniors should sit out the tour after a hectic schedule. The youngsters showing good performance in domestic cricket should get chance for this tour.”
UDRS questioned
Meanwhile, after landing at the Lahore airport, fast-bowler Wahab Riaz termed his five-wicket haul in the semi-final “a memorable feeling” which will always inspire him to do better.
He said the team performed well in the World Cup but “sadly” his career best did not help his team to reach the final.
However, off-spinner Saeed Ajmal questioned the umpire referral system that resulted in a reversed decision on a leg-before against Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar.
“I have no idea how the hawk eye works but I was hundred per cent sure that it was out,” said Ajmal.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 2nd, 2011.
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