Pakistan team management has decided against extensive training ahead of the West Indies tour as the players gather in Lahore for a two-day camp that starts tomorrow. Pakistan visit the Caribbean for a series of two Tests, five One-Day Internationals (ODI) and a Twenty20.
Intikhab Alam, the team manager, said the players could not be burdened after a hectic schedule that has seen tours to England, UAE, New Zealand and the World Cup in the last eight months.
“We don’t want to put burden on the players as there is little time left,” Alam told The Express Tribune. “The camp will be a sort of get-together where players will undergo light exercises only. The decision has been taken to allow some rest to the players who have spent a very hectic schedule recently.”
Pakistan leave for the West Indies on April 14 before playing a warm-up game four days later.
Alam said the team will get ample time before the five-match ODI series starts from April 23.
“The team will have time to practise before the start of the tour.”
Shafiq ready for bigger task
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Asad Shafiq has said he was ready to anchor the team’s fragile batting in absence of former captain Younis Khan. The promising middle-order batsman drew praise after his performance in the World Cup where he scored 154 runs at an average of 77.
“I’m aware of the responsibility and I’m ready,” Shafiq told The Express Tribune in an interview.
“Our batting is still experienced enough with the presence of Misbah and I’m ready to support him in the middle overs.”
The 25-year-old, who was dismissed for 46 and 30 against Australia and India respectively, was disappointed on failing to convert a good start.
“I was well set against Australia and India but failed to convert my innings,” added Shafiq who hoped for a better show against West Indies.
“It’s an important tour for me. I haven’t scored a century yet and would look to break the jinx,” said the right-handed batsman who has played 16 ODIs and three Tests for Pakistan.
Shafiq said he was inspired by Mohammad Yousuf and modelled his batting on the former captain.
“Yousuf is my role model and I learnt a lot by watching his batting.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 11th, 2011.
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