Iqbal Qasim praises Aaqib's strategy in Pak win over Eng

Former spinner says this victory has boosted everyone's morale

KARACHI:

Pakistan's cricket team recently celebrated a much-needed victory against England in second Test match played at Multan, bringing joy to fans who had been frustrated by a long losing streak.

Former cricketer Iqbal Qasim expressed his thoughts on this win, stating, "The most important thing is that Pakistan has not won for a long time, and people's frustration had increased. Selectors, managers, and coaches had been criticized. This victory has boosted everyone's morale. Now, people are once again standing to support their team."

Iqbal Qasim also discussed the strategy for upcoming matches. He pointed out that during home series, Pakistan often creates spin-friendly pitches, which help spinners perform better. He said, "Whenever Pakistan has a home series, there is always at least one Test match where they create spin-friendly wickets. I, Qadir, and Tauseef played in such matches. After that, Saqlain Mushtaq and others also played. My point is that this strategy wasn't considered in the last 3.5 years when it should have been."

He praised the team's new strategy developed by Aqib Javed, which not only led to the recent win but also improved the players' morale.

"Anyway, it's a good sign that Aqib Javed has developed a strategy that has helped win the match and also improved morale. Most importantly, the spinners who had been discarded and hadn't played for 2-3 years have been recalled, given a job, and they stepped up," he further added.

Looking ahead, Qasim mentioned plans to prepare the pitch for series-decider.

"Now, the next strategy is that the big fans have been placed, and efforts are being made to dry out the wicket, aiming to create a spin-friendly surface. Although the pitch in Rawalpindi typically favors seam bowlers, but we can maneuver things; we can soften the soil. Efforts are being made, and in my opinion the same team should play in Rawalpindi that played in Multan," he concluded.

Injured Mir Hamza

Pakistan pacer Mir Hamza has been officially released from the national Test squad after experiencing discomfort in his right leg, just ahead of the ongoing third and final Test against England in Rawalpindi.

Hamza, who had reported slight discomfort before the match, was unable to participate in training sessions, and will now undergo rehabilitation in Karachi under the supervision of the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) medical team.

The left-arm pacer was observed performing rehabilitation exercises during Pakistan's practice session on Tuesday. Instead of bowling, Hamza focused on strengthening his glutes under the guidance of physiotherapist Cliffe Deacon, utilizing resistance bands in exercises such as glute bridges and clam shells.

According to PCB sources, Hamza is expected to need around three weeks for a full recovery, which casts doubt over his availability for Pakistan's upcoming white-ball tour of Australia.