Cricket: Give Hafeez time to shine, says manager

Cheema backs under-fire captain following opening T20 loss.

KARACHI:

Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema said that newly appointed captain Muhammad Hafeez should be given time to prove his leadership credentials after a disappointing start to the tour which saw the tourists lose the opening Twenty20 by 37 runs.

Hafeez was dismissed off the first ball of the innings and made some questionable decisions on the field but Cheema believes that he will learn the trade with time as he settles in his new role.

“The loss hurt all of us but people should understand that we have a new leader and a new team so they need time to gel,” Cheema told The Express Tribune adding that Hafeez enjoyed the support of all players including the seniors and the team management which would help him prosper in his new role after Misbahul Haq was dropped from the format.

“The mood in the camp is good and we’re looking to make amends for our mistakes. We need to capitalise on the chances that come our way.”

Cheema refused to confirm if any changes will be made for today’s match.

“We’ll make the decision after analysing the pitch but we have some exciting players on the bench who have the ability to do well if fielded.”

Pakistan will be looking to pick up the pieces and adhere to a more determined batting display when they lock horns with Sri Lanka for the 2nd Twenty20 International today.

While home advantage and the psychological impact of Friday’s win will make the Lankans favourites for the match, Pakistan will hope to click in all departments and square the series.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 3^rd, 2012.