Misbah said almost the same bunch of players were responsible for Pakistan winning in the previous series and the criticism was disappointing. PHOTO: AFP
KARACHI: Criticism poured in from all quarters after Pakistan failed miserably at the ICC Champions Trophy, but Misbahul Haq said the team was preparing to make amends and bounce back.
The Pakistan captain, who returned from England early morning yesterday, said the batsmen’s failure was the reason behind the unsuccessful campaign that saw his side lose all their three group matches.
“We just need proper planning and will have to learn how to play in different conditions,” said Misbah. “This is what happened in England where our batsmen completely failed to counter the conditions. We failed to make 200 in all our matches and this is a worrying sign. Batting has always been our problem but by rectifying the issue we can be a better side.”
Speaking about building a team for the 2015 World Cup, Misbah said there was no reason why the team could not aim for the title — something the captain said before the Champions Trophy as well.
“Why shouldn’t they? Fans can hope a title at the World Cup,” said the captain, when asked about the team’s chances in the global event to be held in Australia and New Zealand. “There are still two years left, which are enough to build a good team.”
However, Misbah expressed his discontent on the criticism levelled at the team.
“The team is almost the same bunch of players who did well in the last few series that Pakistan won. Whenever the team loses criticism is levelled which shouldn’t be the case.
“There was no favouritism or political pressure in team selection and the combination was picked with the interests of the team in mind.”
Meanwhile, the captain hinted at changes for the upcoming tour of the West Indies where Pakistan contest five One-Day Internationals and a couple of Twenty20s.
“The selection committee has been working on it. I will also sit with the selectors and consider including new players. The selection will be made keeping the World Cup in mind.”
The captain also expressed disappointment at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to ignore Pakistan as hosts for its events until 2023.
“As a cricketer and Pakistani, it’s very dejecting. We have suffered a lot due to the isolation.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2013.
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Lols. Just keep losing matches but not hope. How ironic