Pakistan aim to overcome ‘Big Three’ on the field
Sethi, Moin eye wins in forthcoming tournaments amid ‘looming’ challenge.
On the first day in his new role in the national team, head coach Moin Khan stated that the twin events in Bangladesh are crucial for Pakistan in the prevailing situation. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/ EXPRESS
KARACHI:
Fears of Pakistan’s isolation from international cricket have been raised after Sri Lanka made a unanimous decision to back reforms in International Cricket Council (ICC) proposed by the ‘Big Three’ – the Indian, English and Australian boards.
The development has totally isolated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is now the only governing body left that has not backed the new ICC reforms.
For many the PCB is now at the risk of isolation in international cricket and further difference of opinion can result in hefty loss for cricket.
Amid the situation, the stakeholders are desperate to win the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 to prove their worth in global cricket.
‘Need to overcome issues with performance’
On Tuesday, the team started the four-day training camp for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh where they will defend their title.
Moin Khan spoke to the media on the opening day of the camp in Lahore and started the interaction by highlighting the issue of ‘Big Three’.
“Pakistan cricket is going through a crisis,” said the head coach.
“We need support to produce good results under the circumstances.”
“Pakistan have faced difficult times in the past and I always feel it’s the responsibility of the team to keep fighting and to produce good results,” he said.
“We need to overcome the situation through our performances and prove that our cricket cannot be declined due to such issues.”
Moin vows to remove fear
Meanwhile, the former captain, who took over as the head coach last week, said his main aim will be to remove the ‘fear of failure’ from the team.
“During my last stint as manager, I noted the fear of loss among the players that needs to be removed. I will not make tall claims but I can assure all that there will be a change in attitude and more fighting spirit in the team.”
The head coach also reposed confidence in the coaching panel that also includes Moin’s former teammates, Test cricketer Shoaib Mohammad and Mohammad Akram.
“Shoaib was a very good fielder of his time. Secondly, we have batting legend Zaheer Abbas as consultant and I am confident of improvement in both departments,” he assured.
“Pakistan won the Asia Cup for the first time under my captaincy and I am hopeful the team has the ability to defend the title.”
Sethi meets Butt to consult on ICC reforms
On the other hand, the consultation process over the ICC reforms continued Tuesday as PCB chairman Najam Sethi met former chief Ijaz Butt to seek guidelines on the matter. After the meeting, Sethi termed the team’s upcoming assignments crucial in the ongoing scenario.
“It is important for us to win the Asia Cup and World T20 titles. If the team wins PCB will have value and the world would not ignore us.”
The chairman hinted that Pakistan would not surrender despite being left alone on their stance.
“We have a moral standing. If they want our vote, they will need to listen to us.”
On the other hand, Butt advised further consultation and asked PCB not to announce their decision before reaching a conclusion.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2014.
Fears of Pakistan’s isolation from international cricket have been raised after Sri Lanka made a unanimous decision to back reforms in International Cricket Council (ICC) proposed by the ‘Big Three’ – the Indian, English and Australian boards.
The development has totally isolated the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which is now the only governing body left that has not backed the new ICC reforms.
For many the PCB is now at the risk of isolation in international cricket and further difference of opinion can result in hefty loss for cricket.
Amid the situation, the stakeholders are desperate to win the Asia Cup and World Twenty20 to prove their worth in global cricket.
‘Need to overcome issues with performance’
On Tuesday, the team started the four-day training camp for the Asia Cup in Bangladesh where they will defend their title.
Moin Khan spoke to the media on the opening day of the camp in Lahore and started the interaction by highlighting the issue of ‘Big Three’.
“Pakistan cricket is going through a crisis,” said the head coach.
“We need support to produce good results under the circumstances.”
“Pakistan have faced difficult times in the past and I always feel it’s the responsibility of the team to keep fighting and to produce good results,” he said.
“We need to overcome the situation through our performances and prove that our cricket cannot be declined due to such issues.”
Moin vows to remove fear
Meanwhile, the former captain, who took over as the head coach last week, said his main aim will be to remove the ‘fear of failure’ from the team.
“During my last stint as manager, I noted the fear of loss among the players that needs to be removed. I will not make tall claims but I can assure all that there will be a change in attitude and more fighting spirit in the team.”
The head coach also reposed confidence in the coaching panel that also includes Moin’s former teammates, Test cricketer Shoaib Mohammad and Mohammad Akram.
“Shoaib was a very good fielder of his time. Secondly, we have batting legend Zaheer Abbas as consultant and I am confident of improvement in both departments,” he assured.
“Pakistan won the Asia Cup for the first time under my captaincy and I am hopeful the team has the ability to defend the title.”
Sethi meets Butt to consult on ICC reforms
On the other hand, the consultation process over the ICC reforms continued Tuesday as PCB chairman Najam Sethi met former chief Ijaz Butt to seek guidelines on the matter. After the meeting, Sethi termed the team’s upcoming assignments crucial in the ongoing scenario.
“It is important for us to win the Asia Cup and World T20 titles. If the team wins PCB will have value and the world would not ignore us.”
The chairman hinted that Pakistan would not surrender despite being left alone on their stance.
“We have a moral standing. If they want our vote, they will need to listen to us.”
On the other hand, Butt advised further consultation and asked PCB not to announce their decision before reaching a conclusion.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 19th, 2014.