Moin confident of charges’ ability to bounce back

Chief selector optimistic about Pakistan’s chances at the World Cup.

KARACHI:

Pakistan team’s chief selector Moin Khan is confident that the squad will bounce back in the World Cup in spite of their mediocre performances of late.

Moin, who was part of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup winning team, said that he is still hopeful of good results in the mega event even after the team suffered a 2-0 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand recently.

“The team will bounce back in the World Cup,” said Moin. “Injuries and suspensions have certainly dented our original plans, so we’re trying to come up with a good combination instead of being disheartened.”



The former Test player stressed that the team was selected from the best available group of players keeping in mind both performances and fitness, but unfortunately some players broke down, which is part and parcel of the game.

Moin went on to say that the exit of all-rounder Muhammad Hafeez – who was prohibited from bowling due to his illegal action but permitted to bat – due to a hamstring injury has been a big blow as he was an integral part of the team.

He added that the team management believed that Hafeez would have cleared his action after modifying his bowling style, but the untimely injury spoiled all chances.

Hafeez has been replaced by Nasir Jamshed, while Rahat Ali has come in for Junaid Khan, who was unable to pass a fitness test.

“After Hafeez’s departure, we needed an experienced batsman, which is why we’ve brought in Jamshed,” said Moin. “The fact that he is a left-hander is an added advantage.

“As far as Rahat is concerned, he has been inducted because we believe there is potential in him, although he hasn’t played much one-day cricket.”

Keeping the team’s spirits high

Moin revealed that skipper Misbahul Haq and head coach Waqar Younis have high hopes from the present team and are trying to motivate everyone on a daily basis.

The former skipper further said that he and Mushtaq Ahmed – another member of the 1992 World Cup winning team – have been sharing their experiences with the players to keep them inspired.

“Mushtaq, Waqar and I were all in the 1992 squad, but Waqar was withdrawn at the last moment so he was unlucky,” he said. “However, we have been encouraging players by relating our experiences with them. These are the best available players of Pakistan and we have to back them.”

Reflecting on their World Cup opener against arch-rivals India on February 15, Moin termed it an opportunity for each and every player to become a hero for their fans back home.

“No doubt there is always big pressure in Pakistan-India match, but as a player you need to enjoy the moment and take it as a challenge,” he said. “It’s better to take that pressure positively and treat it as a life-changing moment; only then you can perform well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 11^th,  2015.

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