Published: Apr 28, 2016, 03:51 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 28, 2016, 04:02 PM (IST)
Pakistan cricket and controversies go hand-in-hand. Pakistan’s dismal run in the Asia Cup 2016 and ICC World T20 2016 have left fans disappointed. Blame games have been a part of Pakistani cricket and indiscipline has hampered their growth.
In a report on his two-year tenure as Pakistan coach, Waqar Younis, who recently resigned from the position, blamed the then Twenty20 (T20) skipper Shahid Afridi for the side’s poor run. That is not all, he also asked authorities to drop the undisciplined Umar Akmal from the side.
A report from PTI presented excerpts of the content of Waqar’s hard-hitting report.
On Afridi
“We lost New Zealand, Asia Cup and T20 World Cup due to poor captaincy. On several occasions, I had made it clear that Shahid Afridi was not performing with bat, ball or captaincy but I was not listened to. Poor tactics, really cost us matches. Meeting was held after the NZ T20 series where the boys emphasised that they felt confused with what the captain was telling them to do.”
“Shahid Afridi did not attend few meetings or practice, a captain leads from the front, not like this. It was unfair how he played Mohammad Nawaz during the game, which destroyed the youngster’s confidence.”
“He was so fixated on his own performance that he did not execute any game plan or use the right players at the right time. His sudden decisions on changing the batting order or field placements did not help the team.”
“He appeared to be under so much pressure and playing poorly as well, it really reflected poorly on the team. The whole team morale was down because they all felt the pressure from the captain. No matter how many times I talk to the players, it is the captain who has to lead the boys on the field and execute plans.”
On Umar Akmal
“Umar Akmal was asked by Haroon Rasheed (former chief selector) to come the next day for fitness test to join the team in Sri Lanka for ODIs, instead he chose to catch a flight to Caribbean for a lucrative league without informing anyone. Few months later, when he was caught in the Hyderabad incident or misbehaving with his domestic team coach, all times he managed to retain his place back in team. Is this what criteria we are setting for selection of new players?”
“Andrew Symonds was a very talented player for Australia or Kevin Pietersen for England but due to their behaviour they were dropped and never picked again irrespective of their talent. Are we bold enough to take this step or do we fear media or pressure from different people to play certain players? I can assure you that sacrificing one Umar Akmal will allow us to develop other players who can truly and proudly wear the star on their chest and represent Pakistan.”
On Pakistan Super League
“There was no training by the boys during the PSL, it was more a holiday for them. They came to the Asia Cup tired and unfit.”
