Misbah-ul-Haq needs to adapt Imran Khan’s 1992 class for ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, says Shoaib Akhtar

Wellington: Former Pakistan pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar has said that current skipper Misbah-ul Haq needs to adopt Imran Khan‘s frontline approach employed by the captain in 1992 if the 2015 squad wants to win this year’s Cricket World Cup.

Imran’s young team had fought back from imminent elimination in the opening round to defeat England in the 1992 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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Akhtar claimed that the Pakistan team is passing through a very difficult phase after having also lost Mohammad Hafeez, adding that the onus is now on Misbah to set the tone with frontline performances, Stuff.co.nz reported.

Akhtar said that Imran lifted a deflated side in 1992 to win the World Cup with some great frontline performances, adding that he hopes Misbah can do the same with this troubled side.

Pakistan have not been tipped to be the favourites even at this year’s World Cup, despite having talent up their sleeve, although they are unpredictable. Their preparations have been hit by injuries to several bowlers, including all-rounder Hafeez and paceman Junaid Khan.

Ace off-spinner Saeed Ajmal had been banned due to an illegal bowling action but was cleared to bowl again on Saturday after passing biomechanic tests. However, having pulled out of Pakistan’s World Cup squad in December, he can only be called into the squad if another player withdraws injured.

Pakistan will begin their World Cup campaign against archrivals and defending champions India in Adelaide on February 15, the report added.