Pakistan cricket might be in turmoil after Shahid Afridi's controversial sacking as captain and his subsequent retirement, but new skipper Misbah-ul-Haq says the national team is on the right path and improving by the day.
Published: Jun 14, 2011, 01:08 PM (IST)
Edited: Jun 14, 2011, 01:08 PM (IST)
Misbah-ul-Haq during a practice session © Getty Images
Karachi: Jun 14, 2011
Pakistan cricket might be in turmoil after Shahid Afridi’s controversial sacking as captain and his subsequent retirement, but new skipper Misbah-ul-Haq says the national team is on the right path and improving by the day.
Misbah, who returned home on Saturday, after leading the team in the Test series in the West Indies and the one-day series in Ireland in place of Afridi, also backed the role of the team management.
“The role of the team management is important but the players’ performance on the field matters the most,” he told a TV channel.
“The management has been very supportive. They draft a strategy but to achieve favourable result, the onus is on the players to deliver on the field. Actually it’s a combined effort,” he said.
“The attitude of the players is equally important along with the performance,” added Misbah, who was appointed captain of the ODI team last month.
Misbah, however, declined to comment on the ongoing row between Afridi and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The PCB appointed Test skipper Misbah as the ODI captain last month for the short tour of Ireland where Pakistan whitewashed the home team 2-0.
“The result is speaking itself and I am satisfied with the performance. The team combination worked out very well and the young players are getting better with experience,” said Misbah.
“The consistency shown by the side is a heartening sign. Overall the team is moving in the right direction,” concluded the 37-year-old skipper.
© PTI
