Arif Ali—AFP
National team coach says authorities must examine domestic cricket and infrastructure in light of recent losses.
Coach Waqar Younis on Friday lamented the decline of Pakistan cricket after his team was knocked out of the World Twenty20 with a disappointing 21-run defeat against Australia.
A wayward Pakistan let Australia off the hook after having them in early trouble at 57-3 in the must-win group tie at Mohali. The Aussies were quick to capitalize on some shoddy bowling and fielding, posting a commanding 193-4 before restricting Shahid Afridi’s men to 172-8.
The early ouster of the 2009 champions from the tournament has put skipper Afridi as well as Younis under pressure, with both likely to lose their jobs sooner than later. Younis, a dreaded fast bowler in his playing days, did not mince his words as he called for an overhaul back home.
“We have just lost the match and whatever I say will look like an excuse,” Younis, 44, said at a post-match press conference. “If we think deeply we will see that Pakistan hasn’t seen any international cricket for last seven-eight years and that has hurt us. And that has started showing now. Earlier we had match winners like Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez who could bowl. Yes, I would say that Pakistan cricket is in a bit of a decline and we need to control it. We will have to look at our domestic cricket and infrastructure.”
Pakistan finished their campaign with three defeats from four outings, including a loss at the hands of arch foes India in Kolkata. Their preparations were not helped by their late departure in a row over security and Pakistan have not been able to play a major cricket nation since a deadly attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.
There were flashes of individual brilliance from players like Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Amir during the tournament in India but the team failed to fire as a unit, prompting speculation of a rift in the dressing room.
Younis was quick to dismiss such talk, insisting all was well with his team. “I don’t think there is any truth in these talks,” he said. “Even I am a bit surprised and disappointed that such rumors are being spread. We are not playing good cricket and that’s the bottom line. And as a result of this we have to face all this.”
On his own job being on the line, Younis said he would call on the Pakistan Cricket Board chief soon “and see what needs to be done.”