Pakistan’s manager Intikhab Alam has expressed confidence that Pakistan’s cricket is heading in the right direction as the team managed to draw the two Test series against South Africa in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.
Alam believes that the draw will help in increasing the players’ confidence which in turn would establish a strong platform for the team to work upon after some very turbulent months for its cricket.
Pakistan’s cricket has been in the news for the past five months for all the wrong reasons. The summer tour of England was not highlighted for their play but for the allegations on the captain and its fast bowlers as they were exposed by a British tabloid.The International Cricket Council issued suspension notices to former Test captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer for spot-fixing allegations.
The ICC also gave an ultimatum to Pakistan Cricket Board to straighten up their act and review their management policies. PCB was directed to include anti-corruption codes and regulate the players in order to curb out disciplinary problems and corruption.
The ICC had threatened to impose sanctions if the PCB failed to carry out measures that would regulate the game. However, Pakistani cricket’s problems did not end here as the recently concluded tour against South Africa was also rocked by controversy.
Young Pakistani wicketkeeper, Zulqarnain Haider decided to run away from Dubai in the deciding One Day match as he claimed that he received threatening messages from a “potential bookie” against himself and his family back home. It is still a mystery as to why he did not inform the team players or the management. He announced his retirement from international cricket upon arriving at London.
Alam pointed out Haider’s episode, saying that the morale of the team hit rock bottom when they discovered that the wicketkeeper was missing. But now, the team is working towards progression and has been exuding positive attitude.
The manager said that PCB is happy with the fact that the players are showing good behaviour on and off the field and are now performing with responsibility.
He also praised current Test captain; Misbah-ul-Haq saying that many people questioned his ability to lead the side but the way he has been interacting with the players and performing on the field has finally silenced all his critics.
Alam also told the media that the squad will be participating in a training camp in Lahore to prepare for the tour of New Zealand which begins from 26 December.
Alam believes that the draw will help in increasing the players’ confidence which in turn would establish a strong platform for the team to work upon after some very turbulent months for its cricket.
Pakistan’s cricket has been in the news for the past five months for all the wrong reasons. The summer tour of England was not highlighted for their play but for the allegations on the captain and its fast bowlers as they were exposed by a British tabloid.The ICC also gave an ultimatum to Pakistan Cricket Board to straighten up their act and review their management policies. PCB was directed to include anti-corruption codes and regulate the players in order to curb out disciplinary problems and corruption.
The ICC had threatened to impose sanctions if the PCB failed to carry out measures that would regulate the game. However, Pakistani cricket’s problems did not end here as the recently concluded tour against South Africa was also rocked by controversy.
Young Pakistani wicketkeeper, Zulqarnain Haider decided to run away from Dubai in the deciding One Day match as he claimed that he received threatening messages from a “potential bookie” against himself and his family back home. It is still a mystery as to why he did not inform the team players or the management. He announced his retirement from international cricket upon arriving at London.
Alam pointed out Haider’s episode, saying that the morale of the team hit rock bottom when they discovered that the wicketkeeper was missing. But now, the team is working towards progression and has been exuding positive attitude.
The manager said that PCB is happy with the fact that the players are showing good behaviour on and off the field and are now performing with responsibility.
He also praised current Test captain; Misbah-ul-Haq saying that many people questioned his ability to lead the side but the way he has been interacting with the players and performing on the field has finally silenced all his critics.
Alam also told the media that the squad will be participating in a training camp in Lahore to prepare for the tour of New Zealand which begins from 26 December.
