LAHORE: With Pakistani team being part of so many controversies of late and their One Day Internationals skipper Shahid Khan Afridi complaining of not getting players of his liking in the national squad, Pakistani cricket fans are as loyal as ever.
Wasim Akram
And when they are urged by none other than cricket hero Wasim Akram, they are all on the back of their national cricketers for the ICC World Cup 2011 to be staged jointly by India, Sri Lanka, andBangladesh.
Talking to reporters in a rallying call during a ceremony unveiling the ICC World Cup trophy here Monday, the legendary former left-arm fast bowler asked the national to get behind their cricketers ahead of the biggest tournament.
“Let’s forget the problems that have dented Pakistan cricket in recent days and support our national team with a renewed trust and a positive frame of mind for the World Cup title”, Wasim said.
Wasim Akram
A spot fixing crisis dented Pakistan in August when the national team was touring England. Due to the allegations made by a British tabloid News of the World, the International Cricket Council suspended three of the crucial Pakistani players including Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, and young Mohammad Aamir.
If that wasn’t enough, the ICC also stopped the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) from selecting Shoaib Malik and Kamran Akmal for the New Zealand tour pushing Pakistan cricket further into the turmoil. It is highly unlikely that the PCB gets ICC clearance for the selection of the duo for the flagship event.
Wasim was of the view that Pakistan is one team that can surprise any top team on any given day and said that off-the-field problems have definitely marred the preparations but there is still hope for a remarkable Pakistan comeback.
