Moin Khan-the manger of Pakistan, wants Pakistan team to improve
before World Cup
KARACHI: September 6: Pakistan's chief of selectors and manager Moin
Khan has called for bold steps to lift the team's performance ahead of
next year's World Cup following a disastrous tour of Sri Lanka.
Pakistan lost the two-match Test series 0-2 and went down 1-2 in
one-day internationals on last month's tour, a failure which Khan said
will affect World Cup preparations.
"Naturally it has an effect on their minds," Khan told reporters
after meeting Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman as part of a review
of the tour.
"Time is short for the World Cup and we have to take bold steps and
we will take bold steps in the betterment of Pakistan cricket," said
Khan.
"Everyone will try his best to understand and as soon as possible
improve it in the next series," said Khan, warning that underperforming
players could be under threat.
Pakistan next play Australia and New Zealand - both in United Arab
Emirates - from October to December.
Asked if Misbah-ul Haq should be changed as one-day captain, Khan
said: "That is not my domain. If my feedback is sought, only then will I
say."
Khan said the team had enjoyed stability under Misbah but
acknowledged the skipper was in poor form.
"After a long time Misbah's performance has slid. If you look in the
past his performance was very good, his being an anchor role, and he has
performed in crisis," said Khan.
Misbah has come under fire for poor show on the tour, managing just
67 in the two Tests and the same number of runs in the three one-day
internationals.
At 40, Misbah is not the man for the future but PCB chairman
Shaharyar Khan backed him to lead the team in the World Cup in Australia
and New Zealand in February-March.
Khan backed newly appointed head coach Waqar Younis and the support
staff, which also included former Zimbabwe opener Grant Flower as
batting coach.
Fast bowling legend Waqar was appointed for a second stint as head
coach in May, after leading Pakistan to the semi-final of the 2011 World
Cup during his first spell.
"He has his contribution but we have to give him time, his plans have
clarity and he has been working on every individual," said Khan.
A pressing worry for Pakistan is star spinner Saeed Ajmal, currently
being investigated for a suspect bowling action.
Ajmal was tested in a biomechanical lab in Australia last month and
if he is banned, Pakistan's bowling attack will be severely weakened.
Khan said selectors had been scouring Pakistani domestic cricket and
identified "two or three" possible alternatives. |