DHAKA: As Bangladesh clinched a historic series win over Pakistan on Sunday, head coach Waqar Younis had to give in to the criticism from all quarters.
He admitted that the team was in ‘trouble’.
“I accept what the critics’ say, Pakistan cricket is facing problems,” Waqar said in an interview to the local media.
“Pakistan need to change the way it plays cricket. Our cricketing style is very defensive and it will take us time to get free from this mindset,” he added.
The defensive playing style is not the only worry for Pakistan though. The national team is currently facing a ‘fitness crisis’ of sorts which has meant the coach has not been able to pick the best side.
Pacemen Sohail Khan, Ehsan Adil, leg-spinner Yasir Shah and middle-order batsman Sohaib Maqsood were ruled out due to injuries for the series against Bangladesh.
Right before the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, Pakistan’s camp had been affected by fitness issues, resulting in the nonavailability of seasoned players such as Umar Gul, Junaid Khan and Mohammad Hafeez.
“Our team’s biggest problem is fitness and we will not compromise in ensuring that each and every player is match fit,” he said.
Waqar rejected the idea of looking back at the ‘tried and tested’ lot following the historic series defeat against Bangladesh. “There is no need to look back,” he said, adding: “We have to move forward with younger players.”
Pakistan is scheduled to play the third and the final One-Day International against Bangladesh on Wednesday, April 22, at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka.
