Pakistan pacer Wahab Riaz has shrugged off any possibility of pressure on the national squad as they revisit England for a full tour for the first time after the famous spot-fixing saga in 2010 which brought disgrace to the country’s cricket.
The left-armer believed that the players will fight off any negative vibes from the crowd with ‘a smile on their face’.
Pakistan kick off their tour with a three-day match against English county side Somerset on July 3 and will later on take on England in four Tests, five ODIs and may possibly face hostile chants from the English crowd and pressure from the local media.
However, Wahab believed that the Pakistan squad is relaxed and united to cope up with extra pressures if any come on their way and they will take this tour like any other.
“It’s going to be the same [as any match], it’s going to be nothing different. If you play cricket and enjoy your cricket, you are able to perform. If you take the stress, or are worried about other things, you are not able to perform,” the 30-year-old told ESPNCricinfo.
“You can see the laugh on my face,” he added.
Wahab, who will partner with Mohammad Amir in Pakistan’s pace attack, believed that his compatriot, who was one of the three convicted cricketers in the spot-fixing case, will have the team’s full support.
The fast-bowler said that even if the crowd makes its feelings known in a negative manner, the Pakistan players will grin and bear it.
“Obviously you cannot say anything to the crowd, people come there to watch the cricket, they have their own right to do whatever – to celebrate, or wish you good luck or wish you bad luck – so that’s not in our hands,” he said.
“As a team, as a squad of 17 plus our team management, all of us are going to support Mohammad Amir,” added Wahab.
