Waqar Younis fells World T20 exit brings big changes in Pakistan cricket

Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis today hoped that the early exit of Pakistan from the ICC T20 World Cup 2016 would help all stakeholders to take corrective measures and arrest the team’s steady slide.

“Of course, it is disappointing (to be out of the tournament). Last match (against New Zealand) was more disappointing than this one. Of course, we made bowling mistakes today, conceded a lot in the last 5-6 overs. We gave runs after taking wickets. We could have stopped them at 165-170 but the bowlers bowled off the plan,” said Waqar, after the team’s 21 run loss to Australia, who posted 193/4 in 20 overs.

He was expectedly asked about the reason for decline in Pakistan cricket and one of the reasons he feels is national team not getting an opportunity to play home series in the country post terrorist attackin 2009.

“Whatever we say now will sound like an excuse. There has been no cricket in Pakistan in the last six-seven years and the consequences of that are starting to show. If you look at it deeply, we had match winners like Muhammad Hafeez, who could bowl earlier and Saeed Ajmal.

“There is a bit of decline. it is very important to address it. We need to see where the infrastructure and domestic cricket is headed,” said the former captain.

Waqar, who had slammed his team after the New Zealand loss, hopes the selectors do the needful going ahead. Asked to compare Pakistan with other teams in the competition, he said:

“I think the difference in the team is clear. We are not the best of fielding side. I think the selectors need think deep about it. When you pick someone you have to look at the fielding aspect also. We need to bring in youngsters. These tournaments bring the required changes and hopefully it does the same for Pakistan cricket.” He did not reveal much when asked about his future with the team.

“As far as my future is concerned, I will go back home and meet the PCB chairman and other officials and then we will see,” he said.

On captain Shahid Afridi’s retirement plans, Waqar said: “What I have heard is going to go back and do a press conference in Pakistan and decide what his future plans are.”

He also scotched rift rumours in the team.

“There is no truth in that. I am amazed that these rumours are being spread. We are not playing good cricket. Lets put it to that.”

He ended by talking about the virtual quarterfinal between India and Australia here on Sunday.

“They both are very fine sides. Not just recently, they have been playing tough cricket against each other for a while. I think it will be a good game,” Waqar added.