KARACHI (APP) – Pakistan team needed strong backing from all quarters for achieving good results in the ongoing Cricket World Cup, Najam Sethi, Chairman Executive Committee of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Sunday.
“Without the positive backing of the nation former cricketers, experts and the media, Pakistan team cannot achieve their objective and desired goals and reach the quarterfinals,” he told APP in an interview.
He said Pakistan team was not among the favorites in the global event but they proved their prowess against Proteases with a wonderful victory.
“Pakistan team was under stress after losing the opening two games against India and the West Indies after lethal criticism,” he maintained.
“Winning three matches in row after poor start was great comeback by our team,” he commended.
He said Pakistan team clicked almost every area of the game which brought glory for the country.
He admitted the change in selection changed the fortunes of the team.
He lauded the heroics of Sarfraz Ahmed for leading from the front after was not included in the first three games. “Sarfraz played an attacking and outstanding knock and was awesome behind the stumps with record-equaling performances with half a dozen catches,” ex-PCB Chairman, said.
Najam Sethi said Pakistan pace quartet of Irfan, Rahat, Wahab and Sohail really bowled well and keeper supported them. He credited chief coach Waqar Younis bowler’s superb show.
“The body language of of team was good from outset and Misbah looked very proactive and his quick changes in bowling proved successful,” he pointed out.
He said it was the demand of the public and even the PCB Chairman to include Sarfraz Ahmed and he proved to his potential and his class on his World Cup debut.
He admitted that Pakistan team got some batting problems. “But with a win over South Africa, confidence of the team will be high and that will benefit,” Najam Sethi, who take over President of International Cricket Council (ICC) in June, hoped.
With six points to their credit, Pakistan will clashing fast improving Ireland team in a do-or-die match at Adelaide Oval on March 15 for a place in the last eight rounds.
