Karachi: Pakistan head coach Misbah ul-Haq was slammed by former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar for saying that the nation’s T20 team was poor even before he took over as head coach, despite the side being ranked number one at that time.
“Pakistan were No.1 but if you recall the time I took over they were already on a losing streak,” Misbah said during a video press conference. Misbah also pointed out some flaws of Pakistan team. “They lost in South Africa and one T20I against England. So they had already started to go down a bit and we all have an idea why was it. That was because some of our players were out of form collectively – Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali – those who were main the contributors. So there was a sudden dip, but we are trying to take them to the same place (being number one). With the recent series (in England), it’s evident that the team is in the making and going forward you will see better performances.”
On being asked about such statement by Misbah, the ‘Rawalpindi Express’ responded that head coach should leave the past behind and should focus on building a strong team, instead of giving lame excuses.
“That is the straight point. He should have said that what had happened earlier or not happened is left behind, and now that I am at the job, I will improve things.”
“Playing around here and there, is probably Misbah but this is not me. I am not like that. Whatever has happened, now that you are there, you need to say with confidence that you are there now, you will see how to set things right.”
“It is very simple and he will not get blamed. We will defend him instead. Misbah needs to give us a chance to support him. He needs to give us the opportunity to say that he is a brave man who has said something good and that we need to support him.”
