November 10, 2001	Saturday	Shaba’an 23, 1422

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KARACHI, Nov 9: Pakistan captain Waqar Younis Friday said he was delighted with his team’s success in Sharjah but clarified that was not his destiny.

“I am not taking away any credit from my boys who were excellent. But it is not what we are looking for. Our target is World Cup and that’s what we are gunning for,” the skipper said from Lahore.

Waqar admitted that the victory has done good to the team.

“It has lifted our spirits, our morale and most importantly helped us regain the confidence of our supporters. We also managed to break the jinx of choking in the finals. But our feet are still on the ground as we are aware that tougher tasks lie ahead.

“For me, Sharjah is history now. I am looking forward to the home series’ against the West Indies, Australia and away tour to South Africa. In between, I would like to pick every success because it is essential to keep the team motivated and fired-up,” Waqar said.

Waqar said the secret to success in Sharjah was team spirit, cohesion and support each player gave to his teammate.

He said Sharjah was a successful in terms that every player got a chance. “No player was treated as baggage. The seniors sat out and the youngsters proved their potential.”

On Shoaib Akhtar, who was embroiled in a war of words with Mahela Jayawardena in the final, said the paceman’s gestures didn’t please him.

“I didn’t like that all. No fast bowler likes to be hit first ball out of the park but then passing remarks or showing gestures is not good either.

“There are several other ways for Shoaib or any fast bowler to show aggression. But the way Shoaib behaved, I don’t think he made many friends. But then again, he is a committed youngster and wants to deliver. He probably got carried away by the situation,” said Waqar, who was off the field when the incident took place.

Waqar defended Shoaib over the latest controversy and said it didn’t make any sense to him that despite being cleared twice, he was reported again.

“If the ICC examines Shoaib’s action or medical reports again, they will come up with the same result. So why this fuss is all about. I think that Shoaib should be allowed to play cricket because he has brought so much attraction to the sport. I think Test cricket needs players like Shoaib who are crowd pullers.”