LAHORE: In an explicit and stern warning to all the players, head coach Waqar Younis on Friday said the right attitude of a cricketer would be a vital factor in deciding his future in the national team.

“It is essential for the betterment of Pakistan cricket that players improve their attitude and if they fail to do so I don’t think Pakistan need such players in the future,” Waqar said on the sidelines of the national team camp set up here at the Gaddafi Stadium for the upcoming series against Bangladesh.

Pakistan are scheduled to play three ODIs, two Tests and a T20 International during their April 15-May 10 tour to Bangladesh.

Answering a question on whether Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad were axed (latter from the Test and ODI squads) from the Bangladesh series on his recommendation, Waqar endorsed it, though diplomatically.

“It is surprising for me that my report came out in the media. I wrote many reservations to the PCB I noted during the World Cup and I am happy the Board has also acted on some of them,” he said.

Waqar’s reply to another query specifically on dropping Shehzad — despite the opener having posted his highest score of 176 in his last Test innings against New Zealand in November last year — further hinted attitude problem was a big reason behind the youngster’s ouster from the Test and ODI teams.

“It is not my or your team but Pakistan’s and whoever plays with a positive attitude will play [for national team]. There is no link of my report with the ouster [of Shehzad]. The selectors took the decisions according to their wisdom and I ensure you will see team spirit in the series against Bangladesh,” the head coach vowed.

Responding to a question regarding some former cricketers alleging that he (Waqar) was responsible for ending the careers of veterans like Abdul Razzaq, Mohammad Yousuf and some other seniors prematurely, Waqar said the manner of criticism matters.

“They [themselves] could give a better answer. I respect the views of others who present those decently. However, I have no worry about those who opt for indecent manner [in expressing their views].”

On the Bangladesh series, Waqar said obviously it would be a tough competition, noting the home team had improved a lot in recent times and Pakistan by any means could not take them easy.

While admitting that Pakistan cricket was entering a new era with new ODI captain and several new young players, Waqar expected they would avail the opportunities to cement their position in the team.

“The only problem for upcoming players was that [previously] they were not getting [proper] opportunities. But now they have the chance so they should take advantage of it,” he said.

Attitude and fitness, the coach underlined, were mandatory for the players to come in and perform at international stage.

Head coach Waqar Younis talks to reporters.—AFP

“Attitude and fitness are vital for players as we all saw how much important fielding was in the [recently held] World Cup. If we fail to bring improvement in their attitude and fitness we will be falling behind in international cricket,” Waqar warned.

“I am happy the PCB has taken a very positive step of giving preference to the players’ attitude as a key factor in their selection,” he said.

While noting no international cricket has been staged in Pakistan during the last six years, Waqar urged the PCB to improve the domestic structure so that whenever international game returned to the country it could be ready for the action.

Insisting that Pakistan domestic cricket needs many changes for meeting international challenges in future, Waqar stated: “You have to move ahead by inducting talented youngsters, otherwise you will be left far behind.”

Meanwhile, lauding outgoing ODI captain Misbah-ul-Haq and seasoned batsman Younis Khan, the head coach hoped both the great players would continue to serve Pakistan in Test cricket.

Commenting on new ODI skipper Azhar Ali, Waqar said he had a good opportunity to show his mettle, adding he is a smart captain and humble human.

The coach termed young opener Sami Aslam as talented and hoped the player would do well.

Giving his viewpoint on Pakistan’s bowling, the head coach said all the five pace bowlers did a fairly good job in the World Cup, but regretted that the batsmen disappointed with their performance in the mega event.

Answering a question on what he expects from Saeed Ajmal in the Bangladesh series following the off-spin wizard’s comeback into international cricket after clearing his bowling action, Waqar was upbeat about Ajmal coming into his own.

“We should praise Ajmal for his efforts he has done in the last eight months to get his bowling action cleared.

“Ajmal has helped Pakistan win many matches in the past and he is looking good in the nets. However, bowling in practice sessions is entirely different from doing the same in competitive games.

“[Currently] I can’t say anything concrete but at least I can say that Ajmal is doing good and being a humble man I think he will be successful [in competitive matches ahead],” Waqar concluded.

Published in Dawn, April 11th, 2015

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