“We don’t need stars, we need heroes,” Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis said outside the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore as he headed to a ‘fact-finding meeting’ called up by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) after the national side’s disastrous exit from the World Twent20.
Waqar’s squad included the likes of Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik and skipper Shahid Afridi.
The four players are the 'stars' in Pakistan's current line up but it wasn't clear who Waqar was pointing at in his statement amid rumours of factions within the team.
“Pakistan cricket is facing numerous problems at present and many of those can’t be spoken about in public,” Waqar told reporters.
“If those problems are disclosed in front of the people, it will bring a bad name to Pakistan. It’ll be better to discuss it all in the PCB boardroom.”
The 44-year-old former captain said Pakistan's decline on the international stage had left him deeply 'hurt'.
“I’ve been very hurt by the situation [that has surrounded Pakistan cricket] and my comments in recent press conferences show it. I apologise to the nation and if my leaving makes things better, then I would do it without delay.”
“But we need to dig deep to recognise and find heroes.”
Sharjeel Khan was Pakistan’s highest run-scorer with 112 runs in 4 matches while Shehzad, who was recalled to the team at the last minute, scored up 108 runs in as many World T20 outings.
Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi and veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik scored less than 100 runs in 4 matches and failed to take responsibility when the side needed it. 'Boom Boom' was off colour with the ball as well as his side failed to make their presence felt at the world event and crashed out in the group stage.
PCB's fact-finding committee convenes in Lahore from Tuesday for a three-day period but it has been learnt that Waqar submitted a 'damning' report on the team's World T20 performance on Monday.
The committee, which includes Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq and senior batsman Younis Khan, has been given the mandate by the board to meet and talk to the captain, coach, manager and senior players of the national team.
