LAHORE: Terming the national team’s performance in the World Cup opening match against the West Indies pathetic, former Pakistan captain Intikhab Alam has advised head coach Mickey Arthur to start counselling of the players in order to build their confidence for the mega event.

The West Indies on Friday crushed a clueless Pakistan by seven wickets at Trent Bridge, Nottingham where the latter crashed to 105 all out in 21.4 overs. Jason Holder’s men achieved the scanty target in mere 13.4 overs.

“At the moment, the Pakistan team after giving pathetic performance against West Indies is in worst condition and [therefore] the players need counselling,” Intikhab told Dawn after the match on Friday.

When asked who should be doing the counselling, Intikhab said Pakistan cricketers need someone who can infuse self-belief into them.

“Though our coach [Arthur] seems a short-tempered person, he is the one who should be guiding the players at this difficult time. They need a person who can bring the players closer and give them the confidence that it [loss to West Indies] is not the end of the story as the entire World Cup is ahead,” Intikhab said.

When reminded that chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq was also at the World Cup in England, Intikhab said he was not the part of team management. “Who will allow him to do counselling [of the players] as he is not part of the team management, he is the chief selector.”

Intikhab continued, “You are playing the World Cup which comes after four years. Therefore, you have sufficient time [to prepare]. Pakistan team suffered 10 consecutive ODI defeats ahead of the World Cup which has exposed our [poor] preparations.”

Intikhab, who was the manager-cum-coach of the 1992 World Cup winning squad, emphasised that Pakistan after the huge loss to West Indies must now look to make a comeback at the 10-nation showpiece.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2019