RAWALPINDI: Pakistan vice-captain Shadab Khan revealed on Thursday that as per wishes of the expected PCB chief Ramiz Raja, the national side will play aggressive brand of cricket, according to the requirements of modern day game.

Ramiz, who has recently become member of the PCB’s Board of Governors called the national team to the National High Performance Centre at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Tuesday for an agenda-setting talk. The former skipper has yet be officially elected the PCB chairman.

“In the meeting with us he [Ramiz] said he wants us to exhibit aggression and for that we’ll have to develop a culture,” Shadab told media in a virtual press conference here.

Pakistan will play a three-match ODI and five-match Twenty20 International series against New Zealand, who are touring the country after 18 years. The ODIs are part of the ICC Men’ Cricket World Cup Super League and will be played at the Pindi Cricket Stadium on Sept 17, 19 and 21, while Gaddafi Stadium will host the Twenty20 Internationals from Sept 25 to Oct 3.

“He [Ramiz] has been doing commentary since long and fully understands the modern day cricket. He has given us the confidence,” Shadab said. “Aggression is in our DNA, hence we’ll now be trying to be more aggressive. Initially, we may face somewhat failure bit if we’ll continue this culture we’ll get results in the future.”

The all-rounder admitted that his own performance has been declining in recent times but said that was mainly due to the injuries he suffered during the course of the time.

“Before 2019 World Cup I suffered from hepatitis and then sustained injuries that affected my performance. But I’ll not make that an excuse. I’ll be trying to become successful as I was at the outset of my career.”

But Shadab claimed he was fully fit now and striving to bowl longer spells besides staying at the crease for long duration while batting. “As I play as an all-rounder I wish to deliver where the need arises and help my team win.”

While refusing on to comment on the abrupt departure of Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis ahead of the Twenty20 World Cup, Shadab, however, said it was not an ideal situation for the team.

“But we’ll try to make the best possible use of our available resources. Our aim is to win and we’ll keep on striving for that without ifs and buts.”

NAWAZ TESTS POSITIVE

All-rounder Mohammad Nawaz has tested positive for coronavirus (Covid-19) and has been quarantined as per the PCB Covid-19 Protocols.

Nawaz, who bowls left-arm spin, had tested positive during the second round of testing, which were administered upon arrival of the Pakistan squad in Islamabad on Wednesday.

All other team members have tested negative and, as such, the national side will hold a training session as scheduled on Friday at the Pindi Cricket Stadium.

Published in Dawn, September 10th, 2021