Waqar hits back at critics

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis has hit back at critics of the national side's recent poor form, saying some of the flack was unwarranted given that so many senior players had been injured or unavailable.

"This sort of criticism is nothing new in Pakistan cricket. You win 10 matches and lose one and they take shots at the team, management and Board. But this sort of attitude must change," Younis told Reuters on Wednesday.

"This is a crucial time for the team. We are trying to strike a right balance for the World Cup. Things have not been easy for us with so many senior players either injured or not playing."

"At least we had the courage to face one of the best teams in the world (Australia) with such an inexperienced and young team on neutral ground."

The Pakistan team and board have come in for daily scathing criticism in the national press and from former players and administrators after the recent 3-0 defeat by Australia and earlier poor performances in one-day competitions before that.

The Chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board, Lieutenant General Tauqir Zia had offered his resignation after the team were bowled out by Australia for their lowest test scores of 59 and 53 in the second test at Sharjah earlier this month.

But military ruler General Pervez Musharraf, the chief patron of the board, asked Zia to stay on.

"Everyday I get up and read statements from former players," Younis complained. "I don't want to take names but some of the criticism is a shame. It is criticism for criticism's sake. It is not helping anyone.

"This is the time for everyone including the media, former players and the people to support us and keep faith in the team. Or else we will never do well in the World Cup."

The Pakistan squad leave on Thursday for tours of Zimbabwe and South Africa where they play four tests and 10 one-day Internationals.

The Pakistan captain said he was going to Zimbabwe in a positive frame of mind and was confident the team would put their heart and soul into turning things around.

"After our recent performances we can't take any team lightly. I know it is not going to be easy for us because Zimbabwe, even without Heath Streak, have always been worthy opponents in their own backyard."

Younis hoped that with the return of senior players such as Inzamam-u-Haq and Yousuf Youhana, the batting would be more stable and have more depth.

Mail Cricket Editor