As Pakistan teams captain, its imperative that you lead from the front and be a role model for the players. Here are some tips that might prove beneficial when you are batting and as a captain:
Dont be aggressive from the start. Controlled aggression will be useful.
Control your slogging habit.
Avoid playing pre-meditated strokes. Play every ball on its merit.
Resist the temptation of playing to the gallery. That might give you some excitement but surely not for long. Dont forget that playing for the team and your country is far more important.
Refrain from playing any innovative strokes like the reverse sweep or lifting a straight full toss over the wicket keepers head or far on the leg side. Such strokes are usually risky.
Ignore the oppositions provocative remarks uttered on the field.
Remain cool and composed even when the team is under pressure.
Dont listen to the shouts of Boom-Boom Afridi.
Play cautiously a couple of initial overs to get adjusted to the playing conditions.
Maintain the team spirit at all costs with the help of management.
Take cues from Imran Khans captaincy and his tips which he is giving these days in his write-ups and on a TV channel.
Ensure zero tolerance for indiscipline after taking the management into confidence.
And, do offer prayers regularly during the World Cup along with the management and players. Faith gives great strength.
I wish you and the team the very best in the World Cup. In these turbulent times that Pakistan is facing today, if we win it, there will be joy in every home. A gift that the nation needs badly right now.
FAROOQ ZAMAN
Lahore
