The players of the national camp have been directed to keep themselves focused on training and the coming series against Sri Lanka instead of getting distracted by sport-fixing scandal. On day two of their conditioning camp being held here at the Gaddafi Stadium the players had proper session by session training in all the three departments of the game – fielding, batting and bowling while also had physical fitness drills. Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan team’s interim manager Col (retd) Naushad said that the players were focused on their training and were looking forward to the upcoming series.
“The spot-fixing scandal has damaged the country’s cricket a lot and we have to move forward,” Naushad said.
He further stated that the players will sign their central contracts in a day or two. “We are looking forward now and are now more focused on the assignments ahead,” he added. “I am very much pleased to see the focus of the players towards training,” he maintained. “We expect a tough competition in the series against Sri Lanka because the whole team is fully aware of the strength of their opposition and the main focus is on weaker links of the team,” he added. Naushad further said positions at the helm keep changing but the department keep working. “I hope the new chairman will carry the board to new heights,” he added.
He said there will be no compromise on discipline and another spot-fixing episode is next to impossible. “The ICC has installed such gadgets at the grounds that fraud with the game is not possible,” he added.
Pakistan’s interim coach Mohsin Khan said that he has instructed the players to concentrate on their game.
“I’ve told them clearly to not discuss the issue. I’m pleased that the players are focused,” he said. The interim coach said that the series against Sri Lanka was a crucial one but added that the players were motivated enough.
“The body language of all the players is positive and they are showing good energy in the training drills,” he said.
Pakistan are due to play a full-fledged series against Sri Lanka in the UAE, beginning with the first Test on October 18. The two teams contest three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and a one-off Twenty20.
