Pakistan captain Misbah-ul Haq on Sunday said he hoped his team’s series win over test cricket’s number one side England will earn them respect from the cricketing world after a turbulent period which tarnished their image.
Dogged by off-the-field problems like failed dope tests and lack of discipline, Pakistan cricket hit the lowest ebb on their 2010 tour of England when three of their top players were caught in a spot-fixing scandal. “I think the whole world should acknowledge and accept that Pakistan cricket is coming up, the way our players are performing and they should accept it. Such (negative) things can happen anywhere and we must forget them,” said Misbah. Misbah, 37, stressed his team will build further on the success against England. “We have put everything behind us,” said Misbah, who has led from the front hitting 12 fifties as captain.
“I think whichever team is doing well it should be accepted, our team deserves that and with the self confidence we have, we can do better.” Coach Mohsin Khan, who rather unluckily will be replaced by former Australian batsman Dav Whamore after the series, said these are good days to relish after the bad times. “I definitely agree with Misbah, we deserve more respect for the performances we have put together,” said Khan. Khan said the impressive win over England will only improve Pakistan’s image. “A win over the world’s top team is the best thing Pakistan could have achieved,” said Khan. Former captain Ramiz Raja said Pakistan have earned respect. “I think they have earned respect,” said Raja. “They deserve a lot of praise for the manner in which they have beaten the world’s best side, its no mean achievement.” Raja said the whole nation — embroiled in terrorism, corruption and bad governance — can take a lead from the cricket team. “I think the whole nation can take the lead from the sequence of the team’s wins. The team has shown more wisdom, sincerity and hard work which people in Pakistan should match in all walks of lives,” said Raja. “No praise is enough for this team which has lifted its image and the way they have beaten the world’s best team like toddlers is a great achievement,” said Raja.
