Pakistan skipper Misbahul Haq believes the series whitewash against England is just the beginning of a new phase in Pakistan cricket. He said Pakistan has left all controversies behind and performance is the only mantra the team understands. He said he was desperate to see international teams back to Pakistan. “It’s a wonderful win but the most important thing in any sport or life is that whatever you achieve it goes in the past. If you stuck with it you can’t move ahead and improve,” said Misbah. Under Misbah, Pakistan have won nine of the 15 Tests, with just one defeat. “Our boys love challenges and everybody is keen to perform. If we go to South Africa and Australia, we want to do well there too,” he added.
“Only time will tell what you can achieve or what you can do. We just want to do well and that’s what we are aiming for and youngsters are coming up, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Hafeez are doing well and seniors are supporting them,” Misbah added. “This England win will send a strong message to the cricket world, and that is that we are a strong and powerful cricketing nation and deserve respect and more international matches,” said Misbah. “We have been ignored for quite some time, but our performance will help us get better scheduling and respect,” said Misbah.
AFP adds: There have been no problems off the field, something which have consistently derailed Pakistan’s on-field progress. Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja showered huge praise on the players.
“The current players have become the latest pin-up boys of world cricket,” Raja told AFP. “It’s a dramatic turn-around for Pakistan and hats off to their discipline, consistency and distinction.
“Sky is the limit for them because this wasn’t an easy series. Now this win will help this team build in confidence,” said Raja, who warned against complacency.
“I would still call it a work in progress, the beginning of something special,” said Raja, now a widely travelled commentator.
“We have got to beat South Africa and Australia on their grounds and I am sure this team can achieve that.”
Misbah’s appeal to world: tour Pakistan
