PCB chairman Shaharyar Khan said Tuesday that the controversy surrounding the stepping down of Misbahul Haq as captain of the ODI team was ‘unfortunate’.
“It seems that people thought Misbah was taken off I would like to tell you categorically that this is wrong,” he said.
“Misbah was made captain by the PCB, and the board recognises him as captain until the World Cup there is no doubt and no hesitation in that.”
The Pakistan cricket chief went on to add that Misbah voluntarily chose to step down and not play in the last ODI against Australia.
“The reasons he gave for stepping down were because he was worried that his batting form was bad. He was worried about his performance,” Khan said.
Further, Khan expressed his satisfaction with his recent tours of neighnouring countries India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
“When I met Srinivasan (BCCI and ICC chief) in Dubai, he told me that if other teams tour Pakistan, he would be able to convince the Indian government and their players to come here too,” said Khan, adding that he wants keep the doors to Pakistan open for all teams, as well as strengthen the Asian block.
“For now India has agreed to play against us but in a third country, most likely the UAE, due to the security situation in Pakistan,” he added.
The PCB chief went on to add that there is notable tension in the media reports about India and Pakistan. ”I told them that politics should not be brought into the realm of cricket,” he added.
“It is important for us that teams tour and play in Pakistan. Our stadiums will be full, especially if it is a Pakistan vs India game,” he said.
“In fact, according to ICC reports, Pak-India is the most important series in the world even more important than the Ashes,” said Khan.
“Of course we have no problem going to India but Srini has said come what may, he is committed to the six series. It means that they have government approval and they are not going back to the government again and again,” the chairman said. “Six tours are confirmed, but the Under-19 and A teams need confirmation.”
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also agreed to tour Pakistan, said Khan. “All that us left is a slot of when they can come and when we can receive them.”
Afridi’s ‘irresponsible’ statements
T20 captain Shahid Afridi’s recent statements were also addressed during the PCB chairman’s press conference.
“It is unfortunate that Afridi made such irresponsible statements,” he said, referring to Afridi’s belief that the national team’s abysmal performance in their 3-0 rout by Australia will hurt the team’s chances at next year’s World Cup.
Questioning if the player had breached the PCB’s code of conduct, Khan said the board had not yet decided on its future course of action in this regard.
Ajmal’s bowling action improving
The PCB chief also gave an update on the progress of spinner Saeed Ajmal, who has been banned for his bowling action and is currently working on improving his action with former spin king Saqlain Mushtaq.
“We are hopeful that his elbow flexion improves and decreases further. Everyone is helping him in this regard,” said the chairman.
“I know this must be a difficult task for Saeed, but when I met him, he said it had come down to 20 and he was adamant about improving his action further and bringing it down to 10.”
He went on to add that Ajmal is ready to be brought in front of high speed cameras to test his bowling action.
“We are going to send Ajmal abroad for an informal test, and after that we will go to the ICC for a review of his action,” he added.
