Former Pakistan skipper Inzamamul Haq, during a function in Lahore, advised Pakistan to play a fearless brand of cricket if they are to fancy any chances in the 2015 ODI World Cup.
“I speak from experience. In the 1992 World Cup despite losing six matches, Imran Khan never allowed us to lose hope or hang our heads,” said Inzamam.
“We remained positive and the end result was we emerged as upset winners of the competition.
“Nowadays cricket has changed a lot and it is difficult for the bowlers and we have some issues to resolve in this department. But I would still advise our players not to fear defeat and to remain positive even if they lose a few matches.”
“If we remain positive and play without fear of defeat I am sure this team, like the one in 1992, can surprise many people.
Meanwhile, Intikhab Alam, the coach-cum-manager of the Pakistan cricket team in 1992 praised Imran for his intrepid leadership.
“Imran was a great believer in his players and even we kept on losing matches he did his best to keep the morale of the players up and eventually his never say die spirit paid off. A captain has a great role to play in a event like the World Cup,” he said.
Abdul Qadir, former Test leg-spinner for Pakistan, second Intikhab on Imran but was furious when talking about Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
“He [Imran] always entered the field with only victory on his mind and even in defeat he was always looking to the next match. He trusted his players and backed them to the hilt. As a leg spinner he made me believe I could be successful in limited overs cricket,” said Qadir.
“It is sad that the Board only looks after those who matter to them but there are players who are today ill and need lot of assistance and the PCB is ignoring them,” he added.
