Azhar Mahmood tells Pakistan to play fearless cricket

Pakistan interim bowling coach Azhar Mahmood said that he has no doubt that the Men in Green can go all the way in the upcoming World T20.

“In my mind, there is no doubt that we [Pakistan] can go all the way,” said Azhar. “The conditions in the tournament will suit us. What we will need to do is to play what I call ‘fearless’ and aggressive cricket.”

The 40-year-old was appointed after the team management decided to give bowling coach Mushtaq Ahmed a break.

The former all-rounder said that the video before the Sri Lanka match proved to be an influential method. “There are various ways to help the players to reduce pressure, and one method which was mentioned by Waqar Younis to the press was watching a motivational video,” he said. “The video basically conveyed the message that one has to be relaxed and at peace and also have a belief in their ability to be able to perform well on the field.”

Azhar further said that the team management would take any such step in the future as well if that can help the players in any manner. “If watching more motivational videos like the one that I have mentioned above is the answer to this problem, then rest assured we will be using more of those to help the team.”

However, the Islamabad-born all-rounder said that showing video alone is not the solution, as the real solution will only come if the player has believe in his ability. “The video, as inspirational as it may be, is just a part of the solution.The actual strength comes from a player believing in himself.”