‘We left the baggage of worries at home’

Q: Once again you are losing two key bowlers. It was the same at the Champions Trophy too.

A: This time we are prepared. We were told by the Pakistan Cricket Board that they were unlikely (to come). The injuries were severe. Since they were important members of the team, they were sent to England for the final check-up. Unfortunately they didn’t make it. Asif’s elbow is sore and Akhtar’s knee is weak. But we were prepared for this. If you look at the Pakistani teams in the last two or three years Shoaib and Asif have not featured in many ODIs. All players who have been doing the hard yards in the last three years have earned their place in the side. I am sure they will deliver.

Q: So you say the extra baggage of worries has been left at home?

A: Yes. I think it is important to get this straight. We feel very sorry for Shoaib and Asif — they had this drug issue hanging over their heads. Everyone was speculating. We won’t have that now. That extra luggage is now sitting in Pakistan. We have 15 players here who are determined to do well.

Q: But the bowling will certainly suffer?

A: Let me make one thing very clear. Asif and Shoaib have played little one-day cricket in the last three years. I repeat again, the side that is here contains players who have been doing duty for the last three years.

Q: Rana Naved is one key player who had a big role in Pakistan’s success. But there has been a slump in his form lately. So doesn’t that affect the bowling?

A: Rana was the Man of the Series against West Indies, but had a tough time in South Africa. I think that happens in cricket. I think sometimes different conditions and pitches suit certain bowlers. Perhaps Rana wasn’t suited for the pitches in South Africa. I think the pitches here will be different and I am sure he can be a force again, along with Rao Iftikhar and Gul, who is a fine bowler. We have variety in our side. We have Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez and Danish Kaneria. We have balanced attacks for all surfaces. And Azhar Mahmood is a good all-rounder. If we play to our potential we have as good a chance as anyone.

Q: What’s the mood in the camp?

A: The theme is to enjoy ourselves. To work hard, play hard —specifically on the field (smiles). The mood is excellent and hopefully we will have a good start to the tournament and we can carry that through.

Q: The middle order is strong, but is opening a problem?

A: This is another misconception. If you look at all the teams in one-day cricket, opening is a problem. Why pick on Pakistan? Look at India, Australia, England, South Africa. The new ball does a bit, opening bowlers are meant to take wickets. This is another question I am fed up with. Imran Nazir and Mohammad Hafeez, or maybe Kamran Akmal or Shahid Afridi are the kind of batsmen who can destroy an attack.

Q: You are the coach with the most World Cup experience here, does it help?

A: It certainly helps. I have been involved in four World Cups. To get the players organsied—how much we practise, how much we rest. I also try to get the mood in the side comfortable, so people enjoy the cricket.

Q: How do you make players enjoy the cricket?

A: When I say enjoy the cricket, a smile. Smile in adversity, smile when you are doing well. But always smile. Smile, as you realise that you are lucky to be representing you country in a great tournament that happens not every other day.

Q: Twice you came close to winning the World Cup as coach, how do you look at it?

A: You need luck to get to the final, and you need luck to win it. Lady Luck is coming for us now.

Pakistan Board sends medical reports to ICC

Islamabad: Pakistan asked the International Cricket Council (ICC) to allow them to add two players to their World Cup squad after fast bowlers Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif were ruled out with injury. The request came as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent the medical report of Akhtar and Asif to the ICC. The PCB asked the game’s governing body to allow them to replace Akhtar and Asif with pace bowlers Mohammad Sami and Yasir Arafat to represent Pakistan in the World Cup. (PTI)