Nothing defines Pakistan cricket more aptly than the words “Mercurial” and “Unpredictable”. You just don’t know which Pakistan will turn up on a given day. One day, they chase 200 without losing a single wicket in a T20 game, and then will crumble to dust in a chase of 221. All these qualities were on full display in their ongoing series vs England.
The series is evenly poised at 2 games apiece, and with three more games to play, it could be anyone’s series to win. However, while there is a lot of things happening on the field, there is an equal amount of noise, if not more, from outside the pitch.
Ever the since the Pakistan side for the World Cup has been announced, there has been a wave of furore over Pakistan, with a lot of former and current cricketers having a wide range of things to say. While some have accused the PCB of blatant favouritism in picking the side, while others have vented their ire on Babar Azam and Rizwan, questioning their role as openers.
With these former players convinced that this side will definitely not win the tournament, the focus has shifted to making changes in the current side. However, if former Pakistan batting stalwart Younis Khan is to be believed, the time for changes in the side is over.
Making his thoughts known amidst a tape-ball competition that is being held in Karachi, Younis Khan was adamant in saying that this is the side that has been selected, so it has to be the best side that was available to them, because if there were changes to be made, it would have been done at the time of selection itself, and if any changes were to be made at the eleventh hour, it would be embarrassing for the captain as well as PCB.
In what was a warning to PCB and the skipper, the veteran said, “There is always this hue and cry that the team needs changing. We tried this last time. Now, I think they should not embarrass themselves, all of a sudden changing the team. Our coaches, captain and PCB have to utilize these very players. These are the only players you have, there won’t be any coming in from anywhere else, and this is the best bunch”.
Further speaking about the squad, he also stressed the importance of the players to play according to the situation, rather than being entrenched in their own ways, for the betterment of the team. He believes that the game can be won if the approach of the players vary according to the situation as well as the condition of the particular point within the game.
He says, “Cricket is a game of sacrifices. When you play for the national team, there is no such thing that I will only play in this style. You have to change your style for your country, for the millions of people watching you, and when this is your thinking, I do not really think there is anything stopping Pakistan”.