ISLAMABAD: Imran Khan has said that Pakistan had the poorest fielding side in international cricket and this had cost them dearly in one day and Test matches.
Imran Khan told newsmen in Karachi on arrival from Dhaka that the Pakistan team would have to improve its fielding considerably to have positive results in the forthcoming Sharjah Champions Trophy and the Nehru Cup one day internationals.
‘The all-rounder who is tipped to lead his country this season said it was difficult to make predictions in one day matches. “If two openers click they can carry the whole team unlike in Test matches where the whole team has to perform.”
‘About the current form of Pakistani batsman, he said since they had not had much cricket it was difficult to make an objective assessment.
However, Imran Khan expressed confidence in the bowling capabilities of Wasim Akram Saleem Jaffer and Aquib Javed.
About his form, he said it would take some time to get into full match fitness. A player needed minimum six weeks for this purpose, and not one or two weeks for this purpose he pointed out.
Imran Khan said he was astonished at the itinerary for the Nehru Cup. He felt that the amount of traveling involved in quick succession would definitely take its toll particularly on batsmen.
Imran Khan felt that the Nehru Cup was ‘most prestigious since more nations were competing in it than the Sharjah tournament, But Pakistan looked forward with interest to meet the West Indies in Sharjah, he said.
Imran agreed that Pakistan batting mostly relied on the prolific run getter Javed Miandad and complimented him as the most consistent batsman. Imran also expressed satisfaction on the current form of Shoaib who he said, had come up very well particularly during the last two series.
About the forthcoming home series against India, Imran said it was important that the fast bowlers remained physically fit and in good form since Pakistan would be depending heavily on their pace attack.
“Indians are strong in spin and medium pace,” he said adding that this would be to the advantage of India since the “cramped” itinerary was bound to affect the pace bowlers of Pakistan.
Article extracted from this publication >> October 13, 1989
