World Cup win can help Pakistan improve its image: Waqar
Pakistan Coach Waqar Younis wants his team to redeem their lost stature in the world of cricket by giving a commendable performance in the upcoming cricket World Cup, which is set to begin from 19th February. The mega event will be hosted by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750,
Sri Lanka and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Bangladesh-c747.
Waqar, who was considered one of the best exponents of reverse swing during his days as a player, believes that by winning the World Cup Pakistan would succeed in improving its image in the world. He added that it would help convince foreign teams to play
in Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference he said, “It is not just about winning the World Cup, it is also about the effects that our performances will have on convincing teams to tour http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 again and repairing our image in the cricket world.”
Waqar admitted that it was disheartening to see the continued isolation of Pakistan from international cricket, as the county has been a no-go area for international teams since the terror attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team two years ago in Lahore. Luckily
no player was seriously wounded but Pakistan had to cancel the series and the Sri Lankans were immediately flown back to their country.
After this incident Pakistan has been forced to play its home series at neutral venues. The http://www.senore.com/Cricket/United-Arab-Emirates-c3033 (UAE) and England have been used as host countries by Pakistan so far.
Later Pakistan was again marred by controversy when three of its main players were charged for their alleged involvement in spot-fixing. The players included former Test captain batsman Salman Butt, pacer Mohammad Amir and swing bowler Mohammad Asif.
The spot-fixing case of the trio was heard in Doha, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Qatar-c2986 by the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) anti-corruption unit, which found the players guilty of all charges and banned them from taking part in any cricket related activity.
Even with such controversies the current Pakistan One Day international (ODI) team looks upbeat and ready to take on the rest of the World. Recently, Pakistan outplayed hosts New Zealand in a six-match ODI series as well as in a two-match Test series. This
is the first time in 17 years that Pakistan won an ODI series in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754, which is a pleasant surprise for a team that was practically written off by many cricket pundits.
Waqar, while praising his team said, “There has been a lot of pressure on everyone and I am proud the way Afridi has led the side and the players have responded. I honestly believe this team can win the World Cup. We have the momentum going and it is just
a matter of clicking at the right time."
Waqar reiterated that Pakistan had improved in the batting and bowling department. However, there was still some more effort needed in the fielding area. Pakistan begin their World Cup campaign on 23th February against minnows http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758.
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