ISLAMABAD: Naseem Shah is adopting a forward-looking approach after the Pakistan’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign and the pacer wants every stakeholder of the team to take on the forthcoming challenges with “clear hear and intentions”.
Pakistan were eliminated in the first round of the tournament, which saw them shocked by co-hosts United States before arch-rivals and eventual champions India effectively knocked them out.
The defeats came amid reports of internal politics and grouping within the national squad, while Pakistan’s dropping fitness and skill levels were evident through the showpiece.
The national side will regather for the first time since the debacle when they take on Bangladesh for two Test matches on home turf from Aug 21-25 and Aug 30-Sept 3.
For Naseem, who will make his Test return after a 13-month-long injury absence, it is time for himself and his team-mates to move on from the past and unite for a better future.
“… if we keep the past in mind, things will become very difficult,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a training camp ahead of the Bangladesh series here at the Islamabad Club. “You can’t ignore the fact that we played poorly [in the T20 World Cup] and hence faced criticism.
“But as a nation, we need to find joy in each other’s successes and have a clear heart and intentions. Moving forward, we should be focused on the upcoming challenges. I believe that when we are united and focused, we can play good cricket and achieve success.”
The Bangladesh series will provide Pakistan an opportunity to start again. Their calendar until April next year is packed and includes crucial series against England, Australia, South Africa, West Indies and New Zealand.
But before the season culminates in April next year, Pakistan will host the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March. Naseem said the national team players needed to gel in with each other if they are to go for glory in the eight-team tournament.
“Everyone regrets and realises what went wrong, and we need to understand how to improve and play better cricket,” the 21-year-old noted. “With the Champions Trophy coming up, we need to present a united and strong team. It should be clear to everyone that we are working towards better performance.” –Agencies
