2018 ICC U19 World Cup: Abdul Razzaq hits administration for semi-final rout

Former Pakistan allrounder Abdul Razzaq is furious after Hasan Khan-led U19 team received a severe beating in the ICC U19 World Cup semi-final on Thursday against arch-rivals India in Christchurch.

“The way Pakistan played today is just unacceptable. The pitch was a balanced one and that is where a team is tested the most,” Razzaq was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

Razzaq takes a dig at the selection procedure:

The 32-year-old Lahore-based Razzaq, however, blamed the timid approach of coaching manual while ruing the opportunity.

“At this level, the thing that matters most are selection, coaching and team management; you have to build players physically and mentally,” Razzaq added.

The hard-hitting batter has targeted the management in particular for the embarrassment in the second semi-final clash against Prithvi Shaw-led India U-19.

“We have many good players at the U19 level but our selection was not good enough and that resulted in failure,” Razzaq pointed out.

The right-handed batsman believes the selection has been poor at such a level where players are being nursed to break into the national squad.

“We have a lot of talent that could have done better. The selection of the players was not good enough,” Razzaq maintained.

Interestingly, having played an imperative role for Pakistan in all departments, and did not hold the players responsible.

“I have seen all the matches and it isn’t the fault of the players,” Razzaq asserted.

Razzaq made it clear that the better selection could have played the significant role for Pakistan while making himself available if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) require his services.

“If the Pakistan Cricket Board needs my services at these levels then I would love to train these players,” Razzaq further added.

Razzaq made it clear by saying the team management must own the faults after failing to plug in the loopholes which further saw the mega youth tournament kicked off on January 13.

So much so, Rohail Nazir was the top-scorer which reflects how hapless Pakistan U19 team was against the well-oiled Indian unit in the all-important clash.

It’s pertinent to mention, Pakistan U19 team was skittled out for 69 in 29.3 overs after India post 272 for nine on board while riding on brilliant unbeaten 102 runs from opening batsman Shubman Gill.

Interestingly, Pakistan team was found 33 runs short of what the Punjab-based Gill post at the top while going against the Pakistani bowlers after India batted first on a surface which assisted the bowlers.

The only highlight for Pakistan were Muhammad Musa and Arshad Iqbal, who shared seven wickets after conceded 118 runs in 20 overs.

Former cricketers guide India:

Following the U19 matches, Razzaq further stated Indian youngsters have been nursed by former players which subsequently saw the players finding thing bit easier in shaping up the career.

“When a former cricketer comes in as coach at this level, they know which area needs to be worked upon and how can the team be made stronger,” Razzaq pointed out.

Picked as a bowler, Razzaq delivered in a remarkable way for Pakistan national team which saw him featuring in 265 One-day Internationals, 46 Tests and 32 T20Is.

After making his debut in 1996 against Zimbabwe, Razzaq played his last international fixture against South Africa in November 2013 at Dubai.

Follow the ICC U19 World cup here: India U19 Vs Australia U19, semifinal.