Inzamam-Ul-Haq Identifies Insecurity Amongst Pakistan Players During The 2019 World Cup

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-Ul-Haq has opened up on the lack of self-confidence surrounding Pakistan’s 2019 World Cup squad. Additionally, Inzamam-Ul-Haq lamented stripping Sarfaraz Ahmed of captaincy without giving him a more extended run. The PCB removed the keeper-batsman as captain across formats and handed it to Babar Azam (limited-overs) and Azhar Ali (Tests).

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Pakistan had quite a promising World Cup; however, they could not click in crucial junctures. Amongst the big teams that they beat were England, South Africa, and New Zealand in the group stage. While Babar Azam shone brightly and was their leading run-getter, skipper Sarfaraz struggled to get going. The keeper-batsman managed only 143 runs in eight fixtures at 28.60. The 1992 champions were ultimately eliminated from the group stage.

Inzamam-Ul-Haq stated that the captain and players were under real pressure since they felt they would lose their places if they don’t do well in the competition. Such an atmosphere was not desirable within the team.

“Even in the last World Cup I felt the captain and players were under pressure because they were thinking if they don’t do well in the tournament, we will be out. That environment was created and this is not good for cricket,” the 50-year-old Inzamam-ul-Haq stated as quoted by Times of India.

The former chief selector continued by saying that Sarfaraz was under a learning curve and achieved some remarkable victories for Pakistan.

However, the PCB ousted him when he was learning from his mistakes and beginning to grow.

“Sarfaraz achieved some notable victories for Pakistan and was learning to be a good captain but unfortunately when he had learnt from experience and mistakes, he was removed as a captain,” Inzamam added.

He should have been given more time as captain by the Board: Inzamam-Ul-Haq

The Multan-born went on to cite the 2017 Champions Trophy triumph and keeping Pakistan at the top of the T20 table amongst his significant accomplishments as captain. Hence, Inzamam feels that the board acted in a hurry and didn’t back him enough.

“Sarfaraz won us the Champions Trophy and also made the team number one in T20 cricket. He got us some good wins. He should have been given more time as captain by the Board but acted in haste and didn’t give him confidence or patience,” he added.

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