Pakistan-Bangladesh cricket series not B grade Competition
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket team manager,Talat Ali Malik Monday insisted that five one day match Pak-Bangladesh series is not a B grade competition and is of top standard.

“It is a wrong way to think so that this event is a B grade or low grade of cricket look at the ranking of the Pakistan team and its achievements in the field of cricket and Bangladesh is a team which is also coming up “, he said here on the eve of the first one day match between Pak-Bangladesh at Gafaddi stadium.

Talat said Pak-Bangladesh series is of equal status like any cricket competition in any part of the world where two best teams are playing.

He warned the players to be fully aware of history of Bangladesh team for upsetting stronger teams in regular one day matches and even in top level of the competition,the World Cup.

“ We have to be more careful to play Bangladesh and any element of complacency can play havoc with our ambitions for success “,he said.

“ In today’s cricket where cricket is being played around the year it is hard to predict about the results and some time surprising results are seen when weaker sides with less strength cause upset wins to dent the reputation of top notches “,he asserted.

Pak team official also rejected a questioner that this series is going to be an easy go for Pakistan. “ I again lay emphasis on putting up a collective show and taking Bangladesh lightly or undermining their strength can lead to disaster “.

He said this competition will help hosts to come out of a lay off after postponement of Australian tour of Pakistan.

“ We will be playing back to back cricket in coming months hosting some teams for one day series before taking part in Asia Cup and in Champions Trophy and playing Bangladesh at home will be beneficial for players to get in good shape by playing competitive cricket”,he said.

Achieving desired results in one day matches is not that easy as some times minor mistakes lead to the failure of a team which is at the door step of success, Talat said.

He urged the players to exhibit higher level of game setting aside the present ranking of past record of Bangladesh team which has surprised top teams of the world including Pakistan and Australia as well through their fighting spirit.

“ There should not be a repeat of similar happenings which is only possible with collective efforts and putting up a better show “,he said.

Talat said the key to success is in showing consistency in all departments of the game.

Answering a question,he said, the absence of pace bowler Mohammad Asif will be a clear disadvantage for the team adding “ We have suitable replacements in some new players including Riaz Wahab whom we tried against Zimbabwe besides Sohail Tanvir is there to support the team and Umer Gul and Rao Iftikhar are also fit and in good form.

“ It is time to end reliance on few players, we must encourage young talented players in order to give them experience to be a part of senior team and of course learning come through with passage of time and we must show patience if young players fail to deliver in few games “,he said.

He said Bangladesh team is gradually making its mark in international cricket by fetching victories and they have ability to throw a tough challenge to Pakistan.●