Another of Pakistan’s international home series is set to commence in the UAE from September 28.
Having reported all of their UAE home series until now, there is a feeling of emptiness this time.
The absence of the three greats Younis Khan, Misbah UL Haq and Shahid Afridi who were part of all the series held here will be felt immensely.
It’s difficult to forget cricketers who have played long innings in Tests and delightful knocks in the shorter versions. The excitement they generated will remain indelible in the minds of the UAE fans. The impact that Afridi created through his sheer presence in Sharjah can never be forgotten.
Pakistan have come this time with their heads held high after their Champions Trophy triumph and also beating a World XI in Lahore despite their legends having hung up their boots.
Under Safraz Ahmad, Pakistan has proved to be world beaters, and a team that has overcome the absence of their experienced players.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka is still struggling to cope with the emptiness after the retirement of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene.
They would do well to take a lesson from Pakistan on how to cope with absence of experienced players and also beat formidable teams.
If Pakistan hasn’t felt the vacuum, it is purely because of the enormous talent in their country.
Despite the lack of international cricket in Pakistan, youngsters there still opt for cricket as their first choice of sport. It only goes to show that if there is passion for the game in a country, its standards will keep rising.
India had Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and VVS Laxman retire in quick succession, but the team hardly struggled to recover.
The huge talent pool in the country helped produce top class players who could step in and win matches.
What Pakistan now need to do is to be ruthless in thrashing opponents.
Consistency should be the motto of their team. Many may be sceptical about the youngsters in the present Pakistan team, and whether they would be able to emulate Younis or Misbah. It is important not to compare youngsters with cricketers who have played for over a decade. Pakistan’s big issue has been their critics who are often ruthless in their comments, especially when the team loses.
Chief selector Inzamam ul Haq has already been criticised for his team selection for the UAE series. Inzamam has immense experience, and people must admit that he is capable enough to identify talent in a player.
Players gain experience only when they get exposed to the big stage; but if critics hit out at selectors for trying out new faces, the standard of that team will remain at a standstill.
