Former captain Imran Khan had a pep talk with the think tank of the World Cup-bound Pakistan cricket team that leaves for South Africa on January 24. The players, who called on their former captain Sunday morning in Islamabad, included skipper Waqar Younis, vice-captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and Wasim Akram.
“It was an excellent meeting that lasted three hours and discussions on various cricket issues were held. Imran shared his mind with the players who were also frank on their part,” Pakistan Cricket Board’s GM Cricket Operations, Zakir Khan, who arranged the meeting, said;
"Imran discussed the game plans, strategies, pressures of World Cup and how to handle them, team selections, field placings and most importantly, laid stress on playing as a team. Imran told the three players that he was convinced that the present side had the capability and tenacity to win the World Cup.
"Imran went on to the extent to say that the present boys were more talented and experienced then the ones he took to Australia 11 years ago. He emphasized that they should keep themselves so focused that nothing could distract them from their target. He said there would be several pressures that would be applied on the team, mostly by the foreign media. He told the boys that similar things happened to him (in 1992) but he didn’t allow his players to deviate from their goal and the rest is all history.
"Imran advised Waqar that his and the team’s motto should be ‘never say die’ and don’t concede the match until it is over. But at the same time, Imran urged the three players to unite the team under one umbrella and get best performance out of them and bow out as heroes. He told the boys that they were the senior players and had the responsibility to lead by example.
“Imran’s open discussion with the players did leave boys motivated and geared up as they promised their mentor that they would put in their best to make the nation proud,” Zakir concluded.
Its nice to see players meeting Imran :). He must have given them the example of Him and Miandad and how they forgot thier differences during the WC 92
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*Originally posted by Spock: *
Imran Khan, the total package... The man who got the cup for us in 1992, who better to go for advice than him!!!
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yeah i wish they could somehow take him there as coac or stratgist or in any capacity. :(
yeah i wish they could somehow take him there as coac or stratgist or in any capacity. :(
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My thoughts exactly. Instead of wasting his time in politics he should become Manager of Pak cricket team which is far more important. Good sign from this is that the players who went to see him included Waqar, Inzi and Wasim. It shows they are trying to work together to put things right which is half the battle. I feel a lot better now :)
My thoughts exactly. Instead of wasting his time in politics he should become Manager of Pak cricket team which is far more important. Good sign from this is that the players who went to see him included Waqar, Inzi and Wasim. It shows they are trying to work together to put things right which is half the battle. I feel a lot better now :)
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well i like him as a politician as well... He is very frank and hones but more importantly he also needs to give time to Pakistan cricket. And About your comments on those three trying to put things right together, yeah thigs are looking good as far a unity front is concerned. Insha'allah :)
