Inzamam-ul-Haq has revealed his doubt over leading Pakistan, a mindset that doubtless has a great deal to do with the rigours of the current tour. Inzamam’s comments came in the wake of a tumultuous week for Pakistan, in which a rape allegation was levelled against one of their players.
“I am uncertain about it,” Inzamam told The Sun Herald when asked about his future as captain. “There’s been a lot of criticism in Pakistan about me. I am not feeling good on the inside and I am not sure whether it is something I want to keep doing.”
After Pakistan were crushed in the three-Test series, where he missed two Tests due to injury, Inzamam had to contend with scathing remarks from various quarters. Inzamam admitted that it was the “hardest tour” that he had been on. “The Australian tour is always hard,” he said. “The conditions are different and Australia is the best team in the world. But this tour has been harder than normal, especially for me.”
Imran Khan, the former Pakistan captain, had termed Pakistan’s performance “spineless” and suggested that Younis Khan be given the captaincy. Pakistan are scheduled to tour West Indies in May and Inzamam said he would consider the future of his captaincy at the end of that tour. “I don’t know why he [Imran] is doing this and saying these things,” Inzamam said. “It is disappointing. It’s not good for me and not good for the young boys in the team. Criticism is OK. But I don’t think the performances have been that bad.”
Inzamam found some form in the last two games of the VB Series with a composed 68 in the four-wicket loss to Australia at Hobart and a rapid 62 from 51 deliveries that took his side to victory against West Indies at the Gabba.
It was all visible when he got out last night. It took him a good 20 seconds to get up and leave. he was just sitting down, holding his head. One could see how badly he wants to win.
I dont know why Imran is saying stuff about him, when just a month ago at Calcutta game Imran was saying alll the good things about Inzi's captaincy and his batting and now when the whole team is going through hard time, everyone is getting against him.
I think he is doing a decent job now. I know he has made some mistakes, but everyone does that. I think he needs the support at this time more than ever.
i m never been that much impressed with inzi's performance as i was b4. i think he lacks to bring the passion into the team but atleast he has proven that he is the most reliable cricketer in this team. i think captaincy goes with performance. Younas is not performing well and he cant be a good captain or a confident captain as if captain is not performing well and othe rplayers are, what kind of moral u ought to bring.
Inzi does want to win badly...you could tell by the way he got out...he was disgusted with himself. But I still believe he is not a good captain. He is by far the best batsmen we have right now...and 3 50's in the first 3 games in the VB series proves that. But I think its about time we give somoene else like Younis or Youhana the captaincy...although Youhana's current batting form doesnt even deserve him a place in the team.
I don't think a series with Australia should be the yard-stick to judge anyone's performance. Australia is a juggernaut. Having said that, Inzi is not a natural captain. He is doing the job bcz there is no one else available.
Someone told me today that in an interview with Geo, Inzi said that he doubts he will be captain for the Indian tour. Even though his contract runs till May. If that were to happen, Pak may go with a two--captain approach. Youhanna for ODI's and Younis for tests (on probation). Later we may turn to Shoaib Malik.
Shoaib for captain? For that he will have to play at least two three consecutive series without getting injured.
Right now, I agree with Faisal that aussie tour shold not be a yardstick. Even great captains had cleansweeps against them in aussie tours. Having said that I do believe that we need a new captain but we have no one else. Maybe Youhana?? hmmm.
I know, and the only criteria OUR players will accept is "seniority", that would mean Youhanna, Razzaq or Younis (once he cements his place) can be the only captains in current side given that "fitness" will be one key criteria when finding a captain.
That’s a dangerous game that Im. Khan’s been playing with the team. He should mind his S. K. M. Hospital. Pakistani cricket needs a hero like Wayne Gretzky, one who never returns!
its' pretty harsh all this negetive vibes aimed at inzi and the lads. we weren't expecting a miracle before we flew out to oz, more like a thrashing which we got. there is no comparison between us and the world champs'
having said that, lets' see how pak perform in india and caribbean in the upcoming series' as i believe we are up to these teams level not australia by far. if we lose badly then change to either yousi and younis atleast this way younis khan will be able to play regularly in both forms of the game which he deserves to do {on current form}.
shabi would make a crap leader, half of the time he isn't fit we would be looking ata deputy to lead the side in his absense, when he is fit he can't last 5 overs, he needs regular breaks some morale boosting that would do for the other memebers of the team, to see their captain huffing and pufffing every 10 mins' + he winges a lot.
… okay, Shoaib Malik seriously.