Re: Post-Series Discussions (Merged)
** Inzy hits out at ex-players for criticizing team**
*By a Correspondent*
Karachi, February 19, 2006
Pakistan skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq has hit out at former players, who have been critical of his side's one-day series loss against the visiting Indian team, accusing them of unleashing an unwarranted tirade against his side to serve their own nefarious purposes.
“I am deeply hurt by the criticism, which has been downright malicious. Pakistan’s former Test cricketers never let go of any opportunity to unleash criticism at the national side. As in the past, these gentlemen have once again drawn out their daggers for us”, he wrote in his column.
The Pakistan captain, who felt these critics conveniently overlook the good performances of his team but are always ready with their verbal assault whenever the squad loses, said “Whenever Pakistan team ends up on the losing side, former cricketers start their campaign to degrade the players instead of boosting their confidence or giving them sound advice”.
“Everyone appears to be making full use of the chance to hurt the sentiments of the national cricket players. This was the same side that defeated India in the Test series”, he added.
Inzamam asked them to take a trip down memory lane and recall instances where they too have faced debacles but have some how managed to get away without being held responsible for the failures.
“They too have gone through similar situations in the past, but today they clamor for accountability. The same cricketers of the past tend to forget that they were let off without any accountability when they had under-performed or suffered one defeat after another”, Inzy wrote.
The burly Multan player known for his calm persona on-field said he had been infuriated by the snide remarks passed by these former players and has asked his teammates to completely ignore their statements and move ahead.
“The current Pakistan team, instead of listening to the barrage of criticism, has in fact turned a deaf ear towards it and is focused solely on its own performance a critical assessment of the team’s performance was always welcome but it had to be balanced without any personal bias”, Inzy said.
“I believe that one should measure one’s thoughts before saying anything. This same team has been winning in the recent past. And by the Grace of Allah, it will soon get back to its winning ways”, he added.
Inzamam vs. Imran - the battle continues…