Srinagar: Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq has reacted strongly to criticism of Pakistan cricket team by former cricketer’s Shoaib Akhtar and Gautam Gambhir.
Pakistan suffered defeat in the final of the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Opening batter Mohammad Rizwan who scored 55 off 49 balls was criticised for his slow batting.
Gautam Gambhir, while doing commentary questioned Rizwan’s batting approach and said the batter should be criticised for his slow knock.
Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhter, too, made a stern comment on Rizwan’s battling knock.
“Rizwan, 50 off 50 is not going to work anymore. Doesn’t benefit Pakistan,” Akhtar tweeted.
However, Pakistan coach Saqlain Mushtaq defended Mohammad Rizwan’s batting approach in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka.
“Unki soch hai. Jo bahir log baithe hote hai na, wo bahir se cheezon ko dekhte hai aur uske upar baat kar dete hai (Easy to comment from outside, one gets to know only when they are part of the team)”, said Saqlain, when he was asked about Rizwan’s criticism from the former cricketers.
“It’s not their mistake. They saw the result, and scorecard and made their comments. They have no idea about what is happening inside the dressing room, what the players feel about their confidence and the injuries they are carrying,” Saqlain explained.
“I have worked as an expert for three years. So, I know how things worked. Once they work closely with the cricketers from inside only then they will get to know about the team bonding, the environment,” he added.
Saqlain praised Asif Ali and Shadab Khan, who got injured during the match but still went out to bat.
“Asif ke haath mey chaar taanke lage hue hai. Shadab ke kaan me se khoon nikal raha, usko concussion ka tha fir bhi batting karne ke liye gaya (Asia played with four stitches in his hand. Shadab’s ear was bleeding, he was concussed after the Collision and despite all of this he went to bat),” said Saqlain.