Thaindian News

Karachi, Dec 19 (ANI): Pakistan cricket team manager Intikhab Alam has expressed confidence that the New Zealand tour would go off well for Pakistan, as presently there are “no disciplinary issues at all” in the squad.

“There is complete harmony and no disciplinary issues at all in this team and that is why I am confident that we can do well on the tour,” the Daily Times quoted Intikhab, as saying.

He said the players had been advised to put the spot-fixing issues aside, and focus on beating Kiwis in their own backyard.

There is lot happening on the sidelines but our job is to play good cricket and try to beat New Zealand in their own backyard. They are always a dangerous side at home but their recent crushing defeats to India is something we can build on,” Intikhab said.

“Although the pitches in New Zealand and the sub-continent, where we play the World Cup, are different, a six-match one-day series at the end of the tour will help us build a combination and overcome our shortcomings,” he added.

Intikhab, however, declined to comment on questions about suspended Test captain Salman Butt’s upcoming hearing by the International Cricket Council’s inquiry tribunal, or the delay in selection of the World Cup probables because of clearance issues with some players.

“I would not like to respond to these questions because they would be best answered by the board and selectors. My job is focus on team affairs,” he maintained.

Pakistan open the New Zealand tour with the first of three Twenty20 internationals on December 26 before playing two Tests and six one-dayers- their last commitment before the World Cup. (ANI)