Thaindian News

Abu Dhabi, Oct 31 (ANI): Pakistan cricket is going through difficult times, with poor form of batsmen coming on top of the suspensions of three key players, coach Waqar Younis said.

“I must say that Pakistan cricket is going through a serious tough time,” The News quoted Waqar, as saying.

“We lost a few players after the England tour and it’s been a little tough at the moment and I think that is one big reason that we are struggling,” he added, referring to the tainted trio- Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir- who were suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) last month after being implicated in spot-fixing allegations during Pakistan’s tour of England.

“I sincerely hope that the players are cleared and are available to play for Pakistan because they are key players,” said Waqar, who took over as coach in March this year.

Also missing from the team is wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal, who is also reportedly under investigation for match-fixing. Kamran was not selected for the tour after undergoing an appendicitis operation earlier this month.

“I am concerned. As I said losing four players from your top eleven is never easy,” said Waqar, adding, “Of course its not an ideal situation with the World Cup just four months away.”

Waqar also urged his batsmen to improve their performances in the remaining one-dayers, saying, “South Africa will get tougher and tougher and if we don’t put up good totals on the board it will become difficult for us to beat them.”

Pakistan will also play two Tests- one each in Dubai and Abu Dhabi- after the ongoing one-day matches in their ‘home’ series shifted to United Arab Emirates because of security concerns. (ANI)