Thaindian News

Islamabad, Oct 12 (IANS) Pakistan’s national cricket team assembled in Lahore for a short training camp under interim coach Mohsin Khan ahead of the series against Sri Lanka in the United Arab Emirate (UAE).

Talking to media Tuesday, Mohsin Khan said all the team members and officials met to formulate a plan for the three-day training session.

Pakistan is to play three Tests, five One-Day Internationals and a Twenty20 against Sri Lanka. The first match is scheduled for Oct 18.

During the training camp, the players were also be briefed on the new rules introduced by the International Cricket Council that will be implemented from this month.

Pakistani team would leave for the UAE Saturday.

Mohsin Khan, who is Pakistan’s interim coach as well as the chief selector, said he will not let his dual role hamper him or the team in any way during the upcoming series.

“I am not going to confuse myself with the double responsibility but the PCB asked me to take up the responsibility. It is a challenging one and it should be completed with responsibility,” said Mohsin while talking to media on the sidelines of the training session.

Moshin was appointed team coach after national coach Waqar Younis resigned due to his domestic issues.

Some critics pointed out that the team’s think-tank now comprises all batsmen — Mohsin, assistant coach Ijaz Ahmed and captain Misbah-ul-Haq — and it could affect the bowling department.

But Mohsin did not accept this point and said, “I don’t think it is a big thing. I am confident that we can make it, despite most of our strategy-makers being batsmen.”

“To achieve a big goal, you have to take risks. So despite receiving extensive criticism, we went with an experimental squad. As a selector, or now a coach, I won’t be afraid of taking a risk.”