Pakistan captain Waqar Younis Friday said he was delighted
with his team's success in Sharjah but clarified that was
not his destiny.
"I am not taking away any credit from my boys who were
excellent. But it is not what we are looking for. Our target
is World Cup and that's what we are gunning for," the
skipper said from Lahore.
Waqar admitted that the victory has done good to the team.
"It has lifted our spirits, our morale and most importantly
helped us regain the confidence of our supporters. We also
managed to break the jinx of choking in the finals. But our
feet are still on the ground as we are aware that tougher
tasks lie ahead.
"For me, Sharjah is history now. I am looking forward to the
home series' against the West Indies, Australia and away
tour to South Africa. In between, I would like to pick every
success because it is essential to keep the team motivated
and fired-up," Waqar said.
Waqar said the secret to success in Sharjah was team spirit,
cohesion and support each player gave to his team-mate.
He said Sharjah was a successful in terms that every player
got a chance. "No player was treated as baggage. The seniors
sat out and the youngsters proved their potential."
On Shoaib Akhtar, who was embroiled in a war of words with
Mahela Jayawardena in the final, said the paceman's gestures
didn't please him. "I didn't like that all. No fast bowler
likes to be hit first ball out of the park but then passing
remarks or showing gestures is not good either.
"There are several other ways for Shoaib or any fast bowler
to show aggression. But the way Shoaib behaved, I don't
think he made many friends. But then again, he is a
committed youngster and wants to deliver. He probably got
carried away by the situation," said Waqar, who was off the
field when the incident took place.
Waqar defended Shoaib over the latest controversy and said
it didn't make any sense to him that despite being cleared
twice, he was reported again.
"If the ICC examines Shoaib's action or medical reports
again, they will come up with the same result. So why this
fuss is all about. I think that Shoaib should be allowed to
play cricket because he has brought so much attraction to
the sport. I think Test cricket needs players like Shoaib
who are crowd pullers."