Javed Miandad press conference

Pakistan coach Javed Miandad Wednesday hoped that the rebuilding phase of the cricket team would complete inside 12 months but warned that it would require total dedication and commitment.

Press Conference Photo © PCB

Addressing a Press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium, the former Pakistan captain said: "We will only be able to meet our tentative time frame of 12 months if we work together and show urgency. We have to realise that we have a lot of ground to make and therefore, we will have to improve everyday.

"Naturally, I have a challenging task ahead but the players will also have to understand that they have a heavier responsibility on their shoulders. They have to understand that they are playing for country and thus, have to take pride. If they understand this, they will train harder and I believe if you work hard for a cause, you achieve your target."

Miandad has been appointed Pakistan coach for the third time in six years. His assignment begins from next month's Sharjah Cup when he takes a new-look Pakistan team to the desert city.

"One most important factor that will play a crucial role will be the amount of cricket we get. We want maximum cricket because we want to give maximum exposure to our boys. But at the same time, we will have to show patience and stay positive.

"I don't think it is a new team. Except three players, all the boys have played international cricket in the past. These players have plenty of domestic cricket experience and now they have to deliver in the international arena. The three uncapped boys (Mohammad Hafeez, Umar Gul and Naved-ul-Hasan) have been excellent performers at domestic circuit and deserve to be in the team.

"As regards batsmen, we have the same boys except Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq. This team may appear to be a new-look team because it is missing stalwarts. These boys need polishing and final touches for which we are ready," Miandad said.

He said Pakistan's future depended on how quickly the players adapted to international cricket. "All depends how quickly they learn and improve. They will get all the facilities but it will be they who will have to respond."

He said it would be unjustified to judge the credentials of a coach with the performance of the team. "The coach should be judged by his commitment and input. But the onus of delivering lay on the boys. I have shown in the past that I am prepared to work with them for five or even six hours. And by the grace of Almighty, my teams have done excellent in the past. So I am confident that I will be able to serve my country this time also."

Press Conference Photo © PCB

On the ability of the batsmen, he said he would try to make them realize that they will have to put a heavy price on their wickets. "The batsman always starts from scratch. He can't live on his previous day or previous match performance. Every day is a new day for him and to achieve the highest standards, he has to work hard everyday. My task will be to make them understand that not only the batsmen but the bowlers will also have to work everyday instead of relying on training camps. The training camps are meant to regroup the boys, work for three to four days and get ready for competitive cricket. The players will have to realise that if they don't do justice to cricket, cricket wouldn't do justice to them. Time is in the hands of these boys and they have to take advantage of it."

Miandad said the players will also have to change the concept of junior and senior. "There is no senior and junior inside the rope. All play for one cause and that is country. Respect has to be from inside and it should not be made an ego problem.

"Cricket is not any individual's property. Anybody performing will play in the team," he said with reference to the senior players who have been overlooked for the tournament. He added: "Cricket is an easy sport for anyone who shows commitment, discipline and dedication. But extremely difficult for those who don't follow these basic principles."

Miandad said he has not discussed his tenure or his package. But he said he was a professional and cricket was his bread and butter. "I think since it is a rebuilding phase, my term will be a long one. I don't want to discuss the past but in cricket you learn everyday and I think I have learnt a lot from my previous two experiences as coach."

Miandad said Pakistan cricket learnt a very positive lesson from the World Cup defeat. "The players are not bigger than the game. In the past, when the team used to lose, the boards were changed. But this time, the board has stayed and the senior boys have been dropped. I think it is a good message to all the players that if they perform, they will stay otherwise, they will have to make way for others."

Pakistan manager Haroon Rashid said although he had to look after the administrative part, he would be available if Miandad required him on the technical side. "I have been associated with Pakistan coaching since late 80s and have seen most of them mature as good cricketers.

"The important thing is that we have to stay focused on our target. Any disciplinary problems will be sorted out then and there instead of referring them to Lahore."

Samiul Hasan
General Manager - Media
26 March 2003