Testing series for new-look side: Intikhab

Karachi, Feb 10: Intikhab Alam said on Thursday that Pakistan will have to start from scratch for the home series against Sri Lanka starting on Sunday.

"The series against Sri Lanka is going to be really tough. And people will have to understand that Pakistan has started the rebuilding phase," he said from Lahore hours after Saeed Anwar was named as Pakistan captain.

"I wish him best of luck but I am sure he realizes that it will be a very demanding series. He will have to show a lot of mental and physical toughness in the next six weeks," he said.

The Pakistan coach said since the squad included several new phases, Saeed Anwar will require time to understand each player. "But I hope that he understands them quickly so that he can extract the best out of them."

Regarding Wasim Akram, Intikhab Alam said he felt sorry for him. "It must have been a very tough decision for him. I am extremely sad because he has been a great mentor and inspiration to the team."

He said Pakistan was very fortunate to have player like Wasim Akram. "These type of players are not born everyday. Its our responsibility to protect our assets." Intikhab observed that Wasim still had a lot of cricket left in him. "Quitting captaincy doesn't mean that he is nearing his his end. He still has a lot to give to the team and country."

Intikhab said the Pakistan team will assemble on Friday morning at Karachi and will hold their first training session later in the afternoon.