Waqar Younis buoyant on Pakistan prospects ahead of World Cup

Pakistan captain Waqar Younis Tuesday issued the following statement after his return from South Africa Monday afternoon:
"The recent performance of the Pakistan cricket team has been a cause of grave concern for myself and for the team members.

"I attribute playing on the trot under hostile conditions as one of the factors that exhausted the players mind and added to the stress level. However, I feel that whatever the reason, it is not an excuse to cover-up the bad performance.

"During the recent series, the team carried out experiments to simulate various scenarios and playing conditions. Despite the adverse results, the exercise has given them an opportunity to reflect on the performance gaps and the team is committed to plug these gaps when they gather for the training camp in South Africa before the World Cup.

"I am confident that in the light of our findings we will prove to be a formidable opposition and will rise to the expectations of the 140 million people of Pakistan.

"I am happy to find the unstinted support and the encouragement that General Tauqir Zia has shown throughout the testing times which prove to be an immense strength for the entire squad.

"My only request to everyone is to pray for our success, believe in us and offer positive encouragement so that every member of the squad could take on the challenge of the World Cup 2003 with zeal, confidence and poise."

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Samiul Hasan
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January 14, 2003