SHARJAH: Pakistan's head coach Waqar Younis praised the effort of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Shaharyar Khan in lifting the domestic structure and reviving international cricket; both will help in lifting the overall standard of the national team.
Waqar admitted there was a contrast between the domestic structure of Pakistan and Australia, which was quite evident in the 3-0 ODI defeat in the UAE.
“Look, it’s not a secret – we really need to improve our domestic cricket. Pakistan is not playing at home, which is also not helping. Hopefully, this system will be in place and Shaharyar Khan will be able to bring back international cricket to Pakistan. He is doing that in a gradual manner," added Waqar.
"We are losing interest in our First Class cricket. We need to put in more resources in First Class cricket so that it can be improved. This will help our national team as well when international cricket makes a comeback in Pakistan.”
When asked if he had any hope the team will fare better in Tests, the head coach replied: "I am hoping for something good to happen. It’s a different ball game. We have experienced players like Younis Khan and Azhar Ali back in the side so I am hoping that we’d start delivering now. We have a good Test side."
Waqar said he was not overtly disappointed and is happy at youngsters' progress.
"In a way, I am disappointed. We could have won a couple of games out of those but unfortunately we couldn't finish. It was clear that we were somewhat inexperienced and could have done much better in certain areas. I am honestly pretty happy with the youngsters.
"I think we are building into a very fine side – the talent is there, it’s just a matter of time. Before the ODIs we lost a few players like Hafeez, Wahab Riaz and then Junaid, but I am pretty hopeful and very confident that before going into the New Zealand series, we will be able to put up a very fine side for the World Cup 2015."
Waqar said Australia are a tough team.
"Look, they are the number one team; their system is just so good that they produce good cricketers. We would love to win the series but for me it far more important to go into the World Cup keeping an eye on the youngsters."
Waqar said moving forward from the absence of Ajmal, suspended due to his illegal bowling action, will take some time.
"It’s going to be hard. There’s obviously a huge vacuum when Ajmal is not there when you are playing on slow and dry pitches. It’s going to take time but I am sure our youngsters will perform well."
