Stressing on the importance of teamwork, Pakistan Cricket Board today called
upon senior players of the team to provide complete support to new captain Shoaib Malik.
In a meeting with the Abu Dhabi-bound squad today, PCB chairman Naseem Ashraf said he hoped the players had learnt their lessons from the recent
World Cup.
"All you players are professionals and the Board expects all of you to
behave in a professional way," he said.
Ashraf asked senior players to help in the grooming of the
youngsters. He said all players must fully back the new captain.
Malik was preferred over senior players for the captaincy after
Younis Khan turned down the offer to lead the team after the failed World
Cup campaign, which saw Inzamam ul Haq retiring from one-day internationals.
Ashraf did not mince words in pointing out that he was not
satisfied with the fitness level and fielding skills of the team and said the
Board will closely monitor these aspects of the players.
"I expect an improvement in the physical fitness of each player on a month
to month basis," said the chairman while insisting that fitness will be
major element in monitoring the central contracts of the players.
He said the PCB was planning to bring in a professional
baseball coach from the United States to help in improving the fielding
skills of the players.
"The PCB is also trying to inculcate new culture and work
ethics and everybody must be a part of the new developments for the betterment
of Pakistan cricket," he said.
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