‘Pakistanis should deeply admire Misbah’s efforts’

BRISBANE: Pakistan’s embattled captain Misbah-ul-Haq on Friday received emphatic support from his former coach Dav Whatmore who showered praise on the senior batsman calling him an “absolutely wonderful servant” for his country.
At a time when Misbah is braving scathing criticism from all quarters for his team’s pathetic performance in the ongoing World Cup, Whatmore expressed his surprise at the constant vilification of the Pakistani skipper.
Misbah has been branded as a “coward” captain and “selfish” player by his ex-colleague Shoaib Akhtar. Many other former stalwarts have also lambasted him for his below-par captaincy.
However, Whatmore doesn’t see any reason why Misbah is targeted by his critics.
“Misbah has been an absolutely wonderful servant for Pakistan cricket team, cricket board and the whole country. His efforts have to be admired deeply by everyone,” said Whatmore, who is currently serving as Zimbabwe’s coach.
But for a two-year stint that concluded early last year, Whatmore was with the Pakistan team.
“I personally know of his (Misbah’s) drive and his ambition for that team. It’s unfortunate that certain quarters haven’t seen the same as I have. But he has been tremendous and it’s a pity that he hasn’t enjoyed as much success as I think he should have,” said Whatmore while talking to reporters here at the Gabba ahead of Sunday’s World Cup clash between Pakistan and Zimbabwe.
When asked to comment on Shahid Afridi, another senior Pakistani player who is playing his last 50-over World Cup, Whatmore was less generous in his praise.
“He (Afridi) has also been a long servant. He has played 393 (ODI) games and has had a long career.
“I think I was his opposition coach in Nairobi when he played his first match and scored a century,” recalled Whatmore referring to Pakistan’s match against Kenya in 1996 in Nairobi when Afridi smashed which was at that time the fastest century in international cricket.