KARACHI: Pakistan’s Test captain Azhar Ali on Thursday threw his weight behind the idea of an early resumption of international cricket action even if that means playing matches in front of empty stands.
Like all other major sports activities, international cricket fixtures have been suspended because of the coronavirus pandemic and it seems that action is unlikely to resume any time soon.
However, there have been calls from former cricketers and experts to resume international matches as soon as possible after taking necessary precautions like having them staged in empty stadia.
Azhar told reporters via videoconferencing that he supports that idea. “There is nothing to watch on TV, no sports is happening around the world. So people will be happy if they get to watch something somehow. But lives of people are important and if that is not compromised, we can start with cricket slowly, but not now,” he commented.
Speaking about the inaugural World Test Championship, Azhar was of the view that the event might conclude beyond its original completion date of June 2021.
“There is no harm in delaying the final until all teams complete their Test championship cycle,” he said. “I am sure the final will be held only after all the teams get their due share of matches,” he added.
Azhar also spoke on his relationship with coach-cum-chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq, saying they have similar ideas and that having played together for a long time, they get along very well.
“We don’t have lot of disagreements. We are more often than not on the same page. I have played a lot under Misbah bhai and that helps. We understand each other,” he said.
On bowling coach Waqar Younis and how he is different from Misbah as a coach, he said: “I discuss things with him (Waqar) regarding bowling. Misbah is calmer. That’s his way of working, he is cool. Waqar used to do it in a different way. Both are big names in Pakistan cricket. Waqar bhai is a legend,” said Azhar, who made his Test debut 10 years ago in England.
He has been experiencing a dip in his form since reassuming the role of captain prompting his critics to question whether he was the right choice to lead Pakistan.
However, Azhar played down any fears saying that a knee injury was the reason behind his poor run with the bat. “A knee injury has affected my form and I was at my peak when it happened. We had won the Champions Trophy. Those 6-8 months did disturb me. Injury is a phase and that needs to be dealt with. I am working hard to get back to form,” he said.
When questioned over his “defensive” style of captaincy, Azhar shrugged off the tag and said that his performance will change that perception.
“You lead the team according to situation and according to resources available to you. You can’t place four slips in Dubai conditions. To consider me a defensive captain is a wrong perception, and I will try to change this mindset with my performance.”
Azhar said that as captain he would try to change the team’s mindset by helping it to play fearlessly. “My aim is to make the team fearless. We usually see that the team gets tense when they’re under pressure but I want to change that.” —with inputs from agencies
