Date: 17 September, 2009(Thursday)
Ubaid ur Rehman Awan
http://www.cricdb.com/archive/international/news/detail.php?nid=2217
There is too much cricket being played before the Champions Trophy. I think it is only fair that before such a major event players should get a break from international matches: Younis Khan. File photo
Pakistan captain Younis Khan said he would love to win the ICC Champions Trophy for the late coach Bob Woolmer and if his team win the title, he will go to his[Bob] home to tribute him with the trophy. Younis believes there was no doubt that India had a strong batting line-up and their strength had historically been successful against us in such high profile tournaments but we are geared up to alter history.
Younis is confident that the conditions in South Africa will favour Pakistan. “If players like Shahid Afridi, Imran Nazir, Mohammad Yousaf and Shoaib Malik are in the line-up its very hard to beat such team,” Younis said in a press conference after the training session. "His family is in South Africa and if we win the Champions Trophy I will definitely go with the team to his home and share our moments with his family. It would be a fitting tribute to Bob," Younis said.
Pakistan skipper insisted that the international cricketers were under great pressure because of the packed calendar, adding that the quality of the sport was suffering. “It would be ideal if the ICC and its boards can agree to say a 10-day break in the international calendar before a World Cup or Champions Trophy which are major events.”
“Every board and team naturally has it own way of looking at how the international cricket calendar should be run or organising their commitments before a major event. But I think the ICC can enforce a uniform policy when it comes to a World Cup or Champions Trophy,” he added.
India, Sri Lanka and New Zealand completed a tri-series in Sri Lanka on Monday – won by India, while England and Australia will finish up a seven-match ODI series on September 20 - just two days before the Champions Trophy begins. “One series ends and the next one begins soon after and the players don’t get a chance to take a proper break to recharge themselves. It is also adding to the fitness problems of players.”
Pakistan, who won this year’s World Twenty20 tournament, have had a long break to prepare for the Champions Trophy with their last match on Aug 12. “The last time we went to the World Twenty20 in England in June we had not played much cricket. But the players were fresh and it worked for us. This time also we have done our preparations for the Champions Trophy,” he said.
© Cricdb
Comments