Mohsin happy with his new role

Nobody would have thought at the start of the tour that Pakistan will emerge winners in all the forms of cricket against the higher ranked Sri Lankans.

Pakistan are devoid of international cricket at home because foreign teams refuse to visit the country citing security concerns.

It is a big obstacle to develop the game in the country and above all cricket enthusiasts are unable to see their heroes perform in front of their eyes.

The team’s performance bodes well for Pakistan’s efforts to bring cricket back home. Efforts are on to revive the Indo-Pak cricketing ties and Pakistan are ready to play India at any venue.

It would be a boon to cricket in the UAE if India agree to play Pakistan here.

Mohsin Khan has been involved with the team since long and in his new role as an interim coach he has delivered for Pakistan.

His combination with captain Misbahul Haq is producing results for Pakistan and he has been named coach for the Bangladesh tour as well.

While talking to Khaleej Times, Mohsin said: “It was a good series for a team which is in a building process. It is a result of hard work by the coaching staff and players.

“Sri Lanka is one of the best teams in the world and they have quality players like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Though they are not at their best but making a clean sweep by winning the Test series, the ODIs and the one–off Twenty international is a great effort by Pakistan.

Pakistan started the Test series on a positive note by putting Sri Lanka in a corner but they failed to win the first Test. Misbahul Haq was criticised for his safety-first tactics but his lads came out with flying colours and finished the second Test within four days.

Mohsin added: “ We could have won the Test series 2-0. After playing out a draw in Abu Dhabi and in Dubai, Sri Lanka made a comeback in Sharjah. Their declaration was a brave one but we opted to go for a draw.

“Pakistan were on top in the one-day series and Shahid Afridi’s performance in Sharjah made the difference. The 4-1 victory against a team like Sri Lanka is not a small achievement.

“And finally the T20 game was won by our bowlers because at one stage they were cruising at 90 off the first nine overs but our spinners pegged them back. It was befitting finale to the wonderful tour. It was a collective effort and credit goes to the players who performed on the field and won in all the formats of the game.”

After finishing the game at midnight Pakistan had to catch a flight to Dhaka at 9am from Dubai International Airport on Saturday. They are going to play one T20, three one-dayers and two Tests against Bangladesh.

The former Pakistani opener added: “We are not taking Bangladesh lightly because they will be a tough nut to crack in their own backyard. It will be good preparation for the England series to be played in the UAE.

“We need improvement in every department of the game if we aspire to do well against the top Test team in the world. Our fielding still needs attention and some of the silly run-outs in this series are a big concern.”

Mohsin concluded: “I am enjoying my new role as a coach and trying my best bring back the glorious days of Pakistan cricket.”

liaqat@khaleejtimes.com