Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has said he would not blame the captain or coach alone for the national team’s poor performances in recent years, stressing the need for long-term planning to improve national cricket, 24NewsHD TV reported on Saturday.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Azhar said too much responsibility was often placed on the captain and coach, while important areas that required attention over the past five years were neglected.
“We should make the changes that can improve the team’s performance now, but it is equally important to look at the future,” he said, calling for a four- to five-year plan to put Pakistan cricket on a stronger footing.
Azhar also described Pakistan’s drawn Test series against the West Indies as a positive result.
He praised Abdullah Shafique for making an impressive comeback, saying returning to international cricket at a high level was not easy.
He also praised Babar Azam’s recent form, saying the batter’s performances were beginning to remind fans of the Babar Azam they had seen in the past.
The former captain said England would present another major challenge for Pakistan, but noted that the national team had traditionally played good cricket in England.
He expressed hope that Pakistan would once again produce strong performances during their upcoming series in England.