Speculations of 'groupism' in team are baseless: Shoaib Malik
"Nobody will be happier than me if we can win this World Cup for Afridi", says Shoaib Malik.
MOHALI (Web Desk / AFP) - The speculation of groupism in Pakistan team does hamper its progress but senior all-rounder Shoaib Malik on Thursday insisted that the side has what it takes to beat the odds given that it had won the 2009 World Twenty20 despite half a dozen players not being on talking terms, reported IBN Live.
Malik, putting up a brave face in the wake of Pakistan’s ordinary show so far in the tournament, said this negative talk of groupism only surfaces when the team loses.
"It is because of this speculation on groupism, we are not able to build a team. We are not able to get the consistency. When the team loses, there is pressure put on lots of people (stakeholders) and changes happen in the team," Malik said in the pre-match press conference.
"To me, all this speculation is baseless. Just to add to that, I want to say that six of us were not talking during the World T20 in 2009 but we still managed to win the title," a defiant Malik said on the eve of Pakistan’s must-win match for both teams.
Besides, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Shahryar Khan declared midway into the event that captain Shahid Afridi will be removed after the World T20.
Talking about the problems facing Pakistan cricket, Malik said the team has the talent but lacks consistency. He asserted that the side is looking to win against Australia to have any chance of making the semis.
"It is not about a game or two. It has been the process followed from the last one and a half years. If you look at the Pakistan performance in the World T20 and compare with other teams, you will see that all the matches have been fought closely.
"Of course we have to take responsibility (when the team loses) and all players know that. We have certain areas where we need to improve. PSL has just started. After two-three years you will get to see the league giving cricketers to the national side," said the 34-year-old .
"Ever since I have made a comeback, I think I have been the top scorer. My average is around 35 in this format so you would not have asked me this if you did your homework. However, I still respect you," Malik said.
"This is going to be Afridi’s last World Cup. I respect him a lot, he is like an elder brother to me," Malik said at the pre-match press conference.
"Nobody will be happier than me if we can win this World Cup for Afridi.
"Every player is trying to give 100 percent. Winning or losing is not in our hands, but each one of us is taking responsibility and trying to give our best," he said.
Veteran Afridi has played 97 T20 internationals and scored 1,391 runs while taking 97 wickets.
Malik, 34, said the team was looking at plugging the loopholes and come out firing against Australia, who have one win and a loss from two outings so far.
"Our first goal is to win tomorrow. We missed out on scoring singles in our last game. Nobody is perfect. We are trying to improve our skills," he said.
A win against Australia is the minimum Pakistan need to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Malik also sought to dismiss talk of friction in the Pakistani dressing room, blaming the team’s poor performance for the speculation.
"Nobody talked about a rift in our camp in 2009 when we won the World T20. Six of us were not talking to each other, we still won. When you lose games, all the talk starts."
