Lahore, Apr 03: Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shahryar Khan today told his players not to be depressed after the defeat at Multan but added ''don't blame the wicket either''. The PCB chief said, ''we should give credit to Indian players. They played well and showed discipline but there is nothing to get disheartened, defeat and victory is a part of the game.''
In a pep talk to the players, Khan said: ''You have the potential to fight back and I hope you will display your fighting qualities here during the second Test.''
He assured the players that they will get a lively wicket at the Gadaffi Stadium here.
Meanwhile, coach Javed Miandad has exhorted his players to put the defeats in the one-dayers and at Multan behind them and start thinking positive.
''The second Test starting here from April 5 is a do or die affair for us and to keep the series alive, we have to win this Test,'' Miandad told his players. The coach said he will not interfere in the preparation of the pitch. ''It is up to the captain Inzamam-ul Haq to decide what type of a wicket he wants,'' he added.
Miandad admitted he was disappointed with the show of his team so far but hoped that players will ''hit back''.
''We have world class bowlers and there is absolutely no doubt about that but you (bowlers) have not performed to the expectations and potential so far,'' he said.
Stating that the Pakistan team is famous for its fighting qualities, Miandad said, ''that is what the public wants to see. You just display your potential. There are still two tests to go, the series is wide open and a win here will change the whole scenario dramatically.''
The coach lauded the Indian performance saying ''they played better and should be appreciated''. ''Let us be focussed and positive for the next two Tests,'' he added.
The coach hoped his boys will live up to the huge expectations the public had from them. ''Lahore is different from Multan. A win here is a must.''
He said, ''we have to play according to the plan, we should stick to the strategy which is prepared and a disciplined approach and self belief will see us through.''
Bureau Report