ISLAMABAD - Former Test cricketer Azhar Mahmood has said he has the ideal background to guide the green-shirts in the T20 World Cup, while batting coach Zaheer Abbas does not understand the pressure involved in the twenty-over game. He said Zaheer was one the greatest batsmen of his time, but he had never played T20 cricket. The person, who had played cricket recently and could genuinely help players, was needed, he told Pakpassion.net.
Azhar, who has an experience of almost 200 T20 games where he has amassed over 3,700 runs and taken 224 wickets, said he had the ideal background to guide Pakistani players in an important tournament like the World T20. "I am always there and if I am given an opportunity I am ready to help the Pakistani boys before and during the World T20," he added.
He said he had not formally made an offer, but had spoken to someone in the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that he was available if needed. In view of the World T20 approaching fast, his experience of around 200 T20 games should be taken into account, he said. He said he owed a lot to the country as whatever he had achieved in cricket, was because of Pakistan. "It doesn't matter where or in which country I have played cricket. The fact is that I am a Pakistani first. We may go away from our countries to earn a better living, but we can never forget our roots. It will be an honour for me to give something back to the country," Azhar said.
Azhar said he had played two T20 tournaments in Bangladesh, where the T20 World Cup was being held. He knew how to handle tough situations during the matches being held there, he added.