'T20 WC title can redeem Pakistan cricket's lost pride'

The only way Pakistan can restore its lost pride in world cricket is by winning major titles, including the upcoming ICC World Twenty20 Championships in England, believes coach Intikhab Alam.
    
Alam said the attack on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore on March 3 has dealt a severe blow to Pakistan's pride in world cricket and now only victories against top sides like Australia and in important tournaments ca only restore their status.

"It is up to the national team to give the people something to be proud off and normalise our cricket culture. he said.

"I am confident we can do this (win) because we have some quality players. There is balance in our batting and bowling but only thing we are lacking is good hard consistent international competition for a while now," he said in an interview.
    
Pakistan cricket has been going through a traumatic time since last year after international teams have refused to tour the country because of security fears and later the International Cricket Council also relocated the Champions Trophy to South Africa for the same reason.

However, the worst blow came in the form of the terror attack on Sri Lankan cricketers, which raised serious questions over the country's status as an international sporting venue.
    
"Our cricket is going through a rough phase and the players need to lift their game and do something about it," the former captain said.

"We definitely are capable of winning the T20 World Cup and if that is possible it would be a big boost to restoring Pakistan cricket's pride and giving some joy to the people," he said.
    
He said the postponement of Bangladesh tour has further compounded their problems.
    
"It just means that we are again short of international exposure and our players are getting less opportunities to perform on the world stage," Alam said.

In the last edition of the Twenty20 World Cup in South Africa two years arch-rivals India defeated Pakistan in the close-fought summit-clash, but this time around, the coach feels his side can turn their fortunes.

"This time we can turn the tide as we have a reliable batting line-up and some exciting young players while our bowlers are also very good for the shorter version of the game."
    
Alam said although Twenty20 cricket was more unpredictable then 50 overs format, but teams like India and Pakistan were well-equipped to showcase their true potential in the upcoming World Cup in June.
    
Intikhab also hoped that Bangladesh tour could be rescheduled this year as he felt the tour postponement would hurt Bangladesh cricket more than Pakistan.

"The tour would have helped Bangladesh get ready for the T20 World Cup while we could have prepared well for the Australia series. But there is nothing anyone can do when security is an issue," he said.