Former Pakistan pacer Umar Gul urged the fans to support the squad as the country’s cricket is going through a tough phase after New Zealand and England pulled out of Pakistan tours.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, he said “No doubt that the [T20 World Cup] squad has been criticised a lot since it was announced. I think we should criticise the squad but don’t mention the names of players because our cricket is going through a difficult phase after the cancellation of New Zealand and England’s tours of Pakistan. It’s time to back the players rather than demoralise them,”
He backed the side stating they should take the criticism in a positive manner and should reply to the critics by performing well in the T20 World Cup.
“Players should also take this criticism positively rather than getting pressurized. I also did the same, when I faced such a situation during the course of my career, and tried to answer my critics through my performance on the field. The ongoing National T20 Cup is also a good chance for the players to regain their confidence,” he said.
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The former right-arm also advised the cricketers not to pressurized ahead of the Pakistan team’s clash against arch-rivals India.
“There is extra pressure of the India match as the entire nation wants you to beat them. My suggestion is that players should control their nerves and don’t crumble under pressure as it’s a high-voltage match. I would also advise that, two to three days before, especially around the India match, the players should avoid social and conventional media,” he added.