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Razzaq is willing to do everything in his power to regain his spot in the national team
Pakistan all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has lashed out at captain Misbah-ul-Haq, stating that his defensive batting and timid approach is responsible for all the failures the national team have endured in the past couple of months.
Razzaq noted that he was exiled from the team during the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 last September because of ul-Haq and vice-captain Mohammad Hafeez.
However, the 33-year-old still retains hope of representing Pakistan in the near future.
“But I have not given up hope of playing again for Pakistan,” he said. “I have at least two years of international cricket left in me and I am sure my time will come again.”
Speaking about ul-Haq’s defensive batting once again, Razzaq stated that the captain was “playing too many dot balls”, which increases the pressure on other batsmen when they come in.
“He is batting slowly and playing too many dot balls and that adds to the pressure on the batsman playing with him or those coming in,” Razzaq said. “If a captain bats defensively and doesn’t lead the charge than it demoralises the environment in the dressing room.”
The all-rounder added that Pakistan must take a more “aggressive” approach to all their games if they want to get back to their winning ways.
“I am not demeaning any player but nowadays players need to be more aggressive and try to play positively,” he said. “If we change our approach and try to play with an open mind and heart I am sure this team can do much better.”
Razzaq admitted to being inspired by the triumphant return of Shahid Afridi, but noted that it was disheartening to see the national selectors and people of Pakistan not treat him with the respect he deserves.
“People say I don’t play domestic cricket so how can the selectors judge my performance but what they don’t understand is that if a senior player is not treated with respect he gets disheartened and this is what has happened to me,” Razzaq said.
In a rather shocking move, the 33-year-old also revealed that suspended Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Zaka Ashraf had planned to drop all the senior players in the side after the team’s dismal performance during last year’s World Twenty20.
“But we have a new chairman now, so let us see what happens,” Razzaq added. “But we need to change things and attitude in our dressing room if the team is to fire again and show consistency.”
Razzaq further stated that he was willing to do anything to regain his spot in the national team.
“I am even ready to bat up the order if required,” he said.