Skipper gives push-ups the thumbs-up
sharjah — Pakistan Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq defended the celebration by his players with pushups after they win a match.
Some politicians back in Pakistan had criticised the way the team celebrated and instead felt they should pray to God.
Misbah said: “There is no need to make it controversial, the message was clear that we will pay tribute to the people with whom we worked prior to the series.
“It was a good gesture by the players for the army people who helped us in getting fitter. The players can celebrate their achievement in a positive way and there should be no disrespect for the opposition.”
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) executive committee chairman Najam Sethi told the committee that it was up to the players to celebrate in whatever manner they liked.
“Push-ups are done at the discretion of players,” Sethi said.
Pakistan’s next assignments are the tours of New Zealand and Australia which will be a big test for Misbah’s men after playing in the UAE.
“We faced a lot of queries before embarking on our England tour. Most of the players were on a maiden visit but Pakistan Cricket Board planned in advance to get us ready for the tough tour.
“With the passage of time we grew into confidence and we were able to draw the Test series. In my opinion we are better prepared for New Zealand and Australia tours. It will be challenging but boys are ready for the task.”
To attract crowds in Test matches is a tough job and it even gets tougher in the UAE. Pakistan Cricket Board arranged day/night Test with the hope that spectators will come but the ploy failed. There were very few people in Abu Dhabi Test as well. Misbah rues the crowdless Tests by saying: “It is one of the drawbacks we are facing for many years. The presence of fans gives you motivation and you need somebody to cheer when you perform well. We have won two Tests but there were hardly any fans.
“But being professionals we have to give our 100 per cent and win the matches.”