"Babar, don't worry about comparisons, just score heavily and work hard" : Javed Miandad

[MenInG]

The return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade has brought great joy to a country starved of watching their leading cricketers play international cricket at home. It was therefore not a surprise that Rawalpindi stadium which was the venue for the first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka recently became a focal point of joy, not only for fans and well-wishers of the game, but also for ex-players such as former captain Javed Miandad.

A veteran of 357 international games where he proudly represented his country and scored over 16,000 runs, Miandad was present to enjoy the atmosphere at the bustling Rawalpindi Stadium sporting a Pakistan Army Cap which, as he explained in an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, was in honour of the country’s Armed Forces. "I have always been a fighter for my country, and I recall being told by Dean Jones that the Australians feared me so much that they imposed fines for their players if they ever engaged me in a conversation in-case I upset them. Whilst I could not join the Army, I have always wanted to serve the nation. The reason I wore the cap in Rawalpindi on this grand occasion was as a mark of respect for Pakistani Armed Forces who devote their lives to serve our nation. This gesture was not due to what the Indian team did in the past, but this is just how I feel about my country's Armed Forces and the role they are playing in bringing security to Pakistan.”

Javed Miandad was not the only respected former Pakistan player at the event; he was joined by former Pakistan batsman Majid Khan as well. To Miandad, PCB’s gesture of inviting former players was one that needs praise and something that regretfully the previous administrations had neglected to do.

“It was an honour to have been present at this historic occasion at the ‘Pindi ground. Look, it's not a case of not being able to buy a ticket myself to attend such occasions but after serving the nation to our fullest, to be invited by the PCB filled me with joy. I was happy to meet my old friend Majid Khan at the ground and then when I walked around the ground, I was met by fans who greeted me with so much love, filled me with joy and brought tears to my eyes. I can only thank The Almighty for his blessings.”

The seasonal cold and rainy weather played an important part in the outcome of the first Test and the frustration of some critics seem to have been directed squarely at the feet of the PCB for the wrong choice of venue. For Javed Miandad, all talk of incorrect scheduling of the match in Rawalpindi is unfair and should not be entertained, “When we go to Leeds and it rains all day for many days, we come out smiling and shaking hands admiring the beauty of the game, then why can’t we do the same when it comes to the weather in Rawalpindi? If people have some divine connection and they can tell what the weather will be like when tours are being arranged, they should contact the PCB. If not, then best to not talk such rubbish about blaming the PCB for playing at a time when there is rain in the skies. It makes no sense to do that, instead we should all be happy about Test cricket being played on our home soil.”

The current state of Pakistan’s batting as witnessed on the tour of Australia has been a source of major concern for followers of Pakistan cricket. Whilst there have been some good but sporadic performances by Pakistani batsmen, the lack of consistency has been the cause of many recent defeats. This trend worries Javed Miandad who feels that many years of poor development within Pakistan cricket is now showing its unwelcome results.

“We have no proper grounds in Pakistan that can support the love for this game in our cities. The situation is such that kids are playing cricket on streets because open spaces are being used to construct buildings. Our school level cricket has been neglected for years such that the raw material for senior level cricket sides is not coming at the rate we expect and was in the past. And when we are getting young players, there techniques are in a deplorable state due to a lack of coaching. In such a situation, why is it a surprise that we are failing to produce decent batsmen? Our senior side’s batting woes are a result of our system that is not providing the right environments for our youngsters to develop.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed’s recent poor form in international cricket was probably one of the main reasons for his ouster as captain. His replacement in Tests, Azhar Ali, based upon the series against Australia seems to have fared no better and there seems to be growing discontent at his ability to captain and also at the lack of his own form. For Javed Miandad, appointments of captains should be made after careful thought and once decisions are made, a reasonable amount of time should be allowed for the new captain to settle in the job.

“Captaincy should not be taken lightly by anyone and once a captain is appointed after careful thought, then he needs to be allowed a few series to establish himself and show his worth before we start thinking of replacing him. In fact, my view is that a panel of experienced former players should be constituted and be made available by the PCB to advise the new captain as he learns his trade. This is because in our country, we elevate players to the position of captain without letting him develop in that position in his domestic side. This is not the case in other countries where captains of Test sides have plenty of experience playing at the domestic level. This whole process can take time and consideration as simply looking at the team’s results is not a good indicator of how good a captain is. You can have a weak captain with a good team who can win games and then you can have excellent captains with mediocre sides that fail to win matches. In my view, Azhar Ali needs to be allowed time to prove himself – one or two series are not enough to judge his ability.”

The comparisons to Virat Kohli seem to grow day by day and it would appear that with each excellent innings, Babar Azam continues to scale new heights as proven by his rise to 9th position in ICC’s Men’s Test Batting Rankings. A batsman who in his heyday could decimate any bowling attack at will, Miandad is acutely aware of the pressure of expectations placed on the young shoulders of Babar Azam and advises the batsman to let his bat do the talking, “Babar is a phenomenal batsman but he has to continue performing for his country. From my experience I can say that I would never worry about comparisons with any other player but continue performing well for my country. My bat would do the talking and I suggest Babar do the same. The only time to compare oneself to another is after you have scored enough runs and you can look back at your career with pride. There is no point talking about comparisons ahead of time. My advice to Babar Azam is, don't worry about comparisons, just put your head down, score heavily and work hard.”

Apart from his brilliant batting form which sees Babar Azam featuring in the top-ten batsmen in all formats of the game, the batsman has also been handed captaincy of the T20I team but his first series defeat against Australia as captain seems to show that he has some way to go before he can start feeling comfortable in this position. Was his elevation to captaincy too sudden? Javed Miandad is a firm believer in a slow and steady approach to such matters as he explained, “Babar should have been made vice-captain which would have given him breathing space to learn the tricks of the trade. By making him T20I captain, we may have added too much pressure on his batting which could backfire on Pakistan.”

The appointment of Misbah-ul-Haq in the dual role of Chief Selector and Head Coach raised a few eyebrows as it was largely considered a daunting tak for the former Pakistan captain. Miandad who has prior experience of coaching Pakistan fully understands the pressures that this sort of position can bring and advised Misbah to seek help if he wishes to effectively execute his duties, “I am a firm believer that coaching is not about speaking good English but actually knowing what is expected from this role as I showed during my time when I used a marble slab to help players prepare for overseas tours. I feel that Misbah can do this job too as he has the capability, but he will need help from 3 or 4 other experts who can guide him to take the right decisions and take the pressure off him.”

[mahmed]

Great interview always love to hear from him. He has soft corner for PCB, I am sensing some position for this legend??

[MenInG]

Great interview always love to hear from him. He has soft corner for PCB, I am sensing some position for this legend??

Not sure what role he would be offered if any, but fact is that he loves Pakistan and Pakistan cricket in the same way he did when he was a player.

[ARK Rafay]

A true legend. I'm sure if PCB offers him a good role, chances are he'll take it. It's a sad state that we don't utilize the expertise of our legendary players much.

[jnaveen1980]

PP is a forum visited by many cricketers. Obviously they are going to see the banter. They probably worry it could influence the mind of the players.

[nap229]

A true legend. I'm sure if PCB offers him a good role, chances are he'll take it. It's a sad state that we don't utilize the expertise of our legendary players much.

Ofcourse he will take it but won't do much! Like in his past stints.

We need modern coaches. Time pakistan stops living in the past.

[JibranAnsari]

One of the best cricketing minds in pakistan , he wont get any role though as he has already strongly riticized imran khan for ruining pakistan domestic system.

[Bewal Express]

I hope Babar develops Miandads hunger for test runs.

[MenInG]

Javed Miandad at the NSK today - basking in popularity!

[praveen]

Babar is indeed a treat to watch and one of my favorite cricketers from recent past. Hope he continues to produce many more memorable innings across formats.

[straight to the point]

If everyone things babar azam will become one of great of cricketing world?
So I think Babar can be become one of great of Pakistan but not of the world because
Babar Azam gets no support from others regarding contribution of performances

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD, Jan 9 (APP):Batting legend Javed Miandad has hailed Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for its prudent decision to hold the entire 5th Edition of Pakistan Super League (PSL) in the country, saying the tournament would prove beneficial in preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup.

“The staging of the entire PSL in Pakistan is dream coming true for the Pakistan cricket fraternity to witness the games at home.

It is a major achievement of PCB. Our players will definitely benefit by playing at home against foreign players,” he told APP.

Miandad, who represented Pakistan in Tests and ODIs between 1975 and 1996, said PSL would bring young talent to fore. “To keep the tournament more transparent PCB should also keep a strict eye on PSL to keep it spotless from any fixing related issues,” he said.

Speaking about the revival of Pakistan-India cricketing ties, Miandad, who scored 5,062 runs in 78 Tests, said both neighbors, should sort-out ways in making the bilateral series happen, as the world of cricket was incomplete without the Indo-Pak games.

“A full-fledged Pak-India bilateral series would help in improving relations between both the countries and will also benefit financially,” Miandad said.

He was of the view that “The world wants to see Pak-India playing cricket and the bilateral series.”

The former skipper said he also wanted that all Asian cricket playing countries Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka should play cricket series on regular basis.

“We share a common culture and many heritage values. If the (Asian countries) could unite for a common cause of cricket, then it would benefit all,” he said.

Miandad, who had scored 8832 runs in 124 Tests, also urged Bangladesh to play the scheduled two-match Test series against Pakistan saying Pakistan helped Bangladesh in the days when it was struggling to come into the game of cricket. “Bangladesh is a brotherly nation to us and both the countries (Pakistan-Bangladesh) must help each other in cricket,” he said.

https://www.app.com.pk/psl-to-prove-...0-cwc-miandad/

[OMB]

‘Babar, best in the world

Batting legend Javed Miandad believes Pakistani Skipper Babar Azam was the best in the world at the moment saying Pakistan has got such a player, after a long time.

‘He’s a superb player and after a long time Pakistan has got such a player. I rate him on a very high level and I think he is the best in the world at the moment. He plays solid with the bat and that is cricket.

He is a very good striker and plays in the middle in his limit which is a very good quality,’ he said in a video on his Youtube channel.

Miandad congratulated the team for winning the series against Zimbabwe by 2-1 and said that Pakistan played very well. ‘Though you got a tough time from the opponents but at the end you won.

All players played very well. Now people expect from you,’ he said. The former skipper said people expect a lot when a player performs.

‘If you want to increase your level then you have got a very good chance as you are in form.

A player learns when he is in good form as this is the time when you are mentally very strong and free of mind,’ he said.

Miandad was of the view that a player also plays bad shots during his innings while scoring a 100.

‘A player should identify and improve those bad shots he played during his innings as then he will go on scoring 200 to 300 runs,’ he said.

He said his father had a lot of influence on him as he used to ask him whether he got out after scoring a 100 or remained unbeaten.

‘My father used to tell me that a player should go on scoring a 200 or 300 after making 100 instead of getting out,’ he said and added this was what I want the players to learn when you are in form.

Former Skipper Rameez Raja said though Pakistan won the series but it had raised many questions.

‘It didn’t went the way the fans and pundits expected the series will be a one sided affair.

They thought Pakistan will score 200 runs in 20 overs and will send Zimbabwe to the pavilion on 100 all out.


https://pakobserver.net/babar-best-in-the-world/

[TheNightWatchman]

‘Babar, best in the world

Batting legend Javed Miandad believes Pakistani Skipper Babar Azam was the best in the world at the moment saying Pakistan has got such a player, after a long time.

‘He’s a superb player and after a long time Pakistan has got such a player. I rate him on a very high level and I think he is the best in the world at the moment. He plays solid with the bat and that is cricket.

He is a very good striker and plays in the middle in his limit which is a very good quality,’ he said in a video on his Youtube channel.

Miandad congratulated the team for winning the series against Zimbabwe by 2-1 and said that Pakistan played very well. ‘Though you got a tough time from the opponents but at the end you won.

All players played very well. Now people expect from you,’ he said. The former skipper said people expect a lot when a player performs.

‘If you want to increase your level then you have got a very good chance as you are in form.

A player learns when he is in good form as this is the time when you are mentally very strong and free of mind,’ he said.

Miandad was of the view that a player also plays bad shots during his innings while scoring a 100.

‘A player should identify and improve those bad shots he played during his innings as then he will go on scoring 200 to 300 runs,’ he said.

He said his father had a lot of influence on him as he used to ask him whether he got out after scoring a 100 or remained unbeaten.

‘My father used to tell me that a player should go on scoring a 200 or 300 after making 100 instead of getting out,’ he said and added this was what I want the players to learn when you are in form.

Former Skipper Rameez Raja said though Pakistan won the series but it had raised many questions.

‘It didn’t went the way the fans and pundits expected the series will be a one sided affair.

They thought Pakistan will score 200 runs in 20 overs and will send Zimbabwe to the pavilion on 100 all out.


https://pakobserver.net/babar-best-in-the-world/

Very good attitude to keep while batting. Proved why he was one of the best of his time. A grinder through and through.

[shamaan]

A legend of the game miandad.

[PakLFC]

Different kind of players. Miandad was an anchorman where as Babar is a much better stroke player.

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

Very good attitude to keep while batting. Proved why he was one of the best of his time. A grinder through and through.

A grinder indeed when needed - but had all the shots in the book.

[PakLFC]

A grinder indeed when needed - but had all the shots in the book.

But was not the most elegant to watch or pleasing on the eye. Overall the best batsman we have ever produced

[MenInG]

Javed Miandad speaking to the press:

“Babar Azam is a great batsman. He is the king of the ground. Babar is above making records and should not even think about them. Those records are made to be broken. Babar has the ability to play the ball on its merit and has a glorious technique. He is performing remarkably for his side and has a lot left in the tank. Players face ups and downs and should be ready for them. Babar Azam is the king of the wicket and the rest of the batsmen have to follow suit and make their presence felt. Upcoming players should learn from this great cricketer"

[nam]

Javed Miandad speaking to the press:

“Babar Azam is a great batsman. He is the king of the ground. Babar is above making records and should not even think about them. Those records are made to be broken. Babar has the ability to play the ball on its merit and has a glorious technique. He is performing remarkably for his side and has a lot left in the tank. Players face ups and downs and should be ready for them. Babar Azam is the king of the wicket and the rest of the batsmen have to follow suit and make their presence felt. Upcoming players should learn from this great cricketer"

Couldnt agree more with the legend of the game

[shamaan]

Javed Miandad speaking to the press:

“Babar Azam is a great batsman. He is the king of the ground. Babar is above making records and should not even think about them. Those records are made to be broken. Babar has the ability to play the ball on its merit and has a glorious technique. He is performing remarkably for his side and has a lot left in the tank. Players face ups and downs and should be ready for them. Babar Azam is the king of the wicket and the rest of the batsmen have to follow suit and make their presence felt. Upcoming players should learn from this great cricketer"

One legend praising another future legend

[Markhor]

A grinder indeed when needed - but had all the shots in the book.

When I think of Javed Miandad shots, I cannot help but think of what was rightly described as "four of the most glorious runs you'll ever hope to see" at 3:25.

[Corridor of Uncertainty]

When I think of Javed Miandad shots, I cannot help but think of what was rightly described as "four of the most glorious runs you'll ever hope to see" at 3:25.

I was looking for it. I saw it live - and for the life of me, I can't remember ever seeing a better cricket shot in all my years of watching cricket.

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD, Aug 06 (APP): Batting legend Javed Miandad believes Pakistani Skipper Babar Azam was doing an excellent job with both the bat and captaincy saying the prolific batsman has the potential but needs some guidance in the game.

“With the passage of time Babar has gained a lot of confidence both in batting and captaincy. He has the potential to take along both things well. I feel he should be continued as captain until he himself wants to leave the captaincy of any format,” he told APP on Friday.

Miandad said Babar has got a lot of experience over the days and was doing well in all formats. “There is a trend here that captains are removed without seeking their permissions. I feel whenever a captain is appointed or removed, he should be consulted first before handing or taking over the role from him,” he said.

The former skipper was of the view that Babar was doing well but needs some guidance of seniors. “Seniors can be any from his team mates or coaches but whatever area he thinks he is lacking in then he should seek their advice,” he said.

Speaking about the New Zealand’s tour to Pakistan after 18 years, he said the matches were part of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League and teams have to play them.

“It is good to see the Kiwis coming here. I hope everything goes well as the COVID-19 pandemic was hitting hard because of so many variants of the deadly virus.

New Zealand would play three ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League ODIs and five Twenty20s on their first tour to Pakistan in 18 years.

Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium would be the venue of the September 17, 19 and 21 ODIs, while Gaddafi Stadium Lahore will stage the five T20s from September 25 to October 3.

Rawalpindi ODIs would count towards the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 qualification, third position on the ICC T20I Team Rankings will be up for grabs in Lahore.

Miandad also praised Kashmir Premier League (KPL) and said the tournament would portray the real peaceful face of the Kashmir to the world.

“India’s conspiracies against the league shows how successful KPL is going to be. I extend my best wishes to the organizers of KPL and I hope the league roars like a lion and portrays a true peaceful image of Kashmir,” he said.

https://www.app.com.pk/sports/babar-...dance-miandad/