As India’s right-wing
political parties gear up to accelerate their protests over Pakistan’s
participation at the Women’s World Cup, captain Sana Mir has declared her side
is ready to face all odds and challenges.
The Board of Control
for Cricket in India (BCCI) was forced to move Pakistan team’s matches from
Mumbai due to strong opposition from Shiv Sena amidst their protests over
cross-border tensions.
However, the possible
resistance and protests are hardly a concern for the women’s team that will
wrap-up its 10-day training camp today in Muridke with a practice match against
a local side.
According to the
captain, the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) One-Day International (ODI)
rule changes are the only worry for her side ahead of the World Cup.
“We are pondering how
to tackle with the rule changes,” Sana told The Express Tribune on the eve of
the last day of their training camp. “We have not played an ODI since the rule
changes were implemented in October last year. This is our only concern otherwise
we are completely ready for the tournament. As far as reports of security
threats are concerned, we are not even looking at such reports and are focusing
solely on the tournament. Our job as cricketers is just to play for our
country; security issues would be dealt by the ICC and the Indian board.”
Speaking on
preparations, the senior all-rounder said although the training camp was
affected by rain, her team was well prepared.
“We had a good number
of practice matches and received guidance from all coaches, including senior
ones.”
Sana – who received the
Pakistan Cricket Board’s women cricketer of the year award – said she was
aiming to lead from the front.
“I know my performance
is crucial and I am looking to play my leading role.”
Claiming title is our
ultimate aim: coach
Meanwhile, team coach
Mohtashim Rasheed said the girls were highly motivated ahead of the tournament.
“This team is ascending
and is high on confidence,” said Rasheed. “We will look to win every match.
Claiming the title is our ultimate aim.”
The coach said the team
is ready for the tournament with best possible preparations in the training
camp.
“They underwent
extensive training despite rain. Pakistan head coach Dav Whatmore and fielding
coach Julien Fountain also gave valuable tips. Lectures with [psychologist]
Maqbool Babri were also very beneficial. The inclusion of Basit Ali as batting
consultant is a big advantage as our batters will gain a lot in his presence.
In short, I can say we are absolutely ready for the World Cup.”
Pakistan are scheduled
to depart tomorrow and as per the revised schedule and will play their first
Group B match against Australia on February 1 in Tangi near Cuttack. New
Zealand and South Africa are the other teams in the group.
Sana Mir
“We have not played a
One-Day International since the rule changes were implemented in October last
year. This is our only concern otherwise we are completely ready for the
tournament.”
Published in The
Express Tribune, January 25th, 2013.
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