Karachi: Pakistan's Test and one-day captain Misbah-ul-Haq realizes just how important it is for the national team to do well in the 2015 World Cup and for this he wants to take some tips from cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan.
The charismatic Imran led underdogs Pakistan to a memorable 1992 World Cup triumph in Australia and New Zealand, turning a young side into world beaters.
"Imran's advice will be invaluable for us because even today everyone recognizes the great fighting spirit shown by our team to win the 1992 World Cup Down Under," said Misbah.
Misbah, 40, who was reaffirmed as the Test and one-day captain by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said, he does meet Imran often to discuss cricket issues.
"He has a great insight of the game and our players and before going to the World Cup I will seek his advice and guidance. Because the World Cup is a prestigious event and we want to do well in it," he added.
"I am going to ask him what needs to be done for Pakistan to repeat its success of 1992," Misbah said.
Imran a cricketing legend in Pakistan and now a top opposition leader in the country, whose party the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf made a big impact in the last general elections has found little time for cricket because of his political career and his charitable projects. But whenever possible Imran has minced no words about what needs to be done to improve the Pakistan cricket structure.
Presently leading a protest sit-in in Islamabad, Imran uses cricketing terms frequently in his fiery speeches and has warned Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif and his brother, the Punjab CM, Shahbaz Sharif he will take their wickets with one ball.
Misbah said that with the event returning to Australia and New Zealand the level of expectation from his team would be high.
"We understand that and that is why we want to go there fully prepared. I will ask Imran what he did to turn things around in 1992 and how this team should approach the tournament," he said.
The senior batsman said he was confident about the World Cup.
"We might not have the same bunch of quality players that we had in 1992 but as a team we have achieved a lot since 2010. I know people are disappointed with the way we performed in Sri Lanka but I also know we can come back strongly."
Misbah said his team had fighting spirit and already strategies were being devised for the World Cup. "The coming series against Australia and New Zealand will help us a lot in preparing our squad for this global event."
The World Cup trophy on a worldwide tour before it reaches Australia is presently in Lahore.
"I am working on my own form as well and anyone who counts us out does so at his own peril," he cautioned.
