Pakistan’s head coach-cum-chief selector Misbahul Haq, in a press conference on Wednesday, claimed that Pakistan was not a nation that could be swept aside by the world of cricket.

The former captain believed that the international community should consider touring Pakistan and trust the claims made by the government in terms of security arrangements.

“Being a cricketer all lives matter. We are also here. If the government is ensuring their safety then they should definitely consider it. The entire international community should consider it,” Misbah said. “Pakistan is not the kind of nation that can be swept aside. It has a rich history. We have won a world cup. We have been number one in Test cricket. We have won a T20 World Cup.”

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Misbah defended the pitches in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam (QeA) Trophy and claimed that they will help develop better players for the national team.

“When there are batting pitches, you get better batsman, spinners and fast bowlers. You learn the art of batting and bowling on these pitches. Overall your fitness would improve with longer innings,” he said. “No international Test match ends in a day. You have to be ready for five days. These pitches are giving us a good preparation for international cricket.”

The 45-year-old stated that he had an open mind about all players as long as they met certain criteria’s that were required for international cricket.

“My mind is open for all players depending on what the team needs. The players have to meet certain standards for international cricket. Your fitness level, your attitude, your fielding has to be up there with the best. It isn’t just about scoring runs,” he said.

Misbah claimed that Test cricket was the real format of cricket and that he would strive to develop players for the longer format.

“Test cricket is the real form of cricket. People remember your test performances. Players should be focused towards the longer format. We need to set good examples,” he said. “It’s the players’ decision in the end but we will try to cultivate enough bowlers for the longer format. We need to have at least 10 to 12 bowlers ready for the longer format.”

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The former captain stated that he would encourage the players to play their natural game inorder to perform to the best of their capabilities.

“I don’t remember telling anyone to play the way I played. A player should play according to his strength. I encourage players to play their own natural game. I have told Fakhar as well that he should play his natural game and not bide his time at the crease,” he said.

Misbah praised the services of the previous head coach Mickey Arthur and was adamant that he would try to improve upon the progress made during his time.

“I am ready for the responsibility. I think Mickey Arthur helped Pakistan progress. He brought in many players. I want to improve from here. He did a wonderful job. There are many players right now who developed under him which he should be given credit for. Now we will try to improve on the progress that has been made,” he concluded.