One of Pakistan’s most successful captains, Mushtaq Muhammad, has given his opinion on why Indian cricket is doing so well in international cricket. The 76-year-old, who is based in Birmingham, said that he was impressed by India’s success and growth as a cricket nation while adding that the Indian board has built a strong pool of players and the support staff has former great players.
“They are ahead of Pakistan and some other nations now because they have developed a sound cricket system by not making too many changes to their structure, their domestic and international players are well paid and they have built a strong pool of players,” said Mushtaq according to Hindustan Times.
“That has helped them a lot. They pay and look after their players so well that their players don’t mind this restriction and can focus on India.
“Indian cricket is at top now because look at the number of matches they are playing at home and they are also getting better on overseas tours. In comparison Pakistan hardly plays regular Test series.” Mushtaq also had great praise for Indian captain Virat Kohli and batsman Rohit Sharma, calling them world-class performers.
“Kohli is lucky to have such a pool of players to pick from but he is still a good tactical captain. Technique wise also when I look at the Indian players they are moving ahead day by day.”
Mushtaq led Pakistan to some famous victories – home series victory over India and New Zealand – twin Test wins in Australia, in West Indies and beating New Zealand in New Zealand.
He was ousted before the famous 1978/79 tour to India where Pakistan lost the Test series and later went on to become the head coach of the Pakistan team leading them to their first ODI triumph in Australia and also to the final of the 1999 World Cup.
