Asia Cup champions Pakistan are not afraid of how they will be received in Bangladesh – where they will begin their title defence on February 25 – captain Mohammad Hafeez said at the team’s practice camp in Lahore on Wednesday. ‘We don’t fear while going to India because we do get lots of love there,’ said Hafeez on the second day of a four-day camp before the side’s departure for Bangladesh on February 22, comparing the trip to past tours in another country with which Pakistan has strained ties.
‘Last time when we went to Bangladesh people loved us, and we also tried to be good with our conduct with their people. We don’t have any fear, and hopefully whatever security we will be provided it will be good.’
Hafeez went on to say that his team had some experience with the conditions they would face in Bangladesh, but less than they would have had if they had played at home in Pakistan over the past few years.
‘We have played two series there over the last 2-3 years, and these are the players who are playing there; [there have not been] many changes in the team.’
‘But whenever you play there you feel like the pitches are same as in Pakistan, but it’s not like that. We have forgotten playing in Pakistan because we haven’t played here for the last 4-5 years.’
The all-rounder also said the team’s preparation had been slightly hampered by late changes to the national set-up, with new coach Moin Khan appointed less than two weeks ago, and players involved in other competition.
‘We have got less time because of new management, and players were busy in T20 tournament, but whatever time is available we are using it to our maximum, in the morning session and in the afternoon. We can prepare in 3-4 days and then we will have three days there.’
Still, Hafeez was cautiously optimistic about his side’s chances in Bangladesh.
‘We are taking this confidence that we are defending champions, [and in the] recent past Pakistan has done very well in bilateral series, [but at] the same time you can’t say who is hot favourite. You can’t take anyone easy; you have to play good cricket to get good results.
-With New Age input
