Misbah-ul-Haq’s appointment as head coach of Pakistan cricket team is being viewed as one of the big positives. The former skipper is expected to revive the team from all odds. And before getting into the action against the Lankans on Friday, his words have indicated how he is going to handle his responsibilities.


Ahead of the first ODI against Sri Lanka in Karachi, Misbah was asked about the ‘tuk-tuk’ problem -- the strike rate problem of Pakistani batsmen.

One of the reporters present during the pre-match presser asked, “There has been more of tuk-tuk and less of hard-hitting. There have been centuries scored of 235 balls. Even when you batted, there was a notion that you do more of tuk-tuk and less hard-hitting. As the new head coach and batting coach, do you have a plan to change this approach or will the team continue doing tuk-tuk?”

To this, the newly appointed head coach replied, “In my opinion, there is a lot of stress on tuk-tuk in your question. Looks like you didn't get a car today. Or maybe someone has asked you to try and irritate the coach,” he added.

Misbah further stated that Sri Lanka touring Pakistan was an encouraging sign.

“The Sri Lankan team coming to Pakistan is an encouraging sign. Countries need to support every country, not just Pakistan, but any place where there is any such situation because, without this, the survival of cricket is difficult,” he said.

Sri Lanka tour of Pakistan includes three ODIs in Karachi on September 27, 29 and October 3, followed by as many T20Is in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9. Later in December, the Lankans will return for the Test series that will be a part of the World Test Championship.