Tigers impress Aaquib

Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaquib Javed thinks Bangladesh's splendid run in the Cricket World Cup is the result of having a good system.

Aaquib, who is in Dhaka with the visiting Pakistan Academy team, also thinks that he is ready to be the Pakistan coach.

It was, however, an uncanny feeling for the ex-international to see people of Bangladesh celebrate when his countrymen moaned the national team's early exit.

"I heard that there are some political problems in Bangladesh but your cricketers have given the nation good reasons to smile. That's why sports is very important," he told at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Monday.

Aaquib rated Bangladesh's 67-run victory against South Africa highly and said that it gave him the impression that the Tigers can win matches at the highest level on their own.

"I saw the match on TV and I think it's a boost for Bangladesh cricket. After beating India many told that India didn’t play well. Rather than praising Bangladesh they were busy criticising Indian cricketers. But after the win against South Africa, I think everybody is now convinced.

"The two wins have taken Bangladesh cricket into a new era. I think there is no need for them to wait for the opposition to have a bad day in the field to win," he explained.

Aaquib, who played 22 Tests and 163 ODIs, heaped praises on Mohammad Ashraful for his brilliant 87-run match-winning knock against the Proteas.

"He (Ashraful) is very talented and handy. Though he is short, he is aggressive. You have a bunch of young cricketers and they showed that Bangladesh cricket has reasonably grown up," said the right-arm fast bowler, who played three matches against Bangladesh but keenly followed the team since their elevation to international cricket.

"The body language and approach are totally different from the 90s. Despite playing Test cricket, they seemed to be unsure about their own class but these players have the self-belief and pride.

"I think the system is very important in modern days. If you want to develop a team you should go through a process and I think you have developed a system which has paid off. In Pakistan there are a number of talented players but they are not properly groomed. Frequent changes in the management are also big problems back home.

"You should bridge the gap between international and the first-class cricket like Australia and South Africa if you want to sustain at this level. We also lack this."

Aaquib suggested that Bangladesh should try and produce some quality fast bowlers and a leg-spinner if they want to win a Test match.

"You should understand that you have to be a competitive side in the longer-version cricket that's why you should emphasise in this area," he pointed out.

Aaquib also criticised Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore for showing his untimely interest to switch to India.

"He should have not said this. When you are in charge of a team and especially involved in a big event, a coach should put his heart and soul behind the team. I understand that everybody needs money but like doctors and teachers, coaching is also a different kind of profession where ethics is very important. Being the Bangladesh coach, he should have not expressed his desire for other jobs openly. He can negotiate it personally," he explained.

Aaquib, favoured by legends Imran Khan and Wasim Akram to take the hot seat in Pakistan, said that time has come for him to take over the Pakistan national team as he has the experience of working with most of the boys in the current squad.

"When I started my coaching career with the under-15 team, my aim was to gradually improve my position. Now more than eighty percent cricketers -- like Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif -- are in the team with whom I have the experience to work with. So I can claim the job," he said.