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'I still have to contribute to keep my place in the ODI side'
INTERVIEW BY UMAR FAROOQ
Azhar Ali looks ahead to his new role as Pakistan's ODI captain, talks about his leadership style and adjusting to the format
"To be a good ODI player you have to be a good Test player" © Associated Press
It has been two years since you last played ODI cricket. And now all of sudden you are not only in the team but also its captain. Did that surprise you?
Not at all. I have been knocking for the opportunity to play ODIs for more than a year. But maybe there was a team combination where I didn't fit in. But now with three senior players exiting there is space and I have the chance to fulfill a great responsibility.
How tough do you think captaincy will be?
I have been with the Pakistan team over the last five years and have closely observed everything. I understand captaining Pakistan is not an easy job and you have to cope with different pressures. I know it will be tough and challenging, not only as captain but also as a batsman. But I accepted the job only after evaluating the challenges ahead and I am ready for it.
Did the PCB ask you or was the job imposed on you?
The board chairman [Shaharyar Khan] called me and asked before the formal announcement was made. I was mentally prepared and it didn't take much time for me to decide whether I want to be captain or not. I wasn't reluctant to say yes, because I thought I can do it.
It's widely believed that you need to be a yes-man to become Pakistan's captain.
Being a yes-man doesn't necessarily make you a bad person. You can't make everyone happy with your decisions. It's about perceptions and how you think. When things are going according to what you want then why create a dispute? I am happy that I am being heard and that the selection committee and all the stakeholders are on the same page.
Sometimes, to make your point you have to convince them with your logic. But at times there will be a difference of opinion. If you understand the other point of view then there is no problem in accepting it.
What is your leadership philosophy?
I believe in listening and letting the player flourish with his natural ability. What is important is to trust each player. My style of captaincy will be to let the player decide what he wants to do rather than imposing a role on him. Every batsman has a role and bowlers have their own style of bowling. I will empower them to believe their instincts. Obviously there are times when as a captain you need to talk to your player and tell him, "See your idea is not working and not being effective, so now you have to listen and execute what I tell you to."
"My style of captaincy will be to let the player decide what he wants to do rather than imposing a role on him"
You have an easy-going personality. Will that hold you back as captain?
When I started captaining at the domestic level I surprised myself with how differently I behaved from my usual self. When you are captain there is a change in your personality because you have to be dominant and aggressive. In a match situation your mind and body act in a different way because you are not only controlling the situation but the entire team. There is another man inside me who comes out. It's not that I will be scolding anyone in the field, or being aggressive. There are other ways to express yourself. You don't have to be talking too much for that to show.
What are your strengths?
My commitment. Even if you lack in skill you can achieve an impossible result by your commitment. I want my team to have one vision to perform. I am the sort of player who believes in letting the performance speak for itself. I hope I am able to take the best decisions for Pakistan and that my intentions are positive.
Is there a captain in the past who has inspired you?
Every captain has his own style. In Pakistan you have to deal with many more aspects of leadership and its challenges than elsewhere. Therefore I rate Misbah bhai very high. He is the world's best captain when it comes to handling pressure. You can say he has nerves of steel. Others may not have understood him well, but as one who played under him I have observed a lot of good things in him. I have learnt a lot from him, but obviously there are things I want to add. I have my own vision and style but I idolise Misbah as a captain.
For a while there has been a sense of competition between two contrasting approaches to captaincy, Misbah and Shahid Afridi, defensive and aggressive.
Yes, there has been a lot of discussion about this but it's more exaggeration than anything else. Both have played under each other and the clash of approaches just looks so from the outside. There was never a contest between the two. Both have won a lot of matches for Pakistan and that is more important than arguing about who is better at it. Being aggressive doesn't always ensure you victory, and neither does defensiveness. What really matters is the intention and the commitment towards victory. It may lie in a mix of both approaches.
"I have already played with the pace required for the [ODI] format in the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka" © AFP
Players like Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad are not living up to their potential. How you going to treat them?
You get selected because you are a good player and it's your responsibility to give your 100% to justify the opportunity. Each of the six batsmen in the playing XI has a role to play according to the situation, and he must play that. As captain I emphasise whatever role is given. The player should understand it and play with respect to it. Every player has his natural style too and I do respect and encourage it, but in the end you need to play according to the requirement.
There are some players who play steadily, some take time, and some play aggressively right from the start. But for the team one must be able enough to turn around his style of play. If you are required to slow down, or play with over eight runs required per over, you have to do it for the sake of the team and the country.
One-day cricket requires a different mindset and energy. Is it easy for you to adapt yourself to this format?
I have been tested in different situations in Test cricket and I think to be a good ODI player you have to be a good Test player. It's easy to adapt from Tests to ODIs, and it's about confidence. Pitches in one-day cricket are better than you have in Test cricket, where your nerves are tested significantly. Given the form I have at the moment I am brimming with confidence. It's not like one-day cricket is an alien format for me. I have already played with the pace required for the format in the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka.
You were labelled a Test batsman until you were appointed ODI captain. Don't you think you have to prove yourself in this format first?
Obviously, I am a batsman and I have to contribute to keep my place. It's not like because I am captain I have immunity. If I don't perform it will be tough for me to keep my place.
Is there added pressure in being scrutinised as captain and one-day batsman?
Pressure is always there when you are representing your country. I believe the more I contribute with the bat the more confident I will be. There is never a sense of insecurity. In fact when you are captain you are able to perform with more control than when you are a player, because you have the first-hand plan in your mind. You are the one who executes the plan. You don't need to wait for instructions from the dressing room.
Your batting strike rate is low as an ODI batsman and is seen as a major shortcoming. What do you think?
Yes, I have to improve my strike rate. The one-day cricket I have played in the past was mostly batting in survival mode. But the more I play the more things will improve.
"Both Misbah and Afridi have played under each other and the clash of approaches just looks so from the outside. There was never a contest between the two" © Associated Press
Misbah played a major role in bridging Pakistan's weak batting. What role do you see for yourself?
It will be different, because I will play in the opening slot or as a No. 3, and that requires a different approach. One problem we face is that we are not able to bat the entire 50 overs. My role at the top will be to give a sound start and for our top six batsmen to play the most number of overs. We also need to match the pace of cricket being played these days. Big scores will also offer some comfort for the bowlers, who have been enduring a large share of the burden.
How do you plan to use Saeed Ajmal, now that he is back after clearing his action. He may or may not be the same bowler he was.
I have never led Ajmal in domestic cricket, but I know him very well. He is a good listener, which is a big advantage for a captain. Despite being the world's No. 1 bowler he never made his captain feel like he knows everything. He is regarded as a brilliant team man who always treats his elders and seniors with great respect. I am honoured to captain such a world-class bowler.
Misbah was relying heavily on Ajmal during his tenure. Are you going to pick one bowler to execute your plans?
Every team depends on their best bowler. But we have to look forward and give new players chances to play under pressure to test their skills. Whatever job Saeed bhai did for Pakistan, now they should step up and take charge to ensure Pakistan's future. I am going to give more opportunities to the young players, give them tough roles to make them match-winners.
The PCB chairman said your appointment is for the time being. Are you comfortable with a short-term appointment?
I haven't thought much about it. What I am seeing is an opportunity I have to avail and give my 100%, which is why I am here. I believe that whatever has to happen will eventually happen. Nobody can prevent it and control it. I only pray that whatever happens should be good. I am clear that I have been given a responsibility and I have accepted it regardless of any long-term planning.
If you can't keep your place in the one-day side, do you think it will affect your spot in the Test side?
Yes, I've been through that during my first stint in the one-day side. My performance in the shorter format overshadowed my Test spot. But I have learnt from my senior players to not play with a sense of proving something to someone, since it will add pressure. But like I said earlier, I have no sense of insecurity. I am not worrying about anything except to perform naturally.
Azhar Ali looks ahead to his new role as Pakistan's ODI captain, talks about his leadership style and adjusting to the format
"To be a good ODI player you have to be a good Test player" © Associated Press
It has been two years since you last played ODI cricket. And now all of sudden you are not only in the team but also its captain. Did that surprise you?
Not at all. I have been knocking for the opportunity to play ODIs for more than a year. But maybe there was a team combination where I didn't fit in. But now with three senior players exiting there is space and I have the chance to fulfill a great responsibility.
How tough do you think captaincy will be?
I have been with the Pakistan team over the last five years and have closely observed everything. I understand captaining Pakistan is not an easy job and you have to cope with different pressures. I know it will be tough and challenging, not only as captain but also as a batsman. But I accepted the job only after evaluating the challenges ahead and I am ready for it.
Did the PCB ask you or was the job imposed on you?
The board chairman [Shaharyar Khan] called me and asked before the formal announcement was made. I was mentally prepared and it didn't take much time for me to decide whether I want to be captain or not. I wasn't reluctant to say yes, because I thought I can do it.
It's widely believed that you need to be a yes-man to become Pakistan's captain.
Being a yes-man doesn't necessarily make you a bad person. You can't make everyone happy with your decisions. It's about perceptions and how you think. When things are going according to what you want then why create a dispute? I am happy that I am being heard and that the selection committee and all the stakeholders are on the same page.
Sometimes, to make your point you have to convince them with your logic. But at times there will be a difference of opinion. If you understand the other point of view then there is no problem in accepting it.
What is your leadership philosophy?
I believe in listening and letting the player flourish with his natural ability. What is important is to trust each player. My style of captaincy will be to let the player decide what he wants to do rather than imposing a role on him. Every batsman has a role and bowlers have their own style of bowling. I will empower them to believe their instincts. Obviously there are times when as a captain you need to talk to your player and tell him, "See your idea is not working and not being effective, so now you have to listen and execute what I tell you to."
"My style of captaincy will be to let the player decide what he wants to do rather than imposing a role on him"
You have an easy-going personality. Will that hold you back as captain?
When I started captaining at the domestic level I surprised myself with how differently I behaved from my usual self. When you are captain there is a change in your personality because you have to be dominant and aggressive. In a match situation your mind and body act in a different way because you are not only controlling the situation but the entire team. There is another man inside me who comes out. It's not that I will be scolding anyone in the field, or being aggressive. There are other ways to express yourself. You don't have to be talking too much for that to show.
What are your strengths?
My commitment. Even if you lack in skill you can achieve an impossible result by your commitment. I want my team to have one vision to perform. I am the sort of player who believes in letting the performance speak for itself. I hope I am able to take the best decisions for Pakistan and that my intentions are positive.
Is there a captain in the past who has inspired you?
Every captain has his own style. In Pakistan you have to deal with many more aspects of leadership and its challenges than elsewhere. Therefore I rate Misbah bhai very high. He is the world's best captain when it comes to handling pressure. You can say he has nerves of steel. Others may not have understood him well, but as one who played under him I have observed a lot of good things in him. I have learnt a lot from him, but obviously there are things I want to add. I have my own vision and style but I idolise Misbah as a captain.
For a while there has been a sense of competition between two contrasting approaches to captaincy, Misbah and Shahid Afridi, defensive and aggressive.
Yes, there has been a lot of discussion about this but it's more exaggeration than anything else. Both have played under each other and the clash of approaches just looks so from the outside. There was never a contest between the two. Both have won a lot of matches for Pakistan and that is more important than arguing about who is better at it. Being aggressive doesn't always ensure you victory, and neither does defensiveness. What really matters is the intention and the commitment towards victory. It may lie in a mix of both approaches.
"I have already played with the pace required for the [ODI] format in the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka" © AFP
Players like Umar Akmal and Ahmed Shehzad are not living up to their potential. How you going to treat them?
You get selected because you are a good player and it's your responsibility to give your 100% to justify the opportunity. Each of the six batsmen in the playing XI has a role to play according to the situation, and he must play that. As captain I emphasise whatever role is given. The player should understand it and play with respect to it. Every player has his natural style too and I do respect and encourage it, but in the end you need to play according to the requirement.
There are some players who play steadily, some take time, and some play aggressively right from the start. But for the team one must be able enough to turn around his style of play. If you are required to slow down, or play with over eight runs required per over, you have to do it for the sake of the team and the country.
One-day cricket requires a different mindset and energy. Is it easy for you to adapt yourself to this format?
I have been tested in different situations in Test cricket and I think to be a good ODI player you have to be a good Test player. It's easy to adapt from Tests to ODIs, and it's about confidence. Pitches in one-day cricket are better than you have in Test cricket, where your nerves are tested significantly. Given the form I have at the moment I am brimming with confidence. It's not like one-day cricket is an alien format for me. I have already played with the pace required for the format in the Sharjah Test against Sri Lanka.
You were labelled a Test batsman until you were appointed ODI captain. Don't you think you have to prove yourself in this format first?
Obviously, I am a batsman and I have to contribute to keep my place. It's not like because I am captain I have immunity. If I don't perform it will be tough for me to keep my place.
Is there added pressure in being scrutinised as captain and one-day batsman?
Pressure is always there when you are representing your country. I believe the more I contribute with the bat the more confident I will be. There is never a sense of insecurity. In fact when you are captain you are able to perform with more control than when you are a player, because you have the first-hand plan in your mind. You are the one who executes the plan. You don't need to wait for instructions from the dressing room.
Your batting strike rate is low as an ODI batsman and is seen as a major shortcoming. What do you think?
Yes, I have to improve my strike rate. The one-day cricket I have played in the past was mostly batting in survival mode. But the more I play the more things will improve.
"Both Misbah and Afridi have played under each other and the clash of approaches just looks so from the outside. There was never a contest between the two" © Associated Press
Misbah played a major role in bridging Pakistan's weak batting. What role do you see for yourself?
It will be different, because I will play in the opening slot or as a No. 3, and that requires a different approach. One problem we face is that we are not able to bat the entire 50 overs. My role at the top will be to give a sound start and for our top six batsmen to play the most number of overs. We also need to match the pace of cricket being played these days. Big scores will also offer some comfort for the bowlers, who have been enduring a large share of the burden.
How do you plan to use Saeed Ajmal, now that he is back after clearing his action. He may or may not be the same bowler he was.
I have never led Ajmal in domestic cricket, but I know him very well. He is a good listener, which is a big advantage for a captain. Despite being the world's No. 1 bowler he never made his captain feel like he knows everything. He is regarded as a brilliant team man who always treats his elders and seniors with great respect. I am honoured to captain such a world-class bowler.
Misbah was relying heavily on Ajmal during his tenure. Are you going to pick one bowler to execute your plans?
Every team depends on their best bowler. But we have to look forward and give new players chances to play under pressure to test their skills. Whatever job Saeed bhai did for Pakistan, now they should step up and take charge to ensure Pakistan's future. I am going to give more opportunities to the young players, give them tough roles to make them match-winners.
The PCB chairman said your appointment is for the time being. Are you comfortable with a short-term appointment?
I haven't thought much about it. What I am seeing is an opportunity I have to avail and give my 100%, which is why I am here. I believe that whatever has to happen will eventually happen. Nobody can prevent it and control it. I only pray that whatever happens should be good. I am clear that I have been given a responsibility and I have accepted it regardless of any long-term planning.
If you can't keep your place in the one-day side, do you think it will affect your spot in the Test side?
Yes, I've been through that during my first stint in the one-day side. My performance in the shorter format overshadowed my Test spot. But I have learnt from my senior players to not play with a sense of proving something to someone, since it will add pressure. But like I said earlier, I have no sense of insecurity. I am not worrying about anything except to perform naturally.
