 Yousuf is in line to take over the Pakistan captaincy |
Pakistan batsman Mohammad Yousuf has appealed to angry cricket fans to be
patient and accept the team's poor performance in the World Cup. Yousuf is in line to take over as captain after Inzamam-ul-Haq resigned in the wake of the team's early elimination in the Caribbean.
"Cricket is a game and will not end with the World Cup," said Yousuf.
"There is more cricket in the future. We realise we performed badly but the fans must be patient with us."
Pakistan were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage after a shock loss to Ireland.
Coach Bob Woolmer was found strangled a day after the defeat and a murder inquiry was launched a further four days later when the cause of death was confirmed.
As part of the inquiry, the Pakistan squad were all questioned by police and fingerprints were taken but they were allowed to leave Jamaica and flew home to Pakistan via London.
Yousuf said there was a need to sit down and learn from the
mistakes of the World Cup and plan for the future.
"I think our former players must also come
forward and suggest ways to improve the team's performance," Yousuf said.
Yousuf said if he was offered the chance to captain the team
by the cricket authorities he would accept the challenge.
"If I think I can do some good for the team and prepare a
team for the future I will accept it. It will be a big honour
for me," he added.
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