KOLKATA: Pakistan's fielding coach, Aftab Khan, has emphasised the pressing need for improving fielding skills, stressing that Pakistan currently can't compete with top teams and also added Afghanistan to the list.
While talking to reporters on Wednesday at Eden Gardens, Khan underscored the significance of fielding as a discipline requiring the highest level of fitness, as players often spend up to ninety overs on the field.
"In our culture, fielding isn't given as much importance. With just fifteen minutes of fielding practice, we can't compete with the world's top teams like Australia, New Zealand, India, and even Afghanistan, who are better than us in fielding. We need to give fielding the same attention as batting and bowling," Aftab said.
Khan expressed his belief that fielding should receive the same attention as batting and bowling to bridge this gap.
"Previous coaches have also worked with these players, and I have been working with them for three to four months now. It's hoped that fielding issues will be resolved soon. However, it's essential to work on this at the grassroots, domestic, and academy levels because other teams are improving rapidly while we're struggling with the basics," he added.
"Our domestic culture doesn't prioritise fielding as much, but what we do at the international level should also be done at the domestic level. I have been working closely with them for three to four months on how fielding should be, what the throw should be like, how to catch, and how to take catches," he maintained.
He cited examples of great fielders such as Herschelle Gibbs dropping catches but demonstrated excellent fielding skills.
"Catches can be dropped by anyone; even great fielders like Herschelle Gibbs have dropped catches. Usama Mir dropped a catch but later took some excellent catches. Sometimes, it is costly."
Khan also highlighted the need for a proactive approach which is a strategy employed by other teams. He believes that by giving fielding the attention it deserves, Pakistan can overcome historical struggles and become a more competitive cricketing force on the international stage.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.
