Lack of IPL exposure reason for Pakistan’s 20th century cricket: Arthur

Lahore, April 13 (IANS) Pakistan players' lack of exposure in the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) is the reason behind their "20th century" brand of cricket, coach Mickey Arthur has said.

Arthur had on Wednesday warned his players to embrace modern cricket if Pakistan are to stand a chance against rival teams.

"This isn't just dressing room speak. I've told the players that we were playing cricket that belonged in the 20th century. We hadn't embraced the new modern game yet, and that was for a number of reasons, like not playing at home, or not having the exposure to the IPL that the rest of the world has had," Arthur said in an interview to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

"So there were a lot of mitigating factors, but the fact is, if we've got to compete with them, we have to start embracing the modern trend," he added.

Acknowledging the lack of power-hitters in the Pakistan batting line-up, Arthur said: "It (lack of power hitters) is a worry. When we get on good wickets, we can't match the other countries."

"Teams are getting 100 runs in the last 10 overs now. We're getting 70, at best. We didn't get a run-a-ball in the last five overs the other day in a T20 (against the West Indies). That's not good enough; that's not going to win us games," he added.

The former South Africa coach said the present Protea line-up, comprising the likes of AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel and others, is a prime example of a professional structure, which he hopes to bring in Pakistan cricket, with fitness at the core.

"I've been lucky in my team with South Africa, where we inherited a team with a couple of senior players, and we put in players like de Villiers, Morkel, Duminy, Steyn," said Arthur, who coached South Africa from 2005 to 2010.

"To see them grow and get better is the most fulfilling thing that can happen for you as a coach. I'm hoping the same happens with this Pakistan team, and I'm incredibly excited about the future," he added.

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