T20 WC

Waqar Younis offers to resign after World T20 debacle

by Cricbuzz Staff • Published on

Pakistan head coach Waqar Younis © Cricbuzz

Waqar Younis, Pakistan's head coach, begged forgiveness from the nation on Tuesday (March 29) and said he was prepared to resign after his team was knocked out of the ICC World Twenty20 at the group stage.

The 2009 champions have been widely criticised by fans following a lacklustre performance with just one victory against low-ranked Bangladesh and big losses to India, New Zealand and Australia.Team members were jeered on their return this weekend by huge crowds at Lahore airport, who chanted "Shame! Shame!"

"I place my hands together and beg forgiveness from the nation," said Waqar. "If my leaving makes things better, then I would do it without delay."

He also echoed calls made last week for a revamp of the country's domestic structure, and added that the malaise stemmed from Pakistan's lack of home games since 2009 militant attacks on the Sri Lankan team. "When there is no cricket at home then the foundation will for sure become weak," he said.

Pakistan's early exit prompted a wave of criticism in the cricket mad country, with veterans like Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik singled out in particular. Afridi is expected to make a decision about his future very soon.

© AFP

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