Friday, June 27, 2008

Malik warns against complacency

Malik, who returned home from India after a private visit, said his team's confidence is high following its triumph in the tri-series event in Bangladesh earlier this month but made it clear that the result would matter little when the hosts begin their campaign in the Asia Cup.

"There is no doubt that the victory in Bangladesh has boosted our confidence," the experienced all-rounder told reporters.

"But the Asia Cup will be a different tournament altogether and we will have to start from scratch," he added.

Pakistan is being billed as favourites because of their current record and home advantage. They launch their title campaign on the opening day of the contest with an easy game against minnows Hong Kong.

But Malik warned that there would be no easy games in the tournament.

"We will work hard and give our best in each of the (Asia Cup) matches, no matter which side we are playing against in the event," said the Pakistan skipper.

After Pakistan's win over India in Bangladesh, PCB officials have been fulsome in their praise for the national squad and are confident they would win the crown.

Senior Middle order batsman Mohammad Yousuf did not attend the opening day's training. Malik said that Yousuf could not join the team because of domestic reasons and will attend the camp from Saturday.

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