Misbah's slow batting hurting Pakistan, says Razzaq

All-rounder Abdul Razzaq blamed Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq's defensive batting along with his defensive tactics for team's poor show in recent times.

Mincing no words, Razzaq also claimed that he was ousted from the team last year because of Misbah and vice-captain Mohammad Hafeez.

"But I have not given up hope of playing again for Pakistan. I have atleast two years of international cricket left in me and I am sure my time will come again," he said in Karachi.

Razzaq, 33, said that in his view Misbah plays too defensively and this approach puts a lot of pressure on the other batsmen.

"He is batting slowly and playing too many dot balls and that adds to the pressure on the batsman playing with him or those coming in. If a captain bats defensively and doesn't lead the charge than it demoralises the environment in the dressing room," Razzaq said.

The all-rounder, who has played 46 Tests, 265 One-Day Internationals and 30 Twenty20 Internationals said the present Pakistan team cannot be consistent as its approach was very timid.

"I am not demeaning any player but nowadays players need to be more aggressive and try to play positively. If we change our approach and try to play with an open mind and heart I am sure this team can do much better."

Razzaq said the return of Shahid Afridi to the team is a very good sign and that is why he has also not lost hope of playing again for his country.

"People say I don't play domestic cricket so how can the selectors judge my performance but what they don’t understand is that if a senior player is not treated with respect he gets disheartened and this is what has happened to me."

Razzaq said former PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf under the advise of some people had made a plan to drop all senior players from the side and he was also a victim of this after last year's World T20.

"But we have a new chairman now, so let us see what happens. But we need to change things and attitude in our dressing room if the team is to fire again and show consistency," he added.

Razzaq said that he would play the next domestic season and try to do well to convince everyone that he could play for Pakistan again.

"I am even ready to bat up the order if required," he said.