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'No Excuse But...': Mickey Arthur Cites IPL Experience As Pakistan's Disadvantage

image-lojj1ouwPakistan players are not allowed to play in the IPL

As the ICC World Cup 2023 hurtles towards its climactic clashes, Pakistan’s team finds itself at a crossroads, slated to face New Zealand in a match that could seal their fate in the tournament.

Mickey Arthur comes up with another excuse for Pakistan's dismal performance

The Men in Green’s Director of Cricket Mickey Arthur, in a candid conversation with the press in Bengaluru, acknowledged the unique challenge faced by his team: a lack of IPL experience that hands them a slight disadvantage in Indian conditions.

On the eve of the critical match scheduled for Saturday, Arthur addressed the issue without leaning on it as a crutch. He admitted the players have enjoyed the thrill of competing at venues that they had previously only experienced as spectators through the razzmatazz of the IPL and international matches. According to him, there's obvious excitement within the team as they step onto the storied pitches of grounds like Eden Gardens and Chinnaswamy Stadium.

"No excuse, but it has been. And the interesting thing has been that every ground we've been to has been a new venue for our players, which is exciting. The players have really embraced that and they've enjoyed that fact because they've watched IPL on TV and they've seen test matches at iconic grounds like Eden Gardens, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai. So, for them to play it, it's been really exciting for them," said Arthur.




Arthur reckoned that despite the novelty, adapting to the pitches has required swift learning, a curve that the team has taken in stride, albeit not without some growing pains.

"Of course, it is the first time they're playing there, so it has taken a little bit to get used to the conditions," added the South African born.

Arthur was transparent in his assessment that Pakistan hasn't quite unleashed its full potential in the tournament, with the exception of a comprehensive performance against Bangladesh where the team clicked in all facets of the game.

"Every game we go into, we want to win. And I'll be brutally honest, I don't think we've played to our full potential this tournament yet. I thought the Bangladesh game is the first game where we actually put a complete game together. So, I'd like to say we're peaking, but the preparation of the guys and the attitude of the guys' will to get better every day, that has been exceptional. I just hope that's not too late for us," concluded Arthur.

The upcoming match against New Zealand is more than just a contest; it's a determinant of destiny. With New Zealand holding onto the fourth spot and Pakistan trailing close behind, the stakes couldn't be higher. A victory over the Kiwis is imperative for Pakistan to continue their World Cup journey.