Inzamam's words of wisdom to Pakistan’s World Cup team

Pakistan cricket’s former captain and current chief selector, Inzamam ul Haq, gave his words of wisdom to the youngsters representing the country for the upcoming U-19 World Cup.

“I’d advise all players to go out, enjoy the tournament and try to do their very best. At the age of 17 or 18, the experiences that you gather are never forgotten. That kind of experience does not come again. Players learn a lot,” Inzamam said, while talking to media.

Pakistan have been one of the most successful teams in the tournament. They reached the final of the inaugural edition in 1988 and are the only ones to have won back-to-back titles — when the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side defeated India in the 2006 final to follow up their 2004 victory.

The legendary batsman added that the U-19 WC provided him with the ‘base’ that enabled him to prosper in his international career. Likes of Inzamam, Mushtaq Ahmed, current skipper Sarfraz, Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan have all went on to represent the Team Green internationally.

“My base is the Under-19 World Cup. We lost in the final in 1988 [to Australia] but got an idea of international cricket. The earlier you get that experience, the better the grooming is. There was a lot to learn for us,” he added.

The Under-19 Cricket World Cup would commence on January 13 in New Zealand.