Friday, April 26, 2002 A year ago, Waqar Younis was yesterday's man. Today he commands Pakistan's future. Tomorrow, the world? This is not as far-fetched as it might seem. After New Zealand, Pakistan tackle Australia and then South Africa, which amounts to a handy build-up for the World Cup. Conquer all three, and Waqar will be garlanded from Gilgit to Sind. The reality may be more disappointing, but there is a chance and Pakistan's form is blooming.

The history of the World Cup is that it is not the best team in the world that wins — rather the one that peaks in the tournament. That Waqar's Pakistan are once again considered to be in with a chance of winning is a major achievement.

This time last year Pakistan were in disarray and Waqar looked an unlikely captain. He could have been out within a series but he has a steely determination and a calm that is infectious. While there are mixed reports about how united the players are behind him, any factionalism is as much because of inconsistent selection policy as it is to do with personality clashes.

Three signs point towards better times for Pakistan cricket. First, since the tournament in Sharjah, Pakistan have fielded the same team. Chopping and changing the final eleven has been destructive for many years, and a settled side now has the chance to grow in confidence.

What's more, this same eleven look just as handy as a Test-match outfit as they are in the one-day arena - give or take Saeed Anwar and Danish Kaneria. Few teams can boast such versatility.

Pakistan's major shortcoming in one-day games has been their inability to chase any kind of total. There was some rehearsal of that comedy in Sharjah against Sri Lanka, but since then they won twice batting second, and won comfortably. Even though both triumphs have come against mediocre bowling on friendly batting tracks, Pakistan's failures have historically been because of a lack of mental strength rather than ability.

And, at last, the bowling attack is balanced again. Shoaib Akhtar provides the edge that Wasim Akram and Waqar have lost. Bowlers who can produce wickets out of nothing win matches, and Shoaib now boasts speed and control. The final, and vital, link is Saqlain, whose selection should be a formality but, mysteriously, has not been in the last year.

How much of a direct influence Waqar has had on these three developments is not clear. Even so, Pakistan's cricket board should abandon its policy of appointing him on a series-by-series basis. His success of the last twelve months deserves to be repaid. And even if he has a howler against Australia, it is difficult to see how anyone new could establish themselves in time for the World Cup. Going back to the bad old guys is not an option Pakistan should contemplate.

Kamran Abbasi, born in Lahore, brought up in Rotherham, is assistant editor of the British Medical Journal. More Kamran Abbasi
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