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Waqar says he was badly treated

Pakistani speedster Waqar Younis, whose deadly spell on Monday destroyed India's chances of making it to the final of the Coca Cola Cup cricket tournament, feels he was badly treated at times by Pakistan's cricket management.

"I think I was badly treated at times. I felt it was unfair to me. I took up the challenge but it took me a long time to get back. Fortunately, I have the strength to do well against any country. I will try to give my best for my country," he told Gulf News.

Waqar said it had been tough for him to reconcile when he found himself out of the team despite good performances.

Once hailed as the fastest bowler in the world, Waqar confessed that he deliberately cut down his pace.

"I concentrate more on deceiving the batsman," he said.

Admitting that fast bowling is strenuous, he said: "I have suffered a lot of injuries.One should have tremendous will power to stay on as a pacer. I never give up and will always try and bowl better than anybody."

On bagging his 300th wicket, he said: "I should have reached the mark earlier but many factors kept me away from reaching it. I am very happy now. It is a great achievement for a fast bowler."

He added: "Sharjah is special to me in many ways. It was here that I played cricket as a kid and saw top players like Imran Khan in action and dreamt of becoming a fast bowler."

Waqar came to Sharjah at the age of eight as his father worked there as an engineering contractor.

"It gives a nice feeling when I perform well here," he said.

UNI