Pakistan target Twenty20 tonic

Intikhab Alam hopes success during the World Twenty20 in England will lift Pakistani spirits

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam believes winning this year’s World Twenty20 would provide a welcome shot in the arm for cricket in the country.

Alam’s side have found themselves increasingly isolated from international cricket, with teams refusing to tour Pakistan due to security concerns.

Their first home Test series in 14 months, against Sri Lanka, was aborted earlier this month after gunmen attacked the visitors' convoy on its way to the Gaddafi Stadium during the second Test in Lahore.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt has admitted the future of the game in Pakistan looks bleak, but Alam is urging his players to restore some pride during the World Twenty20 in England this summer.

“Our cricket is going through a rough phase,” Alam said. “But we have to fight on and one way of doing that is to start winning titles like the World Twenty20.”

Alam believes Pakistan, runners-up in the inaugural competition in South Africa two years ago, are among the favourites to lift the trophy at the second time of asking.

“There is no doubt that we can win the title in England,” he said. “We have a very reliable batting line-up, while our bowlers are also very good for the shorter version of the game.

"Although it is a batsman's game, bowlers too can play a part by bowling accurate yorkers and mixing up their deliveries.

"We have enough talent to form a potent attack and we have to ensure they are in peak form for the tournament.

“Twenty20 is a relatively new innovation, but enough games have been played around the world and they have all underlined the fact that the teams with a higher level of fitness and better fielding skills enjoy a clear edge. That is one area which we would have to improve on.”

Pakistan are grouped with England and the Netherlands for the first stage of the tournament.