Mickey Arthur claims Pakistan's outdated playing style in ODI cricket is a concern

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur has expressed disappointment at the team's playing style in the One Day International (ODI) format, claiming that their outdated playing style has endangered their chances of qualifying directly for the 2019 World Cup.

Pakistan are currently ninth in the ICC ODI rankings, with only the top seven and the hosts guaranteed a direct entry into the tournament, which means Pakistan will need to play the qualifiers to gain entry.

Arthur has time and again warned his players that they need to deliver on a consistent basis and that he will not shy away from dropping big names if they fail to perform. What will also be of concern is the fact that the team are scheduled to play only 14 ODIs before the September 30, 2017 deadline and if the Men in Green do not improve their ranking they will have to compete in a qualifying tournament.

"With the brand of cricket they are playing, definitely. We can't play that brand of cricket anymore. We have got to be brave. You have got to the take the game on. If we keep picking the same players we are going to get the same results. And we will be sitting at number nine in the world. We have nothing to lose. We just have to invest in some players. I know for a fact that from the first ODI to the fifth in England we changed the whole brand and style of cricket", Arthur said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.

The South African born coach, who took charge of the Pakistan team a couple of months back, has also stressed on fitness, claiming that the players are not fit enough for the International level. Pakistan though will have a chance to improve upon their rankings when they host West Indies at the United Arab Emirates for a three T20, three ODI and three Test match series.