Use Obama for inspiration - Alam tells Pakistan

Pakistan cricket coach Intikhab Alam urged his team to learn from Barack Obama's historic US presidential election victory, as they prepared for a three-match one-day series against the West Indies.

"I asked the team what the miracle of the century was, and someone rightly said it is Obama getting into the White House," the newly-appointed coach told reporters.

"He did it with focus and discipline and I hope the team also learn from this."

Alam was talking on the sidelines of the Pakistan team's short two-day training camp before taking on the West Indies in Abu Dhabi starting from Wednesday.

The former Pakistan skipper, who took over last month after Australian Geoff Lawson was sacked, said the landslide victory of the Illinois senator had taught the world a big lesson.

"The world must get a lesson from Obama's win which got an African-American into the White House. That proves anything is possible and Pakistan can take inspiration from that," he added.

Pakistan cricket has suffered in recent years because of controversies ranging from doping and match-fixing to lack of discipline hitting on-field performances, despite the world-class players at the team's disposal.

"We had a long, open meeting and we talked mostly about discipline. There will be no compromise on that. Our aim is to move up from six to number two or one," said Alam, who last coached Pakistan in 2000.

But he warned fans against wanting too much, too soon.

"We are going to play our first series and since this is the new management we need some time to settle and once we settle then we will produce results," he said.

Alam hoped the team will overcome the loss of senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf, whose move to the lucrative but unrecognised Indian Cricket League led to him being banned from all cricket in Pakistan.

Yousuf has since criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board and skipper Shoaib Malik for prompting his move.

"I don't think any cricketer is bigger than the game. I feel very sad about the decision but good luck to him," said Alam.

"Yousuf went without telling anyone. Whoever takes his place it is an opportunity for him. Our bench strength we are looking to build so it shouldn't be a problem.

"We will not miss him as much in one-dayers as we will do in Tests," he said.

The Pakistan team flies out to Abu Dhabi on Sunday.