PCB to form pool of best cricketers ahead of 2011 World Cup

LAHORE - Keeping in view the 2011 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to create a pool of top cricketers in order to have the best team ready for the mega event.

PCB chief Ijaz Butt has made it clear that the pool would only include players who perform the best and give their hundred percent each time they take the field.

“I would like to tell all the cricketers be he junior or senior that the only way to be in the team is by performing and if the he is not doing so he would lose his central contract. We select the player for performing for the country and if he can not perform and can not maintain fitness than we have to look for other options be it a senior or junior,” Butt said.

Commenting on controversial fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar and his chances of making a comeback into the national squad, Butt said Akhtar should first gain full fitness to get into the team.

“Whether he is selected or not in the team has to be decided by the national selection committee. But he must be playing for Pakistan to retain his contract,” The Nation quoted Butt, as saying.

He said the PCB, from now on, would give new contracts to players only after a thorough evaluation of their performances.

Butt also commended captain Younis Khan for his leadership qualities.

“What I like about Younis is that he is willing to accept responsibility. He is always upfront for his players. He leads by example,” he added. (ANI)