Pak’s preliminary World Cup squad gets mixed reaction from former players
By ANIThursday, January 6, 2011
KARACHI - Pakistan’s 30-member preliminary squad for World Cup 2011 has drawn mixed reactions from former national players.
Former chief selector and Test leg-spinner Abdul Qadir said the decision to recall Kamran Akmal and Rana Navedul Hasan was a good one, and it would pay dividends for the Pakistan team.
“They are experienced players and they will be useful in the World Cup. But I would urge the selectors to also give the younger players in the side a chance to play in the mega event instead of just naming them in the preliminary squad,” the Daily Times quoted Qadir, as saying.
He, however, criticised the selection of former captain and senior batsman Mohammad Yousuf in the preliminary squad.
“If captain Shahid Afridi pressed the board and selectors to recall Yousuf, then he is wrong because Yousuf is no longer fit enough for the one-day version. His fielding is just not up to the mark,” said Qadir.
Former captain Zaheer Abbas also backed the recall of Kamran, but expressed his disappointment over former captain Shoaib Malik’s exclusion.
“I don’t know what has happened behind the scenes, but I would have liked to see Malik in the World Cup squad because he is an ideal player for the pitches in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India,” Zaheer said.
It was a good sign that the selectors had named six to seven newcomers in the side, he said, adding that this was a step forward for Pakistan cricket.
Former Test batsman Basit Ali expressed surprise at the omission of Malik and leg-spinner Danish Kaneria from the preliminary squad.
“Kaneria is one of the most experienced spinners around and would have been ideal for the pitches in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. If Kamran can be cleared for selection, then why the board has not cleared Kaneria and Malik for selection,” said Basit.
He also slammed the selectors for ignoring all-rounder Hammad Azam, saying: “This is how we waste our young talent. I just hope the newcomers in the side get proper opportunities to prove their worth.” (ANI)
