KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plans for the future gained further momentum as it named separate squads for all three formats while also naming Mohammad Hafeez as the team’s Twenty20 captain, ending Misbah’s reign at the helm.
While Misbah was also overlooked from the Twenty20 squad, he retained the captain’s arm-band for the Test and One-Day International (ODI) series against Sri Lanka, the tour that starts on June 1. Hafeez was also named Misbah’s deputy in those two formats, ending a long run of series where Pakistan have gone in without a vice-captain.
Speculations linking former captain Mohammad Yousuf with a return to the national side also fell flat when chief selector Iqbal Qasim named the squads yesterday. Another former captain Shoaib Malik was named in the Twenty20 squad that also includes Sialkot Stallions’ wicket-keeper Shakeel Ansar as the board opted to have separate glovesmen for all formats.
Teammate Haris Sohail was also named in the Twenty20 squad that also saw the return of all-rounder Yasir Arafat and Ahmed Shahzad.
An outstanding performance on the domestic circuit finally paid dividends for Mohammad Sami who features in all three squads.
Farhat returns to ODI team
Meanwhile, left-handed opener Imran Farhat made a surprise return to the ODI squad which also includes the uncapped left-arm Multan pacer Rahat Ali.
Wicket-keeper Sarfraz Ahmed, who was a part of the Asia Cup winning squad, retained his place in the side along with Younus Khan, Azhar Ali, and Aizaz Cheema.
Umar snubbed from Test squad
Meanwhile, Umar Akmal, who returned to the Test squad in the series against England, failed to keep his place as the selectors opted to recall Faisal Iqbal.
Batsmen Afaq Rahim and Mohammad Ayub Dogar also managed to convince the selectors after consistent performances in domestic cricket. Left-arm fast-bowler Junaid Khan, who has recovered from a knee injury, returns to the Test squad.
The chief selector said that the teams were selected on current performance and the requirement and backed the inclusion of Sami.
“Sami has been doing outstandingly well in all formats in first-class cricket,” said Qasim. “He deserves another chance.”
Meanwhile, Misbah, who showed interest in leading the team in all formats, ruled out any grudges on being removed as the Twenty20 captain.
“I’ve always tried to give my best for the country,” he said. ““I accept the board’s decision with an open heart and will support Hafeez as captain.”
Captain Hafeez, meanwhile, thanked the PCB profusely for showing confidence in him as a leader.
“I will give my 110% to lead the team to success,” said the new Twenty20 captain. “I will go all out to create a good image of the country. I’ve played under various captains including Rashid Latif and Inzamamul Haq and Shahid Afridi, and have learnt a lot from them. I hope to apply my experience well as a captain.”
Published in The Express Tribune, May 11th, 2012.
COMMENTS (10)
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i think this is a good sign from board that m hafeez is now a t20 captain and board also need to make a shahid khan afridi for one day cricket
I only want to ask , what imran Nazir has been done.? Why every selector hates him?
Mohamed Hafeez deserves to be appointed captain of the T20 Team.He is capable of leading the team successfully and efficiently since he is a player with astuteness and acumen.He has been an enthusiastic and dedicated player who always played for the country and cooperated with the Captain and his colleagues.His capacity to analyze the proceedings of a game and evolve the necessary strategy to cope up with the situation is an asset.His age also favoured his appointment as the captain of T20 team,a game that requires stamina and agility.We wish him all success in his career as the Captain of the short version of the game and look forward to his leading the Team to the glory of winning the T20 World Cup.
@Jshaikh: After failing all these years, there are suggestions that Imran Farhat will bat right handed in Sri Lanka. He can't do any worse.
I see some fresh thinking now, and some bold moves, we need this approach.Even it doesnot pay divedends immediately , i think we should persist.
A bit surprised about Sami, good luck for him have to see him ball again to make up my mind
Where is Imran Nazir?
Why he is tagged with "Professor"?
Does this guy know how to talk ?or he's another inzi
Farhat had perfomed nothing in the last couple of series and yet got selected. When it comes to selecting star batsmen M. Yousuf board give excuse that he has to perform in domestic season first. So on what grounds a fail batsmen is being given priority over a batsman with proven record both in tests and ODI. M. yousuf should be given a chance and Inshallah he will prove himself.