Afridi, Razzaq snub illogical: Mohsin

Former greats question their omission but back team to do well in India.

KARACHI:

The missing names of all-rounders Shahid Afridi (One-Day International) and Abdul Razzaq (both squads) for the tour of India came as a huge surprise as Iqbal Qasim read out the squads on Monday.

Former coach and head coach Mohsin Khan was one of those disappointed by the pair’s omission and termed it a huge mistake by the selection committee.

“You can never drop a match-winner,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “Afridi is the kind of player who has an impact on the opposition just by his presence. He’s an all-rounder and can compensate his poor batting with the ball or vice versa. Regaining form for a player of his calibre is a matter of just one game. The selection committee should have supported him in this tough time much like how Ricky Ponting was supported recently.

“Secondly it’s a game of 11 players and expecting every single thing from an individual is illogical.”

Meanwhile, the former Test opener also criticised the decision to drop Razzaq from both formats.

“Razzaq’s snub is unfair too. He was selected as a specialist Twenty20 player in the last assignments – Twenty20s against Australia and the 2012 World Twenty20 - and was just given a chance in one match. The decision to exclude without giving ample opportunities is unjustified.”

Mohsin advised the seasoned all-rounder not to lose heart and continue the hard work to maintain his fitness.

‘Pakistan can beat India in both formats’

Meanwhile, despite the omissions, Mohsin acknowledged the selected players had the ability to beat India in both formats.

“We have good experience and playing combination in both squads. I am delighted to see Younus Khan back in the ODI squad as the team will gain from his vast experience. The return of Ahmed Shahzad is a positive sign and I feel he should have been selected for the World Twenty20.”

Mohsin also welcomed the inclusion of Zulfiqar Babar, Umer Amin and lanky pacer Mohammad Irfan.

“Babar’s selection is a healthy decision and I hope he shines in India. Irfan is also a talented bowler and hopefully he will avail the chance to become a regular member of the team. Pakistan have the ability on paper but every member will have to give one hundred per cent if that is to be transformed on the pitch.”

Justice not done to Razzaq: Moin

Meanwhile, former captain Moin Khan echoed Mohsin’s views on the omission of Razzaq.

“Justice was not done to Razzaq,” said Moin in an interview. “He should’ve gotten enough chances to perform before being sidelined. He would have definitely performed in India if he was selected. Also, in a huge series like this, a player like Afridi cannot be dropped. Afridi’s presence would have put psychological pressure on the home side.”

Z Abbas



“Both squads are balanced and I am hoping for a good performance from team. This series is an ideal chance for young players to prove to perform well and seal their place in the national team.”

 M Khan



“Justice was not done to Razzaq. He should have gotten enough chances to perform before being sidelined like this. He would have definitely performed well in India if he was selected in the team.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 12^th, 2012.