In his last 19 ODIs, Younus has scored 357 runs at a mediocre average of 21. PHOTO: AFP
The selection committee, headed by former Test cricketer Iqbal Qasim, announced the provisional squad after days of deliberation on the sidelines of the Super-Eight Twenty20 in Lahore that ended on Sunday.
Younus’ snub was on the cards as the middle-order batsman has been in poor form in the 50-over format and also failed to make his presence felt in the recent series against South Africa.
According to reports, the former captain, who already retired from the Twenty20 version, was considering retiring from ODIs as well. However, a selector said that Younus must not lose heart.
“To retire or not will be his own decision,” a selector told The Express Tribune. “If Younus feels he is still good enough, he can make a comeback by showing his form in domestic competitions.”
He said the decision to drop the batsman was made after reaching consensus with the team management including coach Dav Whatmore and captain Misbahul Haq.
Meanwhile, several former cricketers a called for an overhaul in the team, demanding snub of senior players after the South Africa tour.
While Younus was axed, all the other senior players including Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Umar Gul and Kamran Akmal were retained.
The selector said the team will need experience of the seniors in the major event.
“We will need their experience in England. It’s a massive event plus the conditions will also be tough there.”
He added the form and fitness of the players will be gauged in the upcoming domestic one-day tournament before the 15-man team is finalised.
Things continue to be the same for Abdul Razzaq, who failed to find a place in the squad. However, upcoming all-rounder Hammad Azam was included.
“We are unaware of Razzaq’s fitness since he has not taken part in domestic tournaments.”
The Champions Trophy probables include Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Farhat, Ahmed Shehzad, Misbah, Harris Sohail, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin, Sohail Tanvir, Azam, Azhar Ali, Afridi, Asad Ali, Anwar Ali, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Ehsan Adil, Imran Khan, Aizaz Cheema, Yasir Arafat, Saeed Ajmal, Abdul Rehman, Zulfiqar Babar, Kamran Akmal and M Rizwan.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2013.
COMMENTS (5)
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Did anyone look to Faysal Bank T-20 Match??? there are so many good players from differnet team selection committe should look into it. from my point of view Hammad Azam & Babar Azam should be in team. Hammad Azam in place of Afridi & Babar Azam in place of Younus. I have seen Babar play for Pak under 19 Team & he knows how to bat. Instead of hatching old players get new raw talent coach them motivate them they are the futures of pakistan. Instead wasting time in 40's years of age players get young blood. What you guys say?
Where is Raza Hassan & Babar Azam?????
Excellent Decision!
Shukar hai. Now it is only Misbah and Afridi uncles.