ODI squad not balanced, says Latif

Feels too many spinners have been played, while different selection criteria are used

KARACHI: Pakistan will be playing seven ODIs on the trot within the next few weeks as they take on Ireland in two one-dayers before facing off against England in five.

Former captain Rashid Latif feels this is a good chance for youngsters to grab their opportunities but added that the squad is not balanced.



The selectors announced a 15-man squad which consists of four natural openers — Azhar Ali, Sami Aslam, Sharjeel Khan and Mohammad Hafeez — but Hafeez has been classified as a middle-order batsman along with young Babar Azam and the experienced Shoaib Malik.

Sarfraz Ahmed is joined by Mohammad Rizwan as the two wicketkeeping options while four fast-bowlers – Umar Gul, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir — are included.

Two left-arm spinners — Imad Wasim and Mohammad Nawaz — who are also all-rounders, were named in a trio of spinners that also includes Yasir Shah.

Irregular selection criteria

Latif said that if Sami was included on his Test performances then batsman Asad Shafiq and fast-bowler Sohail Khan should also have been. “Everyone should be treated equally and Asad and Sohail would be disappointed to miss out,” said Latif while talking to The Express Tribune.

The former Pakistan skipper also questioned Yasir’s inclusion. “There was no need to put extra burden on Yasir because he has already bowled so much,” he said. “Pakistan have a lot of cricket in the next six months and we need to preserve our match winners.”



He further added the experienced duo of Hafeez and Malik will be required to play the role of Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan since Pakistan have a young squad.

The 47-year-old also suggested that a fifth fast-bowler should have been included instead of a third spinner. “The ODI squad isn’t balanced and they will have problems,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 17^th, 2016.

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