Moin wants national call-up for domestic performers

Former captain unhappy with Amir’s performance, believes others should be given chance

KARACHI: Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan has advised the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee to include domestic performers in the national team instead of sticking with players who are struggling to contribute to the team’s cause.

Talking specifically about fast-bowler Mohammad Amir, the former chief selector expressed dissatisfaction over the pacer’s performance since his return to international cricket after serving a spot-fixing ban.



“Amir’s performance is questionable,” Moin, who heads Pakistan Super League franchise Quetta Gladiators’ coaching team, told reporters during a Gladiators’ event in Karachi yesterday. “Amir is famous as a match-winner but he has not won any matches for Pakistan yet. There are other fast-bowlers like Junaid Khan and Tabish Khan who have been taking wickets in domestic tournaments. They should get a chance to perform for the national team.”

Responding to a query regarding Younus Khan, who is struggling for runs of late, Moin said the seasoned batsman can himself decide on his future.

“It will not make any sense if we advise Younus about his future plans. He is experienced and intelligent enough to decide on his own,” he said.



‘Pakistan need aggressive cricket’

The former wicketkeeper who has played 69 Tests and 219 ODIs for Pakistan said an aggressive approach was missing in New Zealand where Pakistan were whitewashed in the two-Test series.

“We used to win matches by playing fearless cricket. That approach was missing in New Zealand and that is the reason for our poor display. The batsmen should have attacked the bowlers to bring them under pressure. We should play aggressively against Australia or we’ll suffer the same fate,” he said.



‘Karachi snub in U19 squad unintentional’

Moin, who saw his son Azam Khan axed from the Pakistan U19 squad after being selected, ruled out any suggestion of foul play over the snub of Karachi players from the national team.

“Karachi representation should have been there and it’s unfortunate that it’s not, but I don’t think the snub is intentional. The reason the PCB gave is that the players were not fulfilling the age criteria. These youngsters must not get disheartened. They are young at this level and they will get plenty of chances in the future,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 4^th, 2016.

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