Waqar bats for minnows’ inclusion

Minnows’ show in the Cup so far has not done much to back their stance.

COLOMBO: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has opposed the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) move to reduce the number of teams for the next World Cup that will see the omission of the minnows from the mega event.

The ICC’s Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat announced earlier that 10 teams will take part in cricket’s showpiece event in 2015 that will be co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The move, to make the World Cup more attractive, has been criticised by the minnows of the cricketing world.

Younis questioned the decision as well as the idea of promoting cricket globally by reducing the number of teams.

“I don’t think it is a wise move,” said the former captain. “How can you promote cricket by removing upcoming teams from the mega tournament? I think more teams should contest the World Cup.”

Praises SL pitches

While commenting on the Sri Lanka pitches, the legendary fast-bowler gave thumbs-up to the venues staging the World Cup matches.

“The tracks are all not the same here and teams have to play on pitches with different behaviours. Sometime it favours the batsmen but sometimes the bowlers.”

Younis, who led the Pakistan team in the World Cup in 2003, said that the pitches have made this edition more attractive for the fans.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2011.