Clear-out on the cards for seniors

PCB think-tank mulls youngsters’ inclusion for future series.

KARACHI:

An axe hangs over Pakistan’s senior players as top officials of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are seriously considering a shuffle of the team following the World Cup semi-final loss against archrivals India.

The PCB was expecting a major performance from the seniors in the World Cup but was disappointed by their show throughout the tournament and is considering injecting new blood for the forthcoming Caribbean tour.

The team will play a Twenty20 besides featuring in a five-match One-Day International series and two Test matches against the West Indies on the tour that starts from April 18. Most of the senior players, including vice-captain Misbahul Haq, former captain Younus Khan, wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and experienced all-rounder Abdul Razzaq turned out to be major disappointments, according to a PCB official.

“The board is disappointed by the seniors’ performance,” the official told The Express Tribune. “Serious consideration has started to formulate a new-look squad for the West Indies tour, especially for the limited-overs series.”

In eight World Cup matches, Misbah scored 248 runs while Younus, who was also considered the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up, also failed with the bat and accumulated just 185 runs. Razzaq was also not impressive with 96 runs while Kamran could score 207 runs besides missing several chances behind the stumps.

“A lot was expected from them and their failure has prompted the PCB to think about a change. The West Indies tour, which is not a very tough one, would be the best time to give new players an opportunity.”

Chief selector to meet PCB chairman

Chief selector Mohsin Khan also hinted at major changes in the team for the Caribbean tour.

“I’m very disappointed with the individuals’ performance,” he said. “I can’t say much on the changes but I’m going to hold a very important meeting with the PCB chairman soon.”

Ramiz calls for
replacements

Meanwhile, former captain Ramiz Raja has said Younus, Misbah, Razzaq and Akmal should not be included in the team from now.

“It’s high-time the youngsters are given a chance,” he said. “We need to find replacements for these players soon. Misbah’s batting put other batsmen under pressure. He tries to impose his style on others as well which makes it difficult for them.

“We also need a good wicket-keeper as Akmal’s presence is costing the team a lot and that’s not just in the World Cup.”

Published in The Express Tribune, April 1^st, 2011.