Pakistan backed to spring surprises in Champions Trophy

Former selector Qasim feels side can exceed expectations provided they play as unit

KARACHI: Fresh from routing West Indies in all three formats of the game, Pakistan cricket team has been backed by former chief selector Iqbal Qasim to carry forward their winning momentum in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, which will be jointly held in England and Wales from June 1 to 18.

Qasim, a famed ex-cricketer himself, believes the national team has all the right ingredients — including the offensive-minded leadership of Sarfraz Ahmed — to exceed expectations or even go all the way at next month's tournament.



“The team has the leadership of Sarfraz, who has not only changed the mind-set of the boys but also tweaked his own game and assumed greater responsibility with the bat,” Qasim told The Express Tribune.

The 63-year-old feels Sarfraz, since taking over the ODI captaincy from Azhar Ali, has transformed his own game and instead of pitching in with a few runs here and there now looks to contribute more like a specialist batsman.

“Wicketkeeper-batsmen are usually expected to come in at sixth or seventh spot, but Sarfraz does more than that; he has proved himself to be a match-saver," said Qasim. "He also seems to have figured out when he should come in to bat and support the team."

Sarfraz's recent form, although nothing extraordinary, has been pretty decent, and Qasim feels it is important that the skipper leads from the front.

“An in-form captain is always a good sign for any team,” he said. “Sarfraz has been playing well. His current performance is not only beneficial for himself but is also a confidence-booster for younger players. In Champions Trophy, batting in the middle-order will be a huge responsibility and if Sarfraz maintains his form it will be a huge help to the side. I will suggest him to continue with his natural style of batting which is producing good results."

Emphasis on team effort

Despite the feel-good factor back in the side, the current Pakistan side lacks superstars of previous generations, which leads Qasim to suggest that team effort is the way to go.

“The team may be balanced, but the current lot don’t have superstars such as Inzamamul Haq and Wasim Akram who can win matches on their own," said the retired left-arm spinner. "There are a bunch of youngsters who do not have sufficient experience. Hence, they will have to produce combined efforts. Every batsman will have to chip in with at least 30 to 35 runs. Likewise, every bowler should look to take a couple of wickets."

Qasim also spoke his mind about spin starlet Shadab Khan, who successfully replicated his Pakistan Super League form in international cricket on the tour of the Caribbean, at least during the T20Is.

But while the beginning of Shadab's career so far has been quite rosys, Qasim warns that the youngster should be prepared for the world's premier batsmen to take him on in the Champions Trophy.

“Shadab can be a threat for other teams but will also be targeted by top teams," said Qasim. "He is new in the side and will be targeted so he should be told how to tackle situations when the batsmen are out for blood. I think he should keep his line straight and judge the batman before showing his variety, or he could be punished."