‘Perfect chance for youngsters to build their career’

Pakistan manager Intikhab Alam looking forward to West Indies tour.

With young blood injected in the team, team manager Intikhab Alam has said that the West Indies tour is the perfect opportunity for the players to establish themselves on the international stage.

As many as six uncapped players are in the Caribbean as the team played their first warm-up game against University of West Indies Vice Chancellor’s XI.

“We’ve brought some youngsters with us and I think it’s a golden opportunity for them,” said Alam. “It’s the perfect chance for them to make a name for themselves in the sport.”

Mohammad Salman has replaced wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and fast-bowlers Sadaf Hussain, Junaid Khan are also part of the squad. Taufeeq Umar has earned a recall while all-rounder Hammad Azam was also drafted in the team along with batsman Usman Salahuddin.

Alam praises Umar Akmal

The team manager also praised middle-order batsman Umar Akmal calling him the entertaining package.

“He has special talent. The people of the Caribbean will like the way he plays because he’s so entertaining and hits the ball exceptionally.”

The former captain stressed the importance of the tour and eyed a first Test series win in the Caribbean.

“Now [after the semi-final finish at the World Cup] the expectations are even higher for this tour, because we have never won a series out here before.

“Overall all the boys need to put in the hard work, commitment and discipline for us to leave the Caribbean happy.”

Alam, who played the last of his Tests at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad in 1977, said touring the West Indies is always a pleasure.

“It was a long journey from Pakistan but we are all geared up,” said Alam.

“We enjoy touring the Caribbean. I personally have spent a lot of time here and cherish the friendship of greats like Sir Garfield Sobers, Clive Lloyd.”

Pakistan, who arrived in the West Indies on Friday, had their first training session in St Lucia on Saturday and will play the first One-Day International on April 23 in St Lucia.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 19^th,  2011.