Pakistan selectors stuck to their word of introducing new players for the Zimbabwe series as they named an uncapped trio in a joint Test, One-Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 squad.
Batsman Rameez Raja, leg-spinner Yasir Shah and fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema were included in the 16-man squad, a list that also sees the recall of opener Imran Farhat.
However, Wahab Riaz, Abdur Rehman, Tanvir Ahmed and Umar Gul were ‘rested’ from the tour that features one Test, three ODIs and two Twenty20s.
While Raja and Shah were tipped to be included in the squad after an impressive show on the domestic circuit, the selectors also recalled fast-bowler Sohail Khan, who featured in the Test series against Sri Lanka that was cut short due to a gun attack.
‘An ideal combination’
Chief selector Mohsin Khan said that the idea was to have a combination of youth and experience.
“After consulting the coach and captain, we have named a mixed squad,” said Mohsin. “The tour is short and there were some hard choices to make but we were able to finalise a list of the best players. You can’t expect everyone to be in the squad but those who are will play at least one match.”
Mohsin maintained that Gul and Riaz were rested but the pair is currently playing county cricket.
“They have been rested because it’s a short tour and their absence gives us a chance to test the youngsters.”
Adnan makes a comeback
The young blood includes batsmen and bowlers but one area where Pakistan have faced problems in is the wicket-keeping department.
Kamran Akmal, brother Adnan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Salman have been handed the gloves in the last two years but the squad sees the recall of Adnan after Salman failed to impress on the West Indies tour.
“We’ve rectified our mistake and realised that Adnan’s performance was outstanding.”
Squad
Misbahul Haq (c), Mohammad Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Imran Farhat, Azhar Ali, Younus Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Rameez Raja, Adnan Akmal (wk), Saeed Ajmal, Yasir Shah, Sohail Tanvir, Sohail Khan, Junaid Khan, Aizaz Cheema.
No vice-captain
Despite coach Waqar Younis’ calls for grooming a captain, and the series being an away one, the PCB, yet again, has failed to name a deputy to Misbahul Haq. Chief selector Mohsin Khan was questioned about this while naming the squad but his reply remained unsatisfactory. “This is a good question,” said Mohsin after being asked about the vice-captain. “I can assure you that although we haven’t got a name for you, the board is giving it considerable thought and it is something we’re looking into.”
Rameez Raja
The 23-year-old right-handed batsman has earned the call to the national squad three days before his 24th birthday. While his record may not be impressive, it was his aggressive show in the Faysal Bank Super T20 Cup that caught the selectors’ eyes and paved way for his inclusion.
Kamran Akmal
Kamran’s international future looks dim after the chief selector said that the wicket-keeper slots are now limited to Sarfraz Ahmed and Kamran’s younger brother Adnan. The 29-year-old, who has played 53 Tests, 137 ODIs and 38 T20s has been overlooked since the World Cup.
Aizaz Cheema
The fast-bowler, already 31, has been picked for Pakistan twice before but fitness has been a thorn in his way to making an international debut. An impressive record has led to his inclusion in the squad and this time the man from Sargodha might earn the green cap.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2011.
COMMENTS (3)
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The PCB should continue to recall Imran Farhat to play against teams like Zimbabwe, Ireland and so on. Eventually, given enough drop catches, he is bound to make a half century and thereby silence his critics and finally justify his permanent place in the squad for the next 4 or 5 years. Who knows, if he manages 60-odd he may even get the vice-captaincy!
Pakistan should play more with minnows like Scotland, Canada, Kenya and Holland to give more chance to domestic high performers. This will be good for grooing good talent and give opportunities to all top performers.
The article doesnt bother to elaborate upon the massively controversial issue of the recall of Imran Farhat whose father in law is a selector and who certainly no longer merits a place in the side simply through the fact that he is quite incompetent as an opener and after the run given to him should certainly be cast aside permanently.