2012 World Twenty20: Selection dilemma ahead of mega event
Board, selectors, team management at odds over provisional squad.
KARACHI:
Pakistan’s World Twenty20 preparations have been marred by a selection dilemma as the board mulls over the 30-man preliminary squad for the mega event.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ashraf, however, played down the proceedings, saying that the board will stick to its policy on selection. But with just over two months to go, the board stands divided over selection matters, leaving a bad taste to the team’s campaign even before the event gets underway.
While differences have not turned into a serious matter, the board’s top brass, including the selectors and team management, has not set the perfect launching pad for the major tournament.
The inclusion of Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbahul Haq, who was dropped from the Twenty20 format, has become the main debate. According to an official close to the team, Mohammad Hafeez was striving to get his ‘friend’ back in the team.
“Misbah has been desperate to make a T20 comeback since the day he was dropped,” the official told The Express Tribune. “Both players have convinced the team management including coach Dav Whatmore. Neither the selection committee nor the PCB chairman is keen to recall Misbah. The reason is clear — they want to move forward rather than going back.”
‘Misbah not in probables list’
While a report suggested that the seasoned batsman has already booked his place following a request by Whatmore, a selector said the decision was pending.
“We haven’t finalised the list yet,” said the official. “The selection committee cannot confirm the selection of Misbah or any other player in the preliminary squad as we are still working on finalising the list. Hafeez is likely to be retained as captain,” he said.
“But the delay is creating problems since other senior cricketers also have captaincy in mind. Recently Shahid Afridi has also shown his availability as captain.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2012.
Pakistan’s World Twenty20 preparations have been marred by a selection dilemma as the board mulls over the 30-man preliminary squad for the mega event.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ashraf, however, played down the proceedings, saying that the board will stick to its policy on selection. But with just over two months to go, the board stands divided over selection matters, leaving a bad taste to the team’s campaign even before the event gets underway.
While differences have not turned into a serious matter, the board’s top brass, including the selectors and team management, has not set the perfect launching pad for the major tournament.
The inclusion of Test and One-Day International (ODI) captain Misbahul Haq, who was dropped from the Twenty20 format, has become the main debate. According to an official close to the team, Mohammad Hafeez was striving to get his ‘friend’ back in the team.
“Misbah has been desperate to make a T20 comeback since the day he was dropped,” the official told The Express Tribune. “Both players have convinced the team management including coach Dav Whatmore. Neither the selection committee nor the PCB chairman is keen to recall Misbah. The reason is clear — they want to move forward rather than going back.”
‘Misbah not in probables list’
While a report suggested that the seasoned batsman has already booked his place following a request by Whatmore, a selector said the decision was pending.
“We haven’t finalised the list yet,” said the official. “The selection committee cannot confirm the selection of Misbah or any other player in the preliminary squad as we are still working on finalising the list. Hafeez is likely to be retained as captain,” he said.
“But the delay is creating problems since other senior cricketers also have captaincy in mind. Recently Shahid Afridi has also shown his availability as captain.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 5th, 2012.